Governance Committee

for the

Monterey Peninsula Water Supply Project

California American Water Ÿ Monterey County Board of Supervisors

Monterey Peninsula Regional Water Authority Ÿ Monterey Peninsula Water Management District

 

FINAL MINUTES

Regular Meeting

Governance Committee

for the

Monterey Peninsula Water Supply Project

June 13, 2013

 

Call to Order:

The meeting was called to order at 1:20 pm in the conference room of the Monterey Peninsula Water Management District offices.

 

 

Members Present:

Robert S. Brower, Sr., Vice Chair, representing Monterey Peninsula Water Management District

Eric Sabolsice, representing California American Water (Cal Am)

 

 

Members Absent:

Jason Burnett, Chair, representing Monterey Peninsula Regional Water Authority (JPA)

David Potter, representing Monterey County Board of Supervisors

Robert MacLean, representing California American Water

 

 

Pledge of Allegiance:

The assembly recited the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

 

Public Comments:

No comments were directed to the Committee.

 

 

Agenda Items

 

The Chair received public comment on each agenda item.

 

1.

Adopt Minutes of May 27, 3024

 

No action taken due to lack of a quorum.  The item was deferred to June 19, 2013.

 

 

2.

Receive Second Presentation from Cal-Poly Architectural Design Teams on Design Concepts for Desalination Facility and Provide Feedback and Direction for Further Development                                                                                                                                                                 

 

Members of the Cal-Poly Architectural Design Team provided a presentation (refer to the Governance Committee website) that described the new project design.  The two teams, Patchwork and H20, collaborated on development of one project that would meet design criteria and comply with improvements suggested at the previous Governance Committee meeting.   The proposal featured a single story design, with administrative offices in a building

 

 

 

separate from the desal facilities.  An elevated walkway would surround the RO facility building, so that visitors could view the desalination process through windows from the outside of the building.  This will provide a safe environment for visitors to tour the facility, and muffle the sound of production equipment during tours.  A detailed landscaping plan will feature drought tolerant plants that bloom throughout the year, and will serve as a demonstration garden. 

 

The following comments were received on the design.

 

a.

Be aware of the sandy underlying geology of the area, and consider earthquake reinforcement.

Response:  The team will investigate the tilt-up design in relation to seismic standards, the need for piles, and appropriate soil compaction rates.   A geotechnical report will need to be completed on the site.

 

b.

Design for building expansion, and ability to adapt to changing technology.

Response:  There is space in the facility for a pressure/capture system.  Advances have also been made in the size and efficiency of turbines.  An expansion space is available on the site, and in the building there is room for 8 RO units.  Trenches covered by steel grates are incorporated into the floor of the design, so that piping can be easily reconfigured.

 

c.

Did you address the issue of birds in the area and the aesthetics of the substation?

Response: The substation will be located close to trees and the service route.  The photovoltaic panels should not pose a problem with birds, as a parapet has been included in the design which will provide drainage and allow better placement of the panels.  Wind turbines are likely not to be utilized, which also addresses the concern about birds.

 

d.

Do you have cost estimates?

Response:  The goal is to produce a conceptual cost model in August that could be part of the RFP process.   The team is focused on sustainability, and reducing project components to a basic level in order to lower the cost of the project overall.

 

e.

There is a possibility that power could be provided “across the fence” from the Monterey Regional Water Pollution Control Agency, there is also a plan for renewable power from  Monterey Regional Waste Management Agency, and there may be the opportunity for solar power generation at the site.

Response:  A large portion of the site slopes away from the sun.  The roof of the administration building may be large enough to provide solar power for that building.  Numerous acres of land would be needed to provide sufficient solar power for the RO building.

 

f.

Should identify an area that could be utilized for calcite bed post treatment.

Response:  The space set aside for a calcite bed inside the building may need to be enlarged.

 

 

3.

Review Outcome of June 12, 2013 Public Utilities Commission Workshop on Groundwater Replenishment and Provide Direction

 

Eric Sabolsice reported that all interveners participated, and that Keith Israel of the Monterey Regional Water Pollution Control Agency provided a progress report on the Groundwater Replenishment Project (GWR).  The focus of the workshop was to develop additional information for the CPUC related to the Go-No-Go Criteria that would enable Cal-Am to file a Tier 2 Advice Letter when the Go-No-Go criteria were met.  There was also discussion at the

 

meeting about: (a) hiring a third-party consultant to develop GWR cost estimates; (2) permitting the source water and water to be injected; and (3) water rights and GWR source water.  

 

 

During the public comment period on this item, Jim Cullem, Executive Director of the Monterey Peninsula Regional Water Authority, referred to the revised GWR Criteria that would be discussed by the Water Authority that evening.

 

 

4.

Discussion of Items to be Placed on Future Agendas

 

No suggestions from the committee members.

 

 

 

 

Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned at 2:15 pm.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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