ADMINISTRATIVE COMMITTEE
13.	CONSIDER EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS TO AMEND AN AGREEMENT WITH SCHAAF AND WHEELER CONSULTING CIVIL ENGINEERS TO EVALUATE THE BLANCO DRAIN AS A SOURCE OF SUPPLY FOR THE GROUNDWATER REPLENISHMENT PROJECT
Meeting Date:		February 12, 2014	Budgeted:	Yes
From:		David J. Stoldt,	Program/	Augment Water Supply
		General Manager	Line Item No.:	1-5-1 / 5-7860.10
Prepared By:		Larry Hampson	Cost Estimate:	$ 40,000
General Counsel Review: N/A
Committee Recommendation: The Administrative Committee reviewed this item on February 12, 2014 and recommended ____________.
CEQA Compliance: N/A

SUMMARY: The Monterey Regional Water Pollution Control Agency (MRWPCA) and the District (MPWMD) are working cooperatively to develop the Monterey Peninsula Groundwater Replenishment (GWR) Project to provide highly treated water from an advanced water treatment plant to the Seaside Groundwater Basin for indirect potable use in the California American Water supply system for the Monterey Peninsula. Potential source waters for the project include winter stormwater runoff into Lake El Estero in Monterey, City of Salinas treatment plant water, stormwater runoff from an urbanized basin on the south side of Salinas, wastewater from the MRWPCA Regional Treatment Plant, flow diversions in the Reclamation Ditch west of Salinas and flow diversions in the Blanco Drain, which is located west of the City of Salinas between Highway 183 and the Salinas River (see Exhibit 13-A). Each of these potential sources will be evaluated in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act in an Environmental Impact Report (EIR). Diversion of flow from the Blanco Drain has potential environmental benefits to downstream sensitive habitats by removing a portion of the pollutant load in the stream.

MPWMD staff propose to amend an existing agreement with Schaaf and Wheeler, Consulting Civil Engineers. The amendment would be to expand the existing study of the Reclamation Ditch to include the Blanco Drain watershed. The Consultant would conduct a hydrologic analysis of flow in the watershed and quantify the potential to divert a portion of the flow into the sanitary sewer collection system near the confluence with the Salinas River. A final scope of work will be developed prior to executing the amendment and is expected to include similar tasks to the scope of work for the Reclamation Ditch (see Exhibit 13-B). Transfers of source water flowing in known and definite channels, such as in the Blanco Drain, to the GWR Project would be a consumptive use that may require an appropriative permit from the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB).

MPWMD desires to retain a qualified consultant to provide hydrologic information that may be used in the GWR Project EIR and for a permit application to the SWRCB. Tasks include analysis of Blanco Drain watershed flows, potential downstream changes due to diversions, and a preliminary design of facilities to divert flows to the Regional Treatment Plan. MPWMD staff will coordinate project work with MRWPCA, and others as necessary. Work is expected to take about three months, including reviews by interested agencies.

RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends approval of the expenditure of up to $40,000 in budgeted funds for analysis of flow availability for diversion from the Blanco Drain near its confluence with the Salinas River to supply a portion of the source water for the Monterey Regional Water Pollution Control Agency Groundwater Replenishment Project. The Administrative Committee considered this matter at their February 13, 2014 meeting. Results of their decision will be reported to the Board of Directors at their February 13, 2014 meeting.

If this item is adopted with the Consent Calendar, the General Manager would be authorized to increase the not-to-exceed amount from $40,000 to a not-to-exceed amount of $80,000 in an existing agreement for services with Schaaf and Wheeler Consulting Civil Engineers. It is expected that these costs will be included in the overall GWR budget and MPWMD’s share will be 75%.

IMPACTS TO STAFF/RESOURCES: Funds for this work are identified in the proposed FY 2013-14 Mid-Year Budget adjustment, Program Line Item 1-5-1, Augment Water Supply – Groundwater Replenishment Project. Schaaf and Wheeler, Consulting Civil Engineers anticipate expenses of $40,000.

BACKGROUND: The Blanco Drain is an earthen channel used to drain surface runoff and agricultural tile drain water generated in the 6,000 acre watershed. Blanco Drain water is known to contain pesticides and other contaminants that are the subject of an order from the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) concerning discharges of irrigation and stormwater from certain agricultural operations. Some consider Blanco Drain water not suitable for irrigation due to the high chloride content. However, SWRCB may have jurisdiction over the agricultural return flow and storm water flows. The Blanco Drain is listed as a Clean Water Act Section 303(d) impaired water for the presence of pesticides, nitrates, and sediment.

EXHIBIT

13-A Blanco Drain watershed map

13-B Scope of Work

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