ITEM:		ACTION ITEM
14.	Consider Approval of Expenditures for Repair of Flood Damage at the Sleepy Hollow Steelhead Rearing Facility and Carmel River resistance board Weir, Authorize Withdrawals from the Flood/Drought Reserve, and Direct General Manager to Explore Reimbursement from FEMA, CAL Office of emergency services, or Other Sources, if available
Meeting Date:			January 23, 2023	Budgeted:	Yes-flood and drought reserve
From:			David J. Stoldt, General Manager	Program/	Protect Environmental Quality
				Line Item No.:	Page 23 analysis of reserves
Prepared By:			Larry Hampson and Thomas Christensen	Cost Estimate:	$250,000
General Counsel Review: N/A
Committee Recommendation: N/A
CEQA Compliance: Exempt under §15269 Emergency Projects.

SUMMARY: On January 9, 2023, the Carmel River experienced significant flooding that damaged the Sleepy Hollow Steelhead Rearing Facility and the Carmel River Resistance Board Weir (Steelhead Counting Station). Damages are estimated to cost up to $250,000 to repair. Staff proposes to contract for emergency repair work for these damages.

The FY 2022-23 budget adopted on June 20, 2022, included a flood and drought reserve of $328,944. Staff proposed to fund these repairs from this reserve fund. Staff will seek reimbursement for the cost of damages from the California Office Emergency Services and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Staff may also seek reimbursement from SDRMA (District’s Insurance) for eligible costs.

RECOMMENDATION: The Board will consider approval of expenditures for repair of flood damage at the Sleepy Hollow Steelhead Rearing Facility and Carmel River Resistance Board Weir, authorize withdrawals from the Flood/Drought Reserve, and direct General Manager to explore reimbursement from FEMA, CAL Office of Emergency Services, or other sources (if available) and enter into contracts for emergency repair work.

Staff recommends that the Board authorize the General Manager to enter into contracts for emergency repair work.

DISCUSSION: The Sleepy Hollow Steelhead Rearing Facility (SHSRF) was impacted by high flows on the Carmel River. The high stages on the river forced river water up through the floor drain and into the RAS building. This flooded four pumps that help circulate water at SHSRF. These pumps need to be removed and evaluated by a professional to look for damage and have the necessary repairs. In addition, the road to SHSRF was also damaged by extreme rain events and needed work to allow access to the facility for damage assessment and to release the remaining steelhead.

It is also possible, that the water intake screen (in the river) may be damaged, but it is unknown at this time because the river is still too high to inspect it. If repairs are necessary to the intake screen staff will bring this to the Board at a different time. An update on the screen may be available during the Board meeting.

The Resistance Board Weir / Steelhead Counting Station (Station) was also damaged during the high flow events. The steelhead counting station went in on December 21, 2022, when the Carmel River was relatively calm. This station allows the counting of adult steelhead as they enter the Carmel River and is part of the Rescue and Rearing Management Plan Permit. It takes at least four people two days to install and two days to remove the station when the river is under 100 cubic feet per second. As the river increased in flow from consecutive storms it was impossible to remove the station as it was under water and the current was too swift. The station is designed to pass higher flows and survived winter flows in 2021 and 2022 but the 8,000+ cubic feet per second flow damaged the weir and broke apart the aluminum box trap. A portion of the weir is still underwater and staff may have more information related to damages during the Board meeting.

Repair Estimate for Various Items

SHSRF Road Repair and Debris Removal = $45,000

Repair or Replace Two 1350 (gpm) motors = $75,000

Repair or replace two high pressure motors for drum screen = $10,000

Weir Repair and Replacement of Box Trap = $70,000

Contingency for Repairs $50,000

Estimated Total for All Work $250,000

CEQA: The California Environmental Quality Act Section 15269 exempts emergency projects.

“(a) Projects to maintain, repair, restore, demolish, or replace property or facilities damaged or destroyed as a result of a disaster in a disaster stricken area in which a state of emergency has been proclaimed by the Governor pursuant to the California Emergency Services Act, commencing with Section 8550 of the Government Code. This includes projects that will remove, destroy, or significantly alter an historical resource when that resource represents an imminent threat to the public of bodily harm or of damage to adjacent property or when the project has received a determination by the State Office of Historic Preservation pursuant to Section 5028(b) of Public Resources Code.”

On December 27, 2022, Governor Gavin Newsom issued a proclamation of a State of Emergency. In addition, Governor Gavin Newsom issued executive order N-1-23 because of severe storms.

IMPACTS ON STAFF AND RESOURCES: Funds for this work are budgeted under the flood and drought reserve. The FY 2022-23 budget adopted on June 20, 2022, included $328,944 for this kind of work.

The work would be performed under the direction of staff. In addition, staff will present photos of the flooding event during the Board meeting presentation.

EXHIBIT

None

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