HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOARD MINUTES 02-19-98
46
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR BOARD MEETING
OF THE DISTRICT BOARD OF THE
CENTRAL CONTRA COSTA SANITARY DISTRICT
HELD ON FEBRUARY 19, 1998
The District Board of the Central Contra Costa Sanitary District convened in a regular
session at its regular place of meeting, 5019 Imhoff Place, Martinez, County of Contra
Costa, State of California, at 2:00 p.m. on February 19, 1998.
President Nejedly called the meeting to order and requested that the Secretary call roll.
1. ROLL CALL
PRESENT:
Members:
Lucey, Menesini, Hockett, Boneysteele, Nejedly
ABSENT:
Members:
None
2. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Mr. Jack Campbell, a past Central Contra Costa Sanitary District Boa,'d Member who now
lives out of the bay area, was passing through the area on vacation and sLopped in to say
hello to the Board and the managers.
3. AWARDS AND COMMENDATIONS
a.
ACKNOWLEDGE RECEIPT OF SAN FRANCISCO BAY SECTION OF THE
CALIFORNIA WATER ENVIRONMENT ASSOCIATION ANNUAL AWARDS FOR 1997
President Nejedly introduced Mr. John F. Foley III, Past President, San Francisco Bay
Section, California Water Environment Association who presented the awards. Mr. Foley
congratulated the District on receiving the awards, noting that these awards are the
culmination of a long evaluation process by Central San's peers and are the result of the
understanding of Central San's strong mission by all employees, managers, and the Board.
Award Recipients and Nominees:
.
Engineering Research Achievement Award for Multiple Hearth Furnace
Cyanide Generation Assessment - Central Contra Costa Sanitary District
.
Industrial Waste Person of the Year Award - Tim Potter, Source Control
Program Superintendent
.
Collection System Operator of the Year Award - Steve Sauter, Maintenance
Crew Member II
.
Treatment Plant Operator of the Year Nominee - Bill McDowell, Plant
Operator III
President Nejedly commended the award recipients and the nominee for their outstanding
achievements.
b.
ACKNOWLEDGE RECEIPT OF THE 1997 UNITED WAY AWARDS
.
Trailblazer Award - Central Contra Costa Sanitary District
.
Outstanding Labor Award Management
Support/Confidential Group, and Local One
Group,
Management
.
Outstanding Coordinator Award - Bill Brennan, Plant Engineering Division
Manager
()2
19
9 ;("11
t"."...~
....,
47
President Nejedly stated that he was present at the award ceremony when Central San
received these awards. He is impressed with the District's achievements and with Central
San's contribution to the United Way of $280 per employee, making the District the top
public agency in the County. President Nejedly commended the award recipients and the
District for the United Way campaign effort.
Mr. Roger J. Dolan, General Manager-Chief Engineer, asked Mr. Paul Kelly, Maintenance
Crew Leader, Mr. Curt Swanson, Principal Engineer, and Mr. Bill Brennan, Engineering
Division Manager, to stand and receive a round of applause and recognition for their
contribution, and the contribution of the groups they represent, to the District's effort in
the United Way campaign.
4. CONSENT CALENDAR
In response to a question from Member Boneysteele on Consent Calendar Item f., Mr.
Kenton L. Aim, Counsel for the District, stated that there is not an annual charge for the
license from Union Pacific Company. He also stated that a license is different from an
easement in that a license is not fully permanent and it can be canceled, an easement is
permanent.
In response to a question from President Nejedly on Consent Calendar Item g., Mr. Roger
J. Dolan, General Manager-Chief Engineer stated that while everything is soaking wet, the
drainage in the Integrated Pest Management demonstration area appears to be working.
It was moved by Member Boneysteele and seconded by Member Hockett, that the
Consent Calendar, consisting of Items a. through i., be approved as recommended,
resolutions adopted as appropriate, and recordings duly authorized.
Resolution No. 98-021 accepting work and Offers of Dedication from
Blackpoint Homes, Inc., Job No. 5213, Parcel No.1, was adopted and
recording was authorized.
a.
Motion unanimously approved on the following vote:
AYES: Members:
NOES: Members:
ABSENT: Members:
Boneysteele, Hockett, Lucey, Menesini, Nejedly
None
None
Resolution No. 98-022 accepting work and Offers of Dedication from Larry
Carre and Judith Carre, Job No. 5256, Parcel No.2, was adopted and
recording was authorized.
b.
AYES: Members:
NOES: Members:
ABSENT: Members:
Boneysteele, Hockett, Lucey, Menesini, Nejedly
None
None
Resolution No. 98-023 accepting work and Offers of Dedication from
Stonebridge Homeowners Association, Job No. 5256, Parcel No.3, was
adopted and recording was authorized.
c.
AYES: Members:
NOES: Members:
ABSENT: Members:
Boneysteele, Hockett, Lucey, Menesini, Nejedly
None
None
02
19
98
48
d.
Resolution No. 98-024 accepting work and Offers of Dedication from Sally
Bould Stan, Job No. 5244, Parcel No. 2A, was adopted and recording was
authorized.
AYES: Members: Boneysteele, Hockett, Lucey, Menesini, Nejedly
NOES: Members: None
ABSENT: Members: None
e.
Resolution No. 98-025 accepting work and Offers of Dedication from Main
Street Associates, Job No. 5012, Parcel No.1, was adopted and recording
was authorized.
AYES: Members: Boneysteele, Hockett, Lucey, Menesini, Nejedly
NOES: Members: None
ABSENT: Members: None
f.
Resolution No. 98-026 accepting license agreement from Union Pacific
Railroad Company for the Martinez East Side Trunk Sewer Crossing at Ferry
Street, District Project No. 4950, was adopted and recording was
authorized.
AYES: Members: Boneysteele, Hockett, Lucey, Menesini, Nejedly
NOES: Members: None
ABSENT: Members: None
g.
The contract work for the Landscape Improvements Project, District Project
8165 was accepted, and the filing of the Notice of Completion was
authorized.
AYES: Members: Boneysteele, Hockett, Lucey, Menesini, Nejedly
NOES: Members: None
ABSENT: Members: None
h.
Authorization was given for P.A. 98-1 (Martinez) and 98-2 (Alamo) to be
included in a future formal annexation to the District.
AYES: Members: Boneysteele, Hockett, Lucey, Menesini, Nejedly
NOES: Members: None
ABSENT: Members: None
AYES: Members:
NOES: Members:
ABSENT: Members:
I.
02
March 19, 1998 was established as the date for a public hearing to receive
comments on proposed revisions to Chapters 6.20 and 9.12 of the District
Code regarding Rebate Sewage Facilities.
Boneysteele, Hockett, Lucey, Menesini, Nejedly
None
None
.19
98
None
a.
49
5. CALL FOR REQUESTS TO CONSIDER ITEMS OUT OF ORDER
6. REPORTS
GENERAL MANAGER-CHIEF ENGINEER
1 )
Mr. Dolan, General Manager-Chief Engineer I stated that in early 1996 the
Board authorized implementation of a new $300,000 Laboratory Information
Management System (LlMS). This approval represented the culmination of
a successful staff effort to analyze competing computer based systems that
were being implemented in private and public labs across the country.
The objectives of a LlMS include automation of the numerical computation
for each analysis, automation of the process for sample management, and
controlling the location of work stations throughout the lab and at selected
other sites such as the Plant Operations Department and Source Control
Section for input and retrieval of lab information.
Mr. Dolan introduced Mr. Phil Snyder, Senior Chemist, who extended an
invitation to the Board to stop by the lab and view the LlMS in operation.
Mr. Snyder explained that the LlMS is a new computer system that works
in conjunction with the District computer network automating laboratory
operations and automating the electronic storage and retrieval of data. It is
a user friendly system and is flexible. The hardware and software
installation are 100 percent complete. Software configuration is underway
and approximately 65 percent complete and the report software is
approximately 40 percent complete. Staff training is currently underway.
It takes approximately Y2 hour to train a person to input samples and data.
A number of reports will be tested next week. This project is on budget, on
time, and is performing to expectations.
Member Boneysteele questioned the ability of this system to maintain
records indefinitely. Mr. Snyder responded they are working on a backup
system and that the District will still be archiving paper records.
Member Menesini asked if the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination
System (NPDES) report will be transmitted via the LlMS. Mr. Dolan
answered that the NPDES report will still be on a hard copy for now and
may be sent electronically in the future. In any case, the District will always
keep a hard copy.
2)
Mr. Dolan, General Manager-Chief Engineer I stated that the Household
Hazardous Waste Collection Facility is successful beyond the District's
expectations and that unanticipated success in a business that was intended
to cost money costs more money. Central San exists as a public
service/environmental protection organization and no single function typifies
the dual role of public service and environmental protection better than
Household Hazardous Waste. This also provides an opportunity for positive
recognition of the District's otherwise invisible organization.
Mr. Dolan introduced Mr. Bill Brennan, Plant Engineering Division Manager,
who gave an update on the Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facility.
The District will be receiving the" Best New Permanent Household
Hazardous Waste Collection Facility in the State Award" from the California
Environmental Protection Agency. The facility will also be receiving the
"Pickled Skunk Brain Award" which is an award for the strangest item
received at a Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facility. The items
were World War" K-rations and World War" cigarettes.
02
19
98
50
()2
From October 1997 through January 1998, 3,696 cars went through the
facility. This is an average throughput of 62 cars per day with waste
volumes per car about 50 percent higher than anticipated. The estimated
throughput was developed in the spring of 1996 with the consultant,
Greenfield. The estimate was 6,000 cars per year with 4,850 cars, or 24
cars per day, using the permanent facility and 1,1 50 cars using the three
temporary collections events in south San Ramon and Lamorinda. As it
turns out, by the end of February the number of cars going through the
facility will equal approximately the number that had been estimated to use
the facility for the entire year. 81 5 people passed through the reuse room,
finding items on the shelf that others had brought to the facility that they
could use for their own uses.
The 1997-1998 Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facility Budget is
$528,000. The 1997-1998 projected year end expenditures are estimated
to be $1,070,000 based on the budget through December.
Member Hockett inquired if there is still a need for the three mobile events
based on the data that we now have. Mr. Dolan answered that it is a
contract requirement between the District and the cities for the first year.
The cities' position was strong that they wanted mobile events; however,
it is not a requirement after the second year. Mr. Brennan stated that the
mobile events have been funded by grants and are not a cost issue at this
time.
Mr. Brennan reported on the estimated financial impact on Central San
ratepayers and other jurisdictions stating that the combined operating/capital
costs through December 1998 are estimated as follows: Mt. View Sanitary
District $67,626; City of Concord $283,523; City of Clayton $22,450;
South San Ramon $38,451; and CCCSD $ 798,950. Staff will be presenting
this information to each jurisdiction.
Mr. Robert A. Baker, Deputy Chief Engineer, stated that the hope is to
gather input from other jurisdictions and work on alternatives. A letter will
be sent to each of the jurisdictions this week. Member Lucey requested
that staff come back to the Board after they have spoken with the cities.
Member Lucey also requested a cost breakdown. Mr. Dolan stated that
staff will prepare this and mail it to the Board. Member Lucey also
suggested looking at the number of cars that go through the facility on
various days and seeing if it would be cost effective to close the facility on
Sundays.
Member Menesini inquired if the pest management garden is being utilized
by the people visiting the facility. Mr. Brennan responded that when the
weather was nice people would walk over to the garden, but not lately since
it has rained so much. Member Menesini requested that a letter be sent to
Mr. Ken Gerlack, President of Contra Costa Landscaping, thanking him for
doing such a good job on the garden.
3)
Mr. Dolan, General Manager-Chief Engineer, stated that earlier on this
agenda the Board recognized the receipt of a San Francisco Bay Section
California Water Environment Association award for the best research
project for the District's efforts on cyanide control. Mr. Randy Schmidt,
Associate Engineer, and Dr. Gail Chesler, Associate Engineer, will be
teaming up to continue the District's efforts on cyanide control.
Mr. Dolan introduced Dr. Gail Chesler, who reported to the Board on the
Cyanide Project stating that this is an National Pollution Discharge
Elimination System (NPDES) permit issue. The final effluent cyanide permit
limitation is 25 micrograms per liter. We currently meet this limit, but the
Regional Water Quality Control Board is expected to drop it to 10
micrograms per liter. Previous work has shown cyanide in the multiple
19
9t~
51
hearth furnace scrubber water and current work has confirmed cyanide
concentrations there. The cyanide comes from the incomplete combustion
of organics and nitrogen in the incinerators and the recycled liquid stream
from air scrubbing. Enhanced combustion could limit cyanide formation or
aqueous cyanide can be treated by biological systems and chemical/physical
systems. Raising the oxygen concentration can limit cyanide production but
there are furnace capacity implications. Side-stream cyanide treatment is
also possible. Dr. Chesler stated that after looking at all possible solutions
the project team will come back to the Board with the recommended
alternative for cyanide reduction.
4)
Mr. Dolan, General Manager-Chief Engineer gave the Board an update on the
proposed Employee Recognition Award (Success Sharing) Program stating
that an agreement was reached as part of the 1997 labor Settlement that
the District would consider an employee recognition program. A task force
has been formed representing all bargaining groups. Ms. Cathryn Freitas,
Human Resources Manager, is working with the task force on this. A report
to the Board on this issue was made at the December 4, 1997 Board
meeting. On February 4, 1998 the Personnel Committee met and discussed
this issue. Feedback was provided to the task force. This meeting was
reported to the full Board on February 5, 1998. A draft position paper along
with supporting information has been furnished to the Board to help focus
this discussion. Mr. Dolan stated that he feels there were two major
unsupported presumptions built into the task force's position. The first
presumption was that there is no cap on the amount of money to be paid
out. The second was that there is no limit on the time over which savings
must or may accrue.
Ms. Cathryn Freitas' role in this process has been to act as a go-between,
communicating between the Board and the task force. However, if this
issue is seen as a meet and confer item, the process and her role must
change. Originally, the task force was planning to make a presentation at
this meeting. However, Member Lucey was concerned that more Board
discussion was needed before hearing from the task force, and it was
decided that it would be premature to have the task force here today for a
report.
There was discussion and questions from the Board on this issue. The
Board felt that they needed more information to be adequately prepared.
Before proceeding with consideration of this matter, the Board requested a
summary from staff explaining in detail the pros and cons, checks and
balances, the cost cap, time limits, the interface with the Memorandum of
Understanding and the collective bargaining process, and any other
variables. The Board also asked for a summary of how this program came
about.
As a result of discussion, the Board also expressed its position that an
outside facilitator might be appropriate to use for this matter, so that a
person not connected with the District would manage this process.
Mr. Dolan stated that he and Ms. Cathryn Freitas will work together and
produce a memo to the Board in response to the above concerns. There will
also be an item on the next Board agenda under closed session so that this
item can be explained and discussed in detail. Kent Aim indicated that he
would work with staff to ensure that the appropriate subject matter for the
closed session was defined.
5)
Mr. Dolan, General Manager-Chief Engineer announced that yesterday he
and President Nejedly met with Assemblyman Tom Torlakson to convey the
Board's opposition to the proposed ward election bill. Assemblyman
Torlakson asked many questions and was very courteous and responsive.
Assemblyman Torlakson indicated that he was in the information gathering
6) G~~)
~. /;;)
19
98
52
b.
c.
( ì ~~)~.'."..
1 :(o.¡¡;;;.,
6)
7)
8)
9)
10)
stage and had not decided on a course of action. Mr. Dolan will keep the
Board apprised of the status of this issue. Mr. Dolan will check to see if the
letter from Mr. Henry Clarke of Local One, which was written during the
labor negotiation of 1 997, contained the threat of breaking up the District.
Mr. Dolan, General Manager-Chief Engineer, announced that the Rossmoor
Sewer Improvement Project, Phase 4 is about to be advertised. We will also
have the contractor raise the manholes on Camino Tassajara as part of this
project. Member Boneysteele requested that staff have an article about this
put in the Rossmoor News.
Mr. Dolan, General Manager-Chief Engineer, announced that the District will
soon be advertising for a paving job for the north parking lot which is
estimated to cost $50,000.
Mr. Dolan, General Manager-Chief Engineer, announced that Central San will
be carrying its pollution prevention message to the Walnut Creek Chamber
of Commerce Business Faire on February 26, 1998 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
at Boundary Oaks.
Mr. Dolan, General Manager-Chief Engineer, introduced Mr. John Larson,
Collection System Operations Department Manager, who announced that
the Collection System has held up well during the past storms, although
there are a number of active landslides and the projections are for the
storms to continue.
Mr. Dolan, General Manager-Chief Engineer, introduced Mr. James Kelly,
Plant Operations Division Manager, who announced that the Treatment Plant
has been running at maximum capacity since February 2, 1998, at 90
million gallons per day. This flow was increased to 110 mgd on February
9, 1998; while this is 20 mgd above the design flow, the effluent quality
remained high. This is the highest flow ever processed by the plant, and it
was made possible by the recent completion of the Outfall Improvement
Project Phases 2 and 3.
On February 8 and February 9, 1998, there was a 40 million gallon final
effluent discharge of pond treated primary effluent to Pacheco Slough
because the holding capacity of the storage ponds was exceeded. On
February 9, 1998, there was a final effluent spill of 40,000 to 60,000
gallons to Grayson Creek when a heretofore unknown abandoned 8-inch
diameter steel pipe through a levee by one of the wet weather holding ponds
discharged dilute pond treated primary effluent from the pond to Grayson
Creek. The discharge was stopped within two hours after discovery. One
February 11, 1998, there were two spills. One was a 60,000 gallon final
effluent spill to Suisun Bay because of leaks in the weir structure. The other
was a 5,000 gallon final effluent seepage from the outfall pipe. Both of
these leaks were due in part to extreme high tides and the high flow rate;
flow through the outfall was reduced during high tides to eliminate the
overflow. There were little or no known effects as a result of these spills.
All spills have been reported to the Regional Water Quality Control Board,
San Francisco Bay Region, and follow up reports have been mailed.
COUNSEL FOR THE DISTRICT
None
SECRETARY OF THE DISTRICT
None
1.9
,,-., 0
~:.1tI ,r..<
~()
53
d.
BOARD MEMBERS
1 )
Member Lucey noted that Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) hiring at the
District has not increased in the last year. Member Lucey 'encouraged staff
to increase EEO hiring as much as possible in the coming year. Discussion
followed concerning Equal Employment Opportunity Commission report
categories.
BREAK
At 4:05 p.m., President Nejedly declared a recess, reconvening at the hour of 4: 12 p.m.
President Nejedly reverted to the order of the agenda.
7. ENGINEERING
a.
AUTHORIZE THE GENERAL MANAGER-CHIEF ENGINEER TO EXECUTE AN
AGREEMENT WITH GEOSYNTEC CONSULTANTS TO DEVELOP A PRELIMINARY
REMOVAL ACTION WORKPLAN AND TO PROVIDE EXPERT CONSULTATION
DURING NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF TOXIC SUBSTANCE
CONTROL AT A COST NOT TO EXCEED $150.000
Mr. Roger J. Dolan, General Manager-Chief Engineer, introduced Mr. Randy Schmidt,
Associate Engineer, who gave a brief presentation on the Soil Remediation Project stating
that in 1965 petroleum by-product sludge from Shell Oil was deposited at the District
treatment plant site for levee stabilization. It is consolidated in the area east of the
aeration basins.
In 1991 the initial estimation of clean-up costs was $100 million. The total project cost
is now estimated between $3 million and $5 million. Total project costs to date are $1
million. GeoSyntec costs to date are $180,000. Total GeoSyntec consultant costs are
expected to be $350,000. Shell's reimbursement to date is $277,000 with a maximum
remaining obligation of $205,000.
It was moved by Member Hockett and seconded by Member Menesini that the General
Manager-Chief Engineer be authorized to execute an agreement with GeoSyntec
Consultants to develop a Preliminary Removal Action Workplan and to provide expert
consultation during negotiations with the Department of Toxic Substance Control at a cost
not to exceed $150,000. There being no objection, the motion was unanimously
approved.
8. HUMAN RESOURCES
a.
ADOPT A SALARY RANGE OF S-83. $5703-6898. FOR THE CLASSIFICATION OF
MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEM ADMINISTRATOR
It was moved by Member Hockett and seconded by Member Lucey that the change in
salary range be approved for the classification of Management Information System
Administrator from S-77, $4,936-$5,980 to S-83, $5,703-$6,896. There being no
objection, the motion was unanimously approved.
9. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
a.
MINUTES OF ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING OF JANUARY 20. 1998
b.
MINUTES OF ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING OF JANUARY 27. 1998
It was moved by Member Menesini and seconded by Member Hockett, that the minutes
of the Adjourned Regular Meeting of January 20, 1998 and the minutes of the Adjourned
Regular Meeting of January 27, 1998 be approved as presented. There being no
objection, the motion was unanimously approved.
02
19
98
54
10. APPROVAL OF EXPENDITURES
a.
EXPENDITURE LIST DATED FEBRUARY 19. 1998
Member Boneysteele, Member of the Budget and Finance Committee, stated that he and
President Nejedly reviewed the expenditures and found them to be satisfactory.
It was moved by Member Boneysteele and seconded by President Nejedly that the
Expenditure List dated February 19, 1998, including Self-Insurance Check Nos. 101410-
101412, Running Expense Check Nos. 108405-108699, Sewer Construction Check Nos.
19440-19498, and Payroll Check Nos. 47751-48030, be approved as recommended.
There being no objection, the motion was unanimously approved.
11. BUDGET AND FINANCE
a.
RECEIVE THE 1997-1998 OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE BUDGET REVIEW
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31. 1997 AND ESTABLISH THE SEWER
SERVICE CHARGE RATE FOR FISCAL YEAR 1 998-1999 TO CONTINUE AT THE
CURRENT RATE OF $188 AS ORDAINED IN ORDINANCE NO. 200 ADOPTED BY
THE BOARD ON JUNE 5. 1997
Mr. Dolan, General Manager-Chief Engineer, introduced Ms. Deborah Ratcliff, Controller,
who reviewed the 1997-1998 Operations and Maintenance Budget for the six months
ended December 31, 1997 and projections for the full fiscal year. Ms. Ratcliff stated that
total revenues for the first six months were $15,009,006 compared to a revenue budget
of $15,197,644 for an unfavorable variance of $188,638 or 1.2 percent. Total expenses
for the first six months were $13,463,649 compared to a budget of $14,749,951 for a
favorable variance of $1,286,302 or 8.7 percent. The net revenue over expense at
December 1997 was $1,545,357 compared to a budget of $447,693 for a favorable
variance of $1,097,664. Projected full year revenues are $29,681,732 compared to a
budget of $28,900,650 for a favorable variance of $781,082 or 2.7 percent. Projected
expenses for the year are $29,192,913 compared to a budget of $29,280,235 for a
favorable variance of $87,322. The net revenue over expense is projected to be a
positive $488,819 compared to a budgeted deficit of $379,585. The projected Running
Expense Fund balance at June 30, 1998 will be approximately $8 million. This is
approximately $500,000 more than last year's balance. The surplus will be partially offset
by increased costs in some areas of the District's operations but staff is confident that
reserves are adequate to cover any increased costs next year and that no increase is
necessary on the Sewer Service Charge. For this coming year staff recommends holding
the Sewer Service Charge rate at the current $188.
Following discussion, it was moved by Member Hockett and seconded by Member
Menesini that the 1997-1998 Operations and Maintenance Budget Review for the six
months ended December 31, 1997 and projections for the full year were duly received and
that the Sewer Service Charge rate for fiscal year 1 998-1 999 continue at the current rate
of $188, as ordained in Ordinance No. 200 adopted by the Board on June 5, 1997. There
being no objection, the motion was unanimously approved.
b.
RECEIVE DECEMBER 1997 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Ms. Deborah Ratcliff, Controller, reported that the District's temporary investments were
held in Treasury bills and Treasury notes and the District's Local Agency Investment Fund
(LAIF) account with interest rates ranging from 5.16 percent to 6.45 percent. The latest
interest rate as of December 1997 was 5.63 percent. The average yield for the LAIF
account through November 1997 was 5.72 percent.
President Nejedly declared that the December 1 997 Financial Statements were duly
received.
(J"'" ....'-.'..'.J
' ,.'
'* ;
-,/'
. . ~.~",I
1 ()
1. I;!.~,
9:; 8
'<1<, ',r~
1t..;',ß
55
12. EMERGENCY SITUATIONS REQUIRING BOARD ACTION
a.
REVIEW GENERAL MANAGER-CHIEF ENGINEER'S DECLARATION OF AN
EMERGENCY ON FEBRUARY 12. 1998 IN ORDER TO EFFECT REPAIRS TO THE
ORINDA CROSSROADS PUMPING STATION IN RESPONSE TO THE FEBRUARY 12.
1998 PUMP FAILURE
Mr. Dolan, General Manager-Chief Engineer, stated that he declared an emergency on
Thursday evening, February 12, 1998, when a significant pump failure at the Orinda
Crossroads Pumping Station caused the loss of all pumping capabilities resulting in a one
million gallon spill onto Camino Pablo in Orinda. Mr. Dolan introduced Mr. James Kelly,
Plant Operations Division Manager, and Mr. John Pearl, Plant Maintenance Division
Manager, who gave a full report to the Board on the incident.
Mr. Kelly stated that on Thursday, February 12, 1998, at 7:01 p.m. the first alarm from
the Orinda Crossroads Pumping Station was received. The on-call Pumping Stations
Operator was deployed immediately and arrived at the site at approximately 7:30 p.m.
The Pumping Stations Operator found the upper stage volute of the 3,000 gpm electrical
pump had broken in half. This failure mode allowed the lower stage pump to continue to
pump dilute raw sewage, which filled the dry well to a 10-foot depth. Upon arrival, the
Pumping Stations Operator immediately turned off the pump. At this time, both diesel
motor driven pumps were under three feet of water, and the motors for both lower stage
1 ,400 gpm pumps were partially under water. The Pumping Stations Operator then
closed sluice gates leading into the wet well to prevent further flooding. This resulted in
sewage overflowing from a manhole in the No.3 northbound lane of Camino Pablo. The
sewage flowed across the street into a storm drain. Traffic control was established to
reduce speed. Orinda police were very helpful in routing traffic. Two automobile
accidents occurred. One resulted in a propane fuel tank being disengaged from the
bottom of a light truck. Although vehicles were slightly damaged, there were no injuries
as a result of these two incidents.
To reduce the exposure of traffic to the overflow, District personnel reduced the flow to
the Orinda Crossroads Pumping Station by curtailing the operation of the Lower Orinda
Pumping Station and backing up sewage in the sewers tributary to that pump station.
They also pumped the influent to the Orinda Crossroads Pumping Station directly out of
a manhole into the Camino Pablo storm drain water gutter, thus stopping the overflowing
manhole in the street, and greatly reducing the traffic and exposure risk.
The District then took aggressive steps to get the pumping station back in service. The
dry pit was dewatered with the Collection System Operations Department's portable
pumps, and a damage assessment was performed.
There was immediate and effective response to this emergency. The response team was
District-wide including Pump Station Operations, Collection System Operations, Plant
Maintenance, Engineering Department and Purchasing. Also, the response by the
contractors, Monterey Mechanical Company, Hatch & Kirk, Inc., Sierra Detroit Diesel
Allison, Peterson Power Systems, Inc., and Underwater Resources, Inc. was also
outstanding.
None of the station's pumps were operable and other equipment was also out of service.
The District had a pump at its Moraga Pumping Station which was identical to the failed
pump and had two spare motors for 1,400 gpm pumps, one at Moraga and one at
Martinez.
Five pipefitters from Monterey Mechanical Company and a District Electrician were called
out and sent to the Moraga Pumping Station to disassemble the pump and bring the pump
casing to the Orinda Crossroads Pumping Station. The broken casing was being removed
simultaneously. The replacement pump was installed and reconnected at 5 a.m. on
February 13. The overflow ceased soon thereafter. Full electric pumping capacity was
restored at approximately 6 a.m. on February 13. The first diesel driven pump was
returned to service at approximately 7:30 p.m. on February 13 and the second returned
to service at approximately 2:00 a.m. on February 14. The Moraga pump casing was
(J' '-;ì
~f
19
98
56
replaced and the pump was in service February 18. The out of pocket expense is
estimated at $85,000.
The District immediately followed protocol and notified the Contra Costa County Office
of Emergency Services. They sent out their hazardous materials group. East Bay
Municipal Utility District was contacted and sampling and analytical plans were
coordinated. A member of the California Regional Water Quality Control Board staff
visited the site on February 13. The Regional Board representative seemed impressed
with the District's handling of the situation. However, the Regional Water Quality Control
Board is expected to consider enforcement actions, including a fine. Staff will keep the
Board apprised as we learn more of the Regional Water Quality Control Board's intention.
A formal debriefing of the District's spill response will be conducted the week of February
23, to reduce the risk of future spills and enhance future responses. An independent
analysis will be conducted to determine the cause of the failure and to recommend
improvements to both reduce the chance of future failures and to reduce damage if such
a failure were to recur. The District will use this analysis as input as we plan
improvements to the pumping stations.
In summary, despite a major pump failure at the District's Orinda Crossroads Pumping
Station, service was restored in 9 to 10 hours, and the pumping station was fully restored
in 31 hours.
The Board requested that staff write letters of thanks to the appropriate agencies,
companies, and staff that worked on this emergency situation.
It was moved by Member Boneysteele and seconded by President Nejedly, that in
accordance with Government Code Section 54954.2(b)(1), the Board of Directors of the
Central Contra Costa Sanitary District determines that an emergency situation exists at
the Orinda Crossroads Pumping Station, as defined in Section 54956.6 of the Government
Code and that to avoid public calamity arising from damage to the environment and to
protect the public health and safety, exception to the public bidding standard is authorized
and the General Manager-Chief Engineer is authorized to take all appropriate actions
necessary to correct the situation including expenditure of funds. There being no
objection, the motion was unanimously approved.
13. ANNOUNCEMENTS/SUGGESTIONS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
a.
Member Menesini suggested that the recruitment process for the General Manager-
Chief Engineer position be put on a future agenda for discussion.
In response to Member Menesini's request it was decided to schedule a Personnel
Committee Meeting to discuss this issue and then it will be brought back to the full
Board.
b.
Member Menesini requested that in regard to the upcoming retirement of Mr.
Robert A. Baker, Deputy Chief Engineer, that a resolution recognizing his many
contributions to the District be adopted. It was moved by Member Menesini and
seconded by Member Lucey that Resolution No. 98-27, be adopted commending
Mr. Robert A. Baker, Deputy Chief Engineer, for his service to the District and
recognizing his many contributions to the District. There being no objection, the
motion was unanimously approved.
()2
19
9~1
57
14. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Board, President Nejedly adjourned the
meeting at the hour of 5: 13 p.m.
pres~~~f;~~ Bo~rd ~~r~:~
Central Contra Costa Sanitary District,
County of Contra Costa, State of California
COUNTERSIGNED:
SeG"e ar of the Central on Costa
Sarli' ry District, County of ontra
Costa, State of California
02
19
98