Title
Adopt Resolution to:
Ratify the Proclamation of Local Emergency due to the conditions of saltwater intrusion into groundwater sources and inundation near the Moro Cojo Slough, causing conditions of extreme peril to the safety of persons and property nearby.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
Ratify the Proclamation of Local Emergency due to the conditions of saltwater intrusion into groundwater sources and inundation near the Moro Cojo Slough, causing conditions of extreme peril to the safety of persons and property nearby.
SUMMARY:
Beginning October 9th, a failure in the flap gate in the culvert system underneath Moss Landing Road has led to saltwater intrusion in the Moro Cojo Slough. The culvert, which provides drainage and typically prevents saltwater from re-entering the system through the flap gate, cannot function as designed, and therefore currently is ineffective. While the flap gate is currently non-functional, the threat of increased failure throughout the culvert as a whole is present if action is not taken immediately to remediate the situation.
The failure results in seawater intrusion into the area surrounding the Slough, impacting critical groundwater resources for local residents, including their animals. Prolonged exposure of increased salinity can impact water wells in the immediate area that provide potable water for multiple properties. Impacts to groundwater supplies would affect those who depend on these sources for drinking water.
DISCUSSION:
The elevation difference between the ocean and the Moro Cojo Slough is typically 4-5 feet at high tide, and can reach even larger spans with the instance of a "King Tide". This elevation difference, combined with the inability of the culvert to provide effective drainage, results in an additional threat of damage, both to Moss Landing Road and structures located nearby including critical utilities.
The conditions of extreme peril warranted and necessitated the proclamation of the existence of a local emergency and immediate action to mitigate the effects of failure in the flap gate and culvert system. Action by the Board of Supervisors as recommended herein will ratify the Proclamation of Local Emergency.
CAO and RMA-PW will update the Board of Supervisors periodically concerning the emergency and efforts to restore the full functionality of the culvert, protecting against saltwater intrusion into groundwater resources and inundation of the surrounding areas.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The mitigation efforts of the foregoing conditions affecting the Moro Cojo Slough include Monterey County Resource Management Agency; Planning Department and Monterey County Public Works Department, Monterey County Health Department - Environmental Health Division, the California Coastal Commission (original jurisdiction for permit authority), Moss Landing Harbor District, US Army Corp of Engineers, US Fish and Wildlife Services, Water Board, and State Fish and Wildlife. RMA has engaged with the firm of Moffett and Nichol to assist with design and permitting of this project.
FINANCING:
This proclamation of local emergency will impact the General Fund in emergency contracts, engineering services, and overtime costs incurred by RMA-Public Works, which may be requested for reimbursement from the General Fund at the end of the fiscal year.
Prepared by: Approved by:
_________________________ ____________________________
Sherrie L. Collins Nicholas E. Chiulos
Emergency Services Manager Assistant CAO
Date: __________________ Date:___________________
Attachments: Resolution, Proclamation for October 14th, 2014