Title
Approve 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. (ADDED VIA ADDENDUM)
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors approve a 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, 2011 a failure in the flap gate and 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 repairs have been made to the flap gate; based upon recent inspections, however, the threat of increased failure throughout the culvert as a whole is present if action is not taken immediately to remediate the situation.
Failure would result in extensive 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.
Approval of this emergency proclamation will allow for temporary repairs to be made to the culvert system and for these temporary repairs to be maintained while a permanent solution is designed.
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, co...
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