Title
Review of Previously Adopted 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 review of previously adopted 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:
On November 3, 2015, the Board approved Resolution 15-285 declaring an emergency related to a failure in the flap gate and culvert system underneath Moss Landing Road. This failure 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. As indicated in the November 3 Board Report, while repairs have been made to the flap gate recent inspections revealed the threat of increased failure throughout the culvert as a whole.
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.
The Government Code requires that emergency proclamations be reviewed at least once every 30 days until the emergency is terminated. This is the last Board meeting within that 30-day time period. Efforts are still underway for temporary repairs to be made to the culvert system and for these temporary repairs to be maintained while a permanent soluti...
Click here for full text