Title
a. Approve submittal of a grant funding application for the CSA-75 Chualar Wastewater System Consolidation Project to apply for a $4.4 million planning grant from the State of California - Clean Water State Revolving Fund grant program;
b. Adopt a Resolution authorizing the Director of Public Works, Facilities and Parks (PWFP), or designee, to act as agent for the County in processing all documentation to secure these funds; and
c. Direct PWFP staff to return to the Board of Supervisors for approval prior to acceptance of any grant award(s).
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Approve submittal of a grant funding application for the CSA-75 Chualar Wastewater System Consolidation Project (Project) to apply for a $4.4 million planning grant from the State of California - Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) grant program;
b. Adopt a Resolution authorizing the Director of Public Works, Facilities and Parks (PWFP), or designee, to act as agent for the County in processing all documentation to secure these funds; and
c. Direct PWFP staff to return to the Board of Supervisors for approval prior to acceptance of any grant award(s).
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
The CSA-75 Chualar Wastewater System (CSA 75) consists of a wastewater collection system within the community of Chualar and a wastewater treatment facility (WWTF) approximately two miles west of Chualar. The WWTF utilizes a series of unlined oxidation ponds to treat and dispose of wastewater. The ponds are adjacent to the Salinas River within the 100-year flood plain with no mechanism for reclaiming water for future reuse. CSA 75 is currently operating near capacity and cannot accept new wastewater connections.
Utilizing funding from the Board-approved ARPA Program, the PWFP Special Districts division is currently implementing wastewater system repairs and improvements to the existing Chualar system that are necessary to address needed maintenance and maintain compliance with discharge requirements under an operating permit issued by the Regional Water Quality Control Board.
Consolidation Alternative
PWFP staff are also assessing the feasibility of connecting the Chualar wastewater collection system to the Monterey One Water (M1W) regional sewer system - a cost-effective, regulatory compliant, environmentally superior, and sustainable process referred to as consolidation. With consolidation, wastewater would be conveyed via a new 7.5-mile pipeline to and through the City of Salinas’ wastewater system for treatment at the M1W Regional Wastewater Treatment Facility in Marina. Preliminary evaluations envision the pipeline running from Chualar along US 101 and connecting to the Salinas wastewater system near the Harris Rd./Abbott St. intersection. Consolidation would eliminate the treatment component from CSA 75 and provide benefits such as connecting and converting proximal septic systems to regional treatment, thus allowing for recycled wastewater reuse and facilitating the ability for the community of Chualar to expand.
Grant Program Background
To accelerate the process, funding is being sought for the design and environmental review of this promising alternative. In late-May 2022, PWFP staff learned from State of California, State Water Resources Control Board staff of a specific possible grant opportunity for financial assistance with upfront planning and design costs. Advancing the project through design and environmental review will significantly improve the likelihood of subsequently acquiring funding via a grant or loan from the State Water Resources Control Board for actual construction through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF). An application for the initial planning grant has been drafted; however, Board authorization is necessary for actual submittal through the State’s online Financial Assistance Application and Submittal Tool (FAAST). A formal Board Resolution is necessary for inclusion in the grant application and is attached for adoption.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The City of Salinas and Monterey One Water are essential partners in this effort. Close coordination and involvement with them will be necessary. Intergovernmental Agreements will eventually be required; however, staff believes that the additional information and data resulting from the design and environmental review work to be completed (if the State grant is successful) will help inform discussions with both entities. Staff with both entities are supportive of taking this next step.
FINANCING:
Should the grant be awarded by the State of California, PWFP will use the funds ($4.4 million requested) for design and environmental review work needed to finalize the project parameters and prospectively allow subsequent application for a grant or loan from the State Water Resources Control Board for actual construction funding. This application will be for a 100% grant to support Chualar, a disadvantaged community. PWFP staff has not received any information that a matching County contribution will be necessary for this planning grant.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS’ STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
The Project will construct a sustainable, physical infrastructure that improves the quality of life for County residents and visitors. The recommended action supports the following Board of Supervisors’ Strategic Initiatives:
X Economic Development
Administration
Health & Human Services
X Infrastructure
X Public Safety
Prepared by: Tom Moss, Senior Water Resources Hydrologist, (831) 755-5847
Reviewed by: Enrique Saavedra, PE, Chief of Public Works
Tom Bonigut, PE, Assistant Director of Public Works, Facilities and Parks
Approved by: Randell Ishii, MS, PE, TE, PTOE, Director of Public Works, Facilities and Parks
Attachment(s) are on file with the Clerk of the Board:
Attachment A - Draft Resolution