Amador County – The Amador Water Agency heard support and criticism last week before approving its Gravity Supply Line project, an estimated $13.4 million project. Interim Engineering Manger Erik Christeson said the pipeline could win the largest grant ever authorized by USDA of $5.1 million. Interim General Manger Gene Mancebo said the agency looked at “growth inducing and cumulative effects,” using the current county General Plan. They found 13,500 new connections in the Central Amador Water Project area, a demand “well beyond what the new system could deliver.” Steven J. Lewis of Alpine Drive said “we’re talking about doubling the Upcountry population,” and AWA wanted a “negative declaration.” He said Gayla Manor would have 500 more homes with that water. Lewis said: “This is empire building, and frankly (pardon me) it sucks.” Mike Miller of Rabb Park Water District said: “I don’t see how we can pass it up. We have a good loan in place.” Rich Farrington, a CAWP customer, said there was no evidence of a need for a full Environmental Impact Report, as urged by Martell resident Ken Berry. Farrington said biologists found no “special status species” on the pipeline route. They found “suitable habitat,” and “recommended mitigation.” Farrington said Fish & Game agreed with AWA’s timing for inspections. He said AWA has taken a cautious approach. Steve Cannon and others said enhanced water supply with help with house fires, but not large scale wildfires. He said the Power Fire was a recent example, and “if the weather hadn’t changed, there would be no Pioneer today, and no discussion.” Foothill Conservancy attorney Thomas Infusino said “a numbers-free engineering memo” was “too little, too late” to be able vote on the GSL. He urged a full EIR, and said “the GSL is a good concept, but as a local agency, the AWA needs to learn how to do the right thing in the right way.” Ciro Toma said the current pump pipeline was built “in an emergency during 2 years of severe droughts,” with wells going dry in all the small water districts. He said AWA should worry about liability with the existing system, should there be a pipeline and sensor failures with massive spillage. He urged discussion toward emergency or other storage at Mace Meadow Golf Course, and urged approval. Vice President Debbie Dunn asked if Toma would help gather fees for new developments to pay for the GSL. Toma said “that’s what your participation fees are. That’s really law: Any new project has to pay its fair share.” Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.-
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Amador County – The Amador Water Agency heard support and criticism last week before approving its Gravity Supply Line project, an estimated $13.4 million project. Interim Engineering Manger Erik Christeson said the pipeline could win the largest grant ever authorized by USDA of $5.1 million. Interim General Manger Gene Mancebo said the agency looked at “growth inducing and cumulative effects,” using the current county General Plan. They found 13,500 new connections in the Central Amador Water Project area, a demand “well beyond what the new system could deliver.” Steven J. Lewis of Alpine Drive said “we’re talking about doubling the Upcountry population,” and AWA wanted a “negative declaration.” He said Gayla Manor would have 500 more homes with that water. Lewis said: “This is empire building, and frankly (pardon me) it sucks.” Mike Miller of Rabb Park Water District said: “I don’t see how we can pass it up. We have a good loan in place.” Rich Farrington, a CAWP customer, said there was no evidence of a need for a full Environmental Impact Report, as urged by Martell resident Ken Berry. Farrington said biologists found no “special status species” on the pipeline route. They found “suitable habitat,” and “recommended mitigation.” Farrington said Fish & Game agreed with AWA’s timing for inspections. He said AWA has taken a cautious approach. Steve Cannon and others said enhanced water supply with help with house fires, but not large scale wildfires. He said the Power Fire was a recent example, and “if the weather hadn’t changed, there would be no Pioneer today, and no discussion.” Foothill Conservancy attorney Thomas Infusino said “a numbers-free engineering memo” was “too little, too late” to be able vote on the GSL. He urged a full EIR, and said “the GSL is a good concept, but as a local agency, the AWA needs to learn how to do the right thing in the right way.” Ciro Toma said the current pump pipeline was built “in an emergency during 2 years of severe droughts,” with wells going dry in all the small water districts. He said AWA should worry about liability with the existing system, should there be a pipeline and sensor failures with massive spillage. He urged discussion toward emergency or other storage at Mace Meadow Golf Course, and urged approval. Vice President Debbie Dunn asked if Toma would help gather fees for new developments to pay for the GSL. Toma said “that’s what your participation fees are. That’s really law: Any new project has to pay its fair share.” Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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