Water Infrastructure
RESERVOIR EXPANSIONS
As a consultant and later in-house with the Contra Costa Water District, served various roles for two reservoir expansions. For the Phase 1 Los Vaqueros Reservoir Expansion Project, completed in 2012, oversaw regulatory compliance, primarily focusing on staff and agency coordination in regards to the federal and state Endangered Species Acts compliance and Section 404(b)(1) Alternative Analysis for impacts to wetlands, which provided a broad-ranging review of storage alternatives considered through the Integrated Storage Investigation as well as conceptual alternatives related to project objectives. The Phase 1 Expansion included expanding the Los Vaqueros Reservoir from 100-TAF to 160-TAF. Other roles included coordinating the facilities siting exercise as part of the larger alternatives’ development and screening effort, which entailed investigating multiple water supply sources, diversion point/intake locations, conveyance corridors, reservoir sizing, and distribution options; developing the project description, aesthetics, and recreation sections for the EIR/EIS and managing the preparation of the biological and cultural resources sections.
For the Phase 2 Los Vaqueros Reservoir Expansion Project, charged with developing and implementing the environmental permitting strategy, required for the project to receive funding under Proposition 1 Water Storage Investment Program managed by the California Water Commission. The Phase 2 Expansion includes expanding the Los Vaqueros Reservoir from 160-TAF to 275-TAF, an 8-mile, 8-foot-wide pipeline, and new, expanded, and/or replaced pumping facilities. Managing a diverse group of technical consultants to support the preparation of technical analysis and associated permitting packages for compliance with the Federal/State Endangered Species Acts (USFWS/CDFW), Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (USFWS) Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (Reclamation/State Historic Preservation Officer), Clean Water Act Section 404 (USACE)/401 (CVRWQCB), Fish and Game Code, Sections 1600-1616 Lake and Streambed Alteration Agreement (CDFW). Led the development of the Compensatory Mitigation Program to support the endangered species act consultations. All permit applications are complete and negotiations of permit terms and conditions are underway. Also managing the conceptual design of recreational facilities at the Watershed including a marina complex, expansion of an interpretative center, native plant garden, a new American with Disabilities trail, and relocated road/hiking trail along the westside of the reservoir.
SEWER INFRASTRUCTURE/OUTFALL
As a consultant to the Fairfield-Suisun Sewer District, managed day-to-day activities and provided technical expertise during preparation of the Master Plan EIR, regulatory expertise during permitting and oversaw construction monitoring services during project implementation. The district proposed to implement near-term Master Plan collection system, treatment plant, and discharge facility improvements in the 2005–2009 timeframe and to plan implementation for program improvements to meet ultimate demand. The near-term projects from the Master Plan consisted of improvements and modification to the collection system including one pipeline project, two pump station expansions, and the relocation of one pump station to meet near-term capacity needs. Near-term projects in the Master Plan also include primary and secondary treatment expansions at the wastewater treatment plant and the installation of a new outfall in Suisun Bay to increase discharge capacity and reliability. Wrote the executive summary, project description, alternatives, and cumulative analyses for the Master Plan EIR. Coordinated and obtained project permits from the Reclamation Board and the City of Fairfield. The project was constructed and is in operation.
OTHER WATER INFRASTRUCTURE PERMITTING
As a consultant to the Pajaro Valley Water Management Agency (PVWMA) managed permitting effort to obtain a CDFW Lake and Streambed Alteration Agreement and coastal development permits from Monterey and Santa Cruz Counties as well as the California Coastal Commission for the Import Pipeline and Coastal Distribution System Project. The project was constructed and is in operation.
As a consultant to the City of Alviso managed the preparation of an USACE Section 404(b)(1) alternatives analysis for impact to “wetlands and waters of the U.S.” and a biological assessment for a proposed boat launch. The project was ultimately abandoned.
As a consultant to the City of Antioch managed the preparation of an IS/MND, an USACE Section 404(b)(1) alternatives analysis for impact to “wetlands and waters of the U.S.” and a biological assessment. The boat launching facilities, included a new boat ramp, parking area, slough realignment, restrooms, and other ancillary facilities on an approximately 5-acre site bordering the San Joaquin River. The project was constructed and is in operation.
