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TO: |
Board of Directors, San Diego County Sanitation District |
SUBJECT
Title
ESTABLISH APPROPRIATIONS AND ADVERTISE AND AWARD A CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT FOR JAMACHA FORCE MAIN AND GRAVITY MAIN SEWER IMPROVEMENTS AND RELATED CEQA EXEMPTION (DISTRICT: 1)
Body
OVERVIEW
The Department of Public Works (DPW) manages a sewer system maintenance program for communities within the San Diego County Sanitation District (District) jurisdiction. The District provides sewer service to nearly 37,000 customers in the unincorporated areas of San Diego County. One of the sewer lines that the District owns and maintains is the Jamacha Force Main and Gravity Main Sewer (Jamacha Sewer Main), which runs downstream through Jamacha Boulevard in the unincorporated community of Spring Valley. A gravity sewer system is a network of underground pipes that are designed to use gravity to move wastewater downward through a pipeline. A force main sewer system is designed to use pressure to move wastewater through the pipeline. Force main sewers are typically used to move wastewater from lower to higher elevations, where the terrain will not allow gravity alone to move the sewage through a pipeline. Wastewater flows from the Jamacha Sewer Main continue to move downstream and eventually reach the City of San Diego’s Point Loma Wastewater Treatment Plant, where the treated wastewater is discharged four and a half miles into the Pacific Ocean. Years of comprehensive ocean monitoring by regulatory agencies at the discharge site have demonstrated that the treated water is diluted enough to protect the ocean environment effectively.
The District performed a condition assessment of the Jamacha Sewer Main in 2021 using closed-circuit cameras to inspect the interior of the pipe. It determined that the sewer main needed rehabilitation due to age, material, and deterioration. The Jamacha Sewer Main and connected maintenance holes were constructed in 1978. The typical expected design life for sewer pipelines is 50 years, and this pipeline is over 45 years old. The Jamacha Sewer Main has been identified as a priority for replacement due to its deteriorated condition and proximity to the Sweetwater Reservoir. The project is in the underserved community of La Presa in Spring Valley.
The existing 12-inch force main is approximately 4,500 linear feet (LF) and will be replaced with a new dual 18-inch force main aligned with current design standards. A dual force system meets current sewer design guide requirements. It adds a layer of security because there are two sewer lines to provide system redundancy, enhancing operational reliability and reducing the potential of a sewer spill. This force main runs along Jamacha Boulevard and discharges into a gravity system at the intersection of Grand Avenue and Jamacha Boulevard. As part of the project, approximately 400 LF of gravity sewer pipe will be replaced due to structural deterioration just west of Grand Avenue and Sacramento Avenue. The updated infrastructure includes new sewer maintenance holes, new piping work at the pump station yard, and new sewer plug valves. The project will modernize the existing sewer infrastructure to provide continued service for the District ratepayers. Successful completion of this project will help prevent interruption of sewer service for essential daily activities such as flushing a toilet, draining a sink, or taking a shower. In addition, it will help prevent any potential sewer leaks or spills and reduce the overall system risk of sewer spills to nearby waterbodies.
The engineering plans and specifications for the project are complete, and the project is ready to be advertised for construction. Prior to the start of construction, temporary project identification signs will be placed, notifying the public of the locations, approximate dates, and activities. In addition, project information will be posted in the primary languages spoken in the community (English and Spanish) and on social media for the public. Notifications, such as mailers and flyers, will be provided directly to residents and businesses along the project area. Project information will also be available through the DPW webpage, where information can be translated into the threshold languages spoken in San Diego County. During construction, traffic control will occur to limit impacts on the community and traveling public. Vehicle access is not anticipated to be interrupted. Upon Board approval, the construction contract will be advertised for public bid, and construction activities are anticipated to start in Fall 2024. Construction is expected to last for about one year, with completion in Fall 2025.
This is a request to establish appropriations and approve the advertisement and subsequent award of a construction contract to the project’s lowest responsive and responsible bidder. The total construction cost for the project is estimated at $9.4 million, including 10% construction contingency for unforeseen conditions during construction. The funding source is available prior year fund balance in the Sanitation District Fund.
RECOMMENDATION(S)
CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER
1. Find that the proposed project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15301 of the CEQA Guidelines because it involves repair, maintenance, and minor alteration of existing public facilities, involving negligible or no expansion of existing or former use.
2. Establish appropriations of $100,000 in the San Diego County Sanitation District, Capital Assets/Land Acquisition, for the Jamacha Force Main and Gravity Main Sewer Improvements based on available prior year Sanitation District Fund fund balance. (4 VOTES)
3. Authorize the Director of Purchasing and Contracting, to advertise and award a construction contract and to take any action authorized by Section 401 et seq., of the Administrative Code, with respect to contracting for the Jamacha Force Main and Gravity Main Sewer Improvements Project.
4. Designate the Director, Department of Public Works as the County Officer responsible for administering the construction contract, in accordance with Board Policy F-41, Public Works Construction Projects.
EQUITY IMPACT STATEMENT
The San Diego County Sanitation District strives to preserve, enhance, and promote quality of life and environmental resources by implementing programs and projects that improve regional community health and environmental quality while simultaneously complying with mandatory federal and State regulations governing sewer discharges. The infrastructure enhancements realized through the completion of this project will benefit the health and safety of the surrounding communities by reducing the risk of sewage spills and adverse impacts on water quality.
The area within which the proposed Jamacha Force Main and Gravity Main Sewer Improvements Project (Project) is located has a California Healthy Places Index (HPI) percentile rank of 31.7%, which indicates 68.3% of other California census tracts have healthier community conditions. The HPI combines 25 community characteristics, like access to health care, housing, education, and more, into a single indexed HPI score. The healthier a community, the higher the HPI score. In addition, the CalEnviroScreen 4.0 score for this location is 55%, which represents the potential exposure to pollutants and adverse environmental conditions caused by pollution. The model uses 21 statewide indicators to characterize Pollution Burden and Population Characteristics. A higher score represents a California community that is disproportionately burdened by multiple sources of pollution.
SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT STATEMENT
The Jamacha Force Main and Gravity Main Sewer Improvements project’s enhancements will have environmental, health and well-being and sustainability benefits. The improvements will benefit the surrounding communities by reducing the risk of sewage spills and adverse impacts on water quality. In addition, the project will provide for essential sewer system operations, contributing to the County’s sustainability goal of providing just and equitable access to County services. A well-maintained sewer system will protect the health and well-being of everyone in the region and protect water quality, which are both County sustainability goals. This initiative would help create a healthy, strong, and resilient community.
FISCAL IMPACT
Funds for this request are partially included in the Fiscal Year 2024-25 Operational Plan in the San Diego County Sanitation District. If approved, this request will result in additional costs and revenue of $100,000. The total project cost for the Jamacha Force Main and Gravity Main Sewer Improvements Project is estimated at $11,000,000. The total construction costs are estimated at $9,400,000, including a contingency of 10%. The contingency is put aside to cover any unforeseen costs, or changes in scope that may affect the construction cost. The funding source is available prior year Sanitation District Fund fund balance. There will be no change in net General Fund cost and no additional staff years.
BUSINESS IMPACT STATEMENT
When approved by the Board of Directors for advertising and award, San Diego County Sanitation District construction contracts are competitively and publicly bid and help stimulate the local economy by creating primarily construction-related employment opportunities. All workers employed on public works projects must be paid the prevailing wages determined by the California Department of Industrial Relations, according to the type of work and location of the project. The prevailing wage rates are usually based on rates specified in collective bargaining agreements. Whereas, the project cost will be greater than $1,000,000, a skilled and trained workforce requirement will be included in the contract in compliance with the County’s Working Families Ordinance requirements for County construction projects over $1,000,000.
Details
ADVISORY BOARD STATEMENT
On June 27, 2023, Department of Public Works staff met with the Spring Valley Community Planning Group (SVCPG) to present the proposed project. On June 27, 2023, the SVCPG voted 8 in favor, 0 opposed, 0 abstain, 6 absent, and 1 vacant position to recommend approval of the project. The Spring Valley Community Planning group had no comments on the upgrades to the sewer system.
BACKGROUND
The San Diego County Sanitation District (District) provides wastewater services to nearly 37,000 customers in eight service areas located in the unincorporated county, including service areas within the unincorporated communities of Alpine, East Otay Mesa, Lakeside, Spring Valley, Winter Gardens, Julian, Pine Valley, and Campo. The sewage system includes more than 432 miles of sewer pipeline, 8,200 maintenance holes, eight pump stations, several pressurized force mains, and three wastewater treatment plants. Most of the wastewater from the District service areas is conveyed through a network of pipelines and pump stations to the City of San Diego’s Point Loma Treatment Plant for treatment and disposal. Several wastewater agencies that utilize the District’s pipeline include the cities of Chula Vista, El Cajon, La Mesa, Lemon Grove, National City, and San Diego, as well as Otay Water District and Padre Dam Municipal Water District. The District performs routine cleaning, inspections, repairs, and capital projects to rehabilitate and replace portions of the wastewater system.
The District is a special district formed and operated under the County Sanitation District Act, Health & Safety Code section 4700 et seq. The San Diego County Board of Supervisors serves as the Board of Directors for the District, and the Department of Public Works (DPW) administers and operates the District’s wastewater collection, treatment, and disposal systems. DPW staff in the Wastewater Management Program administer and operate the sewer system for the District, including performing routine cleaning, inspections, repairs, and capital projects to rehabilitate and replace portions of the system.
The District manages various sewer assets and prioritizes projects based on a data-driven condition assessment which considers the age, material, deterioration of the existing pipeline, and proximity to waterways. One of the sewer lines that the District owns and maintains is the Jamacha Force Main and Gravity Main Sewer (Jamacha Sewer Main), which runs downstream through Jamacha Boulevard in the unincorporated community of Spring Valley. A gravity sewer system is a network of underground pipes that are designed to move wastewater downward through a pipeline. A force main sewer system uses pressure to move wastewater through the pipeline. Force main sewers are typically used to move wastewater from a lower to a higher elevation, where the terrain will not allow for gravity alone to move the sewage through a pipeline. Wastewater flows from the Jamacha Sewer Main continue to flow downstream and eventually reach the City of San Diego’s Point Loma Wastewater Treatment Plant and then discharged several miles into the Pacific Ocean. The District performed a condition assessment of the Jamacha Sewer Main in 2021 using closed-circuit cameras to inspect the interior of the pipe and determined that the sewer main needed rehabilitation due to age, material, and deterioration.
The Jamacha Sewer Main was constructed in 1978. The typical expected design life for the pipeline is 50 years, and this existing sewer assets are over 45 years old. This sewer pipeline has been identified as a priority project due to its current deteriorated condition and proximity to the Sweetwater Reservoir. If the pipeline were to break, there is potential for sewage to spill into the Sweetwater Reservoir, which is a major source of the community’s drinking water. The project is located in the underserved community of La Presa in Spring Valley.
The existing 12-inch force main is approximately 4,500 linear feet (LF) and will be replaced with a new dual 18-inch force main aligned with current design standards. A dual force system meets current sewer design guide requirements and adds a layer of security because there are two sewer lines to provide system redundancy, enhancing operational reliability and reduce the potential of a sewer spill. This force main runs along Jamacha Boulevard and discharges into a gravity system at the intersection of Grand Avenue and Jamacha Boulevard. As part of the project, approximately 400 LF of gravity sewer pipe will be replaced due to structural deterioration, just west of Grand Avenue and Sacramento Avenue. The updated infrastructure includes new sewer maintenance holes, new piping work at the pump station yard and new sewer plug valves. The project will modernize the existing sewer infrastructure to provide reliability and continued service for the District ratepayers. Successful completion of this project will help prevent interruption of sewer service for important daily activities. In addition, it will help prevent potential impacts to the environment and reduce the overall system risk of sewer spills to nearby sensitive waterbodies.
During construction, a minimal temporary sewer bypass system will be used to divert upstream flows from the active sewer, providing an alternative temporary sewer system to maintain sewer functions during construction. No interruption of sewer service is anticipated.
The engineering plans and specifications for this project are complete, and the Project is ready to be advertised for construction. Upon Board approval, the construction contract will be advertised for public bid and construction activities are anticipated to start Fall 2024. Construction is expected to last for approximately one year with completion in Fall 2025. Prior to the start of construction, road work signs will be placed notifying the public of the locations, approximate dates, and activities, including noise and odor. The Project includes provisions that require the contractor to use silenced sewer bypass pumps to minimize noise and odor control devices. Work will be performed during daytime hours. In addition, project information will be posted in English and Spanish, which are the primary languages spoken in the area. Information will be on social media for the public, and notifications, such as mailers and flyers will be sent to the surrounding community. The DPW website will provide information in the eight County of San Diego threshold languages. During construction, traffic control measures will be in place as required to limit impacts to commuters, and traffic circulation is anticipated to be maintained during the project. Construction is estimated to last up to one year.
This is a request to establish appropriations and approve the advertisement and subsequent award of a construction contract to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder for the project. The total construction cost for the project is estimated at $9,400,00 including 10% construction contingency for unforeseen conditions during construction. The funding source is available prior year fund balance in the Sanitation District Fund.
ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT
Section 15301 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines exempts from CEQA review activities related to operation, repair, maintenance, or minor alteration of existing facilities. The key consideration in applying this exemption is whether the project involves negligible or no expansion of existing use. This project involves replacing existing wastewater infrastructure, including aging and deteriorating force main sewer piping, with new piping. In addition, for redundancy and to meet current design standards, a new gravity sewer main, new yard piping at the pump station, and new sewer maintenance holes will be installed. Therefore, the project is categorically exempt in accordance with Section 15301 of the CEQA Guidelines because it involves repair, maintenance, and minor alteration of existing public facilities, with no or negligible expansion of existing use.
LINKAGE TO THE COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO STRATEGIC PLAN
Today’s proposed actions support the Sustainability, Community, and Equity initiatives in the County’s 2024-29 Strategic Plan by providing infrastructure and building safe communities to improve the quality of life for all residents and to invest in communities that have too often been left behind.
Respectfully submitted,
AMY D. HARBERT
Interim Deputy Chief Administrative Officer
ATTACHMENT(S)
A. Vicinity Map