To: The Board of Directors of the Sonoma County Water Agency
Department or Agency Name(s): Sonoma County Water Agency
Staff Name and Phone Number: Grant Davis 547-1911
Vote Requirement: 4/5th
Supervisorial District(s): All
Title:
Title
Receive Report on Emergency Need to Perform Work to Stabilize Dangerous Conditions Resulting from Pipeline Corrosion on the Cotati Aqueduct in the Meter Vault at the River Road Chlorine Building.
End
Recommended Actions:
Recommended action
A) Receive report on emergency need to perform work to stabilize dangerous conditions resulting from pipeline corrosion on the Cotati Aqueduct; and
B) Make findings that there is an ongoing emergency need to stabilize dangerous conditions resulting from the pipeline corrosion; and
C) Continue to suspend competitive bidding requirements for emergency flooding repairs
(4/5th Vote Required)
end
Executive Summary:
This item requests the Board of Directors for the Sonoma County Water Agency (Sonoma Water), to make findings of the ongoing emergency need to stabilize dangerous conditions resulting from pipeline corrosion on the Cotati Aqueduct and continue to suspend competitive bidding requirements.
Discussion:
On February 19, 2020, the General Manager of Sonoma Water, pursuant to authority delegated in Resolution # 06-0649, declared the existence of an emergency for Sonoma Water due to pipeline corrosion occurring on the Cotati Aqueduct. In response, the Sonoma Water Emergency Operations Center (EOC) was activated to assist with managing the impacts. As a result of the corrosion occurring on the Cotati Aqueduct , dangerous conditions have arisen at the River Road Chlorine building owned or maintained by Sonoma Water that was sudden and unexpected, and poses a clear and imminent danger requiring immediate action to prevent or mitigate the loss or impairment of life, health, property, or essential public services.
Based upon discussions with the consultant and staff’s experience, it was determined that potential failure of the pipeline was highly possible. If the pipeline were too unexpectedly fail, it could cause major eroding and flooding along River Road, thereby posing a significant danger to motorist. In addition, the flooding would impact neighboring properties and businesses in the area.
Based upon the above, there is an urgent need to make the needed repairs to Sonoma Water’s potable water facilities.
The normal contracting process takes two to three months from a minimum advertising period through assessing bids and awarding and executing contracts. This delay would mean that it would not be possible to perform necessary preventative measures to protect public health and safety in a timely manner.
Public Contract Code section 22050 authorizes the Sonoma Water to enter into contracts for public projects as may be necessary to mitigate emergency conditions without giving notice for bids. Additionally, pursuant to Public Contract Code Section 22035, this emergency work may proceed without adopting plans or specifications. If approved, this item will be brought back to the Boards every 14 days thereafter to determine (by 4/5 vote) if there is a need to continue the action without competitive bidding. The Boards are obligated to terminate the waiver of the bid process at the earliest possible date that conditions warrant so that the remainder of the work may be completed under the bid process.
A solution to repair the corrosion has been developed. Sonoma Water has entered into an agreement with Ghilotti Construction to make the repair. Repair work is scheduled to begin March 23rd, 2020. It is anticipated the pipeline will be back in service by the end of that week. In addition, staff has been in constant contact with the Water Contractors regarding the issue. It is expected that all of the work will be completed by mid-April 2020.
Prior Board Actions:
3/10/20: Receive Report on Emergency Need to Perform Work to Stabilize Dangerous Conditions Resulting from Pipeline Corrosion on the Cotati Aqueduct in the Meter Vault at the River Road Chlorine Building
2/25/20: Resolution Making Findings of an Emergency Need to Perform Emergency Work to Stabilize Dangerous Conditions Resulting From resulting from Pipeline Corrosion on the Cotati Aqueduct
Fiscal Summary
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Narrative Explanation of Staffing Impacts (If Required):
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Attachments:
None
Related Items “On File” with the Clerk of the Board:
None