DATE: May 2, 2023
DEPARTMENT: PUBLIC WORKS
FROM: DAVID JACOBS, PE, PLS, DIRECTOR
BY: BRIAN FRUS, PE, SENIOR ENGINEER
TITLE: ADOPTION OF THE SALINAS SANITARY SEWER MASTER PLAN UPDATE RECOMMENDED MOTION:
A motion to approve a resolution adopting the Salinas Sanitary Sewer Master Plan Update and related Appendices.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The Draft Salinas Sanitary Sewer Master Plan Update presents the findings from the development of a calibrated sewer model to create a Sanitary Sewer Capital Improvement Program. This Program will assist the City in prioritizing both existing and future sewer collection system needs through repair, rehabilitation, replacement, or new sanitary sewer facilities.
BACKGROUND:
The City of Salinas owns and operates a municipal sanitary sewer collection system for the residents and businesses within its service area. The City periodically conducts studies to plan for current and future sanitary sewage collection needs. In February 2021, the City authorized an agreement with Wallace Group to perform the Salinas Sanitary Sewer Master Plan (SSMP) Update (Resolution No. 22051). This report presents an overview of the findings from the Draft SSMP which is a comprehensive update to the City’s 2011 Sewer Master Plan.
The City’s current wastewater service area incorporates approximately 12,430 acres, with over 280 miles of gravity sewer mains and 11 lift stations that convey sewer flow to the wastewater treatment plant, operated by Monterey One Water. The preparation of the Draft Sanitary Sewer Master Plan Update included document review and data collection, field survey of 689 sewer manholes, comprehensive lift station assessment, in-line sewer flow monitoring, wastewater flow projections, development and calibration of a hydraulic sewer model to identify collection system deficiencies for existing and future build-out conditions, and development of a Sanitary Sewer Capital Improvement Program.
Sanitary Sewer Capital Improvement Program
The Sanitary Sewer Capital Improvement Program is separated into existing and future projects. The existing projects are based on system hydraulic deficiencies, operation and maintenance repairs identified by City staff, and lift station upgrades. These projects range from $98-$129 million and include six (6) projects identified as hydraulic deficiencies, twenty-one (21) operation and maintenance repair projects, an ongoing CCTV program, inflow and infiltration evaluation, brick manhole coating/replacement and flushing inlet inspection/replacement. Projects are ranked based on overflow to a water body, hydraulic capacity, maintenance hot spot, and community impact. The estimated cost also includes over $38 million in lift station upgrades that were identified through assessments of each individual location.
Future sewer projects were identified based on impact of future developments per the City’s General Plan. Nine (9) projects were identified as hydraulic deficiencies, with project costs totaling $48.5 million. The timing of these future projects is dependent on when future developments connect to the City’s sewer collection system. These improvements are recommended to be completed prior to or as a part of a development project comes online.
Next Steps
The next step for this Sanitary Sewer Master Plan Update is to develop an Impact Fee Nexus Study and Sanitary Sewer Rate Study based on the findings from the Draft Sanitary Sewer Master Plan Update. These reports will be prepared under separate cover.
CEQA CONSIDERATION:
Not a Project. The City of Salinas has determined that the proposed action is not a project as defined by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) (CEQA Guidelines Section 15378).
STRATEGIC PLAN INITIATIVE:
The proposed project and agreement meet the City Council’s Strategic Plan Goals of Infrastructure and Environmental Sustainability and Economic Development.
DEPARTMENTAL COORDINATION:
Preparation of the SSMP has relied on coordination between the Wastewater, GIS, and Water, Waste and Energy (WWE) divisions in Public Works and the Community Development Department. WWE has coordinated the overall execution of the SSMP, with GIS supporting database update and the Wastewater Division providing valuable input to the SSMP from an operations perspective. Update of the General Plan has fed the development of the SSMP sewer model. The model may be adjusted as needed following completion of the General Plan Update.
FISCAL AND SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT:
Funds for the preparation of the SSMP have already been appropriated. Thus, there are no direct fiscal impacts from the adoption of this report.
Implementation of the recommended capital improvement projects listed in the SSMP which address existing projects, lift station upgrades and improvements needed for future development total some $147 million to $178 million. The current revenue and capital reserves available in the Sanitary Sewer Enterprise Fund are insufficient to cover expenses of this magnitude. The City’s sewer rates were last increased in 2016 and have remained relatively low. The proposed Sanitary Sewer Rate Study will examine capital funding needs identified in the SSMP while minimizing the annual impact on ratepayers. City staff will work closely with the chosen consultant to evaluate financial and rate alternatives, gain input from rate payers, and build consensus for any recommended rate adjustments.
ATTACHMENTS:
Resolution
Final Draft - Salinas Sanitary Sewer Master Plan Update Appendices - Salinas Sanitary Sewer Master Plan Update
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