A2310.SR.JD
CITY OF SIMI VALLEY
MEMORANDUM
Sept
ember 11, 2023
TO: B
oard of Directors, Ventura County Waterworks District No. 8 FR
OM: Department of Public Works
SUBJ
ECT: APPROVAL OF WATERWORKS DISTRICT NO. 8 RESPONSE TO THE VENTURA COUNTY GRAND JURY 2022- 2023 WATER AVAILABILITY
FOR WILDFIRES IN VENTURA COUNTY REPORT
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the Boar d of Directors (Board) approve and authorize the Chair of Ventura County Waterwork s Distri ct No. 8 (Chair) to sign the att ached form (Attachment A, page 3), in response to the Ventura County Grand Jury Water A vailability for Wildfires in Ventura County Report dated June 12, 2023, (Exhibit 1, page 10).
BACKGROUND AND OVERVIEW
The Ventura County Grand Jury issued a Water Availability for Wildfires in Ventura County report on June 12, 2023. California Penal Code Section 933.05 requires the Ventura County Waterworks District No. 8 (District) to respond to the report’s Findings and Recommendations within 90 days. It is recommended that the Board authorize the Chair to sign the attached form in response to the Grand Jury report.
FINDINGS AND ALTERNATIVES
On J une 1 2, 2023 , the Ventura County Grand Jury delivered a Report on Water Availability for Wildfires in Ventura County . The District is required to respond to the Grand Jury's findings and rec ommendations. Those findings and recommendations are listed in the attached Response to Grand Jury Report For m (Attachment B, page 6).
The following alternatives are available to the Board of Directors:
1. Appr
ove and authorize the Chair to sign, the attached form in response to the Ventura County Grand Jury Water Availability for Wildfires in Ventura County dated June 12, 2023;
2. Di
rect staff to prepare an alternative response for the Chair’s signature;
3. Pr
ovide staff with other direction.
St
aff recommends Alternative No. 1.
AGENDA ITEM NO.
Consent (2)
A2310.SR.JD
SUGGESTED BOARD OF DIRECTORS MOTION
I
move to approve and authorize the Chair to sign the District’s response to the Ventura County Grand Jury Water Availability for Wildfires in Ventura County report, dated June 12, 2023.
SUMMARY
S
taff has prepared a response to the Ventura County Grand Jury Water Availability for Wildfires in Ventura County report, dated June 12, 2023. It is recommended that the Board of Directors authorize the Chair to sign the attached form in response to the Grand Jury Report.
___
_________________________________
Ronald K. Fuchiwaki
Public Works Director
P
repared by: Michelle Elorde, Principal Engineer (Waterworks) Dan Newton, Deputy Public Works Director (Waterworks)
INDEX Page
A
ttachment A – Response to the Grand Jury Report Form…………. 3 Attachment B - City/VCWWD8 Responses……………………………6
Exhibit 1 – Grand Jury Water Availability Final Report....................10 2 Mayor, City of Simi Valley/Chair WWD#8
3 Ventura County Waterworks District No. 8
City of Simi Valley
Grand Jury Response - Water Availability for Wildfires in Ventura County Page 2 The City of Simi Valley (City)/ Ventura County Waterworks District No. 8 (VCWWD8) explanations for partially disagreeing with the following Findings and Recommendations:
F-01. Potable water systems are designed to provide domestic water service and sufficient supply of water for structure fires per requirements of the Ventura County Fire Department. The City of Simi Valley (City)/ Ventura County Waterworks District No. 8 (VCWWD8) makes every effort to maximize the water storage and flow available to fire personnel to aid in the successful suppression of wildfires.
F-03, F-05, F-06, and F- 07. The City/VCWWD8 has a written Standard Operating Procedure that is reviewed and updated annually for wildfire preparedness defining specific actions taken during a Fire Weather Watch, Red Flag Warning, active fire and PSPS events.
F-08. The City/VCWWD8 has stationary generators , battery back-up systems, and the capability to deploy mobile generators and battery back-up systems, at its critical pumping, control, and communication facilities.
F-09. A standby generator equipped with an automatic transfer switch and an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) is located at City/VCWWD8 SCADA system to provide backup power in all instances.
F-10. The City/VCWWD8 maintains an updated contact list for its neighboring water agencies such as Calleguas Municipal Water District, Golden State Water Company, Ventura County Waterworks District 17, and Las Virgines Municipal Water District. The City/District participates in monthly Water Agency Managers meetings spearheaded by Calleguas Municipal District.
R-01. The City/VCWWD8 has a written Standard Operating Procedure for FWWs, RFWs, active fires, and PSPS events, reviewed and updated annually, and conducts training sessions every September.
R-02. The City/VCWWD8 utilizes stationary and mobile emergency generators at critical pumping and reservoir sites, inspected on a weekly and monthly basis. An onsite emergency generator and a UPS support the central SCADA system. All reservoir sites and pump stations have battery back-up systems or UPS units installed to support communications and the components of the SCADA system.
R-03. The City/VCWWD8 maintains an updated contact list for its neighboring water agencies such as Calleguas Municipal Water District, Golden State Water Company, Ventura County Waterworks District 17, and Las Virgines Municipal Water District. The City/VCWWD8 maintains an existing interconnection with Ventura County Waterworks District 17 and Las Virgenes Municipal Water District. 4 Ventura County Waterworks District No. 8
City of Simi Valley
Grand Jury Response - Water Availability for Wildfires in Ventura County Page 3 Additional interconnection with neighboring water agencies requires further analysis as there are infra structure limitations of systems to be able to transfer water between purveyors during an active fire event.
R-05. The City/VCWWD8 is currently enrolled in Wireless Priority Service (WPS) R-06. The City/VCWWD8 is currently enrolled in Government Emergency Telecommunications System (GETS).
R-07. The City/VCWWD8 is currently enrolled in CalWarn.
R-08. The City/VCWWD8 conducts brush clearance on an annual basis around its water tanks, pump stations, and access roads, as required and in compliance with Ventura County Fire Code section 4907.8.
5 Ventura County Waterworks District No. 8
City of Simi Valley
Grand Jury Response - Water Availability for Wildfires in Ventura County Page 4 Grand Jury Report
Water Availability for Wildfires in Ventura County
RSPONSES TO FINDINGS
F-01. The Grand Jury finds that an adequate supply of water is essential for successful suppression of wildfires. (SF-O1, SF-02, SF-03, SF-04)
Response: Potable water systems are designed to provide domestic water service and sufficient supply of water for structure fires per requirements of the Ventura County Fire Department. The City of Simi Valley (City)/ Ventura County Waterworks District No. 8 (VCWWD8) makes every effort to maximize the water storage and flow available to fire personnel to aid in the successful suppression of wildfires.
F-02.The Grand Jury finds that the limited number of Fire Weather Watch (FWW) advisories amplifies the importance of establishing written procedures, protocols and training. (SF-01, SF-05, SF-07, SF-10)
Response: The City/VCWWD8 concurs.
F-03. The Grand Jury finds that written procedures for actions taken by water purveyors during a Fire Weather Watch event is a best practice that is lacking in Ventura County. (SF-01, SF-05, SF-07, SF-10)
Response: The City/VCWWD8 has a written Standard Operating Procedure that is reviewed and updated annually for wildfire preparedness defining specific actions taken during a Fire Weather Watch.
F-04. The Grand Jury finds that the limited number of Red Flag Warning (RFW) events amplifies the importance of establishing written procedures, protocols, and training. (SF-O1, SF-06, SF-07, SF-10)
Response: The City/VCWWD8 concurs.
F-05. The Grand Jury finds that written procedures for actions taken by water purveyors during a Red Flag Warning event is a best practice that is lacking in Ventura County. (SF- O1, SF-06, SF-07, SF-10)
Response: The City/VCWWD8 has a written Standard Operating Procedure that is reviewed and updated annually for wildfire preparedness defining specific actions taken during a Red Flag Warning event.
ATTACHMENT B
6 Ventura County Waterworks District No. 8
City of Simi Valley
Grand Jury Response - Water Availability for Wildfires in Ventura County Page 5 F-06.The Grand Jury finds that written procedures for actions taken by water purveyors during an active fire event is a best practice that is lacking in Ventura County. (SF-O1, SF-08, SF-10)
Response: The City/VCWWD8 has a written Standa rd Operating Procedure that is reviewed and updated annually for wildfire preparedness defining specific actions taken during an active fire event.
F-07. The Grand Jury finds that written procedures for actions taken by water purveyors during Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) events is a best practice that is lacking in Ventura County. (SF-01, SF-09, SF-10)
Response: The City/VCWWD8 has a written Standard Operating Procedure that is reviewed and updated annually for wildfire preparedness defining specific actions taken during PSPS events. Water levels in reservoirs are increased to maximize storage capacity.
The City/VCWWD8 is a member of the SCE Public Safety Partner Portal, providing advance notices and updates about potential PSPS events.
F-08. The Grand Jury finds that backup power to critical infrastructure is not always available. (SF-O1, SF-11)
Response: The City/VCWWD8 has stationary generators, battery back-up systems, and the capability to deploy mobile generators and battery back-up systems, at its critical pumping, control, and communication facilities.
F-09. The Grand Jury finds that SCADA systems are not equipped with backup power in all instances. (SF-01, SF-12)
Response: A standby generator equipped with an automatic transfer switch and an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) is located at City/VCWWD8 SCADA system to provide backup power in all instances.
F-10. The Grand Jury finds that inadequate communication be tween adjoining water purveyors limits the ability to coordinate needed actions such as available water transfers. (SF-13, SF-14)
Response: The City/VCWWD8 maintains an updated contact list for its neighboring water agenc ies such as Calleguas Municipal Water District , Golden State Water Company, Ventura County Waterworks District 17, and Las Virgines Municipal Water District. The City/District participates in monthly Water Agency Managers meetings spearheaded by Calleguas Municipal District.
7 Ventura County Waterworks District No. 8
City of Simi Valley
Grand Jury Response - Water Availability for Wildfires in Ventura County Page 6 F-12. The Grand Jury finds that enrolling in GETS and WPS would allow Ventura County water purveyors priority access to landline and cellular telephone networks in emergency situations. (SF-16, SF-17)
Response: The City/VCWWD8 is enrolled in GETS and WPS.
F-13. The Grand Jury finds that enrolling in CaIWARN would allow Ventura County water purveyors access to statewide resources. (SF-18)
Response: The City/VCWWD8 is enrolled in CalWarn.
F-14. The Grand Jury finds that Ventura County Fire Code section 4907.8 regarding brush clearance around water tanks, water supply pumps, pump houses and related infrastructure applies to all rural and unincorporated communities, and all cities except Fillmore, Oxnard and Ventura. (SF-19, SF-20, SF-21)
Response: The City/VCWWD8 complies with Ventura County Fire Code section 4907.8 regarding brush clearance around water tanks, water supply pumps, pump houses and related infrastructure.
RESPONSES TO RECOMMENDATIONS
R-01. The Grand Jury recommends that water purveyors establish written operational procedures and training to provide for increased water supply for fire flow during FWWs, RFWs, active fires and PSPS. (F-01, F-02, F-03, F-04, F-05, F-06, F-07) Response: The City/VCWWD8 has a written Standard Operating P rocedure for FWWs, RFWs, active fires, and PSPS events , reviewed and updated annually, and conducts training sessions every September.
R-02. The Grand Jury recommends that water purveyors have emergency power on site for all critical water infrastructure including SCADA systems. (F-08, F-09) Response: The City/VCWWD8 utilizes stationary and mobile emergency generators at critical pumping and reservoir sites, inspected on a weekly and monthly basis.
An onsite emergency generator and a UPS support the central SCADA system. All reservoir sites and pump stations have battery back -up systems or UPS units installed to support communications and the components of the SCADA system. 8 Ventura County Waterworks District No. 8
City of Simi Valley
Grand Jury Response - Water Availability for Wildfires in Ventura County Page 7 R-03. The Grand Jury recommends that water purveyors establish common communication protocols with adjoining water purveyors to coordinate needed actions, including water transfers during active fires. (F-10)
Response: The City/VCWWD8 maintains an updated contact list for its neighboring water agencies such as Calleguas Municipal Water District , Golden State Water Company, Ventura County Waterworks District 17, and Las Virgines Municipal Water District . The City/VCWWD8 maintains an existing interconnection with Ventura County Waterworks District 17 and Las Virgenes Municipal Water District.
R-05.The Grand Jury recommends that water purveyors enroll their employees in the FCC Wireless Priority Service (WPS) providing cell phone priority in emergencies. (F-12) Response: The City/VCWWD8 is enrolled in Wireless Priority Service (WPS) R-06.The Grand Jury recommends that water purveyors enroll in the Government Emergency Telecommunications System (GETS) pr oviding landline phone priority in emergencies. (F-12)
Response: The City/VCWWD8 is enrolled in Government Emergency Telecommunications System (GETS).
R-07.The Grand Jury recommends that all water purveyors enroll in CaIWARN, a network of water and wastewater agencies that can provide emergency resources. (F- 13)
Response: Response: The City/VCWWD8 is enrolled in CalWarn.
R-08.The Grand Jury recommends that all water purveyors provide brush clearance around water tanks, water supply pumps, pump houses and related infrastructure. (F-14)
Response: The City/VCWWD8 conducts brush clearance on an annual basis around its water tanks , pump stations, and access roads , as required and in compliance with Ventura County Fire Code section 4907.8. 9 2022 r 2023
Ventura County Grand Jury
Final Report
Water Availability for Wildfires
in Ventura County
June L2,2023
EXHIBIT 1
10 2022-2023 Ventura County Grand JuryFinal Report
Water Availability for Wildfires in Ventura County
SUMMARY
In the 2Ot7 Thomas fire and the 2018 Woolsey fire, water shortages hampered firefighters' a bility to protect structures. Ventura County freq uently experiences conditions of low humidity, high winds and dry brush, conducive to dangerous wildland fires. Ventura County has ninety-six percent of its rural and unincorporated lands classified as very high fire zones.
The 2O22-2023 Ventura County Grand Jury conducted an investigation of current protocols and procedures utilized by 15 Ventura County public water purveyors to supply adequate water for wildland fire suppression.
The Grand Jury finds that having written procedures for actions taken by public water purveyors during a Fire Weather Watch, Red Flag Warning, active fire and/or Public Safety Power Shutoffs due to wildfires is a best practice that is lacking in Ventura County.
The Grand Jury finds that most public water purveyors do not have adequate backup power in the event of disruptions due to fire damage or loss of utility power.
The Grand Jury finds that notification to Ventura County public water purveyors of impending Fire Weather Watches and Red Flag Warnings is inconsistent due to out- of-date contact lists at the Ventura County Office of Emergency Services.
The Grand Jury finds that inadequate communication between adjoining Ventura County public water purveyors limits their ability to coordinate available resources, including water transfers.
The Grand Jury finds that the cities of Fillmore, Oxnard and Ventura have not adopted language concerning brush clearance around water infrastructure that is consistent with Ventura County Fire Code.
The Grand Jury recommends that Ventura County water purveyors establish written operational procedures and training to provide for increased water supply during Fire Weather Watch, Red Flag Warning, active fire and Public Safety Power Shutoff events for purposes of firefighting.
The Grand Jury recommends that Ventura County water purveyors have on-site emergency power available for all critical water infrastructure.
The Grand Jury recommends that the Ventura County Office of Emergency Services maintain a current contact list of Ventura County water purveyors, updated at least once a year.
1 Water Availability for Wildfires in Ventura County
11 2022-2023 Ventura County Grand JuryFinal Report
The Grand Jury recommends that Ventura County water purveyors establish common communication protocols with adjoining water purveyors to be able to coordinate needed actions, including water transfers.
The Grand Jury recommends that all Ventura County water purveyors establish a protocol for brush clearance around pumps, water tanks and supported infrastructure in accordance with Ventura County's Fire Code.
METHODOLOGY
The Grand Jury held interviews with Ventura County public water purveyors (hereinafter water purveyors), city and county officials and fire department officials.
The Grand Jury also reviewed numerous documents in making its findings.
1. Water purveyors operating procedures, written policies and emergency response plans
2. Water purveyors, city, county and fire department websites
3. State of California Fire Code, State of California Fire Code amendments and State of California related building codes and their amendments
4. County of Ventura Fire Code, County of Ventura Fire Code amendments and County of Ventura related building codes with their amendments
5. Cities Fire Codes, Cities Fire Code amendments, Cities related building codes with their amendments
6. California Division of Drinking Water Regulations
7. California Water Code
8. National Weather Service data base
9. Local National Weather Service definitions
10. Numerous articles regarding climate change
11. State Responsibility Area Fire Hazard Severity Zones
12. Southern California Edison information regarding Public Safety Power Shutoff
13. Numerous historical articles on wildfires
L4. Articles on Wildland-Urban Interface
15. After-action reports on the Thomas and Woolsey wildfires
16. US EPA Incident Action Checklists for Water Utilities L7. Public Safety Power Shutoff and Wildfire Information for Public Water Systems
18. US EPA Water Storage Tank time of water in water storage tanks
19. FCC Wireless Priority Service for cell phone priority in emergencies
20. Government Emergency Telecommunications Network for landline phone priority in emergencies
2L. CaIWARN network
2Water Availability for Wildfires in Ventura County
12 2022-2023 Ventura County Grand JuryFinal Report
BACKGROUND
Between L972 and 2018, California experienced a fivefold increase in annual burned area, with several extremely large and destructive Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) wildfires. (Ref-01, Att-01) WUI areas are defined as the location where structures and communities "meet or intermingle" with undeveloped wildland. WUI fires occur when fuels are critically dry, weather is warm, humidity is low and sustained high speed winds are prevalent. (Ref-O1, Ref-02, Ref-03, Ref-04, Att-02) In 2Ot7, wildland fires destroyed 6200 homes and killed 44 people in California.
Additionally in 2018, 14,000 homes were destroyed killing 85 people, which resulted in an estimated loss of $15-19 billion. (Ref-03)
Ventura County has experienced numerous large destructive WUI fires between 2003 and 2018, punctuated by the 2017 Thomas Fire and the 2018 Woolsey Fire (Ref-05, Att-03). Ventura Counties wildland fires from 1965 thru 2015 are displayed in Attachment-O4. (Ref-06)
Ventura County consists of L,223,000 acres area that includes approximately 574,OOO acres of national forest land (47o/o), approximately 528,000 acres of rural land and unincorporated land (43olo) and approximately 121,000 acres of urban development (10o/o). (Ref-07) Ninety-six percent of the rural and unincorporated land of Ventura County is classified as a very high fire hazard zone. (Ref-08, Ref-09, Ref-11, Att-05)
The National Weather Service (NWS) provides advisories of impending atmospheric conditions conducive to generation of wildland fires. When these conditions are predicted, a Fire Weather Watch (FWW) advisory is issued between 24 and 72 hours in advance. A Red Flag Warning (RFW) is then issued when these conditions are present. For the last 10 years, the average annual occurrence of FWWs and RFWs combined is 5.5 times per year, each occurrence averaging 3 days in length, for a total of 16.5 days per year. (Ref-02, Ref-10, Att-02, Att-06) When a FWW or a RFW advisory occurs, some Ventura County water purveyors that store and distribute water are contacted by the Ventura County Office of Emergency Services (OES). Other water purveyors monitor the weather or have direct contact with the NWS to be notified when a FWW or RFW condition occurs or is imminent.
However, some Ventura County water purveyors are not advised by either the NWS or OES regarding impending extreme weather conditions. (Ref-11) When a FWW advisory is issued by the NWS, water purveyors generally initiate procedures preparing their water infrastructure and water storage for potential use in suppression of wildfires. Under RFW conditions, the water purveyors may give priority in storage and distribution of water to firefighting over drinking water quality, raising the quantity of water in storage tanks. (Ref-11). If no wildfire occurs, aging water in storage tanks may degrade in quality, requiring water purveyors to 3 Water Availability for Wildfires in Ventura County
13 2022-2023 Ventura County Grand JuryFinal Report
flush the aging water or give special notice to consumers to take measures to maintain water safe for consumption. (Ref-l1, Ref-12, Ref-13) Generally, water purveyors monitor and regulate the flow of water through wells, pumps, and water storage tanks/reservoirs using Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) computer systems. (Ref-11) These systems depend upon constant reliable electrical power, which can be disrupted by the effects of a wildfire or a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) by the electrical provider. (Ref-14) In case of electrical power loss, water purveyors can utilize batteries and generators to provide emergency backup power to their SCADA systems, pumps, wells and other water infrastructure. (Ref-15, Ref-16, Ref-17) This allows the water purveyors to continually provide water for customer consumption and fire suppression after fire damage to electrical systems or temporary shutdown of electrical power. (Ref-11, Ref-14)
In response to FWW and/or RFW, water purveyors generally adjust their water system operations, increasing water flow rates, water storage in tanks and reservoirs for the potential use in wildfire fighting. Water purveyors have a varied range of time to fill their water storage tanks from a few hours to three days if completely dry. The average time is 4 to 8 hours depending on levels maintained during normal operating conditions. Due to the speed wildfires are capable of traveling, some water purveyors start filling water storage tanks during the FWW. (Ref-l 1, Ref-18, Ref-19)
In general, Ventura County water purveyors lack established common communication protocols to coordinate needed resources among the purveyors, including water transfers. (Ref-1 1)
In the last 20 years, Ventura County has experienced seven major wildfires. (Ref- 04, Att-03) The 2OL7 Thomas and 2018 Woolsey wildfires challenged water purveyors'ability to keep water sufficiently supplied to firefighters because of a loss of power to water infrastructure, coupled with the speed and size of the wildfires. (Ref-18, Ref-19, Ref-20)
Not all Ventura County water purveyors who are governed by the Ventura County Fire Code keep dry fuels away from pumps and wells, violating Ventura County Ordinance 32 Section 4907.8 The code states: "clearance requirements... shall apply to communication site towers and their support Buildings; required fire protection water supplies including water tanks, water supply pumps and pump houses; and any other utility Structure as required by the Fire Code Official." (Ref-21) 4Water Availability for Wildfires in Ventura County
14 2fJ22-2023 Ventura County Grand JuryFinal Report
DISCUSSION (Statements of Fact)
SF-OI. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) and the California State Water Board have published guidelines for water purveyors recommending preparations for wildfires, including increased water storage, reliable power and personnel training. (Ref-22, Ref-23, Ref-24) SF-O2. During an RFW, all water purveyors surveyed increase the water level in storage tanks. (Ref-1 1)
SF-O3. When a fast-moving wildfire increases in size and water storage tanks do not have adequate supply for firefighting, hydrants may run out of water. (Ref-18, Ref-19, Ref-20)
SF-O4. During past Ventura County wildfires, firefighters have experienced hydrants that have run dry. (Ref-11, Ref-15, Ref-19, Ref-20) SF-OS. For the last ten years, the average number of days that Ventura County has been under Fire Weather Watch (FWW) is 5.5 days, with an average duration of one day. (Ref-10, Att-06)
SF-O6. For the last ten years, the average number of days that Ventura County has been under Red Flag Warning (RFW) is 11 days, with an average duration of two days. (Ref-10, Att-06)
SF-O7. One of fifteen water purveyors surveyed have written response procedures for FWW notification and RFW notification. (Ref-11)
SF-O8. Four of fifteen water purveyors surveyed have written response procedures for an active fire. (Ref-11)
SF-O9. One of fifteen water purveyors surveyed have written response procedures for PSPS notifications. (Ref-11)
SF-10. Two out of fifteen water purveyors surveyed have formal written training procedures to follow when preparing for FWW, RFW, active fire or PSPS scenarios. (Ref-11, Ref-16)
SF-11. Five out of fifteen water purveyors surveyed have permanent backup power to all their critical water infrastructure. (Ref-11)
SF-12. Five out of fifteen water purveyors surveyed have SCADA systems with emergency battery and backup power. (Ref-11)
SF-13. The US EPA's published guidelines for wildfire preparation include establishing shared communication protocols with neighboring utilities. (Ref-22, Ref-24)
5 Water Availability for Wildfires in Ventura County
15 2fJ22-2023 Ventura County Grand JuryFinal Report
SF-14. Three of fifteen water purveyors surveyed have a common radio protocol with adjoining water purveyors to coordinate needed actions and rapid water supply transfers. (Ref-11, Ref-17)
SF-15. Contact lists used by Ventura County OES, currently supplied by the Association of Water Agencies, are out of date by two years. (Ref-11, Ref- 2s)
SF-16, Six of fifteen water purveyors surveyed have enrolled their employees in the FCC Wireless Priority Service (WPS) for cell phone priority in emergencies. (Ref-26)
SF-17. Enrolling in the Government Emergency Telecommunication System (GETS) provides subscribers with priority access to landline telephone networks in emergency situations. ( Ref-27)
SF-18. Three of fifteen water purveyors surveyed are members of California Water/Wastewater Agency Response Network (CaIWARN) which is a mutual aid network that provides emergency resources statewide. (Ref-28) SF-19. The Ventura County Fire Code applies to all local jurisdictions which contract with Ventura County Fire for their fire department service. (Ref-11, Ref-21) SF-2O. The cities of Fillmore, Oxnard and Ventura have their own fire departments and have not adopted the Ventura County Fire Code. (Ref-11, Ref-29, Ref- 30, Ref-31)
SF-21. Two water purveyors surveyed are not subject to Ventura County Fire Code requirements that address brush clearance around water tanks, water supply pumps, pump houses and related infrastructure. (Ref-11, Ref-21)
FINDINGS
F-O1.The Grand Jury finds that an adequate supply of water is essential for successful suppression of wildfires. (SF-O1, SF-02, SF-03, SF-04) The Grand Jury finds that the limited number of Fire Weather Watch (FWW) advisories amplifies the importance of establishing written procedures, protocols and training. (SF-01, SF-05, SF-07, SF-10) The Grand Jury finds that written procedures for actions taken by water purveyors during a Fire Weather Watch event is a best practice that is lacking in Ventura County. (SF-01, SF-05, SF-07, SF-10) The Grand Jury finds that the limited number of Red Flag Warning (RFW) events amplifies the importance of establishing written procedures, protocols, and training. (SF-O1, SF-06, SF-07, SF-10) F-O2.
F-O3.
F-O4.
6Water Availability for Wildfires in Ventura County
16 F-O5
2022-2023 Ventura County Grand JuryFinal Report
F-O6
The Grand Jury finds that written procedures for actions taken by water purveyors during a Red Flag Warning event is a best practice that is lacking in Ventura County. (SF-O1, SF-06, SF-07, SF-10) The Grand Jury finds that written procedures for actions taken by water purveyors during an active fire event is a best practice that is lacking in Ventura County. (SF-O1, SF-08, SF-10)
The Grand Jury finds that written procedures for actions taken by water purveyors during Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) events is a best practice that is lacking in Ventura County. (SF-01, SF-09, SF-10) The Grand Jury finds that backup power to critical infrastructure is not always available. (SF-O1, SF-11)
The Grand Jury finds that SCADA systems are not equipped with backup power in all instances. (SF-01, SF-12)
The Grand Jury finds that inadequate communication between adjoining water purveyors limits the ability to coordinate needed actions such as available water transfers. (SF-13, SF-14)
The Grand Jury finds that notification to water purveyors of FWWs and RFWs is inconsistent due to out-of-date contact lists. (SF-13, SF-15) The Grand Jury finds that enrolling in GETS and WPS would allow Ventura County water purveyors priority access to landline and cellular telephone networks in emergency situations. (SF-16, SF-17) The Grand Jury finds that enrolling in CaIWARN would allow Ventura County water purveyors access to statewide resources. (SF-18) The Grand Jury finds that Ventura County Fire Code section 4907.8 regarding brush clearance around water tanks, water supply pumps, pump houses and related infrastructure applies to all rural and unincorporated communities, and all cities except Fillmore, Oxnard and Ventura. (SF-19, SF-20, SF-21)
F-O7.
F-08.
F-O9.
F-10.
F-11.
F-L2.
F-13.
F-14.
7 Water Availability for Wildfires in Ventura County
17 R-O1.
2022-2023 Ventura County Grand JuryFinal Report
RECOMMENDATIONS
R-O2.
The Grand Jury recommends that water purveyors establish written operational procedures and training to provide for increased water supply for fire flow during FWWs, RFWs, active fires and PSPS. (F-01, F-02, F-03, F-04, F-05, F-06, F-07) The Grand Jury recommends that water purveyors have
emergency power on site for all critical water infrastructure including SCADA systems. (F-08, F-09)
The Grand Jury recommends that water purveyors establish common communication protocols with adjoining water purveyors to coordinate needed actions, including water transfers during active fires. (F-10)
The Grand Jury recommends that Ventura County Sheriff's OES develop a current contact list of water purveyors, updated at least once a year. (F-11)
The Grand Jury recommends that water purveyors enroll their employees in the FCC Wireless Priority Service (WPS) providing cell phone priority in emergencies. (F-12)
The Grand Jury recommends that water purveyors enroll in the Government Emergency Telecommunications System (GETS)
providing landline phone priority in emergencies. (F-12) The Grand Jury recommends that all water purveyors enroll in CaIWARN, a network of water and wastewater agencies that can provide emergency resources. (F- 13)
The Grand Jury recommends that all water purveyors provide brush clearance around water tanks, water supply pumps, pump houses and related infrastructure. (F-14)
The Grand Jury recommends that Ventura City Fire Department, Oxnard Fire Department and Fillmore Fire Department adopt the Ventura County standard for brush clearance around water tanks, water supply pumps, pump houses and related infrastructure. (F- t4)
R-O3.
R-O4.
R-O5.
R-O6.
R-O7.
R-O8.
R-O9.
IWater Availability for Wildfires in Ventura County
18 2022-2023 Ventura County Grand JuryFinal Report
RESPONSES
Resoonses reouired from :
The following elected officer within 5O days:
Ventura County Sheriff (F-11, R-04)
The following governing bodies within 9O days:
Camrosa Water District, Board of Directors (F-01, F-02, F-03, F-O4, F-05, F-06, F- 07, F-Og, F-09, F-10, F-!2, F-13, F-t4, R-01, R-02, R-03, R-05, R-06, R-07, R-08) Casitas Municipal Water District, Board of Directors (F-01, F-O2, F-03, F-04, F-05, F- 06,F-O7, F-08, F-09, F-10, F-t2, F-13, F-t4, R-01, R-02, R-03, R-05, R-06, R-07, R-08)
City of Camarillo, City Council (F-01, F-02, F-03, F-O4, F-05, F-06, F-07, F-08, F-09, F-10, F-L2, F-13, F-!4, R-01, R-02, R-03, R-05, R-06, R-07, R-08) City of Fillmore, City Council (F-01, F-O2, F-03, F-04, F-05, F-06, F-07, F-08, F-09, F-10, F-L2, F-13, F-r4, R-01, R-02, R-03, R-05, R-06, R-07, R-08, R-09) City of Oxnard, City Council (F-14, R-09)
City of Santa Paula, City Council (F-01, F-Oz, F-03, F-O4, F-05, F-06, F-O7, F-08' F- 09, F-10, F-!2, F-13, F-L4, R-01, R-02, R-03, R-05, R-06, R-07, R-08) City of Simi Valley, City Council (F-01, F-02, F-03, F-O4, F-05, F-06, F-O7, F-08, F- 09, F-10, F-!2, F-13, F-L4, R-01, R-02, R-03, R-05, R-06, R-07, R-08) City of Thousand Oaks, City Council (F-01, F-02, F-03, F-O4, F-05, F-06, F-O7, F-08, F-09, F-10, F-L2, F-13, F-L4, R-01, R-02, R-03, R-05, R-06, R-07, R-08) City of Ventura, City Council (F-01, F-02, F-03, F-O4, F-05, F-06, F-O7, F-08, F-09' F-10, F-L2, F-13, F-L4, R-01, R-02, R-03, R-05, R-06, R-07, R-08, R-09) Meiners Oaks Water District, Board of Directors (F-01, F-Oz, F-03, F-04, F-05, F-06, F-O7, F-08, F-09, F-10, F-L2, F-13, F-L4, R-01, R-02, R-03, R-05, R-06, R-07, R-08) Triunfo Water & Sanitation District, Board of Directors (F-01, F-O2, F-03, F-O4, F-05, F-06, F-O7, F-08, F-09, F-10, F-12, F-13, F-L4, R-01, R-02, R-03, R-05, R-06' R-07' R-08)
Ventura County Board of Supervisors (F-0L, F-02, F-03, F-O4, F-05, F-06, F-O7, F' 08, F-09, F-10, F-Lz, F-13, F-t4, R-01, R-02, R-03, R-05, R-06, R-07, R-08) Ventura River Water District, Board of Directors (F-01, F-02, F-03, F-O4, F-05, F-06, F-O7, F-08, F-09, F-10, F-!2, F-13, F-t4, R-01, R-02, R-03, R-05, R-06, R-07, R-08) 9 Water Availability for Wildfires in Ventura County
19 2022-2023 Ventura County Grand Jury
REFERENCES
Ref-O1
Ref-O2
Ref-O3
Ref-O4
Ref-O5
Ref-O6
Ref-O7
Ref-O8
Final Report
Williams, A. P., Abatzoglou, J. T., GershunoV, A., Guzman-Morales, J., Bishop, D. A., Balch, J. K., & Lettenmaier, D. p. (2019). Observed impacts of anthropogenic climate change on wildfire in california.
Ea rth's Futu re, 7(8), 892-9 10. https : //doi. orgl10. 1 029/20 19ef00 1 2 10 retrieved May 22,2023
National Weather Service, Forecast Office Los Angeles/Oxnard, Fire Weather Watch
df retrieved May L9,2023
Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Fire Data Collection on parcel vulnerabilities https://www.nist,gov/programs-projects/wildland-urban- i nte rfa ce -w u i -fi re-d ata -co I I ecti o n - pa rce I - vu I n e ra b i I iti es retrieved May 19, 2023
NWS WFO Los Angeles/Oxnard, Red Flag Criteria
https : //www. wrh. noaa, gov/lox/fire weather/redflag. pdf retrieved May 20,2023
Ventura County 2040 General Plan (September 2O2O), Chapter 11, figure 11-08, section LL.2, page tt-37
Hazardsafetv Seotember 2O2. pdf# 1 1-08
retrieved May 20, 2023
Ventura County 2040 General Plan (September 2OZO), Chapter 11, figure 11-10, section 11.3, page 11-48
https : //docs.vcrma, orglimaqes/pdf/planning/plans/VCGpU 1 1 Adopted Hazarclsfetv Seotember 202.odf # 11-10
retrieved May 20, 2023
Ventura County 2040 General Plan Update (September ZO20), Background Report
https : //docs. vcrm a. orgli ma ges/pdf/pla n n i n g/pla ns/Backg rou nd Report All Sectins.odf#1123retrieved May 19, 2023
Proposed map classifies 960lo of rural ventura county in 'very high' fire zone, Ventura County Star, January L,2023, by Cheri Carlson https : //www. vcsta r. co m/story/news/l oca l/202 3/0 1 / 1 3/ca I iforn ia - fi
-h
retrieved May 19, 2023
10Water Availability for Wildfires in Ventura County
20 Ref-O9
Ref-1O
Ref-11
Ref- 12
2022-2023 Ventura County Grand JuryFinal Report
State Responsibility Area Fire Hazard Severity Zones (map), Ventura County, November 2L, 2022
https://osfm.fire.ca.gov/media/4kmf21h5/fhsz county sra 11x17 202 2 ventura ada.pdf retrieved May 19, 2023
[email protected], D. H. (n.d.). IEM:: NWS warning search by point or county/zone. Iowa Environmental Mesonet.
93.6530/41,5300 retrieved May 19, 2023
Interviews
Drinking water storage tank assessment study protocol. (n.d.-a). https : //www. e pa . gov/sites/d efa u lt/fi I es/2 0 2 1 -0 5/d ocu m e nts/stora g e - tank-spreadsheet-assessment-protocol.pdf retrieved May 19, 2023 Ref- 13Wheeler, M. (2OL7, December 5). City of Ventura advising residents to boil water before using due to Thomas Fire. KERO 23 ABC News Ba kersfield. https : //www. tu rnto23. com /news/loca I - news/city-of- ventu ra-advising- residents-to-boil-water-before-usin9-d ue-to-thomas- fire# : - :text=Theo/o20cityo/o20of%o2OVenturao/o20sento/o20outo/o20aol020 press,drin kingo/o20ando/o20cookingo/o20purposeso/o20aso/o20aolo20safety o/o2Oprecaution.o/o22 retrieved May 19, 2023
Ref-14 Scanning. (n.d.-c).
677314b3aed3396d4671lf&content verified=True retrieved May 19, 2023
Ref- 15Los Angeles Times. (2018, November 13). As toll mounts from Malibu to Thousand Oaks, how did The Woolsey fire become a monster?. Los Angeles Ti mes. https : //www. latimes. com/loca l/lanow/la- me-woolsey- fire-spread-2O1811 13-story.html retrieved May 19, 2023 Ref-16Options for Consideration in the Face of Wildfires and Public Safety Power Shutoff 2020, San Diego Gas and Electric, Southern California Edison, Pacific Gas and Electric Company
https : //www. waterboa rds. ca. gov/d ri n ki n g water/certl icld ri n ki n gwater/ docs/psps wildfire/pws psps options 2020.pdf retrieved May 19, 2023 Water sector utility incident action checklist - wildfire - US EPA. (n.d.- d). https : //www.epa. gov/system/fi les/docu ments/2022-0 3/2202 18- incident-action-checklist-wildfires.pdf retrieved May 19, 2023 Ref- 17
Water Availability for Wildfires in Ventura County11
21 2022-2023 Ventura County Grand JuryFinal Report
Ref- 18Gabbert, B. (2019, August 26). Thomas Fire causes evacuations near Santa Paula, California. Wildfire Today.
https: //wildfiretoday. com/2017l12l04lthomas-fire-causes-evacuations- near-santa-paula-california/, retrieved May 19, 2023
Ref-19AfterAction Review of the Woolsey Fire Incident. (n.d.-a). https : //fi le. lacou nty. gov/S DSInter/bos/su pdocs/ 144968. pdf# 67, retrieved May 19, 2023
Ref-2O Los Angeles Times. (2018a, January 8). Scanning. Los Angeles Times.
W
venturs-20171205-story.html, retrieved May 19, 2023
Ref-21Scanning. Viewer - Primegov Portal. (n.d.).
https : //ventu ra, pri megov, com/porta l/viewer?id = 3 O5 229&type = 2 retrieved May 19, 2023
Ref-22Environmental Protection Agency. (n.d.). Scanning. EpA. https://www. epa. gov/waterutilityresponse/incident-action -checklists- water-utilities retrieved May 19, 2023
Ref-23california state water Resources control Board. (n.d.). public safety Power Shutoff and wildfire information for Public Water Systems.
SWRCB.gov.
https : //www. waterboa rds, ca. gov/d ri n ki n g water/certl icld ri n ki n gwater/ pspswildfire.html retrieved May 19, 2023
Ref-24Is your water or wastewater system prepared? what you need to know . .. (n.d. -d), https : //www. epa, gov/sites/prod uction/files/20 16- 0 3/docu m ents/waterwastewatersystem generatorp repa red ness. pdf retrieved May 19, 2023
Ref-25Association of Water Agencies, Ventura County, Members Directory, County Water Districts https://www.awavc,orglabout-
us/members/20-county-water-districts retrieved May 19, 2023 Ref-26wireless Priority seruice (wPS). Federal Communications commission. ( n. d. ). https : //www. fcc, gov/genera l/wi reless-priority-service-wps retrieved May 20, 2023
Government Emergency Telecommunications Service GEfS). Federal Communications Commission. (n.d.).
https : //www. fcc. qov/g e n e ra I /g ove rn m e nt-e m erg e n cy- telecommunications-service retrieved May 20, 2023
t2 Water Availability for Wildfires in Ventura County
Ref-27
22 2022-2023 Ventura County Grand JuryFinal Report
Ref-28Calwarn. CALWARN. (n.d.). https://www.calwarn.org/ retrieved May 20, 2023
Ref-29 Municode Library. (n.d.).
m
Ref-3O
=true
retrieved May 22,2023
American Legal Publishing. (n.d.).
https : //codel i bra ry. a m I eg a L com/codes/oxna rdll atest/oxna rd cal0 -0 -0 - 49799
retrieved May 22,2023
Ref-31Viewer - Primegov Portal. (n.d.).
https : //ventu ra. pri m egov. com/porta l/vi ewer?id = 3 0 5 229&type = 2 retrieved May 22,2023
Water Availability for Wildfires in Ventura County13
23 2022-2023 Ventura County Grand Jury
GLOSSARY
Final Report
TERM
CaIWARN
FCC
FWW
GETS
NWS
OES
PSPS
RFW
SCADA
US EPA
WFO
WPS
WUI
DEFINITION
California Water/Wastewater Agency Response Network
Federal Communications Commission
Fire Weather Watch
Govern ment Emergency Telecom m u n ications Syste m
National Weather Service
(Ventura County) Office of Emergency Services
Public Safety Power Shutoff
Red Flag Warning
Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition
United States Environmental Protection Agency
Weather Forecast Office
Wireless Priority Service
Wildland Urban Interface
ATTACHMENTS
Att-Ol. Seasonal and annual burned areas in California for L972-2OLB Att-O2. Red Flag Criteria (Los Angeles/Oxnard)
Att-O3. Ventura County Major Fire Perimeters, last 20 years Att-O4. Wildfires History Map
Att-Os. Ventura County Fire Hazard Severity Zones
Att-O6. FWWs and RFWs in Ventura County, last 10 years
t4Water Availability for Wildfires in Ventura County
24 Ost
All Reglsne
Jan-Apr
May-Sep
2022-2023 Ventura County Grand JuryFinal Report
Attachment-O1
6 5
4 g
2 1
01975 1985 19S5 e005 ytare015
'75 '85 '95 '06 '15'r5'85'95'05'15
0'75 '85 '95 ',05 '15'75 '85 '95 ',05 '15
Seasonal and annual burned areas in California for L972-20L8 Source: Ref-01
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Es
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1 0
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Gantral CoaetSsuth Coast l
Water Availability for Wildfires in Ventura County15
25 2022-2023 Ventura County Grand JuryFinal Report
Attachment-O2
Los Angeles/Oxnard National Weather Service Criteria
Red Flag Criteria
Weather Forecast Office (WFO)
Los Angeles/Oxnard
Red Flag Criteria requires dry fuels and any one of the following:
1. Relative Humidity 13 percent or less with either sustained winds 25 mph or greater or frequent gusts 35 mph or greater (duration of 6 hours or more)
2. Relative Humidity 10 percent or less with either sustained winds 15 mph or greater or frequent gusts 25 mph or greater (duration of 6 hours or more)
3. Widespread and/or significant Dry Lighting
4. Other (forecaster discretion) unusual but significant metrological and/or fuel conditions in coordination with Geographic Area Coordination Centers (GACC) or local agency
Source: Ref-04
16Water Availability for Wildfires in Ventura County
26 2fJ22-2023 Ventura County Grand Jury
Attachment-O3
Final Report
,J -; .._,,
3fl
Figure 1l-8:
Wildfire Perimieters of Concern
ffi r,re Penmeters ot concern 20Oo.present {10,000 nCr} l- - I ventuta county Eoundary
-
Malor Roadways
Crir€s
N4alo. UYater,/ays
Water Eodres
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Source: Ref-05
Water Availability for Wildfires in Ventura CountyL7
27 2022-2023 Ventura County Grand Jury
Attachment-O4
Final Report
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Wildfires History Map
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Seolon I l.3r Wildfire Hozordr
il48
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Source: Ref-06
Water Availability for Wildfires in Ventura County 18
28 2022-2023 Ventura County Grand Jury
Attachment-O5
Final Report
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Source: Ref-09
Water Availability for Wildfires in Ventura County19
29 2022-2023 Ventura County Grand Jury
Attachment-O6
Final Report
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Camarillo Water
Ventura County WWD #19
Meiners Oaks WD
Upper Ventura WD
Ventura County WWD# 17
Camrosa WD
Fillmore Water
Ventura County WWD # 38
Ventura County WWD#I
Triunfo WD
Santa Paula Water
Simi Valley WWD #8
Thousand Oaks Water
Ventura Water
Trunfio WD
Average
Average Total Days
Camarillo
Somis
Meiners Oaks
Ojai
Bell Canyon
Santa Rosa Valley
Fillmore
Lake Sherwood
Moorpark
Oak Park
Santa Paula
Simi Valley
Thousand Oaks
Ventura
Westlake Village
45 45
54 54
57 57
57 57
57 57
57 57
57 57
59 55
4.50 4.50
5.40 5.40
5.70 5.70
5.70 5.70
5.70 5.70
5.70 5.70
5.70 5.70
5.9 5.51
47.Os
47.O5
s3.07
53.07 s6.03
56.03 s6.03
s6.03
56.03 56.03
s6.03
s6.03
56.03 56.03
58.32 54.59
1.05 1.05
0.98 0.98
0.98 0.98
0.98 0.98
0.98 0.98
0.98 0.98
0.98 0.98
0.99 0.99
5.47 4.90
4.90 s.60
s.60
s.90
5.90 5.90
5.90 5.90
5.90 s.90
s.90
5.90 5.90
5.9 5.73
84.26 84.26
109.46
109.46
tL2.7s
1L2.75
rL2.7s
II2.75
Lt2.75
tL2.75
LL2,75
1L2.75
tL2.75
LI2.75
LO7.07
108.13
L.72
L.72
1.95 1.95
1.91 1.91
1,91
1.91 1.91
1.91 1.91
1.91 1.91
1.91 1.81
1.88 1.o.79
34.2164
34.2584
34.4480
34.429r
34.208L
34.2455
34.3992
34.126r
34.28s6
34.L75L
34.3542
34.2694
34,1811
34.29t4
34.1438
-119.0376
-118.99s6
-tIg.2429
-rr9.2974
-118.6875
-118.9011
-118.9182
-118.8880
-118.8820
-118.7580
-119.0593
-118.7815
-118.9110
-Lrg.2259
-Lt8.7996
t6.26
Compiled by the Grand Jury from the National Weather Service data base (Ref-10) 20Water Availability for Wildfires in Ventura County
30