TO: Andrew P. Powers, City Manager
FROM: Clifford G. Finley, Public Works Director
DATE: March 18, 2025
SUBJECT: Unit A Wastewater Overflow Response and Repair – Public Emergency Declaration
Pursuant to Thousand Oaks Municipal Code (TOMC) 3-10.308, please acknowledge below and make a public emergency declaration for the response to a sewer overflow and repair of a pipeline located near Flaming Star Avenue in the City’s wastewater collection system, Unit A. Confirmation of this Public Emergency Declaration will be requested at the April 8, 2025, City Council meeting.
On March 15, 2025, at approximately 11:15 a.m., Municipal Service Center (MSC) standby personnel received a report of a potential water line break on a hiking trail near Flaming Star Avenue. Upon investigation, staff confirmed a sanitary sewer overflow from maintenance hole #A27 in a wastewater easement on Conejo Recreation and Park District (CRPD) property. The spill flowed downhill into the North Fork Arroyo Conejo Creek.
Standby staff initiated an emergency response and mobilized additional resources.
Patrick McCulloch, Utilities Maintenance Supervisor, was notified and arrived to coordinate the response. Regulatory agencies were notified per Waste Discharge Requirements (WDR) WQ 2022-0103-DWQ, along with CRPD due to the affected creek and hiking trails, and Camrosa Water District due to their downstream creek diversion structure for non-potable re-use. Conejo
Open Space Conservancy Agency Park Rangers
closed trail access and posted warning signs, which will remain in place for at least 72 hours.
MSC staff attempted to clear the blockage with a hydro-jetter but were unsuccessful. A contractor, Rain For Rent, was called to set up a sewer bypass, which was operational by 8:30 p.m., ending the overflow. The total discharge was estimated at 250,000 gallons.
Upon accessing the maintenance hole, staff discovered a large fiberglass obstruction with additional debris behind it. While clearing the blockage, staff also identified a failed cured- in-place pipe liner upstream, posing a risk for further issues.
On March 16, staff conducted a detailed pipeline inspection using a remotely operated camera, confirming the downstream line was clear but revealing significant liner failure in the upstream section. While not the direct cause of the overflow, the failed liner required ATTACHMENT #2
DPW: 1030-20\EV\Council\2025\040825\Public Emergency Declaration Unit A WW Line Repair Att 2.pdf Unit A Wastewater Overflow Response and Repair
Public Emergency Declaration
March 18, 2025
immediate attention. An on-call contractor, Sam Hill and Sons, was mobilized and initiated pipeline repairs, removing and replacing the affected sections. Due to the nature of the incident, work proceeded under emergency provisions, bypassing standard bidding procedures. Immediate action was necessary to restore wastewater conveyance and prevent further disruptions. Rain For Rent and Sam Hill and Sons were engaged under emergency purchasing guidelines to ensure a timely response.
Total cost for this repair is currently estimated at $200,000. At the April 8, 2025, City Council meeting, Staff will request confirmation of the Public Emergency Declaration and if necessary, authorization for the City Manager to approve a General Services Agreement with Rain for Rent and a task order with Sam Hill and Sons.
PUBLIC EMERGENCY
DECLARATION APPROVED
Clifford G. Finley Andrew P. Powers
Public Works Director City Manager
DPW: 1030-35\ev\Admin\Inbox\Final\Finley\2025\Unit A WW Overflow Public Emergency Declaration. docx