EID Board declares emergency status for critical projects damaged by heavy rains
Placerville, CA . . . At its meeting on Monday, May 8, the El Dorado Irrigation District (EID) Board of Directors voted unanimously to declare an emergency under the Public Contract Code and to authorize a sole-source design contract to expedite repairs to landslides that occurred throughout the District’s Project 184 hydroelectric power generation system. The Board also authorized staff actions to proceed with the expedited repairs.
During the 2005/2006 winter season, intense amounts of rain occurring in short periods of time saturated soils and caused landslides at nine locations on District property. “The landslides pose a threat to public health, safety, and the delivery of essential services,” said EID Senior Engineer Cindy Megerdigian. “We need to make permanent repairs to protect our facilities from more damage next winter.”
The nine landslides affected District roadways, flumes, and the El Dorado canal bench. District staff and outside contractors have temporarily secured all nine sites to restore water flow in the canal and provide full access to District facilities.
Carlton Engineering, selected as the sole-source engineering consultant, will assist District staff in evaluating each landslide site and preparing design drawings for construction bidding. EID plans to complete permanent landslide repairs late this coming fall.”
Rancho Ponderosa Sewer Ponds also in need of immediate attention
The Board also voted unanimously to declare an emergency and authorized staff to expedite remediation of conditions at the Rancho Ponderosa sewer ponds. The ponds serve customers in the Rancho Ponderosa neighborhood of Rescue, north of Green Valley Road and east of Deer Valley Road. In mid-February this year during heavy rains, District staff discovered seepage from the embankment dam at the ponds. The potential for additional seepage and the sudden failure of the dam exists. The emergency declaration will allow staff to take immediate remedial action at this facility – either repairing the existing facility or decommissioning it and connecting customers to the District’s main wastewater system.
