ITEM 9

SUBJECT

THE NORTH COAST REGIONAL WATER QUALITY CONTROL BOARD (NCRWQCB) REQUESTS FUNDING TO PAY FOR AN ALTERNATIVE WATER SUPPLY AND INVESTIGATION OF SOURCES OF DRINKING WATER WELL CONTAMINATION IN SANTA ROSA IN THE AMOUNT OF $256,250 FROM THE STATE WATER POLLUTION CLEANUP AND ABATEMENT ACCOUNT (ACCOUNT)

DISCUSSION

The NCRWQCB is the lead agency for water quality problems in the City of Santa Rosa (City). The NCRWQCB has discovered petroleum and solvent contamination plumes in the vicinity of the intersection of Santa Rosa Avenue and Yolanda Avenue. Approximately 40 domestic wells are located in this area of Santa Rosa, which is a mixture of residential, commercial, and industrial uses.

Groundwater samples collected from domestic wells in the vicinity indicate the presence of elevated concentrations of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Trichloroethene has been detected as high as 179 parts per billion (ppb), more than 35 times the maximum contamination level (the MCL = 5 ppb). An immediate public health threat exists due to actual and potential exposure from impacted drinking water and other domestic well uses, and possibly from soil gas in the area of impacted shallow groundwater. To date, no responsible parties have been identified, although several potential parties are suspect. In June 1999, the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) allocated $6,000 to the NCRWQCB to conduct additional groundwater sampling at the site. Preliminary results from this work indicates several domestic wells in the area are affected.

The threat to public health from domestic wells affected by elevated concentrations of VOCs warrants a response. The NCRWQCB is proposing additional funding in the amount of $256,250. These funds are needed to pay for connection of ten to fifteen businesses and residences to the City’s water system, to determine the source or sources of the contamination, and to locate the responsible party or parties. Although the exception, the SWRCB has previously approved a project paying for the connection of residences to a local water supply system. The site investigation and determination of responsible parties is routine and necessary.

Most of the proposed work activities will be conducted and completed by NCRWQCB staff. The activities associated with the project include:

· Connect approximately ten to fifteen businesses and residences impacted by the contaminant plume to the

City water system,

· Conduct a soil gas survey of the entire area,

· Collect additional groundwater samples from domestic wells, and

· Collect “in-situ” groundwater samples from approximately 50 to 75 feet below the ground surface.

POLICY ISSUE

Should the SWRCB award $256,250 to the NCRWQCB to fund the connection of residences in Santa Rosa to the City’s water system and to continue investigation of the source or sources of pollution.

FISCAL IMPACT

As of June 30, 1999, the Cleanup and Abatement Account had an uncommitted balance of $3,563,206. SWRCB policy requires a minimum balance of $1,000,000 in the Account for emergencies. This project would result in an additional commitment of $256,250. At the August Board meeting the City of Corning was authorized $627,000. Combined, these two actions would reduce the uncommitted balance to about $2,680,000.

RWQCB IMPACT

The NCRWQCB approved this project at a recent Board meeting.

STAFF RECOMMENDATION

Approve this project and allocate $256,250 to NCRWQCB for use at the Santa Rosa site through December 31, 2000.

____________________________________________________________________________________________

DRAFT -- September 27, 1999

STATE WATER RESOURCES CONTROL BOARD

RESOLUTION NO. 99-__

APPROVAL OF FUNDING FROM THE STATE WATER POLLUTION

CLEANUP AND ABATEMENT ACCOUNT

FOR THE DRINKING WATER WELL CONTAMINATION IN SANTA ROSA

NORTH COAST REGIONAL WATER QUALITY CONTROL BOARD (NCRWQCB)

WHEREAS:

1. The NCRWQB is responsible for ensuring protection of the beneficial uses of water and protection against nuisance conditions resulting from waste discharges.

2. The discharge of volatile organic compounds can result in nuisance and water quality degradation.

3. Halogenated volatile organic compounds have been found in the groundwater near the intersection of Santa Rosa Avenue and Yolanda Avenue in Santa Rosa, California.

4. The party or parties responsible for the discharge has (have) not been determined.

5. Public health and safety are threatened by the continued discharges of volatile organic compounds.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT:

The State Water Resources Control Board:

1. Commits $256,250 to the NCRWQCB to pay for connection of businesses and residences in Santa Rosa to the City’s water system and to continue investigation of the source or sources of pollution.

2. Establishes an end date for this project of December 31, 2000.

CERTIFICATION

The undersigned, Administrative Assistant to the Board, does hereby certify that the foregoing is a full, true, and correct copy of a resolution duly and regularly adopted at a meeting of the State Water Resources Control Board held on October 21, 1999.

Maureen Marché

Administrative Assistant to the Board