At its November 3 meeting, the Engineering Committee heard that Copper Cove tertiary design was nearly complete, but bidding could slip if the Army Corps’ estimate, about 50% above the district’s, remains too high. Staff discussed a possible one-foot spillway raise at a wastewater reservoir. The committee also reviewed Ebbetts Pass pump-station and Copper Cove conveyance studies, Wallace tank work, and new electrical standards.
The board voted 5-0 to accept the Jenny Lind A-B pipeline, which improves pumping and moves an older line to lower-pressure distribution use. Staff target January 2027 for monthly billing and hope to launch a no-fee bank-draft option in December. A county-led proposal would use about $200,000 in grant funds for fuel maintenance at the Arnold wastewater plant, pending a grant extension, environmental review and later board action.
The board approved a $129,670 HydroScience amendment for Copper Cove tertiary treatment design work. Staff said a dam raise may not be the most effective approach and is evaluating alternatives pending a water-balance study. In discussion, the GM said staff are preparing for a potentially wet El Niño winter, including drawing down wastewater ponds.
The board approved a $5,499,199 construction contract to Ford Construction for the Lake Tulloch Intertie Project, installing 12,700 feet of new pipe to eliminate reliance on an aging underwater crossing. A water transfer agreement with East Bay MUD was approved, allowing East Bay MUD to receive up to 150 acre-feet annually of CCWD pre-1914 water for about $30,000/year in revenue to CCWD.
The Board approved placing 606 delinquent utility accounts totaling ~$966,080 on the County tax rolls (+22% in dollars vs. last year), with the vote carrying 4-0-1. Directors discussed possible future tools (including water shutoffs), but no policy change was adopted. The GM said the six-month FERC relicensing filing window opens Aug. 1, 2026, and a PG&E/WAPA settlement with 3% annual increases has been submitted and is expected to be approved.
