Agenda - 05-05-1997 - 9c - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

2 During the fall of 1996, the Water Resource Committee began work developing a proposed scope of work for a second phase ground water investigation that would address the provisions of the BOCC's water resource goal in greater detail. The phase two investigation was intended to accomplish two primary goals: 1)to refine the ground water quantity information provided by the phase one study by evaluating the distribution and range of ground water recharge rates within basins and sub-basins; and 2)to characterize ground water quality throughout the County and to identify areas that either presently suffer or are subject to ground water contamination. A draft scope of work and an estimated budget of$200,000 to $250,000 for a phase two ground water investigation were presented to the BOCC at its December 7, 1996 goal setting retreat. As per the direction of the BOCC, the Water Resource Committee and staff have worked with the USGS to refine a scope of work and budget for a phase two ground water investigation. A final draft scope of work is attached for the Board's review and approval. The budget for the proposed phase two study requires a County contribution of approximately $80,000 per year for three consecutive fiscal years beginning in FY 1997-98. The figures for County funding assume a USGS fifty percent funding match or cost share for all three years. At present, USGS funding at the fifty percent level is available for all three years of this project. However, competition for matching USGS funds is currently very intense. The USGS will not encumber its share of the project funding without a formal commitment to the project by Orange County. If the County wishes for the USGS to produce the phase two ground water study while providing fifty percent of the funding, the BOCC must, at this time, formally commit the County to this project and to providing its share of the project funding. If the County cannot commit to the project until a later date this year, it is possible or even probable that USGS funds available for this project could be drastically reduced. Unless there is a formal County commitment to the project at this time, there is no assurance that the USGS will be able to participate in this type of project or provide any funding at all in future years. RECOMMENDATION: As the elements of the proposed phase two water resources investigation have been designed specifically to address the provisions of the BOCC's water resource goal, the Manager recommends that the Board: 1) approve the proposed scope of work; 2) commit the funding necessary to pay the County share of the project; and 3) direct staff to provide a letter outlining the Board's actions in this matter and making the necessary assurances to USGS as to the County's formal agreement to participate in the phase two study.