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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Water Resources Advisory Committee - 01/15/2004 MINUTES Water Resources Advisory Committee 11:30 a.m. —January 15, 2004 Water Utilities Conference Room Members present: Lena Coleman, Herman R. Johnson, Dr. Karen G. Rue, Carola Serrato, and Kimberly Stockseth. Members absent: Capt. Paula Hinger, Bob Kent, Jon Kiggans, and Dr. Jane Stafford Staff Present: Danny Ybarra, Assistant Director of Water Yolanda R. Marruffo, Public Education and Marketing Coordinator Max Castaneda, Water Resources Management Advisor Rosie Cortez, Recording Secretary Chairperson Carola Serrato called the meeting to order at 11:35 a.m. A quorum was present. I. Approval of the October 23, 2003 Minutes Mrs. Serrato asked the Committee members to refer to the minutes given to them rather than the minutes that had been mailed. She stated that several changes had been made to the minutes. She requested a correction to page 5 of the minutes to reflect the name of Greg Carter as the person assigned to serve on the Water Conservation Implementation Task Force. Lena Coleman made a motion to approve the minutes, as corrected. The motion was seconded by Herman Johnson and approved unanimously. II. Update of Information and Presentation by Olivarri & Associates on Public Information Aspect for Padre Island Desalination Project Mrs. Leah Olivarri stated that she established the Olivarri & Associates firm in 1986. The firm focuses on public involvement for various community projects, including statewide Texas Department of Transportation projects, Port of Corpus Christi, and both the Padre Island Desalination Plant Feasibility and Siting Plan and the Governor's Large-Scale Desalination Feasibility Study. She understood that the Committee was interested in the public involvement aspects of these projects. She stated that staff kept them informed of the Committee's issues and concerns regarding the projects. Mrs. Olivarri turned the presentation over to her associate, Marco Castillo. He stated that presentations had been made to the Coastal Bend Regional Water Planning Group, various environmental and community organizations, and Padre Island residents. He stated that a project statement identifying questions and answers was developed on the Padre Island Desalination Plant Feasibility and Siting Plan. A presentation to Coastal Bend Regional Planning Group, Region N had also been done. He reported that Ed Garana had made a presentation to property owners. In June, a public forum was held, which was similar to the City Council presentation in April. He stated that a presentation had been given to the City Council SCANNED 1 in April 2003. Additional information on the project was published in Flour Bluff Sun and the Padre Island Property Owners Association newsletter. Mr. Castillo stated that they had conducted opinion leader interviews. Mrs. Serrato asked how many people attended the Padre Island public forum meeting held in June 2003. Mr. Castillo stated that approximately 25 people attended the meeting at the Holiday Inn. Mrs. Olivarri stated that prior to the public forum meeting, Ed Garana had given a presentation to a large group of Padre Island property owners. Mrs. Serrato asked what commonly asked questions or concerns had been expressed at the meetings. Mrs. Olivarri stated that the questions varied depending on the group. From their interviews, most residents were concerned about their low water pressure; although, some residents stated that their water pressure had gotten better. She stated that other issues involved hearing concerns with the possible placement of a pump site near the Sea Pines neighborhood. Residents, who enjoy stargazing, were extremely concerned with the installation of streetlights in their neighborhood. She reported that these types of interviews have helped the City consider alternate sites. Other issues shared by the Padre Island residents include cost, necessity of the project and availability of technology. She stated that the City is actively looking at whether desalination is a good option. The first phase focused on the feasibility of the project and the potential supply of ground water. Since the cost of water could not be determined, it was important to make good sound decisions at this point. The consultant was authorized to begin Phase II of the project. Mr. Castillo stated that under Phase II, they interviewed John Barrett, who serves on the Coastal Coordination Council and Elizabeth Nesbitt. Mr. Castillo stated that Olivarri and Associates would continue their research with opinion leaders and residents who had been originally interviewed. They would be providing additional updates to the Island Sun newspaper and the Padre Island Moon. He stated that they are ready to start sampling, with focus being placed on the location of the temporary wells. Olivarri and Associates would be preparing flyers and fact sheets. He said that it was set to start in February. Mr. Castillo stated that they are making sure to tell the people in the area what is going on. Mrs. Serrato asked why there was so much focus being made to the Padre Island media. Mrs. Olivarri stated that they hoped to have a major story in the local newspaper sometime during the spring, when consultants got closer to the 50% mark of the large-scale project. Mrs. Olivarri stated that right now they don't have detailed answers to some of the questions. She stated that there were twelve (12) stories that had run last week as a result of kickoff meeting. She stated that Ron Massey had spoken several times on the "Lago Radio Show". She stated that the Committee would be a good judge of whether they are doing a good job. Mrs. Serrato asked if the public understood that there were two separate projects. Mrs. Olivarri stated that there was public confusion on that matter and they were working hard to clarify the issue. Mrs. Olivarri stated that adding to the confusion was the fact that there is also a Corps of Engineers desalination project. Mrs. Olivarri stated that this project had not been reported in the newspaper, but that the project was in Region L. Dr. Rue asked how the three projects would leverage with each other to create a whole. Mrs. Olivarri stated that we had hoped to educate people about the project. She stated 2 that by being on both teams, we have been able to be more cost effective. We have a fairly small budget on the large-scale desalination project. At a recent meeting, Mr. Massey spoke to the Coastal Coordinating Council about the need to put all the different pieces together. Under the current permitting process, there is no section in the Code on permitting a desalination facility. Information has to be picked throughout the Code. Mrs. Olivarri made reference to Mr. Massey's suggested to share information from the test program with the large-scale desalination project. Large-Scale Desalination Project Mr. Castillo stated that the City received a $500,000 grant from the Texas Water Development Board. He reported that public outreach included a presentation to Region N Planning Group and would be working on information to update the City's website. He stated that they are working on a presentation to the Coastal Bend Bays Foundation, and planned on preparing a project fact sheet. He stated that the future of the Padre Island Project is to continue providing presentations to community groups. Future activities will be based on information gathered from studies. Mr. Castillo stated that updates to the City web site would be made for the large-scale project. Plans are underway to obtain additional press coverage. Mrs. 011ivarri stated that part of the Padre Island Project is also Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) and that even if the desalination facility turns out not to be cost effective, ASR would be moving on a separate track and using the same data that is coming out. Mrs. Serrato stated that Coastal Bend Bays Foundation had been mentioned; however, she wanted to know if the Coastal Bend Bays and Estuary Program (CBBEP) had been involved. Mrs. Olivarri stated that they had not done anything with the CBBEP, but they had done a presentation to CBBF and maybe conduct another presentation in April. She asked if a presentation should be given to CBBEP. Mrs. Olivarri stated that there were issues with the possible entrapment of animals that can get sucked in and hurt. She reported that subsidence was also a concern to Padre Island residents. The City would not accept subsidence to occur with the Padre Island project, which would affect the entire pumping strategy. On the other hand, residents asked of the possibility of uplifting formation with the use of deep well injection or ASR. Shiner- Moseley has been leading the regulatory agency meetings with TCEQ and Corps of Engineers, so that if and when the City is ready to submit, they are aware of the permit process. Mrs. Olivarri stated that a group in the community feels that Corpus Christi has never given desalination serious consideration. Whether a decision is made to go forward with one or both or neither plants, Mrs. Olivarri stated that the message would be given back to the community to explain the City's intent to find economical sense in using seawater. She stated that Mr. Kent attended the recent public hearing and one of the concerns/issues was the City's commitment to develop a large-scale desalination project. A statement made by Mr. Massey that the City has enough water through the year 2052. If a desalination plant of that magnitude were built, it would have to be based on the commitment from outside areas to help fund it. Mr. Johnson stated that he thinks people are not really concerned. He stated that many people would be happy, no matter if it's 1 or 3 years down the road. Mrs. Olivarri stated that the residents want a resource at the lowest practical price. Mr. 3 Johnson stated that society does not really care about money and that they will pay whatever the cost when the time comes. Mrs. Olivarri agreed and especially for things like water. Mrs. Olivarri stated that she and several other employees worked during the 1980's drought when water was rationed, and that some people were willing to pay whatever price for water. Mrs. Serrato asked if part of the future strategy would be to breakdown the dollars and cents of the cost project. Mrs. Olivarri stated that yes, but that her firm always cautions about using a dollar figure because people remember numbers. The City should have definitive costs available by June on the Padre Island project. She stated that one of the issues of the Padre Island project was to compare apples to apples. She stated that the City was trying very hard to plan for the future, not only for Packery Channel, but also for a substantial part of the land from Padre Island to the city of Port Aransas. Dr. Rue asked what the Governor's position would be when the results come out on the desalination project. She wanted to know if there was something happening at the State level that will provide water to the entire State. Mrs. Olivarri stated that Rep. Luna was very committed to the project and wanted Corpus Christi involved because the City was ideally suited for it. Dr. Rue asked why we are doing the same studies at the same time. Mrs. Olivarri stated that each site would have different costs and environmental issues. Mr. Ybarra stated that everyone wants to know if we can do desalination. We have to answer that question. Dr. Rue asked why we were involved in both projects. Mr. Ybarra stated that the State is interested in doing a larger-scale desalination project. He stated that the City does not need additional water at this time. The City has enough water through the year 2052. Corpus Christi does not need a 1.5 mgd desalination facility. The Governor and the Mayor want to determine if a desalination plant can be built. Corpus Christi does need additional water pressure to Padre Island and that is why the City is proceeding with the small-scale project. Padre Island's water pressure is at the end of the City's water transmission line, resulting in low water pressures. Mr. Ybarra stated that they have needed to improve water pressure to Padre Island for years. In addition, Mr. Ybarra reminded the Committee of the 30 year old pipeline that is dire need of replacement. Mrs. Olivarri stated that there are some activities at the federal level. If the City • wanted to build a dam, the Bureau of Reclamation would come in and help. She stated that there really hasn't been any involvement in desalination facilities in any large way, but there are some discussions and bills as part of the reauthorization of the Water Act that could potentially put some money forward and either in the form of cash or tax credits; it is yet to be known. One of the reasons for the City to stay involved is based on the possibility of retaining federal commitment. Mrs. Olivarri stated just as Mr. Ybarra stated, that we may not need the water, but other neighboring cities could use the water. If we have a good location and it would help our neighbors, then it makes sense for us to go ahead and do it. Mrs. Serrato stated that the Padre Island project and the State's initiative as both 4 1 \ J were initially proposed have some things in common; although, they are totally different. As they go forward, it seems that some of these things are going to overlap the closer in scope that they become. She stated that the Governor's project would allow the City to do some trade-offs. She stated that it was not how much water you have, but how much water you have where you really need it. She stated that if we don't need the water here, but we know that in the future cities such as San Antonio would be interested in contractual arrangements so that there is no net cost to the people here. The City's surface raw water has operational, transmission and piping problems vs. operational problems and maintenance on desalination. Dr. Rue asked if the State would operate the facility. Mr. Ybarra stated that it was possible. Mrs. Olivarri stated that it was possible that it could be a moneymaker. Mrs. Olivarri stated that the State project is specifically trying to look at seawater, that the Padre Island project looked at seawater for desalination, but the economics of scale are not cost effective unless you get up to a large enough plant and that is one of the battles that goes on with the smaller plant, you pay a lot more for each mgd. She stated that the Governor's project is going to take a hard look at large-scale desalination. Mr. Johnson stated that it bothers him that we have a small project and a large project, but the end result would be basically the same, potable water. He stated that if there is some overlapping between the two projects and the methods are going to be similar, why are we trying to rush to get our project ready when we can wait to see what the Governor's project is going to produce and vice-versa? He stated that it seemed as though we should wait and let them do the brunt of the investigation. Mrs. Olivarri stated that the Padre Island area does not need a 25-mgd plant today; however, estimated growth projections indicate the need for approximately 19 mgd. Mr. Ybarra stated that you wouldn't need a plant even 20, 40 or 50 years from now, but the City expected lot of growth out there, but on a smaller scale. Mrs. Olivarri stated that even with the growth projections, you would only need a 20 mgd plant within 50 years. Mrs. Olivarri stated that it is known that we need to get more water out to Padre Island; however, it must be determined whether it makes good sense to do a pipeline, or to combine desalination and ASR and try to meet those needs, for both Nueces County Water Control and Improvement District#4 (NCWCID #4) in Port Aransas and for Padre Island residents. Mrs. Serrato asked if NCWCID #4 also received water from San Patricio Municipal Water District. Mrs. Olivarri stated that they predominantly take most of their water from the City's waterline that goes to the Island. If they need additional water from the City, they will have to lay down another line. They maintain control of their line from the plant on the Island, but also from the Police Department station to Aransas Pass. Mrs. Serrato asked if there had been any discussions about the movement with regard to groundwater resources that might become available to the San Patricio Municipal Water District. Mrs. Olivarri stated that she knew that San Patricio Municipal Water District was looking at their options. Mr. Castaneda stated that there was a groundwater district, and that there was a group in San Patricio looking at selling water directly to San Patricio Municipal Water District. Mrs. Serrato stated that she believed that San Patricio Municipal Water District had a request for proposals out to two parties for ground water resources. Mrs. Olivarri stated that James Dodson had been involved in those groundwater issues because he works with one of those potential suppliers. She stated that it is a 5 very complicated procedure. Mr. Ybarra stated that a San Antonio newspaper article focused on the whole issue of water supply to that area and that James Dodson's name was mentioned as working for the owners of ground water. Mrs. Serrato stated she had received a newsletter regarding groundwater and believes that some of the ground and surface water issues would be challenged because the General Land Office was trying to cut a deal in West Texas that would allow marketing groundwater located under State land. People have gotten excited about the State's involvement with marketing groundwater when all along they have had sole ownership. She stated that this is going to be a big battle because ground water districts that have established themselves during the last 6 years will not be allowed to operate as before. Mrs. Olivarri stated that a newspaper article on ground water districts quoted Susan Combs, Land Commissioner, regarding the hearings taking place in ten (10) different locations throughout the state, starting in West Texas. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality is expected to review these issues in the interim. Mrs. Olivarri thanked the Committee for asking them to make a presentation. III. Update on the Governor's Desalination Project and the Texas Water Development Board $500,000 Grant Mr. Castaneda stated that Mayor Neal and Rep. Capelo had attended the public hearing held on January 8 at City Hall. He stated that the presentation was the same one that was given to the Region N the day before. He stated that the Texas Water Development Board made the grant funds available. He stated that Corpus Christi was one of three cities chosen. He stated that the feasibility report would have three chapter reports, one from each city that obtained a grant. Mrs. Serrato stated that she had always known that the Tampa Bay project was subsidized, but she had never heard it in terms of $300 per acre-foot.. She stated that the water resources from Lake Corpus Christi / Choke Canyon Reservoir costs about $350 per acre-foot and if the State of Florida is subsidizing this amount, it is a large subsidy. Mr. Castaneda stated that thenext opportunity to provide comments would be at 50 percent and also at a public meeting planned for late July. He stated that all the information would be on the City website. Mrs. Serrato stated that she hoped the Committee would be receiving updates on both projects around the same time that Council is getting information. She suggested that it would be good if the Committee got information before going to the City Council, so that the Committee could review and make the Council aware of any issues. Mrs. Olivarri stated. that a presentation on the large- scale project was scheduled for early April. Mrs. Serrato stated that she was certain the Committee would be willing to meet a month earlier to allow for review of the presentation. IV. U. S. Bureau of Reclamation Grant to Revise City's Water Conservation Plan Mrs. Marruffo stated that the U. S. Bureau of Reclamation had grant funds to help revise the City's Water Conservation Plan. She stated that the City Water Conservation Plan was last revised in 1999. The Bureau of Reclamation is requesting a revision of the City's Conservation Plan by September 2004. TCEQ is also requiring 6 water utilities to revise water conservation plans by May 1, 2005. The City would be look at the possibility of entering into a five-year agreement with the Bureau of Reclamation, whereby the City would be able to receive additional financial and technical assistance. Mrs. Marruffo stated that the City would be reviewing the proposed Best Management Practices (BMP) as prepared by the Water Conservation Implementation Task Force. She stated that the State Task Force would finalize their BMP's no later than November 2004. She stated that the Bureau was offering a 50/50 matching grant. The consultant would conduct demand and supply analyses on water usage and identify per capita water use, which determines the average residential water customer use per day. Mrs. Marruffo stated that per capita is not always a good indicator of water use for the community, but it is one of the methodologies used to find out what is being consumed within the realms of residential and commercial use. She stated we would also be studying the water use patterns for residential, commercial and industrial users. Mrs. Serrato asked if the Committee would have the opportunity to see the best management practices and conservation plan and provide feedback. Mrs. Marruffo stated that the Committee would have an opportunity to comment on the Water Conservation Plan prior to submission. Mrs. Stockseth asked if there was a copy of the City's Water Conservation Plan. Mrs. Marruffo stated that there was a copy on the City's website. V. New or Old Business Mrs. Serrato asked the Committee if their needs were being met in terms of the information that was being provided to the Committee. She asked if there were any other items that any Committee member wanted to know about or another process the Committee should be using on getting feedback to the Council or consultants, to please let her or Mrs. Marruffo know. With no further business, Mr. Johnson made a motion to adjourn. Dr. Rue seconded and the motion was unanimously approved. New or Old Business Next meeting was set for April 15, 2004. Adjourn Meeting adjourned at 1:15 p.m. 7