4j - Identifying Sewer Laterals with Roots using CCTV Data Costa Mesa Sanitary District
…an Independent Special District
Protecting our community’s health and the environment by providing solid waste and sewer collection services.
www.cmsdca.gov
Memorandum
To: Board of Directors
From: Scott Carroll, General Manager
Date: November 12, 2013
Subject: Identifying Sewer Laterals with Roots using CCTV Data
Summary
From 2006 to 2009, the District closed circuit televised (CCTV) the entire sewer system.
Staff has access to a database of 74,405 video observations of the District’s system. The
Board directed staff to develop a means of using this database to identify the private
sewer laterals that have significant root intrusion. Staff will then match the videos with
Assessor Parcel Numbers (APN) and home addresses to consider contacting
homeowners about the condition of their laterals. The homeowners will be made aware of
the District’s Sewer Lateral Assistance Program (SLAP).
Staff Recommendation
That the Board of Directors receive and file this report.
Analysis
Of the 74,405 video observations, 2,900 or 3.89% have root intrusion. Notes on the
observations ranged from root ball, fine roots, roots in joints, and medium roots. Roots in
joints can be mitigated by having the District install top hats and/or short liners, but the
focus of this project is to identify laterals that have heavy roots deep inside laterals.
The next step is to rate the condition of 2,900 laterals by giving each lateral a score of 1 to
5 with 5 meaning heavy roots that needs immediate attention. Staff will notify residents
with laterals that receive a 5 rating. Residents will be notified about the condition of their
lateral and refer them to the District’s SLAP.
Board of Directors
November 12, 2013
Page 2 of 2
Additional funding may be needed to implement this project. For instance, if 1,000 out of
the 2,900 laterals receive a rating of 5 it will cost the District $460 in postage for mailing
said notices. Furthermore, if all 1,000 homeowners participated in SLAP, it could cost the
District $1.6 million, assuming all homeowners were eligible to receive the maximum
reimbursement amount of $1,600.
Strategic Plan Element & Goal
This item complies with Strategic Element 1.0, Sewer Infrastructure and Strategic Goals
No. 1.4, System wide Sewer Replacement and Repair Program and No. 1.9, Sewer
Lateral Assistance Program.
Legal Review
Not applicable
Environmental Review
Notifying owners there are roots in their sewer laterals is not a disturbance of the
environment directly or indirectly similar to grading or construction and is not a project
under CEQA or the District’s CEQA Guidelines.
Financial Review
Funding is not available to implement this project. In addition, the amount of funding it will
take to fulfill this objective cannot be achieved in one year. Staff believes it will be fiscally
prudent for the District to send notices to homeowners periodically and to stay within
approved budget amounts for postage and for SLAP.
Public Notice Process
Copies of this report are on file and will be included with the entire agenda packet for the
November 12, 2013 Board of Directors study session meeting at District headquarters and
on District’s website.
Alternative Actions
1. Direct staff to report back with additional information.