Minutes - Board - 2007-01-24�1
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COSTA MESA SANITARY DISTRICT
MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING
JANUARY 24, 2007
The Costa Mesa Sanitary District held a Special Meeting at 10:30 a. m. on Monday,
January 22, 2007 at 628 W. 19th Street, Costa Mesa.
Directors Present: Bob Ooten, Gary Monahan, James Ferryman
Staff Present: Robin B. Hamers, Manager /District Engineer; Tom Fauth, Assistant
Manager; Joan Revak, Board Secretary/Program Manager /Clerk of
the District; Joe Limon, Inspector
0 Selection of Sub - Committee Chairman
Director Monahan volunteered to become the Committee Chairman. Attending Committee
Directors and Staff agreed to rename the Committee the Sewer System Committee to
better address all aspects of the District Sewer System including main lines, pump
stations and laterals and not remain limited to just the topics of sewer laterals, inspections
and lateral insurance.
Establish Goals
Mr. Hamers gave an overview of the Sub - Committee meeting Agenda and the District
Sewer System to assist in establishing goals. Mr. Hamers emphasized the need for the
District to educate residents to regularly maintain their sewer laterals and understand
operations and maintenance responsibilities.
Mr. Hamers reviewed the City of Costa Mesa's policy on sewer lateral damage caused by
City tree roots and the District's policy on main line blockages caused by City tree roots.
To date, the District has yet to seek reimbursement from the City for City tree root
damage to sewer mains. Over the years, the District has watched as residents repair
sewer lateral damage caused by City tree roots and then have their claims rejected by the
City, with their only recourse being to file in small claims or civil court. Mr. Hamers stated
the City theorizes that root intrusion would not occur in a lateral unless defective
construction caused an opening in a joint, which then allowed the root intrusion. The City
rejects the claim based on defective construction by others. Mr. Hamers stated that tree
roots are strong enough to buckle sidewalks and driveways and these same forceful roots
can easily cause an offset joint, which will allow root intrusion.
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Minutes of Special Meeting
January 24, 2007
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Mr. Hamers drew a typical scenario diagram on the white board to clarify the points.
Mr. Hamers noted the property owner is responsible for the lateral lines within the District
and the District pays for repairs through the Special District Risk Management Agency if a
main line is blocked and causes a spill in a facility.
Mr. Fauth will research funding for sewer lateral repairs through insurance and the status
of California legislature covering Point of Sale sewer lateral inspection requirements in
preparation for the next Sewer System Committee Meeting. Typical costs for sewer
lateral inspections are scheduled to be reviewed for the City of Newport Beach and the
City of Santa Ana during the March 15, 2007 Orange County Sanitation District (OCSD)-
hosted seminar.
Sewer Lateral Basics
Mr. Hamers provided an overview of preferred sewer system main line materials,
properties, wyes, life expectancies, slopes, cleanouts and compression and mechanical
joints, as described in the Mission Clay Pipe brochures. The District's preference is to use
vitrified clay pipe (VCP).
Mr. Fauth described the hierarchy of sewer emergency responses. During business
• hours, Staff responds to sewer emergencies. After hours, C &R Drains is the first
responder to sewer emergencies.
Mr. Hamers described the typical locations for cleanouts in response to Director
Monahan's inquiry, depending on whether the facility owner is responsible for the lateral
or if a jurisdiction such as the City of Newport Beach retains the responsibility. Other
cities retaining lateral responsibilities include Santa Ana and Fullerton.
Mr. Hamers gave examples of Inflow and Infiltration (1 /1), illegal sewer connections and
the concept of plugging manhole covers. CMSD is addressing the issue of Inflow with an
OCSD closed circuit television (CCTV) grant. Mr. Hamers explained the District approach
to Hotspots and identified some areas where iron pipe has deteriorated. Mr. Hamers
noted 1/1 has never caused a CMSD SSO.
Mr. Fauth reviewed highlights from the first meeting on Point of Sale programs held
August 17, 2006 with local area realtors and property managers.
Director Ooten detailed some history and background on the nationwide Environmental
Protection Agency Clean Water Act and the General Waste Discharge Requirements.
Mr. Hamers reviewed the events leading to establishing the District's Grease Ordinance,
noting CoastKeepers sued Garden Grove Sanitary District for $53 million.
• Directors Monahan and Ooten recommended the District research the feasibility of
providing welcome packages to new residents through the Chamber of Commerce,
realtors and property management companies as is done with the Welcome Wagon.
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January 24, 2007
The District has two standby diesel generators, two very old portable pumps and one new
portable pump to respond to emergencies. Pump Station site limitations prevent the use
of on -site backup diesel generators. Director Ooten suggested pre - positioning equipment
where feasible to minimize the effects of sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs), decrease
response times and revisit the vault and main line storage capacities as was done at
OCSD.
Director Monahan emphasized the need to prevent and contain SSOs, the need to
educate District customers and restated the issues concerning lateral repairs and the City
of Costa Mesa tree root policy.
Mr. Hamers noted the west side pump station abandonment project would save money
over time, but millions of dollars would be required to accomplish this goal. Director
Ferryman suggested exploring if there is any available grant money to fund the project..
Mr. Hamers stated OCSD and the CMSD should meet again to discuss participation by
OCSD.
Director Ooten inquired as to the potential reduction in SSOs if water -free urinals became
standard.
Lateral Inspections
• Members briefly discussed the Plumbing Survey and CCTV Cost Survey, noting some
plumbing companies now offer trenchless sewer repairs. Staff will expand the list of local
plumbers to include those offering trenchless sewer repairs and specific techniques within
the District and refine the CCTV Cost Survey for individual capabilities.
Mr. Fauth will verify the number of parcels and laterals within the District and the spill
history of the District and other Orange County sewer agencies.
The next meeting was scheduled for February 21, 2007 at 10:30 a.m.
Public Comments
No members of the public were present.
Adjournment
Chairman Monahan adjourned the meeting at 12:15 p.m.
SECRETARY PRESIDENT
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