12-01-1998 CC RPT 12 - Laserfiche WebLink

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CITY OF RIVERSIDE CITY COUNCIL MEMORANDUM HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL DATE: December 1, 1998 ITEM NO.: 12 SUBJECT: PILOT DEWATERING PROGRAM FOR THE BUNKER HILL BASIN Background: The San Bemardino Valley Municipal Water District (SBVMWD) has prepared an Initial Study of a pilot dewatering program for the Bunker Hill Bash for City of Riverside review and comment. This study, required by the California Environmental Quality Act, describes a five year program that would remove 25,000 acre feet of groundwater under the City of San Bemardino for discharge into the Santa Ana River. According to the study, this program is intended to reduce unacceptably high groundwater levels to 15 feet below ground surface and therefor reduce the risk of liquefaction and other adverse impacts associated with high groundwater. Water pumped from wells would be deposited into existing pipelines and canals for discharge into the river at two points depending on the quality of the water. One avenue of conveyance would be via the Riverside Canal, Spring Brook storm drain, an existing bypass pipe around Lake Evans in Fairmount Park and ultimate discharge into the river near the Mission Avenue bridge. Although the city staff supports this program in concept, several questions have been raised regarding the length of this pilot project, maintenance responsibilities, and potential liability issues that should be more fully explored before formal City of Riverside comments are forwarded to the SBVMWD. Staff recommended mitigating measures suggested to be included in the Initial Study have been forwarded to SBVWMD with the understanding that formal City Council comments will be made available in the near future. Since this project is somewhat complex it is suggested that both the City Council' s Land Use Committee and the full Council review this matter in greater detail. RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council request the Land Use Committee to review the proposed pilot dewatering program at its December 17, 1998 meeting and forward the committee's report and recommendations to the full Council for consideration on January 5, 1999. Formal City comments will then be forwarded to the SBVWMD Prepared by: ../' -/ ~-/_,, "- Stephen ~. Whyld Planning Director Approved by: Johri E. Holmes City Manager 12-1