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HomeMy WebLinkAboutM051271GREATER OROVILLE AREA SEWER PROJECT PROPOSAL INFORMATIONAL HEARING Wednesday, May 12, 1971 The Board of Supervisors met at 7:45 g.m. in the Board of Supervisors' Room, Courthouse, Oroville, California. Present: Supervisors Madigan, McKillop, and Chairman Reynolds; Robert ~rJinston, Mayor of Oroville; Henry Sirjesse, Chairman, Thermalito Irrigation District; Bill Crooks, representing Mr. Carnahan of the Water duality Control Board; Mr. Ingaser and Mr. Orson Shepard, Chair- man of the North Burbank Utility District; Lynn Van Hart, represen- tative of the Butte County Health Department; Eugene Ringel, Civil Engineer; George Stamm, County Water Resources Engineer; Clay Castleberry, Director of Public Works; Cliff Mickelson, Administrative Officer; Neil McCabe, Deputy County Counsel. INTRODUCTION Chairman Reynolds called the meeting to order and explained that the purpose of the meeting was to answer questions that the people had regarding the sewage treatment plant. This hearing is being held at the request of the Palermo residents who are concerned about possible pollution of water and possible eventuality of hooking up to this sys- tem in the future. Chairman Reynolds introduced the members of the various City and County agencies connected with this project and also the special repre- sentatives working with the City and County on this project. Supervisor McKillop expanded on Chairman Reynolds' remarks by stating that the Board of Supervisors has no jurisdiction over this matter; the Board is merely holding this hearing to better inform the people concerned. He stated that we must come up with a workable plan soon in order to qualify for an 80 - 90/ federal loan for this regional plan which would incorporate three separate districts. APPEARANCES Mr. Dan Cook, Civil Engineer with Cook Associates, prefaced the question-and-answer period with a showing of slides tracing the growth of greater Oro•ville, the need to work cooperatively toward a construc- tive goal, and a description of the proposed sewage treatment plant. Mr, Cook also used a large map of an aerial view of the Oroville area to trace the complete course of the proposed sewer system. Mr. James L. A11en, Route 2, Box 2375, Oroville, located his property on the aerial view map and questioned Mr. Cook's figures about rainfall in the area. He expressed concern regarding flooding in the rainy season and the pollution of the domestic wells in the area. Mr. L. F, Myers, Route 2, Box 2724, Oroville, located his property on the aerial view map and expressed concern about the flooding of `s9" rage 2 Wyandotte Creek. He described the make-up of the soil in the area, saying that this type of subterranean make-up carries any pollutants across the land, thus possibly polluting the domestic wells in the area. He recommended a State or federal investigation of this pro- ject, stating that petitions with 284 signatures had already been sent to Washington, D.C. and to Sacramento. He felt that we should not rely solely on the opinions of one en~~ineering firm. Supervisor Reynolds stated that a firm must adhere to certain standards set up by the State and Federal governments. He stated that the Federal government would not allow an installation to be put in that would jeopardize the people of the area. Mr. Bill Crooks, Water Quality Control Engineer, stated that they Piave established stringent requirements to which the sewage plant must adhere. The Water Quality Control Board feels that there is no threat to the domestic wells in the area. He also assured the people that additional reports are required before any action can be taken in this area. Discussion followed between Supervisor McKillop and Mr. Myers about the disposal problem. Mrs. A. Bueler, Route 2, Box ?740 B, Oroville, Located her pro- perty on the aerial view map and expressed concern about the flooding of Honcutt Creek. Mr. Bob Allen, P, 0. Box 273, Palermo, expressed approval of the regional plan but questioned the City of Oroville taking charge of it. He stated that this has not been a joint effort in relation to Palermo. The people of Palermo are concerned with the present plan- ning and administration of this proposed system, and they are worried about the rates. Supervisor McKillop reminded Mr. A11en that it is not mandatory for Palermo to hook up to this system, but Mr. Allen stated that a time will come in the future when it will be mandatory. Mr. Allen suggested a truly regional method of planning with repre- sentatives from all the areas that will be using the system in the future. Supervisor McKillop stated that Palermo could be included in the planning phase of the system if they will participate in the cost. He suggested that Palermo could form a service area whereby the initial costs would not be too great. If this were done, Palermo would then be a participating identity, and the system would be shared by four rather than three separate districts. Mrs. Harriett Harper spoke from the audience and reiterated Mr. Allen's statements about Palermo not having a voice in the planning of the plant. Mr. David Bradley, Lone Tree Road, Oroville, located his property on the aerial view map and asked what guarantee the people have that there will be no pollution. Mr. Cook reed a passage stating the standards that must be met in regard to water purity. Mr. Crooks stated that a bond cannot be required to help insure the water quality. Mr. Cook stated that the location is not yet fixed. There still must be a meeting of five separate agencies which must be satisfied before further progress is achieved. At the request of Chairman Reynolds, Clay Castleberry described assessment districts and County service areas, two methods of financing that areas can utilize. Mrs. Iola Myers spoke from the audience questioning the choice for the site of the plant. Mr. Donald W. Guidici, Box 25, Palermo, questioned Mr. Cook about the treatment ponds and also asked about the use of the treated water for irrigation purposes. Mr_. Cook stated that there would be no pro- blem in this area. Mr. Guidici asked about other possible sites for' Page 3 the plant. Mr. Cook stated that he had researched various types of facilities but this one provided the most benefits to the people at the least cost. Mr. Guidici also asked about the mosquito hazard and about possible harm to water fowl. Mr. Charles Jones, 7600 Grier, Oroville, located his property on the aerial view map and asked if the location of the plant would have any effect on the orange-packing plant. He also expressed concern about possible contamination of wells. Mr. Mosse Uchida, Route 2, Box 2751, Oroville, located his pro- perty on the aerial view map and expressed concern for his melon in- distry which he fears could be harmed by contaminants in the air. His melons must pass certain health standards in order to be shipped interstate. Supervisor McKillop asked Mr. Cook what specific restraints could be applied if something were found to be wrong. Mr. Crooks stated that 1) there could be a cease and desist order issued, or 2) the Board can go to enforcement action under the Attorney General with fines up to $$6,000 per day. Mr. Uchida asked if the State will make regular checks on the discharge water. Mr. Crooks stated that not only the State, but also the plant itself will make periodic checks on the water. Mr. Lynn Uan Hart stated that all of these require- ments mentioned are also under the review of the Health Department and many other agencies. Mr. Uchida asked if the valuation of the land would remain the same. Supervisor McKillop stated that the land can be bought bac'•c at four times the assessed valuation. Mrs. Bertha Carmon, Route 2, Box 2742 A, Oroville, asked whose responsibility it was to maintain the creek. Mr. Cook stated that the creek will have to be realigned. Mrs. Carmon is certain that her house will be flooded if this plant is put in. Supervisor McKillop stated that if her property is damaged, she will be reimbursed. RECESS: 10:30 p.m. RECONVENE: 10:40 p.m. Chairman Reynolds stated that with the technology and engineering required, the Federal Government and the State will assure that the proper standards are met. He stated that there are other agencies that will be checking this plan. Chairman Reynolds also invited the residents of Palermo to come before the Board during a regular meeting if they are interested in forming a County Service Area and if they have any questions regarding this. Mr. Tom Powell, Route 2, Box 2739 A, Oraville, located his pro- perty on the aerial view map and discussed the flooding of the creek. He asked Mr. Cook if the figures and reports that he had cited earlier were available to the public; Mr. Cook said that they were. SUMMARY Supervisor McKillop stated that many questions were answered tonight. Although the Board of Supervisors has no jurisdiction in this area, he feels that another meeting of this type would be bene- ficial. Both Supervisor Madigan and Chairman Reynolds concurred. ADJOURNMENT: 11:00 p.m. ATTESS: CLARK A. NELSON, COiJNTY CLERK Deputy C1 k Chairman of t e Board