LAKEPORT— At their Tuesday March 19 meeting, the Lake County Board of Supervisors heard an item regarding the Konocti Gardens Apts. 102 units proposed on Alvita Avenue in Clearlake. This was for direction only and no action was taken. However, the developer would like to connect 2,000 feet of sewer pipe to the city’s system.
The project dates back to June 2020 and before connection the developer must complete hydraulic analysis and a capacity analysis improvements on Alvita Ave. is still missing. “It could cause sewer capacity overflow,” said Scott Harter, Lake County, Special Districts Administrator. He was joined in the presentation by Jessie Salmeron, deputy administrator in charge of finance. “We cannot connect the pipes to the sewer until improvements are made in design of the pipes, of the 2,200 feet of sewer main” Harter stressed. Construction is set to be done in December of this year. Harter noted he’s been working with administrative staff but they have not received a promised video from the developer.
Currently, the Konocti Gardens construction is a family apartment complex off Old Highway 53 in Clearlake, underway since 2020. “From the onset we advised them what requirements will need: A hydraulic capacity analysis to determine the project’s impact on the city’s sewer system will be required to pay capacity expansion fees based on size and the number of units required, on-site improvements be in conformance with their project lead, requirement that onsite improvements be in conformance with Lake County standards and it will be inspected prior to connecting the new piping to the city’s system.” He added approval on those three key points are required on most developments.
“Our staff advised then up front of those requirements; hydraulic analysis was relayed back and forth through the civil engineer, we provided contact information for the firm that has our sewer model in their system and I spoke to my contact at Jacobs Engineering,” Harter said. The developer’s engineers reached out early on in in the process and provided quotes to produce capacity analysis. But for whatever reason, it was not performed. Harter also recalled that staff periodically checked with the developer and reminded him of matters still outstanding prior to occupancy as they were getting closer.
“It finally came to a head last fall, they were wanting to know the three things still outstanding, Harter said, “But they still had not paid their capacity fees (and had not) completed (a) capacity analysis study, and we still had not inspected their improvements. In December 2023, I talked about the capacity study with Jacob’s Engineering on our behalf, advising them they could still exceed wet capacity, by 50% full. It would not cause it to spill, but not exceed our design standards. We came with results and we’re working towards a design and construction of those improvements before they connect. The engineer’s recommendation was they cannot connect until those improvements are done; it would result in a sewer spill. It would not be good for us, the regulatory agency, and not good for the community, ” he said.
“What’s the post-design process, is that the same … emergency ability used similarly for construction, or does construction have to go out for Request for Proposals?” asked Sabatier. Harter made a rather lengthy explanation. “In regards to wet weather analysis, giving the vulnerable conditions of this system, we recommend improving this pipe with or without this project,” Harter said. Here we are less than 30 days out of potential occupancy of 52 units sometime in May … this developer had been given assurances, this was not an issue, so long as Special Districts can complete the project in October and pay a portion of the cost, which they agreed.”
But Harter pointed out, today they have a different story. “We have a $4 million investment that hinges on new information. It’s impacting hundreds of low-income residents. The city, the board and Special Districts need to find a way to occupancy for this project as was expected and move heaven and earth to get this project done. But this pipe lays under a road that was recently paved by the city and the road is going to have to be replaced road and (that will) increase the cost of that road by $300 to $400,000.
Sabatier conceded the project time lines didn’t match up and was unsure where the ball was dropped, if the city, developer or the special districts, but recent new state laws did not help where they pushed to streamline processes. He wondered aloud if local government can use the same emergency procedures from the prior three yeas to keep pushing forward with the project.
Harter said his department was looking at it the same way at the Konocti Gardens project in order to proceed as quickly and efficiently as possible with occupancy in a way that doesn’t put Lake County at liability and a potential risk and spills.
He went on to say that the capacity fees were paid a couple of months ago, so that item has been checked off. They have also conducted on site inspections and were at the tail end of that. And it was reported at the on site locations passed the mandrill test with pipes in good condition. It also passed pressure and leak tests and it is known that is all in good condition. The video has not been submitted but is anticipated soon and staff will review it promptly. “That will provide any information, whether there’s any defects. So, were close to having our inspection of facilities completed. And we’re looking at getting the mitigation project underway, Harter said. Sabatier added, “Keep us posted.”
