25C - AGMT - MOU - OCWD AT CENTENNIAL

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REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE: JUNE 17, 2014 TITLE: MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH THE ORANGE COUNTY WATER DISTRICT FOR WATER INJECTION WELLS AT CENTENNIAL PARK CITY MANA R RECOMMENDED ACTION CLERK OF COUNCIL USE ONLY: APPROVED ❑ As Recommended ❑ As Amended ❑ Ordinance on 1s' Reading ❑ Ordinance on 2n° Reading ❑ Implementing Resolution ❑ Set Public Hearing For CONTINUED TO FILE NUMBER Authorize the City Manager and Clerk of the Council to execute a Memorandum of Understanding with the Orange County Water District for water injection wells at Centennial Park, subject to non - substantive changes approved by the City Manager and City Attorney. DISCUSSION The Orange County Water District (OCWD) is proposing the installation of four water injection wells and water supply lines in Centennial Park. The injection wells will be underground and installed flush to grade in four parking lots at Centennial Park (see attached MOU and site plan). The plan shows two alternatives (Alternative A & B) for the location of the water supply lines. The final route will be determined at a later date as more information becomes available. The injection wells will be used to inject purified recycled water into the aquifer that will be available for portable drinking water. This area has the lowest annual recorded groundwater elevation with the highest public water pumping levels. The project is estimated to raise the groundwater level up to 25 feet and lessen any colored water intrusion from the underlying deep aquifer. This location is also in close proximity to the Orange County Groundwater Replenishment System pipeline in the Santa Ana River. Construction of the well sites will be in phases to reduce impact to our park users. Each well will take 2 months to drill and 6 months to complete. Upon completion the OCWD will improve all parking lots and roadway in the park in exchange for establishing a 30 year easement agreement. The Centennial Park deed from the Federal Government requires the site to be used for recreational purposes only. Sections of the park were developed with Land and Water Conservation Grant Funding (LWCF) administered by the State. Any lease or easements in the park require approval from both agencies. Staff has informed both agencies of the OCWD proposal. Since all permanent improvements will be underground with minimal /no impact to the recreational purpose of the site, both agencies have granted preliminary approval, pending submittals of environmental analysis and other formal documents. OCWD will prepare the CEQA and NEPA Analysis for submittal to the State & NIPS. 25C -1