HomeMy WebLinkAbout08/19/81 AGENDA
WATER BOARD -CITY OF BAKERSFIELD
WEDNESDAY,. AUGUST 19, 1981
4:00 P.M.
Call meeting to order
Roll Call - Board Members: Barton, Chairman; Payne, Ratty, Kelmar,
Oberholzer
1. Approve minutes of regular meeting of July 22, 1981.
2. Scheduled. Public Statements
3. Correspondence
/a) Letter from Olcese Water District dated
July 23, 1981 regarding spreading and
extraction improvements to City's 2800
acre spreading facility. - SUGGESTED
ACTION: RECEIVE, FILE AND REFER TO
.... WATER MANAGER.
/b) Letter from Rosedale-Rio Bravo Water -
Storage District dated July 29, 1981
regarding City's Master Spreadin~
Agreement Conceptual Outline. - SUGGESTED
ACTION: RECEIVE, FILE AND REFER TO
WATER ~NAGER.
~4. Adopt a tentative project.for environmental analysis and development
of City's 28~0 acre spreading area. -. SUGGESTED ACTION: "PROPOSED
PLAN OF DEVELOPMENT," Appendix "A", which has been derived from
the Ricks, Taylor & Meyer, Inc. "City of Bakersfield 2800 acre
Groundwater Recharge Area Optimization.Study", dated March, 1981.
5. Adopt a schedule of construction for extraction facilities to be
completed by Olcese Water District pursuant to Article 1, 77-07 W.B.,
as amended. ~ SUGGESTED ACTION: CONSTRUCT PHASE I EXTRACTION
FACILITIES AS FOLLOWS:
a) Construct one well with a capacity of no less
than 2000 GPM in the NW corner of Section 16,
TWN 30S., RGE 26E., adjacent to the River Canal
subject to the conditions set forth in City
Water Board letter to Olcese Water District
dated'July 22, 1981, construction to commence
no later than September 1, 1981 with completion
no later than December 31, 1981.
b) Construct additional wells as required to produce
2,000 acre feet per month, each with a pumping
capacity of no less than 2000 GPM, to be located
by City after pumping experience on the initial
well is analyzed, all of which are to be constructed
no later than July 1, 1982.
v/ 6. Designate a liaison officer to act_, in behalf of Kern River Interests
to satisfy Federal Energy Regulatory Commission requirements for
the Preliminary Permit issued on the "Junction Power Project."
SUGGESTED ACTION: STAFF RECO_~4ENDS ENGINEERING FIRM OF BOOKMAN-
EDMONSTON ENGINEERING, INC. BE DESIGNATED THE "LIAISON OFFICER."
7. Receive proposed "interim" 2800 acre spreading agreement from Kern
County~Water Agency, dated August 1~, 1981. - SUGGESTED ACTION:
WATER DEPARTMENT STAFF RECOMMENDS BOARD APPROVAL OF "ITERIM"
SPREADING AGREEMENT PREPARED BY CITY WATER CONSULTANTS.
8. Staff Comments
9. Board Comments
10. Adjournment
MINUTES
WATER BOARD - CITY OF BAKERSFIELD
WEDNESDAY, JULY 22, 1981
4:00 P. M.
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Barton in the Depart-
ment of Water Conference Room.
The secretary called the roll as follows:
Present: Barton, Payne, Ratty, Kelmar, Oberholzer
Absent: None
The minutes from the meeting of June 24, 1981, were approved as
presented.
SCHEDULED PUBLIC STATEMENTS
At this time Mr. George Nickel presented and read to the board
a letter from Mel McColloch, .President of Olcese Water. District
dated June 22, 1981, regarding the outline of improvements to
the City's 2800 acres.
CORRESPONDENCE
A letter from Rosedale-Rio Bravo Water Storage District dated
June 29, 1981, regarding City's Master Spreading Agreement was
presented to the board. Mr. Ratty made a motion that the letter
be received and referred to staff 'for response. The motion.was
passed.
Letter dated July 13, 1981, and attachments from George W. Nickel, Jr.
regarding Kern County Water Agency use of City's 2800 acres was
presented to the board. Mr. Oberholzer made a motion that the
letter be received and placed on file. The motion was passed.
Letter from Kern County Water Agency dated July 1-5, 1981, includ-
ing a copy of Kern County Water Agency Comments on City of Bakers-
field Proposed Master Spreading Agreement was presented to the
board. Mr. Ratty made a motion that the letter be received and
referred to staff for their review and comments. The motion was
passed.
Letter from Mel McColloch read to;the.board under Scheduled Public
Statements, upon motion by Mr. Ratty, was received and placed on
file. The motion was passed.
A request from Stanley C. Hatch, special water attorney for an
hourly rate increase was presented to the board. After discussion
Mr. Ratty made a motion that the Modification of Agreement be
approved and the Chairman authorized to sign.
Proposed Water Board response to Olcese Water District letter
dated June 15, 1981, regarding outline of improvements to City's
2800 acres was presented to the board. Mr. Kelmar made a motion
that th~ letter be signed by the Chairman and sent to Mr. McColloch. '
The motion was passed.
At this time Mr. Hawley asked for authorization of emergency
action on .repairing the pump bowls at Well No. 9, located on
Quailwood Drive. Mr. Hawley explained that on July 14, 1981,
Well No. 9 stopped pumping due to failure of the pump shaft
and bowls. If another well were to go out of service the
system would not be capable of meeting peak~ summer demands.
· California Water Service Company has estimated the repair cost
~ Co ~e $8,000.00 and recommends immediate action to get this
well back in service. Staff concurs with this recommendation
and asks authorization for emergency action to water bid
procedures. Funds are available within the 1981-82 budget.
Mr. Oberholzer made a motion to approve the emergency action
and recommend to the City Council for adoption. The motion
was passed.
At this time Mr. Hawley presented to the board a list of thirteen
(13) Mainline Extension Agreements with Revised Refund Costs to
the board. Mr. Hawley, also, presented nine (9) New Mainline
Extension Agreements which have not been brought before the
board previously, this particular group amounts to $393,051.94
including 387 new services. At this time Mr. Payne made a
motion that the Revised Mainline Extension Agreements and the
New Mainline Extension Agreements be approved. The motion was
passed.
At this time Mr. Hawley presented the Domestic Water Enterprise
Proposed Capital Outlay Program Fiscal Years 1981-82 and 1982-83.
After discussion Mr. Kelmar made a motion that the budget be
approved and submitted to the City Council and, also, that the
budget be submitted to Thomas M. Stetson, Consulting Engineer
for the City for an evaluation. The motion was passed.
At this time.Mr. Payne asked that a written response to the
George Nickel Plkn be brought back to the board. Mr. Chafin
stated a r~sponse would be brought back to the board and that
copies of the plan.have been sent to Stanley Hatch and Thomas
Stetson.
There being no further business to come before the board, Chair-
man Barton adjourned the meeting at 4:35 P.M.
James J. Barton, Chairman
City of Bakersfield Water Board
Linda Hostmyer, Secretary
City of Bakersfield Water Board
JUL 3
8~5/3z~ ,
July 23, 1981 ~~ ~ WA~
James J. Barton
Chairman - City Water Board
Bakersfield, CA 93301
Dea~ Mr. Barton:
I have been advised by the Olcese Water District representatives who
attended the City Water Board meeting on July 22nd that Mr. Nickel did
distribute my July 22nd letter to you and was able to read the letter at
the meeting; however, I am further advised that your proposed letter of
July 14th was approved for mailing without any changes being made to
reflect the contents of my July 22nd letter to you. Based on this
action, I wish to reply to the three (3) conditions noted on page 2 of
your July 14th letter. Ail three (3) conditions are satisfactory to
Olcese. Representatives of Olcese will be in direct touch with the
~City's Water Manager on specific plans and specifications for the first
well to be drilled. As noted to you in my letter of June 15th, I suggest
that the first well should be fully evaluated and that locations for
additional wells will be suggested to your Water Department and acted
upon when approval to proceed is received.
We are ready to work with the City Water Board on implementation of
whatever portion of the Ricks, Taylor & Associates development plan is
approved by the City Water Board. Based on your July 14th letter, it
does appear that the City will be 'including participation in the spreading
area by other entities. We, of course, hope to have the opportunity to
discuss further with the City Water Board and the City Water Department
just what additional spreading facilities will be required to accommodate
spreading by these other entities. At the same time, we look forward to
determining with you payments that will be forth coming from all participating
entities.
Sincerely,
Mel McColloch, President
Olcese Water District
MM:rjp
c- Tom Payne
Richard Oberholzer
Phil Kelmar
Don Ratty
John Chafin,
Owen Goodman
Board of Directors, Olcese Water District
HAND DELIVERED 7-29-81
t // WATER STORAGE DISTRICT .......
2623' F" St., Suite -P.O. Box 867 · Bakersfield, California 93302 · 325-4797
July 29, 1981
JUL :2 1981
Jil~' OF BAKE~FIELD
City of Bakersfield Water Board
4101 Truxtun Avenue
Bakersfield, California 93301
Re: Spreading Program - City of Bakersfield
Gentlemen:
This will supplement our letter of June 29, 1981, regarding the City's
proposed Master Spreading Agreement, and 'prior and proposed agreements for
-the use of the City's spreading facility. Ps previously stated in our letters
of 8/30/79, 4/21/80, and 1/13/81 (copies attached), our Board has questions
which we believe must be resolved in the near future and prior to any extrac-
tion of water from the groundwater basin under the various agreements and
programs. We do not believe the City's earlier efforts under CEQA and
particularly its conclusion that a negative declaration was appropriate have
adequately addressed the issues. However, even full CEQA compliance would
not necessarily resolve differences which may exist.
Your drafting of a proposed Master Spreading Agreement illustrates your
interest in developing a specific and comprehensive program mutually agree-
able to all concerned, however, we have briefly outlined below some of the
specific items which concern us:
1. It is essential that the groundwater storage program does not claim
water that otherwise would have recharged the basin naturally.
Overlying owners and other parties having groundwater rights now
benefit from and are entitled to certain replenishment from the
Kern River. A pr.ogram which adds groundwater storage to diversion
rights which have not previously included storage cannot be allowed
to interfere with the recharge entitlement of existing groundwater
pumpers. Riparian or appropriative rights to divert surface
flows do not include the right to store and to use or exchange the
'water later. Under such rights, water which cannot be put to
immediate use must go to the next diverter or I~o the benefit of
the basin as a whole. This means that if water is to be stored
under the City's spreading grounds, the initial diversion right
must first be defined, its priority established, and credit must
be allowed against the stored water for the amount that would
have gone into recharge had the diversion not been made.
July 29, 1981
City~ of Bakersfield Water Board
Page Two
2. All water rights are associated with a type and place of use.
Generally speaking, changes in these attributes cannot be made
to the detriment of others having rights in the basin. Specifically,
this means that rights to return flows must be protected in the
~recapture and use of stored water. Possible exports from the
basin or substantial increases in consumptive use pose especially
sensitive problems.
3. Movement of water percolated underground on the City's 2800 acres,
must be addressed. The right to recapture stored water must
be related to and dimenished by groundwater movement to other
areas in the basin and subsequently pumped out. Our experience
indicates that water does dissipate in a relatively short p~riod
of time.
4. A proper and public accounting system must be established.
Finally, son, what as an aside, we understand from staff conversat'ions that
the City takes the position that short-term Isabella storage rights can be
equated to long-term groundwater storage rights and thus, transferred.
With this we disagree.
It is important that in the near future we meet and work out acceptable
solutions. We know that the City too is interested in a comprehensive
p.rogram but none the less, we have nothing but a growing number of indi-
vidual agreements which fail to deal with these basic issues. Rosedale,
in one way or another, must take action to protect the interests of the
District and those it represents and all those who plan to participate in
the groundwater storage program should understand that.
We will look forward to hearing from you.
Very truly yours,
ROSEDALE-RIO BRAVO WATER STORAGE DISTRICT
Paul I. Enns ~
President
7-30-81
cC: w/a
S. Hatch
T. Stetson
P. Kelmar
~R. Oberholzer
G. Bogart
F. Core
Hand delivered 1/13/81
'. ~
RIO BRA
~ i ~/ WATER STORAGE DISTRICT
2623 "F" St., Suite L P.O. Box 867 · Bakersfield, California 93302 · 3254797
January 13, 1981
Water Board
.City cf Bakersfield
City ttall
1415 Truxtun Avenue
Bakersfield, CA 93301
Gentlemen:
Since receiving copies of Tenneco West, Inc.'s letter of
August 20, 1980 to the City of Bakersfield, setting forth
an agreement by the City to sell 100,000 ~cre feet of stored
.ground water, our Board has continued to discuss problems
relative to use of the ground water basin in that area
for storage. As you will remember, after the meeting of
August 2, 1979, we sent a letter to the ,City which set
forth our concerns about your program. (A copy of that
letter is enclosed for your reference.) Those concerns
remain. We recognize the City's efforts to work out a
program for use of the ground water basin; none the less,
to date no program has been agreed upon by all interested
entities. The proposed sale of ground water points to
the necessity for action in the near future.
It is the position of Rosedale that the City's Kern River
rights do not entitle the City to store Kern River water
underground, hold title to that water, and then later sell
it. While there ma~ be merit in working out a management
plan which would include the storage of natural flows,
we think such a plan must be accomplished with the agreement
of all affected parties.
It is our desire to continue to discuss these matters with
you, as we strongly think it is essential that a management
plan be established to deal with ~the many problems which
we face in regard to use of the Kern River.and the ground
water basin. We suggest that staffs of the interested
entities be directed to forthwith meet and formulate a'
plan to present to our'various governing bodies. We w~ll
look forward-to hearing from you.
Very truly yours,
ROSEDALE-RIO BP~VO WATER
,Enclosure
' RO$ DAI E
. RIO BRAVO
..... WATER STORAGE DISTRICT .....
2623 "F St., Suite L 'e P.O. Box 867 · Bakersfield, California 93302 · 325~797
City of Bakersfield
Water Board
City tiall
Bakersfield, CA 93301
Gentlemen:
As you will recall, a meeting in regard generally to the
subject of tke Kern River was held by most of the interested
parties on August 2, 1979. As a result of that meeting,
it was. aeciued that the parties would submit in writing
proposals and con'~.ents in regard to the proposed Kern River
Conjunctive bse Program. Rosedale submitted its cormnent
under date of August 30, 1979. It was our understanding
ti~at a second mecting would be scheduled around the end
of September, 1979. -However, to date that meeting has
not been held.
Recently the local newspaper quoted city officials as insist-
ing that Mr. George ~.[ickel move forward with any agreement
between the City and Mr. Nickel which would call for Mr.
Nickel 'to ariil certain water wells on the City's 2800
acre spreading ground, presumably to be used for the exporta-
tion of water to what has com~,only been known as the Rio'
Bravo Annexation to the City.
P, osedale considers that the program' reported in the newspaper
woul~ violate the spirit expressed at the August 2, 1979
meeting. We would ask and sugge, st that the meeting proposed
for last September be rescheduled with the hope that a
Conjunctive Use Program for the River, satisfactory to
all parties can be agreed upon prior to any physical implemen-
tation of the agreement between ~ne City and Mr. Nickel.
Very truly yours,
!
District Manager
'.'.,C: ck '
' 2~2~ °'F" St., Suit~ L e P.O. Box 8§7 · Bakersfield, California ~)~302 · ~25-47~)7
/
/
HAND DEL[VEP, ED
Aug'.~st 30, 1979
r, ir. John Chafin
City of Bakersfield
Department of Water
1501 Truxtun Avenue
Bakersfield, CA 93301
Dear John,
These comments are in response to the ;neeting of August 2, 1979 in regard to
the City's proposed program for the City's 2800 acres. We believe that these
matters should be considered and a resolution of the problems reached before
the program is imple:nented.
The initial area of concern is identifying the water ~.;hich would be available
for the program. The July 18, 1979 outline Implies that the City may consider
that water available on a short-term basis would be the water which could be
percolated and recovered under the proposed program. This position would not
seem to be .consistent with what has historically taken place in replenishing
the groundwater basin. However, as we understand the clarifications made by
Mr. Stetson and Mr. HatctYat the August 2, 1979 meeting, the' City intends only
tha.t water which is tru]y surplus to Kern County, or "new water" would be
considered as available for the proposed program. Therefore, it would seem that
there would seldom, if ever, be Kern River water available, except that water
which historically flowed out of the County. Thus, the only water normally
available for the program would be Friant Kern or other federal ¥~ater, or state
water. Th'e Kern River water which has historically left Kern County, and could
properly be considered as water available for the proposed program, should be
identified specifically so that there is no question as to what water is in fact
being referred to.
To summarize, we believe that it is imperative that prior to the commencement of
the program, and the percolation of any water, that the water be identified as to
source and quantity so that there is no. question in that regard. Of course, .,
waters which historically would have gone into the basin in any event, should still
be percolated in one or more of the historical percolation areas; however, we do
not believe it appropriate for any entity to make claim to that water for recovery
purposes.
Mr. John Chafin
Cit$$~ oF~B~kersfield
August 30, 1979
?age Two
A seconJ general area of concern, which we do not believe has adequately been
addressed, is the problem of underground movement of water. Although it is
possible that in the broad sense, the water which in fact does reach the under-
ground water tables does remain captured until extracted, it is clear that the
underground water basin for the Kern River fan extends far beyond the proposed
area of inclusion for the City.program. Further,'~.Je believe that all studies
confirm that the underground flow gradient for the'fan area carries water, over
a period of time, outside of the geographic limits of the area proposed in the
City's program. As a result, water that is put into the ground in one year
simply will not be there at sonle time in the future. Simply stated, the bank
that you are proposing to use has a hole in the vault which allows the ¥~ater to
floN~ out over a period of .time.
There are several other points which should be considered in dealing with the
extraction portion of the program. First, we believe it clear that there are
presently adequate wells available overlying the fan area to provide 'all necessary
extraction, and that it is totally unnecessary to drill additional wells simply
for extraction purposes under this program. The impact of new wells on the
environment generally and on the groundwater table in the specific area of the
2800 acres is not known, ho:.~ever, it would seem quite clear that a large pumping
effort in a small confined area ~,~ould cause a fairly substantial adverse effect
on the surrounding area.
We also concur, as was pointed out at ti~e August 2, 1979 meeting, that no single
entity has a right to control use of the water extracted from the program. Ue
also agree that the water should not be exported from Kern COunty.
In regard to the proposed S3.00 per acre-foot ,fee or spreading charge that the
City is proposing, based on Rosedale's experience in percolating water over the
last 15 years or more, we feel that a more realistic' capital cost figure for
owning a percolating facility.on a 50-year life basis would be $.2] per acre
foot. ~,~e of course will be more than happy to provide background material used in
arriving at this figu. re.
We are'hopeful that the above questions and comments can be clarified in short
order so ,that we can move fon.~ard with a desired comprehensive ground','~ater manage-
ment program. We are presently attempting to formulate our ideas in this area.
As we understand it, upon your receipt of comments from all of the interested
entities, you will then disseminate the same, and then arrange.for another meeting
to discuss the various items of concern. ~'~e will look forward to hearing from
you in that regard.
Very truly yours,
ROSEDALE-RIO BRAVO WATER STORAGE DISTRICT
Mary E.'~ollup
Manager
APPENDIX A
CITY OF BAKERSFIELD
2800 ACRE GROUNDWATER RECHARGE AREA
PROPOSED PLAN OF DEVELOPMENT
The March 1981 optimization study on the 2800 Acre
Spreading area, which was prepared for the City of Bakersfield,
contained four alternative plans with various basin c0nfig-
urations on and off the Kern River Channel. After consider-
ing the ~advantages and disadvantages of the various alternatives
it was decided to select a plan or combination of plans that
would have the largest spreading acreage and the largest off
river spreading capability. This would allow maximum effective
spreading during high river flow. The plan which is being
proposed for development is a combination of Alternative A and
Alternative C as proposed in the March report.
Alternative A consisted of seven off river basins on the
~south of the river, one basin north of the river, and one
diversion basin on the river. This alternative had ~he ad-
vantage of least cost per wetted area and the disadvantage of
smallest wetted area. The proposed plan augments Alternatve
A bv adding five "off river" basins north of the river. This
maximizes the potential spreading area of off river basins
but also increases the average cost per wetted acre.
As shown on the following table and drawing the proposed
development plan will cover 843 acres on the south side of
the river at an average cost of $663 per acre. On the north
side of the river 281 acres of land would be covered at an average
cost of $1078 per acre. Total cost of the proposed plan is
$918,000, covering 1241 acres at an average cost of $740
per acre.
~The plan will be constructed in phases, with phase one
emphasizing construction of basins one through seven on the south
side of the river and basin 10A on the north of the river.
Phase two would be the completion of basins eight· through
twelve on the north of the river.
In either of the two phases of construction the ponds
~can be further staged by constructing one or more at a time.
· It is also possible to increase spreading capability by
constructing temporary sand dikes in the river channel and
increase the amount of system spreading potential.
.... CITY OF BAKERSFIELD
.. ~ 280Q ACRE GROUNDWATER. ~ P~CHARGE AREA
PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT PLAN
APPROX.
.~ FLOW RATE EARTHWORK AVE~GE. STRUCTLrRE TOTAL
BASIN NO. I.~TTED APdA (CFS). COST * COST ** COST *** COST/ACRE
SOUTH OF RIVER
1 127 Ac 63.5 $ 61,265 $ 44,900 $ 105,300 $ 829
2 23 Ac 11.5 $ 11,105 $ 7,920 $ '19,080 $ 829
3 107 Ac 53.5 $ 57,900 $ 37,100 $ 95,000 $ 888
4 153 Ac 76.5 $ 64,420 $ 53,010 $ 117,430 $ 768
5 85 Ac 42.5 $ 33,140 $ 29,450 $ 62,590 $ 736
6 165 Ac 82.5 $ 38,860 $ 57,210 $ 96,030 $ 582
7 183 Ac 91.5 $ '0 $ 63,450 $ 63,405 $ 346
Sub-Total 843 Ac· 421.5 $226,690 $292,140 $ 558,835 $ 663
NORTH OF RIVER
8 53 Ac 26 5 $ 55,320 $ 18,375 $ 73 695 $1390
9 '41 Ac- 20 5 $ 20,145 $ 14,215 $ 3~ 360 $ 838
10A 81 Ac 40 5 $ 22,555 $ 28,065 $ 50 620 $ 625
10B 27 Ac 13 5 $ 16,300 $ 9,360 $ 25 660 $ 950
11 22 Ac 11 0 $ 32,025 $ 7,360 $ 39 655 $1802
12 57 Ac 28 5 $ 59,320 $ 19,765 $ 79 085 $1387
Sub-Total 281 Ac 140 5 $205,670 '$ 97,410 $ 303,080 $1078
ON RIVER
A 117 Ac 58.5 $ 16,035 $ 40,565 $ 56,600 $ 484
TOTAL 1241 Ac 620.5 $ 488,395 $430,115 $ 918,510 $ 740
Based on $1.50/cy.
Total project structure cost divided proportionately among basins.
Cost includes 30% Engineering & Contingencies.
MOTE: 1) Anticipated Phase I construction includes ponds 1 through 7 plus pond 10A.
2) Phase'II construction includes ponds 8, 9, 10B, !1, and.12. RICKS, T~.YLOR & MEYER, INC.
August 1981
.... -- SHEET
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, ~ o ,, ~ ~ / ' ' : ~ / / % ,
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'''~;='~~~~ . .' - ' ~ ~.l ~ --" t~' ' - ; ~ -- -~-~tev ; WETTED SURFACE AREA · '
~ , ? '1 .~ ~.'% ~l ~~ ~ ~ ~ ~ / 7/.'"1-'" ~-- ~ % , ~ ' , · 4 RIVER WEIR STRUCTURE ~ .
"- ~'/~.~~l~ :¢ ' q' ' /~;~- '~~~ ~ ','" OATED CON"ROL STRUCTURE · ~
~ ~ _ ~~ ~~~~ - ~ ~ ''0--' ~ II. ~_,~ -' j ~.- ,,, ~ BASIN NuMEER (I)
s~ ~~~ :....~t~: / / V ~ ~--' ;-, r~ ~ PHASE I ~HNS (1~ TO (7~ +(10~
' :'"'="' .... '" " " ' - CITY OF BAKERSFIELD
RICKS, TAYLOR AND MEYER, ~. AUGUST, 1981
MEMORANDUM
To: Board of Directors
North Kern Water Storage District
From: Lucian J. Meyers
Bookman-Edmonston Engineering, Inc.
Date: August 7, 1981
~abject: Implementation of Junction Power Projec0
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has issued an
order granting a Preliminary Permit for the Junction Power
Project on the North Fork of Kern River to North Kern Water
Storage District acting as lead agency for itself and the
City of Bakersfield and Kern Delta Water District. The
Preliminary Permit provides North Kern the exclusive 'right
to investigate the feasibility of the Project and prepare
an application to the FERC for a license.
The Permit provides a time period of 36 months from the
first day of the month (July 1981) in which the permit order
was issued, to complete these functions including preparation~ .
of environmental assessments relative to Federal and State
statutes; resolution of measures relative to preservation
of fish and wildlife resources; completion of arrangements
for marketing or local use of the Project power output and
utilization of the water conservation benefits of the Project;
and confirmation of Project water rights.
The Preliminary Permit imposes certain specific require-
ments on the Permittee (North Kern et al) which require action
within 60 days of the first day of the month in which the
permit was issued (July). These include:
/~. (1) Designate a liaison officer to act for the Per-
mittee in keeping designated appropriate Federal, State and
local agencies currently informed as to progress of investi- J
gations. ' ' -
(2) Consult with the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service,
the State Fish and Game agencies and the National Marine
Fisheries Service (if the Project affects anadromous fish,
I believe it does not), to obtain their views and recom-
mendations on studies to be'conducted of Project effects
on fish and wildlife. The permit requires this within "the
initial period of the permit," which is not defined in~'
this condition but apparently means within the 60-day period.
Board of Directors -2-
(3) Prior to undertaking any field investigation on
National Forest land, consult with the Forest Supervisor
(Sequoia Forest) and develop a plan for alleviation of damage
to the forest resources and enter into a memorandum of agree-
ment with the Forest Supervisor regarding the field activities.
This provision does not contain a specific time period but
it will be recognized that the field work could be delayed
if the required agreement is not developed at an early date.
This memorandum contains a preliminary discussion of
the institutional arrangements necessary to provide the
proper direction of the implementing measures and the fund-
ing of the costs thereof. Also presented are suggestions
for accomplishing the implementing measures.
Institutional Arranqements
A necessary initial step in the implementation process
is the establishment of a directing authority which will
assume the responsibility for the program. It would appear
desirable for the three agencies to perform this function
under a joint exercise of powers arrangement. An agreement
for this purpose would include the following principles:
(1) Appointment of a Steering Committee of members of
the governing boards of the participating agencies, with
authority to establish policy and expend the funds neces-
sary to implement the pre-license functions of the Project.
(2) Appointment of a Project Coordinator delegated
to perform the management function, including ail arrange~
ments necessary to obtain legal, engineering and financial
consulting services for the preparation of feasibility
studies, environmental assessments, fish and wildlife pro-
tection measures, power marketing plans, financing plans,
and ultimately, the application(s) to the FERC for a power
project license and any water rights required by law.
(3) Equal (three-way) sharing of the costs of the pre-
license activities.
Elements of Pre-license Program
The program of activities for the 36-month term of the
Preliminary Permit must include the studies and negotiations
necessary to prepare and file an application for a power
Board of Directors -3-
project license. However, for reasons stated following,
consideration should be given to proceeding with'the pro-
gram in two phases.
It should be recognized by all concerned that only a
very rough reconnaissance type of analysis has so far been
- made of the Junction Project. Furthermore, the program of
activities leading to the application for license will in-
volve costs of a very substantial nature. Therefore, it
is suggested that a first phase of the program consist of
a prefeasibi!ity study to assess the desirability of con-
tinuation. If favorable results are obtained from the first
phase, the second phase would address all of the matters up
to and including the preparation of the formal application
for a power project license.
Prefeasibilit¥ Phase
After execution of a joint powers agreement by the
three participating agencies (organized as the "Kern River
Power Authority"), the prefeasibility phase (Phase I) would
consist of the conduct of a study of the Junction Project
generally confined to the following activities:
(1) Consultation with the Corps of Engineers to ob-
tain any information available from their presently on-
going study of additional storage possibilities on the
Kern River.
(2) A preliminary project layout utilizing presently
available topographic information s~pplemented by'a pre-
liminary site examination. Included would be preliminary
identification and elimination, to the extent possible, of
alternatives.
(3) A preliminary water and power operation study,
utilizing presently available hydrologic data, to estimate
water and power yields. Operational criteria respecting
stream maintenance flows and downstream flood control
(Isabella Reservoir), irrigation and power operations will
have to be assumed in advance of resolution of these matters
with the responsible agencies.
(4) Meetings and consultation with representatives of
the U. S. Forest Service to develop a plan for alleviation
of damage to, and achieving maximum utilization of, National
Forest resources as they may be affected by the studies and
investigations, to develop a "memorandum of agreement per-
taining to requirements for fire prevention and control and
,Board of Directors -4-
s-
for alleviating injury to or destruction of Forest Service
iands, resources, buildings, bridges, roads, trails and
other improvements of the properties of the United States"
as required by the FERC permit. ~-~
(5) A preliminary meeting with each of the principal
power utility companies in the area, Southern California
Edison Company and Pacific Gas and Electric Company, to
discuss possible terms of marketing and/or exchange of
Junction Project power and potential power revenues.
Also included would be consideration of transmission
interconnection requirements.
(6) A preliminary meeting with representatives of
the Department of Fish and Game respecting flow require-
ments for fish and.wildlife preservation. In this regard,
the FERC preliminary permit includes a condition which~
requires development and submission of a program for fish
and wildlife preservation studies which matter would be
resolved in this preliminary meeting.
(7) Preparation of preliminary estimates of capital
and annual costs of the Project. Included would be develop'
ment of preliminary plans for obtaining Project capital
funding and estimates of the debt service costs thereof.
(8) Preparation of a summary prefeasibility report
containing preliminary findings respecting, the feasibility
of Project financing and construction. Included in this ~
prefeasibility'report would be a refinement of the program
· for the Phase II activities of the pre-license program out-
lined later in this memorandum.
Implementation of Phase I - It will be important to
initiate and complete Phase I as rapidly as possible in order
to maximize the time period within~the 36-month life of~the
FERC permit, one month of which has already passed, for com-
pletion of the several major activities of Phase II. It is
believed that the Phase I prefeasibility report can be com-
pleted within a period of about four.months following exe-
cution of the joint powers agreement.
Allowing for a period of one month to reach a decision
regarding the implementation of Phase II and to finalize
arrangements for funding the costs thereof, a time period
of about 30 months would be available for the Completion
of all matters included in Phase II, at which time the ap-
plication would be filed with the Federal Energy Regulatory
Commission for a license.
It is estimated that the cost of preparation of the
prefeasibility study and report, including the various con-
sultations with the power companies and fish and game rep-
resentatives could be as much as $50,000.
· .~ ~oard.of Directors -5-
Feasibility/Application Phase
The Feasibility/Application Phase (Phase II) would in-
clude ali of the activities necessary to establish project
feasibility, including plans for obtaining th~ necessary
Capital funds and for servicing the resulting indebtedness.
Also included, would be-the preparation of design plans in
sufficient detail for the application for license; prepa-
ration of environmental assessments and resolution of fish
~and wildlife preservation measures. The activities of this
phase are outlined briefly following:
(1) Detailed examination of sites of dam, reservoir,
tunnel and powerhouse including preparation of detailed
geologic mapping. It is believed that exploratory drilling
and other subsurface exploration will not be necessary for
the purposes of the feasibility designs and cost estimate.
(2) Topographic mapping of the dam, reservoir, tunnel
and power plant sites. This can be accomplished by aerial
photogran~etric methods thereby limiting ground level activity
to minimal control surveys.
(3) Hydrologic studies to develop reliable information
on the Project water supply for purposes of the water and
power operation studies and also to provide the basis for
design of the spillway and other river outlet works.
(4) Follow-up meetings with the Corps of Engineers to
coordinate Project operations with the flood control oper-
ation at Lake Isabella. Also included, will be discussions
of the possibility for inclusion of storage Capacity in
Junction Reservoir for recreation purposes. The Corps has
had under study for some time alternatives for additional
storage capacity for this purpose.
(5) Follow-up consultation with representatives of the
U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service and State Department of Fish
and Game to develop the program for studies required to
evaluate Project effects on fish and wildlife and final
resolution of required stream maintenance flows and other
provisions relative to wildlife habitat preservation.
(6) Follow-up meetings with representatives of Pacific
Gas and Electric Company and/or Southern California Edison
Company and finalization, to the extent possible, of ar-
rangements for marketing.of the Project power and energy.
~' Boa~rd of Directors -6-
Included will be consideration of wheeling and/or exchange
arrangements whereby the Project yield might be utilized in
the areas of the joint participants. Inquiries will also
be made with the State 'Department of Water Resources and
the Western Area Power Administration as possible alternative
purchasers of the Project power and energy.
(7) Preparation of environmental assessments as re-
quired by Federal and State laws. Included'would be con-
sultation with the California State Historic Preservation
Officer and the U. S. Heri%age Conservation and Recreation
Service as required by the FERC permit.
(8) Preparation of feasibility level Project design
plans and estimates of capital and annual costs. Included
would be resolution of design alternatives ~nd selection of
the final Project plan subject to .any modifications which
may be made during final design. Also included would be
preliminary contacts with the State Supervision of Safety
of Dams to assure that plans for .the Junction D~ will be
generally in compliance with the Agency's requirements.
(9) Additional power and water operation studies
utilizing refined hydrologic data and operating criteria
developed in the consultations with the purchasing entity
or entities and with the Corps of Engineers .respecting
downstream flood control. Also reflected will be the ob-
jectives of the participating Kern River water agencies in
achieving additional water conservation. Project yields of
power and energy, including power benefits at existing
downstream power developments of Edison and PG&E, and ad-
ditional water conservation will be determined from these
studies.
(10) Additional studies to develop final Project
financing plans and Project repayment analyses based upon
estimates of Project water and power revenues and Project
annual costs.
(11) Preparation of a Project feasibililty repor't which
will provide the basis for Project adoption bY the Project
participants and further institutional.activities including
Project election and initiation of financingI activities.
(12) North Kern's legal counsel (Mr. Paulden) has ex-
pressed the view that North Kern, because ofl the pre-1914
status of its water ~rights, has rather broad flexibility
in the exercise of its rights. It appears that North Kern
Board of Directors -7-
an~ the other participants may already have the water rights
~tatus necessary fo~ construction and operation of the
Junction Project. In any event, this activity will in-
clude investigation of this matter and confirmation of
Project water rights.
(13)'Depending upon a favorable decision respecting
Project adoption, preparation of an application to the FERC
for a power project license.
Implementation of Phase II - Depending upon favorable
findings in the prefeasibility studies of Phase I, it will
be important to initiate and pursue the activities in
Phase II most expeditiously. Under the most favorable cir-
cumstances, the accomplishment of the lengthy list of
activities just presented within a time period of 30 months
will be difficult. The consultations and resolution of
matters with the Federal and State agencies will assuredly
be time consuming. It should be recognized that much of
the activity relating to them must proceed at their speed
regardless~of good intentions and zealous efforts on behalf
of the Permittee.
At this time we do not have a reliable estimate of the
total costs involved in the Phase II activity. The costs
of the Phase II activities will be greatly influenced by the
requirements of the Federal and State agencies, particularly
respecting the studies and analyses of fish and wildlife re-
sources, and the extent of these studies cannot be reliably
estimated at ~this time. However, during the prefeasibility
phase initial contacts with these agencies and with the power
utility ~representatives should provide a basis for a re-
liable estimate of.the Phase II costs.. At this time it should
be anticipated that the costs of the Phase II activities ex-
cludinq preparation of the application for license may ex-
ceed an amount of about $200,000.
As an example of the unknown cost factors, the FERC
Permit requires the Permittee to install and maintain a
stream gaging station or stations to the satisfaction of
the U. S. Geological Survey for the purpose of obtaining
Project Water supply data. There are existing gaging sta-
tions on the North Fork of the Kern River but it is not
known whether analyses of the historical data for these
stations will provide the basis for water and power oper-
ation studies acceptable to the USGS.
program Management
The implementation of the pre-license program for the
Junction Project will require professional services, pri-
marily in civil and hydraulic engineering of the type which
Board of Directors -8-
Bookman-Edmonston Engineering, Inc., provides to clients in
Kern County and elsewhere in California. Also involved will
be specialized activities in hydroelectric power and large
dams as well as in fish and wildlife and environmental as-
pects with Which we are familiar but do not normally per-
form in-house. In addition, there will be a need for legal
and financing consulting services.
We would propose to your Board and the governing bodies
of the other Project participahts that Boo~man-Edmonston be
assigned the responsibility for the overall management of
the pre-license program. In this assigm~ent we would per-
form the following functions:
(1) Act as the program manager and coordinate the
activities of the joint powers organization and its con-
tacts with FERC, including reporting of progress semi-
annually as required by the FERC Permit.
(2) Conduct the prefeasibility study and prepare a
report thereon. In this regard, Bookman-E~monston would
obtain engineering assistance from a consulting firm which
specializes in large hydro projects.
(3) Depending upon the participants" decision follow-
ing the prefeasibility study, Bookman-Edmonston would manage
the activities necessary for the feasibility study and en-
vironmental assessments. We would perform the portions of
the engineering work for which we have in-house capability,
arrange for outside services in specialized fields and pre-
pare the feasibility report.
(4) Conduct the contacts with the Federal and State
agencies, plan the studies and investigations required to
satisfy their requirements and develop criteria for Proj-
ect operation studies reflecting requirements for stream
maintenance flows.
(5) Conduct-the contacts with the power utility rep-
resentatives, develop plans for power marketing and/or ex-
change and assist in the preparation of power'marketing
and/or exchange contract(s).
(6) Develop plans for allocation and/or marketing
of the additional irrigation season water supplies de-
· veloped through the operation of Junction Reservoir.
(7) Prepare the application for license, including
the various exhibits which will utilize much of the design
'data developed in the feasibility study.
'*- ., KERN COUNTY WATER AGENCY '~J~' ] ;51981'
4, 4114 Arrow Street. P.O. Box 58
Bakersfield, Car[fomia 93302
' .. 13ireClo~: .. ' : ' '"
~..~ : ...
~,'~ J. E~ionFox ' Division 2
~',Z .,, ,. -."~ r;:-/,;i,.' e.~.£m~,.".'..i:-,:; '
Hem~C. Gammt ' : ,'Dlvimen6 ' ..
': ..:-'~,. ,' ".. ,:,:: *: ' ':' :'.wi'-.,~ * ·
. '-' ..... ':.:"."': AugUSt 10~ 1981
,...'.~.?:,' ,'-. .~. ..
Nr. John Chafin, Nanager
:. Department of Water ~' '"
City of Bakersfield .
· 4101 Truxtun Avenue .""- ",:i' .'"" "
:' '"' ....... :' Bakersfield, CA 93301
· /, . ~;.~: '.'., . : . . ., ·
,,"~ ,~,-" '",:':..~':'-":" RE: Agreement for ]Interim Use of 2800 Acre Spreading Area
~. ";-:~:.:'.i De~r John:
'~?':"'i,~..",i'"'. ]'- '. i'.~!{' ',: ,- This will confirm our understanding concerning the spreading of
,. State Project-water in the City's 2800 acre spreading area pending the
~,i~, ~'~'. ~ii'."- execution of a formal agreement between the Kern County Water Agency and
the City:
-. 1. Commencing on the date that this interim agreement is approv-
ed by the City, the Kern County Water Agency shall be entitled
to spread upon the City's 2800 acre spreading area such State
· Project water as the Agency may acquire for that purpose under
its Contract with t~e State of California. City reserves the
right to terminate this interim agreement by giving the Agency
48 hours written notice of intention to terminate.
2. It is. un~estood that the water sPread by the Agency pursuant to
this interim agreement shall be spread for underground storage
and shall be recoverable'by the Agency when, as, and at such
times as it deems fit. Provided, that if at the time such water
is recovereU by the Agency, the City .and the Agency have entered
into a formal water spreading agreement then the water shall be
recovereo under the terms and conditions more particularly set
forth in that agreement. Provided further, that if at the ti~,e
said ~'a;er is recovered, the parties have not entered into a
formal ~'ater spreading agreement, the Agency shall pay a fee for
the use cf the City's spreading area according to the City's
hater sFreading fee schedule in effect at the time of such
recover~.
Mr.. hn Chafin
Page Two
August 10, 1981
'.." ;?; " '¥ ? 3. All water spread pursuant to this interim agreement ,ill be
r , ' diverted from the Cross Valley Canal at any .appropriate turnout
.... ":' 4. It is agreed and understood that the Agency shall indemnify,
-'... defend (upon written request of the City), and hold harmless the
City, its officers, employees, and agents from any and all loss,
damage, liability., claims or causes of action of every nature
~ whatsoever from damage to or destruction of, or interference
.-' -' with the use of ownership of property or from personal injury,
~::-~-. including that incurred by City's officers, employees, agents
~ / ~).~ ~ ~ ~ m~)~) arising, caused or resulting from the Agency's actions during
: use of City's lands for the purposes herein authorized.
Engineer-Manager
APPROVED:
John Chafin, Manager
Department of Water
City of Bakersfield
Mr. Stuart Pyle
Kern County Water Agency
August 13, 1981
Page 5
AGREED 'AND APPROVED:
DATE:
Stuart Pyle
Engineer-Manager
Kern County Water Agency
APPROVED:
Jo~ E. Chafin, WateY/Manager
City of Bakersfield
APPROVED AS TO FOPS4:
Richard Oberho!zer, City Attorney
City of Bakersfield
Ci~;~)f ~akersfield
TRANSMITrA~ SLIP ~ Date.~ ....................................
For Your:---L
[] Signature [] Action [] Information I-! File
Please :~
[] Return [] See Me [] Follow Up [] Prepare Answer
Copy to: .5...~;~ ...................................................................................
MelT]O: .~~:.~..~~ ...........
../~.. ....... ~ /~.~../.. ....... ~ ..................
..... ~......_..~ ....... ~~ .................
..~.....~.....~...~~......~.~; .........
........................ ~.,..~....,~....~ .......
DEPARTMENT OF WATER
~u~ust 1 9, 1 981
Mr. Stuart Pyle
Engineer-Manager
Kern County Water Agency
4114 Arrow Street, P 0 Box 58
Bakersfield, California 93302
RE: Interim Agreement for Use of
2800 Acre Spreading Area
Dear Stu:
In response to your letter of August lO, 1981 t'heCity of Bakersfield ("City'")
is willing to agree to an interim arrangement which will permit the spreading
of certain State Project Water in the City's 2800 acre spreading area pending
the execution of a formal, long-term agreement between the Kern County Water
Agency ("Agency") and the-City.
The terms of this Interim Agreement have been specially formulated to accom-
modate Agency on an interim basis because of the urgency expressed by the
Agency of being able to spread imported State Project Water in the immediate
future. Such terms shall not be a precedent for other City water spreading
agreements or for a permanent agreement with the Agency.
The arrangements and the condi-tions, under which, the interim spreading shall
be permi, tted ar.e as follows:
1..Commencing on the date this I'nberim Agreement is executed by both
the City'and the Kern County Water Agency-, the Agency shall be permitted:
(a) Subject to prior notice and to the direction, supervision,
and control of City, to enter City's lands for the purpose of constructing.
water spreading facilities, including diversion structures and measuring
devices. All such facilities and improvements shall be constructed at the
sole expense of Agency and shall be and remain the property, of the City.
(b) To spread such State Project water as the Agency may
acquire for spreading under its contract with the State of California on
the City?,s 2800 acre spreading area.
2. This permission is subject to the following conditions: .~ ,:.
(a) The City reserves the right to terminate this Interim."
Agreement by, gi. ving the Agency 48 hours, wrl%ten notice of intention to terminate.
1501 TRUXTUN AVENUE · BAKERSFIELD, CAt. IFORNIA 933'01 · (805) 86:1-27t5
Mr. Stuart Pyle
~Kern County Water Agency
August 19, 1981
Page Two
(b) Recovery of the water spread by Agency hereunder shall be
limited to the net amount of water placed in underlying storage. The City
acknowledges the right of Agency to recover said water.- This Agreement,
however, gives the Agency no right to the utilization of any wells on the
City's 2800 acre spreading area for this purpose. Such use, if any, will
have to be arranged by future supplemental agreement.
(c) If City and Agency enter into a long-term water spreading
agreement, said agreement may provide that water spread hereunder shall be
subject to the terms and conditions set forth in said long-term agreement.
(d) Agency shall pay to City a spreading fee for water spread
pursuant to this Agreement in the amount of $4.37 per acre foot. In the
alternative, and in lieu'of paying a spreading fee, the Agency shall have
the right to pay an extraction fee for all or any part of the water spread
in the said amount of $4.37 per acre foot. Provided that the payment of
said spreading fee or extraction fee, as the case may be, shall be subject
to the following conditions:
(1) Said $4.37 per acre foot charge is subject to
escalation until paid on the basis of the July 1, 1981 Price Index "All
Commodities" classification for the Wholesale Price Indexes for major
commodity group published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Adjustments
will be made in January of each year.
(2) If the Agency elects to pay a spreading fee, such fee
shall be payable within thirty (30) days after the water has been spread upon
receipt of a billing by the City.
(3) If the Agency elects to pay an extraction fee, such
extraction fee shall be due and payable'within thiri~y,i/(30) days after the water
or any part thereof has been extracted, upon receipt of a billing from the
City.
{4) The obligation to pay the extracti'on fee provided for
herein shall survive the termination of thi, s Agreement.
(5) Unless the Agency otherwise notifies the City in~
writing prior to the time that the water is spread, it shall be deemed that
the Agency has elected to pay a spreading fee.
(e) All water spread pursuant to this Agreement wiq~l be
diverted from the Cross Valley Canal at its turnout or turnouts and delivered
to City's 2800 acre spreading area at no cost to City.
(f) This Agreement. shall not be interpreted to limit in
Mrs, StuaYt Pyle
Kern C6unty Water Agency
August 19, 1981
Page Three
any manner any rights of City to spread in, recover, transfer, exchange,
or convey City water from the City's 2800 acre spreading area without
restriction. Agency agrees not to contest such rights of City.
(g) Any and all rights created under this Agreement shall be
subject to the City'.s reserved right to spread, percolate and later recover
water from the City's.2800 acre spreading area and to the rights previously
granted to the Olcese Water District and the Buena Vista Water Storage
District by Agreement No. 77-07 W.B. as amended.
(h) It is understood that the Agency does not intend to
use or permit the use of water spread and extracted under this Agreement
outside the boundaries of the Agency and that its policy in this respect
is in harmony with the policy of the City.
(i) Agency shall indemnify, defend ('upon written request
of the City) , and hold harmless the City, its officers, employees, and agents
from any and all loss, damage, liability, claims, or causes of action of
every nature whatsoever from damage to or destruction of, or interference
with the use of ownership of property or from personal injury including
that incurred by City's officers, employees, and agents arising out of,
caused, or resulting from the Agency's actions during use of City:s land
for the purpose herein authorized.
(j) If the City is compelled to. resort to li'tigat?on for
performance of conditions of this Agreement,, including any payment to the
City, court costs and attorneys~ fees shall be paid by Agency.
{k) Agency shall be responsible for compliance with all
federal, state and local regulations or restrictions.
{1) In no event shall City be liable for any damage which
may result f~om City's non-negl tgent' performance of any, orde, or di~rection
to ft.
(m) It is anticipated.that water will be extracted by.
Agency, or' its assignee'~under this Agreement from wells owned {1 ) by AgencY',
or (2) by, landowners within Agency"s boundaries, Or (3) by others. As a
consequence, /~gency agrees to provide City,'by April 1st of each year, wl. th..
an annual report of pumping from all welis'owned or controlled in any way.
by Agency., and all wells owned by others within the Agency., who have
been assigned such'right to extract the water spread, or who have the right~
to extract the water spread, specifying~therefn the-amount of water stored-
pursuant to this Agreement which has been extracted in the precedi'ng calendar
yea,. -
{n) City. shall be responsible for and shall mai~ntatn records ·
of all spreading 'and recovery of all such wate~ whenever extracted under
thi's Agreement, Agency shall have access to Such records.
Mr. Stuart Pyle
~Kern COunty Water Agency
August 19, 1981
Page Four
(o) This Agreement may not be transferred or assigned
either voluntarily or involuntarily, by Agency to any other party without
the prior written concent of City.
(p) It is understood that this Agreement is an interim
agreement only and that the parties hereto intend to enter into a long-term
agreement within a reasonable time hereafter, but no later than six (6)
months from the date hereof.
If these terms are agreeable to you, please sign this letter as provided
below and return it to us for acceptance by the Water Board.
Very truly yours, ~
John E. Chafin, Manag'e~
Department of Water
City of Bakersfield
APPROVED AS TO FORM
Richard Oberholzer, City Attorney
City of Bakersfield
AGREED AND AppR~ED
Stuart T. ~e DATE: August 19~ 1981
Engineer-Manager·
~rn County ~ter Agenc~
APPROVED AND ACCEPTED
~mes Barton, Chairman DATE: August 19r 1981
Cityof Bakersffeld Water Board
CALIFORNIA '~~ ~-
DEPARTMENT OF WATER ~
August 21, 1981
Mr. Stuart Pyle ~'~C~V~D
Engineer-Manager
-Kern County Water Agency STP [] PDF []
4114 Arrow Street, P.O Box 58 CER [] DKS []
' AUG 241§8 ....... []
Bakersfield, California 93302 JLS ~ ........ []
RJG [] ....... []
Re, Interim Agreement for Use of Kern County Water Agency
2800 Acre Spreading Area
Dear Stu:
This letter is to acknowledge the fact that the City and
Agency have entered into an Interim Spreading Agreement dated
August 19, 1981, but that one portion of one section of that
Agreement (Section 2(d)(3)), in which the City wishes to
require the payment of an extraction fee in no event later
than December 31, 1991, has not yet been agreed to.
We are told that Agency has certain legal concerns regarding
its powers to act in the terms stated. At the same time,
City has constitutional concerns regarding the uncompensated
use of its facilities.
To complete the Interim Agreement and to facilitate actual
spreading activity, the parties agree to add the following
language to Section 2 (d)(3):
"Both parties agree to negotiate in good faith to enter
into a permanent agreement for water spreading that will also
apply to water spread under the Interim Agreement and will
provide for one of the following three alternatives:
"(A). Agency shall agree that payment of the extraction
fee shall occur not later than December 31, 1991; or
"(B). Agency shall agree to pay the. spreading fee for
all water spread within thirty (30) days after the mailing of
a notice by City; or
"(C). The matter will be handled otherwise as mutually
agreed to by the parties in the permanent agreement.
1501 TRUXTUN AVENUE · BAKERSFIELD, CALIFORNIA 93301 · (8051 861-2715
' Mr. Stuart Pyle
Kern County Water Agency
August 21, 1981
Page 2
"If the parties have not otherwise agreed to the
resolution of the above within a six (6) month period from
the date of this letter, City may give noticetto Agency of
such fact and Agency shall thereupon inform City of its
decision to proceed pursuant to either option (A) or (B)
above within ten (10) days of receipt said notice. If no
such decision is forthcoming from Agency, City shall
determine which option to follow and notify Agency
accordingly."
If this understanding is acceptable to you, please sign the
attached copy of this letter and return it to us for our
files. This letter will thereupon become part of the August
19, 1981 Agreement.
Very truly yours,
James Barton, Chairman
City of Bakersfield
Water Board
AGREED AND APPROVED:
Stuart Pyle
Engineer-Manager
Kern County Water Agency
Date:
cc: Thomas M. Stetson
Stetson Engineers, Inc.
lll3-A--tms
810824
REVIEW OF PRELIMINARY FINDINGS
RE PROPOSED JUNCTION POWER PROJECT
Preliminary Cost Estimate:~/
Capital Costs
Dam and reservoir $33,000,000
Tunnel 61,200,000
Power Plant 14,100,000
Subtotal: $108,~300,000
Contingencies, 20% 21,700,000
Engineering & Administrati0n,15% 16,300,000
Interest during construction 9,000,000
Total Project Capital Cost $155,300,000~F
Costs:2_/
Annual
10%, 30 years 12%, 20 years
Repayment of capital $16,474,200 $20,791,600
OM&RI_/ 1,000,000 1,000,000
Property taxes, 1% of capital cost 1,500,000 1,5~0,000
~Insurance 150,000 ~0,000
Estimated Total $19,124,200 $23,441,600
Gross Annual Revenues:~/
Average annual energy generation: 251,000,000 kilowatt hours
Revenue at $0.055 per kwh $13,805,000. ~ ~'~
Revenue at $0.075 per kwh $18,825,000.
Summar~ of Costs versus Revenue:
10%, 30 ..years 12%, 20 years
Annual costs/kwh $0.0762 $0.0934
Annual revenue/kwh 0.055 0.055
Annual deficiency/kwh $0.0212 $0.0384
Annual revenue/kwh $0.075 $0.075
Annual deficiency/kwh $0.0012 $0.0184
1_~ Bookman-Edmonston memo of 5/7/81 re: Updated Reconnaissance Analysis
of Junction and Miracle-Cottonwood Projects.
2--/ Calculations and estimates by Stetson.
.' "i~~ - - ~~-' lll3-A--tms
810824
F~_ F ,~ ·
T~OMAS' M. STETSON
~ REVIEW OF PRELIMINARY FINDINGS
RE PROPOSED MIRACLE-COTTONWOOD POWER PROJECT
Preliminary Cost Estimate.I/.-
Capital Costs
Diversion Dam $1,000,000
Tunnel 106,000,000
Power Plant 20,400,000
Cottonwood Dam 28,800,000
Cottonwood Power Plant 7,000,000
Subtotal $163,200,000
Contingencies, 20% 32,600,000
Engineering & Administration, 15% 24,500,000
Rights-of-way 2,000,000
Interest during construction 14,000,000
Total Project Capital Cost $236,300,000~
Annual Costs-2/.-
10%, 30 years 12%, 20 years
Repayment of~capital 25,066,700 31,635,800
OM&R~/ 1,000,000 1,000,000
Property taxes, 1% of capital cost 2,360,000 2,360,000
Insurance 236,000 236,000
Estimated Total $28;662,700 $35,231,800
Gross Annual Revenues-1/._
Average annual energy generation: 266,000,000 kilowatt hours
Revenue at $0.055 per kwh $14,630,000.
Revenue at $0.075 per kwh $19,950,000
Summary of Costs versus Revenue:
10%, 30 years 12%, 20 years
Annual costs/kwh $0.1077 $0.1325
Annual revenue/kwh 0.055 0.055
Annual deficiency/kwh ~0.0527 $0.0775
Annual revenue/kwh $0.075 $0.075
Annual deficiency/kwh ~0.0327 $0.0575
1_/ Bookman-Edmonston memo of 5/7/81 re: Updated Reconnaissance
Analysis of Junction and Miracle-Cottonwood Projects.
2--/ Calculations and estimates by Stetson.
MEMORANDUM
TO: City Water'Board Ref. File: #1200-B
City Water Department Staff ~l~lll~l~
FROM: George W. Nickel, Jr.
DATE: July 13, 1981
SUBJECT: FOLLOW UP TO MEETING WITH CURLY BARTON AND GENE
BOGART ON JULY llth
At my. invitation Curly Barton met with me and Tom Clark of
my organization on the morning .of July llth. In order to
have City Water Department Staff input at the meeting,
Curly also had Gene Bogart participate in the meeting. Gene's
superior John Chafin was on vacation and not available.
I had also attempted to include Tom Payne and Don Ratty in
this get together; however, both of them were out of town
on other matters. In any event~ I believe that we had a good
meeting and exchange of ideas. At Curly's request, I am
writing this memorandum to keep all of you up to date on our
discussion and on the attached information that I passed out'
to Curly and Gene at the July llth meeting.
As the appointed representative of the 01cese Water District
and as a long time member of the Kern County~Water Community,
it is my sincere desire to work with all of you on a constructive
program that will bring in supplemental water to benefit the
City of Bakersfield and all of Kern County. In addition,
look forward to suggesting and working with programs on
conjunctive water use and exchanges that are in the best
interest of the Kern County Economy. I do hope that you will
find my ideas to be constructive and workable. As a point
of beginning, I will first refer to the information passed out
.to Curly and Gene.
1, You will find attached my memorandum of July loth to
Curly entitled Proposed Agency Program on the City's 2800
acre Spreading Area. I believe that my most important suggestion
for the City Wa'ter Board is to deal directly with the Kern
County Water Agency on bringing supplemental California Aqueduct
water into the City's spreading area. I believe that this will
be a far more workable program than dealing separately with the
Agency's. Member Units. I feel that if you put the responsibility
on the Agency, the Agency will come up with a program that will
work for its Member Units and not involve the City on how to
reach that agreement. On the matter of supplemental California
Aqueduct water, I can accurately report that Ron Robie and his
staff at the Department of Water Resources have no intention of
dealing with any entity in Kern County other than the Agency.
The other point of importance that I make in the
memorandum to Curly, is that to deal with the Agency, I feel
Page 2.
that the City will want to work with an extraction charge
ratherX-than a spreading charge. I believe that your staff
and your consulting engineer Tom Stetson recognize the
importance of this contention.
2. You will also find attached a draft of what I have
entitled Water Spreading and Recovery Agreement. You will
note that this incorporates much of the language in your draft
of a Master Spreading Agreement that has been sent out to a
number of water districts for comment; however, there are some
very basic differences that I will note below.
(a) As noted in my memorandum to Curly, I suggest
that this-agreement should only be between the City and the
Agency rather than with a n.umber of separate districts that
must necessarily deal through the Agency. I feel that it will
be simpler and more workable in every way for the City to
have to deal only with the Agency.
(b) I have set forth an extraction charge rather
than a spreading charge. This i's necessary in order to make
the program work for the Agency's Member Units such as Wheeler
Ridge, Berrenda Mesa, Belridge, Lost Hills and Semitropic.
(c) I have suggested that the City and its prior
Contractors should always have a prior position on both water
spreading'and extraction from the City's spreading area.
(d) I have suggested that all further physical
improvements in the City's spreading area should be taken on
by the Agency. I do not anticipate that it will be difficult
to get a commitment from the Agency on this point. It will
certainly be in the best interest of the City and its prior
Contractors to do so.
Regarding my suggestions, I am sure that Curly will
be reporting directly to you; however, I can state that Curly
thought that there would be merit in my encouraging the Agency
to directly make this type of proposal to the City Water Board.
To begin with, Curly further suggested that this should be handled
somewhat informally so that there can be a further exchange of
ideas before a form of agreement is actually pFesented at either
the Agency or the City Water Board.
3. You will find attached a copy of my letter of July 7th.
to Ron Robie, Director of the Department of Water Resources.
As reported in my memorandum to Curly, I felt that I had a very
satisfactory meeting on July 7th with Ron Robie and five (5) key
members of his staff. To really make a conjunctive use water
program in the City's spreading area, it does seem indicated that
a physical means of getting the water out of the spreading area
in a water short year is extremely important. As long as the
State is willing to accept into the Aqueduct for distribution
Page 3.
well w~ater from the City's spreading area, we have a conduit
that wi'll really work for getting water to such Agency Member
Units as Wheeler Ridge, Belridge, Berrenda Mesa, Lost Hills
and Semitropic. Quite frankly, Ron Robie would prefer to have
the State handle the surplus £alifornia Aqueduct water program
and to use it as part of the State Water Project yield which
would mean that water conserved in the underground for later
use would benefit all State Project Contractors rather than
just Kern County. I assured Ron Robie this would be totally
unacceptable to Kern County. When I left the meeting with Ron
Robie, I was satisfied that he would agree that the Kern
County Water Agency's regulation of surplus water Aqueduct
water by underground recharge and later recovery should be
for the benefit of only Kern County. I know that the present
Agency Board of Directors feel very strongly on this point
and will take a very positive position on it with the State.
I do hope that I will have the opportunity to meet informally
with City Water Board members and City Water Department Staff
further on this overall subject~ I understand that there will
not be a City Water Board meeting on July 15th, but that one
will ~be likely scheduled on July 22nd. Prior to that time,
I welcome the opportunity to meet with any or all of you. As
I told Curly, my primary objective is to assist the City Water
Board and its prior Contractors in having a fully workable and
economic program in the City's spreading area on conservation
and recovery of water for the City of Bakersfield. As long as
we have satisfactory assurance that'tbe City and its prior
Contractors have a priority position on the spreading and
recovery of water, it will be important to work with the water
community generally for enchancement of water supplies and
the economic regulation of them. I look forward to hearing
from any of you who would like to discuss this overall subject
and the implementation of it.
GWN: rj p
c- Curley Barton Tom Payne
Richard Oberholzer
Phil Kelmar
Tom Stetson
John Chafin
Gene Bogart
MEMORANDUM
TO: Curly Barton Ref. File
FROM: George W. Nickel, Jr.
DATE: July 10, 1981
SUBJECT: PROPOSED AGENCY PROGRAM ON THE CITY'S 2800 ACRE ·
SPREADING AREA
Reference is made to the Master Spreading Agreemen.t which was
distributed at the Water Board meeting on June 24th. At your
June 24th meeting the Water Board approved sending this
Draft.of Water Mas~er Spreadi~ng Agreement to a number of
entities that have indicated interest in a spreading and
recovery program in or adjacent to the City spreading area..
I had an opportunity to look at this draft of agreement shortly
before the meeting on June 24th. Consequently, I noted
my concern to the Water Board t~at there was nothing in the
draft of agreement that would permit entities spreading water
in the City's 2800 acres to extract water by wells in the 2800
acres. I noted that the agreement really only seemed to have
~potential value for entities immediately adjacent to the City
spreading area. The possible benefitting entities would
appear to be the James Pioneer Improvement District of
North Kern which covers land largely owned by Tenneco and the
West Kern County Water District and possibly the Rosedale
District. I noted that the entity that could do the most for
bringing surplus Aqueduct water into the City spreading area
was the Agency, which is the only entity in Kern County that
has license to deal with the State of California on Aqueduct
water. I went on to note that there are a number of Agency
Member Units that would like to work through the Agency for
a conjunctive use program which would necessarily include
the right of water extraction from the City'~s spreading area.
After bringing these things to the attention of the Water
Board, your staff and your con~sultants, Tom Stetson spoke
forth and stated that he anticipat.ed that the Agency and
other entities would want the right of extraction from the
City spreading area. However, language was inadvertently.
or otherwise left out of the agreement. Tom Stetson went
on to say that he would recommend that any entity interested
in setting up for water extraction should so indicate to
the Water Board. It seemed agreed that this type of
extraction program would be given consideration by the Water
Board.
Since the June 24th Water Board meeting, I have had the
opportunity to discuss this subject further with Tom Stetson,
John Chafin and Gene Bogart. There does definitely .seem
to be agreement among them that water extra,ction should be
included in the Water Spreading Agreement. I have followed
up this'contact with several meetings with Agency staff and
directors. I think that I have come up with a program that
should be of mutual interest to both the City and the Agency.
Moreover, it is a program that should find endorsement from
the City's prior Contractors, namely Olcese and Buena Vista.
Attached you will find a copy of my draft of a Water Spreading
and Recovery Agreement between the City and the Agency. In
this Agreement, you will'note that the priority position on
both spreading and extraction of water is preserved for the
City and its prior Contractors. You will also note ~that the
Agency will act for and on behalf of its Member Units. This
means that the City will only have to deal with the Agency
and not with the Member Units of the Agency. The Agency will
have the responsibility of coming up with an overall program
and the City will be able to stay out of the politics of how this
may be achieved.
One of the most important points that I have tried to ~make
to the Agency has to do with th~ physical facilities that
will be necessary in the City spreading area. I feel that
the City and Olcese already hive facilities that have done a
good job at spreading a large amount of water. It is my
contention that if the Agency is to come in on behalf of itself
and its Member Units that all additional spreading facilities
costs should be passed on to'the Agency. After talking to
a number of the Agency Member Units, I have satisfied myself
that it will not be difficult to put this point over. I
will also want to again stress that it is my concept that
the City and its prior Contractors will at all times hav. e a
priority on spreading capacity and recovery facilities.
The recovery of water from ithe City spreading area is a matter
that I have given much thought to. This has resulted in my
meeting with the Director of the Department of Water Resourc'es
of the State, Ron Robie on July 7th. You will find' attached
a copy of my July 7 letter to Ron Robie. You will note that
~l have asked for the Agency to have the right to convey water
into the California Aqueduct from wells in the City spreading
area. The California Aqueduct can then be a conveyance
facility to reach the lands of the Agency's Member Units that
can be served off of the California Aqueudct. I can report to
you that I had a very satisfactory meeting with Ron Robie and
5 key members of his staff. I look forward to further discussion
with you on this subject at our meeting on July llth.
GeOrge W. Nickel, Sr.
~20,0 l~2<e khng Rood ,' ~,
~o ~:c-,.'s Annex ..... ·
..... q~6 ~
Te:eF.t-.cne 8q5,'~1 JUL 1 3 lOffi
J u 1 y 7 1 9 8 1 "' ¥ ~ ~'~E~:'~
Ron Robie, Director
Department of Water Resources
State of California
State Capitol
Sacramento, California
Dear Ron:
I very much appreciate your setting aside a few minutes to
meet with-me this afternoon. As you know, I have been very
act;ye in ~he Ke.n ~cunty Water ~m,,,unity. , think the
record will show mat I have made ?os;t~ve centribut~ons ~n
the past. i would ilke co work with you and the State of
California in making some positive contributions in the
future for the mutual benefit of the State and Kern County.
At present, I am working closely with the City of Bakersfield
on the development of :ts 2800 acre spreading area along the
Kern River on conjunctive water use programs. As a point of
beginning, we have a program for spreading high flow Kern
River Water Rights for recovery on a regulated basis. In
doing so, an evaluation has been made by the engineering
firm of Ricks, Taylor S Meyers on the potential spreading
capacity of the City's 2800 acre spreading area. This
evaluation indicates that under properly controlled conditions
in excess of 400,000 acre feet can be spread in a given year
for subsequent recover'! by wells to be installed in the
area. This is substantially more spreading capacity than
what is required to regulate our high flow Kern River water
rights; consequently, it has become apparent that there is a
good opportunity to also spread surplus California Aqueduct
water when it 'is available. Such spreading can be accomplished
by both direct spreading off the Cross Valley Canal and by
some exchanges of Kern River water for California Aqueduct
water. I look forward to giving you a little more detail on
how these programs can be physically accomplished.
When we encounter a d~v year like 1977, there is presently
great urgency to have a supplemental supply of water to
augment the limited flow available in the California Aqueduct.
Even if the Peripheral Canal is constructed, it appears that
there will be years '..:~en supplemental water will be required
to meet the contracted amounts of water that the Kern County
~4ater .Agency. purchases from the State for its Member Units.
7-13-81
cc:w/attach.
S. Hatch, T. Stetson, G. Bogart, F. Core
No~; making the assumption that there is a well .organized
',~preading program on the City's 2800 acres, we will have a
supply of water to draw on in a year of low yield on the
California A~ueduct. The next question is how do we get
portions of that water supply to Member Unit Districts of
the Kern County Water Agency lying along the California
Aqueduct such as the Wheeler Ridge-Maricopa Water Storage
District, the Belridge Water Storage District, the Berrenda
Mesa Water District, the Lost Hills Water District and the
Semitropic Water District. I have given this ~ubject
substantial thought and have concluded that a delivery of
good quality well water into the California Aqueduct out of
the Buena Vista Aquatic Park will be a practical physical
solution. It is'this particular program that I look for-
ward to discussing with you this afternoon. It is proposed'
that the well water be pum.ped from wells in the City's
spreading area. Such wells will discharge into what we
refer ~o as the River Canal which is a concrete lined canal
with a.capacity of some 700 cfs that discharges into the
Buena Vista Aquatic Park. With very little work, water can
be passed from the Buena Vis~'a Aquatic Park into the
............. ~ w~t~r [~ receive6 into the
California Aqueduct, it will merely be a bookkeeping pro-
cedure for getting a like amount of water from the California
Aqueduct delivered to Member Units of the Kern County
Water Agency ~hat I made reference to earlier. I think
we have a physical solution here that works to the mutual
advantage of the State and the Kern County Water Agen.cy
on behalf of its Member Units. Through your cooperation
in 1977, there actually was some well water pumped into
the California Aqueduct from wells in the Wheeler Ridge-
Maricopa Water Storage District for water credit and
delivery; however, it was a very limited program as com-
pared to the one that I :ihave described above.
Incldentally, another benefit from the program that ! have
described will be found at the Buena Vista Aquatic Park.
It will assure a supply and good circulation of water
through the Buena Vista Aquatic Park even in a dry year
like 1~77. As I am sure you know, the Buena Vista Aquatic
Park is the most popular publlc recreation facility along
the California Aqueduct in the ian Joaquin Valley.
A positive reaction from you to the program that I have
outlined, and will discuss further with you, will be of
great benefit to the Kern County Water Community. As noted,
I am working closely with the City of Bakersfield to
maximize use'of its 2800 acre spreading area. I am
also working directly with the Kern County Water Agency
and a number of its Member Units. I would 1. ike to carry
the word back to all concerned that the State will look
favorably upon the program that I have suggested. It is
clear to me that this program will make much better use
of surplus California Aqueduct water when it is available
in a year like 19~1.
Sincerely, . -.
georg~ W Nickel, Jr.
GWN: rj p
MEMORANDUM
TO: Curly Barton Ref. File
FROM: George W Nickel, Jr.
DATE: July 10, 198!
SUBJECT: PROPOSED AGENCY PROGRAM ON THE CITY'S 2800 ACRE
SPREADING AREA
Reference is made 'to the Master Spreading Agreement which was
distributed at the Water Board meeting on June 24th. At your
June 24th meeting the Water Board approved sending this
Oraft of Water Master Spreading Agreement to a number of
entities that have indicated interest in a spreading and
recovery program in or adjacent to the City spreading area..
I had an opportunity to look at this draft of agreement shortly
before the meeting on June 24th. Consequently, I noted
~Y concern to the Water Board t~at there was nothing in the
draft of agreement that would permit, entities spreading water
in the City's 2800 acres to extract water by wells in the 2800
acres. I noted that the agreement really only seemed to have
potential value for entities immediately adjacent to the City
spreading area. The possible benefitting entities would
appear to be the James Pioneer Improvement District of
North Kern which covers land largely owned by Tenneco and the
West Kern County Water District and possibly the Rosedale
0istrict. I noted that the entity that could do the most for
bringing surplus Aqueduct water into the City spreading area
was the Agency, which is the only entity in Kern County that
has license to deal with the State of California on Aqueduct
water. I went on to note that there are a number of Agency
Member Units that would like to work through the Agency for
a conjunctive use program which would necessarily include
the right of water extraction~from the City's spreading area.
After bringing these things to the attention of the Water
Board, your staff and your consultants, Tom Stetson spoke
forth and' stated that he anticipated that the Agency and
other entities would want the right of extraction from the
City spreading areal However, language was inadvertently
or otherwise left out of the agreement. Tom Stetson went
· .. on to say that he would recommend that any entity interested
,,: in setting up for water extraction should so indicate to
· ~,-.' the Water Board. It seemed agreed that this type of
'i:' extraction program would be given consideration by the Water
'~- Board. .
,:" Since the June 24th Water Board meeting, I have had the
":"- opportunity to discuss this subject further with, Tom Stetson,
John Chafin and Gene Bogart. There does definitely seem
to be agreement among them that w~ter extraction should be
incluc~d in the Water Spreading Agreement. I have followed
up this' contact with several meetings with Agency staff and
directors. I think that I have come up with a program that
should be of mutual interest to both the City and the Agency.
Moreover, it is a program that should find endorsement from
the City's prior Contractors, namely 01cese and Buena Vista.
Attached you will find a copy of my draft of a Water Spreading
and Recovery Agreement between the City and the Agency. In
this Agreement, you will note that the priority position on
both spreading and extraction of water is preserved for the
City and its prior Contractors. You will also note that the
Agency will act for and on behalf of its Member Units. This
means that the City will only have to deal with the Agency
and not with the Member Units of the Agency. The Agency will
have the responsibility of coming up with an overall program
and the City will be able to stay out of the politics of how this
may be achieved.
One of the most important points that I have tried to make
to the Agency has to do with th~ physical facilities that
will be necessary in the City spreading area. ! feel that
the City and Olcese already have facilities that have done a
good job at spreading a large amount of water. It is my
contention that if the Agency is to come in on behalf of itself
and its Member Units that all additional spreading facilities
costs should be passed on to the Agencyt After talking to
a number of the Agency Member Units, I have satisfied myself
that it will not be difficult to put this point over. I
will also want to again stress that it is my concept that
the City and its pYior Contractors will at all times have a
priority on spreading capacity and recovery facilities.
The recovery of water from'the City spreading area is a matter
that I have given much thought to. This has resulted in my
meeting with the Director of the Department of Water Resources
of the State, Ron Robie on July 7th. You will find attached.
a copy of my July 7 letter to Ron Robie. You will note that
I have asked for the Agency to have the right to convey water
into the California Aqueduct from wells i~the City spreading
area. The California Aqueduct can.thenh~ea conveyance
facility to reach the lands of the Agency's Member Units that
can be served off of theLC~.lifornia Aqueudct. I can report to
you that I had a very ~ meeting with Ron Robie and
5 key members of his staff. I look forward to. further discussion
with you on this subject at our meeting on July 11th.
?DRAFT OF CONTRACT BETWEEN CITY OF BAKERSFIELD (City) and
. KERN COUNTY WATER AGENCY '(Agency) entlted:
WATER SPREADING AND RECOVERY AGREEMENT
WHEREAS:
A. The City owns approximately 2800 acres of land
overlying the Kern County Groundwater Basin, hereinafter
referred to as "City Spreading Area", which lands are set
forth on a map entitled Exhibit "A", attached hereto and
incorporated by reference herein;
B. City has entered into Agreement No. 77-07 W.B.
dated November 9, 1977, which Agreement has been amended as-
set forth' in Agreement No. 78-12 W.B. dated June 27, 1978
and Agreement no. 81-7~, dated ~prll 15, !981. Ali of the
above said Agreements are jointly referred to herein as the
"Basic Spreading Agreements";
C. From time to time City has spreading capacity
excess to its own needs on City Spreading Area, and excess
to requirements of its prior Contractors under the Basic
Spreading Agreement, hereinafter referred to as I'Excess
Spreading Capacity".
D. Agency is the Contractor with the State of California
for itself and all Oistrlcts in Kern County for California
.Aqueduct water. On behalf'of itself and the Oistricts that
it contracts for, Agency wishes .to increase and maximize the
use of California Aqueduct water for the benefit of the Kern
County Water Community..
E. To better accomplish its purposes, Agency wlshes
to contract with City for the Use of surplus capacity, in
City's spreading area for the spreading and subsequent
recovery of water for beneficial use.
F. Subject to the City and its prior' Contractors.
having at all times the first priority on use of spreading
capacity, and water recovery facillties, City is willlng to
permit Agency on behalf of itself and its contracting Oistricts'
to use excess spreading capacity and to subsequently recover
water for beneficial use subject to appropriate financial
conditions and arrangements.
NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY AGREED AMONG THE PARTIES
as follows:
1. FACILITY CONSTRUCTION, MAINTENANCE AND FINANCING.
(a) City and its prior Contractors already have a
spreading program and facilities to handle the spreading of
large quantities of water. Agency agrees at its cost to
improve and increase the spreading capacity in City's spreading
area in order to a~commodate not only the water of City and
its prior Contractors, but also water that Agency wishes to
spread in the ar, ea on behalf of itself and the Districts re-
presented by Agency. Agency agrees to follow the plans that -
have been developed for City by, Ricks, Taylor & Associates
in i-ncreasin'g the spreading capacity in City's spreading
area. Agency shall reimburse City for any payments City has
made to Ricks, Taylor & Associates fo~ the engineering
studies and for the related aerial survey. Agency will not
be required to reimburse City or its prime Contractors for
spreading work and facilities constructed prior to date of
this Agreement. In order to implement this program as
rapidly as possible, Agency will not be required inltlally
to install all of the controls and facilities set forth in
the Ricks, Taylor & Associates plans. By written agreement
with City, Agency can work toward a scheduled program. If
there should be such a program, it will be attached to this
Agreement and made a part hereof.
(b) When Agency spreads water in the future,
Agency shall pay its proportionate share of the annual cost
to spread water as the amount of such waters spread shall
bear to the total water spread in any given calendar year.
Agency shall work directly with City on the annual operation
and maintenance program. City shall have the control of
decisions on maintenance work to be carried out and City
shall be reimbursed for administrative expense.
(c) Because the City and its prior contractors
· are to a substantial extent relying upon high flow Kern
River entitlement for spreading water, it is difficult to
predicK the years and times that such water will be available
for spreading; however, Agency acknowledges and agrees that
these and any other waters of City and its prior Contractors
will at all times have a priority for spreading such water
over and above that of Agency and the Districts contracting
with Agency. Aside from this stipulation, Agency will have
the right to use excess spreading capacity in City's spreading
area. Agency agrees to notify City when Agency has water
for spreading. Agency agrees to establish measuring devices
satisfactor~ to City for the measurement of Agency water
flowing into City'~ spreading area. Agency agrees to.terminate
spreading to the extent that City or its prime Contractors
have a need for the available s~reading capacity or a portion
thereof at any particular time
2. OPERATION AND USE OF LAND AND FACILITIES
(al Agency may spread water obtained from the
California Aqueduct or Kern River water obtained by exchange
for California Aqueduct water.
(bi Recovery of water bY Agency will be limited
to the net amount of water placed in underlyi'ng storage. In
any given calendar year, Agency will be restricted to recovery
of no more than 50~ of the'Agency w~ter in underground
storage at the beginning of that particular calendar year.
(c) At locations having the-prior approval of
City, Agency may install wells and pumps in City's spreading
area. Without prior written approval of City, water recovered
by Agency may be used for agricultural purposes only.
Agency may use for conveyance purposes either the Cross
Valle~ Canal and/or the River Canal. To the extent that
Agency.wishes to use the River ~anal, prior notice shall be
given to City. City at all times will maintain priority of
use of the River Canal for the City and those entities
having a present'right of use. Subject to those restrictions,
City will permit Agency to use the River Canal subject to
paying a use charge for the Canal similar to what City will
" ' charge to its prior Contractors 'when they make use of the
Canal.
(d) City will own wells and pumps in City's
spreading area installed by City's prior Contractors.
Agency will own wells and pumps at locations authorized by
City. To maximize efficiency of well use and control of
underground water levels, City will retain control of the
wells to be utilized during times when full well production
is not required to meet the needs of City, its prior Contractors
and Agency. Cost of well operation will be calculated 0M&R
on each installed well and pump. City will be responsible
for determination of OM&R costs and they will be assessed to
the authorized users under the terms of this Agreement.
EXTRACTI0" FEc
In addition to other '~ayments required under this
Agreement, Agency shall pay to the City the following noted
extraction fees~
(a) For water extracted from City's spreading
area the same extraction charge to be assessed to Agency's
prior Contractors, which at the present time is
per acre foot.
(b) The above noted extraction charge is subject
to escalation on the basis of the'July 1, 1981 Price Index
"Ali Commodities" classifications for the Wholesale Price
Indicies for Major Commodity'Group published by the U.S.
Bureau of Labor Statistics. Adjustments will be made in
January of each year.
(c) It is recognized that some of the Districts
that the Agency will be contracting for will have the Agency
spread water in the City's spreading area, but will recover
such water from wells in their adjacent or nearby District
areas. Agency agrees to notify City when this will be
scheduled to occur. Extraction charges will then be made at
the same rate noted above to the Agency when the contracting
Districts pump their wells for water recovery. Such Districts
are to furnish the Agency and the City with an annual report
of pumPing from all well'~ o'~ed or controlled by such Districts
and all wells owned by landowners within such districts,
specie, lng therein the amount of water stored pursuant to
this Agreement which has been extracted, in the preceedlng
calendar year. Agency shall furnish proof satisfactory to
City that such District's are balancing their underground
water take by imported water acquired through Agency and/or
by water acquired from other sources.