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CALAVERAS COUNTY OFFICE OF EMERGENCY SERVICES
Emergency solutions to redirect existing water supplies that have been cut off as a result of the water flume being destroyed in the Darby Fire have begun. Completion of these projects will collectively increase the amount of water available to the communities of Murphys, Vallecito, Douglas Flat, Carson Hill, Six Mile Village, and Angels Camp. Immediate Short Term (30 days) Options: There are three short term projects in various stages of planning and development. The first project known as the "Calaveras Cement Slurry Line" will redirect Calaveras Public Utility District (CPUD) water from San Andreas to Ross Reservoir. If determined feasible, this project could potentially increase the available water supply in Angels Camp. The second project known as the "Central Calaveras Mine Project" will potentially pump water from an underground water source accessed through an abandoned mine shaft. This option is the most difficult of the three projects because it requires significant water quality testing and environmental health analysis to ensure safe drinking water. Water samples have been taken and testing has begun. This option could also increase the available water supply to Angels Camp. The third project entitled "The Forest Meadows Hydrant Project" will reroute Calaveras County Water District water from the Ebbetts Pass distribution system to the canal water distribution system. The water will be drawn from Forest Meadows hydrants to provide additional water to Murphys, Vallecito, Douglas Flat, Carson Hill, Six Mile Village, and Angels Camp. Intermediate Mid-Term Options (30-90 days): There are two other potential projects -mid-term and long-term plans that are in progress. The mid-term project called the "Adit 4 Tunnel Tap" involves drilling down approximately 360 ft. to tap into an existing underground water conveyance system and water source. Estimated date of completion is early November 2001. Long-Term Options (six months or more) The long-term flume repair project provides for reconstruction of the damaged water flume. It is unknown how long it will take to replace burned flume sections due to the steep terrain and complexity of construction. The water distribution system is complex. Multiple regulatory and operational entities are coordinating efforts to expedite recovery plans and flume repairs. The State Office of Emergency Services (State OES), the State Department of Water Resources (DWR), the State Department of Health Services (DHS), the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), PG&E, and local agencies including the City of Angels, Union Public Utility District (UPUD), the Calaveras County Water District (CCWD), the Utica Power Authority (UPA), the Northern CA Power Agency (NCPA), the Calaveras Public Utility District (CPUD), the USDA Forest Service, and the Calaveras County Office of Emergency Services have been developing emergency solutions and longer range plans since discovery of the flume's destruction. Other potential water sources are being looked at and evaluated for future use. Residents are advised that the short, intermediate and long-term emergency options that are being considered are exploratory in nature and may be subject to change as engineering plans and construction issues are studied and implemented. The multi-agency emergency response and recovery efforts are committed to providing safe water to residents in Murphys, Vallecito, Douglas Flat, Carson Hill, Six Mile Village and Angels Camp. Residents are reminded that extreme conservation measures remain in effect. Residents who have concerns about their water should contact their individual water districts for more information. For more information contact: |
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Calaveras County Government Services