HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-03-26 Water Advisory Committee Agenda PacketASHLAND WATER ADVISORY COMMITTEE
March. 26, 2019
AGENDA
I, CALL TO ORDER: 4:00 PM, Siskiyou Room, 51 Winburn Way Ashland, OR
II. ANNOUNCEMENTS
III. PUBLIC FORUM
We OLD BUSINESS
A. T.I.D. Canal Piping project update
B. Water Treatment Plant pre -design progress
C. Next steps for Water Master Plan
V. NEW BUSINESS
VI. ADJOURNMENT: 6 : 00 PM
Next meeting April 23, 2019 4:00pm — 6:00pm
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CITY OF
ASHLAND
Ashland Canal Piping Project
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ashland Canal Piping Project?
The project entails piping approximately two miles of the Ashland Canal to improve the water
quality of Ashland Creek, (the outlet of the Ashland Canal) and minimize losses through seepage
and evaporation. The open -channel irrigation canal will be replaced with a below --ground pipe
to meet the city's goal for overall water conservation and improved water quality.
Where is the project located?
The piping will take place along approximately two miles of the Ashland Canal from Starlite
Place to Terrace Street. View
Why is the project being proposed?
The City of Ashland places priority on improving water quality, water conservation and water
system efficiencies.
Raw water in an open canal, like Ashland Canal, is vulnerable to contamination from a variety of
sources. These contaminants require additional treatment at our water Treatment Plant and
reduce the water quality of Ashland Creek. Additionally, open canals are susceptible to water
losses through seepage and evaporation. Ashland Creek routinely exceeds the State's
maximums for E. coli bacteria in the summer months.
In addition to improving water quality, conservation efforts will help Ashland to manage its
water resources for the future. The city loses approximately 30 percent of the canal water due
to evaporation and seepage. Piped canals mitigate these losses and conserve a significant
portion of this water.
What is the purpose of the Ashland Canal?
The Ashland Canal is a regular source of seasonal irrigation water around the city. The Canal has
also been infrequently used as a raw water source for the Water Treatment Plant (WTP). It was
most recently used in 2015 due to dropping water levels in Reeder Reservoir.
The city has a contract with the Talent Irrigation District (TID) for approximately 1,369-acre feet
of water annually. The front section of the Canal terminates in the wet well of the Terrace
Street Pump Station. From there the city can: 1) Choose to pump to the Water Treatment Plant
for potable water treatment, 2) Gravity feed into a Siphon that conveys the water across the
Ashland Creek drainage to the back section of the Canal, or 3) Gravity overflow through a pipe
into Ashland Creek at Lithia Park.
Engineering Tel: 541/488-5347
20 E. Main Street Fax: 541--/488-6006
Ashland, Oregon 97520 TTY: 800/735-2900 rPAAft
www.ashland.or.us
CITY OF
ASHLAND
What is the history of the Ashland Canal?
The Canal was constructed in the early 1920's and is in operation seasonally from April through
October (approximate). The Canal consists of an open ditch among most of its length, though
some portions have been piped due to past maintenance issues. Water is conveyed to
individual users via a combination of piping and ditch systems that run through the city; these
networks are owned by either the City of Ashland, Talent Irrigation District, or private land
owners. Use of TID water is through individual agreements based on the property size and are
generally unmetered.
Where does the city get its water?
The city's primary source of raw water comes from the Ashland Creek watershed.
In 1928, the city constructed Hosler Dam at the confluence of the West and East Forks of
Ashland Creek. The resulting impoundment of Reeder Reservoir provides 280 million gallons
(MG) of storage for the city's water supply. Water from the reservoir is conveyed to the city's
Water Treatment Plant (WTP) located along Ashland Creek, approximately one mile below
Reeder Reservoir.
The city has an agreement with the Talent Irrigation District (TID) to provide additional raw
water supply in drought years. When needed, TID water is pumped from the Ashland Canal by
the city's Terrace Street Pump Station up to the WTP, where it is treated with the Ashland
Creek raw water supply.
What is the project timeline?
The preliminary engineering phase (survey and field work) began in February 2018 and is
expected to take eleven months. Construction is not anticipated until 2020.
■ Phase 1A, February 2018 -- December 2018: Preliminary engineering phase (survey and
fieldwork)
■ Phase 1B, December 2018-June 2019: Public outreach, obtaining permits, easements
and construction work agreements
• Phase 2, June 2019-December 2019: Final engineering
• Phase 3, 2020: Construction of piping project
Who are the city's piping partners?
On January 16, 2018, city council approved a contract with Adkins Consulting Engineering, LLP
to perform preliminary engineering work associated with piping a portion of the Ashland Canal.
How is the project funded?
The project is funded by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality Clean Water State
Revolving Fund. The loan was authorized August 1, 2017, by city council.
Engineering Tel:541/488-5347
20 E. Main Street Fax: 541-/488-6006
Ashland, Oregon 97520 TTY: 800/735-2900 rpla
www.ashland.or.us
CITY OF
ASHLAND
How will this project benefit Ashland citizens?
• Minimized water pollution and health risks: reduced E. coli contributing bacteria as well
as other contaminants in Ashland Creek.
• Conserves water lost to seepage and evaporation: approximately 30%
• Protects drinking water resources: in drought years, canal water is pumped to the
Ashland water Treatment Plant and treated to drinking water standards.
• Safety improvements: piping the canal eliminates some falling and drowning hazards
and will drastically reduce the chances of overtopping and bank blow --outs.
* Trail and Surface Improvements: will create a wider smoother gravel path with reduced
maintenance.
• Improved irrigation water quality: less debris and sediment buildup
How much water will the Ashland Canal Project sage?
During the irrigation season, Ashland Canal loses approximately 30 percent of water to
evaporation and seepage. Piping the canal will mitigate these losses and conserve a significant
portion of this water, providing more efficient delivery to customers.
How will this project affect the trail along the Canal?
Temporary trail closures will be required during construction as well as some trail restoration
after construction. This project is not intended to create additional trails or to secure additional
trail segments. However, by burying a pipe this project will un-intentionally remove previous
seasonal trail obstacles (the open Canal with water). The City will work closely with adjoining
property owners to mitigate any concerns regarding the trail and the removal of previous
obstacles. The Ashland Parks and Recreation Division is interested in securing additional trail
easements if property owners are interested. If you are interested in these opportunities,
please contact Parks Superintendent Michael Oxendine at 541-552-2252.
How will the canal along the Cottle property open space be accessed?
Access will likely be the same as the existing access.
What will happen to the trees along the Ashland Canal?
We are currently in the preliminary engineering design phase and are evaluating and surveying
the landscaping and the trees along the Ashland Canal to determine the impact. Efforts will be
made during construction to reduce negative impacts to the trees and landscaping.
What is an Easement?
An easement is a right to cross or otherwise use someone else's land for a specified purpose.
The City of Ashland has a maintenance easement along either side of the Ashland Canal
from Starlite Place to Terrace Street.
■ A trail easement is an agreement with the homeowner and City of Ashland Parks
Department to allow trail access along the Ashland Canal. All current trail easements
will remain after the project is complete.
Engineering Tel: 541/488-5347
20 F. Main Street Fax: 541-/488-6006
Ashland, Oregon 97520 TTY: 800/735-2900 VVAL&
www.ashland.or.us
CITY OF
ASHLAND
Do I have a trail easement on my property?
To find out if you currently have a trail easement through the Parks Department, please contact
Parks Superintendent Michael oxendine at 541--552-2252.
What is the Talent Irrigation District's involvement in the project?
The Talent Irrigation District (TID) currently serves water, mainly used for irrigation, within the
Talent and Ashland areas via several storage reservoirs and canals. waters are conveyed to
users within the City of Ashland via the Ashland Canal, which extends from the Green Springs
Power Plant, along the south side of the city, to its terminus at Wright's Creek. The TID supplies
water to the Ashland Canal. The City of Ashland owns and operates the Canal for municipal
purposes.
The city has an agreement with the TID to provide additional raw water supply in drought years.
When needed, TID water is pumped from the Ashland Canal by the city's Terrace Street Pump
Station up to the WTP, where it is treated with the Ashland Greek raw water supply.
What is happening upstream from the 2 miles that is being piped?
The Talent Irrigation District (TID) owns and maintains the canal upstream of the City's
monitoring station at Starlite Place. TID does not plan to pipe their section of the canal at this
time.
Will TID chemical water treatment in the ditch change with the piping of the canal?
TID does not use any aquatic chemical in its canals.
How will this project benefit irrigation customers?
During the irrigation season, Ashland Canal loses approximately 30 percent of water to
evaporation and seepage. Piping the canal will mitigate these losses and conserve a significant
portion of this water, providing more efficient delivery to customers. We anticipate the
addition of better filtration at the head of the piped section, this will reduce the amount of
debris in the canal and ultimately reduce the debris in the Canal lateral lines.
How will irrigation access be established to the pipe for current Ashland Canal irrigation
water holders?
We have a few different ways of connecting to the pipe, it will be somewhat dependent on the
existing connection/conditions. We will plan for these specific connections with a standard
detail or custom detail (depending on the connection). For future connections, an lnserta Tee
will likely be the easiest connection for public works. There are no "TID" water right holders
attached to this section of canal.
I have an irrigation water right through TID? Will my property be affected?
TID irrigation water right holders will not be affected by this Ashland Canal piping project.
Engineering Tel: 541/488-5347
20 E. Main Street Fax: 541-/488-5005
Ashland, Oregon 97520 TTY: 800/735-7900
www.ashland.or.us rp4i&
CITY OF
ASHLAND
How do 1 find out if I have Ashland Canal water for irrigation or if I get my water from TIN
Call us at 541-552-2062
Why is the canal being piped rather than lined?
There are three reasons the city chose to pipe over lining:
1) IMPROVED WATER QUALITY: Piping Ashland Canal will reduce contaminants in Ashland
Creek, lining the Canal still leaves it open to contaminants,
2) CONSERVATION: Potential to conserve 30 percent of the canal water due to evaporation
and seepage. Piped canals mitigate these losses and conserve a significant portion of
this water. Lining the Canal will reduce seepage, but requires frequent and costly
repairs to maintain this benefit.
3) COST: while lining may be less expensive to implement in its first installment cycle than
piping, it requires significant maintenance and replacement cycles. In the long run
maintenance and replacement costs exceed the cost of piping over time.
Why can't the current concrete stay in the ditch? Why does it have to be removed at all?
The concrete canal lining is beyond its service life and has deteriorated to a point where it
needs replacement. Long term, it is more cost effective, less maintenance and less water loss to
replace the concrete lining with a buried pipe.
What will the area look like after the canal is piped?
The pipe will be buried at grade level and, when the project is completed, the city will restore
the trail. The city is exploring partnerships with Ashland Parks and Recreation District and the
Southern Oregon Trail Alliance. (can we link to our rendering here?) Add more
What kind of pipe will be used in the Ashland Canal project?
The pipe diameter is yet to be determined, but will likely be between 24 inches and 48 inches.
We are very early in the design process, and have not determined the pipe material to be used.
However, it is common to use ADS N-12 Low Head pipe in these applications. htt s: www.ads-
pipe.com
How large of a grade drop will be needed to accommodate the larger pipe?
It depends on multiple factors; of which we are currently working through.
Can the new piping, after it is backfilled be driven over? What is the weight limit for the pipe
being used?
Yes, the pipe can be driven over with the proper backfill and trench requirements. The weight
limit is dependent on these factors.
How will piping the canal impact natural resources?
Phase 1B of this project, estimated to begin late in 2018 will include wetland surveys and
approaches. Currently, the City is working with natural resources professionals to determine
Engineering Tel: 541./488-5347
20 E. Main Street Fax: 541.-/488-6006
Ashland, Oregon 97520 TTY: 800/735-2900 .r
w►rvw.ashland.or.us
CITY OF
ASHLAND
and/or mitigate impacts to vegetation. We estimate this analysis to be complete by the end of
2018.
How will this project affect the wildlife?
In its current state, water is in the canal April through October. Wildlife is used to not having
access to water six months out of the year and will continue to seek other water sources like
ponds and natural water bodies.
How is this project going to affect my property?
The city is committed to working with homeowners to address all concerns.
To learn how your property might be impacted by this water quality and conservation project,
please contact the Public Works Department at 541--488-5587.
Is the City going to be working on my property?
City staff and our partners have thoughtfully considered the impact this project may have on
residents and properties that border this section of canal. The city will do its best to minimize
impacts to adjoining properties and irrigation customers from project design through
construction. The City has easements that allow the placement, operation and access of the
canal on private property. If the Canal crosses your property and you not aware of an
easement, please contact us as we may be able to help.
What kind of safety precautions are going to take place during construction?
The contractor will ultimately be responsible for complying with OSHA and state rules for
construction access and safety; this will more than likely include temporary fencing, flagging,
etc. Additionally, we will have a project representative onsite to ensure the contractor complies
with these rules.
What are going to be the working hours of the construction crews?
8:00 a.m. -5:00 p.m. Monday- Friday
Where is the stormwater that is currently being routed into the canal going to go?
The stormwater that is currently entering the canal will likely be rerouted to adjacent
drainages. We will also be considering other alternatives, such as low -impact -development
solutions like rain gardens or bio swales. We are currently still in the preliminary design phase
of the project and will have more information as we move forward.
How can I learn more about the project?
We invite you to contact the city to learn more about the project at 541-488-5587 or visit
www.ashland.or.us/ashlandcanal. If you wish to be included on our email notification list,
please send an email to ashlandcanal@ashland.or.us.
Engineering Tel: 541/488-5347
20 E. Main street Fax: 541-/488-6006
Ashland, Oregon 97520 TTY: 800/735-2900 .�
www_ac,hianrl.nr. i m
Ashland Canal Questions from Councilors and a couple others
1. It looks like TID is still our preferred backup for drinking water over the Medford source (Talent Ashland Phoenix
intertie TAP) because it is cheaper to buy raw water for our treatment facility than it is to buy treated water from
Medford. is that correct and what is the difference in cost? How much have we used far drinking water over the
last five years or so?
Yes, we supplement our drinking water first with TID water as allowed by the municipal uses of the TID and the
much lower costs. We purchase TID water for $.20 per 1000 gallons, however when the pumping and treatment
costs are added, the total TID water cost is $0.40 per 1000 gallons. Our costs for TAP water delivered into our
system are $1.15 per 1000 gallons. Since 2009 we have pumped 457 million gallons of TID water and 176 million
gallons of TAP. In addition, TAP is classified as an emergency water source.. Our use of TAP at this point has only
been for system evaluation and testing, not for emergency use. TAP is..Sfi considered an emergency source only.
2. Is temperature a problem at the Ashland Canal outfall in Ashland `6k? Are we collecting data to track that?
We are not aware of any temperature studies for the canal outfa "The Parks: Department likely has
some data from their E. coli sampling that includes temperature, but likely n6t.collected for a temperature
study for the Canal outfall.
3. Is there an E-coli threshold below which we are not expeencing a health hazard? Do e know what the
.. . .
baseline E-coli amount is in Ashland Creek before our canal water ent rs the natural strea►r�.?if our canal water
did not p anY u pick more E-coli as it headed t -rough town, would t at.be enough to keep us out of trouble in terms
P
of health risks and signs telling people not to ga Jn fire .water?
Ashland Canal E. coli MPIV/100 mL (geometric mean)
W
cn
F: Tolman Greek Rd
to
r.E:
.�.
Park Street
CL
E
D: Pinecrest Terrace
tA
C: Elkader Street
B: Morton Street
A: Herbert Street
#4 TID Dutfall
X
0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180
Data from Rogue RiverKeepers 2011 Ashland Creek E. coli Study
Ashland Creek E. coli MPN/100mL (geometric mean)
#9 Water Treatment Plant
#8 Fairy Ponds
A
#7 Above Swimming Reservoir
INXIMM
CL #6 Below swimming Reservoir
LA #5 Above TO Outfall
#4 TID Outfall (into Ashland Creek)
QJ
#3 Below TI D Outfall
#2 Above Nutley SD
#1 Below Nutley SD
0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180
Data from Rogue RiverKeepers 2011 Ashland Creels E. coli Study
.....
4. It sounds like we do not meter existing Ashland customers mho buy. r Vation water from the City. Would this
project allow us to meter those customers (pl js the Soo new custo.me W? 1f so, is that cost figured into the
estimate.
6. 1 recall hearing a year or two ago about an update to the water Master Plan, which I believe is the document
that calls for this project. Is that plan in the process of being updated? If so, to what extent is it making into
consideration climate change and when do we expect it to be done?
The 2012 Water Master Plan originally identified the need to pipe the Ashland Canal. In 2013 Council approved
the DEQ loan to complete the piping project. We are currently updating the Water Master Plan and anticipate it
to be completed in June 2019. The canal piping project is a part of the new Master Plan project list. Climate
change is not specifically discussed in the Water Master Plan but anticipated drought periods are planned. Piping
the canal will protect the water from seeping and ensure full allocation of water is available for our residents.
2
7. There is a claim that maintaining the trail will create an effective fuel break, but that was put forward by the
company that completed the ecological study. 1 would like to see an opinion from our fire department regarding
the utility of this trail as a fire break - or as a means of accessing the area for firefighting in the event of a wildfire
heading toward town. if it is to be used as afire break, it will need to be maintained in a specific way. Is that part
of the cost estimates for maintenance after the piping is installed?
We have received a memo from Ashland Fire and Rescue regarding this project and will forward to Council. We
are planning on designing the trail so that it can be accessed by the Fire Departments' brush trucks in the event of
a wildfire emergency in the area. The easement area will be maintained to allow for emergency fire and pipeline
access.
10. In terms of the cost, 1 need to clarify a few things. It says that preliminary engineering costs have gone from 1.3
to 1.8 million. Then design, permitting, and construction has gone from 2.4 to 3.9 million. 1 assume these two
categories are additive meaning that the total cost of the project (assuming we go with the preferred alternative
costing 3.1 million) would be 4.9 million total. Is that correct or are the preliminary engineering numbers included
in the estimate for design, permitting, and construction ? Also, I am assuming that the 250k or so that has already
been spent is included in the 1.8 million, but please correct me if I m wrong.
The $3.1 million estimate is to finish the design and construction of the Staff recommended piping alternative.
Construction alone is $2.2 million. The $3.1 does not include costs to date ($250,000). That total is $3,350,000.
We are not aware of any significant changes to WISE, but are hearing that it is not on the front burner. Where to
get the funding has been an obstacle for them. The Ashland Canal is fed by TID-BOR owned canals and terminates
where we decide: the water treatment plant, Wright's Creek or Ashland Creek. In normal operation, our canal
terminates into Wright's Creek, but there's always some spillage into Ashland Creels.
13. Do we have a legal risk of storm water - or a massive failure of the canal -flooding property owners along the
canal? Is there a legal risk to the City for doing something that may decrease property values (1 doubt this second
one is the case, but people are talking about it so !just need to confirm).
Flooding and canal failure risks will be significantly reduced by this piping project. If the project moves forward,
we will work closely with the City's legal team to address legal risks relating to property values. It is very difficult
to quantify property value changes.
14. This may seem like a strange question, but do we know how many gallons of water we are conserving annually
because of our water conservation program and the actions residents are: taking ?
Our city residents and water users have been very diligent with w:ater:c .nservation practices. Typical savings
range between 2-4 million gallons per year. On average about 3lon gaI;n.s are conserved each year from the
actions that residents are taking by participating in the water efficiency programs the City offers.
15. For the sections that are already piped, when was thd' �iping done and what is %f�e`expectancy of the pipe?
........:::..:..:......:..
..............
We don't have accurate construction recor s.,.or the currently.. pipesections. Some are reWive y newer an
some are not. It's estimated that about 60 .: f fhe currently p pe.' ection have tar lined metal culverts and the
rest are plastic pipe. The metal pipe is likely be.yvpd= is .design life and J�. s known to corrode on the bottom and
leak substantially. The plastic pipe appears to be: n fair condition........... .... ......
16. will we be able to see the res:u .6 of : the questionnaire that: s%handed `or:rt: to the participants at the meeting
... . . .... .
last week.
This information was provided.to. Council and is on the ro ect webpage: Council Study Session Presentation.
ww. hl r. hl n nal
w as a nd o uslas a dca
..... ..... .... .: ........ ... ..:-.::..:::,. .::.... . ...... r
17. Can you tell me how many cr stomers: e currently serve with canal water, haw muc money that program
brings in, and an:estimate of how'm:uch water those current customers use?
18. It would also be helpful to know how many of the affected property owners are receiving irrigation water from
the canal and which ones have a public use easement in place already? (In addition to the maintenance easement)
There are 19 properties within the project area that have irrigation service from the Canal. The map of the trail
easements is on the project website(www.ashiand.or.us/ashlandcanai}. There are approximately 30 properties
representing 56% of the total canal length in the project section that have trail easements in place now.
19. My thinking is that the community would like to have an unimpeded trail along the canal whether it gets
piped or lined and I'm wondering if there could be some packages created where we offer hook ups and/or some
amount of irrigation water in exchange for public use easements in the areas where the City does not already have
them. If we did that, people could decide to water some of the trees that are in danger of dying once the pipe is
installed.
Interesting policy question for council, additional public trail easements need to be negotiated with property
owners.
The City spends approximately $50,000 on annual maintenance for the whole canal. The City maintains this 2-
mile section and the "back" side which is another 2 miles in length. These costs are for the whole Canal;
24. Now many current customers receive irrigation water from the city section and how much does the city
currently receive in payments form those who get irrigation water from the city? Now many requests has the city
received asking to start get irrigation water from the city?
This section of canal serves 99 properties and the backside of the Canal serves 86 properties. Total TID sales for FY
2018 were $64,846.23. an average we get about 5 requests a year for new TID service. The last time we installed
a new connection was 2016, most of the time people are asking for it where it's not available or there isn't
enough capacity or they determine the costs for installation are too high.
These issues will be addressed during final design. The total storm flows are less than we realized, partly because
much of the canal has a road network uphill that directs storm flows into our storm system already.