55A - SAN LORENZO SEWER LIFT STATION

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EXHIBIT "A" become operational and there would be no standby pump; thus, if two pumps were to fail at the existing lift station facility, there would not be a third standby pump to convey sewage, thereby increasing the potential for a sewer spill. By contrast, the proposed San Lorenzo Lift Station would have a total of three pumps, only one of which would be in operation during dry weather conditions. If two pumps were to simultaneously fail at the proposed lift station facility under dry weather conditions, then a third pump would be available to continue conveying wastewater. Thus, the replacement lift station would offer additional redundancies that do not exist at the existing Segerstrom Lift Station facility, but only under dry weather conditions. For clarification purposes, this information was corrected in the RDEIR. As indicated on RDEIR Page 2 -6, "The existing lift station is prone to frequent maintenance (two to three times per week) in order to clear blockages due to debris collected in the system. In addition, due to the age of the equipment, the existing pumps and other equipment are subject to frequent mechanical failure (requiring maintenance) and it is difficult to obtain necessary replacement parts for the existing facility." One of the key purposes of CEQA is to provide an opportunity for public comment on a proposed Project and for a Lead Agency to respond to that public comment. In responding to this issue and subsequently recirculating the EIR, the City has done exactly what CEQA envisions. The commenter's insinuation that the proposed improvements are not needed defy logic and run contrary to fact. TetraTech's attached memorandum explains the status of the mechanical equipment at the existing lift station. We acknowledge the evaluation provided by Mr. Bonneau Dickson and attached to the commenter's letter. However, the City's engineers and Department of Public Works' staff have a singular familiarity with the issues prevalent at the existing lift station. Beginning in approximately September 2010 crews noticed a dramatic change in the flow conditions going through the lift station. The pumps were clogging regularly due to rags, clothes, debris and other items. The City attempted to investigate upstream conditions but was unable to identify the specific source of the problem. This resulted in the dramatic increase in maintenance logs the commenter highlights. Department of Public Works staff mounted an extensive public outreach/educational campaign to alleviate these issues, including handing out brochures, magnets, and pan scrapers to facilitate proper disposal of oils and greases. All of this was done in response to a clear and present need, not as part some attempt to "manufacture" or "falsify" the City's records, as the commenter seems to imagine. Section III. The commenter is incorrect in stating that the proposed project does not provide a lift station in which electrical components are housed above ground so as to preclude the potential for electrical failure during peak storm events due to flooding. The proposed dry pit (which contains the mechanical piping /valves /pumps /motors) is protected by curbs and elevation to minimize any potential flooding, as compared to the existing dry pit, which is subject to flooding due to its location within the often flooded Bristol Street. Under the proposed design, any flood at the end of San Lorenzo will be relieved to Segerstrom prior to reaching the elevation of the top of the dry well. Similarly, the proposed electrical facilities will be located within a building whereas the existing electrical panels are located outside and exposed to elements. 55A -122