Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutRes 07-20 Support of the Salton SeaREQUEST: CITY OF PALM DESERT COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT STAFF REPORT ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 07- 20 , A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, PROVIDING FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AND SUPPORT TO THE SALTON SEA AUTHORITY PLAN FOR MULTI -PURPOSE PROJECT DATE: March 22, 2007 CONTENTS: Salton Sea Authority Plan for Multi -Purpose Project and Adopted Salton Sea Authority Budget Administration and Preferred Altemative July 2006 — June 2007 RECOMMENDATION: 1. Waive further reading and adopt Resolution No. 07- 20 . 2. By Minute Motion, appropriate $5,000 from the unobligated General Fund to the Salton Sea Authority for community outreach programs. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: The Salton Sea Authority has developed a plan for a multi -purpose project to restore and revitalize the Salton Sea. The Authority has requested the Palm Desert City Council join other Valley cities and organizations and approve the attached Resolution and appropriate $5,000 from the unobligated General Fund for community information and education outreach efforts. BACKGROUND: The proper management of the Salton Sea will provide an important benefit to the City of Palm Desert as well as the entire Coachella Valley. Restoration and revitalization of the Sea is critical to protect our quality of life, including air and water quality, as well as to preserve the wildlife habitat, tourism, and recreational activities in the Coachella Valley. The local plan is the result of technical research and analysis and represents a consensus of the Authority's member agencies. Given current and expected future conditions, the Authority has developed and is advancing a combined multi -purpose revitalization/restoration project aimed at currently: 1) Restoring the Sea as a nationally important wildlife refuge; 2) maintaining the Sea as a vital link along the International Pacific Flyway; 3) reducing odor and other air quality problems for re-establishing the Sea as a tourist destination and recreational playground; and 4) revitalizing the Sea as a local economic development engine. These project objectives are derived from and consistent with the Salton Sea Authority Board policy positions that were enacted in October 2005, and reaffirmed at an Authority Board workshop meeting held in CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT MARCH 22, 2007 RE: ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 07-20 , A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, PROVIDING FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AND SUPPORT TO THE SALTON SEA AUTHORITY PLAN FOR MULTI -PURPOSE PROJECT April 2006. The Authority's proposed project design is also being considered as one of ten alternatives contained in the separate Salton Sea Restoration Project studies being conducted concurrently by the Resources Agency of the State of California and the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. The Authority's project objective is to achieve the habitat restoration and air and water quality goals set out in State and Federal Legislation while simultaneously meeting the needs of the residents of the region, local property owners, and civic leaders in the Coachella Valley. These interests desire a large sustainable recreational lake with reduced odor that serves as a catalyst for regional economic development. This lake would also provide critical habitat values as it has in the past. In addition to consideration of a Resolution of support for the local plan, the Salton Sea Authority has requested that the City of Palm Desert join other local cities to contribute $5,000 for community information and education efforts. The Authority is conducting a significant community outreach effort to inform and educate the public about the Restoration Plan and the consequences of failures that introduce the potential for significant negative impacts of our quality of life and public health, as well as the transfer of water currently going into the Salton Sea to coastal urban communities. The request for funding is to allow the Authority to conduct presentations before municipalities, trade and civic groups, and non-profit clubs and organizations. The effort has already included a direct mail flyer sent to residents and a 30 second public service announcement airing on local television. Future plans include a video documentary on the Sea that will be aired later this year. Staff recommends that the City Council: 1) Waive further reading and adopt Resolution No. 07- ; and 2) appropriate $5,000 from the unobligated General Fund to the Salton Sea Authority for community outreach programs. PATRICIAAUL GIBSON ANALYST DIRECTOR OF FINANCE/ CITY TREASURER ,SHEILA R. GILLIGAN ACM/COMMUNITY SE ES 2 CARL • 0 i' GA CITY MANAG REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING MARCH 22, 2007 XIV. NEW BUSINESS A. CONSIDERATION OF REQUEST FOR SUPPORT OF THE SALTON SEA AUTHORITY PLAN FOR MULTI -PURPOSE PROJECT TO RESTORE AND REVITALIZE THE SALTON SEA. -ITY COUNCIL TION: APPROVED DENIED RECEIVED OTHER e Jo . CJ'/ ao '' MEETING DATE �43. a� -07 NOES AYES: tr . `�ll./LS Ti f il'3ei'ty, 6pipL?pl. (ti^4 %iP%ly ABSENT: A , ABSTAIN: A/ VERIFIED BY:� Original on File wjCity Clerk's Office RESOLUTION NO. 07-20 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, PROVIDING FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AND SUPPORT TO THE SALTON SEA AUTHORITY PLAN FOR MULTI -PURPOSE PROJECT THE CITY OF PLAM DESERT DOES HEREBY RESOLVE, by the City Council of Palm Desert, California, as follows: WHEREAS, the Salton Sea Authority is a Joint Powers Authority formed under the laws of the State of California by a Joint Powers Agreement dated 1993 and is the Regional Agency for identifying and implementing corrective measures to preserve the beneficial uses of the Sea, and WHEREAS, the Salton Sea Authority has conducted extensive research and scientific investigation of the Salton Sea and has studied numerous alternative measures to restore and revitalize the Sea, and WHEREAS, on June 29, 2006, the Board of Directors of the Salton Sea Authority voted unanimously to adopt the Executive Summary of the Salton Sea Authority conceptual plan, and WHEREAS, the City of Palm Desert finds that the Salton Sea Conceptual Plan best meets the needs to provide wildlife habitats, improve water quality, and protect air quality in our region, and WHEREAS, the Salton Sea Conceptual Plan also creates major recreational and economic development opportunities in the Coachella and Valley, and WHEREAS, the Salton Sea Authority Conceptual Plan best meets the needs of the City of Palm Desert, its constituents, and those living and working in the Coachella and Valley, and WHEREAS, the Salton Sea Authority Conceptual Plan is superior to other alternatives that the State of California and the U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation, are considering during their programmatic Environmental Impact Report and alternative study, and WHEREAS, prior to the formal adoption or implementation of any restoration plan, the Salton Sea Authority will cause any project to undergo a thorough and environmental analysis pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, as follows: (1) (2) (3) The City of Palm Desert hereby supports the "Salton Sea Authority Conceptual Plan for Multi -Purpose Project as" the preferred plan for restoration and revitalization of the Salton Sea, and The City of Palm Desert encourages the State of California and the Department of the Interior to select the Salton Sea Authority Conceptual Plan as their preferred alternative for Salton Sea restoration and revitalization, and The City of Palm Desert encourages cities and counties and other entities to join with it in support of the Salton Sea Authority Conceptual Plan. PASSED, APPROVED, and ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Palm Desert, California, on this 22nd day of March 2007, by the following vote, to wit: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: ABSTAIN: ATTEST: RICHARD S. KELLY, MAYOR CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA RACHELLE D. KLASSEN, CMC, CITY CLERK CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA ADOPTED SALTON SEA AUTHORITY BUDGET ADMINISTRATION & PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE JULY 2006 THROUGH JUNE 2007 . . Personnel Expense 75% Executive Director 96,000 75% Executive Assistant 36,000 50% Admn Service Officer 30,000 Benefit Expense 66,000 Payroll mgmt fee 1,800 SUBTOTAL 229,800 � Rent 30,000 Common Area 6,000 General Office Supplies 10,200 Insurance 9,600 Communications 18,000 Postage 6,000 Advertising 1,800 Printing 1,200 Membership,Dues,Subscriptions 5,400 Office Equipment Office Equipment Maintenance 6,000 Offrce Equrpment Leases 2,400 O�ce Equipment Capifal 10,200 Travel Meetings 10,200 Mileage 10,200 SUBTOTAL 127,200 - • • Attorney Sry 42,000 Auditor 14,200 Computer Sry 6,600 Technical Sry 116,000 Community Outreach 481,150 EIR Response 120,000 Legislative Representation 100,000 SUBTOTAL 879,950 Project Contingency/Office Shut Down 250,000 SUBTOTAL 250,000 • � Expense Total 1,486,950 • 1 Cash on Hand 07/01/06 428,673 Project Indirect Cost Reimbursement 108,061 Members Assessment 490,000 City Contributions 100,000 Tribal Contributions 100,000 Indian Gaming Fund 400,000 Private Contributions 100,000 • • Income Total as of 06/30/07 1,726,734 Accumulative Cash Flow 239,784 1 Restricted by State Funding for Econ & Rec Opportunities and Odor Abatement SALTON SEA AUTHORITY BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND TECHNICAL COMMITTEES Salton Sea Avthority Board of Directors C��achclla �'allc�� �\'atcr 1)��trtct Patricta "<:�rk��" ].arsc>n Pctcr Nelson, �'icc President Itnprrial (:�unr}� I.arn� C�r�gan Gan� \\'��att, President ImPcrial Irri�;ation l�istrict .\nc�}' f�orne �tella I�Icnd�za Iti��rrsic3r C:�unn' �Iarion :lshlc�• Ro�• �C'ils�ti T�rres �Iartine� ,�l ].o��a,Sccrctar�� J�c l.rn•a Technical Advisory Committee l�c>u� Harnum, �'.S.G.ti. (n�n-��oting mcmbcr) l.arr�� Gilbert, Imperial (:<>unt�� }�armrr 13c�b Ham, Im�erial Counh• Dan `faruncz, I�i��ersicle C�unn� tihirle�� Palmer,�almn C�mmunit�• Sen•ice� Dtstrict I)an Parks, (:c�achella \'alle� ��'ater l�istnct Paul P�schcl, Im�erial Irrigauon l)i�trict .-ilbrrt� Ramtrcz,'lorres I�farti�iez I�lichael ��'alkrr, U.S. tiurcau of Keclamation (n�n-��ot�ng membcr) Project Finance Commitfee -�m�� �lmmuns,(:�achclla �'alle� �\'atrr lli�trict Ruclnc�• 13�nncr,'1'�rres I�tartincz R�bcrtta 13urns, Imperial Count�� l)on Cox, Im�rrial Cc�unn• Farmrr "l�ec1 1)rckrrs, Desert Shores Re:ident "l im I�elle�•, Imperial Cuunh' T:c�n�mic C:�r��rauc�n 1)an I�Iaruncz, Ri��crs�dc Counn• �likc�t'�I��n, Indio Councilmcmbrr Public Policy � Planning Committee R<�b I3crnhcimcr, Inc�ian \F'clls Cc>uncilmcmber �uan L�cl.ara,(:c�achella Cc>uncilmcrnbcr 13c�b I lam, Imperial(;uuntr R<>n f Iull, Imperial Irri�auon District ,�l Kalin, Imperial Cc�unt�� Harm 13urrau '1'h<>ma: "Fiud" l.andrum, ��'estmc�rland Councilmembcr 1)eb� I,i��e:a��,'I'c�rres I�Iartinrz l)an �Iaruncz, Riversic3c Countt� 1'at Nel.on, Calipatria (:c�uncilmcmbcr llan Parks,C:�achella Valle�� \�'atcr I�istrict Shirleti� Palmrr,Salton Communih� Sen��ccs District ]o tih�clds, Bra�vlc�� I�ta��or (:hcn•l ��'alker, E-:I (:cntro �\fa�•�r Executive Director Rick L�anicls, F-:xecuti�•r llircctur 1)an (�ain, ticnior .�dmini�trati��c ��nal���t (�cnienc(:ruft, .ldrruni�trati�•c Srn�iccs Officer ].inda `uemcll, }�.xecut���c ,�s:istant Consvlfant Support Bill 13ro�vnlic,�1'etra Trch R�n }-;nzweiler,\�C'atrrrech Partner5 f��r additional �nformati<m.�Irase rnntacr. Salton �ca .�uthorit�� 7H--}(11 I�i�hwa�� 1 1 1, Suite 'I' I.a `uinta,C:,� 92253 (7G(1) SG-�-�RSifi S ullnn.S��u.�i�rlhorrtp 1'l�u�/iir A 1 t�llr-1�nrpnte I�ro�ec7 rrsort and res�cicnt�al cummunivec, like Saltc�n (:�t�•, Nc�rth tih�re� and �alt<�n tiea 13each, s�run�;ur alc>n�; thr �ea's 9O-m�lc shc>rclinc. �F'hilc thc �ca c�ntiiiues t� rrmain a rc�ic>nal rccrcation rc��urcc fc>r cam}-�rrs, ti:hin�, bc�atin�;, hunun�;, b�rd watchin}; and �a::i�•c act���itir�, the Sea'� increasing salinit� and othrr�vater yuaGn• ��r�blem� ha��c curtailecl r�creati�nal u�e in the area beginning in the carl�� 197(l:. �fhe �ca anc� it� acljacrnt arras ha�•e sup�c�rted a ei���erse �vilcllifr habitat f�r c���cr -IUU birc� specirs. 'l�he Sea alco cen�es as a criucal I�nk on the �,(1UU �nilr intcrnau<>nal 1'acific 1-'l���va� f�r bird rru�ratic>n. .1n�ther important resource near thc �alt�n tica i� thc�;mthermal ener��� ticicl at it: ��uth encl. 'fhi� impurtant �ource uf Krrrn rnrrp�� currcntl�� has ge�thermal cncr�,�� plants �vith a c�mbinrc3�eneration capacit}� �f abuut 3�0 �I��'. It has been e:timated that thc cncr�,n� ficicl can suppc�rt up tc� 2,��0 \I�t' of gcncrauon capacir�'. Part �f thr ener� ficld i� n��v undcr water. l:ndcr the ,�uthority� ]'lan, m�re �f this arca ��•ill be drti�, makin�m<�rc�;cothcrnlal producti�n �ract�cal. '1'hc geothrnnal ficld is �artiall�� locatrd in an arra that has important shallu�v�vatcr habitat �•alue. .�s thr ,1uth�rit�'. 1'lan mo��e. from thr concrptual phasc w thr detailed design phasr, spcc�tic rlan> ��ill need to be de�•rle�prc3 t� minimize c�nflict� benveen these t�v� im��rtant asset�. L��en thc�u�;h the 5ea has been relau�•el� stable in size anc3 ele��aucm o��rr thc last -�O tears, the diss�l�•ed :alt< �recent in the infl��v �vatrr (about 3 t�n: per acrr-f��t) ha��c been c�nunu�u�l�� accumulating in the watcr (exce�t f�r the amuunt that �reci}�itatr� anc] falls tc� the b�tmm). (:�nsequentl�, salt cuncentrauc>ns are risin�;and arc currrntlti� about -1-1 gram: �er liter (g/I.). '1'his is about 2�"o saltier than c>cean �vater. If n� remedial actic>ns arr takrn, thr Sca �v�ll bec�me so �alinc�vtthin 15 ��rar: (o�•cr C���;/l.:alt) that thc spc>rt fishcr�• and the fi.h that scn�c as a foocl sc�urcc f�r birc3� �vill br rffecti�•el�� elirrunared. If the current inflo�v�m�ections are c�rrect, �ti�thin 3l) �ear;, the tira�vill c��oh•c �nto a ht�ersaline�vatrr bod�� (���er 1211�/I,salt) �imilar t� �Ion� Lake in In��o Counn'. ��me ha��c �uggested an e��cn m�re rapici cictcnc�rati�n �n habitat �-alurs (1'acific Institutr,200G). .1s inflo�vs arr rrc�uccd b�� �vater transfcr< anc� <�ther fact�rs as discu�sed bel�w, thr Sca �vill e��entuall�• become a sem�-:olici brinr p��l (�vcr 2�O g/L ;alt) �urrounded b�� hard-surfacc salt flats similar m rhe Great Salt I.akc in t'tah and the Laguna �alada basin ,outh�ve:t of titrx�caL. In a�dition to high salinit}•, thr Sra is also highl�• cutr�phic, mcamng that it ha� hi�;h le��rls �f nutricnt c�m��unds �f phosphoru� and nitr�gen that result frc�m a�riculrural and urban runoff. Nutrient� causr al�al grc�wth which crrates ox�•gen c�chciencies �n the water. "l�e near absencr of osygen in the deep bottc�m-�vater c�f thc Sca ]cac�s t� thc formation and accumulation of substanccs such as h��clrc>gcn sulfidc anc� ammcmia that ha�•c un�lcasant �d�r; and can bc tc>xic tc� fi�h. \\'hen �t�ncl e��ent� ��•erturn the Sca's natural stratificati�n, thesc harmful �ub.tanccs nse t� the surface and �n the �a:t ha��c caused sudden fish kills that ha��c invc>hecl millie�ns ��f ti�h. '1'he tica': eutrophic State alsc> causes the un�leasant ocl��r: that permeate the re:icicntial arcas surrc�undin}; the Sea (and occasionall�• the entirr(:�achella and Im�erial ��allr}��) in crrtain in�nth� �f t}�c}•c•ar. � 1:a�c��u/ire.1�umm�u7, (;n•cn the current c�ncltt��n� and thc rx�ectcd funire ccmci�uon�, thc .�uthc�rit� h�� �ie��cl��ecJ and is ad��ancin�a c�mbinrc�, mult�-pur(�osc re�•�talizari�n/rest�raur,n j�rojrct aimcci at cc>ncurrcntl�•: (1) rc�t�rin� tllc Sea as a natic�nall�� tm�c�rtant �vildlifc refu�;e; (2) msiintainin� the�ca as a ��ital link alon�; thr intrrnauc>nal Pacific I�I����at'; (3) Pre�cr�•in�lc�cal tribal hertta�e• an�1 cultural �•alue� as�uciated�vith the tiri; (-1) reclucin� c�c�c>r and r,ther water anc� air yualin� �roblems; (�) ree.tahlishinK the 5ea a� a t�unst c3rsunaticm anc3 recrcational rla��ground;and (G) rc��italiz�nK the Sca a� a lc�cal ecc>nomic cie��elc>pment engine. T1�ese �r�ject <,b�ect���r� are cieri�•ed fre�m and c�nsistent �vith the Salt�n Sea �uth��rin� (,-�uth�rit��) 13�arc� 1'�l�c�• P��itic>n� that �verc enactecl in C�ctc>ber?�(l� and reaffirmeci at an ,-1uth�nt�� I3c>arc� �varkshe>� meet�n� helci in �pril ?l)UG and are li:ted in n� orcier c>f�ric>rih�. '1'he .�uth�rin'� Plan imPlemcnt: thcsc objccti��cs. �1'he .1uth�nn•'� pre>�osec3 pruject desi�n is alse� being a>nsiclered as an alternati�•e in thr se�arate Saltun Sea restc�rat��n pr�ject feasibilin� stuciie: being c�nclucted c�ncurrentlti� b�� the Resourccs :1�rnc�� �f the �tate of Califurnia (the ;��enc�) and the �'.� F3ureau �f Reclamau�n (Rrclamat��n). �ll�e ,1uth�rin•'s pmject c>bjecti��c i� tc� ach�e�•e the habitat restorau�n and air and watrr quaGt���oals set �ut in Statr ancl }-�cdcral lcKislat�on,���hile �imultanc�uslt' mrcting the nceds <>f thc rrsidents �f thc re�;i<�n,local �r�pert�� �wner�, and ci�•ic leaders in the lm�erial, Cc>achclla and I�irxicaG �'allr}•�. 'l�hese interest� de�in a lar�;e, �ustainable recrcati�nal lake ���th reduceci �dor that sen�e� a: a catalt�t for re��nal ecunc�mic de��cic�pment. '1'hi� lake wuuld also�ro��idc criucal habitat ��alue� a: it ha� in thr �ast. k lisroricall�, thc tialtrni Sea fish population ha> been an unpc�rtant fo�e3 cource fc�r resident birc�� anc� thc,:e mi�raung al�n� the Pacific �l��va}•. .1 uniyue feature c�f thr .luthorit��'s "lar�e lakr" rr�ject cicsi�� t: that it i� e:�entiall� �elf-�niugati�i};�vith respect to selenium bi�accumulati�n and air-yualit�� impacts. 'I'he 50-f<��t-dee� �altwater lake in the ,�uthur�t�� pr�ject is clesigned tu maintaul anc>xic mnciiu�n. in thr �cdimcnt-watcr intcrfacc ancl trap sclenium in imm�bilc C�rms a� currentl�� �ccurs in the Sea. �rlenium seyuestrau�n in seciiments ace: as a c�ntr�l c�n thc bi�a��ailability� �f thi� naturall�� occurring c�ntaminant in thc Sra anc� is thc mechan��m that has j�rr��ented selenium-rclatrcl�vildlife itnracts to clare at the Sea. 'I�he current lakebec3 �n the GU,UU(l-acrc�alt c3eposit area in the s�uth ba�in in thc .�uth�rin� projrct design �vill be ec��•ereci �vith a thick, hard-surface s�ciium-chle�rie�e salt depos�t that �vill contrc>1 dust emissi�ns as the water le��el rrcede� in that ba;in. '1'hese de���its �vill be similar to the salt formati�ns that occur�vithin the-l(1,UU�-acrc cc�mmercial salr complex in thr s�uthern rnd of San f'rancisce� lia��. Other dust c<>ntr<�l methc>ds icienufied b� the titate anci�osted on their website ce>uld be wed it needed in selectrci area;. It �: expectrc� that the need tor adciiti<�nal mrasurrs «�Il be limitec�, especiall�� <�nce the exp�se�1 areas in the �luthont�• Plan will br isc,latcd from resiclential areas bti� surroundin};bc�dirs c�f watcr and �vill be c3o«�nslo�c of watcr features anci arr likel�• tc> be in m�rr ciatnp s�il mnditi�ns. B�� contra�t, alternau�•e� that include recessi<>n c�f the current sh�relinc �vuuld ha�•e ex�oaed arra� immediatel�� ad�acrnt m residential arras and will !�r ursl�pc frc>m watcr bodir�. 5 J'r�/lo�r.Seu.���ll�o�i�y N/u�r%ni•,Il�r/!r l'nr�o�r I'raj��t I�inall��, thc .\uthc�rit� Plan inclucics a l�cal funciin�cc�m�uncnt. The criucal c�mpuncnt. in thc ,-�uthc�rir� rrc>�cct c3csign can �c financcd in s�gnificant �art with le>cal tueici: and all Pro�ect mmp<�nent�can l>r mmpleted���ithin 2(I ��car�. (h•erall thc ��r�ject i. en��isic>ned as a jc>intl�� fundr� pm�ect that �vill havc l�rcleral, �tate and I�,cal partici�aticm. 'l�hc ba>ic fcatur�� c>f thr ;\uth�rit�� Plan and majc>r cc�mj��ncnt� uf the currrnt prc>�ect desi�n are br�efl�- drscribecl in the remaine�rr of this f-:xecuti�•e �umman�. �l�hc buc��� �f thi� re(�ort cc��•ers in�reater eietail the histc�r�, inflow analyses, des��n c�nsiclerau�n�, technical featuns,��lot pmject; in prc��;ress, conceptual land-use conscn•ati�n and dr��cl��ment �lan, financing ctratcg��, and thc ;1uth�r�t��'s �ropc»ccl l�cal public/pr���ate Partnership unplcmentau�n appr�ach. Results of in��e�tigatiuns and ex�ert ��inion Ictters sup�orun�; the pre>��secl �rojrct design fc,r the .luthuric� I'lan arc containcd as a��endiccs t� this repurt. C�thcr supportin�re.rarch i: rcfcrenccd throu�h�ut thc rcJ�ort and in thc appcndiccs. The locally Preferred Project: A Vision for the Future '1'hr basic conce�tual �r<��ect cicsi�n f�r the �luthoritti• Plan i� illu.trateci in I-iKure l�:S-3. 17�is lucall��-�rrfcrred project clesi�n includeti the follo�vinK es,ential cc>mponcnts: • In-Sea Barrier& Circulati�n Channels tu se�arate the current Sea intc� n��c� �rparate bc>c�ics (an c�uter"t�v� lake" �vater s��stem and muluplc habitat c�mplex area�, salt dep�sit area, and brine��ol) with a channel for circulat�n� �vater betwern the t�vo lake� in the outcr watrr s��:tem • ��'ater'1'rcatment Faciliue: t�impro��c both the exisdng water in the Sea and the influ�v water as nece::an� to Irssen or fireatlt� reduce the Sea's rutr�}�hican�n rmblem and w impro��e the clarin� anci ytialit�� of the�vater in both lake� tc> meet thc recreational �vater 9ualin' standards srt b}' the Regic>tial ��'atcr C�ual�t� Cuntrol Boarci • Habitat Cnhancrment Features tc�meet the neec3s of fish anci bird�c>pulau�ns cunsistent �vith Statc laws that m9uirc the "maximum fea�ible attainmrnt" �f specificci ecos�•stem rest�rat�on �;c�als • Colc�rado River��'ater Stora�e Reservoir ro enable the water agenc�� tc� storr Col�rad� Ki��cr warer to ha�•e�rcater flrxibilit}� f<�r balanc�nK suppl�� and dcmancl c>f(:�loradc> R���er watcr usr • Park. Oprn SRacc, and ��'ildlifc .-�rcas incluc�in� the Salt�n �ca titatr Rccrrati�n .�rra and the Sonn�� I3unc> Nauunal ��'ilcilife Refugc�vill be �resrn•cd althc�ugh it is em�isioned that the bc�undaries uf the Refuge�vill be m��c�ifiec� t� ma�ch the newl}' crcared habitat features. l� Fxecutive Summary ,: „ , ' �,' �. � � � �� �� �� ���. ��� %�� � ,��a,�'�,� ��, � ��''--_ ;=�. `� �,���������.° � � � � � � . � ; _ g�v _ __ __ �vs. _ �� ° Riverside Cour�ty � -,��� �u� � � ! `_ �� � � '�, i � S Itan 5ea'� . ��� � t-;� d . �9fate ta '\ u r a �/ '� d f fg t �,:r . . U Reaieaf d�, ,� . �q .� 1 ,,. . . ao.�.. �.�t �/'Arad- `� • �, !- '�� �.a". � � . p I .. �./,' Recre t al � ` � . 'll °� "'�'�' ��': � `� Salnralerldke � ' �, . ., � .��i'] ' .5�... � . ' �'S.K......... � .� �� s... .,p_,_..�....., �f.« _... . �. ,� ( ` ',�, II � Fl r0eap Orain . ��f � ��. +4;�m�. . ��.. �. iia��,,, ��� � .�•i�`�� "�„x` � � � µ� '�a��, Santl Fl�iraUon , / y: y;�,, 7d :; ���r�" � �y, _, ... t �4� Oxidat�onProce�f �� f+�. , .�,' , a � � � ,� �� liii" �4 '�"' P �'� v y � �� ��� � .,�t� ^ `a 9 r m �ay 4�g '.�c�^i"" '� " � i� � ` ���-0 — � � �._ � � � �i�� ����� ^ ~r��Mw� � Rfrom No�rth L .._ ��� � ' _ _ \c- �y � �� F� g� r �� o Ca�d�. . a� ,., �; ahe > w � 'r ,r��,a. .�:. . r d A "�a+'`4 t ., u �c�, � �. ., �. <. �� � ' . .. � + �,'�.,,. J � Sa6ne , ?, � �\ �� . v`-. -�a .. . � ... HaDitaf �, �� 52I3 Sir1A ComPlex� San Diego w �� CoUnty � ;�� � � , .� _ � �, _� �, � , r; �.4-a� a� � .�. �'-' � �.~� � ��� Retir�iidt�� PuinNine �• �.'t antl Aeratwn N � . � . mP�la i'Y . � � �. � . . n1 iz,. , Photphat�R�moval W i� � �.—.—. � � Plant on lo8ow� ,. . .� Dedicaretl, ow 1 � ra ror r odn �1 , Protecdve nanrtar : � �` --_`-_� ' ��t :. SaltFlat �, ,. '_.. T����� . .......__... .. Legend ', '�� �� �. llO colosalk� SonnY�ono . . ,. � ♦ WNopeCe f... .... _........ . ........... ��- �.�� � � Rlvei �•-•� .NorJonal ,,.. pe �������� j � Re38rvoil � :WIIAIIleRe��ryle;�� ( � ��� � �� � #Nbr7buPmne . 1t � " _ � _.,.�.n.x � � \ i.. ,r„n C� .....�S�ImSeatuFhanm6h1A6 " �B Recrea�iona( : i�p���y��y�l��t.g� ' � ���.Estuary4aNe � �,;. , PosslbN Inlartie � �amANpatlftsqe8aulYY : 4 ,✓i._. � .... Q.� � �aaPaa � "�� - 1 � �,,i ����� �Concepwd la�Use � ,�., . . Seai9GnNMd� ......_.,.__.-._.... � ... , Y... .. W819f dUiNfy - _ _.. _ l� p,�,y,� I , �mp�r�a� �Qu�ty.. ImprowmenUin / ' Inflow Sireams Tnbai RmJenlm . ��.. . . � i�.ba'VSK , ...... . t�.��,�� , Note: Exact locations and facilities will be � ' ,,;� �^� �� � determined during subsequent project-specific ' "^�°�^' environmental revi�ws and entitlemerhts. �� R`IPaA �I � ., �., � ( . a��sw» r,. _.;. .� .,. �., ... ... . . . . ; ... � , ._ ,........_.._...--- ,, ��ypiwww,a . � a''� yr';'_ , , Zaagoza TroaUnrnt , , s'r- ��, Vlaat in M�xlto . . , , . rr uv�uomawr.-mm; �. ✓ �;�. f ' y, �., ; `- ---- c�.�. � Figure ES-3 Conceptual Plan for Salton Sea Revitalization&Restoration Including Land-Use Plan for the Authority's 300,000 acre Planning 8�Financing District Surrounding the Sea 7 Saltan Sea Authority Plan for Multi-Purpose Project In addition to the features discussed above that are designed to address water quality problems and the potential air quality concerns associated with exposed lakebed,a plan for development of areas around the Sea has been prepared. The plan was prepared to guide creation of"Seaside Villages" and the build-out of over 250,000 new homes with accompanying entertainment,recreational,retail and business establishments within specified areas of the Authority's 300,000-acre planning and financing district aYound the Sea. The project has been developed to a conceptual level at this time. The conceptual project features are discussed briefly below and in more detail in the main body of this report. Greater details will be developed in concert with site-specific environmental documentation and entitlements at the next stage of analysis. Exact locations and facilities will be determined during these subsequent reviews and a site- specific Environmental Impact Statement/Report (EIS/EIR) will be prepared. Reviews of this documentation will involve numerous local, State and Federal regulatory agencies. In-Sea Barriers and Recircvlation Canal Once the required environmental documentation permits and approvals are finalized (including the permitting of one or more local rock sources),construction will begin on the signature feature of the Authority project: an approximately 33.5-mile-long, rock-fill,in-Sea barrier located as shown in Figure ES-3.This engineered structure will separate permanently the present 360-sq.-mile Sea into two separate water bodies,namely: a) An outer 180-s�.-mile lake water s�stem.This outer water body will be held at a relarively stable elevation so the shorelines of the two newly created lakes and the interconnecting boating channel on the west shore will remain unchanged as long-term inflows decrease. The water in the two joint-use recreational/habitat lakes will be treated as required and circulated to maintain recreational water-quality standards.The larger northern salt water lake (140 sq.miles) will be maintained at ocean-like salinity (35,000 mg/L salt), and the smaller southern estuary lake (40 sq.-miles) will be held at a lower saliniry(20,000 mg/L salt).The south lake elevation (-228'msl) will be held about 2 feet above the north lake (-230'msl) since a slight hydraulic gradient is needed for circulating the water in both lakes in a continuous counter clockwise loop for blending and aeration. An earthen channel will be excavated along the east shore of the south basin to convey north lake water to the south lake and to support the 12,000-acre saline habitat complex in the south basin.A pumping plant will be built at the end of this channel to lift the extracted and treated north lake water into the south lake to blend with the Alamo and New River inflows. b) An inner 180-sc�.mile habitat and salt de�osit area in the south end of the current Sea.The wetted surface area of this inner water body will shrink and its elevation will decline as inflows decrease over time.A salt-purge stream from the north lake will be discharged into the inner basin after being used in 8 Executive Summary the saline habitat complex. The purpose of this purge stream is to balance salt inflows and outflows in the outer lake-water system. By sending salt to the inner basin in this manner,the two lakes can be held at relatively constant, controlled salinity levels. The lower inner basin will also serve as an overflow basin in the event of storm events. Salt pond pilot projects conducted at the Salton Sea indicate that as the shoreline inside the inner basin recedes,hard-surface salt deposits 12-to-24 inches thick will form on top of the old lakebed. The cement-like salt deposits will prevent blowing dust. Other air-quality miugation techniques will be used if needed. A permanent hyersaline brine pool will eventually form in the lower depths. Construction of the in-Sea barrier will require the excavauon, sizing, transport,and placement by bottom-drop barges of approximately 64 million cubic yards of rock. The barrier will be built to seismic dam-design standards. This will require extraction by suction dredges of appro�mately 20 million cubic yards of soft sediments so the placed rock rests directly on the underlying stiff lacustrine clay deposits. The height of the barrier will range from 15 to 50 feet (including 10 ft of freeboard) depending on water depth. Water Treatment Facilities While investigations are on-going to better define treatment needs,it is currently anticipated that water treatment facilities will include a bottom drain and treatment system for removing and destroying hydrogen sulfide, ammonia, and other contaminants from the 50-foot-deep saltwater lake.A second treatment plant will remove phosphorus and other contaminants from the Alamo River inflows. The lake-water circulation system is designed to changeout the larger saltwater lake's water volume every four to five years. The circulation system will also serve to increase oxygen levels and avoid stagnation in the saltwater lake,and reduce selenium levels in the southern estuary lake. In concert these measures will improve overall water quality and fish habitat and greatly reduce odors. Whitewater, New and Alamo Rivers Wetlands With the Authority's assistance, the Citizens Congressional Task Force is completing the design and permitting and is beginning construction of a system of several thousand acres of water treatment wetlands along the New and Alamo Rivers in Imperial County. Similar wetlands are planned on Torres Martinez tribal land along the Whitewater River. (These wetlands coupled with a stable,better qualiry lake should significantly improve conditions for the Tribe and stimulate economic opportunities.) Although designed primarily for improving water qualiry (i.e., removing silt,nitrogen and phosphorus and increasing dissolved oxygen levels), these wetlands also provide significant wildlife habitat. Habitat Enhancement Features The Authority believes the greatest ecosystem benefit of its conceptual project design is the retention of a 90,000-acre, 50-foot-deep lake that will be restored to ocean-like salinity (35 g/L salt) and will be managed to maintain habitat-safe water 9 Saltan SeaAutbority Plan forMulti-Pur�o.re Project qualiry. This restored saltwater lake will enhance the existing fishery and thus reestablish an abundant food source for the fish-eating birds that have historically resided at the Sea or migrated along the Pacific Flyway. The Authoriry project design also includes a 12,000-acre saline habitat complex located in the south and a 1,250- acre estuarine habitat complex near the mouth of the Whitewater River. In addition, half of the 26,000-acre estuary lake located in the south basin and a 6,000-acre area in front of the barrier across the north lake will be designated"habitat zones"in which motorized watercraft will be prohibited. Colorado River Water Storage Reservoir IID seeks a storage reservoir within the district's water system. A storage reservoir has been incorporated into the Authority Plan project design to provide for this need. This faciliry will be created by constructing a second barrier in 30-foot of water outside the initial barrier.The enclosed 11,000-acre area will create a 250,000 AF storage reservoir creating wildlife habitat. In addirion, the reservoir will provide air qualiry mitigation by covering areas that would otherwise have exposed sediments. Park, Open Space, and Wildlife Areas Park, open space,and wildlife areas around the Salton Sea will be preserved. These areas include the Salton Sea State Recrearion Area (SRA, commonly referred to as the State Park) and the Sonny Bono National Wildlife Refuge. While the Wildlife Refuge will be preserved,it is envisioned that the boundaries of the Refuge will be modified to match the newly created habitat features. The SR�provides camping, fishing and boating opportunities and the Wildlife Refuge provides bird watching opportunities.With five campgrounds totaling approxunately 1,600 campsites, the SRA provides more public access points than any other single shoreline access area. The estimated historic peak seasonal use of the SRA was approxirnately 660,000 visitors in 1961-62, and the last three years reveal evidence of a resurgence in public attendance,with a doubling of the total number of visitors in that period to 275,000. With improved water quality and habitat values at the Salton Sea,the recreation experience at both the SRA and the Wildlife Refuge is expected to be significantly improved. Master Plan for Planning Districf around the Sea In December 2005,the Authoriry released a Master Development Plan for the 300,000-acre planning district surrounding the Sea. Conceptual plans for creating separate and distinct seaside villages incorporating smart growth and sustainable development concepts have been developed. This plan could accommodate 250,000 new homes with associated entertainment,recreational,retail and business establishments being built over the next 75 years on 78,000 acres (less than 25% of the 300,000-acre planning district). Under this plan,over 50% of the land around the Sea would remain as habitat,parks and open space;and 20%would remain as farmland.This plan is shown in Figures ES-3 and ES-4 and is presented in greater detail later in this report. 10 Executive Summary Current Land Ownership in SSA Planning District (acres) 3% 8� �is,000 ■Private(58%a) 14% , ■Federal Government(19%) az,000 � ■Local Agencies(14°/a) vs,000 s9,000 se% OState of California(3%) �s� ■Torres Martinez(6%) Existing Land Uses(aces) in SSA Planning District __ ____ 30,747 aAgricultural(25%) 4% �r25% O Undeveloped(64%) ' .� 77,579 � p HabitatlParkslOpen Space(4%) ❑Military(2%) ■Commercial&Industrial(c1%) 196,330 �Residential 8 Mixed Use(<1%) 64% ■Highways&Public Services(1%) ❑Water(2%) Planned Land Uses(acres) under SSA Plan 20% �Agricultural(20%) 24% 60,367 .a �HabitaUParkslOpen Space(51%) 72,526 ❑Residential&Mixed Use(24%) ■Commercial&Industrial(2%) ;:;y�j 155,825 `�' ' ��': , �Water(2%) �` ,,a���;,�a�. ,.. ,t �����«�; :�'��:r ,. `�`^�'"�`''``� 57% ■Highways 8 Public Services(1%) Figure ES-4 Land Ownership and Land-Use Statistics for 300,000 acre Authority Planning District 11 Salton Sea Authority Plan for Multi-Purpo.re Project Cost Estimate, Financing Plan & Implementation As shown in Figure ES-5,the total preliminary capital cost estimate is $2.2 billion for all components of the current Authority Plan. The various individual components of the overall project will be constructed in a phased manner over the next 20 years as funds become available from Federal,State and local sources. A significant portion of the capital costs of a locally supported Plan can be locally financed through the funding mechanisms applied within the Authority's 300,000- acre planning and financing district around the Sea. These local funding mechanisms include a combination of: (1) the formation of tax-increment financing and benefit assessment districts; (2) public land acquisitions,transfers,and sales; (3) developer payments and impact fees;and (4) use of public-private partnerships for the construction and operation of the treatment plants. The balance of the required capital funding is presumed to come from State and/or Federal sources. The State of California has historically funded major habitat restoration and water projects from both voter approved bonds and general funds. The Authority member agencies will work to have the Salton Sea included in future State bond issues and future State ballot measures.At this time, the only known State or Federal funding source is the $90 million that contractually has been (or will be) paid into the Salton Sea Restoration Fund (SSRF� by the QSA parties under the 2003 State legislation. Another$150 million of QSA-related funding is possible should the Resources Secretary determine that it is feasible to sell the balance of the mitigation water earmarked for stabilizing the Sea until a restoration project is in place.As shown in Figure ES-5, the best case is that facilities could be in place in time to obviate the need for the last two years of mitigation water. If this happens,it would add$70 million to the SSRF.There is also a water and parks bond measure on the November 2006 ballot in California with $47 million earmarked for the SSRF and another potential$100 million for wildlife habitat and water quality projects. The in-Sea barrier in the Authority Plan project design should be constructed within 10 years and the water qualiry improvements necessary for returning the Sea to recreational quality water standards can be achieved within 15 to 20 years. This project implementation schedule is shown in Figure ES-5. Water system design& operating flows at design-case conditions are illustrated in Figure ES-6. Next Steps The Authority Plan presented in this document has been developed to a conceptual level. Specific project details and designs will be developed in concert with site- specific environmental documentation and enridements at the next stage of analysis. Exact locarions and facilities will be determined during those subsequent reviews and a site-specific Environmental Impact Statement/Report (EIS/EIR) will be prepared. Reviews of the plans, designs and environmental documentation will be accomplished in concert with appropriate local, State and Federal regulatory agencies. 12 Exec•utive Summary � i � tt � � Q c g � �a 8 � 0 3 � L � = o � a o d � z � N � O 3� � � � 0 � �O � .� OE �, - .w C v Q O � „$ � � 1�0 � � i � � � d � � � ; � � � a � - � d �:�� � � N t �o.,i 9 � � £',. a o ' $—. E d � �i a E � � c _ .-"' m � � �E �$w � w .� � '� ��a ^' P� � � � c �a ^ e d y �$� w ^ ��' m 4 '� a�i ,vSo = � ��" g �� �� � �a � � " °°'`b�'a, » � .,"t �� C7 O E a � � .� ,��$� � � � � � � � � � � �, � � � � d lL �a o ".,Z s a 1T n �,� � g ��� � � � � N O � S n n � (,� � `v" Q_a_o $ j `� _ '� � �o g � n Gi y.�o � lY � � C p�w dn� O � 3 m u. .n � m •O � � c� � � m � g � g tQi N � N �n g e� g �� a � w _ � ' ^ r � g� N M M N �9 x � `c �- . � N � �' O s S � � �K � � 'w � m � v��-� € � E s '�S � � a ^`d a r �' � �, � o � � 3 � � q O �i e a y �n a � � e m �j � a r'' U c U a � � 3 vi �}a.p �g °a m �j 5 m m � � a ` �i � a`� � v � r L" n �� � � �$ E p E 8c' � S c " � '� tS c� e � > o � � � � E W � �� � � � a � �-�, � ci � � t ,c q � � � � � � xm �' c }; � y 3 a.8 3 � c � o � � o � '`a c � N o r � a s o Y a Q�.,�n� E � °° � � A $ � "' � o z E � `� c°� 'v� "' N � to � �� � � ��a" a � ',a, � E � d $ d Q � o � .s s � � L a � � s 4 d � " a �3�! �j w a U 3 z `� � 3 y � - � w` 9c' � LL N �' z 3 �i d y � 5 t Figure ES-5 Capital Funding Requirements and Timeline for Phased Implementation of Authority Plan ($million) 13 Saltorr Sea Authority Plan for Multi-Purpo.re Project Water Stystem Design and Flaw Rates at Design-Case Inflow Conditions Whlt�wate�River qII numbers are acre-feevyear 78,000 SHC=Saline habitat complex Tr9bal wetlands�S SHC� � CWHD �-- 1,316 Salt Creek Direct 24,006--► Drains NOfth �j�±r�,f,,�?�dirx 4Z0,000 Filt�ationlOzone Saltwater c� •��•�•••�••�•�■•� .— TreatmentPlant Sub 11.�ke Surtacs 19,450 �' Saarlace C�rsclra!�e 3���� Residuals Flows 21,� Stream Z1,000 899,000 San Felipe Creek 5,234 —� Bry� Salt 7,631 . 40,811 � D�posit a ! SHC '�— Poal � �.�', Area 30,006 '�Supplemental f,p82,871 54,036 Hab�tat Water* IlD-DireCt f— 32,Q00 Drsins �>4)rJ,189 South Lake IID Direct Dreina 32,000 ' Pumping Plant zoass2 sra.as2 Residuals Puptish zp,000 By-Pasa , CTSS Phosphorus 12,300 333,664 Removel Piant ' High Flow By-Pess (future extrrite if�radcdJ 64,036 ............................� WetBi WetEr Treatment 9,648 �— 14,472 Treatment Watlands Wet{ands 20,000 190,000 41Q,000 IID-Plew River IID-Alamo River Mexico `AJamo River water can be supplied directly to SCH subject to approval of regulatory agencies. Figure ES-6. Water System Design&Operating Flows at Design-Case Conditions.Note: IID Colorado River water reservoir not shown since it is not part of Salton Sea water system 14 Executive Summary Bibliography of Selected Salton Sea Authority Completed Projects A Study on Seepage and Subsurface Inflows to Salton Sea and Adjacent Wetlands, 1999,Tetra Tech A Viable Fish Recovery System for the Salton Sea,2001,Robert Allen Ltd. Air Qualiry Monitoring Program,2001,Tetra Tech Algan Toxins,2000, Scripps Institute of Oceanography Analysis of Salton Sea Restoration Plans,2001,Parsons Assessment of Chemical Concentrations in Salton Sea Tilapia,2001, San Diego State University Assessment of Saliniry&Elevation Control for Varied Inflow,2002,Tetra Tech Avifauna of the Salton Sea: Abundance,Distribution and Annual Phenology, 1999, Pt. Reyes Bird Observatory Characterization of Shallow Subsurface Sediments of the Salton Sea,2003,Agrarian Research Chemical&Physical Limnology of the Salton Sea, 1999,U.S. Bureau of Reclamation Data Collection and Analysis for Calibration and Verification of a Three- Dimensional Hydrodynamic Model, 1999,University of California,Davis Developing a Preferred Salton Sea Restoration Project,2004,Tetra Tech Ecological Risk Assessment for the Solar Evaporation Ponds,2004,Tetra Tech Ecology and Management of Avian Botulism in Fish-Eating Birds at the Salton Sea, 2003,U.S. Geological Survey Environmental Reconnaissance of the Salton Sea Sediment Contaminants, 1999, Levine - Fricke Establishment of Salinity Limits for Salton Sea Fishery,2005,San Diego State Universiry Evaluation of Existing Information for Chemical Contamination within the Salton Sea,2005, San Diego State University Examination of the Commercial Uses for Salton Sea Tilapia, 2001,Aqua-Terra Fish Biology and Fisheries Ecology of the Salton Sea,2001,San Diego State University 15 Salton Sea Authority Plan for Multi-Purpo.re Project Identification and Ecology of Disease-Causing Agents for Eared Grebes at the Salton Sea,2003,U.S. Geological Survey Investigation of the Cause of Eared Grebe Mortality at the Salton Sea:Algal Blooms and Biotoxins,2003,Wright State University New&Alamo Rivers Project,Preliminary Data Collection and Analysis for Development of Hydrodynamic and Water Qualiry River Models, 2000,University of California, Davis Nutrient Cycling in the Salton Sea,2002,University of California, Riverside On Water Fish Recovery System,2005, Environmental Recovery Solutions Reconnaissance of the Biological Limnology,2001,San Diego State University Recreation&Economic Opportunities Assessment for the Salton Sea,2005,Tetra Tech Reducing Eutrophic Conditions of the Salton Sea,2005,University of California, Riverside Salton Sea Biological Remediation Program,2003,Kent SeaTech Salton Sea Desert Pupfish Movement Study,2000,U.S. Bureau of Reclamation Salton Sea Pilot Ponds Project,2003,Agrarian Research Salton Sea Salinity Control Research Project,2003,U.S. Bureau of Reclamation Shoreline Cleanup,2004,Salton Community Services District Solar Evaporation,2002,Dave Butts Salton Sea Restoration Project Environment Impact Statement / Environmental Impact Report,2000,Tetra Tech Survey of Selected Pathogens in the Salton Sea,2000,U.S. Geological Survey Tax Increment Financing Feasibility Study,2003,Rosenow Spevacek Group The Feeding Ecology of Salton Sea Tilapia, 2001,University of Southern Mississippi Tilapia Testing for Fish Meal/ Ferrilizer,2001, San Diego State University 16