Score: +4 (4/4/0)
Mendocino County Grand Jury • 2007-2008

The $10,000 Popsicle Stick City of Fort Bragg Municipal Improvement District I: Waste Water and Storm Water Collection

Published: April 24, 2008 8 pages
Ver PDF original

Findings and Recommendations 41 findings

F1
Before 1999, there was no planned maintenance of the wastewater collection system. Recommendations for depreciation and replacement reserves were rejected repeatedly by the MID Board.
No recommendations for this finding
F2
Since 1999 the Public Works Division maintains the system in response to blockages and failures and makes repairs that do not require capital expenditures. Staffing is minimally adequate for this level of maintenance.
No recommendations for this finding
F3
Storm drains were separated from the sanitary sewer in the late 1970s although some cross connections continue to be discovered. The City adopted a master plan for storm drainage in 1985 and updated it in 2004.
No recommendations for this finding
F4
A few of Fort Bragg’s sewer pipes date to the 19th century. Seventeen of the 26.5 miles of collection lines are original clay pipes installed from 1920 to 1940. An additional six miles are asbestos/cement, installed in the 1960s.
Related Recommendations (2)
R1
The Grand Jury recommends that the Fort Bragg Municipal Improvement District I: Produce an annual wastewater management report to inform the public about: • the condition of the system; • the amount of untreatable debris being captured and treated by the treatment plant headworks; • the number and cause of SSOs and discharge exceedances resulting in fines; • priorities for repairs and improvements in the coming year; • the District’s income and expenses; • the amount and purpose of all long-term obligations (Findings 4, 6, 7, 9, 10, 15, 16, 24, 26 and 29-39).
R2
The Grand Jury recommends that the Fort Bragg Municipal Improvement District I: Publish the report on the City of Fort Bragg Website, enclose it in billing statements and announce it through press releases (Findings 4, 6, 7, 9, 10, 15, 16, 24, 26 and 29-39).
F5
Clay pipes have an estimated life span of 50-100 years. Their grouted concrete connections break down sooner.
No recommendations for this finding
F6
Aging pipes, broken seals, and cross connections with storm drains allow large amounts of water to enter the treatment plant during wet weather. This infiltration and in-flow of storm water overloads the plant. When the incoming sewage stream is diluted by storm water, State effluent limitations for secondary treatment are exceeded and fines are incurred.6
Related Recommendations (1)
R3
The Grand Jury recommends that the Fort Bragg Municipal Improvement District I: Conduct a District-wide public awareness campaign educating ratepayers about what they can do to reduce the volume of untreatable material that enters the sanitary sewer system, thereby reducing overflows and the resulting fines (Findings 6, 9, 17-20, 22-26, 29 and 33). Comments Since 1999 Fort Bragg has begun the massive undertaking of tackling deferred maintenance and upgrading its wastewater treatment and collection system. The District staff has had to defend not only against the inevitable breakdowns of an aging system but also the annual onslaught by Mother Nature. While there are no immediate solutions, public education can help build support for necessary expenditures and reduce stress on the existing wastewater system by encouraging users to: • maintain the privately owned laterals that connect to the public sewers; • avoid routing storm water into private laterals or directly into public sewer lines; • use the system only to dispose of human waste and related sanitary products; • employ composting to dispose of food and plant waste; • avoid cleaning products labeled “flushable;” many are not treatable; • keep oil and grease, medicines and other chemicals, hair, floss, paper, fabric and all other non-soluble materials out of the sewer system. Human health and environmental risks and economic pressures from regulatory agencies underscore the urgent need for vigilant maintenance and capital improvements to Fort Bragg’s sewer system and treatment plant. Staffing is minimally adequate to meet current needs; any reduction will create added risks of sewer overflows and effluent limitation exceedances. The Public Works Superintendents and staff members responsible for collection and treatment of the City’s wastewater are to be commended for their professionalism and commitment to maintaining systems that are essential to the well-being of all who live, work, or visit in the area they serve.
F7
Weak and damaged pipes also result in diffusion of wastewater into soil and in SSOs that are hazardous and result in costly cleanup efforts and fines.
No recommendations for this finding
F8
The original treatment plant was designed to treat 1.0 million gallons/day of dry weather flow; upgrades brought capacity to 2.2 million gallons/day of wet weather flow.
No recommendations for this finding
F9
During dry weather, the treatment plant currently operates within 65% of capacity. Fines result when the Average Daily Flow exceeds the wet weather load of 2.2 million gallons per day (m/gpd) and partially treated sewage is discharged into the ocean. These “reportable events” occurred six times in 2005 and five times in 2004. The most recent reportable events occurred during the torrential storms of January 2008. February 20, 2004 review by Tetra Tech to support NPDES application. State standards for secondary treatment require 85% reduction of the Bio Oxygen Demand (BOD) and Total Suspended Solids (TSS) between incoming and outgoing sewage flow. What’s Been Done
No recommendations for this finding
F10
To check for leaks, in 2005, MID contracted for smoke and dye testing, videotaped the mains and ranked repair priorities one to five. To date, repairs with priorities of one or two have been completed.
No recommendations for this finding
F11
The District slip-lined about one mile of the sewer collection pipes with a blown-in plastic sleeve. It replaced damaged sections, and disconnected storm drains from the sewer lines. The total project cost was $750,000.
No recommendations for this finding
F12
Acquisition of a $250,000 vacuum rig and a $40,000 underground video camera makes it possible for crews to explore mains and laterals. One sewer truck was also replaced in 2007. Appropriate equipment reduces the amount of time and excavation required to clear a blockage and prevent spills.
No recommendations for this finding
F13
The storm-damaged Pudding Creek Force Main has been re-anchored pending permanent repairs.
No recommendations for this finding
F14
A diver inspected the ocean out-fall pipe from the treatment plant and checked diffusers and flaps in the fall of 2007.
No recommendations for this finding
F15
Manholes are essential to allow crews to inspect pipes and to locate and clear blockages. The District has been adding several manholes each year at a cost of $3,000 to $6,000 each. More than 350 manholes are in place; twelve more are planned.
No recommendations for this finding
F16
The District regularly cleans each of its 350+ manholes and inspects both the water and wastewater pipes. Crews are able to complete 10-30% of this work each year.
No recommendations for this finding
F17
The District completed a headworks project at the wastewater treatment plant in
Related Recommendations (1)
R3
The Grand Jury recommends that the Fort Bragg Municipal Improvement District I: Conduct a District-wide public awareness campaign educating ratepayers about what they can do to reduce the volume of untreatable material that enters the sanitary sewer system, thereby reducing overflows and the resulting fines (Findings 6, 9, 17-20, 22-26, 29 and 33). Comments Since 1999 Fort Bragg has begun the massive undertaking of tackling deferred maintenance and upgrading its wastewater treatment and collection system. The District staff has had to defend not only against the inevitable breakdowns of an aging system but also the annual onslaught by Mother Nature. While there are no immediate solutions, public education can help build support for necessary expenditures and reduce stress on the existing wastewater system by encouraging users to: • maintain the privately owned laterals that connect to the public sewers; • avoid routing storm water into private laterals or directly into public sewer lines; • use the system only to dispose of human waste and related sanitary products; • employ composting to dispose of food and plant waste; • avoid cleaning products labeled “flushable;” many are not treatable; • keep oil and grease, medicines and other chemicals, hair, floss, paper, fabric and all other non-soluble materials out of the sewer system. Human health and environmental risks and economic pressures from regulatory agencies underscore the urgent need for vigilant maintenance and capital improvements to Fort Bragg’s sewer system and treatment plant. Staffing is minimally adequate to meet current needs; any reduction will create added risks of sewer overflows and effluent limitation exceedances. The Public Works Superintendents and staff members responsible for collection and treatment of the City’s wastewater are to be commended for their professionalism and commitment to maintaining systems that are essential to the well-being of all who live, work, or visit in the area they serve.
F18
After the debris has been washed, disinfected, greatly compressed and bagged, 9 to 12 cubic feet of material per week is collected for transfer to sanitary landfill.
Related Recommendations (1)
R3
The Grand Jury recommends that the Fort Bragg Municipal Improvement District I: Conduct a District-wide public awareness campaign educating ratepayers about what they can do to reduce the volume of untreatable material that enters the sanitary sewer system, thereby reducing overflows and the resulting fines (Findings 6, 9, 17-20, 22-26, 29 and 33). Comments Since 1999 Fort Bragg has begun the massive undertaking of tackling deferred maintenance and upgrading its wastewater treatment and collection system. The District staff has had to defend not only against the inevitable breakdowns of an aging system but also the annual onslaught by Mother Nature. While there are no immediate solutions, public education can help build support for necessary expenditures and reduce stress on the existing wastewater system by encouraging users to: • maintain the privately owned laterals that connect to the public sewers; • avoid routing storm water into private laterals or directly into public sewer lines; • use the system only to dispose of human waste and related sanitary products; • employ composting to dispose of food and plant waste; • avoid cleaning products labeled “flushable;” many are not treatable; • keep oil and grease, medicines and other chemicals, hair, floss, paper, fabric and all other non-soluble materials out of the sewer system. Human health and environmental risks and economic pressures from regulatory agencies underscore the urgent need for vigilant maintenance and capital improvements to Fort Bragg’s sewer system and treatment plant. Staffing is minimally adequate to meet current needs; any reduction will create added risks of sewer overflows and effluent limitation exceedances. The Public Works Superintendents and staff members responsible for collection and treatment of the City’s wastewater are to be commended for their professionalism and commitment to maintaining systems that are essential to the well-being of all who live, work, or visit in the area they serve.
F19
The large amount of trash and grease discarded into the sewer remains a leading cause of sanitary sewer overflows and the resulting fines.
Related Recommendations (1)
R3
The Grand Jury recommends that the Fort Bragg Municipal Improvement District I: Conduct a District-wide public awareness campaign educating ratepayers about what they can do to reduce the volume of untreatable material that enters the sanitary sewer system, thereby reducing overflows and the resulting fines (Findings 6, 9, 17-20, 22-26, 29 and 33). Comments Since 1999 Fort Bragg has begun the massive undertaking of tackling deferred maintenance and upgrading its wastewater treatment and collection system. The District staff has had to defend not only against the inevitable breakdowns of an aging system but also the annual onslaught by Mother Nature. While there are no immediate solutions, public education can help build support for necessary expenditures and reduce stress on the existing wastewater system by encouraging users to: • maintain the privately owned laterals that connect to the public sewers; • avoid routing storm water into private laterals or directly into public sewer lines; • use the system only to dispose of human waste and related sanitary products; • employ composting to dispose of food and plant waste; • avoid cleaning products labeled “flushable;” many are not treatable; • keep oil and grease, medicines and other chemicals, hair, floss, paper, fabric and all other non-soluble materials out of the sewer system. Human health and environmental risks and economic pressures from regulatory agencies underscore the urgent need for vigilant maintenance and capital improvements to Fort Bragg’s sewer system and treatment plant. Staffing is minimally adequate to meet current needs; any reduction will create added risks of sewer overflows and effluent limitation exceedances. The Public Works Superintendents and staff members responsible for collection and treatment of the City’s wastewater are to be commended for their professionalism and commitment to maintaining systems that are essential to the well-being of all who live, work, or visit in the area they serve.
F20
The City established a grease trap inspection program in 2005 which requires all commercial and institutional food handlers to install and maintain grease traps. Enforcement of this program will be ramped up as staffing permits. Regulatory Environment and Fines
Related Recommendations (1)
R3
The Grand Jury recommends that the Fort Bragg Municipal Improvement District I: Conduct a District-wide public awareness campaign educating ratepayers about what they can do to reduce the volume of untreatable material that enters the sanitary sewer system, thereby reducing overflows and the resulting fines (Findings 6, 9, 17-20, 22-26, 29 and 33). Comments Since 1999 Fort Bragg has begun the massive undertaking of tackling deferred maintenance and upgrading its wastewater treatment and collection system. The District staff has had to defend not only against the inevitable breakdowns of an aging system but also the annual onslaught by Mother Nature. While there are no immediate solutions, public education can help build support for necessary expenditures and reduce stress on the existing wastewater system by encouraging users to: • maintain the privately owned laterals that connect to the public sewers; • avoid routing storm water into private laterals or directly into public sewer lines; • use the system only to dispose of human waste and related sanitary products; • employ composting to dispose of food and plant waste; • avoid cleaning products labeled “flushable;” many are not treatable; • keep oil and grease, medicines and other chemicals, hair, floss, paper, fabric and all other non-soluble materials out of the sewer system. Human health and environmental risks and economic pressures from regulatory agencies underscore the urgent need for vigilant maintenance and capital improvements to Fort Bragg’s sewer system and treatment plant. Staffing is minimally adequate to meet current needs; any reduction will create added risks of sewer overflows and effluent limitation exceedances. The Public Works Superintendents and staff members responsible for collection and treatment of the City’s wastewater are to be commended for their professionalism and commitment to maintaining systems that are essential to the well-being of all who live, work, or visit in the area they serve.
F21
Since 2000, government regulatory agencies have raised water quality standards and become more vigilant in enforcing regulations. Private environmental organizations exert additional pressure through legal action and negative publicity.
No recommendations for this finding
F22
The RWQCB imposes minimum mandatory fines of $10,000 for SSOs.
Related Recommendations (1)
R3
The Grand Jury recommends that the Fort Bragg Municipal Improvement District I: Conduct a District-wide public awareness campaign educating ratepayers about what they can do to reduce the volume of untreatable material that enters the sanitary sewer system, thereby reducing overflows and the resulting fines (Findings 6, 9, 17-20, 22-26, 29 and 33). Comments Since 1999 Fort Bragg has begun the massive undertaking of tackling deferred maintenance and upgrading its wastewater treatment and collection system. The District staff has had to defend not only against the inevitable breakdowns of an aging system but also the annual onslaught by Mother Nature. While there are no immediate solutions, public education can help build support for necessary expenditures and reduce stress on the existing wastewater system by encouraging users to: • maintain the privately owned laterals that connect to the public sewers; • avoid routing storm water into private laterals or directly into public sewer lines; • use the system only to dispose of human waste and related sanitary products; • employ composting to dispose of food and plant waste; • avoid cleaning products labeled “flushable;” many are not treatable; • keep oil and grease, medicines and other chemicals, hair, floss, paper, fabric and all other non-soluble materials out of the sewer system. Human health and environmental risks and economic pressures from regulatory agencies underscore the urgent need for vigilant maintenance and capital improvements to Fort Bragg’s sewer system and treatment plant. Staffing is minimally adequate to meet current needs; any reduction will create added risks of sewer overflows and effluent limitation exceedances. The Public Works Superintendents and staff members responsible for collection and treatment of the City’s wastewater are to be commended for their professionalism and commitment to maintaining systems that are essential to the well-being of all who live, work, or visit in the area they serve.
F23
Effluent discharge limits are established under the Federal Clean Water Act and are set forth in the District’s National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit. When discharged effluent fails to meet quality standards, the minimum fine per exceedance is $3,000.
Related Recommendations (1)
R3
The Grand Jury recommends that the Fort Bragg Municipal Improvement District I: Conduct a District-wide public awareness campaign educating ratepayers about what they can do to reduce the volume of untreatable material that enters the sanitary sewer system, thereby reducing overflows and the resulting fines (Findings 6, 9, 17-20, 22-26, 29 and 33). Comments Since 1999 Fort Bragg has begun the massive undertaking of tackling deferred maintenance and upgrading its wastewater treatment and collection system. The District staff has had to defend not only against the inevitable breakdowns of an aging system but also the annual onslaught by Mother Nature. While there are no immediate solutions, public education can help build support for necessary expenditures and reduce stress on the existing wastewater system by encouraging users to: • maintain the privately owned laterals that connect to the public sewers; • avoid routing storm water into private laterals or directly into public sewer lines; • use the system only to dispose of human waste and related sanitary products; • employ composting to dispose of food and plant waste; • avoid cleaning products labeled “flushable;” many are not treatable; • keep oil and grease, medicines and other chemicals, hair, floss, paper, fabric and all other non-soluble materials out of the sewer system. Human health and environmental risks and economic pressures from regulatory agencies underscore the urgent need for vigilant maintenance and capital improvements to Fort Bragg’s sewer system and treatment plant. Staffing is minimally adequate to meet current needs; any reduction will create added risks of sewer overflows and effluent limitation exceedances. The Public Works Superintendents and staff members responsible for collection and treatment of the City’s wastewater are to be commended for their professionalism and commitment to maintaining systems that are essential to the well-being of all who live, work, or visit in the area they serve.
F24
The RWQCB issued fines totaling $110,000 as a result of 11 SSOs between 1/1/03 and 10/31/07. Seven of these were due to blockages caused by grease.
Related Recommendations (1)
R3
The Grand Jury recommends that the Fort Bragg Municipal Improvement District I: Conduct a District-wide public awareness campaign educating ratepayers about what they can do to reduce the volume of untreatable material that enters the sanitary sewer system, thereby reducing overflows and the resulting fines (Findings 6, 9, 17-20, 22-26, 29 and 33). Comments Since 1999 Fort Bragg has begun the massive undertaking of tackling deferred maintenance and upgrading its wastewater treatment and collection system. The District staff has had to defend not only against the inevitable breakdowns of an aging system but also the annual onslaught by Mother Nature. While there are no immediate solutions, public education can help build support for necessary expenditures and reduce stress on the existing wastewater system by encouraging users to: • maintain the privately owned laterals that connect to the public sewers; • avoid routing storm water into private laterals or directly into public sewer lines; • use the system only to dispose of human waste and related sanitary products; • employ composting to dispose of food and plant waste; • avoid cleaning products labeled “flushable;” many are not treatable; • keep oil and grease, medicines and other chemicals, hair, floss, paper, fabric and all other non-soluble materials out of the sewer system. Human health and environmental risks and economic pressures from regulatory agencies underscore the urgent need for vigilant maintenance and capital improvements to Fort Bragg’s sewer system and treatment plant. Staffing is minimally adequate to meet current needs; any reduction will create added risks of sewer overflows and effluent limitation exceedances. The Public Works Superintendents and staff members responsible for collection and treatment of the City’s wastewater are to be commended for their professionalism and commitment to maintaining systems that are essential to the well-being of all who live, work, or visit in the area they serve.
F25
Sanitary Sewer Overflows are also triggered by items as small as a child’s toy or a popsicle stick. Plastic bottles, fabric and paper towels are common culprits.
Related Recommendations (1)
R3
The Grand Jury recommends that the Fort Bragg Municipal Improvement District I: Conduct a District-wide public awareness campaign educating ratepayers about what they can do to reduce the volume of untreatable material that enters the sanitary sewer system, thereby reducing overflows and the resulting fines (Findings 6, 9, 17-20, 22-26, 29 and 33). Comments Since 1999 Fort Bragg has begun the massive undertaking of tackling deferred maintenance and upgrading its wastewater treatment and collection system. The District staff has had to defend not only against the inevitable breakdowns of an aging system but also the annual onslaught by Mother Nature. While there are no immediate solutions, public education can help build support for necessary expenditures and reduce stress on the existing wastewater system by encouraging users to: • maintain the privately owned laterals that connect to the public sewers; • avoid routing storm water into private laterals or directly into public sewer lines; • use the system only to dispose of human waste and related sanitary products; • employ composting to dispose of food and plant waste; • avoid cleaning products labeled “flushable;” many are not treatable; • keep oil and grease, medicines and other chemicals, hair, floss, paper, fabric and all other non-soluble materials out of the sewer system. Human health and environmental risks and economic pressures from regulatory agencies underscore the urgent need for vigilant maintenance and capital improvements to Fort Bragg’s sewer system and treatment plant. Staffing is minimally adequate to meet current needs; any reduction will create added risks of sewer overflows and effluent limitation exceedances. The Public Works Superintendents and staff members responsible for collection and treatment of the City’s wastewater are to be commended for their professionalism and commitment to maintaining systems that are essential to the well-being of all who live, work, or visit in the area they serve.
F26
In June 2006, 3200 gallons of raw sewage were discharged onto Pudding Creek beach from the deteriorated Pudding Creek Force Main. The RWQCB issued a Cleanup and Abatement order on January 29, 2007 followed by a Cease and Desist order on April 26, 2007. The District has secured a $1.5 million Clean Beaches grant to replace the Pudding Creek Force Main and will put the project out to bid in late spring of 2008. The RWQCB deadline for project completion is October 2009.
Related Recommendations (1)
R3
The Grand Jury recommends that the Fort Bragg Municipal Improvement District I: Conduct a District-wide public awareness campaign educating ratepayers about what they can do to reduce the volume of untreatable material that enters the sanitary sewer system, thereby reducing overflows and the resulting fines (Findings 6, 9, 17-20, 22-26, 29 and 33). Comments Since 1999 Fort Bragg has begun the massive undertaking of tackling deferred maintenance and upgrading its wastewater treatment and collection system. The District staff has had to defend not only against the inevitable breakdowns of an aging system but also the annual onslaught by Mother Nature. While there are no immediate solutions, public education can help build support for necessary expenditures and reduce stress on the existing wastewater system by encouraging users to: • maintain the privately owned laterals that connect to the public sewers; • avoid routing storm water into private laterals or directly into public sewer lines; • use the system only to dispose of human waste and related sanitary products; • employ composting to dispose of food and plant waste; • avoid cleaning products labeled “flushable;” many are not treatable; • keep oil and grease, medicines and other chemicals, hair, floss, paper, fabric and all other non-soluble materials out of the sewer system. Human health and environmental risks and economic pressures from regulatory agencies underscore the urgent need for vigilant maintenance and capital improvements to Fort Bragg’s sewer system and treatment plant. Staffing is minimally adequate to meet current needs; any reduction will create added risks of sewer overflows and effluent limitation exceedances. The Public Works Superintendents and staff members responsible for collection and treatment of the City’s wastewater are to be commended for their professionalism and commitment to maintaining systems that are essential to the well-being of all who live, work, or visit in the area they serve.
F27
After wastewater is treated with gaseous chlorine and then de-chlorinated, the effluent is discharged through a 690’ long ocean out-fall pipe, 30’ below the surface. Chronic Toxicity Reports are submitted twice a year to measure long- term risk to specific marine species in the area of the out-fall pipe.
No recommendations for this finding
F28
The RWQCB may allow an agency to complete a supplemental environmental project or compliance project if it has been diligent in filing required RWQCB reports and has made bona fide efforts to prevent and to respond quickly to SSOs and exceedances.
No recommendations for this finding
F29
The District invested nearly a million dollars in 2007 to install a new headworks screen at the treatment plant as a compliance project to satisfy discharge exceedance fines incurred between 1/1/2000 and 5/13/04.
Related Recommendations (2)
R1
The Grand Jury recommends that the Fort Bragg Municipal Improvement District I: Produce an annual wastewater management report to inform the public about: • the condition of the system; • the amount of untreatable debris being captured and treated by the treatment plant headworks; • the number and cause of SSOs and discharge exceedances resulting in fines; • priorities for repairs and improvements in the coming year; • the District’s income and expenses; • the amount and purpose of all long-term obligations (Findings 4, 6, 7, 9, 10, 15, 16, 24, 26 and 29-39).
R2
The Grand Jury recommends that the Fort Bragg Municipal Improvement District I: Publish the report on the City of Fort Bragg Website, enclose it in billing statements and announce it through press releases (Findings 4, 6, 7, 9, 10, 15, 16, 24, 26 and 29-39).
F30
An electrical circuit failed in April 2007, causing the discharge of chlorinated water that had not yet been de-chlorinated. All other 2006-07 test results were within the permitted range.
Related Recommendations (2)
R1
The Grand Jury recommends that the Fort Bragg Municipal Improvement District I: Produce an annual wastewater management report to inform the public about: • the condition of the system; • the amount of untreatable debris being captured and treated by the treatment plant headworks; • the number and cause of SSOs and discharge exceedances resulting in fines; • priorities for repairs and improvements in the coming year; • the District’s income and expenses; • the amount and purpose of all long-term obligations (Findings 4, 6, 7, 9, 10, 15, 16, 24, 26 and 29-39).
R2
The Grand Jury recommends that the Fort Bragg Municipal Improvement District I: Publish the report on the City of Fort Bragg Website, enclose it in billing statements and announce it through press releases (Findings 4, 6, 7, 9, 10, 15, 16, 24, 26 and 29-39).
F31
The fine initially assessed for this incident was $1,240,000.
Related Recommendations (2)
R1
The Grand Jury recommends that the Fort Bragg Municipal Improvement District I: Produce an annual wastewater management report to inform the public about: • the condition of the system; • the amount of untreatable debris being captured and treated by the treatment plant headworks; • the number and cause of SSOs and discharge exceedances resulting in fines; • priorities for repairs and improvements in the coming year; • the District’s income and expenses; • the amount and purpose of all long-term obligations (Findings 4, 6, 7, 9, 10, 15, 16, 24, 26 and 29-39).
R2
The Grand Jury recommends that the Fort Bragg Municipal Improvement District I: Publish the report on the City of Fort Bragg Website, enclose it in billing statements and announce it through press releases (Findings 4, 6, 7, 9, 10, 15, 16, 24, 26 and 29-39).
F32
Negotiated reductions and a proposed $35,500 compliance project greatly reduced the amount of fines to be paid for this and several other incidents reported between 1/1/03 and 10/31/07. The remaining fine of $20,500 will be paid in two installments. Finance
Related Recommendations (2)
R1
The Grand Jury recommends that the Fort Bragg Municipal Improvement District I: Produce an annual wastewater management report to inform the public about: • the condition of the system; • the amount of untreatable debris being captured and treated by the treatment plant headworks; • the number and cause of SSOs and discharge exceedances resulting in fines; • priorities for repairs and improvements in the coming year; • the District’s income and expenses; • the amount and purpose of all long-term obligations (Findings 4, 6, 7, 9, 10, 15, 16, 24, 26 and 29-39).
R2
The Grand Jury recommends that the Fort Bragg Municipal Improvement District I: Publish the report on the City of Fort Bragg Website, enclose it in billing statements and announce it through press releases (Findings 4, 6, 7, 9, 10, 15, 16, 24, 26 and 29-39).
F33
Fines are paid from ratepayer sewer fees.
Related Recommendations (2)
R1
The Grand Jury recommends that the Fort Bragg Municipal Improvement District I: Produce an annual wastewater management report to inform the public about: • the condition of the system; • the amount of untreatable debris being captured and treated by the treatment plant headworks; • the number and cause of SSOs and discharge exceedances resulting in fines; • priorities for repairs and improvements in the coming year; • the District’s income and expenses; • the amount and purpose of all long-term obligations (Findings 4, 6, 7, 9, 10, 15, 16, 24, 26 and 29-39).
R2
The Grand Jury recommends that the Fort Bragg Municipal Improvement District I: Publish the report on the City of Fort Bragg Website, enclose it in billing statements and announce it through press releases (Findings 4, 6, 7, 9, 10, 15, 16, 24, 26 and 29-39).
F34
The 2007 Wastewater Management Plan identifies $22 million to $40 million for maintenance needs, replacements and upgrades over the next twenty years.
Related Recommendations (2)
R1
The Grand Jury recommends that the Fort Bragg Municipal Improvement District I: Produce an annual wastewater management report to inform the public about: • the condition of the system; • the amount of untreatable debris being captured and treated by the treatment plant headworks; • the number and cause of SSOs and discharge exceedances resulting in fines; • priorities for repairs and improvements in the coming year; • the District’s income and expenses; • the amount and purpose of all long-term obligations (Findings 4, 6, 7, 9, 10, 15, 16, 24, 26 and 29-39).
R2
The Grand Jury recommends that the Fort Bragg Municipal Improvement District I: Publish the report on the City of Fort Bragg Website, enclose it in billing statements and announce it through press releases (Findings 4, 6, 7, 9, 10, 15, 16, 24, 26 and 29-39).
F35
The cost of replacing all of Fort Bragg’s water, sewer and storm water pipes and laterals has been estimated to be $58 million. An alternative is vigilant maintenance.
Related Recommendations (2)
R1
The Grand Jury recommends that the Fort Bragg Municipal Improvement District I: Produce an annual wastewater management report to inform the public about: • the condition of the system; • the amount of untreatable debris being captured and treated by the treatment plant headworks; • the number and cause of SSOs and discharge exceedances resulting in fines; • priorities for repairs and improvements in the coming year; • the District’s income and expenses; • the amount and purpose of all long-term obligations (Findings 4, 6, 7, 9, 10, 15, 16, 24, 26 and 29-39).
R2
The Grand Jury recommends that the Fort Bragg Municipal Improvement District I: Publish the report on the City of Fort Bragg Website, enclose it in billing statements and announce it through press releases (Findings 4, 6, 7, 9, 10, 15, 16, 24, 26 and 29-39).
F36
For many years prior to 1999, the City chose to keep user rates low. Current user fees, Connection, Capacity, and Development Impact Fees will not meet the costs of required maintenance and capital improvements.
Related Recommendations (2)
R1
The Grand Jury recommends that the Fort Bragg Municipal Improvement District I: Produce an annual wastewater management report to inform the public about: • the condition of the system; • the amount of untreatable debris being captured and treated by the treatment plant headworks; • the number and cause of SSOs and discharge exceedances resulting in fines; • priorities for repairs and improvements in the coming year; • the District’s income and expenses; • the amount and purpose of all long-term obligations (Findings 4, 6, 7, 9, 10, 15, 16, 24, 26 and 29-39).
R2
The Grand Jury recommends that the Fort Bragg Municipal Improvement District I: Publish the report on the City of Fort Bragg Website, enclose it in billing statements and announce it through press releases (Findings 4, 6, 7, 9, 10, 15, 16, 24, 26 and 29-39).
F37
For FY 2006-07 (ending June 30) the District included as non-operating income a loan advance from the General Fund of $550,000 toward the headworks project. Payback is over a five-year period.
Related Recommendations (2)
R1
The Grand Jury recommends that the Fort Bragg Municipal Improvement District I: Produce an annual wastewater management report to inform the public about: • the condition of the system; • the amount of untreatable debris being captured and treated by the treatment plant headworks; • the number and cause of SSOs and discharge exceedances resulting in fines; • priorities for repairs and improvements in the coming year; • the District’s income and expenses; • the amount and purpose of all long-term obligations (Findings 4, 6, 7, 9, 10, 15, 16, 24, 26 and 29-39).
R2
The Grand Jury recommends that the Fort Bragg Municipal Improvement District I: Publish the report on the City of Fort Bragg Website, enclose it in billing statements and announce it through press releases (Findings 4, 6, 7, 9, 10, 15, 16, 24, 26 and 29-39).
F38
Payments are already being made on the 1970 Sewer Bond, the 1998 Wastewater Bond and a ten-year lease/purchase contract on the sewer vacuum truck and new water meters.
Related Recommendations (2)
R1
The Grand Jury recommends that the Fort Bragg Municipal Improvement District I: Produce an annual wastewater management report to inform the public about: • the condition of the system; • the amount of untreatable debris being captured and treated by the treatment plant headworks; • the number and cause of SSOs and discharge exceedances resulting in fines; • priorities for repairs and improvements in the coming year; • the District’s income and expenses; • the amount and purpose of all long-term obligations (Findings 4, 6, 7, 9, 10, 15, 16, 24, 26 and 29-39).
R2
The Grand Jury recommends that the Fort Bragg Municipal Improvement District I: Publish the report on the City of Fort Bragg Website, enclose it in billing statements and announce it through press releases (Findings 4, 6, 7, 9, 10, 15, 16, 24, 26 and 29-39).
F39
For FY 2007-08 the Wastewater Enterprise maintenance budget was decreased by $67,622 from the prior year.
Related Recommendations (2)
R1
The Grand Jury recommends that the Fort Bragg Municipal Improvement District I: Produce an annual wastewater management report to inform the public about: • the condition of the system; • the amount of untreatable debris being captured and treated by the treatment plant headworks; • the number and cause of SSOs and discharge exceedances resulting in fines; • priorities for repairs and improvements in the coming year; • the District’s income and expenses; • the amount and purpose of all long-term obligations (Findings 4, 6, 7, 9, 10, 15, 16, 24, 26 and 29-39).
R2
The Grand Jury recommends that the Fort Bragg Municipal Improvement District I: Publish the report on the City of Fort Bragg Website, enclose it in billing statements and announce it through press releases (Findings 4, 6, 7, 9, 10, 15, 16, 24, 26 and 29-39).
F40
Loans and bonds require evidence of ability to repay from user revenue. A rate study, which is required in order to raise user fees, is underway.
No recommendations for this finding
F41
Grants are the primary source of capital funding and most grant applications require costly studies. Fort Bragg currently employs a grant writer who submits 3- 4 grants per month on behalf of City.
No recommendations for this finding

Comments 6

Agency Responses 5

Government agencies' official responses to this report's findings and recommendations. Click on a response to see the structured breakdown.

No Responses Found 1

Government entities assigned to respond to this report. No response documents have been linked in our database.

Mendocino LAFCO Lafco