Kern County Grand Jury • 2021-2022

Report: Frazier Park Public Utility District

Published: April 14, 2022 11 pages
View Original PDF

Findings and Recommendations 10 findings

F1
The District website lists times of Board Meetings and agendas indicating their compliance with the Ralph M. Brown Act.
No recommendations for this finding
F2
The ZOOM meetings are well conducted, well-mannered and participants are given the opportunity to speak.
No recommendations for this finding
F3
The room where the Board Meetings are conducted is also used by staff for storage. Although, per staff comments, the public seldom attends, the room would be uncomfortable if several attended.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1
The District should attempt to locate an off-site facility to conduct Board Meetings It was noted by the Grand Jury the proximity to the Frazier Park branch of the Kern County Public Library which may be available at little or no cost. This could entice attendance by the public. (Finding F3)
F4
If the District attempted to replace the entire distribution system, the community could be without potable water for an extended period of time, and the cost could be prohibitive.
No recommendations for this finding
F5
The District is in compliance with the CSWRCB directive, requiring customers be advised by letter concerning the water contamination and what is being accomplished to remediate the problem.
No recommendations for this finding
F6
Per staff, the cost of printing and inserting letters into envelopes is accomplished by a local printer at a cost of $1,100 per month. The letters must be approved each month by the CSWRCB before printing. Once approved they must be translated into Spanish and submitted for printing. When printed, they are returned to the District, who then addresses, seals, attaches postage and mails. It was noted by staff they have observed customers retrieving letters from Post Office Boxes, and immediately disposing of the letters in the trash container.
No recommendations for this finding
F7
The entire community uses septic systems and Well 5 is downhill from several residences. If a septic system leaks, possible contaminated water is filtered into the ground and can contaminate a water source. A cursory visual inspection of residences’ septic systems located a short distance from Well 5 revealed no visible leaks. Leaks located deeper in the ground cannot be seen. A sufficient distance between a septic system and well will reduce the risk of nitrate contamination of drinking water at concentrations above that allowed in a public water supply. (Drinking Water Contaminant – Nitrate, Cooperative Extension, USDA, National Institute of Food and Agriculture, August 23, 2019)
No recommendations for this finding
F8
There is specialized underground leak detection equipment available that allows a field technician to pinpoint the exact location of a leak. Modern underground water leak detectors are sensitive and accurate – and allow personnel to repair a pipe as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2
The District should research and locate, , a modern leak detector that will assist in finding any water leaks, either in privately owned septic systems or in the public water system. (Finding F8) NOTES: • The Frazier Park Public Utility District should post a copy of this report where it will be available for public review. • Persons wishing to receive an email notification of newly released reports may sign up at: www.kerncounty.com/grandjury • Present and past Kern County Grand Jury Final Reports and Responses can be accessed on the Kern County Grand Jury website: www.kerncounty.com/grandjury RESPONSES ARE REQUIRED PURSUANT TO CAL. PENAL CODE § 933, SUBD. (C) AND 933.05 WITHIN 90 days TO:  PRESIDING JUDGE KERN COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT 1415 TRUXTUN AVENUE, SUITE 212 BAKERSFIELD, CA 93301  TRUXTUN AVENUE, SUITE 600 BAKERSFIELD, CA 93301 Reports issued by the Grand Jury do not identify individuals interviewed. Cal. Penal Code § 929 requires that reports of the Grand Jury not contain the name of any person or facts leading to the identity of any person who provides information to the Grand Jury.
F9
The District has taken positive steps needed to remediate the nitrate problem.
No recommendations for this finding
F10
The Request for Proposal (RFP) required a specialized drilling procedure. When the proposal was released, there was no response. The RFP, when rewritten to allow other drilling methods, several bids were received. The lowest bidder was awarded the contract. COMMENTS: The Grand Jury would like to thank the General Manager and staff for their invaluable input into this investigation. The Grand Jury found the District well operated, the Board Members invested in producing the best for their constituents, and employees doing what is right for the District. The progress in correcting the nitrate levels appears slow, but the District seems to be hindered by the State of California’s protocols and approvals.
No recommendations for this finding

Comments 3

No Responses Found 1

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

Frazier Park Public Utility District Special District