Westover Field (Amador County Airport)

Mule Creek State Prison’s Wastewater Treatment Plant cannot properly treat the wastewater being produced by the prison, CAL Fire (formerly named the California Department of Forestry) and the Preston Youth Authority Correctional Facility.

As a result, there is evidence that strongly suggests that discharged wastewater from the prison and the WTP is seeping into local wells and contaminating water supplies.

This problem will continue unless Mule Creek State Prison dramatically reduces its inmate population or rectifies and/or expands its ability to treat wastewater properly.

The Director of Amador County Environmental Health has been in direct and close contact 43 with State and local officials conducting investigations and sampling water supplies. The Director has been working with contract engineering firms to expedite independent testing and analysis of local water tables. This extensive effort should be recognized by county residents as reassurance that all efforts are being taken to ensure public health and safety.

The Amador County Board of Supervisors should continue to retain an independent consultant to test the water in wells around Mule Creek State Prison for contaminants.

Mule Creek State Prison and the appropriate county and state agencies should work in partnership to determine an immediate, safe, and economical solution to the wastewater problems.

Mule Creek State Prison should immediately implement the corrective measures set forth by the Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) on December 8, 2006, required to rectify the wastewater discharge problem. Response Required: Response to this report is required from Mule Creek State Prison pursuant to California Penal Code sections 933, subdivision (c), and 933.05. 44 45 WESTOVER FIELD (Amador County Airport) Introduction: The 2006-2007 Amador County Grand Jury elected to continue the review of Westover Field (Amador County Airport) begun by the 2002-2003 Amador County Grand Jury. This review was conducted pursuant to Penal Code section 925. Background: Westover Field is a general aviation airport with hangars, tie downs, fuel and aircraft maintenance services. Amador County General Services Administration Director (GSAD) is responsible for overall operations and activities relating to Westover Field. The GSAD is appointed by the Amador County Board of Supervisors. The current GSAD was appointed in 2006 and had worked as an assistant to the previous GSAD for approximately seven years. The current GSAD responded to the 2005-2006 Amador County Grand Jury findings and recommendations in his capacity as an assistant. Therefore, he is familiar with the issues the Grand Jury has reviewed in the past. The GSAD’s staff includes a full time Public Services Director and Airport Manager, both of which are County employees. Method of Investigation: Individuals Interviewed: Current GSAD Documents Reviewed: Previous Amador County Grand Jury Reports on Westover Field Westover Field Rules and Regulations, Chapter 12 Section 12.44.330 (Administrative Enforcement) Section 12.44.320 (Penalties) Section 12.44.250 (Vehicle Operations) California Vehicle Code section 4000 Amador County Ordinance No. 10.12.380 Airport Parking Facts: