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HomeMy WebLinkAboutOrd. No. 1992-948ORDINANCE NO. 948 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAKE ELSINORE, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING A WATER EFFICIENT LANDSCAPE ORDINANCE THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAKE ELSINORE, CALIFORNIA, DOES ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS: WHEREAS, the City Council of the City Lake Elsinore does adopt a Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance pursuant to Assembly Bill 325, Government Code Section 65590 - 65600, relating to the water conservation in landscaping act of 1990. NOW, THEREFORE BE IT DETERMINED AND ORDAINED AS FOLLOWS: PROPOSED WATER EFFICIENT LANDSCAPE CITY OF LAKE ELSINORE SECTION I. PURPOSE AND INTENT The City recognizes that the limited supply of State waters is subject to increasing demands and that landscape design, installation and maintenance can and should be water efficient. To promote the values and benefits of landscapes while recognizing the need to invest water and other resources as efficiently as possible, the City has established a criteria for design, construction and maintenance of water efficient landscapes in new projects and established provisions for water management practices and water waste prevention for established landscapes. SECTION II DEFINITIONS A. The following definitions are provided as a resource to terms used throughout this ordinance manual: 1. "Anti-drain valve" or "check valve" means a valve located under a sprinkler head to hold water in the system so it minimizes drainage from the lower elevation sprinkler heads. 2. "Application rate" means the depth of water applied to a given area, usually measured in inches per hour. 3. "Applied water" means the portion of water supplied by the irrigation system to the landscape. 4. "Automatic controller" means a mechanical or solid state timer, capable of operating valve stations to set the days and length of time of a water application. 5. "Backflow prevention device" means a safety device used to prevent pollution or contamination of the water supply due to the reverse flow of water from the irrigation system. 6. "Conversion factor (0.62)" means a number that converts the maximum water allowance from acre-inches per acre per year to gallons per square foot per year. The conversion factor is calculated as follows: 5325 829 gallons/43.560 square feet)/12 inches = (0.62) 325,820 gallons = one acre foot 43,560 square feet = one acre 12 inches = one foot To convert gallons per year to 100-cubic-feet per year, another common billing unit for water, divide gallons per year by 748. (748 gallons = 100 cubic feet) 7. "Ecological restoration project" means a project where the site is intentionally altered to establish a defined, indigenous, historic ecosystem. 8. "Effective precipitation" or "usable rainfall" means the portion of total precipitation that is used by the plants. Precipitation is not a reliable source of water, but can contribute to some degree toward the water needs of the landscape. If the landscape professional and the owner agree to accept the risk of a landscape designed to be dependent in part on precipitation, an Effective Precipitation Disclosure Statement as shown in Section V shall be completed and submitted with the Landscape Documentation Package. 9. "Emitter" means drip irrigation fittings that deliver water slowly from the system to the soil. 10. "Established landscape" means the point at which plants in the landscape have developed roots into the soil adjacent to the root ball. 11. "Establishment period" means the first year after installing the plant in the landscape. 12. "Estimated Applied Water Use" means the portion of the Estimated Total Water Use that is derived from applied water. The Estimated Applied Water Use shall not exceed the Maximum Applied Water Allowance. The Estimated Applied Water Use may be the sum of the water recommended through the irrigation schedule, as referenced in Section II (c) (3) . 13. "Estimated Total Water Use" means the annual total amount of water estimated to be needed to keep the plants in the landscaped area healthy. It is based upon such factors as the local evapotranspiration rate, the size of the landscaped area, the types of plants, and the efficiency of the irrigation system, as described in Section II (c) (4) . 14. "ET adjustment factor: means a factor of 0.8, that, when applied to reference evapotranspiration, adjusts for plant factors and irrigation efficiency, two major influences upon the amount of supplemental water that needs to be applied to the landscape. 15. "Evapotranspiration" means the quantity of water evaporated from adjacent soil surfaces and transpired by plants during a specific time. 16. "Flow rate" means the rate at which water flows through pipes and valves (gallons or cubic feet per second). 17. "Hydrozone" means a portion of the landscaped area having plants with similar water needs that are served by a valve or set of valves with the same schedule. A hydrozone may be irrigated or non-irrigated. For example, a naturalized area planted with native vegetation that will not need supplemental irrigation once established is a non-irrigated hydrozone. 18. "Infiltration rate" means the rate of water entry into the soil expressed as a depth of water per unit of time (inches per hour). 19. "Irrigation efficiency" means the measurement of the amount of water beneficially used divided by the amount of water applied. Irrigation efficiency is derived from measurements and estimates of irrigation system characteristics and management practices. The minimum irrigation efficiency for purposes of this ordinance is 0.625. Greater irrigation efficiency can be expected from well designed and maintained systems. 20. "Landscape irrigation audit" means a process to perform site inspections, evaluate irrigation systems, and develop efficient irrigation schedules. 21. "Landscaped area" means the entire parcel less the building footprint, driveways, non-irrigated portions of parking lots, hardscape- such as decks and patios, and other non-porous areas. Water features are included in the calculation of the landscaped area. 22. "Lateral line" means the water delivery pipeline that supplies water to the emitters or sprinklers from the valve. 23. "Main line" means the pressurized pipeline that delivers water from the water source to the valve or outlet. 24. "Maximum applied water allowance" means, for design purposes, the upper limit of annual applied water for the established landscaped area as specified in Section II (c)(2). It is based upon the area's reference evapotranspiration, the ET Adjustment Factor, and the size of the landscaped area. The Estimated Applied Water Use shall not exceed the Maximum Applied Water Allowance. 25. "Mined-land reclamation projects" means any surface mining operation with a reclamation plan approved in accordance with the Surface Mining and Reclamation Act of 1975. 26. "Mulch" means any material such as leaves, bark, straw or other materials left loose and applied to the soil surface to reduce evaporation. 27. "Operating pressure" means the pressure at which a system of sprinklers is designed to operate, usually indicated at the base of a sprinkler. 28. "Overspray" means the water which is delivered beyond the landscaped area, wetting pavements, walks, structures, or other non-landscaped areas. 29. "Plant factor" means a factor that when multiplied by reference evapotranspiration, estimates the amount of water used by plants. For purposes of this ordinance, the average plant factor of low water using plants ranges from 0 to 0.3, for average water using plants the range is 0.4 to 0.6, and for high water using plants the range is 0.7 to 1.0. 30. "Rain sensing device" means a system which automatically shuts off the irrigation system when it rains. 31. "Record drawing" or "as-builts" means a set of reproducible drawings which show significant changes in the work made during construction and which are usually based on drawings marked up in the field and other data furnished by the contractor. 32. "Recreational area" means areas of active play or recreation such as sports fields, picnic grounds, or other areas with intense foot traffic. 33. "Recycled water," "reclaimed water," or "treated sewage effluent water" means treated or recycled waste water of a quality suitable for nonpotable uses such as landscape irrigation; not intended for human consumption. 34. "Reference evapotranspiration" or "ETo" means a standard measurement of environmental parameters which affect the water use of plants. ETo is given in inches per day, month, or year as represented in Section V, and is an estimate of the evapotranspiration of a large field of four- to seven-inch tall, cool-season grass that is well watered. Reference evapotranspiration is used as the basis of determining the Maximum Applied Water Allowances so that regional differences in climate can be accommodated. 35. "Rehabilitated landscape" means any relandscaping project that requires a permit. 36. "Run off" means water which is not absorbed by the soil or landscape to which it is applied and flows from the area. For example, run off may result from water that is applied at too great a rate (application rate exceeds infiltration rate) or when there is a severe slope. 37. "Soil moisture sensing device" means a device that measures the amount of water in the soil. 38. "Soil texture" means the classification of soil based on the percentage of sand, silt, and clay in the soil. 39. "Sprinkler head" means a device which sprays water through a nozzle. 40. "Static water pressure" means the pipeline or municipal water supply pressure when water is not flowing. 41. "Station" means an area served by one valve or by a set of valves that operate simultaneously. 42. "Turf" means a surface layer of earth containing mowed grass with its roots. Annual bluegrass, Kentucky bluegrass, Perennial ryegrass, Red fescue, and Tall fescue are cool-season grasses. Bermuda grass, Kikuyu grass, Seashore paspalum, St. Augustine grass, Zoysia grass, and Buffalo grass are warm-season grasses. 43. "Valve" means a device used to control the flow of water in the irrigation system. 44. "Water conservation concept statement" means a one-page checklist and a narrative summary of the project as shown in Section III (c)(1)(a). SECTION III REQIIIREMENTS A. Project Types 1. All new, previous types and rehabilitated landscapes for public agency and private development projects including but not limited to recreational, commercial, and industrial projects. 2. Developer required landscaping such as single-family tract homes and multi-family type projects. 3. This ordinance does not apply to: (a) homeowner-provided landscaping single family and multi-family projects. (b) cemeteries (c) registered historical sites (d) projects with less than 1,000 square foot of landscape area B. Landscape Documentation Package 1. The following shall be required as part of the landscape documentation package: (a) water conservation concept statement (b) calculation of the maximum applied water allowance (c) calculation of the estimated applied water use (d) calculation of the estimated total water use (e) planting plan (f) irrigation plan (g) irrigation schedules (h) maintenance schedule (i) landscape irrigation audit schedule (j) grading plan (k) soil analysis (1) certificate of substantial completion. (to be submitted after installation of the project) 2. Upon completion of the landscape documentation package: (a) Three copies shall be submitted to the City for review and approval. (b) Upon approval of the package by the City: (1) a copy of the package shall be provided to the developer, to the property owner or site manager. (2) a copy of the water consumption concept statement and the certificate of substantial completion shall be sent to the Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District by the developer. C. Elements of the Landscape Documentation Package 1. Water conservation concept statement (a) Each package shall have a cover sheet referred to as the water conservation concept statement. It serves as a checklist to verify that the landscape documentation package has been completed and as a narrative summary of the project. (see sample in Appendix) 2. Calculation of the Maximum Water Allowance (a) A project's Maximum Applied Water Allowance shall be calculated using the following formula: MAWA = (ETo) (0.8) (LA) (0.62) where: MAWA = Maximum Applied Water Allowance (gallons per year) ETo =Reference evapotranspiration (inches per year) 0.8 = ET Adjustment Factor LA = Landscaped Area (square feet) 0.62 = conversion factor (to gallons per square foot) (b) Two example calculations of the Maximum Applied Water Allowance are: (1) PROJECT SITE ONE: Landscaped area of 50,000 sq. ft. in Fresno MAWA = (ETo)(.8)(LA)(.62) _ (51 inches)(.8)(50,000 square feet) (.62) Maximum Applied Water Allowance = 1,264,800 gallons per year (or 1,691 hundred-cubic-feet per year: 1,264,800/748=1,691) (2) PROJECT SITE TWO: Landscaped area of 50,000 sq. ft. in San Francisco MAWA = (ETo)(.8)(LA)(.62) _ (35 inches)(.8)(50,000 square feet)(.62) Maximum Applied Water Allowance = 868,000 gallons per year (or 1,160 hundred-cubic feet per year) (c) Portions of landscaped areas in public and private projects such as parks, playgrounds, sports fields, golf courses, or school yards where turf provides a playing surface or serves other recreational purposes may require water in addition to the Maximum Applied Water Allowance. A statement shall be included with the landscape design plan, designating areas to be used for such purposes and specifying any needed amount of additional water above the Maximum Applied Water Allowance. 3. Estimated Applied Water Use (a) The Estimated Applied Water Use shall not exceed in the Maximum Applied Water Allowance. (b) A calculation of the Estimated Applied Water Use shall be submitted with the Landscape Documentation Package. It may be calculated by summing the amount of water recommended in the irrigation schedule. 4. Estimated Total Water Use (a) A calculation of the Estimated Total Water Use shall be submitted with the Landscape Documentation Package. The Estimated Total Water Use may be calculated by summing the amount of water recommended in the irrigation schedule and adding any amount of water expected from effective precipitation or may be calculated from a formula such as the following: The Estimated Total Water Use for the entire landscaped area equals the sum of the Estimated Water Use of all hydrozones in that landscaped area. EWU (hydrozone) _ (EToI(PFl(HA)(.62 (IE) EWU (hydrozone) = Estimated Water Use (gallons per year) ETo = Reference Evapotranspiration (inches per year) PF = plant factor HA = Hydrozone area (square feet) (.62) = conversion factor IE = irrigation efficiency (b) If the Estimated Total Water Use is greater than the Estimated Applied Water Use due to precipitation being included as a source of water, an Effective Precipitation Disclosure Statement such as the one in Section V shall be included in the Landscape Documentation Package. 5. Planting Plan A planting plan which meets the following requirements in addition to requirements of the City landscape guidelines: (a) Plant Selection and Grouping (1) Any plants may be used in the landscape, providing the Estimated Applied Water Use recommended does not exceed the Maximum Applied Water Allowance. (2) Plants having similar water use shall be grouped together in distinct hydrozones. (b) Designation of hydrozones (c) A calculation of the total landscaped area (d) Designation of recreational areas 6. Irrigation Plan An irrigation plan in addition to requirements in the landscape guidelines. (a) Irrigation Efficiency. For the purpose of determining the maximum water allowance, irrigation efficiency is assumed to be 0.625. Irrigation systems shall be designed, maintained, and managed to meet or exceed 0.625 efficiency. (b) Rain Sensing Override Devices. Rain sensing override devices shall be required on all irrigation systems. (c) Soil Moisture Sensing Devices. Soil moisture sensing devices are encouraged. (d) Recycled water (1) The installation of recycled water irrigation systems (dual distribution systems) shall be required to allow for the current and future use of recycled water, unless a written exemption has been granted as described in the following section (d)(2). (2) Irrigation systems shall make use of recycled water unless a written exemption has been granted by the local water agency, stating that recycled water meeting all health standards is not available and will not be available in the foreseeable future. (3) The recycled water irrigation systems shall be designed in accordance with all local and .state codes. 7. Irrigation Schedules Irrigation schedules satisfying the following conditions shall be submitted as part of the Landscape Documentation Package. (1) An annual irrigation program with monthly irrigation schedules shall be required for the plant establishment period, for the established landscape, and for any temporarily irrigated areas. (2) The irrigation schedule shall: (i) include run time (in minutes per cycle), suggested number of cycles per day, and frequency of irrigation for each station; and (ii) provide the amount of applied water (in hundred cubic feet, gallons, or in whatever billing units the local water supplier uses) recommended on a monthly and annual basis. (3) The total amount of water for the project shall include water designated in the Estimated Total Water Use calculation plus water needed for any water features, which shall be considered as a high water using hydrozone. (4) Recreational areas designated in the landscape design plan shall be highlighted and the irrigation schedule shall indicate if any additional water is needed above the Maximum Applied Water Allowance because of high plant factors (but not due to irrigation inefficiency.) (5) Whenever possible, irrigation scheduling shall incorporate the use of evapotranspiration data such as those from the California Irrigation Management Information System (CIMIS) weather stations to apply the appropriate levels of water for different climates. Maintenance A regular maintenance schedule satisfying the following conditions shall be submitted as part of the Landscape Documentation Package: (a) Landscapes shall be maintained to ensure water efficiency. A regular maintenance schedule shall include but not be limited to checking, adjusting, and repairing equipment; resetting the automatic controller; aerating and dethatching turf areas; replenishing mulch; fertilizing; pruning, and weeding in all landscaped areas. (b) Whenever possible, repair of irrigation equipment shall be done with the originally specified materials or their equivalents. Landscape Irrigation Audits A schedule of landscape irrigation audits satisfying the following conditions shall be submitted as part of the Landscape Documentation Package. (a) At a minimum, audits shall be in accordance with the State of California Landscape Water Management Program as described in the Landscape Irrigation Auditor Handbook, the entire document, which is hereby incorporated by reference. (See Landscape Irrigation Auditor Handbook (June 1990) version 5.5 (formerly Master Auditor Training.) (b) Landscape irrigation audits shall be conducted by certified landscape irrigation auditors at least once every five years. 10. Grading Plan Provide project fine grading plan for inclusion in package. (a) The grading plan shall indicate finished configurations and elevations of the landscaped area, including the height of grades slopes, drainage patterns, pad elevations, and finish grade. 11. Soils (a) A soil analysis satisfying the following conditions shall be submitted as part of the Landscape Documentation Package. (1) Determination of soil texture, indicating the percentage of organic matter. (2) An approximate soil infiltration rate (either measured or derived from soil texture/infiltration rate tables.) A range of infiltration rates should be noted where appropriate. (3) Measure of pH, and total soluble salts. 12. Certification (a) Upon completing the installation of the landscaping and the irrigation system, an irrigation audit shall be conducted by a certified landscape irrigation auditor prior to the final field observation. (See Landscape Irrigation Auditor Handbook as referenced in Section 7 (A). (b) A licensed landscape architect or contractor, certified irrigation designer, or other licensed or certified professional in a related field shall conduct a final field observation and shall provide a certificate of substantial completion to the local agency. The certificate shall specifically include reference to the landscaping, automatic irrigation system, and the irrigation audit, along with a list of any observed deficiencies to the Owner of Record. (c) Certification shall be accomplished by completing a Certificate of Substantial Completion and delivering. it to the city and to the retail water supplier. A sample of such a form, which shall be provided by the city is included in the Appendix. SECTION IV PROVISIONS FOR EXISTING A. Water Management All existing landscaped areas to which the city provides water that are one acre or more, including golf courses, green belts, common areas, multi-family housing, schools, businesses, cemeteries, parks, and publicly owned landscapes shall have a landscape irrigation audit at least every five years. At a minimum the audit shall be in accordance with the California Landscape Water Management Program as described in the Landscape Water Management Program as described in the Landscape Irrigation Auditor Handbook, the entire document which is hereby incorporated by reference. (See Landscape Irrigation Auditor Handbook, Dept. of Water Resources, Water Conservation Office (June 1990) version 5.5.) (1) If the project's water bills indicate that they are using less than or equal to the Maximum Applied Water Allowance for that project site, an audit shall not be not required. (2) Recognition of projects that stay within the Maximum Applied Water Allowance is encouraged. B. Water Waste Prevention Cities and counties shall prevent water waste resulting from inefficient landscape irrigation by prohibiting runoff, low head drainage, overspray, or other similar conditions where water flows onto adjacent property, non-irrigated areas, walks, roadways, or structures. Penalties for violation of these prohibitions shall be established locally. (Authority cited: Section 65594, Gov. Code. Reference: Section 65597, Gov. Code.) SECTION V EFFECTIVE PRECIPITATION If effective precipitation is included in the calculation of the Estimated Total Water Use, an Effective Precipitation Disclosure Statement (similar to the following Sample Effective Precipitation Disclosure Statement) shall be completed, signed, and submitted with the Landscape Documentation Package. See Appendix for sample. SECTION VI APPENDIX 1. (Sample) Water Conservation Concept Statement 2. (Sample) Certificate of Substantial Completion 3. (Sample) Effective Precipitation Disclosure Statement (SAMPLE) Water Conservation Concept Statement Project Site: Project Number: ProjectLocation: Landscape Architect/Irrigation Designer/Contractor: Included in this project submittal package are: (Check to indicate completion) 1. Maximum Applied Water Allowance: gallons or cubic feet/year _ 2. Estimated Applied Water Use: gallons or cubic feet/year *_ 2.(a) Estimated Amount of Water Expected from Effective Precipitation: gallons or cubic feet/year Note: * If the design assumes that a part of the Estimated Total Water Use will be provided by precipitation, the Effective Precipitation Disclosure Statement in Section 704 shall be completed and submitted. 3. Estimated Total Water-Use: gallons or cubic feet/year 4. Planting Plan 5. Irrigation Plan 6. Irrigation Schedules 7. Maintenance Schedule 8. Landscape Irrigation _ 9. Grading Plan _10. Soil Analysis Audit Schedule Description of Project (Briefly describe the planning and design actions that are intended to achieve conservation and efficiency in water use.) Date• Prepared By: (SAMPLE) CERTIFICATE OF SUBSTANTIAL COMPLETION Project Site: Project Number: ProjectLocation: Preliminary Project Documentation Submitted: (check indicating submittal) 1. Maximum Applied Water Allowance: (gallons or cubic feet/year) 2. Estimated Applied Water Use: (gallons or cubic feet/year) 2a. Estimated Amount of Water Expected from Effective Precipitation: (gallons or cubic feet/year) Note: * If the design assumes that a part of the Estimated Total Water Use will be provided by precipitation, the Effective Precipitation Disclosure Statement in Section V shall be completed and submitted. 3. Estimated Total Water Use: (gallons or cubic feet/year) 4. Landscape Design Plan 5. Irrigation Design Plan 6. Irrigation Schedules 7. Maintenance Schedule 8. Landscape Irrigation Audit Schedule 9. Grading Design Plan 10. Soil Analysis Post-Installation Inspection: (Check indicating substantial completion) A. Plants installed as specified B. Irrigation system installed as designed dual distribution system for recycled water minimal run off or overspray C. Landscape Irrigation Audit performed Project submittal package and a copy of this certification has been provided to owner/manager and local water agency COMMENTS: I/we certify that work has been installed in accordance with the contract documents. Contractor Signature Date State License Number I/we certify that based upon periodic site observations, the work has been substantially completed 'in accordance with the Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance and that the landscape planting and irrigation installation conform with the approved plans and specifications. Landscape Architect Signature Date State License Number or Irrigation Designer/Consultant or Licensed or Certified Professional in a Related Field I/we certify that I/we have received all of the contract documents and that it is our responsibility to see that the project is maintained in accordance with the contract documents. Owner Signature Date Note: Authority cited: Section 65594, Gov. Code. Reference: Section 65597, Gov. Code. (SAMPLE) EFFECTIVE PRECIPITATION DISCLOSURE STATEMENT I certify that I have informed the project owner and developer that this project depends on (gallons or cubic feet) of effective precipitation per year. This represents percent of the local average precipitation of inches per year. I have based my assumption about the amount of precipitation that is effective upon: I certify that I have informed the project owner and developer that in times of drought, there may not be enough water available to keep the entire landscape alive. Licensed or Certified Landscape Professional I certify that I have been informed by the licensed or certified landscape professional that this project depends upon (gallons or cubic feet) of effective precipitation per year. This represents percent of the local average precipitation of inches per year. I certify that I have been informed that in times of drought, there may not be enough water available to keep the entire landscape alive. Owner Developer This ordinance shall take effect as provided by law. INTRODUCED AND APPROVED UPON FIRST READING this 8th of December 1992, upon the following vote r AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: ALONGI, CHERVENY, DOMIN~UF.Z_, IJINKLER, IdASHBURN NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED UPON SECOND READING this 22nd day of December 19 g2, upon the following vote: AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: ALONGI, CHERVENY, DOMINGUEZ, WINKLER, WASHBURN NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBER(S~~: NONE ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBER$~; NONE ....~........., ..Y .. of Lake Elsinore Vicki Lynne~Kasad, City City of L•ak~ Elsinore (SEAL) AWED TO FORM AND LEGALITY: John Harper, it Attorney City of Lake inore STATE OF CALIFORNIA ) COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE ) SS: CITY OF LAKE ELSINORE) I, VICKI KASAD, CITY CLERK OF THE CITY OF LAKE ELSINORE, DO HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing Ordinance was read for adoption on December 8, 1992 and was passed on December 22, 1992, by the following vote: AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: ALONGI, CHERVENY, DOMINGUEZ, WINKLER, WASHBURN NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE ABSTA N: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE VICKI KASAD, CITY CLERK CITY OF LAKE EL.~,'INORE (SEAL) STATE OF' CALIFORNIA ) COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE ) SS: CITY OF LAKE ELSINORE) __' I, VICKI KASAD, CITY CLERK OF THE CITY OF LAKE ELSINORE, DO HEREBY CERTIFY that the above and foregoing is a full, true and correct copy of Ordinance No. 948 of said Council, and that the same has not been amended or repealed. D D: December 23, 1992 r VICKI IZASAD, CI'PY LERK CITY OF LAKE ELSINORE (SEAL)