HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-07-2000 City Council Study SessionMINUTES
CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION
CITY OF LAKE ELSINORE
130 SOUTH MAIN STREET
LAKE ELSINORE, CALIFORNIA
TUESDAY, MARCH 7, 2000
.......................................... ...............................
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Brinley called the City Council Study Session to Order at 3:12 p.m.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: KELLEY, PAPE, METZE
SCHIFFNER, BRINLEY
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
Also present were: City Manager Watenpaugh, Assistant City Manager
Best, Deputy City Attorney Van Blarcom, Deputy City Attorney Miles,
Administrative Services Director Boone, Community Development Director
Brady, Community Services Director Sapp, City Treasurer Ferro, Public
Works Manager Payne, Lake Operations Manager Kilroy and Deputy City
Clerk Bryning.
Deputy City Attorney Miles noted that following the City Council Study
Session there would be a Special City Council Meeting consisting of a
Closed Session. He announced the following item:
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL — EXISTING
LITIGATION (Subdivision (a) of Government Code Section
54956.9) Timothy Fleming vs. City of Lake Elsinore (CASE #
328469).
PUBLIC COMMENTS — AGENDIZED ITEMS
There were no requests to address the Agendized items.
DISCUSSION
Recycled Water. (F:164.1)
City Manager Watenpaugh gave an overview of the issues that would
be discussed. He outlined some of the concerns regarding Recycled
Water and stated that the City and EVMWD have a Fill and Operate
Agreement for the Lake. He noted that the Agreement addressed the
initial filling of the Lake upon completion of the Lake Elsinore
Management Project and included provisions requiring EVMWD to
secure a sustainable water source for replenishing Lake Elsinore when
the Lake reaches a low level of 1240 M.S.L. He noted that the
PAGE TWO — STUDY SESSION — MARCH 7, 2000
EVMWD Boardmembers, City Council, both agency staff's and the
Recycled Water Task Force felt that recycled water was another
source of water that would have sufficient quantities and could legally
be used in replenishing Lake Elsinore, however the degree of
treatment and amount of nutrients has not been agreed upon. He
noted that because the degree to which treatment is required has not
been agreed to, EVMWD has not been able to obtain a discharge
permit from the State of California, to store recycled water in Lake
Elsinore. He noted that it takes a number of months for a permit
process through the State Water Board and he felt that this should be
addressed. He noted that without substantial rainfall in the next
several months, the 1240 M.S.L. will be reached some time next fall,
and to date, a plan for maintaining the desired Lake elevation has not
been presented. He noted that the issue must be addressed by Council
and then presented through a Joint Study Session. He again noted the
difficulty of obtaining a permit and asked the Deputy City Attorney to
address this issue.
Deputy City Attorney Van Blarcom indicated that the applications
EVMWD filed are several years old and were originally file in 1996,
amended in 1997; and in May of 1998 the City received a notice from
the State Regional Water Quality Control Board that the applications
were complete and the State was in a discovery process. He explained
that they were seeking to ascertain if there were any problems with the
applications, whether other interested parties had concerns that could
lead to a hearing before the State to give the Board the ability to
approve with conditions or deny. He noted that at the time of notice,
there were two applications, which were numbered 30501 and 30502.
He indicated that Application No. 30501 was about the San Jacinto
River taking water that was flowing in the river that had not been
appropriated. He noted that the idea of this application was to allow
EVMWD to store water in the back basin. He noted that the
developer in the back basin, as well as the City, had some issues with
that application. He noted that it was resolved by the District pulling
back and the State Board stating that they were no longer considering
this application. He advised that Application No. 30502 allow
EVMWD the right to the water that goes through their Treatment
Plant, which currently discharges water into Temescal Creek. He
noted that the proposal was to leave some of the water in Temescal
Creek for the natural habitat located there; move some of the water to
McVicker and another canyon to spread and allow the water to enter
the ground water; and into Lake Elsinore. He explained that the City
protested the action, because staff had concerns regarding recreation
uses of the Lake, as well as habitat protection. He explained that the
City informed the State Board that the addition of wastewater could
affect the City's habitat and recreational rights, as well as
environment and public interests concerns. Deputy City Attorney Van
Blarcom noted that in the summer of 1998, EVMWD had released a
PAGE THREE — STUDY SESSION — MARCH 7, 2000
notice of preparation of an Environmental Impact Report for a project
they called "The Lake Stabilization Project ", of which a part of that
project was to treat the wastewater and introduce it into the Lake to
keep the Lake level stabilized. He noted that EVMWD would have
to appear before the Santa Ana Water Quality Control Board since no
one has ever placed treated wastewater in a body contact recreation
lake. He noted that appropriate levels would have to be set to protect
the environment. He noted that in late 1998, the City received a
notice from the State Board informing the City that the protest was
done correctly and was accepted and the Water District had to respond
to the issues stated in the protest. He indicated that EVMWD has
responded as of March 1, 2000. He explained that the State Board
now needs to set a hearing and get through the environmental process
as well, which can take as long as six to nine months. He noted that in
the meantime, they would like to see EVMWD working with the City
to resolve the concerns and allow the project to go forward. He noted
the use that EVMWD was proposing could injure the City's
recreational rights if the quality is not correct. Deputy City Attorney
Van Blarcom stated that it was recommended that a letter be sent to
EVMWD outlining the City's concerns regarding water quality and
lake elevation levels which pertain to the Fill and Operate Agreement
and the Tilley Agreement. He noted that there are some unresolved
issues that could be resolved between the City and EVMWD or the
State Board will rule on them. He further noted that the State Board
would prefer that the parties work out the issues, prior to them making
a finding. He stated that the City needs to discover if EVMWD has a
plan should the Lake go below 1240 M.S.L.
City Manager Watenpaugh stated that he needed direction from
Council regarding action to send a letter and what specific criteria
they would like to see addressed.
Mayor Pro Tem Pape stated that he understood that the water
EVMWD was proposing to put in the Lake was 20 times greater than
what was allowed by the Water Quality Board and would not be
allowed to be discharged into the Lake in any event. Deputy. City
Attorney Van Blarcom clarified that they have the authority to
determine the quality of water that is discharged into the Lake,
whether the City is involved in the process or not. City Manager
Watenpaugh stated that the Regional Water Quality Board had
informed EVMWD that they were not to submit until they had worked
with the City to resolve concerns.
Mayor Brinley asked who would decide the amount of nutrients
allowed in the Lake. City Manager Watenpaugh stated that the
Regional Water Quality Control Board would determine the amount
of acceptable nutrients.
PAGE FOUR — STUDY SESSION — MARCH 7, 2000
Lake Operations Manager Kilroy noted that the level would be
determined by what degrades water quality. He noted that it was an
issue of concentration and the value in the water of phosphates and
nutrients.
Mayor Pro Tern Pape noted that if higher amounts of phosphate were
added to the Lake, then it would have a long -term impact.
Councilman Schiffner asked if the nutrient level had to be established
prior to EVMWD proceeding with their permit application, as long as
the City agrees that no water is placed in the Lake until there is an
agreement between the City and EVMWD. He noted that the
application is a time consuming process and suggested allowing them
to continue. Deputy City Attorney Van Blarcom stated that it would
be a simple solution, however he could not predict the District's
opinion.
Deputy City Attorney Miles noted that there are Water Quality
Standards and Water Quality Objectives for the Lake and there are
four Total Maximum Daily Load designations for Lake Elsinore at the
present time. He noted that there are guidelines that are issued by the
EPA in determining such things as total load on a point source on a
lake. He noted that the levels were determined by Water Quality
Control. Lake Operations Manager Kilroy explained that it depends
on the different concentrations; and the discussion at the Water
Quality Control Board was the possibility of increased in algae versus
nutrients.
Mayor Brinley asked what poundage of nutrients could come into the
Lake. Lake Operations Manager Kilroy noted that in 1983 the flood
waters that came into the Lake consisted of 180 thousand pounds of
phosphorous, which is equal to approximately two pounds of
phosphorous per acre foot of water and makes the Lake pea soup
green. He noted that most of the phosphorous is at the bottom of the
Lake. Mayor Pro Tem Pape questioned if it could be recycled back
into the water. Mr. Kilroy confirmed that it could. He noted that it is
a difficult issue and it will be hard for the Regional Water Quality
Control Board to address, therefore they would rather see the City and
EVMWD agree on amount. Mayor Pro Tern Pape stated that it just
makes sense that if you start with a pure lake and add phosphate to the
water it would not be a big deal; however if there is already a lake
with a phosphorous problem and more is added, then it will only
compound the problem.
Councilwoman Kelley commented that if the Boards don't come to an
agreement and leave it to CEQUA to decide, then the City may not be
happy with it either. She noted that the City and EVMWD are going
to have to come to a concession somewhere along the line and reach
an agreement, because the ultimate question is "Do we want water ? ".
PAGE FIVE — STUDY SESSION — MARCH 7, 2000
Mayor Brinley noted that EVMWD does not want to use any of their
well water to raise the level of the Lake since it is potable water. City
Manager Watenpaugh stated that if this is a reference to the use of
potable water during the time of drought or water shortage, we are not
currently in a time of shortage or drought.
Mayor Pro Tem Pape asked what the process would be to get water
from the wells into the Lake since we are not in a drought situation.
Deputy City Attorney Van Blarcom stated that it was contemplated
when the Operate and Fill Agreement was written since the island
wells were used to fill the Lake in the past. He stated that he does not
know what quality the water the wells have and what would be needed
prior to pumping. City Manager Watenpaugh asked if potable water
could be put in the Lake. Deputy City Attorney Van Blarcom stated
that it could. He noted that there are two sets of laws in the Water
Code and one has to do with Health and Safety. He explained that it
says that no wastewater can be placed anywhere it can affect the
health of people. He noted that right after that set of laws is the
second set of laws that state that the State is water short and needs to
look for ways to reuse water, and it is the policy of the State to recycle
water and reuse it where ever possible. He noted that within that
statute it states that in fact it is the policy of the State that you are
wasting water, if recycled water is available for a series of uses and
lists specific uses.
Mayor Brinley indicated that the use of wells was included in the
Agreement and if there is no prohibition to the use of that water, then
the City should have the use of those wells. Councilman Schiffner
stated that it would also be determined by the amount of gallons per
minute that the wells pump to determine if it would be feasible.
Deputy City Attorney Van Blarcom noted that there is a definite move
to try and find uses for recycled water and in fact there are a couple of
ways to get it. He noted that the user can demand the use of recycled
water and supply the water for detailed uses, however it must be
available at the same or lower cost that what is already being paid for
potable water. He explained that any way that this issue could be
addressed, it will still lead back to the question, "Can you treat
wastewater to a level such that it's safe to put into the Lake ? ". He
noted that it was getting close and this issue was on the cutting edge
for recycle water. Councilman Metze asked that had been done yet.
Deputy City Attorney Van Blarcom stated that there was a lake in
Santee that uses recycled water, however there is no body contact.
Councilman Schiffner stated that on the Recycled Water Task Force,
the question that was raised there was not a question of safety and
health for body contact; but rather how to reduce the nutrient content.
He noted that they found that the cost to reduce the nutrients from the
water would cost equal to or more than the cost to buy water from the
Metropolitan Water District for potable water. He explained that the
PAGE SIX — STUDY SESSION —MARCH 7, 2000
reason for questioning the use of wells was due to the cost of running
the wells versus the amount of water they would pump. He noted that
just as the Task Force found that it would be just a cheep to purchase
the water as to process the nutrients from the water, it might be
cheaper to buy the water than to pump it.
Councilman Metze stated that it was not important to decide if it was
the same fee, as long as it was providing the proper amount of water.
Councilman Schiffner stated that one of the main questions was if the
Metropolitan Water District would sell us the water for the purpose of
filling the Lake.
Mayor Brinley stated that the economy of the community is based on
the water quality of the Lake and it is important to have water in the
Lake. Lake Operations Manager Kilroy stated that cost is an issue
and asked about body contact with highly filtered tertiary treated
water. He stated that EVMWD already sends high quality tertiary
treated water to the creek, however the issue was with the nutrients
that were present in the water.
Mayor Pro Tem Pape questioned the cost. City Manager Watenpaugh
noted that in the agreement, the City is obligated to pay half the cost
to refill the Lake, and is obligated to half the cost to maintain the
level.
City Manager Watenpaugh stated that the issues discussed need to be
made part of the letter to EVMWD, as well as the goals that the City
is looking for on the Lake.
Councilman Metze asked if the goal was to work from a higher level
toward a lower level.
City Manager Watenpaugh stated that the City needs to deal with the
Lake as drastically and quickly as possible, however every time we
get run off from upstream the Lake will continue to get more
pollutants until the problems are resolve upstream. He noted that
there is still a need for water and the City needs a Joint Study Session
with EVMWD to resolve the issues regarding the water. He noted
that staff would like to address some standards that the City would
like to get to and outline a letter to EVMWD stating the objectives
and goals to open discussion. He noted that Council needs to consider
the use of wells both public and private. He explained that the island
wells would have to pump approximately 9,000 gallons per minute to
keep up with evaporation on the Lake and noted some of the private
wells could be used to blend with recycled water to lighten up the
nutrient level and allow use in the Lake. He further explained that no
one has suggested any other source other than reclaimed water for the
Lake.
PAGE SEVEN - STUDY SESSION - MARCH 7, 2000
Deputy City Attorney Van Blarcom indicated that there is inexpensive
water provided by Metropolitan Water District from time to time. He
noted that sometimes they turn water back because no one wants it.
He stated that they are going through a whole review process where
they are refining what they will charge for water. He noted that there
might be a new target price the City is working toward.
Mayor Brinley summarized the discussion and indicated that a letter
will be drafted to EVMWD presenting a guideline of the City's
standards, goals and objectives for the Lake, wait for their response
and then set a Joint Study Session. Deputy City Attorney Van
Blarcom stated that staff would like to see how interested they are in
negotiating the things that need to be negotiated to move forward on
the Lake. He noted that EVMWD will either stand by the old
agreements or they will be willing to sit down and use some of the
things that the City knows can be utilized and the changes that can be
implemented. He explained that the City and EVMWD look at the
Lake differently. He noted that the District looks at the Lake as a
storage reservoir and bargain for it. The City and State have looked at
the Lake as a recreational body of water. He stated that the objective
is to see if there is a way to make both of those happen or not.
Mayor Pro Tem Pape commented that it will take a lot of different
actions to make it happen, and one action is the City alone or the City
and EVMWD combined to do testing and figure out what numbers
will work for allowable amounts of nutrients. He noted that another is
the quality of water in the wells and what volume can be pumped
from the wells, as well as the use of private wells.
Mayor Brinley stated that it was the consensus of Council that the
City Manager and Deputy City Attorney should draft a letter to be
brought before Council for consideration.
Councilman Metze asked for clarification of the standards for legal
limits of water quality. Lake Operations Manager Kilroy explained
that the limits stated in the Local Basin Plan are based on algae and do
not give a concentration of algae in terms of the core of the Lake. He
noted that all it calls out is that it cannot increase the algae
significantly and does not give specifics. He noted that the Plan did
address dissolved oxygen.
City Manager Watenpaugh asked if the TMDL studies being done
now would change the standards. Lake Operations Manager Kilroy
noted that they would have a definite impact on the standards. Deputy
City Attorney Van Blarcom stated that the trends of the standards are
getting more stringent.
PAGE EIGHT - STUDY SESSION- MARCH 7, 2000
Councilman Metze stated that any agreement would have to follow
State Mandates. He noted that the citizens want clean water.
City Manager Watenpaugh explained that the Water Quality Board
has standards that they cannot enforce because they do not have
enough staff to enforce the laws.
Councilman Schiffner asked if Council should do something to allow
the District to move forward. City Manager Watenpaugh stated that
the purpose of the letter would be to open dialogue and get things
moving. He noted that in the letter, staff can use language, that if they
would agree to issues stated, send the City a letter of agreement; then
the City could move forward to help mitigate the problem, however if
they do not choose to agree to the issues in the letter, then there is a
need for a meet and confer.
Councilman Schiffner stated that even if the City receives
$15,000,000, it would not be the answer to everything. He stressed
that many of the problems lay in the watershed area.
City Manager Watenpaugh stated that the objective is to set existing
proposals in motion and be in a proactive mode.
Councilwoman Kelley stated that the City needs to look for permanent
solutions down the road; and both the City and EVMWD need to be
on the same page.
City Manager Watenpaugh stated that just because the City and
District cannot agree on recycled water, does not mean that we cannot
move forward in other area. Council concurred.
Mayor Brinley stated that the City Manager would bring the draft
letter back to Council for consideration.
2. Proposition 13 Bond Issue Projects. (F:96.5)
City Manager Watenpaugh stated that Lake Operations Manager
Kilroy has developed a program to present to Council, addressing
Lake Elsinore Restoration and San Jacinto River Watershed
Protection. He explained that this would be a presentation of the
problems, solutions and projects that should be done on the Lake.
Lake Operations Manager Kilroy gave an overview of the following:
Lake Elsinore Restoration
1) In -Lake Water Quality
2) San Jacinto River Watershed Protection
3) Sustainable Water Supply
PAGE NINE - STUDY SESSION - MARCH 7, 2000
Challenge of Lake Elsinore
Immense Scale:
Largest natural freshwater lake in Southern California
with 3,400 surface acres & 18 billion gallons of water.
Large Watershed:
760 square miles.
Conflicting interests upstream.
City's jurisdiction only covers 5% of the watershed.
High evaporation rate & low inflows:
Annual Evaporation Loss = 15,000 acre -feet.
Average Annual Inflow = 11,380 acre -feet.
In -Lake Water Quality
Problems:
High Turbidity & Low Water Clarity.
Episodes of Severe Algae Blooms.
Low Dissolved Oxygen Levels.
Anoxic Sediment Nutrient Release.
Periodic Fish Kills caused by Low D.O.
Mayor Pro Tem Pape asked how close Canyon Lake and Hemet Dam
were to spilling over. Lake Operations Manager Kilroy stated that
Canyon Lake was within inches of flowing over and although he did
not know about Hemet Dam, he felt that it was currently spilling over,
due to their watershed.
Goals for Lake Elsinore
Criteria:
Provide quality water recreation:
No green water and 5 feet of clarity.
Support a bio- diverse warm water fishery:
Oxygen level, 3.0 mg. More than 3 -feet off the
bottom.
Protect wildlife habitat:
Preserve open -space and promote wetlands.
Goals must be realistic, but stringent enough to provide
reasonable Lake water quality.
Limiting Nutrient Concept
Composition of Algae:
Carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus and
assorted trace minerals.
PAGE TEN - STUDY SESSION - MARCH 7, 2000
Bio- available Nitrogen and Phosphorous are scarce in nature.
Very little phosphorus is required by algae (less than 1% of
algae), therefore it is difficult to limit phosphorus all the time.
Algae required 10 to 15 times more nitrogen that phosphorus.
Blue -green algae can fix atmospheric nitrogen under conditions
of high phosphorus and iron.
Lake Restoration efforts must attempt to limit both nitrogen and
phosphorus.
Councilman Metze reminded the Lake Operations Manager to keep
Council informed of the tests that must be done in cooperation with
the District, so Council can keep the District Board informed as well.
Recommended In -Lake Solutions
Bio - manipulation and Fishery Enhancement.
Metal Salt Addition.
Lake Aeration or Artificial Circulation.
Bio - filters using Aquatic Plants.
Out -of Balance Fishery ... A Detriment To Drinking Water
Foraging activity of large carp population:
Nutrients released from sediments.
Increased turbidity by suspending particulates.
Bio- Manipulation and Fishery Enhancement
Seine, Trap and remove large carp.
Councilman Schiffner asked if Fish and Game would have a problem
with the City netting the carp from the Lake. Lake Operations
Manager Kilroy stated that they might require hand sorting or
restocking of the Lake, which is in the future planning.
Mayor Pro Tem Pape asked if the City could be ready in July with
permits and Fish and Wildlife authorization to proceed with removal
of the carp, immediately followed with an alum or calcium treatment.
Lake Operations Manager Kilroy stated that the Fish and Wildlife
process is not really fast and should be started now. He stated that he
would recommend removal of the carp as the first step. He gave an
overview of the netting process, as follows:
Stock Largemouth bass, Crappie and Hybrid Stripped bass to
control Carp and Shad offspring.
Promote self - replicating Sport Fishery by providing suitable
breeding sites.
Major Enhancement of Sport Fishery.
PAGE ELEVEN - STUDY SESSION - MARCH 7, 2000
Nutrient Recycling and High Turbidity
Fifty years of nutrient pollution contained in the sediment.
High suspended solids in water column causes high turbidity.
Periodic inflows of high phosphorus levels from watershed.
Metal Salt Addition
Aluminum, iron and calcium salts can bind phosphorus.
Criteria for Lake Elsinore:
Environmentally friendly.
Function under low oxygen conditions.
Function under high pH conditions.
Rapidly settles particulate matter.
Recommend precipitation and inactivation of phosphorus
through Alum and Lime additions.
Treat new inflows of phosphorus from the watershed
proportionately with Alum.
Alum Treatment
Aluminum is the third most abundant element in the earth's
crust.
Safe and effective under the high pH, high alkalinity and low
oxygen conditions of Lake Elsinore.
Immediate water clarity following treatment.
Reduces sediment phosphorus release by two thirds.
Reduces algae biomass by 50 %.
10 year expected longevity.
Councilman Schiffner asked if the Lake Operations Manager had
investigated the costs of the treatment. Lake Operations Manager
Kilroy stated that it would cost approximately $1,500,000 for
treatment. He stated that there was a need for an ongoing program to
address future phosphorous. Mayor Pro Tem Pape asked if the
treatment dealt with the particles of phosphorous in the water itself
and not just on the bottom. Lake Operations Manager Kilroy stated
that the treatment is applied on the surface and as it sinks through the
water it scours the water of the particles and takes the phosphorous to
the bottom. Mayor Pro Tern Pape asked if aeration would shorten the
10 -year longevity of the program. Lake Operations Manager Kilroy
stated that it would not, since an aeration system would be designed to
not disturb the bottom.
Natural Phosphorus Removal
Lake Elsinore is hard water and alkaline lake.
High in calcium, magnesium and carbonates.
PAGE TWELVE - STUDY SESSION - MARCH 7, 2000
High evaporation rate of pure water results in concentration of
salts.
Algae blooms cause high pH conditions through
photosynthesis.
Calcium- carbonate or calcite begins to form more than pH of
8.3.
Calcite is known to remove phosphorus.
Algal self - regulating mechanism is hard water lakes.
Mayor Brinley asked what the average pH of Lake Elsinore was.
Lake Operations Manager Kilroy noted that it is always over 9 pH.
Lame Treatment
Enhance Lake Elsinore's natural phosphorus removal
mechanism, which is calcium based.
Addition of calcium salts, such as quicklime or calcium -
chloride.
Restore the naturally high calcium waters of Lake Elsinore,
which has been depleted by excess nutrients and algae.
High calcium waters provide continuous, proportionate and
long -term removal of phosphorus.
Low Dissolved Oxygen Levels
Algae is composed of...50% Carbon, 8% Nitrogen, less than
1% Phosphorus.
1 -pound of phosphorus... more than 135 lbs. of algae ... more
than 225 pounds of oxygen to decompose.
1 -lb. P /ac -ft. can turn the Lake a pea soup green.
In 1993, the Lake contained 180,000 -lbs of phosphorus of 2-
lbs. P /ac -ft.
Vicious Cycle of Low Oxygen
Phosphorus release from sediment; algae bloom; decomposing
algae; and low oxygen.
Lake Aeration /Artificial Circulation
Surface waters are often supersaturated with oxygen.
Bottom waters almost devoid of oxygen during the summer.
Lake Elsinore does not need more oxygen added, just
redistributed.
Use diffused aeration system as a highly efficient water pump
to vertically mix the Lake.
PAGE THIRTEEN - STUDY SESSION - MARCH 7, 2000
Benefits of Artificial Circulation
Reduce phosphorus released from the sediments.
Increase the rate of microbial processing of organic matter
through aerobic respiration.
Lower Bio- chemical Oxygen Demand.
Increase beneficial zooplankton that graze on algae by
providing shelter in the bottom waters.
Prevent fish kills.
Bio - filters using Aquatic Plants
Convert nutrients into desired plant species to compete with
algae.
Create micro -zones for nitrate - nitrogen removal through
denitrification.
Reduce wind suspension of sediment in shallow water.
Increase population of zooplankton that grazes on algae.
Provide nursery habitat for fish.
Provide forage and shelter for migrating waterfowl.
Mayor Pro Tem. Pape asked how many plants would be necessary to
create this environment. Lake Operations Manager Kilroy stated that
50% of the lake area should be covered to take care of the bulk of the
nutrient pollution, however he wished to only do this in portions,
rather than the whole of the project. Mayor Pro Tem Pape questioned
the danger to boating caused by water vegetation. Lake Operations
Manager Kilroy explained that this would be addressed by floating
islands that are contained. Councilman Schiffner asked if the plants
would have to be harvested. Lake Operations Manager Kilroy stated
that some would have to be harvested and some should be encouraged
to continue growth.
Aquatic Desert
Lake Elsinore has almost no aquatic vegetation in or around the
Lake.
Obstacles for aquatic Macrophytes:
High evaporation rate.
Occasional flooding.
High turbidity.
High winds and little shelter.
Foraging activity of large carp population.
Mayor Brinley asked how deep the Lake was at this time. Lake
Operations Manager Kilroy stated that it was approximately 25 to 26
feet.
PAGE FOURTEEN - STUDY SESSION - MARCH 7, 2000
Types of Plants and Bio- Filters
Aquatic Plants:
Emergent: cattails, bulrush, spikerush.
Submersed: pondweed, grasses, stonewort.
Floating: duckweed, water lily, water hyacinth.
Bio - filters:
Marshlands.
Submersed vegetation around the margins of the Lake.
Floating or suspended rafts.
Physical System & Hydrology
Marshlands:
Convert flat, low lying areas around the Lake.
Four Corners, Rome Hill, Back - basin.
Create small islands and depression pools that are
terraced up to 1,255 feet.
Install water circulation system through marsh.
Floating and Suspended Aquatic Plants:
Build and install containment rafts in sheltered areas.
Modular raft system for ease of navigation and
maintenance.
Submersed Plants around margin of Lake:
Provides more than 5 feet of water clarity.
Mayor Brinley questioned the cost of the entire program. Lake
Operations Manager Kilroy noted that the total program would be
approximately $11,000,000.
San Jacinto River Watershed Protection
Contaminates of Interest:
Nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus).
Algae blooms, low oxygen, taste and odor problem
for potable water.
Pathogens.
Disease causing organisms.
Sediments.
Particulate, clay, turbidity and loss of storage.
Organic matter (Total Organic Carbon).
High BOD, source of nutrients and cause high
DBP's.
Sources of Contaminates
Urban:
Pet waste, fertilizer use, faulty septic system.
PAGE FIFTEEN - STUDY SESSION - MARCH 7, 2000
Industry and Commercial:
Plant nurseries, golf courses, POTWs and erosion from
land development.
Agricultural
Intensive livestock, irrigated agriculture, manure
spreading and use of bio- solids.
Watershed Protection Goals
Watershed Coalition. This must be formed.
Regional Water Quality Control Board.
New water quality objectives for Lake, TMDL Program,
revised EWMP for drains and storm water BMP's
Flood Control District and Upstream Cities.
Protect potable water supply and water aesthetics.
Promote flood control projects upstream that divert storm water
away from contaminate sources.
Public education about the ecological and economic value of
the Lake Elsinore San Jacinto River Watershed.
There was general discussion regarding enforcement of violations.
Lake Operations Manager Kilroy stated that it was getting better.
Councilwoman Kelley questioned the septic systems on the other side
of the Lake. Lake Operations Manager Kilroy stated that it was
addressed by the Clean Water Study and it had been addressed.
Sustainable Water Supply
Investigate Water Banking.
Annual evaporative loss = 15,000 ac -ft.
Average inflow from SJR = 11,380
Water Inventory of Watershed.
Explore impaired water sources:
High salts (TDS) and high nitrate (TIN).
Support flood control project that increase natural inflows to the
Lake.
Seek and support funding for additional nutrient removal
capacity for reclaimed water supplied by EVMWD.
City Manager Watenpaugh noted that the object of this program was
to give an overview of the projects that Council could review; and the
approved and adopt recommendations of projects the Mayor could
take forward to SAWPA as potential project for funding with monies
from the Water Bond. He noted that to date the only item put forward
was from SAWPA for $135,000 for staff time and $1,000,000 for
studies. He noted that what Mr. Kilroy had presented to Council had
PAGE SIXTEEN - STUDY SESSION - MARCH 7, 2000
come from previous Lake studies and were time tested programs that
have been used in other lakes with time tested results. He reminded
Council that no one project would solve the problems. He noted that
the questions the Council should consider would be moving in the
direction of the outlined plan and should the City seek money for the
in -lake and watershed projects that are proposed.
Mayor Pro Tem Pape noted that all five projects need to be done. He
asked how long it would take to see improvements, whether the
projects would be permanent and noted the five year schedule. Lake
Operations Manager Kilroy noted that the reason he used the 5 year
timeline was because the Water Quality Board will finish their TMDL
by the year 2004 and should help Lake Elsinore lower nutrients in the
watershed. He noted that the watershed is a wildcard and if the
problems with the watershed persist, then the City will have to
continue with some of the treatment programs. Mayor Pro Tem Pape
stated that he hated to depend on others to do a job, and ideally if they
spent the money on what should be done it would fix the problem;
however that could not be a dependable source. He asked about the
amount of carp that must be removed. He asked if 80% of the carp
were removed and sports fish were introduced, would that be a self -
sustaining program. Lake Operations Manager Kilroy stated that it
would after a 3 to 5 year period. Mayor Pro Tem Pape addressed
Lake Aeration and circulation and asked, provided the City got the
money, how long it would take to put into place. Lake Operations
Manager Kilroy stated that if the City started tomorrow it could be in
place by summer, however realistically that might not be possible.
Councilman Metze asked how cooperative the other agencies would
be regarding these projects. City Manager Watenpaugh reminded
Council that what staff has requested is for Council to adopt
something so that staff can take the project to the Water District and
SAWPA to get concurrence. He noted that he felt there was no reason
why they would oppose any of the projects that were being suggested.
He noted that the projects suggested were the ones LEMA put
together. He noted that it was not a matter of if they would support
the project, but rather how much money they would be willing to give
to support the project.
Mayor Brinley commented that the Lake has been studied to death
and good money has been spent on those studies. She suggested that
there was not a need for more studies.
Councilwoman Kelley asked that if the City authorized the
expenditure of $11,000,000 and nothing happened in the watershed,
what kinds of problems would occur. Lake Operations Manager
Kilroy stated that the Lake Aeration and Circulation system might be
able to prevent fish kills. Councilwoman Kelley asked what would
PAGE SIXTEEN - STUDY SESSION - MARCH 7, 2000
come from previous Lake studies and were time tested programs that
have been used in other lakes with time tested results. He reminded
Council that no one project would solve the problems. He noted that
the questions the Council should consider would be moving in the
direction of the outlined plan and should the City seek money for the
in -lake and watershed projects that are proposed.
Mayor Pro Tern Pape noted that all five projects need to be done. He
asked how long it would take to see improvements, whether the
projects would be permanent and noted the five year schedule. Lake
Operations Manager Kilroy noted that the reason he used the 5 year
timeline was because the Water Quality Board will finish their TMDL
by the year 2004 and should help Lake Elsinore lower nutrients in the
watershed. He noted that the watershed is a wildcard and if the
problems with the watershed persist, then the City will have to
continue with some of the treatment programs. Mayor Pro Tern Pape
stated that he hated to depend on others to do a job, and ideally if they
spent the money on what should be done it would fix the problem;
however that could not be a dependable source. He asked about the
amount of carp that must be removed. He asked if 80% of the carp
were removed and sports fish were introduced, would that be a self -
sustaining program. Lake Operations Manager Kilroy stated that it
would after a 3 to 5 year period. Mayor Pro Tern Pape addressed
Lake Aeration and circulation and asked, provided the City got the
money, how long it would take to put into place. Lake Operations
Manager Kilroy stated that if the City started tomorrow it could be in
place by summer, however realistically that might not be possible.
Councilman Metze asked how cooperative the other agencies would
be regarding these projects. City Manager Watenpaugh reminded
Council that what staff has requested is for Council to adopt
something so that staff can take the project to the Water District and
SAWPA to get concurrence. He noted that he felt there was no reason
why they would oppose any of the projects that were being suggested.
He noted that the projects suggested were the ones LEMA put
together. He noted that it was not a matter of if they would support
the project, but rather how much money they would be willing to give
to support the project.
Mayor Brinley commented that the Lake has been studied to death
and good money has been spent on those studies. She suggested that
there was not a need for more studies.
Councilwoman Kelley asked that if the City authorized the
expenditure of $11,000,000 and nothing happened in the watershed,
what kinds of problems would occur. Lake Operations Manager
Kilroy stated that the Lake Aeration and Circulation system might be
able to prevent fish kills. Councilwoman Kelley asked what would
PAGE SEVENTEEN - STUDY SESSION - MARCH 7, 2000
happen if the City experienced another really wet year. Lake
Operations Manager Kilroy stated that it would cause problems,
however the Lake would recover faster because of the circulation. He
noted that the Water District did a fantastic Sanitary Survey of the
watershed and it indicated that the problems are the same as have been
identified before, which is a five mile stretch along the San Jacinto
Rivers between Hemet and Canyon Lakes.
Mayor Pro Tem Pape questioned the use of filters. Lake Operations
Manager Kilroy indicated with the mass of water that would have to
be filtered it would not be economical or practical. He gave an
overview of process and noted that the issue is with volume and
concentration of matter; and whether the amount removed would be
economical overall. He stated that he did not feel that it would be.
City Manager Watenpaugh stated that he felt that Lake-Operations .
Manager Kilroy has done a really good job of identifying the needs of
the Lake and the projects that he has proposed to meet those needs.
He stated that staff would recommend that projects presented to
Council today, be brought forward to the Council Meeting for
consideration.
Councilman Schiffner asked that in the event the City does not get the
full amount allocated that the outline calls for, would he recommend
that the City do the first four projects in their entirety. Lake
Operations Manager Kilroy confirmed.
Councilman Metze stressed the need for field tests.
Mayor Brinley stated that Council would concur that staff should
bring a letter and list of projects forward to the City Council Meeting
of March 14, 2000 for consideration.
ADJOURNMENT
The City Council Study Session was adjourned at 5:23 p.m.
i
r
CITY OF LAKE ELSINORE
PAGE EIGHTEEN - STUDY SESSION - MARCH 7, 2000
Respectfully submitted,
A ria L. Bryn►ng, Depu ity a
ATTEST:
VICKI KASAD, " ITY CLERK
CITY OF LAKE ELSINORE
MINUTES
SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING
CITY OF LAKE ELSINORE
130 SOUTH MAIN STREET
LAKE ELSINORE, CALIFORNIA
TUESDAY, MARCH 7, 2000
own ............ ..... ................. ..... .. .......................... out
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Brinley called the Special City Council Meeting to Order at 5:23 p.m.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: KELLEY, PAPE, METZE
SCHIFFNER, BRINLEY
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
Also present were: City Manager Watenpaugh, Assistant City Manager
Best, Deputy City Attorney Van Blarcom, Deputy City Attorney Miles,
Community Development Director Brady, Administrative Services Director
Boone, Community Services Director Sapp, City Treasurer Ferro, Public
Works Manager Payne, Lake Operations Manager Kilroy and Deputy City
Clerk Bryning.
CLOSED SESSION
Deputy City Attorney Miles announced the following item:
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL — EXISTING
LITIGATION (Subdivision (a) of Government Code Section
54956.9) Timothy Fleming vs. City of Lake Elsinore (CASE #
328469). (F:52.2)
THE SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING WAS ADJOURNED TO
CLOSED SESSION AT 5:23 P.M. FOR DISCUSSION OF THE
ABOVE LISTED ITEM.
THE SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING RECONVENED AT 5:40
P.M. WITH NO REPORTABLE ACTION.
ADJOURNMENT
MOVED BY METZE, SECONDED BY PAPE AND CARRIED BY
UNANIMOUS VOTE TO ADJOURN THE SPECIAL CITY
COUNCIL MEETING AT 5:41 P.M.
PAGE TWO - SPECIAL MEETING - MARCH 7, 2000
CITY OF
ATTEST:
VICKI KASAD, CITY CLERK
CITY OF LAKE ELSINORE
, MA