Thomsen Word DocsSouth Lake Tahoe PCE Groundwater Contamination
Meeting Minutes 10/15/18
Attendees: Doug Smith (LRWQCB), Scott Ferguson (LRWQCB), Jeff Brooks (LRWQCB), Richard
Solbrig (South Tahoe Public Utility District), Shannon Cotulla (STPUD), Shelly Thomsen (STPUD),
Jennifer Lukins (Lukins Brothers Water Company)
1. Technical meeting overview from 10/8/18-
a. Since Jeff and Doug were not at the technical meeting with the water suppliers, a
quick overview was provided. Lahontan is waiting on a signature from DFA
before SB 445 PCE project moves to DGS for approval. AECOME is the new
contractor and work is expected to start Spring 2019. Lahontan asked Water
Suppliers to consider what priorities should be added to the scope, and the
following issues were discussed: 1) site, permit, design and construct sentinel
wells, 2) regional Emergency Response Plan, which can’t be funded under SB
445, 3) well destruction of LB 2, LB4, Tahoe Valley Elementary School and deep
private wells, 4) zone testing for TK2, 5) test hole for replacement water supply
well at Colorado Court, 6) Feasibility study recommendations include pilot study
in-situ chemical oxidation to address hot spots in plume, long term pumping
pilot from extraction, and additional groundwater modeling, 7) LBWC sending
feasibility scope of work to consider funding.
b. Water suppliers will send prioritized list of projects to be funded with SB 445
today.
c. Next quarterly meeting will be Nov 7 at 6pm at City Council Chambers, followed
by a meeting February/March hosted by water suppliers. After that, Lahontan
will host public meetings.
2. SWRCB letter requiring separate O&M Plans and ERPs from three water suppliers-
a. Background: After water suppliers presented the list of actions to LRWQCB to address
the PCE contamination on 9/13/18, which identified a multi-agency ERP as an
immediate planning need, LRWQCB met with DFA and DDW to reflect the needs of the
community of South Lake Tahoe to ensure access to safe, clean drinking water. DDW
scheduled a phone conference with the water suppliers on 9/14/18 to discuss the need
for an ERP and said DDW would support a grant application to DFA for funding a
regional ERP. Following the phone conference, DDW sent a letter to all 3 water suppliers
(9/14/18) requiring separate O&M Plans and ERP to be submitted by 11/1/18. DFA can
only provide technical assistance to LBWC to complete the request from DDW. The
water suppliers are frustrated that the request from DDW does nothing to address the
PCE plume, but is merely a request for unnecessary planning. The water suppliers asked
LRWQCB for suggestions on how to deal with this issue.
b. Scott recommended that the Water Suppliers set up a meeting with DDW, DFA and
Lahontan to discuss the issue. Lahontan will help the water suppliers identify who to
invite to the meeting.
3. Next steps:
a. Lahontan send Water Suppliers a list of folks to invite to the meeting to discuss DDW’s
request for an O&M and ERP.
b. Next public meeting on November 7 at 6:00pm at City Council Chambers.
c. Lahontan staff and Water suppliers next meeting is Friday, December 7 at 10am at
Lahontan’s annex.
South Lake Tahoe PCE Groundwater Contamination
Meeting Minutes 12/7/18
Attendees: Doug Smith (Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board), Brian Grey (Lahontan),
Richard Solbrig (South Tahoe Public Utility District), John Thiel (STPUD), Shannon Cotulla (STPUD), Ivo
Bergsohn (STPUD), Shelly Thomsen (STPUD), Jennifer Lukins (Lukins Brothers Water Company), Rick
Robillard (TKWC), Kirk Wooldridge (TKWC)
1. Responsible party update (Lahontan)
a. Lahontan met with Lake Tahoe Laundry Works. They agreed the following data gaps still
exist: No sub-surface investigation from Lake Tahoe Blvd to Trucker Ave, up-gradient,
historical groundwater flow, and preferential pathways. Lake Tahoe Laundry Work’s
conceptual model identifies other sources and has a defined extent. Lahontan does not
agree that there is enough data to support these claims. Lahontan is reviewing LTLW
work plan. LTLW submitted historical groundwater flow report to Lahontan that
determined groundwater flow followed topography and with no information pre-2000,
would need to be modeled for earlier dates. LTLW consultant requested information on
STPUD’s sewerline that they are working to provide.
b. Action: Brian will provide update at next Groundwater Stakeholder’s meeting.
2. Other potential sources investigation update (Lahontan)
a. Lahontan plans to issue a 13267 Tier 1 Investigative Order by the end of December,
2018. Which property owners will be contacted has not yet been determined.
b. Action: Lahontan share the Tier 1 Investigative Order letters with water suppliers once
issued.
3. SB445 update (Lahontan)
a. Lahontan continues to check on status of SB 445 contract with the State Water Board.
The State Water Board is in the process of transferring funds to finalize contract.
b. Action: Doug will look into whether there’s an opportunity for a formal comment period
on the scope of work and whether there can be a stakeholders advisory group.
4. LBWC grant and technical assistance update (LBWC)
a. Lukins finally received copy of their plans to submit to the State Water Board for review.
Lukins is on track to receiving grant approval in time to begin construction summer,
2019.
b. Lukins is reviewing products from the technical assistance provided on the Operations
and Maintenance Plan and Emergency Response Plan.
c. Action: STPUD can share bid documents for reference whenever needed.
5. Emergency Response Plan update (Water Suppliers)
a. The State Water Board requested all three water suppliers submit Operation and
Maintenance Plans and Emergency Response Plans. The three water suppliers have a
draft outline for a regional Emergency Response Plan and have received an extension
through the end of the year to submit it to the DDW.
b. Lukins has submitted an Operations and Maintenance Plan and is reviewing the
Emergency Response Plan prepared through the Water Board’s technical assistance
program.
c. Tahoe Keys has submitted an O&M Plan.
d. STPUD sent letter to the State that an O&M plan will not be submitted as none of their
wells are impacted by PCE.
6. Feasibility Study update (Water Suppliers)
a. At this point in time the feasibility study is ¾ complete. Working on putting scenarios
together so DRI can start running models. Scenarios will look at the following:
South Lake Tahoe PCE Groundwater Contamination
Meeting Minutes 12/7/18
i. Replacement wells – Different arrangements and use (pumping rates) of wells
ii. Wellhead treatment for plume control – Looking at treatment on Lukins
Brothers Well 5 and treatment at varying pumping rates (550gpm and 1,800
gpm) on Tahoe Keys Well 2.
iii. Shallow extraction wells and/or in-situ treatment
b. Planning to complete modeling work in February, 2019 and complete the feasibility
study by June 30, 2019.
7. Next public meeting
a. The next public meeting will likely be in March once we have received the model results
from DRI.
b. Action: Shelly will touch base with Ivo in February to check on status and schedule
meeting.
8. Next meeting between Lahontan and Water Suppliers
a. Action: Shelly will send out doodle poll to find a meeting time that works for everyone
the last 2 weeks in January.
9. Networking with new leadership at the City of SLT
a. The City of South Lake Tahoe has a new General Manager and 3 new City Council
members. Frank Rush, the new GM, suggested the water suppliers and Lahontan give a
presentation at a City Council Meeting. Tentatively the February 5, 2019 meeting.
b. Action: Jennifer will reach out to Frank to confirm date and time of the presentation,
and will coordinate with the water suppliers and Lahontan.
Action items:
1. Brian will provide update at next Groundwater Stakeholder’s meeting.
2. Lahontan share the Tier 1 Investigative Order letters with water suppliers when available.
3. Doug will look into whether there’s an opportunity for a formal comment period on the scope of
work and whether there will be a stakeholders advisory group.
4. STPUD will share bid documents for reference whenever needed.
5. Action: Shelly will touch base with Ivo in February to check on status and schedule meeting.
6. Shelly will schedule meeting the last 2 weeks in January.
7. Jennifer will reach out to Frank to confirm date and time of the presentation, and will
coordinate with the water suppliers and Lahontan.
South Lake Tahoe PCE Groundwater Contamination
Meeting Agenda 1/23/2019
1:00 PM at STPUD
1. Responsible party update (Lahontan)
2. Source investigation update (Lahontan)
3. SB445 update (Lahontan)
4. LBWC grant and technical assistance update (LBWC)
5. Emergency Response Plan update (Water Suppliers)
6. City Council presentation update (Water Suppliers)
7. Next meeting between Lahontan and Water Suppliers
South Lake Tahoe PCE Groundwater Contamination
Meeting Minutes 1/23/2019
1:00 PM at STPUD
Attendees: Doug Smith (Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board), Jeff Brooks (Lahontan), Scott
Ferguson (Lahontan), John Thiel (South Tahoe Public Utility District), Chris Stanley (STPUD), Ivo Bergsohn
(STPUD), Shelly Thomsen (STPUD), Gary Kvistad (BHFS), Jennifer Lukins (Lukins Brothers Water
Company), Rick Robillard (TKWC),
1. Responsible party update (Lahontan) – Laundry Works is investigation other potential
contributors: Napa, Big-O, etc. Conducting PSVG samples. Focusing on cross and up gradient
samples, and Lahontan wants them to look at down gradient areas too. Lahontan expects to
receive the 6 month technical report with compiled data sometime in March. Landry Works
requested access agreement to sample Well CL2 and CL3. STPUD sent signed access agreement
back, but haven’t heard anything more.
2. Source investigation update (Lahontan) – Lahontan plans on sending out Tier 1 and Tier 2
Letters regarding source investigation sometime in January or February. Tier 1 includes a
broader group of 100+ properties, Tier 2 is more focused on around 6 properties.
3. SB445 update (Lahontan) – Contract for SB445 funding is in place and funding is secured.
Lahontan cannot share the funding amount, but they are happy with it. AECOM is the new
consultant and is finalizing the project scope. Still awaiting funds to transfer to DGS and for the
schedule from DFA. Other potential funding opportunities to pursue in the future include Prop 1
for construction and Prop 68 for Operation and Maintenance.
4. LBWC grant and technical assistance update (LBWC) – With the technical assistance provided,
LBWC submitted Operation and Maintenance Plan and Emergency Response Plan to state for
review. For the grant, the state is doing technical and financial review with the goal to start
construction summer 2019.
5. Emergency Response Plan update (Water Suppliers)- LBWC and TKWC submitted individual
O&M and ERP to state for review. All water suppliers are working on a regional ERP. STPUD and
TKWC submit information to Jennifer to finalize the regional ERP.
6. City Council presentation update (Water Suppliers) – Water suppliers are working on a 5-10
minute presentation. Lahontan working on 5 minute presentation. City has scheduled 15
minutes for presentation and then time after for questions. Share presentations with Lahontan
and Water Suppliers once compiled and submit to City’s Clerk of the Board by January 30.
7. Tahoe Keys Water Company Update – Rick’s last day with TKWC is February 1. Current Operator
Ian will be acting Supervisor and Rick will still be on call to help handle any emergencies. Include
Kirk is future meetings on PCE.
8. Upcoming Meetings
a. Next meeting between Lahontan and Water Suppliers is March 5 at 9am at STPUD.
b. PCE will be on the March 13,14 Lahontan Board Meeting Agenda. Lahontan let water
suppliers know how we can be involved and what day/time the agenda item will be
discussed.
c. Scott will work on coordinating a technical team meeting with RP and water suppliers
d. Next tentative public workshop will be late February/March, depending on when we get
modeling results from DRI.
Water Suppliers Presentation Notes
City Council Meeting February 5, 2019
1. Water suppliers in South Lake Tahoe: STPUD, Lukins, TKWC, Lakeside, Small suppliers, private
wells (pie chart showing water production)
2. Where does our drinking water come from? Mainly ground water (Pie chart)
a. Plenty of water (GW recharge rate. Stats from last drought). Water conservation helps
offset energy costs and lower carbon footprint
3. Wastewater: Every toilet that flushes in South Lake Tahoe is treated at STPUD’s WWTP before
being pumped 26 miles up and over Luther pass. 100% recycled water and biosolids. (Goldberg
quote, barely any sewer spills, come tour the WWTP)
4. How do water agencies interact with the City:
a. Fire protection – 10% of system doesn’t have fire hydrants with recommended pressure
for fighting wildfires. Need continual support and coordination to seek funds.
b. Coordinate public works projects to replace water/sewer lines prior to City repaving. –
repaving when installing/fixing water/sewer pipes
c. Storm water – contact when sewer spill into storm drains
d. Groundwater management
5. PCE Groundwater contamination
a. What is PCE?
b. Where is it located?
c. How have water suppliers been impacted?
d. What is being done to clean it up
e. How can the City support in this effort
South Lake Tahoe PCE Groundwater Contamination
Meeting Agenda 3/5/2019
9:00am at South Tahoe Public Utility District
1. Responsible party update (Lahontan)
2. Source investigation update (Lahontan)
3. SB445 update (Lahontan)
4. LBWC grant and technical assistance update (LBWC)
5. LRWQCB presentation update (Water Suppliers)
6. Public meeting update (All)
7. Next meeting between Lahontan and Water Suppliers
South Lake Tahoe PCE Groundwater Contamination
Meeting Agenda 12/7/18
10am at Lahontan Annex
1. Other potential sources investigation update (Lahontan)
2. SB445 update (Lahontan)
3. LBWC grant and technical assistance update (LBWC)
4. Emergency Response Plan update (Water Suppliers)
5. Feasibility Study update (Water Suppliers)
6. Next public meeting- February?
7. Next meeting between Lahontan and Water Suppliers – January?
South Lake Tahoe PCE Groundwater Contamination
Meeting Minutes 8/29/18
Attendees: Patty Kouyoumdjian (Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board), Doug Smith
(LRWQCB), Richard Solbrig (South Tahoe Public Utility District), Shannon Cotulla (STPUD), Shelly
Thomsen (STPUD), Jennifer Lukins (Lukins Brothers Water Company), Rick Robillard (Tahoe Keys
Water Company), Kirk Wooldridge (TKWC)
South Tahoe Public Utility District, Lukins Brothers Water Company and Tahoe Keys Water
Company (Water Suppliers) presented map to LRWQCB of PCE groundwater contamination
with surrounding at risk wells and a draft Call to Action identifying four necessary actions:
1. Extract PCE from groundwater as soon as possible to prevent another public water
supply well from being contaminated.
2. Provide replacement water sources for Lukins Brothers Water Company to replace
water supply lost to PCE contamination. Proposed solutions include wellhead treatment
and new wells.
3. Provide replacement water sources for Tahoe Keys Water Company to replace water
supply lost to PCE contamination. Potential solutions include wellhead treatment and
new wells.
4. Install and monitor sentinel wells between the PCE plume and uncontaminated wells
adjacent to the PCE plume. If plume spreads to adjacent wells, the majority of South
Lake Tahoe’s community water supply will be contaminated.
LRWQCB recommendations on Map and Call to Action for presentation to LRWQC Board:
1. Map –
a. Include all contaminated wells, including abandoned public supply wells and private
wells.
b. Identify which wells owned by STPUD, Tahoe Keys and Lukins. Spell out TK and LB
c. Dotted line represents undefined plume. Change red line to dotted
d. Change description to known PCE ground water contamination extent (identify level of
PCE, above or below MCL)
2. Call to Action-
a. Presented interim actions. Identify emergency actions (within 6-12 months) and cost of
both emergency and interim actions. Create updated 2 page document.
i. For emergency actions, consider what happens if another well is contaminated.
What happens if a fire strikes the community.
ii. Include list of prior unfunded applications submitted to the state regarding PCE
b. Potential emergency actions:
i. Approve Lukins applications for GAC treatment (1000gallons/min)
ii. Sentinel Wells
iii. Lake intake?
iv. Portable GAC
Background:
3. DFA receiving more requests and has less funds available in the past to fund projects
4. State Water Board- DFA distributes funds. Send letter to Board Chair (Felicia Marcus) identifying
issues and asks.
5. Lahontan helps facilitates SWB grants. Lahontan responsible for water quality and identifying
and holding responsible parties accountable.
6. Potential funding mechanisms:
a. State Water Board
b. Legislators could do a budget action if no State Water Board funding available
c. Feinstein put squeeze on federal pots of money- research federal funding mechanism
7. Letter of support from USFS (Jeff) and CTC (Patrick Wright) to legislators supporting proposal
and identifying concern for fire suppression and water quality would be helpful.
Next steps:
1. Patty meeting with Water Board Staff in early September (~Sept 7). Will present water suppliers
maps and list of asks
2. Water suppliers presenting to LRWQCB on September 13
3. Water suppliers send Patty list of requests submitted to State Water Board for all water projects
4. Water suppliers send updated map and Call to Action to LRWQCB before September 7
5. Water suppliers share map and Call to Action with DDW, DFA and Community Partners
6. Create 5 sentence ask to share with legislators, SWRCB staff and board members (Need what,
How much, Why, If don’t get funding what will happen, Needing funding by what date)
7. Next meeting: September 19, 2018 at 10:30am at LRWQCB
South Lake Tahoe PCE Groundwater Contamination
Meeting Minutes 9/19/18
Attendees: Patty Kouyoumdjian (Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board), Doug Smith
(LRWQCB), Scott Ferguson (LRWQCB), Jeff Brooks (LRWQCB), Richard Solbrig (South Tahoe
Public Utility District), Shannon Cotulla (STPUD), Shelly Thomsen (STPUD), Jennifer Lukins
(Lukins Brothers Water Company), Rick Robillard (Tahoe Keys Water Company), Kirk
Wooldridge (TKWC)
1. Re-cap of meeting between LRWQCB and State Water Board
a. State Water Board staff from Division of Financial Assistance, Division of Drinking
Water and legal attended the meeting
b. Discussed the clean-up and abatement order, work plan, responsibilities of
Responsible Party, regional plume and water suppliers needs. Lahontan provided an
overview of the full nature of the issue and identified South Lake Tahoe water supply
in critical condition.
c. Lahontan received Site Cleanup Subaccount Program (SCAP) funding for a SB445
investigation for Spring 2019 which will move forward with the regional plume
investigation, sentinel wells to protect municipal wells, and source identification.
Limited funds available for abandoning private wells. Will look to hire a contractor to
develop and implement plan. Could help augment new well location study.
d. DDW identified Emergency Response Planning as a priority and will help expedite
the application process.
e. DFA approved Lukins GAS planning grant. Technical Assistance available in the
future. DFA has funding for Emergency Response water if needed.
f. Extraction wells – If drilling extraction wells, consider sites and design to meet
municipal well requirements, so it could be used for water supply.
g. Tahoe Keys Water Company – Consider running Well 2 continuously to prevent
plume from spreading into Marsh. Will need to be modeled.
2. Potential funding sources:
a. Prop 1 has funding available for O&M
b. Energy Commission grants – pump and treat systems that are energy efficient (Doug
Smith will look into this and share findings with the group)
c. Pollution Control Financing Authority out of Treasurer office may have loans and/or
grants available
d. Air Board fuel efficient grants for pumps through the Carl Moyer Program
3. Next Steps
a. Lahontan and Water Suppliers technical staff meet to discuss next steps, tentatively
after or before the next TAC meeting.
b. Lahontan staff and Water Suppliers meet monthly. Next meeting October 15 at 9am
c. Lahontan would like to host quarterly public meetings, along with the water
suppliers, to keep the community updated. Tentative meeting date Wednesday,
November 7. Work to identify dates for 2019.
d. Water Suppliers present at Lahontan Board meeting in March, 2019 as an
information item
South Lake Tahoe PCE Groundwater Contamination
Meeting Minutes 10/8/18
Attendees: Scott Ferguson (LRWQCB), Brian Grey (LRWQCB), Richard Solbrig (South Tahoe
Public Utility District), Shannon Cotulla (STPUD), Shelly Thomsen (STPUD), Lynn Nolan (STPUD),
Jennifer Lukins (Lukins Brothers Water Company), Rick Robillard (Tahoe Keys Water Company)
1. Grant opportunities – Non-point source grant (319) will not cover any of the immediate
actions needed to address the PCE groundwater contamination.
2. SB 445 Funding –
a. Lahontan waiting on a signature from DFA before SB 445 PCE project moves to DGS
for approval. AECOM is the new contractor that will be working on the project. The
priority for the funding is to provide a full look at the contamination. The current
scope of work is very general and includes regional characterization, specifically at
downward side of plume, filling in data gaps from current data, sentinel wells, and
co-located borings to affected wells for zone testing. A definitive funding amount
has not been determined, but at one point in time the scope reflected a budget just
shy of ~$5M. The goal is to start work Spring 2019.
b. Lahontan asked the Water Suppliers for a prioritized list of their needs that could be
funded through SB 445. The following items were identified:
i. Top priority – Site, permit, design and construct sentinel wells to monitor
movement of PCE contamination toward existing public water sources.
Water suppliers will prioritize sentinel well locations and share with
Lahontan.
ii. Regional Emergency Response Plan – while a high priority for the water
suppliers, developing a plan may not fit the requirements for SB 445 funding
because it doesn’t help with the investigation.
iii. Well destruction - Destroy LBWC 2 well, LBWC 4 well, Tahoe Valley
Elementary School and deep private wells. Lahontan cautioned that before
destroying a well we need to make sure it won’t be needed for monitoring or
extraction at a future date. LBWC 2 well doesn’t have enough space on the
site for treatment. LBWC 4 well was not built for extraction.
iv. Zone testing for TKWC 2 well to determine the extent of contamination at
differing elevations at the well.
v. Test hole for possible replacement water supply well at Colorado Court.
vi. Feasibility Study – The following recommendations were identified as SB 445
funding opportunities resulting from the data gaps in the Feasibility Study:
1. Pilot test in-situ chemical oxidation to address hot spots in the plume.
2. Long term (~6 months) pumping pilot test from extraction well.
3. More ground water modeling and/or refine ground water model to
update/improve applicability in upper layer. Currently the model
South Lake Tahoe PCE Groundwater Contamination
Meeting Minutes 10/8/18
layers are 40 meters thick and PCE contamination layers are much
thinner. This results in an inaccurate prediction on the amount of
water extraction needed to remove the contaminant.
vii. LBWC Source Replacement Feasibility Study – LBWC will provide Scope of
Work to Lahontan to determine if any of the specific information needed for
the Feasibility Study could be accomplished with SB 445 funds.
viii. The water suppliers recommended Lahontan add well owners identified by
Lahontan to the well survey list and notify all affected private wells of the
contamination. Lahontan should determine which of these private wells are
active and collect samples from the wells. Other recommendations include
drilling a test hole at the site of the northern drycleaner.
3. LBWC Grants –
a. LBWC submitted a grant application for a regional emergency response plan to DFA.
The grant will ONLY cover LBWC portion of the plan. DFA connected LBWC with
technical assistance through RCAC. This is a challenge. DDW wants all water
suppliers to have an Emergency Response Plan, which relies on working together,
and supports the project, but DFA will only fund an ERP for Lahontan. Scott will talk
with Patty to determine how to fund this high priority issue.
b. LBWC is still awaiting plans from old consultant for the GAC treatment, but is moving
forward with all other items of the grant with a new consultant. The application will
hopefully be granted by the end of the year.
4. Quarterly Public Meetings-
a. November 7 at 6pm at City Council Chambers. The meeting will cover remedial
alternatives defined, an update on the responsible party and an update on SB 445
funding. The first portion of the meeting will provide general information and the
second half will include technical details.
b. The next public meeting will be organized by the Water Suppliers, likely in
February/March. After that, Lahontan will coordinate future meetings.
5. Next Steps/Action Items:
a. Water suppliers will prioritize sentinel well locations and share with Lahontan.
b. LBWC Source Replacement Feasibility Study – LBWC will provide Scope of Work to
Lahontan to determine if any of the specific information needed for the Feasibility
Study could be accomplished with SB 445 funds.
c. Scott will talk with Patty to determine about the challenges faced with DFA to fund a
regional Emergency Response Plan and will report back to Water Suppliers.
South Lake Tahoe PCE Groundwater Contamination
ISSUE:
• 72% of the water supply in South Lake Tahoe is under threat from PCE contamination, in addition to the 7
wells that have already been impacted.
• Immediate steps are necessary to protect South Lake Tahoe’s drinking water supply
• The community of South Lake Tahoe should not bear the cost to clean up the groundwater contamination
caused by the polluters. The ratepayers have already spent over $1.7 million in this effort.
BACKGROUND
• South Lake Tahoe water suppliers (South Tahoe Public Utility District, Lukins Brothers Water Company,
and Tahoe Keys Water Company) rely wholly on groundwater.
• In 1989, PCE was discovered in groundwater. PCE is a manmade chemical used from the 1960s to 1980s as
a solvent for dry cleaning clothes and degreasing metal. Federal and State agencies listed PCE as a
carcinogen and toxic pollutant in 1980s.
• The PCE plume continues to grow from its original location at a dry-cleaning business located at the
intersection of Highways 50 and 89. As of March 2018, groundwater monitoring documented the plume at
approximately 400 acres.
• In the decades since PCE was discovered, the plume has contaminated 7 wells. STPUD and TKWC have
installed treatment systems. LBWC stopped using impacted wells and is temporarily supplementing the
lost capacity with water purchased from STPUD.
• The impact of the PCE plume poses a serious human health threat.
• Holding the polluters accountable is important, but must be done in parallel with protecting South Lake
Tahoe’s community water supply from further contamination.
• For more info on South Lake Tahoe’s groundwater go to www.stpud.us/groundwater
REQUESTS
Support for state and federal funding to:
• Implement the alternative that will be recommended in the study being conducted by the water suppliers
for removing contamination from groundwater
• Install sentinel wells to monitor PCE movement toward water sources
• Install well piping modification at Tahoe Keys Well 1 to allow use of portable treatment unit
• Zone Testing at Tahoe Keys Well 2 to determine vertical level of contamination
• Well destruction for Lukins Brothers Wells 2 and 4 to remove possible contaminate pathways
COSTS SINCE 2016
AGENCY LOCAL COSTS STATE GRANTS TOTAL
South Tahoe Public Utility District $673,812 $504,295 $1,178,107
Lukins Brothers Water Company $324,000 $137,000 $467,000
Tahoe Keys Water Company $789,000 $789,000
Total Costs $1,786,812 $641,295 $2,428,107
South Lake Tahoe PCE Groundwater Contamination
South Lake Tahoe Water Purveyors Regional Emergency Response Plan
OUTLINE
I. Asses Emergency
a. What is the level of Emergency?
b. If agency specific, use individual Emergency Response Plan
II. Multi-Agency Emergency
a. Contacts/Phone Tree
b. Establish Level of Emergency
i. Activation of Mutual Aid
c. Determine Meeting Time at STPUD (EOC Headquarters) if needed
III. Determine Available Resources
a. What is the specific system demands?
b. What are the community needs?
IV. Notifications
a. Determine notification to State/County Health
b. Determine notification to community
V. Course of Action and Timeline
a. Develop multiple courses of actions
b. Develop timelines
VI. Initiate Action
a. Deploy Employees
b. Public Relations
VII. Post Emergency Planning and Actions
a. Determine notification to community
b. Identify ways to prevent emergency in future
c. Identify opportunities for improvements
RESOURCES TO DEVELOP:
1. Local Emergency Contacts
2. Utility Specific Employee Directories
3. CAL OES Contacts
4. DDW Contacts
5. Media Contacts
6. Reverse 911 procedures
7. Notification Plan
8. Tier Emergencies?
9. Index of sample notifications
10. Water Resources chart
11. Inventory of Additional Resources
12. Emergency Water Sampling
13. Post emergency guide
I. ASSESS EMERGENCY
1. Initiate primary agency
Emergency Response Plan.
2. Notify neighboring utilities of
emergency. Initiate Mutual
Aid Agreements if deemed
necessary.
South Tahoe PUD (530) 544-6474
Lukins Bros. Water (530) 541-2606
Tahoe Keys Water (530) 318-4268
II. MULTI-AGENCY EMERGENCY
AGENCY
Notify neighboring utilities of emergency. Initiate Mutual Aid Agreements if deemed necessary.
South Tahoe PUD (530) 544-6474
Lukins Bros. Water (530) 541-2606
Tahoe Keys Water (530) 318-4268
LEVEL 1 EMERGENCY
A level 1 emergency can be handled without the aid of neighboring water systems. It is
common practice to notify neighboring water systems as a courtesy.
LEVEL 2 EMERGENCY
• A level 1 emergency can require the assistance from neighboring water systems but
does not require activation of water utility OES.
• Initiate Mutual Aid Agreement and contact neighboring utilities for further assistance.
• Schedule meetings as necessary with other utilities.
LEVEL 3 EMERGENCY
• The highest level of emergency. This level requires notification to all water utilities to
meet at South Tahoe PUD for OES headquarters.
• Automatically initiates Mutual Aid Agreement.
• Determine strategy for incident.
CONTACTS
QUICK
REFERENCE:
WATER SYSTEM CONTACTS:
Lakeside Park Water Assoc.
Main
Emergency
Lukins Brothers Water
Main (530) 541-2606
On Call (530) 206-6004
Jennifer (530) 318-5347
South Tahoe PUD
Main (530) 544-6474
Tahoe Keys Water
Main
Cell (530)318-4268
LOCAL EMERGENCY CONTACTS:
El Dorado County
Public Health (530) 573-3155
Environmental Mgmt. (530) 573-3450
El Dorado County Office of Emergency Services
Main (530) 573-3000
Emergency (530) 626-4911 or 911
City of South Lake Tahoe Fire Department
Main (530) 542-6000
City of South Lake Tahoe Police Department
Main (530) 544-6100 or 911
SWRCB DDW- Drinking Water Program
Main (916) 449-5681
US EPA- Region 9
Main (415) 947-8000
Darrin Polhemus
Deputy Director
Bruce Burton
Northern California
Drinking Water Field
Operations Branch Chief
Richard Hinrichs
Region I Regional Engineer
(530) 224-4867
Ali Rezvani
District Engineer
(916) 445-5285
Salvador Turrubiartes
Associate District Engineer
(916) 552-9998
SWRCB DDW Drinking Water Field Operation Branch – Chain of Command
The primary contact during any emergency is the District Engineer. The appropriate District Engineer will be
contacted in the event of any emergency.
From the District Engineer, authority moves up the line to the Regional Engineer, Branch Chiefs, to the
Deputy Director.
MEDIA CONTACTS
KRLT Radio (775) 580-7130
Tahoe Daily Tribune (530) 543-0590
South Tahoe Now (530) 307-0909
Lake Tahoe Television (530) 541-7768
Charter Communications 1-866-731-5420
III. AVAILABLE RESOURCES
Individual Water System Demands
System Identification Number 0910007
System Name and Address Lukins Brothers Water Company 2031 West Way South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
Directions to System Office Hwy 50 East to Emerald Bay Rd. Left on Emerald Bay Rd. Right on West way.
Number of Service Connections/Population Served
976 service connections 3,217 population1
Type of Source 01 Groundwater Wells 0 Surface Water Treatment Plants
Interconnections and Purchased Water Agreements 02 Interconnections Water is purchased per agreement with STPUD.
Type of Treatment Provided Disinfection treatment is provided using liquid chlorine injection with SCADA control. GAC treatment is planned for treatment of PCE at 02 Wells (Wells Nos. 2, 5)
Number of Storage Tanks 0 Raw Water Tanks 0 Treated Water Tanks
Average Water Demand 151 gallons per minute (gpm)
Maximum and Peak Water Demand 684 gpm maximum 1,026 gpm peak
Emergency Contact Person(s)
Danny Lukins General Manager
(530) 541-2606 Office (530) 318-8347 Cell (775) 265-3788 Home Phone
Jennifer Lukins Assistant Manager
(530) 541-2606 Office (530) 318-5347 Cell
Emergency supply of water = (amount of storage + backup/emergency supply) /(system demand)
Calculations for LBWC: Amount of storage = 0 gallons
Backup/Emergency Supply
1. Using 8” intertie at 100% capacity = 783 gpm
2. Using 6” intertie at 100% capacity = 441 gpm
System Demand = 151 gpm Average, 684 gpm Maximum
Average Demand could be satisfied with either intertie independently, Max
Demand would require use of the 8” intertie.
• It is important to note that this calculation is fully dependent on South Tahoe Public Utility District’s
willingness and ability to provide maximum capacity of supply.
System Identification Number CA0910002
System Name and Address
South Tahoe Public Utilities District 1275 Meadow Crest Dr. South Lake Tahoe Ca.
Directions to System Office Left off Sierra BLVD on to Barbra Ave, Right on Martin Ave. left on to Meadow Crest Dr.
Number of Service Connections/Population Served
14,100 33,120
Type of Source 14 wells 0 Surface Water Treatment Plants
Interconnections and Purchased Water Agreements
3 agreements, Lukins Water Lake Side Mutual Tahoe Keyes Water
Water is purchased per agreement with STPUD.
Type of Treatment Provided Disinfection treatment is provided using liquid chlorine injection with SCADA control.
Number of Storage Tanks 20
Average Water Demand .6180 MGH
Maximum and Peak Water Demand 14.831 MGD 1.3286 MGH
Emergency Contact Person(s)
Shannon Cotulla Assistant General Manager
530-208-8939
Chris Stanley Manager of Field Operations
530-721-1659
Emergency supply of water = (amount of storage + backup/emergency supply) /(system demand)
Calculations for : Amount of storage = 9.83 Million Gallons
Backup/Emergency Supply
We have four backup wells that we can utilize.
College Well – 1,100 GPM
Airport Well – 500 GPM
Black rock Well – 90 GPM
Clement Well – 180 GPM
We can receive water from Lukins and Lakeside water companies. The problem is we don’t know what they would be able
to give us depending on the severity of the problems that arise.
System Identification Number
System Name and Address
Tahoe Keys Water Company
Directions to System Office
Number of Service Connections/Population Served
Type of Source 0 Surface Water Treatment Plants
Interconnections and Purchased Water Agreements
Water is purchased per agreement with STPUD.
Type of Treatment Provided
Number of Storage Tanks
Average Water Demand
Maximum and Peak Water Demand
Emergency Contact Person(s)
Emergency supply of water = (amount of storage + backup/emergency supply) /(system demand)
Calculations for : Amount of storage = 0 gallons
Backup/Emergency Supply
Resource Name Agency Location Capacity Permitted Restrictions
Well #1 LBWC 2031 West Way 750 GPM YES NONE
Well #2 LBWC 2133 12th Street 300 GPM YES-STANDBY 15-Day/Year
Well #5 LBWC 2133 12th Street 1000 GPM YES- STANDBY 15-Day/Year
Dunlap Intertie- 8” LBWC/STPUD Dunlap/Eloise 650 GPM YES NONE
15th Street Intertie- 6” LBWC/STPUD 15th/Roger 375GPM YES NONE
NOTE: If the water system feels the event/circumstance requires IMMEDIATE issuance of
a BWN/UWA and that public health is in serious risk, they may issue a BWN/UWA without
first contacting the SWRCB DDW District Engineer. If that is the case, the water system
must notify SWRCB DDW, the County Health Officer and the Environmental County Health
Department immediately after issuing a BWN/UWA. Usually a water system will not issue
a public notice without the approval (or advisement/guidance from SWRCB DDW) as they
do not want to take on the sole responsibility for the public notice. In that sense SWRCB
DDW, will partner with the water system to make the public health decision whether to
issue a BWN/UWA or not.
IV. NOTIFICATION
A Boil Water Notice (BWN), Unsafe Water Alert (UWA), Do Not Drink Notice, or Do Not Use Notice
can be issued by one, or a combination of the following agencies:
• SWRCB DDW. Designated personnel: District Engineer, Regional Engineer or Branch Chief.
• Local County Health Department. Designated personnel: County Health Officer or Director
of Environmental Health Department for small water systems under county jurisdiction.
• Affected Water System. Designated personnel: responsible person in charge of the
affected water system (i.e., Director of Water Quality, Manager, Director of Water
Department, Director of Public Works, Owner, etc.).
In the event that a BWN, UWA, Do Not Drink Notice or Do Not Use Notice is issued by the
Agencies, the Manager on Duty is the person who has the authority to issue the public notice.
If a BWN or UWA is issued, the Manager on Duty will notify the PIO in the EOC immediately.
The Agencies will ensure that all public notifications (BWN, UWA, Do Not Drink or Do Not Use
Notices) will be coordinated with the SWRCB DDW District Engineer, County Environmental Health
Department, and the County Public Health Officer prior to issuing a public notice.
The Agencies will notify the SWRCB DDW District Engineer, the County Environmental Health
Department and the County Public Health Officer prior to or immediately after issuing a public
notice. Notice must be given to a person rather than a message left on voicemail.
The Agencies have prepared a series of public notices and press releases for use during various
emergency situations in accordance with SWRCB DDW guidance.
A summary of each of the notices, including guidance on when to issue each of them, is provided
below.
Consumer Alert During Water Outages or Periods of Low Pressure: If the water system is
experiencing power outages, water outages, or low-pressure problems, a consumer alert may be
issued to the public. The notice provides consumers information on conserving water and how to
treat the water with household bleach if the water quality is questionable.
BWN: A BWN should be issued when minimum bacteriological water quality standards cannot be
reasonably assured. To assure public health protection a BWN should be issued as soon as it is
concluded by the designated personnel that the water supply is or may be biologically unsafe.
Examples of these situations include:
1. Biological contamination of water supply system, including but not limited to:
• Positive total or fecal coliform bacteriological samples.
• Prolonged water outages in areas of ruptured sewer and/or water mains.
• Failed septic tank systems in close proximity to ruptured water mains.
• Ruptured water treatment, storage, and/or distribution facilities in areas of known
sewage spills.
• Known biological contamination.
• Cross-connection contamination problems.
• Illness attributed to water supply.
2. Unusual system characteristics, including but not limited to:
• Prolonged loss of pressure.
• Sudden loss of chlorine residual.
• Severe discoloration and odor.
• Inability to implement emergency chlorination.
3. Implemented due to treatment inadequacies.
UWA/Do Not Drink: In the event a water quality emergency due to known or suspected chemical
(non-bacteriological) contamination to the water system a UWA or Do Not Drink should be issued.
Water should not be used for drinking and cooking, but may be used for sanitation purposes.
Examples of these situations include:
1. Known or suspected widespread chemical or hazardous contamination in water supply
distribution, including but not limited to:
• Ruptured water distribution system (storage tanks, mains) in area of known
chemical spill coupled with loss of pressure.
• Severe odor and discoloration.
• Loss of chlorine residual.
• Inability of existing water treatment process to neutralize chemical contaminants prior
to entering the distribution system.
2. Threatened or suspected acts of sabotage confirmed by analytical results, including but not
limited to:
• Suspected contamination triggered by acts of sabotage or vandalism.
3. Emergency use of an unapproved source to provide a supplemental water supply.
UWA/Do Not Use: In the event a known or suspected contamination event occurs to the water
system, where the contaminate may be chemical, biological, or radiological, a UWA or Do Not Use
should be issued. Water should not be used for drinking, cooking, or sanitation purposes. Examples
of these situations include:
1. Known or suspected widespread chemical or hazardous contamination in water supply
distribution, including but not limited to:
• Terrorist contamination event.
Cancellation of Public Notification
Once a BWN/UWA is issued, the only agency that can rescind the public notice is the drinking water
primacy agency.
SWRCB DDW will not lift the BWN until two rounds, collected one day apart, of coliform bacteria
samples have been analyzed and the results are negative. The Agencies will fax two sets of sample
results to the SWRCB DDW District Office for final approval before rescinding the BWN.
Special chemical sampling will be required to rescind an UWA. The Agencies will contact the SWRCB
DDW District Office to determine required sampling.
[Insert templates from SWRCB for Emergency Notification]
V. COURSE OF ACTION/TIMELINE
VI. POST EMERGENCY
Initial Response
When a situation occurs that is judged to be of an emergency, “out of the ordinary,” or of a
suspicious nature, the person who first notices the situation should determine whether an
immediate response by police, fire, or emergency medical services is necessary. If so, immediately
call 911 to report the incident. Next, report the incident to your supervisor.
General information to be reported from Utilities (or incident sites) includes:
• What has happened?
• What can be done about it?
• What is needed?
• An assessment of whether the situation calls for activation of outside resources.
Additionally, immediate specific information should include the status of Utilities:
• Personnel
• Equipment
• Vehicles
• Communications capabilities
• Facilities
The employee who first noticed the incident and the Supervisor that responded should:
1. Notify the Manager as soon as possible.
2. Remain in a safe location in the vicinity to meet and assist medical, fire, and police
personnel and other first responders as necessary.
Damage Assessment
Damage assessment is used to determine the extent of damage, estimate repair or replacement
costs, and identify the resources needed to return the damaged system to full operation. This
assessment is accomplished during the emergency response phase of the event, before the
recovery phase is implemented.
The Manager is responsible for establishing a Damage Assessment Team.
The Damage Assessment Team will be led by the maintenance supervisor. Team composition may
vary, however, depending upon the nature and extent of the emergency.
Damage assessment procedures should follow the guidelines established for system operability
checks and determination of operability/serviceability. At a minimum, the damage assessment team
will:
• Conduct an initial analysis of the extent of damage to the system or facility.
• Estimate the repairs required to restore the system or facility; the estimate should
consider supplies, equipment, rental of specialized equipment (e.g., cranes), and
additional staffing needs.
• Provide this estimate to the procurement representative for a cost estimate to conduct repairs.
Recovery Planning
The Recovery Manager is responsible for selecting a recovery team and developing a recovery
strategy prior to emergency termination.
The Recovery Manager will be a senior operations representative familiar with the systems that may
be affected by the emergency. He/she will have the responsibility and authority to coordinate
recovery planning; authorize recovery activities; protect the health and safety of workers and the
public; and initiate, change, or recommend protective actions. Additional responsibilities include:
• Facilitate the transition from emergency to recovery operations.
• Develop, implement, and maintain the Recovery Plan.
• Coordinate all vendor and contractor activities that occur on site.
• Ensure that the appropriate safety inspections have been completed.
• Coordinate the completion of emergency repairs and schedule permanent repairs.
• Notify key agencies of emergency repair status and the scheduled completion of system
repairs.
• Complete permanent repair and/or replacement of system facilities.
• Review press releases prior to distribution.
• Release repaired facilities and equipment for normal use.
• Replace, or authorize the replacement of, materials and supplies used in the emergency.
• Document all recovery activities.
The Recovery Manager determines the expertise and selects the personnel necessary for the
recovery team. In general, the composition of the recovery team is based on the nature and extent
of the emergency and includes:
• Technical advisors to the Recovery Manager, which may include external experts such as
industrial hygienists or fire protection specialists.
• Utility personnel with the technical expertise to direct post-incident assessment activities and to
analyze the results. Maintenance, operations, and engineering staff are expected to fill these
positions.
• Office Manager or Assistant Manager, who will respond to inquiries or concerns from
employees, the public, the news media, and outside agencies. They should be prepared to
provide information regarding the results of the incident investigation, the extent of on-site
and off-site impacts, and the status of recovery operations.
Recovery Activities
The following activities will be directed by the Recovery Manager and will be executed by the
recovery team as required following an incident or emergency situation.
• Notify all appropriate regulatory agencies that recovery phase is underway.
• Install warning signs, barriers, and shielding as needed.
• Take measures to protect workers and the public from hazardous exposures.
• Complete detailed evaluations of all affected water utility facilities and determine priorities for permanent repair, reconstruction, or replacement at existing or new
locations.
• Begin repair activities design and make bids for contractor services.
• Make necessary repairs to the system and un-tag repaired facilities and equipment.
• Restore all telecommunications, data processing, and similar services to full operation.
• Complete assessment of losses and costs for repair and replacement, determine approximate
reimbursements from insurance and other sources of financial assistance, and determine how
residual costs will be financed by the water utility.
• Define needs for additional staff, initiate recruitment process, and adopt temporary
emergency employment policies as necessary.
• Execute agreements with vendors to meet service and supply needs.
• Address needs for handling and disposing of any hazardous waste generated during
recovery activities.
• Control discharges as a result of recovery activities within regulatory and environmental
compliance limits.
• Reevaluate need for maintaining the emergency management
organization; consider returning to the normal organizational structure,
roles, and responsibilities when feasible.
• Collect cost accounting information gathered during the emergency and
prepare request for Emergency Disaster Funds (follow FEMA and State OES
requirements).
• Debrief staff to enhance response and recovery efforts in the future by
identifying lessons learned, developing action plans and follow-up
mechanisms, and providing employee assistance programs if needed.
• Prepare After-Action Reports as required. Complete reports within 6
months of the event.
The Recovery Manager will officially terminate the recovery phase when normal
operations are resumed at all facilities affected by the emergency. Termination and
review actions include the following:
• Initiate permanent reconstruction of damaged water utility facilities and systems.
• Obtain inspections and/or certifications that may be required before
facilities can be returned to service.
• Restore water utility operations and services to full pre-event levels.
• Determine how emergency equipment and consumable materials should be
replenished, decontaminated, repaired or replaced.
• Identify operational changes that have occurred as a result of repair,
restoration, or incident investigation.
• Document the recovery phase and compile applicable records for permanent storage.
• Continue to maintain liaison as needed with external agencies.
• Update training programs, ERP’s, and standard operating procedures,
as needed, based upon lessons learned during the emergency response
and recovery phases of the event.
South Lake Tahoe PCE Groundwater Contamination
SB 445 Funding Priorities identified by South Lake Tahoe Water Suppliers
10/15/2018
Listed below are prioritized actions recommended by the water suppliers of South Lake Tahoe (South
Tahoe Public Utility District, Lukins Brothers Water Company and Tahoe Keys Water Company) to be
funded by SB 445 to address the PCE contamination.
1. Site, permit, design and construct 3 sentinel wells to monitor contaminant plume movement:
a. Between plume and LB 1 Well
b. Between plume and TK3 Well
c. Between plume and Bayview Well
2. Well destruction to remove possible contaminant pathways for the following wells:
a. LB4 Well
b. Tahoe Valley Elementary School
c. LB2 Well
d. Inactive private wells (>100 feet) situated within the inferred extent of the contaminant
plume
3. Zone testing to determine the vertical extent of contamination at:
a. TK2 Well
b. Near LB5 Well
4. Long term extraction well test from EW-IC to confirm long-term contaminant mass removal
5. Test hole for possible replacement water supply well at Colorado Court
The South Lake Tahoe water suppliers also recommend the following actions to be taken by SB 445:
1. Test all active private wells within the plume area. The highest priority should be given to
deeper wells (>100 feet).
2. Conduct test hole drilling program to top of regional aquitard at former Norma’s dry cleaner site
Emergency Response Meeting Minutes
9/14/18 at 10:00AM
State Water Resources Control Board, Division of Drinking Water, requested a meeting with South
Tahoe Public Utility District, Lukins Brothers Water District and Tahoe Keys Water Company to discuss
conditions for using unpermitted sources for emergency response.
Attendees: Bruce Berger (DDW), Ali Rezvani (DDW), Salvadore Turrubiartes (DDW), Richard Solbrig
(STPUD), Shannon Cotulla (STPUD), Shelly Thomsen (STPUD), Chris Stanley (STPUD), Lynn Nolan (STPUD),
Julie Ryan (STPUD), Ivo Bergsohn (STPUD), Jennifer Lukins (LBWC), Danny Lukins (LBWC), and Rick
Robillard (TKWC)
State Water Resources Control Board, Drinking Water Division:
Ali Rezvani asked how the water suppliers would respond during an emergency in terms of using
unpermitted sources. He referenced a 1997 policy memo which outlines conditions for using
unpermitted sources for emergency response and requested the water suppliers develop an operation
and maintenance plan that addresses emergency response, including standby and operable sources,
plans for notifying customers of comprised water, and clean-up plan post emergency including flushing
the system and notifying the public.
South Tahoe Water Suppliers:
The water suppliers identified a multi-agency Emergency Response Plan as a priority for dealing with the
PCE groundwater contamination at the South Y area, but needs funding to develop the plan
Action items:
• All 3 water suppliers submit the same planning grant application to develop a multi-agency
Emergency Response Plan to the Division of Financial Assistance
• DDW will help fast track the application