HomeMy WebLinkAbout1990-02-13 - AGENDA REPORTS - ELSMERE CYN GROUNDWATER (2)AGENDA REPORT
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
DATE: February 13, 1990.
SUBJECT: ELSMERE CANYON
GROUNDWATER RE;
DEPARTMENT: Public Works Z,/\_,
BACKGROUND
LL
City Manager Approval
Item to be presented by:
John E. Medina
The proposed Elsmere Canyon Landfill is one of the major issues which faces the
Council and City residents. Whether to formulate the City's position on the
matter at this time or wait until the Environmental Impact Report is completed
is a significant policy decision which could effect future Council actions. One
important aspect which has surfaced is what effect the landfill would have on
our existing groundwater quality and reserves. Since the residents of the Santa
Clarita Valley rely on groundwater pumping to supply nearly half of the expected
water demand, this issue is of paramount importance.
On January 9, 1990, the Council directed staff to review several reports
prepared by Richard C. Slade, consulting groundwater geologist, which has
investigated the Santa Clarita Valley's groundwater basin. It was anticipated
that review of this information would result in a plan of action which would
address groundwater quality vis-a-vis the Elsmere Canyon Landfill. We have
reviewed the reports and found that they have a wealth of information dealing
with available groundwater reserves and resources but do not address how
possible groundwater pollution in Elsmere Canyon would affect the Valley's
groundwater quality.
There are two typical approaches used in the analysis of the impacts of landfill
sitings. Some advantages and disadvantages of each is as follows:
1. City begins review when
the Environmental Impact
Report (EIR) is completed.
2.
Have focused E.I.R. on
groundwater only prepared
for the City at
M/
Advantages
•E.I.R. is a
significant data
resource
-Details of siting
would be available
-Mitigation measures
would be indicated
-More thorough review
can be performed on
sue
Disadvantages
-Short time for review
-Many other factors
being reviewed at the
same time.
-Expensive
-Duplication of effort
which will be found
in the Elsmere E.I.R.
Agenda Item:
Elsmere Canyon Landfill
February 13, 1990
Page 2
Although both of these studies will provide data on the environmental impacts
and some mitigation measures necessary to ensure the protection of the
environment, neither will address the question of what are the hazards to the
Santa Clarita Valley's groundwater quality and reserves if the mitigation
measures do not function as expected. We feel this is such an important issue
that it should be studied separately.
We propose that data should be assembled that addresses:
• Soil Permeability
• Area Geology
• Leachate Migration
• Natural Purification
• Surface Drainage
• Listing of Potential Mitigation Measures
• Necessary tests and their locations to evaluate the above
These are some select items which we would like to pursue in developing a scope
of work which will provide the necessary data to address the potential
groundwater degradation issue that will not be found in the E.I.R. or a focused
E.I.R.
The development of the scope of work should provide a more extensive list of
required data which we will present to the Council. In addition, we would
solicit input and possible funding from local water purveyors who would be
affected by the siting of Elsmere Canyon within the Valley.
RECOMMENDATION
1. Direct staff to prepare a scope of work for a study on the effects of the
siting of Elsmere Canyon Landfill on the Valley's groundwater quality and
quantity.
2. Direct staff to report to the Council the range of costs, list of
pre -qualified consultants, and time for preparation of the study.