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ARSA Plan Would Enlarge Henderson Resevoir |
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Friday, 10 July 2009 |
 Amador County – Sutter Creek City Council on Monday heard the city’s wastewater master plan update, which included enlarging Henderson Reservoir and the inevitable replacement of the city wastewater treatment plant. Councilman Pat Crosby asked about a bond issuance to rebuild the plant, and said he did not want to do that. City Manager Rob Duke talked about the Amador Regional Sanitation Authority master plan update and said the city treatment plant has a “finite life,” expected to expire in about 5 years, then the city will have to rebuild it. And when that happens, he recommended rebuilding to the size the city already is permitted for. Part of that is capacity, and he said ARSA might lose its storage contract at Preston reservoir. If that happens, Henderson would not be enough storage, and ARSA would not have enough water to give to Castle Oaks Golf Course. Some in the audience asked about Ione City Manager Kim Kerr’s statement that a 5-year notice must be given to break an agreement between Sutter Creek and Ione. Duke said it was true, but Ione did not have to supply Sutter Creek with a “plan.” Duke said “at the end of the day,” he would like to “still be connected to them,” so in wet years, the city can ask Ione for storage, and in dry years, Sutter Creek can help Ione with supply. Duke said ARSA’s plan looked at using reservoirs for storage in the region, but preferred keeping and expanding Henderson Reservoir. He also recommended using property as a poplar plantation for ARSA’s entire sprayfield, to keep property together and minimize manpower. He said “if every piece of pipe needs to be replaced in the ARSA system,” it would cost about $28 million dollars. Mayor Pro Tem Tim Murphy said he thought Henderson was going to be replaced, not enlarged. Duke said ARSA was able to get a 30-year lease of Henderson with the state, through 2028, though it still must get state approval. He said “abandonment doesn’t appear to be cost effective,” though Henderson does need work. Mayor Gary Wooten said they must eventually take action, but put staff to study the master plan and report back to the council. Wooten said “Whether or not people like growth, you have to plan for the future.” Duke said improving Henderson, working with small reservoir owners and installing a 40 to 50 acre poplar plantation would probably cost under $10 million dollars. Story by Jim Reece.
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