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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSS2 - Runoff Reduction ProgramCITY OF NEWPORT BEACH CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT Study Session Item No. ss2 January 9, 2007 TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL FROM: Public Works Department Robert Stein, PE 949 -644 -3311 or rstein @ciity.newport- beach.ca.us SUBJECT: RUNOFF REDUCTION PROGRAM: WEATHER -BASED IRRIGATION CONTROLLERS AND IRRIGATION & LANDSCAPE ORDINANCE DISCUSSION:. Top -ten reasons the City is interested in reducing over - irrigation: 1. Eliminates dry- weather transports of pollutants into the creeks, bay, harbor, and ocean that pose a health risk to beachgoers. 2. Protects slopes from slippage and failure due to oversaturation. 3. Prevents flooding of basements and garages. 4. Prevents mold from growing on walls and foundations. 5. Eliminates dry- weather transport of pollutants that threaten aquatic species and birds. 6. Saves money. 7. Eliminates dry- weather transport of fertilizers and pesticides, which promote growth of exotic and invasive plants. 8. Prevents saturation of the street subgrade that makes streets prone to failure. 9. Eliminates the necessity of building expensive, end-of -the pipe treatment facilities. 10. Allows the City to be in control of our resources without undue influence by outside agencies. 11. Saves money. Okay, eleven reasons. Clearly the City and our property owners have a stake in reducing over - irrigation. Staff has prepared an outline for a Runoff Reduction Program for the Newport Coast Watershed area as Attachment 1. A key element of the program is encouraging property owners to install the so- called "SmarTimeC irrigation controllers. The SmarTimer irrigation controller calculates an efficient irrigation schedule based on weather, plant type, soil type, ground slope, exposure to sunlight, and types of sprinklers installed to each irrigation valve. The controller receives daily weather data and changes irrigation schedules accordingly. As opposed to overwatering that rots roots and ties up nutrients in the soils, plants given the optimum amount of water improve in health and appearance. Five irrigation systems that use the smart water application technology (SWAT) have been certified by Irrigation Association of America: Hydropoint Weather Trac, Toro Runoff Reduction Program: Weather -Based Irrigation Controllers and Irrigation & Landscape Ordinance January 9, 2007 Page 2 Intelli- Sense, Irritrol Smart Dial, Evapo-Transpi ration (ET) Water Systems and Rainbird ET Manager. Photos of the first three controllers are attached as Attachment 2. There are twelve other controllers on the market that have not been SWAT certified. To date, the Hydropointe Weather Trac is the only controller that has been tested and shown to reduce runoff. As of July 1, 2007, MWD has stated that only SWAT certified controllers will be eligible for rebate and by 2010, only SWAT certified controllers will be allowed for sale in California. The SmarTimer residential controller operates in a similar way to the City's central control irrigation system. At Bob Henry Park, General Services uses a more sophisticated, commercial grade ET controller system that utilizes an on -site weather gauge that communicates with a central computer which in turn programs the on -site controller. General Services has a ten -year program to bring parkways, medians and parks under its central irrigation control program and forecasts water savings of up to 20 percent. Further water savings are expected with preventive maintenance and as nozzles and drip systems are upgraded. Encouraging property owners to switch to a weather -based irrigation controller, which precisely measures out water; is an easy recommendation to make, especially as the City has grant funds to initially subsidize these installations. With technical advice and funding assistance for the US Bureau of Reclamation, Municipal.Water District of Orange County (MWDOC) and Irvine Ranch Water District (IRWD), the City hopes to have 500 to 600 controllers installed city -wide, especially in the Buck Gully watershed area, within the next six months. Hydropointe Data Systems has the contract to install the controllers and perform irrigation calibration tests. Verifications of a properly installed system are performed by MWDOC contractors and City staff. Hydropointe will monitor water usage —we expect to see reductions in consumption of 20 to 40 percent. This data should be a strong marketing tool for encouraging other residents to convert to smart irrigation controllers. Recent studies funded by the City regarding dry- weather flows in the Newport Coast watershed show that over - watering leads to infiltration which increases the level of the groundwater which then exfiltrates into canyon streambeds. During the dry season, 17 million gallons per month flow out of the mouth of Buck Gully. In an alarming new development, the dry- weather flows from Los Trancos Canyon and Muddy Creek have jumped eight -fold in two years from one million gallons per month to eight million gallons per month as depicted in Attachment 3. These flows are diverted to the Orange County Sanitation District (OCSD) sewer main via IRWD facilities. (See Attachment 4 for map.) OCSD has permitted a maximum flow diversion of 8.7 million gallons per month. IRWD forecasts that this limit -will be reached by Summer 2007 at which time OCSD may require that the diversions be shut down and the dry- weather runoff allowed to flow across the Crystal Cove beaches. (The diversion was in fact shut down for one day last summer at the request of OCSD because the dry- weather flows were so high.) OCSD could opt to accept the larger flows; however, OCSD could then institute a diversion fee that IRWD might pass on to residents. Runoff Reduction Program: Weather -Based Irrigatlon Controllers and Irrigation & Landscape Ordinance January 9, 2007 Page 3 Why the dramatic increase in Los Trancos creek flows? In the last four years, several new subdivisions have been built adjacent to this sub - watershed. City and IRWD staffs met with Orange County Resources & Development Management Department staff on December 18 to discuss the emerging problem. Thus far, County staff is not promoting the use of the smart controllers and are not requiring the smart irrigation controllers to be installed by the developers. Additionally, property, owners are not being encouraged to install water - thrifty plants or to install irrigation systems that are appropriate and efficient. This is especially frustrating as many new property owners are now installing irrigation systems in preparation for landscaping. Except for a few custom homes, all building permits have been issued and measures to limit over - watering apparently cannot be conditioned. It is not clear that the County can be held accountable for the increased flows in Los Trancos and Muddy Creek. Once all of the parcels within a Planning Area are built out and occupied, the Planning Area's planning authority is turned over to the City (once relevant maps and planning documents physically transfer as well). At that time, the City becomes responsible for working with the property owners to reduce over - irrigation. One promising option the City is now pursuing is working directly with the developers. John Laing Homes has already agreed to install Smartimer controllers in the Crystal Cove tract (Phase 3). Future discussions with The Irvine Company and other developers are pending. A complimentary element of the Runoff Reduction Program for the Newport Coast watershed is developing and promulgating an irrigation and landscape ordinance. A draft ordinance has been prepared by an interdepartmental committee composed of staff from Fire, Planning, Building, General Services, Water Quality and Public Works. Final edits are expected to be completed by February for internal city staff review. Upon completion of the review, the draft could be presented to Council at Study Session. This irrigation and landscape ordinance will be the first of its kind in the state. Implementation of the ordinance could be enhanced if the draft ordinance was reviewed with key community organizations, including the Council's Coastal /Bay Water Quality Committee, prior to completing the final ordinance for Council consideration. While the ordinance is focused on particular concerns in Newport Coast, the ordinance could be readily extended to other parts of the City. Environmental Review: Not applicable. Prepared by: Robert Stein, P.E. Principal Civil Engineer Submitted phe . Badum Public Works Director Attachments: 1. Runoff Reduction Program for Buck Gully. 2. Photos of three controllers 3. Diversion Flow Chart from Los Trancos Canyon and Muddy Creek 4. Map of Los Trancos and Muddy Creek Diversion points City of Newport Beach Buck Gully Runoff Reduction Program August 7, 2006 Prepared for: STATE WATER RESOURCES CONTROL BOARD Agreement Number 02- 204 -558 Submitted by: City of Newport Beach 3300 Newport Boulevard Newport Beach, California 92663 Rkprojectskintegraged Bay- Watershed ProgramlNewport Coast Watersh"Runoff ReductonlRunoff Reduction Plan 080706.doc ATTACHMENT 1 City of Newport Beach Runoff Reduction Program August 7, 2006 Over the past year, the City has conducted a number of investigations to identify likely sources of dry- weather flows in Buck Gully and other canyons in Newport Coast. Preliminary results indicate that canyon runoff is due to excessive irrigation which flows directly to the canyons or infiltrates into the surface and subsequently exfiltrates into the canyon creeks. The City believes the most effective way to reduce the excessive irrigation is by promoting the use of weather -based irrigation controllers and fixing faulty irrigation systems. The City believes the best way to promote this program is through regular meetings among City staff, IRWD, the Irvine Company, golf course management, the boards of Community Associations, management companies, and the landscape maintenance companies that work for the City and area HOAs. This central focus will be supplemented by: • Source identification and runoff monitoring • Water usage monitoring • Meetings with landscapers, garden suppliers and landscape architects • Community newsletters • City ordinance on irrigation and landscaping • Building Permit requirements • Tiered water rates • Inspection and enforcement Any new program that involves cooperation between multiple City departments, outside agencies and the community needs some time to find the common ground and to gain momentum. The underlying strategy is find ways to move forward and work toward gaining acceptance by all parties. Source Identification The Newport Coast Flow and Water Quality Assessment prepared by Weston Solutions (2006) found that most of the flow in Buck Gully is due to exfiltration of groundwater into the creek. The report did note significant surface flows emanating from the Pelican Hill Community Association. The Newport Seepage Study prepared by Todd Engineers (2006) confirmed that groundwater storage has dramatically increased with urban development in the Newport Coast and adjacent properties causing a mounding of groundwater which exfiltrates into the canyons. Weather Based Evapo- transpiration Controllers The City conducted a successful pilot program from December 2005 to March 2006 that offered `smart', weather -based irrigation controllers and installation free FlAprojectsllntegraged Bay - Watershed ProgramlNewport Coast WatershedlRunoff Reducbon\Runoff Reduction Plan 080706.doc to residents in high irrigation runoff areas. The entire pilot funding was quickly used as residents called with great interest to participate. Some 70 homes were retrofit with smart controllers tested specifically to reduce urban runoff. At the same time, many property owners repaired irrigation systems. The residential program also stimulated a number of Community Associations to install smart controllers in common areas and upgrade irrigation systems. Initial monitoring indicates that water usage for these properties is dropping. Over the next 30 months, the City intends to work with IRWD to install another 400 -500 controllers in the Newport Coast Area, especially for those properties that drain to Buck Gully. Additionally, the City will sponsor.a program for property owners to install water - efficient MP rotator nozzles on irrigation systems. City staff will meet with community associations to discuss the program and will hire a consultant to facilitate the installation of the controllers. Meetings with Landscapers, Garden Suppliers and Landscape Architects Staff will hold information meetings with landscapers, landscaping maintenance companies, and HOA property management companies to discuss the use of smart irrigation controllers. The meetings will serve as a forum to discuss landscaper concerns or problems. Staff will meet with garden suppliers and look for ways to encourage suppliers to stock colorful and water thrifty plants (e.g. using City- sponsored specials). Staff will host a meeting with local landscape architects to discuss how water saving features can be designed into gardens and landscapes. Monitoring The City will adjust its monitoring program to more closely identify sources in Buck Gully and Morning Canyon to help target staff time toward eliminating these. sources. The monitoring program will also help the City document reductions in runoff as irrigation controllers are installed. The City has approved a contract to install three flow meters including a flow meter at a Pelican Hill storm drain that outlets to Buck Gully. Flow meters will continuously measure surface runoff for the next 4 months. The City and IRWD are coordinating to share water usage records to track monthly water usage. The City will consider a new position in its Code and Water Quality Enforcement Division to promote water conservation and look for evidence of overwatering in City landscaped areas, HOA common areas and private property. As part of the ASBS Protection Planning Program, the City will continue to measure flows at the mouth of Buck Gully and Morning Canyon. HAprojectskintegraged Bay - Watershed PrograrnMwport Coast Watershed\Runoff ReductonVtunoff Reduction Plan 080706.doc Education Evidence of over water usage will be used to help target an education program advising property owners on the need and benefits of conserving irrigation water. The program will give examples of landscaping practices to minimize water runoff into the canyons. Staff will contribute articles on runoff reduction to community association newsletters. Additionally, the City will send out informational newsletters to Newport Coast residents, property management companies, and landscaping maintenance firms advising on operation and maintenance of irrigation controllers, monitoring overall water usage, inviting property owners to specialty events at Roger's gardens, tips on landscaping and providing information on canyon water quality. Water usage maps will be posted on the City web site and then periodically updated to show how progress is being made to reduce water. The City will look toward rewarding "5- Star" behavior by finding gardens and technologies (like homes with permeable pavers, etc) and highlight them in ads in the Daily Pilot, in water bill inserts and on the City's Website. The City will encourage a competitive spirit by tracking water usage over time for each.HOA and posting the information on the City's Website and other local news outlets. The City's Website will also have features on drought- resistant wildflowers, shrubs and trees as well as recommendations for appropriate plant food, fertilizers and herbicides. The City will coordinate with local nurseries and hardware stores to encourage stocking of appropriate plant materials. City Ordinances The City has prepared a draft landscaping and irrigation ordinance for the canyon areas in Newport Coast. A companion User's Manual has also been prepared in draft form. The ordinance and user's manual emphasizes the use of drought tolerant (fire resistive) plant material so that irrigation systems are used less with less chance of over watering. It is expected that after a 6 to 9 month review period, City Council will adopt the ordinance and user's manual. Building Permits The City has modified its Building Permit requirements to require a water quality management plan for new and remodel developments. The water quality management plan requires retention of irrigation water (through the use of infiltration, detention, and French drains) or filtration prior to discharge. Additional permit requirements will be considered including the requirement for HAprojectsllntegraged Bay - Watershed Program\Newport Coast Watershed\Runoff Reducton \Runoff Reduction Plan 080706.doc more sophisticated irrigation controllers for new development and major remodels. Tiered Water Usage Rate Structure The City has begun studying how a tiered water usage rate structure might reward water conservation. It is expected tiered water rates could be in place in three years. Enforcement As this program evolves, the Code and Water Quality Enforcement Division will be inspecting the properties for compliance and will initially issue environmental advisory citations. Repeat offenders will be cited and fined. H:tprojectsVntegraged Bay - Watershed ProgramWewport Coast Watershed\Runoff Reduction\Runoff Reduction Plan 080706.doc m � 6 o. 0 4 �7 °3 2 1 Is Diversion Flow (2002 - 2006) —4 Los Trancos N N N N N M M M M M el' !f lf1 �P1 l/y �f1 �P1 l/y p `� a 6 a�i i H W x V Q 0 D D n S 1`T1 --i W H O W 11 • p � - � C � f n ! s 3 m z —i N ® r' w r r e' r. s• a' UWNER'SMANUAL � r 1� 0 0 ,w, Weather 0 0 In i W li' ['0 W ALERTS / HELP DISPLAY ADJUST ns -slz t j Weather Ct ANU AL /Jp ?ER !l,V�.� i,,. SETUP I SCHEDULE PROGRAM n COPY REVIEIY �p`!ER 114,e � RAIN ADJUST PAUSE ri J IN RW Ile, ;t Legend V" l Sub-Watershed Boundary Focused Diversion to Sanitary Sewer Municipal Storm Water Drain Catch Basin Starbucks C • Over Irrigation C] Newport Coast Groundwater Seepage Study - Todd Engineers ® p, 600 $00 LEGEND Tm Monterey Formation QaC Alluvium and clluvium 0 > Qtm Marine terrace deposits a>i o _ 000 600 m � � m u N C � d C � 6 E C ry > 400 0 �t;a s `a y rti c Morning Pelican Point Creeks Los Trances c °- Buck Canyon Canyon 2 > Cult, m w 2100 P3 200 ty Qac 1 Qtm Post- developmont water table 0 see level Pre-development water table 0 Tim -200 1 1 1 1 1 i I I I 200 0 2,000 4.000 6 000 8 000 10,000 12,000 Horizontal Distance, feet March 2006 Figure 9 TODD ENGINEERS Geologic Cross Emeryville. California Section D - D' Rol Yll -i,.. i- _ rt T� 1 •- � 1 � a j'i � 'rte y Buck Gull .. 77M 1 J ice` 1 • r i Waterfall City of Newport Beach Runoff Reduction Program August 7, 2006 1. Source Identification 4. Monitoring 5. Education • • Weather Based Controller i I 1 .r Tls• 6I �j Weather :0o 1 .. MAN UAL - LA &". J „ SETUP �J44ER 1' SOEDULE ALERTS a PROGRAM ^ HELP. COPY DISPLAY REVIEV! OSVER L ADJUST ADJUST RAIN PAUSE COPY c C f .t -. Weather7UA ETplus C f e Lnr �f. t" f" e- s' t' c easa : T P P WeatherTPAK'ET plus OWNER'S MANUAL n I� Id Wj �3 I� � 3 0 J ■E as No NEON ■ ®■ ■UM■■■O so ME■■ on no NO No ® ON as \O -■ ■ R M® ■ ■ FKt earonemEVn,a0 whm. wpPMesrvnwtHaSJironmN ubuMtion ke+ Wrnbrau�wiutceweMrtrtasM�m9 +�vnaaPnmenumn rxarmn 1REE ce�ucefiom the City dNewpwt Benrfi ng6NM rzpu�mm�enR 1)al pw�e kttdinyatN hrvkcaprwtM1 an mEMim SyNem In gootl xwgy �oiuWim W4 �naF(rtel.pmMY�rMgtlAVbrAy eib�h�tr1W°D�'Y seemmer..wxwRmmn Become a Zero Runoff Home and Enjoy Lower Water BiIIs,Too Most landscapes are overwatered, leading directly to the runoff that contaminates our ocean, beach and bay. Now you can become a zero runoff home with a free smart controller proven to reduce Program funded by: runoff, overwatering and water bills. Smart controllers adjust Irrigation based on plant needs and daily / local weather. So your plants get precisely the water they need each day for optimal health. smart controller limited ....Request your FREE WeoMcTRAK smart can[rolkrtoday. Call 1.800.362.87 ]e, ea 1. 121. Ask for Sharon Connelly. www.weathertrak.comfnewport ■E as No NEON ■ ®■ ■UM■■■O so ME■■ on no NO No ® ON as \O -■ ■ R M® ■ ■ FKt earonemEVn,a0 whm. wpPMesrvnwtHaSJironmN ubuMtion ke+ Wrnbrau�wiutceweMrtrtasM�m9 +�vnaaPnmenumn rxarmn 1REE ce�ucefiom the City dNewpwt Benrfi ng6NM rzpu�mm�enR 1)al pw�e kttdinyatN hrvkcaprwtM1 an mEMim SyNem In gootl xwgy �oiuWim W4 �naF(rtel.pmMY�rMgtlAVbrAy eib�h�tr1W°D�'Y seemmer..wxwRmmn 0 no 1. Call Center Management • Participant qualification confirmed • Controller reserved 2. Site Visit • Irrigation system inspection • Controller installed and programmed • Precipitation test at each valve 3. Follow up visit by third part to verify working system 4. 2 -year service warranty 0 0 11 • „ (� k °y tf Healthier Plants t - i 0 • 9 �4a. , Legend Sub - Watershed Boundary 'x" O \ 1 �'/ %� Focused Diversion to Sanitary SeN i A Municipal Storm Water Drain h O 'r� 15.' - U ,� �' • Catch Basin §��� • r, p it��4�, ` Starbucks A. Or- w 1 a 1JY o� 1 iIlm �6 0 5 a h A =4 °3 0 • �2 Diversion Flow (2002 - 2006) --4— Los Trancos i aa„aa,, r ,, 0 p O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O C ; O 0. vi 7�q 1kc-P:�i rtiPC Irrigation /Landscape Ordinance •'• Dry Weather Runoff Reduction Ordinance for Coastal Canyons and Coastal Bluffs •'• Landscape & Irrigation Guidance Manual c Landscape & Irrigation Guidance Manual •'• Irrigation Design •:• Equipment Selection /Installation ❖ Irrigation Maintenance and Management ❖ Plant Selection •'• Planting Design ® ®• Plant Installation and Maintenance •:• Grading and Drainage ❖ Best Management Practices ❖ Appendices .1". Newport Coast Irrigation and Landscape Ordinances and Fuel Modification Program ....................................................... ............................... 0. a...................% : Fuel Runoff Process for Administering the ; Modification Reduction Newport Coast Irrigation and Landscape Program Program Ordinances ; Fire Department Water Quality Property Owner Initiates a : • Inspection Department Significant Exterior Remode 1 or : Inspection New Landscaping : : ' Submit Violation Notice to plans Property Owners : Building Landscapeflnigation ' Follow-Up p Permit Issued Department — — — — — — — Modification • Inducements Inspections ; ' Plarming Public Works Fire Department Departm rd Department Review (Landscape Review ; TSAR) ; ' Utilities ; General Services General Services Landscape : Inspection Reviewby Consultant Plan : In -House Expert Check Newport Beach WeatherTRAK Cost Breakdown - 18/24 ITEM TOTAL 18 - 24 Station Controller $515.00 User Manual and Collateral included Additional Keys, electrical cords antennas as needed included 2 Years ET and Customer Service $168.00 Tax HW Only) $42.49 Shippinq & Handling 7.73 Hardware and ET Service Total $725.49 Marketing Creative (avg per unit) $10.71 Phone (avg per install) $11.88 Remove, Install, Precip, Program, Train $330.00 Field Paperwork, Reporting and Rebate Docs $36.00 Follow Up Visits $110.00 Customer Service Tracking and Reporting $5.00 Program Services Total $503.59 G&A on marketing, field services and reporting $88.13 G &A Total $88.13 ACTUAL TOTAL PER UNIT PRICE $1,317.21 City of Newport Beach Price $1,170 pwr Legend Coastal Channels �'•�a' Watershed Boundary t#%' City Boundary )astal Channel Names: - Buck Gully Creek - Morning Canyon Channel - Pelican Point Creek - Pelican Point Middle Creek - Pelican Point Waterfall Creek - Los Trances Creek (Crystal Cove Creek) - Muddy Creek - Moro Canyon "ASBS" Newport Beach Marine Life Refuge "ASBS" Irvine Coast Marine Life Refuqe Newport Coast g Watershed Management Area PIN # 404 it CRYSTAI COVF StA if PARK f� `No Aerial Photo Data for this area a N c c exs as Po C\ Idd J J ot� C\ Idd J J prJ� w Components Weather Station *Accurately measures, wind, rain, temperature, solar ■ + radiation, and relative humidity; then computes watering programs and communicates with Central Computer *Prevents watering when it is raining or in high wind conditions entral Computer *Adjust irrigation schedules on field satellite controllers on a daily basis using information from Weather Station *Receives alerts and alarms to help ensure that repairs are made in a timely manner Central Irrigation Control System 0 Components aSatellite Controller -Communicates with Central Computer and sends watering program to individual stations in the field l01 *Processes alarms, which provide station and/or master valve shut down and program advance as required i6 Flow Sensor -Communicates with Satellite Controller and monitor irrigation systems for proper flow rate *Prevents property damage due to water main break Master Valve *Opens at the start of the watering cycle and shuts down after the cycle is complete -Shuts down systems that are malfunctioning a �`~� "Ova Central Irrigation Control System t Irrigation Systems (Not Centralized) �'!' [:eneral tiervlrnlhparlmem Irrigation 51%tems (Not Centralized lx-parm i =A-IZ • Jul J \Pwport Beach Central Irrigation Svstem' � G•m•rd S•rvi� w A•�vmn��1 / j i1 n � � C t Savi nas Estimated Annual Water Savings °x= 3A -% -oer central controller _ le- Ensign View Park •2005 Usage: 1,355,250 Gallons •2006 Usage: 928,500 Gallons Difference: 426,750 Gallons (31.50%) Nk R roxi Water Cost Per Acre With Central System $1,200 Current Savings (203 Acres)- $60,900 Without Central System $1,500 Proiected Savings (403 Acres)- $120,900 Central Irrigation Control System undin CLP_ ending- Parks, Facilities, Medians/ Roadsides M,_� f 10 Year Program; $45,000 per year Winding Converts Approximately 40 Acres Per Year /o Currently Converted P° Funding- Newport Coast ear 3 of 5 Year Program; $40,000 per year -year Program will convert 40% •FY 2008 Budget *Request Additional Program Funding Central Irrigation Control System