To: Board of Supervisors
From: Planning and Building Department
Agenda Section: Consent
Vote Requirement: Majority
SUBJECT:
title
Professional Services Agreement with LACO Associates to Undertake Hydrologic Studies on Wells in Three to Five Sub Watersheds in the Amount of $289,500
end
RECOMMENDATION(S):
Recommendation
That the Board of Supervisors:
1. Authorize the Director of Planning and Building to sign the professional services agreement with LACO Associates to undertake hydrologic studies on wells in three to five sub watersheds in the amount of $289,500; and
2. Authorize the Director of Planning and Building to execute any amendments to the agreement after approval by County Counsel, Risk Management and the County Administrative Office.
Body
SOURCE OF FUNDING:
This work is funded by the grant money received from the Department of Cannabis Control which included an allowance for analysis of the impact of wells on watersheds (1100282-701)
DISCUSSION:
On Nov. 2, 2021, the Board authorized the submittal of an application to the Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) for a grant in the amount of $18,635,147.00 for three activities: Hydrologic Assessment of Watersheds ($3.1 million), Stream Protection Program ($12.3 million) and a Renewable Energy Program ($3.1 million). As a result, on Jan. 21, 2022, a grant agreement with the DCC was executed in the amount of $18,635,137. Your Board is being asked to authorize the use of the grant funds to conduct a hydrologic assessment and analysis of operations of groundwater wells in three to five watersheds. The goal of this work is to develop a tool to better identify and streamline the information needed for site-specific hydrogeologic analyses associated with future well permits in the identified watersheds. This goal also includes being able to identify areas that are more sensitive and thus need supplemental hydrogeologic analysis.
This is a sole source agreement with LACO based upon the fact that the work will be completed under the direction of a Hydrogeologist, who has been working with the County to address issues associated with cannabis cultivation and drought response. Humboldt County has a unique and complex geology, and the LACO hydrogeologist has specific and directly relevant experience working in this environment.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The county was awarded $18,635,137 for the Local Jurisdiction Assistance Grant Program and appropriations related to the grant have been included in the FY 2022-23 adjusted budget for the Planning & Building - Advance Planning Division (1100282-701). Staffing costs in the amount of $288,759.20 were included in the grant award. A portion of the funds for the Hydrologic Assessment of Watersheds ($3,100,00) will be used to pay for the services associated with this agreement.
STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK:
This action supports your Board’s Strategic Framework priority of advancing local interests in natural resource discussions.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
Department of Environmental Health and Public Works will be consulted.
ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS:
The Board could choose not to proceed with this agreement, but at some point, studies will need to be undertaken to further evaluate production of groundwater in particular watersheds.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Professional Services Agreement with Scope of work attached.
2. COI - LACO Associates
PREVIOUS ACTION/REFERRAL:
Board Order No.: J-1, H-2
Meeting of: 11/21/2021, 6/14/2022
File No.: 21-1540, 22-714