Grizzly Flats Community Services District

Caldor Fire Update – March 8, 2022

Recovery efforts and infrastructure repairs continue in Grizzly Flats! Following is recap of many of the ongoing efforts the District has been coordinating over the past month:

• The temporary service pump for the pressure zone has been installed and is operational, allowing us to provide unrestricted water service to all but one home (due to a blocked water main that we are working to repair).
• With normal operating pressures now restored to the system, the District is able to complete additional leak detection work, which is scheduled for the week of April 4.
• The District received approval from USFS to proceed with hazardous tree work on federal properties, which will allow staff to complete necessary repairs on the surface water supply infrastructure, as weather and field conditions permit.
• The District also received approval from Cal OES to include the “Grizzly Pond” property in their hazard tree removal program, which will cover the removal of approximately 200 hazard trees from the area.
• District staff continue to complete necessary repairs on damaged water infrastructure, as materials and funds are available, including service line breaks caused by debris clean-up activities.
• The water quality testing program has been completed, and the District is in compliance with all state and federal water quality requirements.
• District staff continue to meet regularly with federal, state, county, and local representatives, to coordinate on recovery efforts and emergency and disaster relief funding opportunities.
• The District is continuing to assess water system facilities and infrastructure in order to refine damage and recovery costs. The cost for a full water system restoration is still estimated to be more than $15 million.

The District is also continuing to work with a consultant to examine the current water rates, cost of service, and policies and procedures for all property owners within the District. The consultant will be giving a presentation on their preliminary findings at our Board of Directors meeting this Thursday, March 10, at 9:00 a.m. Residents are encouraged to join the meeting, by phone or Zoom, to hear about the initial findings and next steps. To view the complete meeting agenda and call-in/Zoom details, please click here: March 10, 2022 Board of Directors Meeting Agenda. 

Caldor Fire Update – February 10, 2022

Recovery efforts and infrastructure repairs are ongoing in Grizzly Flats! We have been working to complete an assessment of the distribution system, and determine further repairs needed to fully restore the pressure zone. Work will proceed on the temporary pressure zone pumping facility, as materials become available. We estimate use of the temporary service pump starting on February 11. Once normal service has been fully restored there, we’ll be able to provide unrestricted water service to more homes.

We are administering ongoing damage assessments to determine other repair or replacement needs, which may include the distribution tanks at Tyler and Winding Way, and the water conveyance structures. Access is limited because of hazardous trees in the area, but we are working to secure funding for additional tree clearing. We have also been addressing recent damage to our infrastructure and property due to ongoing debris clean-up activities, which includes repairing multiple service line breaks, and major damage to one of our trucks. Because these items are not considered fire damages, the costs are not covered by FEMA, but we are working with Cal OES on reimbursement.

Other ongoing recovery and rebuilding efforts that we are coordinating:

• Monitoring water quality and completing additional flushing and testing as needed
• Pressure testing and leak detection of the pressure zone and distribution system upon completion of the temporary pumping station
• Preparation of a Water System Restoration Plan
• Development of standards for returning temporary and permanent residents
• Repairing damage to the reservoir liner
• Completing repairs to the distribution system pipes, fire hydrants, services, and other items, as approved by FEMA for disaster funding

We are still estimating the total cost to completely repair and restore the damaged water system will be more than $15 million, including funds needed to address surface water quality challenges and watershed damages related to erosion and debris. We are coordinating and meeting regularly with local, county, state, and federal representatives on emergency and disaster relief funding opportunities, and negotiations with our insurance company regarding damage reimbursements are also ongoing.

Caldor Fire Update – December 14, 2021

The District has been busy with ongoing recovery efforts, and we’ve made a lot of progress in the past month!

As of December 1, we have restored potable (drinking) water service to 217 homes. This includes most of the homes in the pressure zone. However, some residences still have irregular water pressure while we continue to test the system, and identify and repair leaks. We are continuing to implement temporary pressure zone pumping systems, but there have been delays in completing the work as the availability of necessary materials continues to be a challenge.

We are continuing to assess the water system and refine damage and recovery costs for emergency funding applications. Total costs to repair and restore the damaged water infrastructure are currently estimated to be up to $15,160,000. This includes emergency measures that may be necessary to address surface water quality challenges from watershed damage (erosion, debris, etc.). On December 18, we will be submitting the first mandatory Damage Assessment report to FEMA, which will identify all known and suspected water system damages and the estimated repair costs.

District staff continue to participate in regular coordination meetings with federal, state, county, and  local representatives for emergency and disaster relief funding opportunities, including Cal OES, FEMA and El Dorado County. This includes coordination with Cal OES to identify funding for additional tree removal, which is essential to allow safe access to all areas where the surface water diversion and conveyance pipeline assessments and repairs are still needed.

Other ongoing work includes additional system flushing and water quality testing; completion of the leak detection program and repairing leaks that have been identified; and additional infrastructure damage assessments required to determine repair or replacement needs, including the distribution tanks at Tyler and Winding Way. We are also working to develop standards for returning residents, to address changes in fees, rates, service improvements, etc. as a result of the Caldor Fire.

Please click here to view the updated Grizzly Flats Water System Restoration Schedule: GFCSD Water Service Schedule_12-10-21.

Caldor Fire Update – September 22, 2021

Thank you for your continued support and patience as we work diligently to restore the water system in Grizzly Flats. We greatly appreciate the assistance we continue to receive from many local agencies, community groups, and residents. The following provides an update on the additional assessments and repairs completed this week, as well as information on drinking water for returning residents.

Water Service Restoration 

Water service has been restored to most of the gravity system, and District staff is continuing to work to restore other parts of the gravity system and the pressure system. The water in the system is non-potable until all water quality testing has been completed and results show that the water is safe to drink. Until that time, residents should continue to use bottled water for all drinking (including baby formula and juice), brushing teeth, washing dishes, making ice, and food preparation. The water in the system should also not be used for bathing/showering – it is only for flushing toilets and watering plants.

Based on recently completed system assessments and repairs, we have updated our estimated water restoration schedule. Please click here to view the complete schedule.

To view a map showing where non-potable water service has been restored in the community of Grizzly Flats, please click here.

Drinking Water for Returning Residents

We have been working hard to bring in more bottled water for residents that have returned to Grizzly Flats. This week, Tim Smith, a resident in Grizzly Flats was able to arrange for a large delivery of bottled water that was donated by several church groups.  Those are available for pick-up at his property in Grizzly Flats (please see more information on our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/grizzlyflatswater).

Additionally, one-gallon water jugs are available for pick-up at the District office (4765 Sciaroni Rd.), from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day, while supplies last. These jugs are available to residents only, and there is a limit of 12 gallons per household.

Water System Assessment and Repairs

District staff is continuing to assess the condition of the water distribution system by pressure testing individual sections, and fixing leaks as they are identified. Once flushing and leak repairs are completed, the water quality will be tested to determine if it is safe for consumption. We plan to take our first set of water quality samples this Thursday, September 23, from the Blue Mountain area, and should receive the results in about five days.

The surface water conveyance system is damaged near the intakes, so there is currently no water reaching the reservoir. District staff has inspected the surface water diversions to assess damage, and we are coordinating with construction crews to make initial repairs and install temporary measures to protect the intake system during the winter. Due to fallen trees and snags, it is still not safe for us to access all of the sites where repairs are needed.

We met with contractors who may be able to help us restore Big Canyon flow to the reservoir. District staff is also working to establish service to the pressure zone, and coordinating with PG&E on a temporary power source to run the equipment until electrical service has been restored. Tomorrow, we will be completing repairs on the clear well tank.

District staff continue to coordinate with various state, county, and local representatives to identify emergency and disaster relief funding opportunities, including CalOES, FEMA, El Dorado Water Agency, and El Dorado County. Over the next week, we will also begin the process of getting the District office back up and running.

 

Caldor Fire Update – September 7, 2021

The District is continuing to assess and repair water system damage and coordinating with local agencies and law enforcement on restoration and repopulation efforts, as well as working to identify emergency funding sources and opportunities for necessary system repairs and replacement. The following provides an update on the actions and activities completed during the past week.

Water System Assessment

District personnel were able to resume restoration activities on September 2nd and 3rd. The damaged pipe at the reservoir metering building was repaired by operators, in order to restore water supply to the reservoir. We have continued to evaluate the condition of the water distribution system by pressure testing individual sections, working from the District Office toward the lowest elevations in the service area. As of September 3rd, most of the upper gravity system (east of Tyler Road and Sciaroni Road) was charged and tested for pressure.

Nearly all of the water service connections to homes that were destroyed are damaged beyond repair, and will need to be replaced. Our priority is to restore water to the repopulated areas. Additionally, at least one significant leak has been identified in a distribution main on Sciaroni Road.

Additional assessments and testing are needed to fully determine the status of the system. However, with the fire still active in the Grizzly Flats area, access to some areas is still prohibited because of dangerous conditions.

Water Service Restoration 

In accordance with direction from the State Office of Drinking Water, District staff is in the process of recharging each section of the distribution system with highly concentrated chlorinated water, and checking each section to determine whether it is holding pressure. During this process, services associated with damaged homes will be flushed and isolated, and any damage, leaks, or other deficiencies will be documented for emergency and disaster funding, depending on the issue.

The water treatment plant is fully operational and producing water. The facility is being run manually, only during periods when operators are present. Because water demands are minimal at this time, continuous treatment operations are not required. Stored water in the clearwell is being used to charge a small section of the “gravity” distribution system, allowing firefighters to use a single fire hydrant to fill their trucks to continue with fire suppression activities.

We have not yet been able to evaluate the surface water intake structures at the creeks. We anticipate the intakes will need to be modified to  soot, ash, and mud from the watershed runoff from entering the water system. This will be a high priority task to complete once we have access to the area, and prior to the first significant rain.

Repopulation of Grizzly Flats

For current information, please visit the CalFire Caldor Fire website at www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2021/8/14/caldor-fire/, or call the information line at (530) 303-2455.

 

Repopulation of Limited Areas Grizzly Flats – September 6th, 2021

Local law enforcement officials have opened limited areas of Grizzly Flats for repopulation efforts, as of September 6^th around 3:30 pm. Refer to the CalFire Linktree for specific locations: https://linktr.ee/IMT6 or the information line: (530) 303-2455.

It is critical to note that water service has not been restored to any homes or structures served by the Grizzly Flats CSD.

• DO NOT use the water in the water lines for any purpose.
• There will be no water available for fire suppression, because of damaged infrastructure. If you see any hot spots or areas of concern, call 911 immediately.

If you plan to return to Grizzly Flats at this time, you must bring your own water for drinking and basic sanitation purposes. Do not use the water in your lines, because it could be contaminated.

We are coordinating with the County’s Office of Emergency Services and the American Red Cross to supply a limited amount of bottled water. When the water is available, we will provide an update here and on the CSD Facebook page.

District staff have been working diligently to assess and repair damage to the water system for over two weeks.  We meet daily with CalFire and other responding agencies. We have met with the State Water Resources Control Board, Division of Drinking Water to develop a water quality testing program for us to follow prior to declaring water potable. While there is no current estimated date of water service restoration, we understand that residents want to repopulate the area. We remain committed to reestablishing water service to the remaining homes as quickly as possible. We appreciate your patience during this recovery period.

Caldor Fire – Fire Incident Information (9/3/2021)

For all fire incident information, including fire perimeter and evacuation maps, Code Red sign up, and additional resources, please visit the CalFire link tree webpage, or call the information line:

Webpage: https://linktr.ee/IMT6

Information line: (530) 303-2455

Caldor Fire Update – August 30, 2021

Over the last week we have focused on assessing infrastructure, restoring water service for repopulation, and identifying potential sources of emergency funding. However, our progress has been slowed by increased fire activity in the area and safety concerns for our staff. This week’s update will provide an overview of our efforts so far and our plans for the next few weeks. Please refer to the CSD Facebook page for frequently asked questions.

Water System Assessment

District staff have been to Grizzly Flats four times in the last week assessing the fire damage to water infrastructure. More recently, fire activity along Grizzly Flats Road has slowed down this work. The District office is still standing, and our reservoir is full. However, other parts of the system have been damaged or destroyed. The reservoir metering building was destroyed, along with the storage/booster pump stations on Tyler Drive and Winding Way. The water tanks are still standing, but the level of damage is unknown at this time. The water treatment plant is still operational. Detailed water system assessments are still ongoing as conditions permit. A temporary office space has been established at the El Dorado Water Agency’s office in Placerville.

Additional assessments and testing will be required to fully determine damage to the water system. At this time, it is not safe to access all system/equipment locations.

Water Service Restoration

Jodi Lauther, the District’s General Manager, is attending daily “Cooperator” and “Evac/Repop” meetings hosted by CalFire seven days per week. Those meetings provide daily reports on the fire and allow us to coordinate with law enforcement and other utilities. We are in the early stages of assessing the water system integrity and determining what repairs will be required for full restoration of service. We know that restoring water service to the community will need to be coordinated with and in some cases dependent upon work done by other agencies and utilities.

District staff is preparing a comprehensive water system restoration plan, including an outline of necessary repairs, estimated costs, an approximate schedule, and identification of contractors that can assist with operations and repairs or modifications to the system, as needed, during the initial phases of restoration. We are also working to identify pumping equipment for the pressure zone and coordinating with PG&E regarding temporary power availability for the equipment.

We have met with representatives from the State Water Resources Control Board, Division of Drinking Water, who are developing a water quality testing program for us to follow prior to declaring water potable. The testing plan will likely include organic compounds in addition to bacteriological contaminants and will require several days to complete laboratory testing once sampling is performed. Before residents can be provided full water service, the State Water Board will also require extensive flushing and testing of the system to ensure water is safe to drink. This process of flushing, collecting samples, and receiving results from the laboratories will require several days, as well.

High priority will be placed on restoring service to those homes that are habitable. In the event full service is not possible by the time residents are allowed to occupy their homes, the District is preparing contingency plans.

Repopulation Plans

The fire is still active in areas around Grizzly Flats. For current fire information, please refer to the CalFire website, https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2021/8/14/caldor-fire/, or call the CalFire information line at (530) 303-2455.

According to the El Dorado Building Department, all structures in the evacuated zone will need to be thoroughly inspected prior to occupancy. Inspections include structural integrity, safety of the surrounding property (dead trees, etc.), integrity of the propane tanks, etc. District staff will work with other agencies and utilities to remain on a similar schedule for repopulation efforts. However, at this time, there are no known projected timeframes for repopulation.

Emergency Declaration and Funding

On August 27, 2021, the District held an emergency Board meeting and unanimously adopted Resolution 21-01, declaring an emergency for the Caldor Fire. The resolution gives the District’s General Manager authorization to accelerate recovery efforts by streamlining procurement for equipment, services, and supplies. Staff have also been exploring all options for emergency funding. Once the water system is fully assessed, the District will prepare funding applications to agencies such as the State Water Board, El Dorado County, National Resource Conservation Services, and United States Department of Agriculture. District staff are also exploring federal emergency and disaster relief funding through Congressman Tom McClintock’s office.

 

Caldor Fire Update – August 20, 2021

Words cannot describe the heartbreak that has been brought to our community with the Caldor Fire. The level of destruction is unthinkable and Grizzly Flats is no longer the community that we all knew and loved. But with time, we can work to make it our home again. We sincerely hope that all of our residents are healthy, safe, and have found temporary housing at this time.

It is difficult to know where to start with rebuilding, but we have to do something. We have to start somewhere.

While the Caldor Fire is continuing to burn in our community, the staff and Board Members have been working to restore the water systems. Our first priority is to assess the damage and fix what needs to be fixed. We were able to access the water district building yesterday. It is still standing, but some of our water infrastructure has been damaged. There were multiple hot spots on the water district property, which we worked to extinguish. We were happy to see that our reservoir still has water!

Today we confirmed that the water treatment plant is operational, which is a huge step towards restoring water service. We have received many offers of support from other agencies, including El Dorado Irrigation District and the El Dorado Water Agency. That support will be critical in restoring water service to our community.

Below are answers to many of the questions we have received in the last several days. We will continue to post updates on this website and our Facebook page as time allows. Please check back periodically.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Do I need to shut down my service if my house had burned down?

• No. Once we are able to travel around Grizzly Flats, we will confirm which houses are still standing and adjust our records accordingly. There is no need to call or message our office to shut down service at this time.

Can you confirm the state of my house?

• Unfortunately, no. While we are allowed to access the water district office, we are not permitted to access other parts of Grizzly Flats. The roads are heavily patrolled with CHP, Fire personnel, and other utilities. A CHP escort is required to access the office and staff is not permitted to travel elsewhere in Grizzly Flats at this time.

Will I have water when I return to my home?

• We have started assessing the water district’s infrastructure and testing the treatment plant. We will work to restore service to the remaining homes as soon as possible, while keeping our staff safe.

Will my water be safe to drink?

• We are currently working with State to get clean, safe water to your homes. This will be an on-going process. Please stay tuned for more information.

When can I get back into Grizzly Flats?

• We cannot answer that question at this time. Refer to local law enforcement agencies for information, including El Dorado County Sheriff, CalFire, and California Highway Patrol

What damage was done to our water system?

• We are still working to confirm the full extent of the damage to the water distribution system. We have confirmed that the water district office is still standing. Our reservoir still has water and our water treatment plant is still operational. The reservoir intake was damaged, but that damage was repaired today. This is all good news for the district. However, there are many areas of the system that we have not been able to assess yet. We will provide more information when it is available.

Am I going to be billed for this month?

• Our first priority is assessing the water system damage and restoring the water distribution system. Once we achieve this first priority, we will work through other priorities, including financial topics.

When is the next Board Meeting?

• This has not yet been determined. A Board Meeting may be scheduled in the near future and will be legally noticed through our website. Please check back for more information.

How can I get in touch with CSD Staff?

• We are doing our best to communicate with our customers. The primary source of new information will be through our website and/or Facebook page. We have received countless messages, phone calls, and emails. The number of messages has been overwhelming and we will do our best to answer them. However, our CSD staff have also lost their homes and we ask for your patience as we work through this recovery effort.