Coleman Engineering was retained by the Rural Community Assistance Corporation (RCAC) to provide civil engineering and environmental services to consolidate the Valenzuela Water System with a larger public water system. The Valenzuela Water System is a small, disadvantaged community water system that is receiving funding from the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) program for system improvements. Coleman Engineering is responsible for completing the Technical and Environmental Packages of the SWRCB’s Construction Funding Application. This consists of production of 90% plans and specifications for new facilities and proposed modifications of the existing system for consolidation. Additionally, Coleman Engineering is coordinating with an environmental subconsultant to conduct a CEQA Initial Study Mitigated Negative Declaration for the proposed improvements.
Coleman Engineering explored several project alternatives to address the Valenzuela Water System’s deficiencies including consolidation, construction of a new drinking water well, and installation of a nitrate treatment system for the existing well.
Project Challenges
Challenges presented during the project include coordination with the various entities from which approvals are required for consolidation. The agencies include the City of Hollister, the San Benito County Water District, and the Local Agency Formation Commission. Coleman Engineering is navigating the various agency application and design requirements to provide a long-term water supply solution to the Valenzuela Water that is within the funding limits available under the DWSRF funding.