The discussion surrounding the issue was held over until the agenda item involving the agreement between the two entities. After Directors Thomas and Swift left because of potential conflicts of interest, Director of Planning and Engineering Gene Mancebo introduced the item and explained that during the planning phase of the new Buckhorn Waste Water Treatment Plant, Staff recognized that a permit and formal agreement was needed for the disposal of the backwash water on the golf course.

Mace Meadow’s Golf and Country Club has been accepting backwash water for use in irrigating the golf course since the original plant was constructed in the late 70’s. Mancebo said, “Since day one that the (Buckhorn Waste Water Treatment) plant went online the backwash water has gone back to the Mace Meadows Golf Course.  They have a system of ponds and that has always taken backwash water and utilized it.” He also said that before the new Buckhorn WWTP was in use the backwash water was diverted from pond to pond, but when the new plant was up and running the water was diverted only to pond #7.  

WDR’s for the storage and disposal of the backwash water on the golf course have been adopted by the Regional Water Quality Control Board. During the September 22, 2005 AWA Board Meeting Staff received direction to negotiate an agreement with Mace Meadows Golf Course for the acceptance and disposal of the backwash water. Since that time Staff has met with Mace Meadows Golf and Country Club Directors several times and have discussed terms for an agreement for the backwash water. During the agency’s last meeting on January 11th consensus was reached on the terms of the agreement. Mancebo said that the AWA and the Mace Meadows Golf Course representatives made plans for the long term disposal of the backwash water onto the golf course. Mancebo said that staff has also looked at several other disposal options for the backwash water, as well however the most attractive option at this point appears to be to keep diverting backwash water to pond #7.

The AWA Staff plans consist of expanding the pond for enough capacity to store backwash in the winter and in the summer use the water to irrigate the golf course. The expansion would provide for 10 years of capacity.  However, Mancebo explained that the water will have to be contained carefully because the Regional Water Quality Control Board made it clear that backwash water is not to migrate off the site as well as the fact that the Sutter Creek tributary begins in the area and the Regional Water Quality Control Board would not allow water to run into the creek.  He explained that the Agency will also be helping the golf course pay for other improvements that are needed to retrofit the fixtures to comply with regulations. This includes covering drainages so the backwash water does not run off the site, as well as relocating some of the spray heads on the property to name a few. “Had this (the golf course) been designed from a new golf course to use reclaimed water (these items would) have been incorporated but because (we are) retrofitting to meet permits these things have to be done.” Mancebo also added that recently the AWA staff found that the backwash rate was “higher that anticipated.” Staff had expected a 4% of water from the Buckhorn membrane treatment plant would be backwash, but instead numbers indicate that backwash is 6% of the overall production of the plant. Mancebo said they might have to also consider expanding pond #7 to accommodate for that extra 2% that was unanticipated for. 

After considerable discussion the board authorized the Board President to execute the agreement with Mace Meadows Golf and Country Club for the acceptance and disposal of reclaimed backwash water with a few changes suggested by staff and the board. The agreement, with the minor changes made will again be reviewed by the Mace Meadows Golf and Country Club representatives.