News Blog
Rubber Dam Repair Costs Rise to $1.2 Million
September 26, 2011
Concrete was drying in the drained portion of the Salinas River just downstream of the rubber dam, where workers had poured concrete from bank to bank, paving over a gritty river bottom into something resembling a parking lot, while the Monterey County Water Resources Agency board met Monday to consider the repair project's rising costs.
The board voted 6-0 to approve about an additional $300,000 for the repairs, which now total $1.16 million. Mike Scattini, who holds the Grower-Shipper Association seat on the board, recused himself from the vote because he's currently doing business with Don Chapin Company, the construction contractor doing $1.1 million worth of the work. E2 Consulting Engineers also came in over budget for their part in mapping out where damage had occurred.
The damage comes after less than two years in operation. The rubber dam, or Salinas River Diversion Facility, delivered 3,400 acre-feet of water to North County farmers this year as part of the Castroville Seawater Intrusion Project.
Major scour damage to the river bottom that moved riprap and gravel could've put the structure of the dam in danger, according to Brent Buche, Chief of Operations and Maintenance at MCWRA.
County counsel is investigating whether engineers and contractors on the original plans and construction may be liable for the $1.2 million in repairs.
For the Weekly's slideshow of the damage and early phases of construction, click here.
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