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PUC staff says WESA program broadly on track but flags EIR-driven delays
Summary
PUC staff presented the fifth quarterly WESA report, saying program-level schedule and cost indices show the program generally ‘on track’ but highlighting project-level delays—most notably a 15‑month delay at Crystal Springs tied to environmental review—and ongoing risk assessments.
PUC Director-level staff reported that the Water Enterprise Capital Improvement Program (WICIP/WESA) is broadly on track at the program level but that several projects carry schedule and environmental risks that could affect specific completion dates.
Julie Labonte, WICIP Director, told the commission that when schedule and budget data are rolled up to the program level results indicate the program is on track; she cited a schedule performance index of about 0.97 and said earned value to date is "just over $181,000,000." Labonte said project‑level review shows most projects within 10% of their early planned performance but identified the Crystal Springs Bypass Tunnel as delayed by about 15 months because a project‑specific EIR is required.
Labonte described mitigation work already completed on several projects and said staff are proceeding with site-specific environmental reviews in parallel with the programmatic PEIR to reduce schedule risk. She described other schedule drivers—contracting problems, access to private property for geotechnical work, and late comments from the California Division of Safety of Dams on reservoir projects—and said staff are conducting a program risk assessment and have assigned regional PMs to problem projects.
Commissioners pressed staff on whether a delay in the PEIR would push project completion dates. Tony Irons, Deputy General Manager, said the PEIR delay does not automatically shift completion dates because design work is being completed concurrently and because project‑specific EIRs are being produced where necessary; however he acknowledged that project‑specific environmental review timing could still significantly affect some completion schedules. Labonte said staff plan to submit revisions to the PUC's encroachment policy and to finalize right‑of‑way assessments and RFPs for regional construction management.
Labonte and Tony Irons also told the commission they are increasing contractor compliance enforcement, have terminated at least one contract for noncompliance, and are expanding quality‑management and cost‑control reviews. The commission asked for regular updates on critical pipelines and seismic‑risk priorities.
