Board approves 25-year amendment to share maintenance of 3.5-mile effluent pipeline; vote 3-2

Special-district staff presented Amendment No. 2 to an existing agreement that governs a 3.5-mile Clear Lake Oaks-owned pipeline used to route effluent to the Southeast/Northwest system and on to the geysers. Director Borre and Clear Lake Oaks representative Diana Mann said the amendment formalizes shared staff inspections, collaborative valve/valve replacement work and joint cost-sharing for maintenance over $10,000.

Supervisor Sabatier and other board members asked for clearer, current financial spreadsheets explaining how cost shares are calculated and expressed concern that Exhibit 1 (1995 baseline) remains the governing formula; he recommended a shorter interim agreement while staff compiles updated numbers. Staff responded that the steam-supplier arrangement increases net cost savings over 25 years and that Clear Lake Oaks has historically borne full maintenance costs and would benefit from shared repairs.

After public comment and further discussion, the board approved the 25-year Amendment No. 2 by a 3-2 vote. Supporters said the pipeline arrangement is the most cost-effective method to manage effluent and that building a new parallel pipeline or converting to tertiary treatment and separate disposal would cost millions; opponents urged periodic review and clearer cost-share documentation. The amendment authorizes joint maintenance and shared inspections and obligates parties to meet and confer on capital repairs above $10,000.