FROM: Robert Thompson, General Manager
Originator: Mike Dorman, Director of Engineering
SUBJECT:
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PAYMENT OF COASTAL DEVELOPMENT PERMIT APPLICATION FEE FOR OCEAN OUTFALLS REHABILITATION, PROJECT NO. J-137
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GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
RECOMMENDATION: Recommend to the Board of Directors to:
A. Find that the recommended action is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) under the Class 1 and 6 categorical exemptions set forth in CEQA Guidelines Section 15301, Existing Facilities, and CEQA Guidelines Section 15306, Information Collection;
B. Approve payment to the California Coastal Commission in an amount not to exceed $195,120, which includes a contingency of $32,520 (20%), for the Coastal Development Permit Application fee for the Ocean Outfalls Rehabilitation, Project No. J-137.
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BACKGROUND
The Orange County Sanitation District (OC San) discharges treated water to the Pacific Ocean through two ocean outfalls. The 120-inch Long Outfall is the primary discharge pipeline and extends approximately five miles offshore. The 78-inch Short Outfall is reserved for emergency use and maintenance of the Long Outfall.
The project is currently in Phase 1 design of progressive design-build.
RELEVANT STANDARDS
• Comply with environmental permit requirements
• Sound engineering and accounting practices, complying with local, state, and federal laws
PROBLEM
The planned rehabilitation work requires a Coastal Development Permit from the California Coastal Commission. The Commission will not begin processing OC San's permit application until it receives the required application fee.
PROPOSED SOLUTION
Approve payment of the required application fee so permit review can proceed during Phase 1 in support of the planned construction schedule.
TIMING CONCERNS
Delaying payment would delay permit review and could affect the Phase 1 schedule and planned start of construction.
RAMIFICATIONS OF NOT TAKING ACTION
If payment is not approved, the California Coastal Commission will not process the permit application. OC San would not be able to proceed with rehabilitation work that requires the permit.
PRIOR COMMITTEE/BOARD ACTIONS
November 2025 - Approved a project budget increase of $10,500,000 for Ocean Outfalls Rehabilitation, Project No. J-137, for a new total project budget of $110,500,000; awarded a Progressive Design-Build Contract with Aqueos Corporation to provide Phase 1 progressive design-build services for Ocean Outfalls Rehabilitation, Project No. J-137, for an amount not to exceed $16,130,000; and approved an upper limit for this Contract of $94,193,000, which includes contingency.
November 2024 - Approved a Professional Services Agreement with Hazen and Sawyer to provide engineering services for Progressive Design-Build Owner-Advisor, Program Management, and Professional Engineering Support Services, Project No. PDB24-00, for an amount not to exceed $19,340,000; and approved a contingency of $1,934,000 (10%); found approval of the Professional Services Agreement with Hazen and Sawyer is not a project subject to the California Environmental Quality Act.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
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CEQA
The Phase 1 Scope of Services is exempt from CEQA under the Class 1 and 6 categorical exemptions set forth in California Code of Regulations Sections 15301 and 15306. A Notice of Exemption was filed and recorded with the OC Clerk-Recorder and State Clearinghouse on 11/25/2025.
FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS
This request complies with the authority levels of OC San’s Purchasing Ordinance. This item has been budgeted (Budget FY 2026-27 and 2027-28, Section 8, Page 42, Ocean Outfalls Rehabilitation, Project No. J-137).
ATTACHMENT
The following attachment(s) may be viewed on-line at the OC San website (www.ocsan.gov) with the complete agenda package:
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