Based on a citizen's request, the 2015-2016 Santa Barbara
County Grand Jury has completed an investigation of the status of replacement
of air vacuum air release valves (AVARs) in the water delivery system through
the South Coast Conduit. This conduit provides water from Goleta to
Carpinteria. Although the United States Bureau of Reclamation owns this water
conduit, it is maintained by the Cachuma Operations and Maintenance Board
(COMB). A 2012 inspection by the United States Bureau of Reclamation found that
all 26 of the valves needed to be replaced. The Jury found that 20 AVARs have
been replaced and that COMB is currently ahead of schedule. The remaining six
identified AVARs have not yet been replaced, but are on a project work agenda.
Per testimony by officials, now is not an opportune time to replace these
valves.
The Jury has written a report on its investigation titled
"Water Valve Safety, Status of Air Vacuum Air Release Valves on the South
Coast Conduit". The report may be found on its website at www.sbcgj.org.
The Santa Barbara County Civil Grand Jury is a basic part of
government within the judicial branch. The Grand Jury acts independently, yet
is under the general control of the Superior Court Presiding Judge to assure
that it acts in accordance with the Penal Code of the State of California.
April
13, 2016
Edhat
Santa Barbara
Source: Santa Barbara County
Grand Jury
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