[San Joaquin County] Grand jury faults Stockton utilities department

STOCKTON — The city’s Municipal Utilities Department drew broad criticism Wednesday over numerous job vacancies, potential pipe failures and levee settling at Stockton’s water treatment plant in a report released by the San Joaquin County Grand Jury.

Stockton officials declined immediate comment on the 18-page report.

“We just received it,” city spokeswoman Connie Cochran said. “We’re in the process of reviewing it. We’ll be providing our response within the 90-day time frame provided by the grand jury.”

The report delves deeply into city water services that are operated by the Municipal Utilities Department, or MUD.

According to the grand jury, its investigation was prompted by a complaint received last September alleging mismanagement of the department’s assets and failures to comply with safety regulations and to address infrastructure problems.

The report delves into three areas of concern: The city’s Delta Water Treatment Plant and intake and pump station facility at Eight Mile Road; overall safety and infrastructure issues; and working conditions for MUD employees.

The $220 million Delta Water Treatment Plant marked the largest public works project in Stockton’s history when it opened three years ago.

According to the grand jury, changes in ground elevation at the facility’s intake pump station raise concerns over employee safety. Additionally, the grand jury said, the water-treatment plant was shut down for about four months in 2014 because of low staffing levels.

As for the overall safety and infrastructure issues, the grand jury says corrosive hydrogen sulfide has been building up in sewer lines and has gone untreated for more than two years. Among the effects of this was the collapse of a 36-inch sewer pipeline under a community garden, persistent resident complaints over odors and worries over possible health consequences for MUD workers.

The grand jury report blames Stockton’s recently concluded bankruptcy for accelerating staff turnover, which cost the department technical expertise and top management, and resulted in pay cuts and low employee morale.

MUD employees have been open about their frustration in recent weeks. Numerous MUD employees turned out at two City Council meetings in the past month, staging an informational picket at the first and addressing Stockton officials at the second.

In all, the grand jury made eight findings and recommendations. Among its recommendations are that needed facilities repairs be made by September; that MUD officials address the council on the hydrogen sulfide issue, also by September; and that the department prioritize the filling of vacant technical positions.

The City Council is required to respond to each of the grand jury’s findings and recommendations within 90 days.

April 30, 2015

Stockton Record

By Roger Phillips