All News Releases By Date

EPA ANNOUNCES $2.5 MILLION IN FUNDING FOR SOUTH TAHOE PUD

Release Date: 3/16/1999
Contact Information: Leo Kay, U.S. EPA, (415)744-2201, Dawn Forsythe, STPUD, (530)544-6474, ext. 208

    SAN FRANCISCO   The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced the awarding of $2.5 million to the South Tahoe Public Utility District to continue work on replacing an aging  pipeline that transports treated wastewater out of the Lake Tahoe basin to irrigate ranch land in Alpine County.

    The funding will be used to complete construction of the A-line replacement that connects the local wastewater treatment plant to the Luther Pass Pump Station. That phase of the replacement is scheduled to be completed by the fall of next year.  Money will also go toward the second phase of the pipeline replacement that runs from the pump station to Luther Pass.

    The South Tahoe Public Utility District commended the EPA for the agency's commitment to the project.  Board member Duane Wallace expressed confidence that a continuing partnership between the agency and the district, with the support of Congress, would bring vital environmental benefits to Tahoe.

    "With this major step on the road to protection of Lake Tahoe, we're that much closer to finality.  An undertaking of this magnitude, in a fragile ecosystem surrounded by thriving tourism, is difficult," Wallace said.  ""We appreciate EPA's support as the project continues."

    EPA officials noted the importance of the export pipeline project.  "This funding will allow work to continue on a project that will reap great environmental and economic benefits for Lake Tahoe and Alpine County," said Felica Marcus, regional administrator for the EPA's Region 9.  "When completed, this project will translate into a safer, cleaner Lake Tahoe for those who live, work and play around this treasured natural resource."

    President Clinton vowed to secure funding for the pipeline project during a presidential forum held at Lake Tahoe in 1997.  The EPA awarded the district $7.15 million in July.  The total cost of replacing the pipeline is estimated at $37.2 million, and is slated for completion in 2005.

    According to Wallace, South Tahoe PUD plans to seek an additional $3.2 million in congressional appropriatins this year in an effort to fund the remaining construction of the pipeline within the basin.  Wallace was upbeat about the district's chances, pointing out that, "We're almost done.  With the continuing support from area congressmen, this round of appropriations will do it."

    The pipeline transports 1.7 billion gallons of recycled water to Alpine County each year, where it irrigates more than 2,000 acres of ranch land.  The 30-year-old pipeline had problems with breaks and spills over the past several years.

                              # # #