An eroding slope near Moorpark's western city limits is threatening a sewer line that serves 264 single-family homes, an elementary school and a public park.
The Ventura County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously on Sept. 1 to authorize emergency repairs along Peach Hill Wash, between Santa Rosa Drive and Kingsview Road. The 12-inch sewer main buried beneath the slope carries about 85,000 gallons of raw sewage each day, and the erosion also puts approximately a dozen nearby properties at risk, as first reported by the Moorpark Acorn.
The county contracted with Toro Enterprises Inc. to stabilize about 150 feet of the slope before winter rains arrive.
The urgency extends well beyond Moorpark. NOAA's Climate Prediction Center has reported a greater than 90% chance of a very strong El Niño event this fall and winter, with a 75% chance it could reach historic strength. Gov. Gavin Newsom proclaimed a statewide state of emergency on Sept. 21 to accelerate flood preparations.
Gregg Strakaluse, the Ventura County Public Works Agency's disaster response and recovery manager, outlined the agency's preparations in a county Q&A published Monday, Sept. 28. Roads and Transportation crews are clearing storm drains, culverts and areas beneath bridges to keep water flowing and reduce flooding risks. They are also trimming vegetation, testing generators and readying equipment.
Watershed Protection crews clear debris basins once accumulated material exceeds 25% of capacity and are preparing pump stations and mobile pumps for heavy rainfall.
One major project: crews are removing approximately 32,000 cubic yards of sediment from Fagan Debris Basin in Santa Paula. That is roughly enough to cover two football fields, side by side, with eight feet of soil. The cleanout is expected to be completed by the end of October.
"Clearing the sediment helps the basin capture debris and keeps water flowing through downstream channels, reducing potential flood impacts in populated areas of Santa Paula," Strakaluse said in the Q&A.
Water and Sanitation crews are increasing inspections of lift stations, wells, containment areas and generators. The agency recently repaired a damaged eight-inch sewer crossing along the Arroyo using a dual reverse-siphon system installed through horizontal directional drilling.
Strakaluse told the Board of Supervisors on Sept. 1 that "there is a 69% probability of a strong El Niño pattern, which could bring considerably more rain than normal and put additional strain on watershed facilities."
Ventura County Supervisor Jeff Gorell held a community briefing on Thursday, Sept. 24 at Leisure Village that covered El Niño preparedness, Arundo removal and wildfire readiness.
How residents can prepare
Strakaluse urged residents near rivers, creeks, hillsides or flood-prone areas to consider erosion control measures now. The agency offers a Homeowner's Guide for Flood, Debris and Erosion Control in English and Spanish.
Residents can find storm-related road conditions, flood warnings and emergency resources at the agency's flood preparedness page, which links to VC Alert emergency notifications, VCFloodInfo.org and Ready Ventura County.
