TITLE:title
Conservation Easement Conveyance - Catawba River Water Treatment Plant
body
INFORMATION CONTACT:
John Shutak, Union County Water, Engineering Director, 704-283-3651
ACTION REQUESTED:
Authorize the County Manager to 1) negotiate and execute agreements substantially consistent with this agenda item, 2) exercise any renewal or extension term options set forth in the agreements, and 3) terminate the agreements if deemed in the best interest of the County, each in the County Manager's discretion.
PRIOR BOARD ACTIONS:
None.
BACKGROUND:
As part of the reservoir expansion project completed at the Catawba River Water Treatment Plant (CRWTP), United States Army Corps of Engineers 401/404 permits were obtained. As a condition of closing these permits, conservation easements are required to be dedicated covering an unnamed tributary and the perimeter of the reservoir protecting these areas from disruption in perpetuity.
To facilitate the preparation of the conservation easements, Lancaster County Water and Sewer District (LCWSD) has incurred approximately $50,000 in fees related to survey costs, development of baseline condition documentation, legal fees, and stewardship fees. Union County is responsible for 50% of these costs and will provide reimbursement to LCWSD upon approval. The reimbursement is within the County Managers authority and will be finalized with the approval and recordation of the conservation easements.
Lancaster County Water and Sewer District approved the conservation easements on March 11, 2025, contingent upon Union County’s approval.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Funding is available within the existing capital plan to fund the fees associated with the conservation easement preparation and stewardship costs.