The Ironhouse Sanitary District faced significant operating expenses due to the recent winter storms. To address this issue, the District has taken the initiative to apply for assistance from both the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES). As a result, Ironhouse is now collaborating with FEMA and Cal OES on recovery.

The Collections department and Water Recycling Facility of Ironhouse expertly handled the overwhelming increase in storm water during the Winter Storms of 2023. Despite the collection system on Bethel Island reaching maximum capacity due to infiltration and inflow, the Collection crew safely removed 612,000 gallons of combined sewage and storm water. To prevent any overflows or backups caused by the excess storm water, an additional vacuum truck was hired, resulting in the successful removal of 323,000 gallons. Ironhouse's diligent Collections staff went above and beyond to ensure the safety and well-being of the community, without compromising their efficiency and professionalism, despite the increased cost incurred during that period.

Additional operational costs were also incurred at Ironhouse’s Water Recycling Facility. This facility protects the environment by treating wastewater 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Staff secured additional chemicals and outside services to ensure that all of the water (both wastewater and storm water) conveyed to the facility would be safely treated.

In January 2023, President Biden announced a major disaster for California because of severe winter storms, floods, landslides, and mudslides that began on December 27, 2022, and continued throughout January. Contra Costa County was among the many counties in the state that qualified for FEMA public assistance for damages caused by the winter storms.

Attached are links to the California Incident DR-4683: FEMA Environmental Considerations Greensheet and Public Notice: Major Disaster Declaration FEMA-DR- 4683 – CA.