Project Information
Happy Valley Pipeline Phase II
EBMUD is improving the water system to meet existing and future demands in the areas of Orinda and Lafayette served by Happy Valley Reservoir. Currently, there is not adequate pumping and pipeline capacity to meet maximum-day demands.
The Project includes a new Happy Valley Pumping Plant and associated pipeline improvements. Phase I of the Pipeline Project was completed in summer 2009 and included the portion of the pipeline in Miner Road from Oak Arbor Road to Lombardy Lane in Orinda.
Phase II of the Pipeline Project consists of 2,500 feet of new pipeline starting at the Miner Road/Lombardy Lane intersection, where Phase I ended. The new pipeline will follow Miner Road to Tiger Tail Ct., where it will connect to an existing EBMUD pipeline. Phase II also includes the replacement of 350 feet of existing pipeline crossing Lauterwasser Creek (between Miner Road and Van Ripper) which is critical for fire flows. The replacement of the pipeline crossing Lauterwasser Creek will occur in Summer 2024.
The Happy Valley pipeline alignment was approved following preparation, distribution, and certification of a Supplemental Environmental Impact Report in March 2011. This alignment, shown here and in the PDF file below, was selected after study of several possible alternatives to the original approved alignment, which was on Lombardy Lane.
The Supplemental Environmental Impact Report (SEIR) for the pipeline route was approved by the EBMUD Board of Directors March 8, 2011. The Final SEIR consists of the Draft SEIR and the Responses to Comments document.
Miner Road Workplan and schedule
Construction of the pipeline in Miner Road will begin in late May 2023 and will continue through the fall of 2023. Work hours will be 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. during the Orinda schools summer session to maximize work progress during this time period.
Open trench construction will occur along Miner Road to install the pipeline. There is not sufficient room to keep a lane open to vehicles through the work area. Miner Road will be closed to through traffic and a detour will be established. Access to residences in the work area/closure zone will be accommodated but may incur some delays. The pipeline installation work will proceed from Lombardy Lane towards Tiger Tail Ct. Miner Road will be re-paved by the City of Orinda following completion of the EBMUD pipeline work.
The proposed project timeline is below, please note as with all construction projects, these dates are tentative and subject to change.
Stage 1 timeline: May 30 to June 12
Stage 2 timeline: June 5 to June 30
Stage 3 timeline: June 26 to August 8
Throughout the project, construction signage will be regularly updated to provide directions for residents and drivers regarding which route to take. It is important to note that no two sections of the staged area on the map will be closed simultaneously. Please review the three stages of the project on the map below. While there is no planned overlap of active construction during the project, contractors may need to move equipment between locations during different stages of the project.
The City of Orinda has committed to fully repave Miner Rd. at the conclusion of the project.
Traffic Detour
In close coordination with the City of Orinda and with approval from the Orinda City Council, EBMUD will implement the following traffic detour route. We are asking anyone who does not live on Miner Road to avoid the area as EBMUD crews perform this important work.
Contact information
Joe Voelker, Community Affairs Representative
Email: construction-east@ebmud.com
Phone: 510-287-2053
For after-hours, call EBMUD at 866-403-2683.
Published studies and other resources
The Happy Valley Pumping Plant and Pipeline Project is an element of the Water Treatment and Transmission Program. The EIR for the WTTIP was certified by the EBMUD Board of Directors in December 2006. The draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Report (SEIR) is available below.
Traffic Detour Map
The proposed project timeline is below, please note as with all construction projects, these dates are tentative and subject to change.
Stage 1 timeline: May 30 to June 12
Stage 2 timeline: June 5 to June 30
Stage 3 timeline: June 26 to August 8
Environmental documentation
| Document | Type | Size |
|---|---|---|
| Happy Valley Pipeline Project Phase II Map | <1 MB | |
| Presentation from December 14, 2010 Public Meeting | 1.7 MB | |
| Presentation from June 8, 2010 Public Meeting | 1.6 MB | |
| Happy Valley Pipeline Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Report | 3.9 MB | |
| Response to Comments (February 2011) | 1.3 MB |