EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. (November 18, 2023) – The El Dorado Irrigation District (EID) is making notable progress as it nears the completion of the second season of its Vegetation Right-of-Way Reinforcement (ROWR) program, a crucial initiative for the maintenance and enhancement of access along EID’s vital transmission line rights of way.
Covering approximately 120 miles and ranging in diameter from 16 to 72 inches, these transmission lines play a pivotal role in conveying both source and treated water across EID’s expansive 220-square-mile service area.
The ROWR program was instigated to address the challenges posed by overgrown vegetation along EID‘s infrastructure rights of way. Years of neglect and the complex terrain had led to dense vegetation growth, impeding access for necessary maintenance and emergency repairs. Original access roads and rights of way, constructed several decades ago, had become impassable, complicating the upkeep of critical infrastructure.
To tackle these issues, the EID Board of Directors allocated funding for three additional positions dedicated to vegetation management in the 2022 operating budget. The team was also equipped with a substantial upgrade, including the acquisition of a large-scale tracked chipper, enhancing efficiency and crew safety.
“The tracked chipper, alongside a new excavator equipped with a grapple attachment, has enabled our team to more effectively and safely clear vegetation, even in the challenging steep and wooded terrain that characterizes many parts of the ROWs,” explained Water Construction Supervisor Martin Humbird.
A key aspect of the ROWR program is its emphasis on community engagement and wildfire risk reduction. The District proactively communicates with affected property owners through direct mail, site visits, website updates, and social media platforms. The community has largely welcomed these efforts, particularly in light of increased wildfire awareness following events like the Caldor Fire.
“The program has successfully cleared over 52 acres along the Camino Conduit,” noted Drinking Water Operations Manager Patrick Wilson. “In the upcoming year, our focus will extend to two other main transmission lines, covering over 236 acres across more than 700 parcels. This ongoing effort not only ensures better maintenance of the District’s water transmission infrastructure but also significantly contributes to regional fire protection initiatives.”
The District maintains a web page at www.EID.org/ROWRProgram with more information about the program.
