TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager to execute all documents necessary to enter into an agreement with Moffatt & Nichol Engineers for engineering design services for the Colorado Lagoon Restoration Project, in an amount not to exceed $1,050,985, including any required amendments to the contract to extend the term and adjust the fee schedule of hourly rates for inflation for any term extensions. (District 3)
DISCUSSION
The Colorado Lagoon (Lagoon) is a 28.3-acre tidal lagoon located in the middle of a suburban neighborhood (Exhibit A). It serves three main functions: 1) hosting sensitive estuarine habitat; 2) providing public recreation (including swimming); and 3) retaining and conveying storm flows. The Lagoon is used by hundreds of visitors from communities within and surrounding the City of Long Beach (City).
The water and sediment quality within the Lagoon has degraded over time. The Lagoon is currently listed on California's 303(d) list of impaired water bodies due to elevated levels of lead, zinc, chlordane, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the sediment and frequent high-bacterial levels in the water. Contaminants of concern have also been found in fish and mussel tissue. While swimming remains a popular activity at the Lagoon, beach closures due to unacceptable bacterial levels is a common problem. Current pollutant levels and the limited tidal flushing in the Lagoon aggravate these adverse recreational conditions.
The purpose of the Colorado Lagoon Restoration Project is to restore the site's ecosystem, enhance recreational opportunities, and improve water and sediment quality while adequately managing storm water flows. In 2005, with grant funding from the California Coastal Conservancy, Moffatt & Nichol Engineers (M&N) prepared a Restoration Feasibility Study (Study) for the City that evaluated and recommended feasible opportunities to restore the marine ecosystem, support safe recreation, improve water and sediment quality, and ...
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