Executive Landscape secures bid to remove debris from FPUD sewer plant

The Fallbrook company Executive Landscape, Inc., was the successful bidder for a contract to remove damaged trees and debris from the burned areas of the Fallbrook Public Utility District’s treatment plant.

A 5-0 FPUD board vote July 28 authorized a contract for $29,661 with Executive Landscape, which submitted the lowest of the three bids FPUD received.

The property, which includes FPUD’s plant and a solar energy field, is about 40 acres. Approximately five to seven acres of the southwest portion burned during the May 14-15 Tomahawk Fire which originated on the Naval Weapons Station. “The Tomahawk Fire that started on Camp Pendleton came in and burned a great deal of the undeveloped part of Fallbrook’s property,” said FPUD general manager Brian Brady.

The footprint of the treatment plant is approximately three acres, and approximately six to seven acres are used as a solar energy farm. None of the developed part of the property burned. “We were really fortunate,” Brady said.

The damage to the property also included burns and debris to two recently-installed pond liners and to fencing. Because the ponds were still under construction, the necessary repairs are covered by the contractor’s insurance.

Removal of the damaged trees and other debris will reduce future fire risk and other safety hazards. The loss of the brush will improve access for Executive Landscape. “It’s still easy to get in and out of the property,” Brady said.

FPUD had not included the cleanup in its operations and maintenance budget, although the Federal Emergency Management Administration may fund the debris removal. “We’ll be applying to FEMA for reimbursement on these costs,” Brady said.

FPUD may also be able to obtain California State Disaster Act funding, and since the fire began at the Naval Weapons Station it is also possible that FPUD’s costs may be reimbursed by the Department of Defense.