CCWD Approves Concept of CHIPS Buy

Calaveras County Water District directors approved in concept the use and purchase of surplus property near West Point for use by the nonprofit Calaveras Healthy Impact Products Solutions.

CHIPS wants to use the 30 acres to produce wood chips for power generation and landscaping; sawmill and kiln operation; producing firewood, posts and poles and developing a native plant nursery for reforestation.

The CCWD board vote allows CHIPS to take the project forward to county planning staff for review.

CHIPS representative Rick Breeze-Martin told directors the organization is seeking funding from a variety of federal, state and private grants with county planning approval for a zoning change from public service to manufacturing expected within two years.

CHIPS and CCWD officials are to negotiate purchase details for the remainder of the year. CHIPS will have the land appraised and expects to pay the fair value of the property to CCWD.

“We want to get this done as fast as possible simply because (contractors) are ready to work,” Breeze-Martin said.

Though not yet planned, Breeze-Martin gave a warm reception to Director Dennis Dooley’s mention of using biosolids CCWD could provide for conversion to fertilizer. Dooley pointed to Jamestown Sanitary District as an outfit having success with such a process.

“There’s a million good reasons to move this forward,” Breeze-Martin said.

The board voted 4-0 in favor of the conceptual purchase, with Director Bob Dean not present. CCWD assistant general manager Larry Diamond and board president Jeff Davidson were quick to note the vote does not constitute any form of obligation on the district’s behalf.

Article courtesy of the Union Democrat. Contact Sean Janssen at sjanssen@uniondemocrat.com or 890-7741.