Project Description and Background:
OC San is constructing an 8-foot block wall along the Ward Street side of the Fountain Valley plant as part of a security enhancement project. OC San has a shared campus with the Orange County Water District which falls under Homeland Security guidelines for critical infrastructure. Because of the nature of the service we provide and the systems we operate, our facilities need to be secured and protected from intruders which unfortunately we’ve been victim to in the past. The project will also include the installation of interior security lighting and electronic surveillance along the south and west boundary of Plant No. 1, along Ward Street and Garfield Avenue.

Once the wall is constructed, approximately 80 Afghan pine trees ranging between 12-14 feet tall will be planted within the plant. The tree canopy will be seen over the wall to screen the plant. On the street side, the wall will have vines, similar to what is seen along Ellis Ave, with shrubs and other plants directly in front of the wall that will beautify the area (see image below).

OC San conducted various studies to evaluate options for constructing the wall, the condition of the trees, and to determine if trees could remain in place. Constructing an 8-foot block wall requires deep footing, and based on recommendations from a certified master arborist, it was determined that the root zone of the trees would be damaged during the wall construction. Constructing the wall in place of the existing chain-link fence would disrupt the tree roots thus affecting the health and safety of the trees. And while there are multiple rows or layers of trees, the roots are intertwined, and all trees are affected.

Schedule: December 2021 – Winter 2023

Update (01/05/2022): Tree removal has begun and will continue for the next couple of weeks.