Cities Seek FEMA Aid After Landslide Disrupts Water Lines

In a recent government meeting, officials discussed the significant impact of a landslide that damaged critical water lines serving the cities of Kanesha and Fairfield. The landslide, attributed to heavy rainfall and high clay content in the soil, caused the ground to become unstable, resulting in the movement of the roadway by 12 feet toward Interstate 80.

The City of Fairfield's water line, which is part of a redundant system, was able to be temporarily shut down without disrupting service in the Cordelia area. However, the City of Benicia's 36-inch raw water line, which is their primary water source, could not remain offline for long. To address this, Benicia implemented a temporary solution by installing four 12-inch pipes, allowing them to restore water service within ten days.

As the cities seek funding from FEMA for the necessary repairs, officials are also moving forward with design work aimed at stabilizing the area and preventing future incidents. The design phase is expected to be completed by the end of November, with construction slated to begin in April 2025 and projected to last approximately six months.

To mitigate future risks, a soil wall will be constructed to reinforce the hillside, ensuring that the relocated water lines are protected from potential landslides. The overall goal is to have the roadway and water lines fully operational by late September 2025.