Consultants flag groundwater, AC water mains and utility conflicts as major construction risks

Wagner warned that shallow groundwater in parts of Los Olivos, particularly the south end, will increase construction difficulty and cost and could require dewatering depending on seasonal conditions. She listed permitting unknowns with the Regional Water Quality Control Board regarding groundwater encountered during construction and said more investigation is required.

A specific utility concern is ID 1's asbestos-cement (AC) water pipe network in the community. Wagner said AC pipe is brittle and crossings will require protection; she said the team expects breaks in the water system during construction if not properly mitigated, which will raise project cost and complexity. Consultants recommended potholing, surveys and coordination with utility owners as next steps to reduce these risks.