by Mick Rhodes | editor@claremont-courier.com

In a surprise move early Wednesday, Three Valleys Municipal Water District’s Board of Directors terminated its contracts with Cadiz and Aquilogic to “host” the controversial Bonanza Springs study.

The decision apparently caps a yearslong saga that had become a hot button issue leading up to the November 8 election in which 19-year Three Valleys Division III Board member Brian Bowcock was ousted by political newcomer Jeff Hanlon.

The November 16 separation agreement and release stipulates Three Valleys is not responsible for finding another home for the Bonanza Springs study, which had been reported earlier as a likely requirement for the proposed breakup.

“This is a win for our district, and a great relief to those of us who sought the end to the study while guarding against any potential lawsuits,” Hanlon told the COURIER. “I sincerely hope that this means we can move forward to productively seek long-term solutions to our water needs and shortfalls from sustainable sources. I enthusiastically applaud this outcome.”

A cursory reading of the multiple-page agreement indicates all parties have agreed to walk away from the Bonanza Springs study cleanly, without the time and likely significant expense of heading to court.

The release reads, in part, “Cadiz shall indemnify and hold [TVMWD] and its officers, directors, shareholders, agents, and employees, harmless from and against all claims and liabilities of any kind arising out of, in connection with, or resulting from, the Professional Services Agreement, the Study Program, the Obligations, and/or the Assigned Matters except for beach of this Consent, and defend [TVMWD] and its officers, directors, shareholders, agents, and employees from any suits or actions at law in in equity and to pay all court costs and counsel fees incurred in connection therewith.”

The agreement is posted at threevalleys.com, click on “News,” “Bonanza Springs.”