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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11939RESOLUTION NO. 11939 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE WASTEWATER DEPARTMENT TO PARTICIPATE IN THE COLORADO WATER CONGRESS WATER QUALITY COMMITTEE AND NUTRIENT SUB-COMMITTEE IN PREPARATION FOR THE COLORADO DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL NUTRIENT RULEMAKING HEARING SCHEDULED FOR JUNE 13, 2011 WHEREAS, the City of Pueblo owns, operates and maintains a wastewater system subject to the requirements of the Federal Clean Water Act and the Colorado Water Quality Control Act; and WHEREAS, the City of Pueblo is directly impacted by Water Quality regulations in terms of compliance and finances; and WHEREAS, the City of Pueblo’s Wastewater Colorado Discharge Permit System (CDPS) permit, that dictates normal operations, is periodically impacted by these regulations; and WHEREAS, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has scheduled a list of public hearings and workgroup processes where affected parties are afforded the opportunity to comment on proposals NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF PUEBLO, that: SECTION 1. The Wastewater Department is hereby authorized to participate in the Colorado Water Congress Water Quality Committee and Nutrient Sub-Committee in preparation for the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environmental Nutrient Rulemaking Hearing scheduled for June 13, 2011. INTRODUCED: July 26, 2010 BY: Vera Ortegon /COUNCILPERSON Background Paper for Proposed RESOLUTION # M-7 AGENDA ITEM DATE: July 26, 2010 DEPARTMENT: WASTEWATER DEPARTMENT GENE MICHAEL, DIRECTOR TITLE A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE WASTEWATER DEPARTMENT TO PARTICIPATE IN THE COLORADO WATER CONGRESS WATER QUALITY COMMITTEE AND NUTRIENT SUB-COMMITTEE IN PREPARATION FOR THE COLORADO DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL NUTRIENT RULEMAKING HEARING SCHEDULED FOR JUNE 13, 2011 ISSUE Should the City Council authorize the Wastewater Department to participate in the Colorado Water Congress Water Quality Committee and Nutrient Sub-Committee in preparation for the Colorado Department of Public Health And Environmental Nutrient Rulemaking Hearing scheduled for June 13, 2011? RECOMMENDATION Approval of this Resolution BACKGROUND The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment will hold a Nutrient Rulemaking June 13, 2011 before the Water Quality Control Commission to determine what nutrient standards will be adopted for the Colorado streams, lakes and reservoirs. Nutrient standards will require that wastewater treatment facilities remove phosphorus and several forms of nitrogen in addition to ammonia. This level of treatment will go beyond the treatment provided by the upgrade presently underway at the James R. DiIorio Water Reclamation Facility. The preliminary standards proposed by the Water Quality Control Division suggest that adoption of the proposed values would have a significant economic impact due to requirements to provide further treatment. A technical evaluation of the need for the criteria indicated that the most costly components of the proposal for nitrogen reduction and stream standards are not well supported by science. Detailed scientific assessments, monitoring and alternative regulatory approaches will be needed to provide the Division with an acceptable alternative basis for action. FINANCIAL IMPACT There is no immediate financial impact to the City of Pueblo. Involvement in the public process will help the City of Pueblo to identify proposed rules that may have a financial or legal impact in the City, and allow City staff to influence the rulemaking process. This involvement in the public process is expected to help Pueblo to control future wastewater treatment costs.