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.