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RESOLUTION NO. 12069
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING PARTICIPATION IN THE
COLORADO DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH AND
ENVIRONMENT WATER QUALITY HEARINGS AND
WORKGROUP PROCESSES THROUGH 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 National Pollutant Discharge Elimination
System (NPDES) 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;
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF PUEBLO, that:
SECTION 1.
The Wastewater Department is hereby authorized to participate in the Colorado Department of
Public Health And Environment Water Quality Hearings and workgroup processes through
2011.
SECTION 2.
The City Manager is directed to file for party status on behalf of the City of Pueblo,
represented by the Wastewater Department and /or the City Attorney.
INTRODUCED: January 24, 2011
BY: Larry Atencio
Background Paper for Proposed
RESOLUTION
# M-10
AGENDA ITEM
DATE: January 24, 2011
DEPARTMENT: WASTEWATER DEPARTMENT
GENE MICHAEL, DIRECTOR
TITLE
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING PARTICIPATION IN THE COLORADO DEPARTMENT OF
PUBLIC HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENT WATER QUALITY HEARINGS AND WORKGROUP
PROCESSES THROUGH 2011
ISSUE
Should the City Council Authorize Participation in the Scheduled List of Public Hearings and
Workgroup Processes Where Affected Parties Are Afforded the Opportunity to Comment on
Proposals?
RECOMMENDATION
Approve this Resolution.
BACKGROUND
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment maintains a long-range schedule of
hearings that will be held before the Water Quality Control Commission. Each existing
regulation must be reviewed periodically, according to Section 25-8-202(f) of the Colorado
Water Quality Control Act, to solicit comments regarding whether particular regulations should
be retained, repealed or revised. A stakeholder workgroup process is used to assist the Water
Quality Control Division in developing workable rules on some issues. Water quality regulations
have direct impacts on Pueblo’s ability to comply and on the cost of wastewater service. It is in
the best interest of the City to have City staff participate in the public process via stakeholder
workgroups and to provide testimony in rulemaking hearings in order to protect the City’s rights.
A copy of scheduled hearings and workgroups for the remainder of 2011 is attached.
Wastewater Department staff will provide periodic updates to the City Council regarding public
process participation and receive direction from the City Council regarding policies.
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.