Title
Briefing on the state of LOTT Clean Water Alliance
Recommended Action
Briefing only. No Action requested.
Report
Issue:
Receive the briefing.
Staff Contact:
Jesse Barham, Water Resources Director. Public Works Water Resources, 360.753.8164
Presenter:
Matt Kennelly, P.E., Executive Director, LOTT Clean Water Alliance
Background and Analysis:
LOTT Clean Water Alliance is a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation that provides wastewater treatment for the Olympia Community and our three other government partners. LOTT’s mission is to preserve and protect public health and the environment by cleaning and restoring water resources for our communities. Wastewater flows through City-owned sewer infrastructure to the LOTT Clean Water Alliance’s Budd Inlet Treatment Plant, where it is treated and either discharged to Budd Inlet or reclaimed for beneficial uses. The treatment plant is a critical community asset that provides advanced secondary treatment, including removal to help protect water quality in our local marine waters.
An overview of LOTT’s current operations, recent projects, and planning efforts will be provided.
Climate Analysis:
The LOTT Budd Inlet Treatment plant is a critical community asset that has a significant carbon footprint due to electrical demands at the treatment plant, as well as potential methane production during wastewater treatment processes. Recent projects and process improvements have reduced electrical usage. Future projects are planned to further reduce LOTT’s carbon footprint over time. Methane generated in the process is reused in a cogeneration facility to further offset energy use and reduce LOTT’s carbon footprint.
LOTT is also participating in the sea level rise collaborative work to ensure their critical infrastructure and processes are resilient over the long term.
Equity Analysis:
LOTT rates have potential impacts on the most vulnerable portions of the Olympia community, those with the least ability to pay. LOTT’s services also protect the environmental and human health of these communities. LOTT has a pilot program to discount connection fees for low-income housing projects and participates in city/community action council administered utility assistance programs to address financial hardships for eligible customers.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
LOTT provides essential public and environmental health services by providing advanced wastewater treatment to the Olympia community and other partner governments.
Financial Impact:
None at this time. The City collects LOTT rates and connection fee revenues on their behalf. LOTT rates and fees are set by the LOTT board every 2 years in their biennial budget cycle.
Attachment:
Weblink to LOTT 2050 Master Plan