Title
Utility update for LOTT Clean Water Alliance
Recommended Action
Briefing only. No action requested.
Report
Issue:
Receive the briefing.
Staff Contact:
Gary Franks, Water Resources Director. Public Works Water Resources, 360.753.8164
Presenter:
Matt Kennelly, P.E., Executive Director. LOTT Clean Water Alliance
Justin Long Finance & Administration Director LOTT Clean Water Alliance
Background and Analysis:
LOTT Clean Water Alliance is a regional wastewater utility providing treatment for the Olympia community and our three other government partners - Lacey, Tumwater, and Thurston County. One elected official from each partner serves on the LOTT Boad of Directors. LOTT’s mission is to protect public health and the environment by cleaning water and recovering resources. Wastewater flows through City-owned sewer collection infrastructure to the LOTT Clean Water Alliance’s (LOTT) Budd Inlet Treatment Plant, where it is treated to the highest standards on Puget Sound. The cleaned water is either discharged to Budd Inlet or undergoes further treatment to become reclaimed water for beneficial use.
LOTT staff will provide an update on current operations, recent projects, budgeting, and planning efforts.
Climate Analysis:
The LOTT Budd Inlet Treatment plant is a critical community asset that has a significant carbon footprint due primarily to electrical demands at the treatment plant from the required pumping and aeration processes required to meet regulatory standards. Recent projects and process improvements have reduced electrical usage. Against the 2015 baseline, LOTT has reduced its carbon footprint by approximately 30% overall and 42% per capita. Methane generated in the treatment 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 affordable 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:
The City collects LOTT rates and connection fee revenues in accordance with the LOTT Interlocal Agreement and remits payment to LOTT monthly. LOTT rates and fees are typically set by the LOTT Board every two years in their biennial budget cycle.
Attachments:
None.