Title
Approval of the 2013 Wastewater Management Plan
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
The Land Use and Environment Committee and the Utility Advisory Committee both reviewed and recommend the draft Plan. The Planning Commission received an informational briefing on the Plan.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve the 2013 Wastewater Management Plan.
Body
Issue:
The City Council held a public hearing on the 2013 Wastewater Management Plan at the October 8, 2013 Council meeting and directed staff to bring it back for action on the Consent Calendar.
Staff Contact:
Andy Haub, P.E., Public Works Water Resources, 360.570.3795
Presenter(s):
None. Consent Item.
Background and Analysis:
The City's Wastewater Management Plan guides the Wastewater Utility in operating, maintaining, and replacing its existing infrastructure as well as planning for growth. City Council adopted the current six-year Plan in 2007, and it has been largely implemented.
The Utility Advisory Committee (UAC) and the Olympia Planning Commission reviewed the draft Plan. The City Council also reviewed the Plan on July 23, 2013. At that meeting, Council authorized staff to distribute the draft Plan for public comment and schedule a public hearing for potential plan adoption. Since late July, we completed a formal public and agency process that includes the following review:
· State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA)
· Washington Department of Commerce
· Washington Department of Ecology
· Thurston County Environmental Health Program
· LOTT Clean Water Alliance
· City webpage and public notice distribution
· Legal notice of public hearing
To date, little public comment has been received. Both State and local agencies expressed support for the Plan. Attached is the previously submitted recommendation letter from the UAC supporting adoption.
The draft Plan does not request for appreciable new funding or staff. It provides a strategic management template for the next 6 years.
Key policy changes in this Plan compared to existing policies include establishing volume-based residential rates, more financial assistance for those seeking to convert onsite systems to the public sewer system, and a shift toward allowing new onsite septic systems under a broader range of circumstances. The Plan allows the use of alternative technologies such as Sewer Tank Effluent Pump (STEP) and grinder pump systems under certain limited conditions. These policies would better facilitate infill development without generating detrimental impacts to the environment or the regional sewer system.
If the City adopts the Plan, staff will further evaluate the policies within the Plan and potentially adopt them into the Olympia Municipal Code in 2014-2015.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
The Plan will affect current and future residents of Olympia and its Urban Growth Area. Key interested parties include residents pursuing infill developments as well as septic system owners. The 2013 Plan and subsequent changes to Olympia Municipal Code could benefit these residents by allowing very limited use of onsite systems, STEP systems, and grinder pumps.
Additionally, wastewater rates are the most costly component of utility charges paid by City residents.
Options:
1. Adopt the draft 2013 Wastewater Management Plan.
2. Defer Plan adoption. Resolve public and/or Council concerns.
Financial Impact:
None at this time. The draft Plan does not implement changes in wastewater rates or regulations.