Title
Public Hearing on Proposed Reclaimed Water Code Amendments
Body
Issue:
The City of Olympia is proposing code amendments to the Reclaimed Water Ordinance (Olympia Municipal Code, OMC 13.24).
Committee Recommendation:
The Utility Advisory Committee supports adoption of the proposed code amendments to the Reclaimed Water Ordinance.
The Community Planning & Development Department has issued a State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) Determination of Nonsignificance for the proposed code amendments to the Reclaimed Water Ordinance.
The Council Land Use and Environment Committee supports moving the proposed code amendments to the Reclaimed Water Ordinance forward in the adoption process to City Council.
Director's Recommendation:
Conduct a Public Hearing on proposed code amendments to the Reclaimed Water Ordinance (OMC 13.24). Receive input from the public and refer to deliberations on August 5, 2013.
Staff Contact:
Donna Buxton, Senior Program Specialist, 360.753.8793
Presenter:
Donna Buxton, Senior Program Specialist, 360.753.8793
Background and Analysis:
Staff briefed the Planning Commission on the Water Utility's Reclaimed Water Program and the proposed code amendments to the Reclaimed Water Ordinance on May 20, 2013. At the briefing, the Commission provided input and asked staff to return with a draft code amendment for review. The proposed code amendments, responses to questions from the Commission briefing, and other supporting materials are attached.
The proposed code amendments close regulatory gaps, add engineering fees, service charges, and rates (to be consistent with existing development and utility models), and eliminate redundant and inconsistent language. The code amendments include extensive reorganization for improved ease of use such that the Reclaimed Water Ordinance would be "repealed and replaced".
Highlights of the proposed revisions include:
· Establishing fees, rates and charges for reclaimed water system construction and service.
· Prohibiting reclaimed water use outside City limits.
· Allowing established customers to convey reclaimed water to City-approved direct tenants.
· Mirroring drinking water cross-connection control requirements.
· Allowing indoor use of reclaimed water without backup potable supply, where backup water is unnecessary.
· Clarifying and expanding metering requirements.
Neighborhood/Community Interests:
As follow up to outreach in 2011, staff recently re-informed reclaimed water customers and the business community about the proposed code amendments to the Reclaimed Water Ordinance.
Options:
Hold a Public Hearing on the "Proposed Reclaimed Water Code Amendments"
Financial Impact:
The proposed code amendments can be implemented with existing staff resources; no additional Utility funds are needed.