Title
Street Sweeping Program Update
Recommended Action
Briefing only. No action required
Report
Issue:
Street sweeping program status update
Staff Contact:
Sue Barclift, Senior Stormwater Program Specialist, Public Works Water Resources
Presenter:
Sue Barclift
Background and Analysis:
Water Quality Street Sweeping
The City’s Municipal Stormwater Permit requires the City to develop and implement a stormwater management program. Olympia’s Storm and Surface Water Plan (SSWP) includes water quality improvement goals and strategies to address this requirement. Studies have shown that street sweeping is a cost-effective practice for removing sediment from roadways and significantly reduces pollutant loading to surface water. Street sweeping focused on improving water quality in stormwater is one of the SSWP strategies for pollution prevention.
For the past five years, the City’s Storm and Surface Water Utility (Utility) has worked to enhance the street sweeping program by shifting focus to sediment removal and increasing sweeper operating hours. The need for a second sweeper became clear due to frequent mechanical downtime and additional routine maintenance.
The Utility applied for and received a Water Quality Financial Assistance Grant to fund an additional street sweeper. Two sweepers will allow Olympia to move forward with an effective enhanced street sweeping program focused on water quality.
Enhanced Street Sweeping Program
Beginning in January 2021, the street sweeping program transitioned from a split between Public Works Transportation and the Utility to only the Utility. The Utility now fully funds and directs the program. The goal for the water quality focused program is to remove pollutants in the path of stormwater runoff before entering the City’s stormwater conveyance system and flowing into surface water bodies.
Water quality street sweeping priority routes are identified using GIS analysis that includes untreated stormwater catchment flow areas, untreated outfalls, high daily traffic count locations, and commercial, industrial, and high-density zones. First priority streets are located in untreated areas with proximity to untreated catchments that flow directly into water bodies.
Following delivery, the City’s second sweeper will concentrate on priority contaminant areas. The current sweeper will be assigned routes to assure all streets remain swept on schedule. Sweep routes will allow the sweepers to work in tandem toward water quality goals.
Second Street Sweeper Grant
The Utility received a Water Quality Financial Assistance Grant from the Department of Ecology for a second street sweeper in January 2021. The $1,461,410 grant funds the purchase of a second sweeper and three years of program development and operation through June 30, 2025.
The grant scope of work tasks and status are as follows:
• Task 1: Grant and Loan Administration; continuous throughout the term of the grant.
• Task 2: Enhanced Maintenance Plan; Ecology accepted the Olympia Enhanced Street Sweeping Plan (attached).
• Task 3: Equipment Purchase; Ecology accepted the sweeper purchase quote and the purchase order was submitted to Owen Equipment April 12, 2022. Delivery is expected in January 2023.
• Task 4: Operations and Maintenance Plan for Purchased Equipment; Due after sweeper is delivered.
• Task 5: Operation and Adaptive Management: Ongoing once the new sweeper is in full operation.
• Task 6: Project Close Out; The close out report is due July 31, 2025.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
Sweeping routes encompass the entire City. All neighborhoods benefit from the Street Sweeper Program.
Options:
Information only.
Financial Impact:
75% grant funded. 25% loan at 0.6%
Attachment:
Enhanced Street Sweeping Plan