Title
Draft Wastewater Master Plan
Body
Issue:
The purpose of this report is to present the draft 2013 Wastewater Management Plan, focusing on potential policy changes in the plan.
UAC Deliverable: Review and provide input
Staff Contact:
Steve Sperr, P.E., Water Resources Engineer 360.753.8739
Andy Haub, P.E., Planning & Engineering Manager, 360.570.3795
Background and Analysis:
The City's Wastewater Management Plan (Plan) guides the Wastewater (aka Sewer) Utility in operating, maintaining and replacing its existing infrastructure, and planning for growth. The current Plan was adopted by City Council in 2007. Also known as a General Sewer Plan, Section 173-240-250 of the Washington Administrative Code (WAC) outlines what the 2013 Plan must address. The Plan needs to include information on the sewer service area, existing sewer pipes and lift stations, treatment facilities, plans for growth, operations and maintenance activities, cost of providing sewer service, and a capital improvement plan.
Attachment 1 is the draft Plan and Attachment 2 is the draft Appendices to the Plan. 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. Individual STEP systems would also be allowed under certain limited conditions.
Specifically, policy changes proposed in the draft Plan are limited to the following:
· No net increase in onsite septic systems (Objective 1B). Conversely, the 2007 Plan calls for a reduction in the number of septic systems over time. New septic systems in limited circumstances would be allowed under this Plan.
· Provide limited Utility funding for sewer extensions associated with individual septic system conversions to public sewer systems (Strategy 1B3).
· Allow the payment of City sewer connection fees over time (Strategy 1B4).
· Allow the limited use of alternative sewer technologies, specifically grinder pumps, for new development (Strategy 1C1).
· Allow STEP sewer systems for septic conversions and limited infill development (Strategy 1C2).
· Initiate volume-based sewer rates for residential accounts (Strategy 3A1).
If adopted by the Plan, these policies would be further evaluated and potentially adopted into the Olympia Municipal Code in 2014-2015. Otherwise, the Plan's 33 strategies refine and supplement ongoing program elements. The draft Plan meets the Department of Ecology's requirements for wastewater planning.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
Requirements and costs to connect to sewer; prioritizing sewer extension locations, equity of rates for lower volume customers, financial assistance for transfer of septic to sewer.
Options:
None at this time.
Financial Impact:
The financial implications of the Plan will be presented and discussed at the May 2013 meeting of the UAC.
Attachments:
1. Draft Plan
2. Draft Appendices to the Plan