Title
Approval of Agreement with Port of Olympia to Access City Stormwater System
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve and authorize the Mayor to sign the Access Agreement.
Report
Issue:
Whether to sign the Access Agreement so the Port of Olympia can install equipment in City manholes and/or catch basins. The equipment will allow the Port to collect and test location specific sediment samples.
Staff Contact:
Sue Barclift, Water Resources Senior Program Specialist, 360.570.3805
Andy Haub, Water Resources Director, 360.570.3795
Presenter(s):
None - Consent Item
Background and Analysis:
In 2007, the Port of Olympia found high levels of dioxins in the sediments at its shipping berths and near stormwater discharge pipes. As a result, the Washington State Department of Ecology is requiring the Port to investigate the source of contaminated sediment entering Budd Inlet from the stormwater pipes. Because the City's stormwater directly discharges into Budd Inlet, the Port wants to evaluate whether the contamination is coming from the City or the Port. Therefore, the Port requests the right to install up to five sediment traps in City manholes or catch basins that are further upstream from the outfall.
The Port of Olympia is paying to install the sediment traps. This work is schedule to start in May and will be completed by June. They will start testing immediately with results compiled by December, 2015. The City is not funding the installation of the equipment but is providing field support during the testing.
The specific work is identified in Exhibit "A" attached to the Access Agreement.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
None
Options:
1. Authorize the Mayor to sign the Access Agreement with the Port of Olympia. The Port will be able to start installing equipment in May. The City and Port's collaborative approach helps gain insight into the source of contamination.
2. Direct staff to reject or modify the Agreement consistent with Council feedback. The Port may face fines from Ecology because they will have to delay testing until an agreement is finalized.
Financial Impact:
None at this time.
Attachment:
Port-City Access Agreement, Exhibit A - Scope of Work