Title
Approval of Washington Department of Ecology Grant Proposal Regarding Budd Inlet Water Quality
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to authorize the grant application.
Report
Issue:
The purpose of this report is to request Council approval to submit a $250,000 Budd Inlet water quality grant through the Washington State Department of Ecology (WDOE).
Staff Contact:
Joe Roush, Environmental Services Supervisor, 360.753.8563
Presenter(s):
Not applicable.
Background and Analysis:
Applications for grant funding under WDOE and the National Estuary Program (NEP) addressing nutrient pollution in Budd Inlet are due on October 3, 2014.
The funding opportunity is specific to Budd Inlet and its ongoing problems with nutrient loading. Nutrients prompt marine plant growth and associated low dissolved oxygen concentrations. Both surface and ground waters discharge elevated levels of nutrients from a range of sources including sewage, agriculture, and fertilizers. Numerous regional efforts are underway to better manage Budd Inlet and its problems.
City Storm and Surface Water staff propose to submit a $250,000 non-matching grant application to Ecology. The purpose of the grant is to evaluate the effectiveness of using a regenerative street sweeper as a Best Management Practice for reducing and removing nutrients before they discharge to surface and ground water. The information obtained through this grant will be used to further develop a more effective and efficient street sweeping program with a focus on improving water quality.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
The City's Comprehensive plan identifies water quality as a high importance to the citizens of Olympia.
Options:
Approve or decline the request to submit the grant funding application.
Financial Impact:
None. The grant will cover necessary expenses.
Attachments:
None.