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File #: 24-0199    Version: 1
Type: report Status: Filed
File created: 2/27/2024 In control: Utility Advisory Committee
Agenda date: 3/7/2024 Final action: 3/7/2024
Title: Street Sweeping Program Update
Attachments: 1. Staff_Presentation_Street Sweeping Update_UAC_3-7-2024
Title
Street Sweeping Program Update

Recommended Action
Briefing only. No action required

Report
Issue:
Street sweeper program status update

Staff Contact:
Sue Barclift, Senior Stormwater Program Specialist, Public Works Water Resources

Presenter:
Sue Barclift

Background and Analysis:
Enhanced street sweeping is a water pollution prevention best management practice (BMP). A water quality focused sweeping program removes pollutants from streets before they mix with stormwater and enter the City's storm drains and waterways.

In 2021, the Department of Ecology awarded the City's Storm and Surface Water Utility (Utility) a $1,461,410 Water Quality Financial Assistance Grant to implement an enhanced street sweeping program and purchase a second street sweeper. The grant requires 25 percent matching funds, which the Utility accepted as a low interest loan, and requires the program to continue for three years after the grant term is completed.

The new grant-funded, second sweeper began operating in December 2023. The new sweeper concentrates on streets that have the most water quality improvement potential. The Utility's other sweeper responds to emergencies, spills, litter, leaves, and resident requests, and is assigned routes to assure all streets are swept on schedule.

During the briefing, Utility staff will update the UAC on implementation of the Enhanced Street Sweeping Program, focusing on planned community outreach and upcoming new stormwater permit requirements.

Climate Analysis:
Street sweeping protects aquatic ecosystems and improves air quality by removing pollution particles from roadways. While the operation of a second street sweeper will increase the City's greenhouse gas emissions, street sweeper routes are plotted to be as efficient as possible, thereby limiting time spent in traffic and less street overlap redundancy.

Equity Analysis:
The Enhanced Street Sweeping Program benefits all groups by providing regularly scheduled sweep routes...

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