Title
Street Sweeper Program Overview
Recommended Action
Briefing only. No action required.
Report
Issue:
Briefing on restructuring the street sweeper program to focus on water quality and to continue providing public safety and improving aesthetics.
Staff Contact:
Sue Barclift, Senior Stormwater Program Specialist, Public Works Water Resources, 360.570.3805
Presenter:
Sue Barclift
Background and Analysis:
Olympia’s street sweeping program is managed by the Transportation line of business. Recognizing that street sweeping is a cost-effective practice for removing sediment from roadways, significantly reducing pollutant loading to surface water, the Storm and Surface Water Utility (Utility) has paid for half of the program for the past five years. The City currently operates a single regenerative air sweeper for a single shift.
Previously, the program focused on aesthetics and debris removal. Sweeping zone schedules and paper maps loosely guided sweeping routes resulting in regularly missed streets. Over the last three years, the Utility has played an increasing role in redirecting the focus of the program to benefit water quality. The process combined Global Positioning System and geographic information system technologies to direct sweeping route modifications and track progress. The focus is now on sediment removal before it enters the City’s stormwater conveyance system. Sweeping route development criteria include land use, street classifications, bike lanes, traffic loads, curbed streets, steep slopes, on-street parking, garbage routes, catch basin cleaning, treatment and flow control facilities, sanding routes, and proximity to surface waters.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
Sweeping routes encompass the entire City. All neighborhoods are directly affected.
Options:
Information only.
Financial Impact:
None at this time.
Attachments:
None