Title
2019 Wastewater Management Plan
Recommended Action
Provide feedback on proposed Wastewater Management Plan goals, objectives and strategies.
Report
Issue:
Discuss proposed 2019 Wastewater Management Plan goals, objectives and strategies.
Staff Contact:
Susan Clark, Senior Planner, Public Works Water Resources, 360.753.8321
Presenters:
Eric Christensen, Engineering and Planning Supervisor, Public Works Water Resources, 360.570.3741
Diane Utter, Water Resources Engineer, Public Works Water Resources, 360.753.8562
Tom Swartout, Water Resources Engineer, Public Works Water Resources, 360.753.8441
Background and Analysis:
The City’s Wastewater Utility’s mission is to collect and convey wastewater to treatment facilities in a manner that protects the health of both the public and our environment.
We carry out our mission by maintaining and replacing existing utility infrastructure and planning for expansion into areas within the City and Urban Growth Area that are currently undeveloped or served by onsite sewage systems (OSS). Wastewater flows through City-owned sewer infrastructure to the LOTT Clean Water Alliance’s Budd Inlet Treatment Plan, where it is treated and either discharged to Budd Inlet, or reclaimed for beneficial uses.
The work of the Utility is guided by a masterplan approved in 2013. Under regulation, a wastewater (or sewer) utility is required to have a general sewer plan at the time a sewer utility is first established. Thereafter, plan updates are not a regulatory requirement. However, the Utility is updating the Plan because it serves as a valuable tool to facilitate efficient and effective management of programs and projects.
In spring 2018, a City cross-sectional Plan Update Team began meeting to update the 2013 Plan. Because the 2013 Plan serves as an excellent starting point, only minor updates are anticipated.
In January 2019, the UAC received a briefing on the plan update project, including:
• Planning requirements
• Project assumptions and timeline
• Utility accomplishments from 2013 Plan
• Key challenges
• Proposed 2019 Plan goals and objectives
Since that time, the Plan Update Team has:
• Revised the proposed 2019 Plan goals and objectives based on UAC feedback
• Drafted 2019 Plan strategies
• Further developed 2019 Plan text
• Hired a consultant to assist in developing revised cost estimates for Utility capital projects planned for the next 20 years
• Established a project webpage and announced the project in the March/April Five Things publication
For reference, the 2013 Wastewater Management Plan is available on the City’s website. Click on the hyperlink listed in the staff report.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
None known at this time. A project website has been developed and the Plan update project was included in the March/April Five Things publication.
Options:
Not applicable.
Financial Impact:
The Utility hired a financial consultant to update the financial strategy for the Utility, evaluate the impacts of projected operating costs and capital needs. The consultant will also evaluate the existing wastewater rate structure and provide potential alternatives.
Attachment:
Link to 2013 Wastewater Management Plan
Proposed 2019 Wastewater Management Plan goals, objectives, strategies