Title
Approval of a Resolution Authorizing a Mutual Aid and Assistance Agreement with the Washington State Water/Wastewater Agency Response Network
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to Approve a resolution authorizing the City Manager to sign a Mutual Aid and Assistance Agreement with the Washington State Water/Wastewater Agency Response Network.
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve a resolution authorizing the City Manager to sign a Mutual Aid and Assistance Agreement with the Washington State Water/Wastewater Agency Response Network.
Staff Contact:
Eric Christensen, Water Resources Director, Public Works Department, 360.570.3741
Presenters:
None - Consent Calendar Item.
Background and Analysis:
Washington Water/Wastewater Agency Response Network (WAWARN) is a drinking water and wastewater (sewer) agency response network that allows mutual aid and assistance from other utilities systems during an emergency. Partner utilities sign the WAWARN agreement, which allows them to share resources with other Washington utility systems/agencies that have signed the agreement.
In the agreement, emergencies are defined as natural or human-caused events or circumstances. Some examples include, fire, flood, severe weather, drought, earthquake, volcanic activity, spills of hazardous materials, contamination, diseases and civil disturbances. The agreement and its partners recognize Federal Emergency Management Administration’s (FEMA) National Incident Command System (NIMS) which sets forth standardized incident management and response procedures.
There is no obligation for the City to respond to emergencies and there is no liability for failure to respond. The agreement covers issues such as requesting assistance, giving assistance, reimbursement, workers’ compensation, insurance, liability, and dispute resolution.
The following local agencies have already signed the WAWARN agreement:
• City of Lacey
• City of Tumwater
• Thurston County Public Works
This agreement will become especially helpful during a regional emergency, such as an earthquake. Local utility partners would likely be as affected as Olympia and unable to render assistance; thus, there is a need for the City to be part of a larger regional mutual aid network.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
This agreement is a benefit to the City of Olympia and its utility customers. Drinking water and wastewater utility operations staff could access needed equipment and resources during an emergency to ensure that vital drinking water and sewer services are maintained.
Options:
Option 1. Approve a resolution authorizing the City Manager to sign a Mutual Aid and Assistance Agreement with the Washington State Water/Wastewater Agency Response Network. Declining to sign the agreement will hinder the City’s ability to access and share resources with local utility partners during an emergency.
Option 2. Do not sign the agreement. During a catastrophic emergency, the City of Olympia could struggle to maintain utility services resulting in disruption of water and sewer service.
Financial Impact:
There is no cost to participate. The agreement covers issues such as reimbursement and workers’ compensation.
Attachments:
Resolution
Agreement
Website