Title
Public Hearing on the Draft 2019 Wastewater Management Plan
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
The Utility Advisory Committee reviewed the Draft 2019 Wastewater Management Plan and recommended forwarding it to Council for a briefing, public hearing and approval at a future date.
City Manager Recommendation:
Hold a public hearing on the Draft 2019 Wastewater Management Plan, and then move to approve the Plan.
Report
Issue:
Whether to hold a public hearing and approve the Draft 2019 Wastewater Management Plan.
Staff Contact:
Susan Clark, Engineering and Planning Supervisor, Public Works Water Resources, 360.753.8321
Presenter:
Susan Clark, Engineering and Planning Supervisor
Background and Analysis:
The 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.
The Utility carries out its 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 Plant, where it is treated and either discharged to Budd Inlet, or reclaimed for beneficial uses.
While a wastewater plan is only required at the time a wastewater utility is first established, the Wastewater Utility continues to update its plan to guide its work. The last management plan was approved in 2013 (2013 Plan). In spring 2018, a City cross-sectional Plan Update Team began meeting to update the 2013 Plan. Because the 2013 Plan served as an excellent starting point, the Plan Update Team proposed minor updates only, as summarized below:
• Consolidation of two 2013 Plan goals (water use and energy) into one new climate change goal.
• Revision of 2013 Plan objectives to reflect recent accomplishments and current issues facing the Utility.
• Elimination of 2013 Plan strategies the Wastewater Utility has accomplished, and incorporation of new strategies primarily focused on addressing climate change and adapting infrastructure to accommodate sea level rise.
• Revision of the challenges facing the Wastewater Utility to address current conditions.
• Incorporation of a revised system capacity analysis, including the incorporation of four capital projects into the 2019 Plan’s 20-year capital facilities plan to address future capacity limitations.
• Incorporation of a revised financial analysis.
Under the Draft 2019 Wastewater Management Plan (2019 Plan), the Wastewater Utility will emphasize the following existing key strategies:
• Conversions of OSS to municipal sewer.
• Prohibiting Sewer Tank Effluent Pump (STEP) systems for new subdivisions and commercial development while recognizing STEP systems may be appropriate in limited areas.
• Reducing Inflow and Infiltration.
• Asset Management Program Implementation (e.g. condition rating and preventive maintenance).
Recommended new key strategies include:
• Prioritizing extensions of gravity sewer systems over other sewer types (e.g. STEP, grinder).
• Exploring options for public participation in new regional lift stations as a means to construct sewers in areas where densities are not favorable to development-driven sewer infrastructure.
• Developing a force main cleaning program.
• Understanding STEP system maintenance costs.
• Supporting the City’s climate mitigation work and addressing sea level rise.
A State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) Determination of Non-significance (DNS) was issued on the 2019 Plan.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
The City developed a project website and sent customers project information in the City’s Five Things March/April 2019 utility bill insert. The Utility Advisory Committee reviewed the 2019 Plan and recommended approval. Staff held a public comment period on the 2019 Plan. Minimal comments were received. See attachment “Revisions Made to Address Public and Stakeholder Comments”.
Options:
1. Hold a public hearing and approve the Draft 2019 Wastewater Management Plan. Implementation of the 2019 Plan will ensure the needs of the community are addressed.
2. Recommend revisions to the Draft 2019 Wastewater Management Plan. This option will delay implementation.
Financial Impact:
The Wastewater Utility funds the Wastewater Management Plan. The 2019 Plan has utility rate and general facilities charge (GFC) implications. However, the implementation of future rates and GFCs is addressed during Council’s annual budget decisions. The Utility Advisory Committee will evaluate the financial information in the plan and will provide their recommendations to Council during the budgeting process.
Chapter 11 and Appendix H contain the financial analysis conducted for the 2019 Plan by the Utility’s financial consultant, FCS Group, including rate increases necessary to fully fund all recommended strategies and capital projects as presented.
Attachments:
UAC Letter of Support
Link to 2019 Plan and Appendices
Revisions to Address Public and Stakeholder Comments