Minutes 09/25/2018 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

September 25, 2018 Ayes: Clark, Lucas-Burke, Moody, Psimas, Smith, Whitaker, Rowe Nays: None 18 - 371 - Adoption of a resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute an amendment to that certain Memorandum of Agreement dated March 10, 2014 with Hampton Roads Sanitation District and twelve other localities regarding wet weather sanitary sewer overflows. Background:  Portsmouth and 12 other localities in the region signed a consent order with the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to address wet weather sanitary sewer overflows. HRSD has a similar consent order with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).  The consent order requires the development of a wet weather plan to ensure adequate sewer system capacity during wet weather events.  In 2013, HRSD, with the participation of all 12 localities, completed a study evaluating a regional consolidation approach of the locality sewer systems into a single regional system as a more cost-effective way to comply with the consent order. The study concluded that regionalization could potentially save a collective $1 billion in the region. However, several localities communicated to HRSD their reluctance to vote for regionalization.  HRSD and the localities developed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) whereby HRSD would be responsible for the wet weather management plan and associated capital improvements, but the localities would still own and operate their individual sewer collection systems. This MOA was executed by all parties in 2014. Discussion:  Subsequent to execution of the MOA, HRSD developed the Sustainable Water Initiative for Tomorrow (“SWIFT”), which entails treating water that would otherwise be discharged to the Chesapeake Bay watershed to drinking water standards and adding it to the Potomac aquifer; like wet weather management, the SWIFT project will reduce nutrient and sediment discharge to the Chesapeake Bay, and SWIFT provides the added benefit of bolstering long-term regional groundwater supplies.  In September 2017 HRSD submitted an Integrated Regional Wet Weather Management Plan to EPA (the “Integrated Plan”). This Integrated Plan modifies the timeframe for dealing with wet weather discharges to incorporate a heightened near-term focus on SWIFT.  Under the Integrated Plan, HRSD will perform priority wet weather work between 2018 and 2030, while at the same time implementing the SWIFT project. As part of the Integrated Plan, HRSD proposes to revisit the regional wet weather capacity needs in 2028 and resubmit a plan addressing the needs not addressed by the priority projects to EPA in 2030. Depending on the extent of the work necessary at that time, completion of all wet weather work could extend beyond 2053.  The proposed Amendment adjusts the schedule to take SWIFT into account. It does not adjust the relative substantive responsibilities of the parties. HRSD remains responsible for developing, financing, and implementing the Regional Wet Weather Management Plan and localities remain responsible for operating their own local sewer systems. Financial Impact:  There is no financial impact associated with this amendment. Recommended Action:  Approval of the resolution. Next Steps Following Council Action:  The City Manager will execute the First Amendment to the MOA. Motion by Mr. Moody, and seconded by Mr. Smith, to adopt the following resolution, and was adopted by the following vote: