The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink About2013/09/17 Item 08 � - - j�` ,-- CITY COUNCIL .� _ =�:�.,, , - � = --�,._ AGENDA STATEMENT > - �-.. �� - �.. _ _ - � s�� ..s: crn�oF .�,. � - --- CHULAVISTA 9/17/13, Item g ITEA'I TITLE: RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COIJNCIL OF THE CITI' OF CHULA V'ISTA SUPPORTII��G DEVELOPA4ENT OF A LONG- RANGE REGIONAL \�'ATER REUSE PL�I�' P.i\TD SECONDARY EQUIVALE?�iCY Bl' THE b4ETR0 ��jASTE��%ATER JPr1/ng?RO COA�4ISSION FOR THE POINT A4A \l'aSTE�\TATER TREATD�NT PLAIvT SUB��LITTED BY: DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC R'ORKS ASSIST.A�\'T DIRECTOR OF ENG � T TG��QIN REVIE�VED BI': CITl' A�r12�'AGE d.s. ASSISTA?�'T CIT1' n rAGER(�' �hTHS VOTE: I�ES ❑ NO � SiT�'112AR1' On Jul�� 16, 2013; A4r. Scott Tulloch; consultant from Atkins; on behalf of the A4etro «'aste��=ater Commission presented a summarv of efforts to reduce flo�ti� to the Point Loma R%aste��ater Treaunent Plan (PL\VTP) and increase reliabilin and di��ersin of the region s ��ater suppl��. Tonieht's action ��ould be a statement of support to the A4etro \'�'aste��ater JPA/1�4etro Commission for the de��elopment of a long ranee �ti�ater reuse plan in conjunction ��ith a the secondan� equi�alency option for the PL�\rTP. ENVIRONI4ENTAL REVIE�V The Enviroruttental Re�ie�� Coordinator has re�°ie��ed the proposed acdon for compliance �vith the Califomia Environmental Qualiri Act (CEQA) and has deternuned that the activiri� is not a "Project" as defined under Section 1�378 of the State CEQA Guidelines because the action onlv imoh�es fiscal issues H�hich do not invoh�e an�� commiunent to an� specific project ��hich ma�� result in a potentialh sienificant phti�sical impact on the em�ironment; therefore; pursuant to Section 1�060(c)(3) of the State CEQA Guidelines the acti��it�� is noc subject to CEQA. RECOA'Li�4E\DATION Council adopt the resolution. BOaRDSlCO�Zn1ISSION RECOATi�4ENDATION I�TOt applicable. 8-1 9/17/13, Item Q Page 2 of 3 DISCUSSION The Point Loma R'astewater Treatment Plant (PLWTP) is operated by the City of San Diego and currently sen�es the Ciri� of San Diego and 12 member agencies throughout the County. The 12 member agencies comprise approximatelv 3�% of the total flow in the Metro Wastewater System. The Clean R�ater Act of 1972 requires that wastewater be treated to achieve certain protections before ocean discharge. The same act required the permitting of all wasteti�ater treatment plants. Wastewater treatment plant permits must be renewed every five yeazs. T}�pically waste��ater requires secondary treatment prior to release into the receiving N�aters (ocean). The Ocean Pollution Reduction Act (OPRA) of 1994 allowed the City of San Diego to apply for modified permits allowing PLWTP to continue operating at an Advanced Primary Treatment Level (APTL). For the PLWTP, said treatment has consistently demonstrated removal efficiencies that are very close to secondary standards. In order to secure "non-opposition" for the modified permits from environmental stakeholders; the City of San Diego agreed to and completed the following: 1) Prepared verifiable esrimates of the cost to convert the current 240 million gallon per day (mgd) PLWTP to Secondary Treatment Levels, 3)Conducted a comprehensive external scientific review of ocean monitoring implementing all recommendations for an enhanced ocean monitoring program and 3) Build 45 mgd of water reclamation capacity in the form of the North City Water Reclamation Plant and the South Bay Water Reclamation Plant. The PLWTP is permitted to treat, at an APTL, up to 240 million gallons of wastewater a day. The PLWTP has operated, at an APTL, for flows greater than 180 mgd while meeting or exceeding all general and specifically negotiated regulatory requirements. The City of San Diego has 20 }�ears of ocean monitoring data demonstrating that the PLWTP operating at an APTL consistently protects the ocean environment. The current modified permit for the PLWTP expires on July 31, 2015. Therefore, the City of San Diego staff must finalize a strategy and begin the extensive work required to secure the next five year permit in or around January 2014. Tl�e San Diego region forecasts the need for billions of dollars in ratepayer revenue to fund imported water supply projects to address transpoRation constraints and supply challenges, induding a ]ocally owned Colorado River pipeline and plans for at least three ocean desalination plants, all of which will require significant capital, operating and energy expenditures. Members of the metropolitan wastewater Joint Powers Authority (JPA) believe that permanent aeeeptance of a smaller (reduced outfall dischazge) PLWTP as an advanced primary treatment plant can be achieved through development and implementation of a comprehensive; systematic Long-Range Regional Water Reuse Plan (LRRWRP). The LRRWRP would include the diversion of at least 100 mgd of flow from PLWTP to water reuse projects. These water reuse projects ��ould result in new local water supplies, potable water, and a smaller secondary equivalent PLWTP (reduced Total Suspended Solids mass emission rates equivalent to those of a 240 mgd secondazy treatment PLWTP). To secure acceptance of a smaller secondary equivalent treatment plant is a fiscally prudent, environmentally sound critical regional priority. The LRRWRP will attempt to avoid billions of dollars of unnecessary capital outlay, energy and operating costs to upgrade a facility that already meets or exceeds all general and specifically negotiated regulatory requirements for ocean protection. The successful implementation of this proposed LRRN'RP ��ill also create the potential to avoid or downsize currently planned N�ater 8-2 9/17/13, Item � Page 3 of 3 transportation and supplv projects. In addition, the proposed LRRV�'RP will maximize local «�ater reuse by creatine a new, local, sustainable ��ater supph� while offloadine the PL�'TP facilirv. The LRR�VRP must increase public a��azeness, further catah�ze opportunities for storm warer capture and the use of aray ��ater and rainN�ater. In order to significantly off-load of the ueatment demand on PL�S'TP, the LRR�T�'RP must also expand recyded «�ater oppomuiities and implement a varietv of agency-specific and collaborati��e lazge-scale potable �a�ater reuse projects. Said projects must include direct potable reuse (DPR) and/or indirect potable reuse (IPR). The Cih� of San Diego has successfuily completed a 1 mgd Advanced �T�'ater Purification Demonstration Project. This demonstration project produces ��ater that is faz superior in qualin� to the ra�� ;�ater currently delivered to local reservoirs and produces potable water of a quality similar to distilled «�ater. The Cin� of San Diego has seen a chanee in the acceptance of the IPR process. San Dieeo's surveys indicare that the percentages of those favoring Advanced Treated recvcled water as an addition to the drinkin� water supply have increased from 36% in 200� to 73% in 2012. In addition; the Ciri� of San Dieeo has aiso achieved significant legislative progress associated ��ith the Advanced Water Purification Demonstration Project to advance both induect and direct potable water reuse projects. A successful effort ��ould secure state and federal leeislation accepting secondary equivalency at a smaller PL\�TTP makine any future permit «�aiver processes unnecessary. In addition; the development and implementation of the LRR\�'RP could eliminate the estimated $3.5 billion dollars capitaUfinancine eapense of uperading PLAjTP to secondary treatment (not to mention millions of dollazs in annual operatine costs). In addition, it could potently alleviate the potable ��-ater demand to such a degree as to allo�� a smaller Sacramento delta option and fe��er desalination projects avoidine additional billions of dollazs in capital; operating; and ener2}= costs. as �vell as cazbon emissions. DECISION A4AKER CONFLICT Staff has revie��ed the decision contemplated bv this action and has determined that it is not site specific and consequently the �00 foot rule found in Califomia Code of Reeulations section 18704.2(a)(1) is not applicable to this decision. CtiRRENT PEAR FISCAL I14PACT There is no current �eaz fiscal impact ONGOING FISCAL I17PACT There is no oneoing fiscal impact to the General Fund. There is potential for billions of dollazs in savings to ratepayers across the region. ATTACHMENTS None. Prepared by: Roberto )'ano, Sr. Civi!Engineer, Public [I'orks Department J:�Eneinccrl4GEKDA\CAS?013\09-17-13U2EPORT-P1V-LOng Ranee Reeional Wamr Reuse Plan.doc 8-3 RESOLUTION NO. 2013- RESOLUTIOI�� OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA SUPPORTING DEVELOPD4ENT OF A LONG-RANGE REGIONAL ��'ATER REUSE PLAi�' AND SECOI�'DARY EQUIVALENCY BY THE METRO WASTEWATER JPA/METRO COMMISSION FOR POINT LOMA WASTER%ATER TREATMENT PLAI�TT WHEREAS, the Point Loma Wastewater Treatment Plant (PLWTP) is a regional faciliry in the Metro Wastewater S}�stem, operated by the City of San Diego, permitted to treat 240 million eallons of wastewater per da}� to an Ad��anced Primary Level, serving a 12 member Joint Powers Authority that comprises approximately 35% of the total flow in the Metro V✓astewater System/PLWTP; and WHEREAS, the Clean \��ater Act of 1972 requires that wastewater be treated to achie��e certain protections before ocean discharge; and WHEREAS, the permitting of wastewater treatment plants, and waste��ater treatment plant permits must be rene��ed every five years; and WHEREAS, the Ocean Pollution Reduction Act (OPRA) of 1994 allowed the Cit}�of San Diego to apply for modified permits allo��in� PLWTP to continue operating at an Advanced Primary Treatment Level while meeting or exceeding all general and specifically negotiated regulatory obligations including ocean protection requirements; and WHEREAS, the current modified permit for the PLWTP expires on July 31, 2015, and City of San Diego staff must finalize a strategy and begin the extensive work required to secure the next permit in or around Januar}� 2014; and WHEREAS, in order to secure "non-opposition" for modified permits from environmental stakeholders, the City of San Diego agreed to and successfully prepared verifiable estimates of the cost to convert the current 240 million gallon per day (mgd) PLWTP to Secondary Treatment Le��els, conducted a comprehensive external scientific review of ocean monitoring implementing all recommendations for an enhanced ocean monitoring program; and built 45 mgd of �rater reclamation capacity in the form of the North City R'ater Reclamation Plant and the South Bay Water Reclamation Plant; and WHEREAS; the Cit}� of San Diego has 20 years of ocean monitoring data demonstratine that the Advanced Primarv PLWTP consistently protects the ocean environment and WHEREAS, the Cit;� of San Diego has successfully completed a 1 mgd Advanced Vdater Purification Demonstration Project producing water that is far superior in quality to raw �vater currently deli��ered to local reservoirs, and produces potable ��ater of a quality similar to distilled water; and 8-4 Resolution No.2013- Pase 2 R�"�IERE.AS; the Cim of San Die�ds sur��ey indicates that percentages of those favorina Advanced Treated rec��cled «�ater as an addition to the drinking water supply ha��e increased from 36% in 2004 to 73% in 2012: and �4'HEREAS, the Cin� of San Diego has also achieved sienificant leeislative progress associated with the .Advanced \�'ater Purification Demonstration Project to ad��ance both indirect and direct potable ��ater reuse projects; and \4'HEREAS, the San Diego region forecasts the need for billions of dollars in ratepayer revenue to fund imported water suppl�� projects to address vansportation constraints and suppl}� challenges; includine a locall�� o��ned Colorado River pipeline and plans for at least three ocean desalination plants� all of ��hich «�ill require sienificant capital; operatine and energ�� expendimres; and \\'HEREAS: it is possible to de�elop a long-range reQional ��ater reuse plan (Lone-Ranee Regional �'�'ater Reuse Plan) to divert at least 100 mgd of flo�� from PL�I%TP lareeh� to ��ater reuse projects resulting in ne�v. local ��ater supplies, includine potable �rater, and a smaller secondary equi��alent PL�4'TP ��ith reduced Total Suspended Solids mass emission rates equivalent to those of a 240 med secondary treatment PL�4'TP; and R'I-IEREAS, this proposed Lona-Range Reeional ��'ater Reuse Plan �vill a��oid billions of dollars in unnecessaz�� capital; financing; enerey and operatina costs to up�rade a facilitv that already meets or exceeds all general and specifically ne2otiated regulatory requirements for ocean protection; and \'�'HEREAS, successful unplementation of this proposed Long-Range Regional �lrater Reuse Plan also creates the potential to avoid or do�amsize cunently planned water transponation and supply projects; and R'HEREAS; this proposed Long-Ranee Regional \�'ater Reuse Plan to ma�imize local water reuse to create a ne��, locaL sustainable water supply while offloading PL\'�'TP to secure acceptance of a smaller secondan� equivalent treatment plant is a fiscally prudent, emironmentalh� sound critical regional priorit��. \'O�', THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Cin� Council of the Cih of Chula Vista, as follows: 1. The Cit�� of Chula Vista supports developin2 a Long-Range Regional �'�'ater Reuse Plan that includes the most cost effecti��e �;�ater reuse options; includine potable reuse, ��ithin the D4etro Waste��ater Svstem's service boundar}�. 2. The Cit� of Chula Vista supports de��elopine a Long-Range Reeional ��'ater Reuse Plan ��ith the soal of realizina a smaller secondan� equivalent PL�VTP to avoid spendine billions of dollazs in ratepayer monies for an unnecessan� up�rade to Secondary Treatment, instead potentiall�- funding the creation of ne�r water supplies; . ):�4nomev�FINAL RESOS AND ORDIi�A\CES�?013\09 17 13�RES0-P�V-Lone Range Reeional\�'ater Reuse Plan.doc 9l6/?013 3:47 PI�1 8-5 Resolution No?Ol3- Paee 3 including potable water reuse. 3. That Metro Wastewater JPA/ Metro Commission supports developing a Long-Ranee Regional V�'ater Reuse Plan to maximize opportunities to create new, loca] sustainable water supplies thereby creating opportunities to avoid or downsize billions of dollazs in future waCer supply projects. 4. That in addition, the D�etro ��'aste��ater JPA/ Metro Commission supports pursuing judicia] and/or legislative remedies for long-term acceptance of a smaller secondary equivalent PLWTP that continues to protect the ocean environment N�hile avoiding billions of dollars in capital, financing, energy and operatine costs for an unnecessar} conversion of the PLVJTP to Secondary 7reatment. Presented by Approved as to fonn by - � �G� Richard A. Hopkins Glen R. Googins ��;�z� Director of Public Works City Attomey J:�P.ttorney\FINAL RESOS AND ORD[IdANCES\2013V09 17 13\RESO-PW-Long Range Regional Water Reuse Plan.doc 9/6/2013 3:47 PM 8-6