TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager to execute a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Los Angeles County Flood Control District (LACFCD) to establish the operations, maintenance, and general obligations for each party relating to the City-owned Low Flow Diversion (LFD) devices that are installed within LACFCD Storm Water Pump Plant Facilities. (District 3)
DISCUSSION
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has identified urban storm water runoff as the leading cause of water pollution in the United States. Federal and State agencies have found that water from driveways, parking lots, parks/fields, and streets are a major source of pollution in urban areas. In 2006 the City, LACFCD and the County Sanitation District of Los Angeles County (CSDLAC) worked cooperatively to deal with low flow urban runoff, providing for the installation of LFDs at pump stations around the Alamitos Bay. Subsequently, LFD devices were installed in Belmont and Appian Way pump stations. This program proved successful when sampling results showed significant improvements in 2007. F-grades issued by Heal the Bay in 2006 had improved to A's, B's, and a few C's in 2007. In 2011, Heal the Bay's, "End of Summer Report," produced results of all A's and one B around Alamitos Bay.
Staff recommends that the City enter into an MOA with LACFCD to establish the operations, maintenance, and general obligations of each party relating to the City owned LFD devices that are installed within LACFCD Storm Water Pump Plant Facilities. The MOA authorizes the City to use LACFCD facilities to install City owned LFD devices; the City agrees to be responsible for all necessary operation and maintenance of the LFD devices; the City shall also be responsible for obtaining and complying with all applicable permit requirements and regulations related to the discharge of water from the LFD devices. The City and LACFCD shall have no financial obligation to each other under this MOA. The MOA shall continue until terminated pursuant to the mutual agreement of both parties.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Amy Webber on May 30, 2012 and by Budget Management Officer Victoria Bell on June 7, 2012.
SUSTAINABILITY
The LFD devices divert dry weather flow into the sanitary sewer system thereby avoiding the transport of bacteria, heavy metals and hazardous material to our beach waters in the Alamitos Bay. Participation in this MOA will help to isolate and abate these pollutants, which will lead to improved water quality in the Alamitos Bay.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action on this item is requested on June 19, 2012, to secure the City's participation in the MOA and reduce the amount of bacteria and metals pollutants in the Alamitos Bay.
FISCAL IMPACT
The associated costs with this MOA are currently budgeted in the Department of Public Works (PW) in the General Fund (GP 100) and the Gas Tax Street Improvement Fund (SR 181). There is no known local job impact associated with the recommended action
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
MICHAEL P. CONWAY
DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS
APPROVED:
PATRICK H. WEST
CITY MANAGER