TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager, or designee, to execute a Memorandum of Agreement, including subsequent amendments, with the Los Angeles County Flood Control District, California Department of Transportation, and the Cities of Carson, Los Angeles, and Torrance, for Implementation of the Dominguez Channel Estuary Bathymetry and Sediment Transport Special Study, in an amount not to exceed $8,198. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
City Council approval is requested to execute a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Los Angeles County Flood Control District (LACFCD), California Department of Transportation (CalTrans), and the Cities of Carson, Los Angeles, and Torrance (Cities), to conduct a Dominguez Channel Estuary Bathymetry and Sediment Transport Special Study (Study).
The Study was included in the Contaminated Sediment Management Plan (CSMP), which was approved by City Council on February 14, 2017. The CSMP is a planning document that outlines actions to support reduction in legacy sediment contamination in the Dominguez Channel Estuary. The MOA will establish the conditions under which the County of Los Angeles (County), CalTrans, the Cities, and the City of Long Beach (City) will collaborate on the implementation of the Study identified in the CSMP.
On March 23, 2012, the United States Environmental Protection Agency established the Total Maximum Daily Load for Toxin Pollutants in the Dominguez Channel and Greater Los Angeles and Long Beach Harbor Waters (Dominguez Channel Toxins TMDL) with the intent of protecting and improving water quality. The Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit encourages permittees to collaborate with one another in the development of planning strategies and projects to improve water quality in the County.
The Dominguez Channel Toxins TMDL requirements have been incorporated into the new MS4 permit, which required permittees, including the City, to develop a CSMP. The approved CSMP identified several special studies to provide a scientific approach to meet the TMDL requirements for the Dominguez Channel Estuary. To facilitate participation in the Study, the City will need to enter an MOA with the other participating agencies. Participating in the implementation of the Study is part of the City’s ongoing program to comply with the requirements of the MS4 permit. The total amount to complete the Study is currently estimated at $427,692, to be allocated to all participating agencies based on the percentage of area. The City’s allocated share is 1.92 percent (rounded), resulting in a cost of $8,198.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Linda T. Vu on June 15, 2018 and by Budget
Analysis Officer Julissa José-Murray on June 21, 2018.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on July 10, 2018, to ensure timely implementation of the MOA.
FISCAL IMPACT
The City’s participation cost for the Study under this MOA is $8,198. Sufficient funds are currently appropriated in the General Fund (GF) in the Public Works Department (PW). There is no local job impact associated with this recommendation.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
CRAIG A. BECK
DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS
APPROVED:
PATRICK H. WEST
CITY MANAGER