TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager, or designee, to execute a Memorandum of Agreement, including subsequent amendments, with the Southern California Stormwater Monitoring Coalition, to develop scientific and technical studies necessary for the implementation of National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Permit compliance, for a total amount not to exceed $80,000, for a five-year term. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
City Council approval is requested to execute a new Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Southern California Stormwater Monitoring Coalition (SMC) to continue implementation of the cooperative Stormwater Research Needs Program (SRNP). The SRNP develops scientific and technical tools for stormwater implementation, assessment, and monitoring to support the implementation of NPDES permit requirements. The objective of the agreement is to identify data gaps that inhibit effective stormwater management and/or regulation and prescribe specific studies to address the gaps. Each study is intended to result in specific actions or recommendations that benefit water quality and comply with mandatory requirements of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDL). The studies will aid the City in complying with our own NPDES permit.
The update to the original SMC research agenda and continuation of the SRNP continues to be a multi-agency effort. The total cost for the five-year term will be allocated to each of the participating agencies based on approved projects. Participating agencies include the County of Orange, Los Angeles County Flood Control District, County of San Diego, Ventura County Watershed Protection District, Riverside County Flood Control and Water Conservation District, San Bernardino County Flood Control District, City of Los Angeles, City of San Diego, Regional Water Quality Control Board - Los Angeles Region (Los Angeles Regional Board), Regional Water Quality Control Board - Santa Ana Region (Santa Ana Regional Board), Regional Water Quality Control Board - San Diego Region (San Diego Regional Board), State Water Resources Control Board (State Water Board), California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), and the Southern California Coastal Water Research Project (SCCWRP).
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Amy R. Webber on May 22, 2019 and by Revenue Management Officer Geraldine Alejo on May 31, 2019.
SUSTAINABILITY
The information, tools, and support gained from participation in this MOA are critical to the City’s efforts to comply with US EPA TMDL and NPDES permit requirements. The results help identify and abate pollutants, bacteria, and hazardous materials, which will lead to improved water quality in the City’s beaches, harbors, rivers, and bays.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on June 18, 2019, to ensure the MOA is in place expeditiously.
FISCAL IMPACT
The total cost for the City’s portion of this MOA will not exceed $80,000 over the five-year term. The first year’s cost is currently estimated at $15,792 and is budgeted in the General Fund Group in the Public Works Department. If needed, appropriation for subsequent years will be requested through the annual budget process. This recommendation has no staffing impact beyond the normal budgeted scope of duties and is consistent with existing City Council priorities. There is no local job impact with this recommendation.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
CRAIG A. BECK
DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS
APPROVED:
PATRICK H. WEST
CITY MANAGER