REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
June 13, 2019
FROM: MICHAEL CARBAJAL, Director
Department of Public Utilities
THROUGH: BRIAN SPINDOR, PE(WA), Assistant Director - Wastewater
Department of Public Utilities - Wastewater Management Division
BY: ARTURO ALVAREZ, Wastewater Manager
Department of Public Utilities - Wastewater Management Division
SUBJECT
Title
***RESOLUTION - Adopt the Sewer System Management Plan 2019 update as recommended by the Statewide General Waste Discharge requirements for sanitary sewer collection systems (Citywide) (Subject to Mayor’s Veto)
Body
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends adoption of updated Sewer System Management Plan (SSMP) to prevent and/or reduce sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs).
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The State Water Resources Control Board (Board) adopted a statewide general Waste Discharge Requirements order for Sanitary Sewer Systems (General WDR) to establish system-wide operation, maintenance, and management plans to reduce SSOs. Under the General WDR, the City of Fresno (City) developed a SSMP which was approved by City Council on April 7, 2009. The General WDR requires an update of the SSMP every five years with adoption of the revisions by the Enrollee’s government body. An update of the SSMP was approved by City Council in 2014. The 2019 update to the SSMP is complete and ready for re-approval by the City Council. The SSMP has been revised to incorporate the latest personnel changes, maintenance schedules and programs, and includes short and long term capital improvement projects revised each fiscal year.
BACKGROUND
On May 2, 2006, the Board issued Order 2006-0003-DWQ, Statewide General WDR. The purpose of the General WDR is to establish system-wide operation, maintenance, and management plans to reduce SSOs, which are spills of untreated or partially treated wastewater resulting in public exposure and a health hazard.
In November 2006, the City submitted a Notice of Intent or application for permit coverage under the General WDR. In July 2007, the City Council approved a proposed SSMP Development Plan and Schedule which listed development and implementation deadlines for each of the eleven elements listed below. The State required that cities with a population over 100,000 complete a final SSMP by May 2, 2009.
On April 7, 2009, the City Council approved the City’s SSMP, which provides a mechanism to properly fund, manage, operate, and maintain all parts of the sanitary sewer system to reduce and prevent SSOs. The City’s SSMP (1) establishes the legal authority to prevent illicit discharges into its sanitary sewer system, (2) requires that sewers and connections be properly designed and constructed, (3) ensures access for maintenance, inspection, or repairs for those portions of the lateral owned or maintained by the City, (4) limits the discharge of fats, oils, and grease and other debris that may cause blockages, and (5) enforces any violation of its sewer ordinances.
The SSMP has eleven mandatory elements with implementation deadlines according to the size of the collection system:
1. Goal
2. Organization
3. Legal Authority
4. Operation and Maintenance Program
5. Design and Performance Provisions
6. Overflow Emergency Response Plan
7. Fats, Oils and Grease (FOG) Program
8. System Evaluation and Capacity Assurance Plan
9. Monitoring, Measurement and Program Modifications
10. Sewer System Management Plan Program Audits
11. Communication Program
The General WDR requires that all cities’ Sewer System Management Plan be updated every five years, and it is by recommendation of the Board that it be approved by the City Council. The City Attorney has reviewed and approved as to form the SSMP. Staff recommends that City Council authorize the Director of Public Utilities, or designee, to sign on behalf of the City.
ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS
The SSMP is exempt under Section 15308/Class 8 (Actions by Regulatory Agency for Protection of the Environment) of the California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines.
LOCAL PREFERENCE
Local preference was not considered because the SSMP does not include a bid or award of a construction or services contract.
FISCAL IMPACT
All elements of the SSMP are programs, policies, or ordinances currently in place and applicable to all council areas. Funding to implement the mandated SSMP is addressed in the Sewer Enterprise Operating and Capital Improvement budgets and will have no impact to the General Fund.
Attachment: 2019 Sewer System Management Plan