Council Communication

Water Recycling Task Force Ad Hoc Committee Formation
Meeting Date:	September 6, 2005		Primary Staff Contact:	Ed Olson, Interim Public Works Director
Department:	Public Works		Email:	olsone@ashland.or.us
Contributing Departments:			Secondary Staff Contact:	Terry Ellis, Wastewater Superintendent
Approval:	Gino Grimaldi		Email:	ellist@ashland.or.us
Estimate Time:	20 minutes

Statement: Form an Ad Hoc Committee to evaluate options to meet the anticipated wastewater treatment plant's thermal load limits. The goal of the committee is to assist with the development and implementation of good public policy related to the different options developed.
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Background: The Wastewater Treatment Plant improvements were completed in May 2002 and the plant is in full compliance with all DEQ National Pollution Discharge Elimination System permit requirements. A new requirement will require the City to evaluate existing thermal loads and potential to reduce thermal loading into the Ashland and Bear Creek system. The City advertised for an engineering firm to consider options to meet the anticipated wastewater treatment plant thermal load limits in March of 2005. The City contracted with Carollo Engineers in June of 2005. One task included in this proposal was public involvement and an educational component. The intent of developing the task force is to assist with development and implementation of good public policy that is supported by the community. An ad hoc committee for water recycling will assist with the policy development for water quality ramifications, regulatory constraints, environmental benefits, and health risks of reclaimed water as well as education on the practices and activities in other states and communities. The task force will present their findings on water recycling and its impact on the health of Ashland and Bear Creeks, and recommend feasible options to the Council to pursue for the benefit of the community.
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Related City Policies:
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Council Options: The report and recommendations which will be produced by the Water Reuse Task Force will serve as guidance for Council to develop and implement a good public policy that supports the community is water reuse options.
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Staff Recommendation: Representatives from various backgrounds have been considered for this committee including members from Southern Oregon University, a local business representative, community member-at-large, environmental and wildlife specialist, Bear Creek Watershed Council member and City Council liaison. Staff recognizes the following potential members for their current knowledge and interest in the committee goals: Eric Dittmer, SOU Geology Department; Ron Roth, business representative and local water advocate; Susan Reid, community member-at-large; Brent Crowe, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife; Donna Rhee, Bear Creek Watershed Council member and John Morrison, Council Liaison. All meetings will be open to the public and citizen participation will be encouraged. Staff recommends that the formation of the committee be done in a timely manner in order to keep the project on schedule to meet the upcoming DEQ requirements. If the Mayor concurs with the recommendations, staff asks that he appoints the members at this meeting.
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Potential Motions: Council moves to support the formation of the Water Recycling Task Force and asks the Mayor to support the recommended appointments made by staff. Council moves to not form a Water Recycling Task Force.
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Attachments: None