HomeMy WebLinkAbout4/19/2012 - STAFF REPORTS - URGENCY �OF PALM Spy
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441FORN% City Council Staff Report
DATE: April 19, 2012 CONSENT CALENDAR
SUBJECT: AUTHORIZE LETTER TO STATE SENATE SUBCOMMITTEE
OPPOSING GOVERNOR'S PROPOSAL TO ELIMINATE COLORADO
RIVER BASIN REGIONAL WATER QUALITY CONTROL BOARD
(CRBWQCB)
FROM: David H. Ready, City Manager
BY: Public Works and Engineering Department
SUMMARY
This letter to the State Senate Budget & Fiscal Review Subcommittee #2 on Resources
will express the City's opposition to the Governor's Proposal to eliminate the
CRBWQCB.
RECOMMENDATION:
1. Authorize Mayor to send letter outlining concerns to the Senate Budget & Fiscal
Review Subcommittee #2 on Resources and expressing opposition to elimination
of the CRBWQCB.
STAFF ANALYSIS:
During the past few months staff had noted that the Governor had a proposal to
dissolve the Colorado RWQCB and transfer regulation of the entire Salton Sea drainage
(including the Coachella Valley) to the San Diego RWQCB. Initial inquiries indicated that
this proposal was not likely to move forward as it had been proposed and dropped
several times in years past.
However, the Governor introduced draft Budget Trailer Bill language to an assembly
budget committee in March. That committee has accepted this proposal from the
Governor and forwarded the draft budget trailer bill language to the Senate Budget
Subcommittee for concurrence. If the Senate subcommittee approves the draft
language it will likely be incorporated into a formal bill that will move very quickly. The
Subcommittee hearing is scheduled for April 25.
City Council Staff Report
April 19, 2012-- Page2
Letter to State Senate Subcommittee(CRBWQCB)
There are significant negative ramifications to this proposal, including loss of local
expertise and control. This could also have significant ramifications for the reissuance
of our MS4 Permit and other permits (e.g. wastewater) issued to the cities by the
Colorado Board. The regulatory transfer of the Colorado Region jurisdiction to the San
Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board could significantly upset existing
regulations, agreements and understanding related to management of the Salton Sea
and its tributaries. The elimination of local representation will not only be detrimental to
important water quality standards and decision making, but it will reduce the oversight
provided by this Board to the uniquely and region that extends out to the borders of
Arizona, far from coastal San Diego. My understanding is that CVWD and the Salton
Sea Authority are also in the process of obtaining approval to send letters of opposition.
Time is of the essence and staff strongly recommends the Mayor send a letter of
opposition on this matter.
FISCAL IMPACT: None.
Submitted By:
David J. Barakian, Thomas J. Wilso
Director of Public Works/City Engineer Assistant City Manager
David H. Ready,
City Manager