HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013 Annual Report - Utilities Committee2013 Utilities Committee Summary
Committee Members:
Valerie Schey (Chair), Oliver Davis (Vice- Chair), Henry Davis, Karen White
Citizen Member:
Carol Davis
Oversight Role:
Oversees activities &, issues involving enterprise funds hears waterworks and
sewer operation requests.
Summary:
The Long Term Control Plan (LTCP) to reduce the number of combined sewer
overflows (CSO) project was the key focus of the Utilities Committee in 2013.
Early in 2014 the Council and Administration will be continuing our discussion
of the proposed sewer rate increases. Under the current proposal, most
homeowners will be paying $57 /month for sewer service by 2017 (as compared
to the current $40 /month).
The proposed rate increases are coming before Council as part of an on -going
effort to pay for the LTCP to reduce the number of CSOs we have each year.
While all agree that, per the EPA mandate, we do not want raw sewage running
into our river, there are many who believe that there needs to be further
discussion about ways to lower the escalating cost and in turn the proposed
sewer rate increases for this project.
Many have suggested that changing what we do "above ground" (i.e.: green
infrastructure) could dramatically change what we have to do below the surface
(i.e.: grey infrastructure). Likewise, with the bulk of the expense of this project
coming in the form of grey infrastructure, preliminary data suggests that we
can reduce the cost for our citizens by "going green ".
At the August 26th Utilities Committee update of the CSO LTCP, it was
estimated that the cost (2013 dollars) for the Phase 2 Collection System
Controls will be approximately $245 Million (for 7 storage tanks, storage
conduit & parallel interceptor).
Alternatively, it has been suggested that implementing strategies and products
that allow storm water to sink usefully into the ground can provide multiple
benefits including (most notably) significant cost savings for citizens. For
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example, it has been estimated that the average cost per gallon of CSO avoided
ranges between $1 to $2 per gallon.
Examples of products that would help manage storm water include porous
pavement systems. Although the upfront costs associated with these systems
are higher than those of traditional products (i.e.: $2.50 /sq. ft. of asphalt vs.
$4.50 - $5.00 /sq. ft. for modular porous pavers); if these products can reduce
the need for the conventional storage systems, there could be considerable
savings for our rate payers by reimagining our strategy for this project.
In a resolution put forth by the U.S. Conference of Mayors in 2006 it was said,
"Green infrastructure naturally manages storm water, reduces flooding risk
and improves air and water quality thus performing many of the same
functions as traditionally built infrastructure, often at a fraction of the cost."
We look forward to working together to identify the best solution for our
residents and rate payers.
Respectfully submitted,
Valerie Schey
South Bend City Council, hard District Representative
2014
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