Stormy WatersUpdate on the County’s Stormwater Funding Measure

• NPDES Permit & TMDL Programs• Clean Water, Clean Beaches Measure• Protest Hearing Process• Board Direction• Parcel Tax vs. Parcel Fee/ Other Options• Future Actions

Summary

• New permit is complex• New water quality monitoring requirement • EWMP or WMP by June 28, 2013• Significant Funding Commitment• Non-compliance risk is real

NPDES Permit and TMDL

Background• Original focus of enforcement of Clean Water Act was aimed at point-

sources of water pollution (i.e. factories, sanitary sewer treatment plants)

• Since mid-1990’s enforcement focus has moved to urban runoff – through municipal NPDES Permits

• Unique problems with urban runoff:• Sources of pollution are diverse• “Legacy” pollutants

• No dedicated funding source/fees governed by Proposition 218• Federal and State funds are limited• Limited public awareness of pollution problems/solutions• Unresolved scientific, technical, and legal issues require solutions• Unprecedented level of involvement by the cities in new permit

Development of a Regional Funding Source• ASCE 2002 • LA County sponsored AB 2554 to address Proposition 218

issues• AB 2554 was based on “situs” parcel fee• Regional, local and FCD “return”• Clean Water Clean Beaches Initiative• Typical residential parcel fee $54 LACFCD

10%

Watershed Groups 50%Cities

40%

Fee Distribution

Clean Water, Clean Beaches Measure• Board of Supervisors opened protest hearing

from January 15 to March 12, 2013• Protesters included individuals, public schools,

businesses, and some cities• Supporters included individuals, some cities, and

environmental organizations• 113,696 (5.16%) protests

Major Unresolved Issues• School exemption• Exemption for cities with existing fees• Religious & Non-profit exemption• Business concerns• Lack of Sunset Clause• Inadequate recognition of existing improvements• Many cities failed to provide specific projects• No hardship exemptions

Proposed Changes• School Education as “in-kind” services• “Sunset” and “Dusk” Clause alternatives• Credit Program

Board Direction• Additional outreach to stakeholders• Investigate Options• Report due in 90 days (June 2013)

Comments• Board understands the high cost of stormwater programs• Process needs to start from Cities• County is exploring all options• Cities need to be involved• City customization• Educate elected officials

and the community• Election issues/timing

Future Actions• Involvement of Government Stakeholders - Cities,

Schools & Community Colleges• Involvement of Additional Stakeholders – BIZ Fed,

Environmental Community, etc.• City Managers/Public Works Officials Meeting - Contract

Cities and LA Division of the League June 27 at 12 PM• Develop issues, form CM Task Force, with report &

recommendations

LA County Website for Clean Water, Clean Beaches Initiative www.lacountycleanwater.org/

Draft Ordinance www.lacountycleanwater.org/files/managed/Document/727/Ordinance%20V3.5pdf

Draft Implementation Manual www.lacountycleanwater.org/files/

managed/Document/728/Implementation%20Manual%20V3.5pdf

Resources

Engineer’s Report: www.lacountycleanwater.org/files/managed/Document/623/Fee%Methodology/pdf

Sample Projects www.lacountycleanwater.org/pages/map Contacts:

Phil Doudar, LA County DPW, PDOUDAR@dpw.lacounty.govKen Farfsing, City of Signal Hillkfarfsing@cityofsignalhill.org

Resources