MEMO

2019 Environment Committee Priorities

DATE: January 10, 2019

TO: Councilmember Jennifer Campbell, Chair, Environment Committee

FROM: Councilmember Vivian Moreno

SUBJECT: 2019 Environment Committee Priorities (Print Memo)

In response to your memorandum soliciting priorities for the Environment Committee, I urge your careful consideration of the following:

Tijuana River Valley Pollution
The Tijuana River Valley (TJRV) has a long history of trash, sediment and water quality issues. Last year millions of gallons of polluted water flowed across the border, increasing contamination levels in the TJRV and as far nmih as Coronado. The sewage discharges create severe public health risks because human pathogens, such as hepatitis, enterovimses and vibrio, will be present in the TJRV and nearby coastal areas until such a time when appropriate measures are taken to prevent such discharges As we continue to work on resolving this issue, the City should seek Federal and State funding resources, such as through the California Disaster Assistance Act, to assist with the restoration, mitigation, and cleanup efforts of the area. Additionally, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Superfund program is responsible for cleaning up the nation’s most contaminated land and responding to environmental emergencies. Given the high volume of trash and poor water quality in the TJRV, the City should work with the EPA to take the necessary steps to declare the TJRV as a Superfund site. As we move forward in addressing the issue, the City should update its declaration of emergency and formally request that the County declare a state of emergency in the area due to the contamination and need for clean-up.

Proactive Monitoring of Grant Funding Opportunities at the Federal, State and Regional Levels

  • Receive an update from staff on grant funding the City could apply for in the upcoming year for items under the committee’s jurisdiction and work closely with the City’s State and Federal lobbyists to identify potential grant funding and regulation changes that can promote and expedite city programs and funding for water, storm water, and the Climate Action Plan (CAP), including funds to assist in tree plantings, expanding Otay Valley Regional Park (OVRP) and addressing pollution in TJRV and Chollas Creek.

Outreach Plan and Exemption Process for Polystyrene Foam and Restrictions on Single Use Plastics

  • Receive an update from the Environmental Services Department and Economic Development Department regarding a proposed outreach plan and exemption process related to the polystyrene foam and single use plastics ban.

Water Reuse

  • Monitor and support implementation of the Pure Water program, including review of grant funding applications, bond financing, and consultant, design and construction contracts.
  • Receive an update regarding the potential for the construction of a large storm water capture facility in Otay Mesa.

Water Conservation

  • Receive an update from Public Utilities Department (PUD) regarding evolving state conservation and drought standards and drought/rainfall projections for the next year.
  • Receive an update on PUD conservation efforts, including the rain harvesting rebate program and graywater rebate program.
  • Consider ways to increase water conservation efforts and preparing for future periods of drought.
  • Receive an update regarding deployment of the Advanced Metering Infrastructure System.

Water and Wastewater Rates

  • Receive an update from PUD regarding customer billing practices, including reforms the department is implementing to ensure customers are not overcharged.
  • Receive an update on progress towards ‘the next Cost of Service Study.
  • Receive an update from the City 10 regarding activity with the County Water Authority.
  • Discuss a strategy of continuing to diversify the City’s sources of water and how we can further minimize importing water from outside the region, including efforts to incentivize water conservation.
  • Receive an update regarding the Help To Others (H2O) San Diego program.

Storm Water Channel and Storm Drain Maintenance

  • Receive updates regarding the Master Storm Water System Maintenance Program, including review of 2018/2019 winter storms and preparation for 2019/2020 winter storms.

Climate Action Plan

  • Move forward with implementation of Climate Action Plan goals and recommendations and receive regular updates on achieving the Greenhouse Gas Reductions detailed in the plan.
  • Receive regular updates on the City’s progress in establishing a Community Choice Energy program.
  • Development of a 5-year outlook for CAP related goals.
  • Receive a status update on City’s tree-planting program.
  • Receive updates from climate change researchers and experts regarding the latest data available regarding projections and real-time effects of climate change.

Barrio Logan Truck Route

  • Receive an update from the Transportation and Storm Water Department and the Police Department regarding the implementation and’ enforcement of the revised Barrio Logan Truck Route approved by the City Council in December 2018.

Litter and Graffiti Abatement

  • Receive an update regarding litter and graffiti abatement from the Environmental Services Department and consider potential for expanding those services.

Pond 20 Update

Receive an update regarding the status of the Pond 20 property, located between Palm A venue and the San Diego National Wildlife Refuge, as a wetlands mitigation bank.

CC: Honorable Mayor Faulconer

Honorable City Attorney Elliott
Andrea Tevlin, Independent Budget Analyst

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