AGENDA DATE: 1/6/2016
TITLE:
Title
Legislative Support Against Hostile Attempts to Require Re-Justification or Elimination of Nutrient Allocation
BODY
SUBJECT/PROPOSAL/REQUEST: Presentation and Adoption of Legislative Priority Against Hostile Attempts to Require Re-Justification or Elimination of Nutrient Allocation
ITEM TYPE: Consent Action Item
STAFF CONTACT(S): Foley, Jones
PRESENTER (S): N/A
LEGAL REVIEW: No
REVIEWED BY: Thomas C. Foley
BACKGROUND: It was recently brought to the County’s attention that efforts were underway to submit and pass Statewide legislation that would adversely impact the County’s efforts to protect and manage its waterways. The attached letter (Attachment A) from Tom Frederick provides background regarding this proposed action.
STRATEGIC PLAN: Goal 6: Natural Resources: Thoughtfully protect and manage Albemarle County’s ecosystems and natural resources in both the rural and development areas to safeguard the quality of life of current and future generations.
DISCUSSION: Tom Frederick, Executive Director of the Rivanna Water and Sewer Authority, was informed by Chris Pomeroy, general counsel for the Virginia Association of Municipal Wastewater Agencies, that legislation was being proposed that would require re-justification of nutrient allocations for existing wastewater treatment facilities in our region and may lead to elimination of nutrient allocation from organizations, including RWSA.
Mr. Frederick urged the County to request inclusion in the Albemarle County Board of Supervisors legislative priorities a statement in opposition to any legislative effort for re-justification or elimination of nutrient allocation. The recommended position included below is identical to that recently approved by the Charlottesville City Council.
BUDGET IMPACT: There is no budgetary impact for this item.
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
Staff recommends that Board of Supervisors add the following legislative position to its legislative program: The County opposes any effort that would require re-justification of nutrient allocations for existing wastewater treatment facilities in our region or that would reduce or eliminate nutrient allocation or related treatment capacity serving the region.
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment A - Memo from Tom Frederick Regarding Legislative Requirement of Re-Justification or Elimination of Nutrient Allocation