HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution 2011-10 - Mission Springs Water District Groundwater Protection ProjectCITY OF PALM DESERT
OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
STAFF REPORT
REQUEST: APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION NO. 2011-10 SUPPORTING THE
MISSION SPRINGS WATER DISTRICT'S GROUNDWATER
QUALITY PROTECTION PROJECT.
SUBMITTED BY: Stephen Y. Aryan, Assistant to the City Manager
DATE: February 24, 2011
CONTENTS: Resolution No. 2011-10
Recommendation
By Minute Motion, approve Resolution No. 2011-10 supporting the Mission
Springs Water District's Groundwater Quality Protection Project.
Background
The Mission Springs Water District is currently seeking federal funding in support of
their Groundwater Quality Protection Project that will replace septic tanks that threaten
to leak into the groundwater supply. MSWD requested a resolution of support for this
project from the Coachella Valley Association of Governments, who approved such a
resolution. CVAG is now requesting its member cities follow suit with a similar
resolution.
The project will protect the Mission Creek and Desert Hot Springs Aquifers, which are
the headwaters of the water supply for the Coachella Valley. These aquifers are the
primary sources of drinking water for parts of the Valley and protecting them is a priority
for the California Regional Water Quality Board.
For the past ten years the Mission Springs Water District partnered with state and
federal agencies to replace septic tanks that threaten to leak in to these aquifers.
Approximately $5.7 million in federal funds have been matched by $8 million in state
and local funding to abate 1,400 individual septic tanks, replacing them with a modern
collection and treatment system. In FY 2011, Mission Springs Water District is
requesting $35 million from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and $2 million from the
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to continue this vital project.
An additional 4000 septic systems must be abated during the remaining three years of a
local tax assessment district that provides local funding for the project. Local residents
voted to create the assessment district despite the region's economic conditions of high
unemployment, low-income, and high number of foreclosures.
Resolution 2011-10 Staff Report
February 24, 2011
Page 2 of 2
The community of Desert Hot Springs is making this investment to conserve its pristine
water source that is the backbone of the region's economy. Both City and CVAG staff
recommend that the Palm Desert City Council approve a resolution supporting Mission
Springs Water District Groundwater Quality Protection Project.
Fiscal Analysis
There is no direct fiscal impact to the General Fund as a result of supporting this
resolution.
Submitted By:
Y. Aryan! Assistdnt to,
Approval:
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Original on File with City Jerk's Office
RESOLUTON NO 2011-10
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT,
CALIFORNIA, SUPPORTING THE MISSION SPRINGS WATER DISTRICT'S
GROUNDWATER QUALITY PROTECTION PROJECT
WHEREAS, the City of Palm Desert representing its city limits, the resident of the
city and its neighboring sphere of influence is committed to a regional effort to foster
and encourage conservation and sustainable use of our water resources; and
WHEREAS, the Mission Springs Water District's Groundwater Quality Protection
Project will protect the Mission Creek and Desert Hot Springs Aquifers, which are at the
headwaters of the water supply for the Coachella Valley. These aquifers are the main
sources of drinking water for parts of the Valley and world-renowned spa mineral water.
These aquifers are also important to conservation of important wildlife habitat in the
area; and
WHEREAS, for the past ten years the Mission Springs Water District partnered
with state and federal agencies to replace septic tanks that threaten to leak in to the
aquifers. Approximately $5.7 million in federal funds have been matched by $8 million in
state and local funding to abate 1,400 individual septic tanks, replacing them with a
modern collection and treatment system.
WHEREAS, the community of Desert Hot Springs is making this investment to
conserve its pristine water source that is the backbone of the region's economy. An
additional 4,000 septic systems must be abated during the remaining three years of a
local tax assessment district that provides local funding for the project. Local residents
voted to create the assessment district despite the region's economic conditions of high
unemployment, low-income, and high number of foreclosures; and
WHEREAS, groundwater is the sole source of water to nearly 400,000 people in
the Coachella Valley. Protection of this groundwater is a significant priority for the City
of Desert Hot Springs.
WHEREAS, eliminating redevelopment will take away one of the few tools local
governments have to comply with state requirements to plan for more compact urban
development supported by transit -oriented development, housing, jobs and
infrastructure; and
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT,
CALIFORNIA, DOES HEREBY RESOLVE, DECLARE, DETERMINE, AND ORDER
AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. That the City of Palm Desert supports the Mission Springs Water
District's Groundwater Quality Protection Project, and encourages support to continue
implementation of this program to safeguard our groundwater resources.
PASSED APPROVED AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Palm
Desert, California, on this 24th day of February, 2011, by the following vote,
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
JEAN M. BENSON, MAYOR
ATTEST:
RACHELLE D. KLASSEN, CITY CLERK
CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA