City of Gonzales
PUBLIC WORKS / CITY ENGINEER DEPARTMENT
STAFF REPORT
TO: Honorable Mayor Rios and City Council
DATE: November 6, 2023
FROM: Patrick Dobbins, Public Works Director/City Engineer THROUGH: Carmen Gil, City Manager
SUBJECT: Updated Sewer System Management Plan
Staff recommends that the City Council receive the updated Sewer System Management Plan and direct staff to upload it to the State Waterboard’s website to ensure city compliance with State Water Resources Control Board requirements.
BACKGROUND
A Sewer System Management describes the activities for the city to operate, maintain, and when necessary, upgrade its sewer collection system. Management of a sewer collection system includes:
• Maintaining or improving the condition of the collection system infrastructure to provide reliable service.
• Cost-effectively minimizing infiltration/inflow and providing adequate sewer capacity to accommodate design storm flows; and
• Minimizing the number and impact of sanitary sewer overflows The city previously prepared a Sewer System Management Plan (SSMP) in 2012. The State Water Resources Control Board recently adopted WQ 2022-0103-DWQ Statewide General Order that requires agencies that operate a sewer system to have an updated SSMP.
AGENDA
ITEM
9 REVIEW & ANALYSIS
The updated SSMP, requires the city to develop and implement plans for the following:
• Update the city’s sewer spill and overflow response procedures, implement support systems, and train staff
• Annually audit sewer system assets
• Upgrade the sewer system SCADA hardware/software
• Update the sewer system maps
• Maintain the sewer collection system through the City’s Operation and Maintenance Program. • Update the Sewer Capital Improvement Program to rehabilitate the City’s sewer collection system.
• Update the City’s Sewer Ordinance
• Implement a formal Industrial Pretreatment Program
• Implement periodic video inspections of the wastewater collection system. • Update the SSMP as needed
With a consultant’s help, staff updated the city’s Sewer System Management Plan and it is ready for use.
The SSMP must be certified by the city Public Works Staff and uploaded to the State Waterboard’s website by December 5, 2023.
How Recommendation Supports the Vision
Gonzales will continue to be a safe, clean, family-friendly community, diverse in its heritage, and committed to working collaboratively to preserve and retain its small town charm.
Explain: This current Sanitary Sewer Management Plan will bring the city into compliance with the newly adopted order, allowing staff to continue to provide a safe and clean, family friendly community.
Explain how the Recommendation Directly Implements the Mission The City Council and Staff of the City of Gonzales will realize our Vision by providing the leadership, commitment and resources necessary to provide excellent services that enhance the quality of life of our diverse community. X Yes ____ No____ N/A
Explain: Staff will continue to operate with integrity, professionalism and urgency when performing work in the sewer collection system and protecting the safety of the community.
City services will be delivered in a cost-effective, respectful and friendly manner to ensure the safety and well-being of the residents and the promotion of business, recreational, housing and employment opportunities in an environmentally sustainable manner. X Yes ____No ____ N/A Explain: See Vision explanation above.
Strong fiscal policies allow us to provide appropriate infrastructure for:
• Public Safety X Yes No N/A
• Housing X Yes No N/A
• Recreation X Yes No N/A
• Environment X Yes No N/A
• Education X Yes No N/A
Explain: See Vision above.
ALTERNATIVES
Failure to submit an updated SSMP will cause the city to fall out of compliance with State Water Resources Control Board requirements and be subject to fines.
BUDGET IMPACT
Efforts to prepare and comply with the SSMP will be funded with Sewer Enterprise funds.
CONCLUSIONS
Staff recommends that the City Council receive the updated Sewer System Management Plan and direct staff to upload it to the State Waterboard’s website to ensure city compliance with State Water Resources Control Board requirements.
Attachments:
1. Sewer System Management Plan