REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL
To:Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From:Jason Simpson, City Manager
Prepared by:Shannon Buckley, Assistant City Manager
Date:September 9, 2025
Subject:Amendment No. 1 to the Agreement with Riverside County, Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District, and Lake Elsinore and San Jacinto Watershed Authority for the Lake Elsinore Aeration and Mixing System (LEAMS) Recommendation
Approve and authorize the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 1 to the Exclusive License Agreement with Riverside County, Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District, and Lake Elsinore and San Jacinto Watershed Authority for Excess Offset Credits generated by the Lake Elsinore Aeration and Mixing System (LEAMS) to extend the term for an additional five (5) years, in such final form as approved by the City Attorney.
Background
The City of Lake Elsinore, in partnership with the Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District (EVMWD) and the County of Riverside, funds, maintains, and operates the LEAMS. The system was installed in 2007 and was constructed to improve water quality and protect the beneficial uses of the Lake.
The operation of LEAMS results in reduced internal phosphorus and nitrogen loads, which is a requirement of the State-imposed Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL). The operation of LEAMS generates more offset credits than the City, County, and EVMWD need to demonstrate their own individual compliance. The offset credits can be purchased and used by other responsible agencies named in the TMDL through a limited licensing arrangement.
Amendment No. 1 for LEAMS
Discussion
Proposed Amendment No. 1 to the Exclusive License Agreement for Excess Offset Credits extends the original agreement through June 30, 2027. The LEAMS system has reached the end of its useful life, and a replacement system is currently being developed. Staff recommends that the City Council approve this amendment to maintain the agreement through June 30, 2027, or until a replacement system is operational.
Fiscal Impact
It is estimated that the licensing of offset credits could generate up to $120,000 in future fiscal years to be shared equally by the County, EVMWD, and City.
Attachments
Attachment 1 - Amendment No. 1
Attachment 2 – Original Agreement
City Manager's Office