Item 7 - Action MWMC Fac. Plan - Laserfiche WebLink

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ATTACHMENT C Public Works Wastewater Division City of Eugene 410 River Avenue Eugene, Oregon 97404 (541) 682-8600 MEMORANDUM Date: June 18, 2004 To: Mayor Torrey and City Council From: Peter Ruffler, Wastewater Division Director Subject: COUNCIL ASSIGNMENT: RESPONSE TO QUESTIONS FROM MAYOR AND COUNCILORS ON THE 2004 MWMC FACILITIES PLAN AND 20-YEAR PROJECT LIST Questions are written first as submitted with response following in italic print. (1) Am I generally correct (though possibly simplistic) if I state that the three main reasons for the projects in the project list are (1) added capacity for growth, (2) requirements of new state and federal regulations, and (3)improvements to be a good neighbor for the surrounding development (e.g., odor control)? You are generally correct, although one of the primary reasons underlying the Project List that is not included in your question is the need for expansion of capacity to handle peak flows in the regional wastewater system. The need for peak flow capacity was extensively evaluated by a Citizens Advisory Committee and the MWMC during the development of the Wet Weather Flow Management Plan, which served as a precursor for the more comprehensive 2004 Facilities Plan. There are other projects on the 20-Year Project List that are based upon meeting MWMC objectives for the community and worker health and safety, such as the transition in disinfection practices from gaseous chlorine to a safer liquid chlorine disinfectant. Improvements to maintain a good neighbor relationship are not a major driving factor in the Facilities Plan and Project List, but are addressed in relation to specific projects as appropriate (e.g. the need for additional odor control as related to the modification or expansion of other wastewater treatment units). (2) Someone in the hearing (and others in emails) have said they worry the plant is being overbuilt so as to account for a "worst case scenario" that "almost never happens". Is this the case? How can this be evaluated? Is the capacity sized by considering a 5-year storm event? 10- year? 50-year? What?