Title
Consider approving Resolution No. 2017-041 amending the interlocal agreement for technical services between the City of Farmers Branch and the Trinity River Authority and ratifying the original agreement as amended; and take appropriate action.
Body
BACKGROUND:
The City of Farmers Branch has a permit with the Trinity River Authority (TRA) and is connected to its wastewater collection and treatment system. Part of the permit conditions with TRA are that the City permit and inspect certain types of industries in Farmers Branch that discharge wastewater. Currently there are 5 industries in Farmers Branch with industrial pretreatment permits. The city already has a Technical Services Contract in place for sampling services.
On November 1, 2016 TRA conducted a voluntary audit of the Farmers Branch Industrial Wastewater Pretreatment Program. The results of this audit were satisfactory. However, after further discussion with TRA, we believe that it would be more efficient to turn the program back under their auspices. This would eliminate a step in the regulatory process and ensure that the program is run as efficiently as possible. It would also free up staff time to focus on other programs including stormwater, mosquito control, and the new municipal setting designation program. Moreover, outsourcing this service would have the added benefit of the TRA staff, which specializes in industrial pretreatment permitting and regulations, inspecting industries in Famers Branch and providing up to date and detailed guidance to these industries regarding industrial pretreatment discharge compliance. The associated cost would essentially mirror what we are already paying in sampling fees, so it should have no budget impact.
Other cities that contract with TRA to run the pretreatment program include Addison, Coppell, Euless, and Mansfield.
TRA’s 2017 fees are as follows:
|
|
TRA fee per facility |
Total cost to Farmers Branch (based on five facilities) |
|
Permit (every 3-5 years) |
$630.00 |
$3150.00 |
|
Annual inspection |
$358.00 |
$1790.00 |
|
Sampling |
Varies |
Varies (comparable to current costs) |
For reference, Coppell, which has 7 facilities, had a program cost of $11,422 in FY 2015. This total includes some new permit fees, sampling costs, and inspection fees.
City staff could resume complete oversight and management of the program at any time in the future, if needed.
DISCUSSION:
Federal, state, and local regulations require the permitting, sampling, and inspection of certain industrial facilities. A technical services agreement already exists between Farmers Branch and TRA.
RECOMMENDATION:
City Administration recommends approving the Amendment to the interlocal agreement between Farmers Branch and Trinity River Authority
POSSIBLE COUNCIL ACTION:
1. I move to approve Resolution No. 2017-041, as presented.
2. I move to approve Resolution No. 2017-041, with modifications.
3. I move to table the issue for further study or take no action.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Resolution No. 2017-041