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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Water Resources Advisory Committee - 09/29/2010 RECEIVED Minutes FEB 8 Water Resources Advisory Committee2011 September 29, 2010 Water Department Conference Room CITY SECRETARY'S OFFICE Members Present: Jeff Edmonds, Ruth Blake, Frank C. Brogan, Mary K. Fant, Michael W. Potter, Don Roach and Mark A. Stroop. Members Absent: Cindy Boston and Michael Cox Staff members and Presenters: Gustavo Gonzalez, P.E., Director of Water Services Yolanda Marruffo, Public Relations and Marketing Coordinator Joanne Salge, Management Assistant Brian Bresler and Anne Carrell, P.E., of Freese and Nichols Rocky Freund, Nueces River Authority The meeting was called to order by Yolanda Marruffo at 11:40 a.m. II. Committee members, staff members and presenters introduced themselves. III. Selection of Committee Chair Mrs. Marruffo noted that Mr. Edmonds had expressed interest to serve as chair to the committee and that a copy of his resume was provided. She asked if anyone else was interested to serve as chair. Motion was made and seconded to approve Mr. Edmond's nomination. III. Approval of Minutes The minutes of February 19, 2009 were unanimously approved as presented. At Mr. Brogan's arrival, Mr. Edmonds offered him the opportunity to serve as chair, which was declined. Mr. Edmonds noted that a vice-chair needed to be appointed and called on the committee. Mr. Brogan agreed to serve as vice chair which was approved unanimously. The committee asked staff to prepare a calendar of future meetings for 2011, preferably on a Wednesday. (See page 2 of minutes) V. Goal Setting - Open Discussion Mr. Gonzalez asked committee members to help staff make a case to the City.Council regarding progressive recommendations on issues such as developing expanded water conservation programs to developing a storm water utility rate. Mr. Roach agreed that radical conservation measures are needed as it is the cheapest water available. Mr. Gonzalez stated that the City was awarded $225,000 grant for toilet rebate program. Committee recommendations are needed to review best method of implementation to allow a fair and equitable distribution of funds. Ms. Blake asked how many local car washes utilize recycled water. Mr. Edmonds reported that he had information and would be glad to be a conduit for providing staff with that information. VI. Corpus Christi Aquifer Storage and Recovery Conservation District Mr. Gonzalez provided a brief presentation on the development of ground water to be used as an alternative resource. The Corpus Christi Aquifer Storage and Recovery Conservation District (CCASRCD) was created as a separate entity from the City. SCANNED 1 VII. Alliance for Nueces River Water Protection Rocky Freund of the Nueces River Authority provided information on the development of stakeholders interested in developing a source water protection plan for the entire Nueces River. The City's effort to clean up Nueces River stemmed from a November 2009 TCEQ water treatment technique violation based on turbidity exceeding the maximum contaminant level (mcl). The violation was the result of heavy rainfall that occurred downstream from the Wesley Seale Dam. The group also took a tour of Nueces River earlier in the year to see first-hand the amount of debris in the river. Their efforts have lead to the creation of the Alliance for Nueces River Water Protection. Their purpose is to bring government agencies and nonprofit agencies together to help educate the community; to build awareness to developing healthy riparian areas; and to protect the Nueces River water quality. The Water Department in partnership with Nueces River Authority, Council of Government, Coastal Bend Bays & Estuaries Program, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and many other interested organizations held a successful clean up on County Road 73 located off FM 624. Wesley Seale Dam employees removed tons of floating objects from the river such as barrels, appliances, plastics, medical waste and metals. Many items remain buried at the bottom of the river and must be removed. The Water Department has established five monitoring sites where water quality samples are collected and analyzed. Ms. Freund made reference to the possibility of FEMA buying out 16 residents living along the Nueces River. Ms. Freund explained that the City has contracted the NRA to develop a source water protection plan. A permanent steering committee will be established in the near future. VIII. Status of Garwood Water Mr. Bresler spoke about the amazing partnership developed by the Port Authority, Nueces River Authority and the City of Corpus Christi in the development of the Mary Rhodes Pipeline despite public opposition. Two-thirds of the City's water is currently drawn through the Mary Rhodes pipeline. The City's senior rights to Garwood benefit everyone from Rockport to Kingsville. The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) has provided an $8 million loan to help extend 41 mile pipeline from Lake Texana to the Colorado River. There are three segments to consider as part of the 54 inch pipeline extension. An intermediate pump station will be needed. In addition, a sedimentation station will be needed to avoid souring the pipeline. The City will need to add a disinfectant during the first several miles of pipeline to avoid claims and slime from building on the walls of the pipeline. The Council has expressed an interest to have a shovel ready project by year 2012. Discussion followed on the use of water by large industrial customers. Local refineries have documented using 38 gallons per barrel verses the national average of 110 gallons per barrel. Mr. Gonzalez stated that because Corpus Christi has made assertive decision in water rights acquisition, it was now the envy of the state. The committee requested information on volume of water use for the last ten years and volume of water reuse activity. 2 The next was set for Wednesday, January 12, 2011. With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 12:45 p.m. SCHEDULE;QF 2(il,1„WATER RESOURCES MEETINGS A[I meetings will"be held at the Water Utilities Conference Roam afi'11 30"a m January 12201.1 April 13, 2011 � ; July 13, 2011 October 12 2011' z1 R p ! 8 3