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.
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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.
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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
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