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TO: Mayor Thomas J. Weisner
FROM: L. Eric Schoeny, P.E. Drainage and Underground Coordinator
DATE: April 7, 2015
SUBJECT:
Resolution authorizing payment to the Fox River Study Group to conduct water quality studies of the Fox River and create a pollutant removal implementation plan.
PURPOSE:
To adopt a resolution authorizing payment to the FRSG to conduct water quality studies of the Fox River and to create an implementation plan in order to comply with the federal Clean Water Act. The resolution will authorize payment from the 2015 budget through and including the 2018 budget.
BACKGROUND:
Starting in 1998, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) has included the Fox River on the 303 (d) list of impaired water ways. Federal law requires that a Total Maximum Daily Load Study (TMDL) be conducted for water ways that are listed on the State's 303(d) list. In 2001 the Fox River Study Group (FRSG) was formed to plan and conduct a TMDL of the Fox River. The FRSG is a diverse coalition of stakeholders and is supported by financial contributions from the IEPA, Fox Metro Water Reclamation District, Sierra Club, Aurora, Algonquin, Batavia, Geneva, St. Charles, Yorkville, Elgin, Fox River Water Reclamation District, Yorkville-Bristol Sanitary District, Crystal lake, Illinois State Water Survey, and Kane County.
The FRSG is in the process of completing the 4th phase of a 4 phase work plan. The work plan consists of the following:
Phase I: Critical and comprehensive review of existing water quality and quantity and land use data.
Phase II: Design and implement watershed monitoring and modeling.
Phase III: Develop and calibrate water quality computer models for the Fox River water shed and major tributaries.
Phase IV: Utilize the computer model to develop an pollutant removal implementation plan that will promote the efficient use of taxpayer's funds to improve the water quality of the Fox River.
DISCUSSION:
The City of Aurora has been contributing $0.50 per capita times the Aurora census population. The 2015 City Budget provides $99,000 for this item in account no 510-4063-511.32-18 (Water and Sewer Fund). Payment for this contribution was previously authorized by resolution R11-040.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
The implementation plan being prepared by the FRSG is needed in order for Aurora to meet the legal requirements of the federal Clean Water Act.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Please forward this resolution to the Buildings, Grounds, and Infrastructure Committee for their review and recommendation for approval.
cc: Alderman Peters, Chairman
Alderman Garza
Alderman Bugg
Alderman Saville, Alternate
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
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A Resolution authorizing the City of Aurora to continue to participate in the cost of water quality studies and the development of an pollutant removal implementation plan by the Fox River Study Group.
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WHEREAS, the City of Aurora has a population of more than 25,000 persons and is, therefore, a home rule unit under subsection (a) of Section 6 of Article VII of the Illinois Constitution of 1970; and
WHEREAS, subject to said Section, a home rule unit may exercise any power and perform any function pertaining to its government and affairs for the protection of the public health, safety, morals, and welfare; and
WHEREAS, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency has classified the Fox River as an impaired waterway; and
WHEREAS, the City is an active member of the Fox River Study Group (FRSG). The FRSG Board of Directors includes representatives from the City of Aurora, The Fox Metro Water Reclamation District, the Fox River Ecosystem Partnership, the Fox River Water Reclamation District, the Friends of the Fox River, Kane County, the City of Elgin, the Sierra Club, the Tri-Cities of Batavia, Geneva and St. Charles: and
WHEREAS, the FRSG is in the process of completing a four phase work plan to develop a watershed plan to comply with the federal Clean Water Act; and
WHEREAS, the City has been asked to contribute $0.50 per capita, per year for the years 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 for its cost share of the Fox River study; and
WHEREAS, the 2015 City Budget provides $99,000 for this item in account no. 510-4063-511.32-18 (Water And Sewer Fund))
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows: The City of Aurora is hereby authorized to contribute $0.50 per capita per year the Fox River Study Group for the years 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018.