HomeMy WebLinkAbout12. 14-63
FEBRUARY 11, 2014 14-63 RESOLUTION
(CARRIED___7-0_____ LOST________ LAID OVER________ WITHDRAWN_______)
PURPOSE: SUPPORT AB 680 — THE CLEAN WATERS HEALTH ECONOMY
ACT (PHOSPHORUS REFORM LEGISLATION)
INITIATED BY: CITY ADMINISTRATION
WHEREAS, in 2010 the Wisconsin DNR finalized a rule requiring point sources,
such as the City of Oshkosh municipal wastewater treatment plant, to reduce the
phosphorous in their effluent discharges to between 0.04 mg/L and 0.1mg/L;
WHEREAS, reducing the phosphorus levels in the City’s effluent discharges to
these limits cannot be met without significant technological and physical changes to the
wastewater treatment plant at an estimated cost of up to $39,000,000; and
WHEREAS, the current rules fail to address non-point sources which constitute
the largest percentage of contributors to phosphorus in the State’s watersheds, placing
a large economic burden on point sources with little environmental benefit; and
WHEREAS, AB 680 will provide a cost effective compliance option for many
municipalities, including the City of Oshkosh, to use to assist the City of Oshkosh along
with other municipalities in meeting new phosphorus reduction regulations; and
WHEREAS, AB 680 leaves existing water quality standards for phosphorus intact
and does not repeal or suspend water quality standards; and
WHEREAS, AB 680 provides an additional option for compliance for point
sources such as the City to consider in addition to or combination with existing
compliance options; and
WHEREAS, AB 680 results in continuous improvement by point sources toward
ultimate compliance with the new phosphorus water quality standard; and
WHEREAS, AB 680 would provide a mechanism for point sources to provide
monetary support for non-point reductions of phosphorus which are responsible for
approximately 70-80% of the phosphorus pollution statewide and which may therefore
have a greater environmental impact.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City of Oshkosh Common
Council hereby urges Senator Rick Gudex and Representatives Gordon Hinz and
Michael Schraa to take all actions in support of the passage of AB 680.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that city staff is hereby directed to send a copy of
this Resolution to Senator Gudex and Representatives Hinz and Schraa.