HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001-07-14Minutes
City Council/Redevelopment Agency
City of Huntington Beach
8:00 A.M. — 12:00 Noon
Orange County Sanitation District
10844 Ellis Avenue
Fountain Valley, California 92708
Saturday, July 14, 2001
Call to Order
Mayor Pro Tern Cook called the regular adjourned meetings of the City Council and the
Redevelopment Agency of the City of Huntington Beach to order at 8:30 A.M.
City Council/Redevelopment Agency Meeting Roll Call
Present: Green, Boardman, Cook, Garofalo, Dettloff, Bauer
Absent: Julien Houchen
(City Council) Attendance of the Huntington Beach City Council at a Meeting of the Orange
County Sanitation District Re: (1) Ocean Discharge Permits; (2) Wastewater Treatment;
and (3) Resource Balance (520.30)
The following materials were presented prior to or during the meeting. These materials are
available at the City Clerk's Office:
1. 51-page Slide Report prepared by the Orange County Sanitation District dated July 14, 2001
titled Orange County Sanitation District — Public Workshop No. 1— July 14, 2001 and one page
document titled Agenda Board Workshop July 14, 2001.
2. Communication dated June 27, 2001 from Irwin Haydock, Ph.D., Fountain Valley,
California to Norm Ekenrode, Chairman, Board of Directors Orange County Sanitation
District. The communication is titled RE: Statement Regarding Non -Consent Calendar
Item 13 e.g., May 23, 2001.
3. Surfrider Foundation 301 (h) Waiver Position Statement (no date) Prepared by: Executive
Committee Surfrider Foundation HB/SB Chapter 562-438-6992, and (b) Making Waves,
National Publications of the Surfrider Foundation, Vol. 17, Number 3, June 2001.
4. One page communication, (no date) titled Executive Summary of 1999 Report on: The
Fiscal Impact of Beaches by Philip King, Ph.D.
5. Los Angeles Times Editorial dated June 9, 2001 titled Of Summer and Sewage.
Welcome Introductions and Overview
Blake Anderson, General Manager of the Orange County Sanitation District welcomed those in
attendance. He reviewed the topics contained in the Slide Report that would be covered including
the philosophy and intention of the OCSD, the Ocean Discharge Permit, source control,
wastewater treatment, ocean out fall pipe and plans for the next 18 months.
(2) July 14, 2001 - Council/Agency Minutes - Page 2
Ocean Discharge Permit and Ocean Balance Issues — Presentation by Robert Ghirelli,
OCSD Director of Technical Services (520.30)
Robert Ghirelli, Orange County Sanitation District Supervisor, reviewed the portion of the slide
report titled Ocean Discharge Permit which included the topics of Ocean Environmental Concerns
— Is it safe to swim, eat the fish; are the fish healthy and is the ecosystem being protected. The
subjects of Regulatory Environment, The Clean Water Act Regulates Dischargers, and Key
Components of the Ocean Discharge Permit were reported upon. The presentation covered the
issue of the Orange County Sanitation Districts' awareness that water quality standards cannot be
violated, toxic pollutants in toxic amounts as well as untreated sewage cannot be discharged and
local beaches and environment cannot be impacted. He reviewed the history of the Ocean
Discharge Permit that was first granted in 1985 and renewed in 1998. Mr. Ghirelli pointed to
bound documents on an adjacent table titled Applications For Renewal of NPDES Permit
Volumes 1-5 In Accord with S. 301 (H) of the Federal Clean Water Act 8-89. Also displayed
were bottles containing (1) Raw Sewage, (2) Advanced Primary, (3) Secondary Effluent (4) 50/50
Blend, (5) Final Effluent, (6) Ocean Water.
Mr. Ghirelli continued with his report on the status of OCSD's Permit which expires June 2003,
the need to protect swimming, surfing, commercial and sport fishing, wildlife and marine habitat,
shellfish harvesting, sailing, boating; preservation of rare and endangered species and power
plant cooling water.
The following slide report charts were reviewed by Mr. Ghirelli:
1. OCSD Monitoring Stations — Surfzone; Bacteria, Water Quality
2. Prevalence of Liver Disease In White Croaker 1984-2000;
3. Pollution Sensitive Starfish 1985-1999
4. Pollution Loving Clam 1085-1999
5. Example of Huntington Beach Survey Results for T-Coliforms; F/E Coli and Enterococci.
Source Control and Wastewater Treatment and Ocean Out Fall Pipe -Presentation by Jim Herberg,
OCSD Engineering Sponsor (520.30)
Mr. Herberg reported on the portion of the Slide Report titled Potential Concerns: Excessive
Amounts — BOD (Biochemical Oxygen Demand (SS) Microseismic Suspended Solids and Toxics:
Heavy Metals, Solvents, Soaps, Pesticides, Pathogens: Bacteria, Viruses and Protozoa.
Charts in this portion of the Slide Report were titled Wastewater Treatment Basics: Our Tools
of the Trade, Heavy Metals in Treated Wastewater-1985-86 through 1994-95, Wastewater
Treatment Basics: How Our Outfall Works.
The following schedule was presented in the Slide Report:
July 2001
September 2001
November 2001
March 2002
May 2002
June 2002
August 2002
September 2002
October 2002
November 2002
December 2002
Introductory 15t Public Workshop - Begin Additional Research
Complete Huntington Beach Field Work .
2nd Public Workshop
Draft Huntington Beach Report - Draft Treatment Studies Report - 3rd Public
Workshop
Final Reports to Board
41h Public Workshop - Adopt an "A" and "B" Budget
Draft Permit Application
Board receives Public Comments
Board responds to Comments
Board approves Permit Application
Submit Permit Application
(3) July 14, 2001 - Council/Agency Minutes - Page 3
Resource Balance — Land, Air, Water, Energy (520.30)
A final presentation was made on the chart in the Slide Report titled Air -Water -Energy -Land
Questions and Discussion
Mr. Blake Anderson, OCSD General Manager, responded to a question relative to what are the
District's plans if the discharge permit is not renewed, stating a time frame of several years to
design and construct a new facility, and change the existing facility.
Councilmember Dettloff spoke regarding the concerns of beach cities during the time before a
short-term solution is made. She questioned if there are measures which can be taken now to
improve the water quality as the beach cities are being financially impacted. Mr. Anderson
responded that if it is found that the Orange County Sanitation District plume is reaching the
shore—chlorinizational dechlorinization would be necessary. He stated that it would have to be
done very carefully as marine life is very sensitive to chlorine. He stated this would be a one -to -two
year plan as there is no reservoir to keep the discharge in place for the chlorine to work.
Don Slaven, Surfrider Foundation, presented a question regarding the portion of the presentation -
Resource Balance -Land, Air, Water -Energy chart. Mr. Anderson stated that if secondary
treatment does occur, the air pollution and truck traffic will increase. He stated that the Orange
County Sanitation District is not motivated to do anything but its best and has reached its
conclusions honestly. He stated that if it is learned a plume does reach shore, the Orange County
Sanitation District will take action right away. Mr. Anderson reported on how the odor from
secondary treatment can be reduced from the air. He reported that the Orange County Sanitation
District is still studying why there is still an odor problem in the neighborhood. Mr. Anderson
responded to a question as to why the plume is not discharged further out into the ocean. He
stated that studies done this summer will answer the question of whether the plume is going to
the shore.
Councilmember Boardman questioned if microfiltration is used, whether secondary treatment
would still be necessary and Mr. Anderson stated that it would.
Mr. Anderson responded to Mr. Jeff LeBow's questions as to what would it take for the Orange
County Sanitation District to go forward with the best plan with money to be obtained rather than
spend money on secondary treatment.
A speaker requested Mr. Anderson to respond to the question of a balance of responsibility of
inland and coastal cities. He questioned the wisdom of building a replenishment facility district at
the same location, where other facilities are located, due to earthquakes etc. He questioned the
logic of the construction of a replenishment plant going inland to Anaheim and back to Huntington
Beach for discharge; as it could be built in Anaheim. Mr. Anderson responded that this question
could be raised at a Yorba Linda City Council Meeting.
In response to another question regarding microfiltration, Mr. Anderson stated that it has not been
used to treat primary discharge and it is not known if it is workable. He addressed questions
regarding pathogen reduction. He stated that secondary treatment and disinfection does work.
Discussion returned on the subject of why secondary treatment is not being planned and areas of
disagreement were discussed.
Mr. Anderson responded to a question as to why use of ultraviolet rays to treat for primary
effluent, is not feasible, including the reason that it is energy -intensive.
(4) July 14, 2001 - Council/Agency Minutes - Page 4
Public Comments
Eileen Murphy stated reasons why she believes the Orange County Sanitation District should go
to secondary treatment.
Don Slaven, Surfrider Foundation, spoke regarding the position of the Foundation as outlined in
the document presented earlier in the meeting, and commented on the need for the costs of all
the options and the costs for a final plan. He spoke regarding the need for public review and
input. Mr. Slaven stated that the Surfrider Foundation does not support waivers or revisions to
the Federal Clean Water Act.
Joe Racano displayed the water samples and asked the audience if they would like these
samples to be discharged into the ocean. He spoke regarding a meeting of the Yorba Linda City
Council he had attended where Huntington Beach residents were referred to as "tree huggers."
Kris Hardeman, Ocean Outfall Group, stated that she had contacted bronchitis after swimming at
Bolsa Chica State Beach. She spoke regarding her recent education on the subject of how waste
is discharged into the ocean. Ms. Hardeman spoke regarding the need for public awareness.
She urged that the 301(H) waiver be rescinded.
Jeff Lebow, Ocean Outfall Group, spoke regarding what he believes are the challenges to the
cities in Orange County, especially those cities which have representatives on the Orange County
Sanitation District Board. He spoke regarding the importance of clean beaches to today's
children as well as tomorrow's children.
Doug Korthof stated that the situation. must be looked at from the sea creatures' point of view;
that it cannot be answered that the ocean's ability to absorb is unlimited. He stated that unlike
many other countries our country has a Clean Water Act and it must be followed.
Don McGee spoke regarding the "spin" created by various organizations. He questioned if birds
can pollute —can 240 million gallons of raw sewage pollute.
Margene Watkins read a poem from the 1800's and a quote from the 1970's which she believes
pertinent to the subject of this meeting. She read an excerpt from a book written in 1982
regarding the importance of sea creatures so small that they cannot be seen.
Dr. Jan Vandersloot, Ocean Outfall Group, stated that he believes everyone in this room,
including the Orange County Sanitation District, wants to do the right thing —but what is the right
thing to do? He stated that at a minimum the 301(H) Waiver should go. Dr. Vandersloot stated
that as this is an adjourned meeting of the City Council he would request that the city of
Huntington Beach take a role in leading the way to remove the waiver. He spoke in favor of
secondary treatment as it is a known quantity and microfiltration is not. Dr. Vandersloot stated
that he believes an illness reporting system is needed and signage is needed on the leads to
whom to call.
Carrie Thomas requested that a medical registry be started; that medical bills be paid by the
Orange County Sanitation District and a class action suit begun. She requested the Orange
County Sanitation District to take a position against the 301(H) waiver.
Gary Bernard referred to the article in the Los Angeles Times on June 29, 2001 titled Of Summer
and Sewage. He read potions of the article.
Mary Antonelli stated that she would like Huntington Beach elected officials to know that
whoever does not vote for the right bottle of water will not get her vote. A person addressed
Council and referred to the editorial in the Los Angeles Times edition of June 29, 2001.
(5) July 14, 2001 - Council/Agency Minutes - Page 5
Bob Caustin, Defend the Bay, informed Council that he believes water quality comes through
education and litigation. He asked that the City Council and others work with the Defend the Bay
organization to educate inland cities. He spoke.regarding the method of testing done by the
Orange County Sanitation District which are not, in his opinion correct.
Adjournment — City Council/Redevelopment Agency
On motion by Boardman, second Green, Council adjourned the regular adjourned meetings of the City
Council and the Redevelopment Agency of the City of Huntington Beach to Monday, July 16, 2001, at
5:00 p.m., in Room B-8, Civic Center, 2000 Main Street, Huntington Beach, California. The motion
carried unanimously, with Julien Houchen absent.
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City Clerk and ex-officio ClerWrof the City
Council of the City of Huntington Beach
and Clerk of the Redevelopment Agency
of the City of Huntington Beach, California
ATTEST:
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City Clerk -Clerk Mayor -Chairman