Public Hearing Request- Amendment of Ordinance 2001-6 Section 42-310 (a) (9)
From:
Joy Jones, Director
Organization:
Engineering
CAO Approval:
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation Concerning the Scheduling of a Public Hearing Regarding anAmendment of Ordinance 2001-6, Section 42-310 (a) (9) - Joy Jones, P.E., Engineering Department Director
That the Board authorize the scheduling of a Public Hearing on July 18, 2019, at 9:02 a.m., to consider an Amendment of Ordinance 2001-6, Section 42-310 (a) (9) to include “dechlorinated” pool “and spa” water.
BACKGROUND:
Pursuant to Section 303(d) of the Federal Clean Water Act and the resulting Florida Impaired Waters Rule (Chapter 62-303, Florida Administrative Code), the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) has classified specific waterbodies in Escambia County as “impaired” as a result of the presence of excessive nutrients and other pollutants. Because of this, FDEP has issued Escambia County a Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4 Permit) Permit FLS000019. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and FDEP require that governmental entities operating under the incorporated and unincorporated areas of Escambia County adopt ordinances to require that discharges of pool and spa water be “dechlorinated” in an effort to protect the quality of surface water and groundwater resources within the County, which will accordingly advance the public health, safety, and welfare.
This Amendment, which has no cost associated with it, is another tool required by the FDEP for local governments to reduce sources of pollution coming from urban areas via area surface and ground waters. Section 62.302.530 of the Florida Administrative Code requires that the free chlorine residual levels of pool and spa discharges be less than or equal to 0.01 mg/L. Pool or spa water with free chlorine residual levels less than or equal to 0.01 mg/L may be safely discharged to the Municipal Storm Sewer System without causing an illicit discharge. According to the County’s MS4 Permit Best Management Practices; the chlorine residual can be tested using a standard pool test kit.
BUDGETARY IMPACT:
N/A
LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS/SIGN-OFF:
The attached draft Ordinance Amendment has been approved as to legal sufficiency by Senior Assistant County Attorney Stephen G. West.
PERSONNEL:
N/A
POLICY/REQUIREMENT FOR BOARD ACTION:
The Board must approve the scheduling of public hearings.
IMPLEMENTATION/COORDINATION:
The public will be notified of the date, time, and place of the public hearing by advertisement in the Pensacola News Journal.