Explanation
BACKGROUND: This ordinance authorizes the Director of Public Utilities to enter into an annual cooperative agreement with the Columbus Health Department for the Division of Power and Water. This ordinance is to provide funding for the Lead-Safe Columbus Program (LSCP). In 1991, the EPA enacted the Lead and Copper Rule (LCR) under the Safe Drinking Water Act. The LCR requires tap water testing and replacement of lead service lines (water lines) at residences that exceed the action level. Project XL is a national pilot program that allows local governments to work with the EPA to develop strategies for achieving environmental and public health protection. In exchange, the EPA will provide flexibility with implementation of these strategies. The LSCP will enable the Division of Power and Water regulatory flexibility in compliance with the Lead and Copper Rule.
FISCAL IMPACT: This is an annual expenditure and the Division of Power and Water has allocated $300,000.00 for this project in the 2013 budget. This ordinance is contingent on the passage of the 2013 Operating Budget, Ordinance #2631-2012.
$ 300,000.00 was spent for this project in 2011.
$ 300,000.00 was spent for this project in 2010.
Title
To authorize the Director of Public Utilities to enter into a cooperative agreement with the Columbus Health Department, for participation in the Lead-Safe Columbus Program, for the Division of Power and Water, and to authorize the expenditure of $300,000.00 from Water Systems Operating Fund. ($300,000.00)
Body
WHEREAS, the EPA enacted the Lead and Copper Rule (LCR) which requires tap water testing and replacement of lead service lines (water lines) at residences that exceed the action level; and
WHEREAS, under Project XL the EPA will provide flexibility in meeting the LCR compliance; and
WHEREAS, the Division of Power and Water would like to enter into a cooperative agreement with the Columbus Health Department for participation in the Lead-Safe Columbus Program, based on the standards of Project XL; and
WHEREAS, it has become necessary in the usual daily operation of the Division of Power and Water, Department of Public Utilities, to authorize the Director of Public Utilities to enter into a cooperative agreement with the Columbus Health Department, for participation in the Lead-Safe Columbus Program, for the preservation of public health, peace, property and safety; now, therefore,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
Section 1. That the Director of Public Utilities be and is hereby authorized to enter into a cooperative agreement with the Columbus Health Department, for participation in the Lead-Safe Columbus Program, for the Division of Power and Water, Department of Public Utilities.
Section 2. That the expenditure of $300,000.00 or as much thereof as may be needed, is hereby authorized from Water Works Fund 600, Department 60-09, OCA Code 601989, Object Level One 03, Object Level Three 3430, to pay the cost thereof.
Section 3. That this ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period allowed by law.