Title
Resolution Approving the Hampton Roads Water Quality Credit Agreement for Chesapeake Bay Restoration with Hampton Roads Sanitation District (“HRSD”) to Partner in HRSD’s Sustainable Water Initiative for Tomorrow Initiative
Purpose
PURPOSE/BACKGROUND:
Hampton Roads Sanitation District (“HRSD”) is proposing the Sustainable Water Initiative for Tomorrow (“SWIFT”), an innovative water purification initiative in eastern Virginia designed to ensure a sustainable source of groundwater while addressing environmental challenges such as Chesapeake Bay restoration, sea level rise, and saltwater intrusion. SWIFT will treat wastewater to drinking water standards, pump it into the ground, and replenish the aquifer with clean water. Edward Henifin, General Manager of HRSD, provided an update on SWIFT to Council at the March 8, 2017 work session.
SWIFT will provide nutrient reduction beyond HRSD’s estimated need, creating an opportunity for HRSD to trade the additional Chesapeake Bay total maximum daily load (“TMDL”) credits to Hampton Roads localities through an agreement entitled “Hampton Roads Water Quality Credit Agreement for Chesapeake Bay Restoration.” The agreement essentially formalizes the arrangement of the transfer of credits among HRSD and the localities. In December 2016, HRSD circulated draft agreements to regional staff and in January, 2017, to chief administrative officers. Hampton may be the first locality to finalize the agreement with HRSD, which will provide many benefits to the City. It will provide the required nutrient reduction necessary to meet the TMDL allowing the City to focus on other stormwater initiatives. The Agreement also will enable the City to delay future increases in the stormwater utility rate. Staff believes the agreement is in the best interest of the City.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) must approve SWIFT, which is due to the EPA by October 1, 2017. The Agreements are critical to EPA approval of the ...
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