HomeMy WebLinkAbout1418 ResolutionRESOLUTION NO. 1418
A RESOLUTION relating to the Appeal of the Pollution
Control Hearings Board Decision upholding
the Department of Ecology's Order Directing
the City to Build Settling Basins
WHEREAS, the Department of Ecology ordered the City to
reduce the settleable solids in the water that it backwashes into
the Columbia River from its water filtration plant to such a level
that would require the construction of two settling basins at a
cost of approximately $500,000, half of which would be bornetty
the rate-payers of the City of Pasco, and the other half would be
funded through a government grant;
WHEREAS, the settleable solids backwash consists of
solids that are otherwise naturally suspended in the Columbia
River and are collected because the City filters the water its
citizens drink prior to that water being treated so that it is
potable;
WHEREAS, the City has had a study performed which concludes
on a preliminary basis that no actual harm is being done to the
quality of the water in the Columbia River or to its aquatic life
as a result of the City's backwashing of its filter since approx-
imately 1949;
WHEREAS, the City appealed the Order of the Department of
Ecology to the Pollution Control Hearings Board and the Pollution
Control Hearings Board sustained the Department of Ecoloav's Order;
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WHEREAS, it would be in the public interest c:o'fi the
citizens of the City of Pasco and other taxpayers to not have to
construct this expensive and apparently unnecessary facility;
WHEREAS, the Department of Ecology has never stated or
been able to show any harm to the Columbia River or its aquatic life
as a result of the City's backwashing of its filter in its water
treatment plant and, in fact, has refused to permit the consideration
of such evidence; NOW THEREFORE,
IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PASCO:
Section 1. That City staff is hereby authorized and
directed to proceed with an appeal of the Decision of the Pollution
Control Hearings Board to a Superior Court of the State of
Washington as permitted by law.
0. Wells, City Clerk
PASSED by the City Council of the City of Pasco this
16th day of March , 1981, by a vote of (1) yes
to (0) no.
E. A Snider, Mayor
ATTEST:
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
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