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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/12/2025 - NATURAL RESOURCES ADVISORY BOARD - AGENDA - Regular meeting Natural Resources Advisory Board REGULAR MEETING – Wednesday March 12, 2025 LOCATION: 215 N. Mason St. and via MS Teams: fcgov.com/nrab-teams-meeting 6:00 CALL TO ORDER / ROLL CALL 1. AGENDA REVIEW 2. COMMUNITY MEMBER PARTICIPATION 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – FEBRUARY 4. NEW BUSINESS 6:10-6:40 Natural Areas Strategic Framework Julia Feder (Conservation and Stewardship Manager, Natural Areas Department) will review and seek board feedback on the draft Natural Areas Strategic Framework. This visionary plan will guide the next 10-20 years of conservation, building on the 2014 Natural Areas Master Plan with an updated approach to new challenges and opportunities. (Discussion) 6:40-7:30 Accelerate Zero Waste Infrastructure and Policies Caroline Mitchell (Lead Waste Reduction and Recycling Specialist, Environmental Services Department) with seek board feedback on a draft City Council presentation summarizing strategies supporting the Council Priority to Accelerate Zero Waste Infrastructure and Policies. (Discussion) 5. OTHER BUSINESS / UPDATES a. Board Member Reports b. City of Fort Collins’ Position in a Changing Federal Landscape (staff) c. Six Month Calendar Review https://www.fcgov.com/cityclerk/planning-calendar.php d. Revisit action items from previous meetings & preview of next meeting City Websites with Updates: • Air Quality Advisory Board webpage: https://www.fcgov.com/cityclerk/boards/air-quality-advisory • Natural Resources Advisory Board webpage: https://www.fcgov.com/cityclerk/natural-resources.php • Our Climate Future: https://ourcity.fcgov.com/ourclimatefuture 6. ADJOURN 1 2/19/2025 - Minutes Natural Resources Advisory Board REGULAR MEETING Wednesday, February 19, 2025 – 6:00 PM 222 Laporte Avenue and via Microsoft Teams 1. CALL TO ORDER: 6:04 PM 2. ROLL CALL a. Board Members Present – • Dawson Metcalf (Chair) • Kelly Stewart (Vice Chair) • Matt Zoccali • Lisa Andrews • Barry Noon • Sara LoTemplio • Kelen Dowdy b. Board Members Absent – • Teagan Loew c. Staff Members Present – • Honore Depew, Staff Liaison • Jill Oropeza, Utilities • Bernadette Kuhn, Natural Areas • Christina Schroeder, Utilities • Kathryne Marko, Environmental Regulatory Affairs Manager d. Guest(s) – • Pat Burger 3. AGENDA REVIEW Chair Metcalf reviewed the agenda items. 4. COMMUNITY MEMBER PARTICIPATION Pat Burger, League of Women Voters of Larimer County President, stated the League is a non- partisan group that has a mission to empower voters and defend democracy. She spoke in support of a proposal from the Fort Collins Sustainability Group related to the implementation of a Large Methane User Fee and urged the Board to express support for such a fee to City Council. Noon asked about the proposed use of the collected funds. Burger replied the dollars would go into a fund that could be used by the affected businesses to purchase more efficient equipment. Depew noted there is a legal requirement that this type of fee collected in the community must 2 2/19/2025 - Minutes directly go back to benefiting the fee payer. Zoccali asked how many businesses would be impacted. Depew replied Fort Collins Sustainability Group’s analysis showed about 30 industrial establishments and 700 commercial buildings would be subject to the fee and the fee would be based on exceeding a certain methane usage. Chair Metcalf expressed support for including a discussion on the topic at a future meeting. 5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – JANUARY 2025 Noon made a motion, seconded by LoTemplio, to approve the January 2025 regular meeting minutes as amended. The motion was adopted unanimously. 6. NEW BUSINESS a. One Water – Projects Update Jill Oropeza, Utilities Senior Director of Science and Planning, provided an overview of the One Water approach, which manages all water whether from the tap, a stream, a storm, an aquifer, or a sewer, in a collaborative, integrated, inclusive, and holistic manner. She noted this approach is aligned with the Council priority of protecting the community’s water systems as well as the strategic objective of sustaining the health of the Poudre River and regional watersheds. Oropeza discussed pressures facing the water system, including water quantity, water quality and regulations, ecosystem degradation, aging and inadequate infrastructure, a changing climate, and pricing and affordability. Bernadette Kuhn, Natural Areas Senior Environmental Planner, commented on the interdisciplinary, collaborative nature of these efforts and noted the vision is for a healthy, resilient Poudre River watershed. She outlined the Poudre River Health Assessment, which is a comprehensive, repeatable river sampling project that measures the health of the Poudre River from its headwaters to the confluence with the South Platte River. Additionally, Kuhn discussed the River Health Assessment Framework Users’ Manual which has the goal of providing a high-quality, reproducible data set that reflects the physical, biological, and chemical conditions of the river so that its stewardship is guided by the best available science. She discussed the history of the Framework noting it was initially developed in 2015 and outlined the indicators included: aquatic habitat, aquatic life, riparian floodplain, river dynamics, river flow, sediment, water quality, and wood regime, and noted there are several metrics associated with each indicator. Noon commented on a CSU study that was published in ecological applications a few years ago which used the Poudre River as a case study. He also commented on designing monitoring programs, including for the Northwest Forest Plan, and stated a trend analysis itself does not provide any information on causation; therefore, he suggested considering co-variants to help infer cause and effect relationships and asked what co-variants are being considered in this case. Kuhn replied a co-variant related to 3 2/19/2025 - Minutes climate could be used for flows and stated this work will form a basis to start bringing co- variants in. Noon asked if the Forest Service is part of these efforts. Kuhn replied in the affirmative. Kuhn provided an example of data gathered in 2016 related to water quality, which uses the metrics of temperature, nutrients, pH, and dissolved oxygen. She discussed some of the ways in which the 2016 data has been used, including to determine where to spend restoration dollars, to inform the Poudre Wildfire Ready Action Plan, to guide Preble’s Meadow Jumping Mouse habitat restoration projects, and to inform the Poudre Flows Project. Kuhn outlined next steps in the project: to release the comprehensive data set in 2026, have a community engagement phase in 2026-27, incorporate the data into the decision- making process and restoration prioritization, and to utilize the data for project-level monitoring. Noon asked about the impact of the Northern Integrated Supply Project. Kuhn replied staff has been having discussions with Northern Water about whether this tool could be used in their process to ensure everyone is on the same page utilizing the same tool. Noon expressed concern that unless there is some pressure put on Northern Water to maintain higher inflows prior to Glade Reservoir being filled, this tool will not be useful. He commended the staff work. Zoccali asked how climate impacts other than flow are being considered at the regional scale. Kuhn replied she is trying to bring carbon sequestration into restoration projects, though that is not part of this methodology. Noon noted Save the Poudre has a pending lawsuit related to the Thornton Pipeline to keep the water in the river through town. He asked if the City has granted the 1041 permits to put the pipe through some of the Natural Areas. Kuhn replied the County granted permission. Noon expressed concern that Northern Water and Thornton have not been upfront and honest about their projects. Kuhn noted these efforts are trying to create a data set that is defensible, transparent, and repeatable. Christina Schroeder, Utilities Director of Water Reclamation and Biosolids Division, stated a master planning effort is currently underway for the Water Reclamation and Biosolids Division to assess near- and long-term needs including changing regulatory requirements. She stated the goal is to take a more holistic approach that includes other water stakeholders. Schroeder discussed the City’s two treatment facilities and provided an explanation of the water reclamation process at each facility noting the two are connected by a bypass system. Schroeder discussed the points of discharge into the Poudre River from each facility. She noted there have been discussions about changing the Mulberry point of discharge, though there are no plans to do so at this time. 4 2/19/2025 - Minutes Noon noted any contaminants in the water with decreased flow will be concentrated and asked if there is any anticipation that the current infrastructure at either of the treatment plants will be inadequate to meet water quality requirements, thereby necessitating additional equipment and associated costs. Oropeza replied an in-depth evaluation of the impacts on wastewater treatment operations from NISP operations found there are some changes in nutrients downstream; however, the main concern is about depleted flows and Northern Water has stated it is not responsible for addressing that issue. She stated there is a low chance of seeing significant impacts at the Mulberry facility. Noon noted the population is increasing dramatically, therefore the amount of material in the water stream will be increasing at the same time there may be decreasing flows due to NISP. He stated it seems inevitable that the current facilities are going to reach a point at which the water cannot be cleaned sufficiently enough to meet the requirements of the Water Quality Act. Schroeder replied the sewer sheds for both the Drake and Mulberry facilities do not exactly match with city limits, and both of those sewer sheds are pretty much completely built out and have excess capacity. She noted the Drake facility is rated for 23 million gallons per day, and on average, only 8 or 9 million gallons are going through the facility per day. Schroeder discussed regulatory challenges related to changing nutrient and quality criteria. Additionally, other challenges include limits of technology, competing needs including future regulations versus aging infrastructure, and funding sources. Schroeder outlined potential solutions, including the Master Plan, a more holistic approach, and stakeholder engagement. Zoccali asked how or if One Water has made for more efficient and effective collaboration with the ERA, planners, and other departments. Oropeza commented on the Oak Street stormwater project which was a collaborative effort to minimize disruptions and take advantage of opportunities. Zoccali asked if there is any Cameron Peak Fire recovery work remaining. Oropeza replied the City no longer has a primary role, but continues to engage around ecological restoration, mostly guided through the resiliency plan for the upper Poudre. Noon commented on activities undertaken by the Coalition for the Poudre River Watershed on the South Fork. He also commented on a meeting with Joe Neguse in Denver. b. Information Committee Designee for Civic Assembly Process Chair Metcalf stated the Board has been asked to designate a member to represent NRAB in the upcoming civic assembly process looking at the former Hughes Stadium site. He noted the process will consist of two meetings with the goal of considering priorities and providing a prioritization of ideas. Depew discussed the history of the Hughes Stadium site and citizen-led referendum which passed and forced the City to purchase the property; however, there was no direct guidance in the ballot language as to how the land should be used, which has led to the 5 2/19/2025 - Minutes need for this process. Chair Metcalf stated he would volunteer to take the position as he has interest in the topic. 7. OTHER BUSINESS/UPDATES Chair Metcalf asked if there is any interest among members in pursuing the topic brought up by Ms. Burger. Members concurred they had some interest. Depew noted that it would be helpful to include staff analysis, but that is not part of current work plans. So a next step could be hearing an informational presentation from the Fort Collins Sustainability Group or its representative. a. Board Member Reports Chair Metcalf announced a community smog exhibition at the CSU Gregory Allicar Museum of Art. Additionally, he noted there will be Chair and Vice Chair elections coming forward with the new members and stated he is interested in stepping down from the Chair position. Dowdy stated she is the Chair of the Coalition for the Poudre River Watershed Board and they are asking people to reach out to local representatives regarding the federal funding freeze as it is impacting the Coalition’s programs and ability to do work. Noon commended the Coalition’s web page. b. Six Month Calendar Review Depew reviewed items that will be considered at upcoming Council meetings or work sessions, including the water efficiency plan, housing affordability, the EV Readiness Roadmap, the future of commercial corridors, Transfort, the capital tax renewal, Members discussed possible topics for upcoming agendas, including the Natural Areas Strategic Framework and new member orientation. 8. ADJOURNMENT • 8:11 pm Minutes approved by a vote of the Board on X/XX/2025 Headline Copy Goes Here Natural Areas Strategic Framework Draft Plan Discussion Natural Resources Advisory Board 03 12 2025 Conservation and Stewardship Planning Manager Julia Feder Ponderosa Pine at Reservoir Ridge Natural Area, photo by: John Bartholow Headline Copy Goes HereProject Timeline City Council Work Session City Council Adoption Headline Copy Goes Here 3 Key Considerations Related to Natural Resources Conserving land and water remain a focus. Protecting water bodies and water quality are highly valued. Leveraging partnerships to improve ecological conditions and address climate -related risks needs to be a priority. Accessing nature near home is important to the community. Headline Copy Goes Here 4 Conservation and Stewardship Planning Headline Copy Goes HereVision 5 Headline Copy Goes HereVision 6 Headline Copy Goes HereVision 7 Headline Copy Goes Here 8 Natural Resources Advisory Board: Next Steps •Access the draft plan on Our City •Submit comments to Honore Depew,or fill in the online questionnaire on Our City BY MARCH 31 MAY 21 •NRAB could make a recommendation to Council on May 21, ahead of the June 17 Council meeting JUNE 17 •Plan adoption at City Council Headline Copy Goes Here 9 THANK YOU! Headline Copy Goes Here Lead Waste Reduction and Recycling Specialist Caroline Mitchell Council Priority Check-in: Accelerate Zero Waste Infrastructure and Policies 3-12-2025 Natural Resources Advisory Board March 12, 2025 Headline Copy Goes Here 3Strategic Alignment City Plan Council Priority: Accelerate Zero Waste Infrastructure and Policies Principle ENV 5: Create a Zero Waste system. Environmental Health 1 Strategic PlanCouncil Priority Our Climate Future Big Move 2: Zero Waste Neighborhoods Big Move 10: Zero Waste Economy Critical Path to Achieving Climate Goals (composting) Headline Copy Goes HerePresentation contents 5 1) Fort Collins’ Zero Waste Context 2) What We’re Doing Now 3) Future Options / What We Could Do Headline Copy Goes Here Headline Copy Goes Here 7Zero Waste Context 2023 Diversion Rates Residential: 25%Commercial: 40%Industrial: 82%Combined: 61% (Community Diversion Rate) Recycled Composted Landfilled Goal: Zero Waste by 2030 Headline Copy Goes Here 8Fort Collins in Context of other Colorado Communities 25% 58% 37% 42% 33%30% 44% 37% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% Fort Collins Loveland Boulder Longmont Golden Durango Residential Commercial Headline Copy Goes Here 9What’s in Our Landfilled Waste? Waste Composition (2016 data) Residential Commercial Industrial Could Be Recycled Could Be Composted No Options Other Than Landfill Update info in these charts Headline Copy Goes Here 10 Community Waste Pathways to 2030 •Progress accelerates with regional composting and C&D infrastructure 47 % 27% 49% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% 20 0 5 20 0 7 20 0 9 20 1 1 20 1 3 20 1 5 20 1 7 20 1 9 20 2 1 20 2 3 20 2 5 20 2 7 20 2 9 Community Landfilled Waste % of materials generated Historic Forecast Pathway •Pathways •Construction and Demolition Materials Recycling •Food Scraps & Yard Trimmings Composting •City Industrial Materials Recycling •Remaining potential •(e.g., behavior change, circular economy, extended producer responsibility, etc.) 2030 12% 6% 2% 27% 15% Landfilled Headline Copy Goes Here 11Primary Areas of Opportunity 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% 120%Remaining Potential City Industrial Materials Recycling Food Scraps & Yard Trimmings Composting C&D materials recycling Existing recycling and composting 85% Headline Copy Goes Here Headline Copy Goes Here Industrial / Const & DemoCommercial & Attached Res.Detached Residential Programs Already In Place 13 •Volume-based trash pricing •Recycling and yard trimmings included for no additional charge •Contracted hauling: consistent, affordable pricing •Requirements to recycle cardboard, metal, wood, aggregates •Regular inspections of C&D sites •Recycling included with trash service •Grocers required to compost Plastic bag ban, Paper bag fee, Styrofoam ban Education and outreach programs, Landfill ban on cardboard Infrastructure: Timberline Recycling Center, Hoffman Mill Crushing Facility Headline Copy Goes HereCouncil Priority Elements Complete or Underway 14 •Grant-funded consulting support •Regional Wasteshed partnership Identify Pathways to C&D and Food Scraps Infrastructure Underway •Implement contracted hauling with increased yard trimmings collection Leverage Existing Infrastructure to increase Yard Trimmings Composted Complete Headline Copy Goes HereUnderway: Pathways to compost, C&D facilities 15 Infrastructure for composting, C&D essential to more recycling and composting Feasibility-Level Analysis July 2025 Focus on: compost facility, transfer station Engagement and Analysis Grant-funded consulting work to identify composting and C&D infrastructure pathways Letter of support for Larimer County C&D Facility Headline Copy Goes Here Headline Copy Goes HereNext steps: Pathways to compost, C&D facilities 18 Select site, construct Engineering / Construction - Level Analysis Feasibility-Level Analysis July 2025 Focus on compost, transfer station Engagement and Analysis Grant-funded consulting work to identify composting and C&D infrastructure pathways Larimer County C&D Site (if grant approved and funding identified): •Provide funding •Already adopted policy to direct material to site Headline Copy Goes Here 19 Next Moves Underway for Items in Council Priority Element Diversion Impact Likely Timeline (if resourced) Expanded yard trimmings collection through contracted hauling High Complete Food scraps composting site or compost transfer station High Years Mixed C&D recycling sorting facility High Years Headline Copy Goes Here Headline Copy Goes Here