HomeMy WebLinkAboutMemo - Mail Packet - 3/30/2021 - Memorandum From Jill Oropeza Re: Cancellation Of Utilities Microplastics Study
Utilities
electric · stormwater · wastewater · water
PO Box 580
Fort Collins, CO 80522
970.212.2900
V/TDD 711
utilities@fcgov.com
fcgov.com/utilities
M E M O R A N D U M
DATE: March 23, 2021
TO: Mayor Troxell and Councilmembers
FROM: Jill Oropeza, Utilities Water Quality Services Director
THROUGH: Darin Atteberry, City Manager
Kelly DiMartino, Deputy City Manager
Theresa Connor, Interim Utilities Executive Director
RE: Cancellation of Utilities Microplastics Study
Bottom Line
As shared at the LPT meeting on Monday, March 22, t
has been cancelled due to ongoing staffing constraints. If
Council members have questions or additional feedback about this decision, please contact the
City Manager.
Background
Funding for the Microplastics study was approved through a 2019 off-cycle appropriation
(Ordinance No. 129, 2019) of $35,000 for Utilities to evaluate the state of the science around
monitoring and analysis methods as well as wastewater and stormwater control technologies.
This project aligned with the Plastics Pollution Outreach and Involvement program led by
Environmental Services Division with both supporting the Council Priority to Reduce Plastics
Pollution. Early planning indicated the work on the two projects would occur in parallel, starting
in 2020. Although aligned, the success and outcomes of these two projects are independent of the
other.
The Microplastics study was put on hold in 2020 due to staffing constraints from COVID-19
response and the Cameron Peak Wildfire response and recovery. Moving into 2021, many of
these constraints are expected to persist and potentially increase due to anticipated wildfire
recovery needs. At this time, we have been unable to identify a staff project manager and key
subject matter experts lack the capacity to serve on the project team due to additional wildfire-
related recovery duties and other projects slated for 2021, which include support for Halligan
Reservoir Expansion 401 certification for water quality and the development of Urban Lakes
Water Quality Policy and Guidance. As such, staff recommended the study be canceled, and the
reappropriation for this study under Ordinance No. 035, 2021 will no longer be needed.
Microplastics remains a relevant issue for the Utilities, but our ability to assess and mitigate the
issues locally is limited due to the state of the science. Staff will continue to track the emerging
science around methods for sampling, analysis and mitigation of microplastics in water sources
through our partnerships and professional affiliations. As the science matures, staff will bring
forward any needs for additional studies.
CC: Liesel Hans, Interim Utilities Deputy Director
Lance Smith, Utilities Finance Director