Number
190877
Version
ORIGINAL
Reference
Sponsor
The Public Works Committee
Title
Resolution authorizing the City of Milwaukee to enter into a Great Lakes Legacy Act Project Agreement with the US Environmental Protection Agency in cooperation with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Milwaukee County, We Energies, and the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District for the Focused Feasibility Study, Pre-Design Investigation, and Remedial Design of Remaining Impacted Sediments in the Milwaukee Estuary Area of Concern.
Analysis
This resolution will authorize the City of Milwaukee to enter into a cooperative agreement with multiple non-federal sponsors to study and remediate legacy contamination in the Milwaukee Estuary Area of Concern.
Body
Whereas, The Department of City Development, Redevelopment Authority of the City of Milwaukee, Port Milwaukee, and other City agencies (collectively known as “the City”) have been coordinating with the US Environmental Protection Agency (“USEPA”), the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (“WDNR”), Milwaukee County, We Energies, and Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (“MMSD”) to develop a Focused Feasibility Study, Pre-Design Investigation, and Remedial Design of Remaining Impacted Sediments in the Milwaukee Estuary Area of Concern (“AOC”); and
Whereas, The Milwaukee Estuary was designated an AOC in 1987 by the International Joint Commission because of historical modifications and pollutant loads that contributed toxic contamination to the AOC and Lake Michigan; and
Whereas, Twenty-six AOC’s have been identified in the Great Lakes basin and five are located in the State of Wisconsin; and
Whereas, The Milwaukee Estuary AOC includes the nearshore waters of Lake Michigan, portions of the Milwaukee, Menomonee, and Kinnickinnic Rivers, and a segment of Lincoln Creek; and
Whereas, Under the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement, a Milwaukee Estuary Stage 1 Remedial Action Plan (“RAP”) was completed in 1991 and updates to the RAP have been periodically performed, with the most recent update in December, 2016; and
Whereas, The RAP identifies the project reaches targeted for this Great Lakes Legacy Act (“GLLA”) Project Agreement (“PA”) and the PA describes the framework through which the partners will work together during various phases and in multiple project areas within the AOC; and
Whereas, The purpose of the project is to improve the conditions in the AOC to protect human health and the aquatic environment as well as support the eventual delisting process; and
Whereas, Under this PA the City will contribute to the 35 percent non-federal cost share through in-kind contributions, assistance with building community support and awareness for AOC issues, and participation in various workgroups; and
Whereas, The USEPA will conduct the sediment investigation and remedial activities and fund the 65 percent federal cost share and will convene and support the non-federal sponsors; and
Whereas, The City is providing a portion of the non-federal cost share requirements through in-kind contributions such as (1) PCB remediation in city infrastructure and (2) dock wall assessments along the Milwaukee, Menomonee, and Kinnickinnic Rivers; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Common Council of the City of Milwaukee authorizes the appropriate City representatives to execute a project agreement with the EPA, WDNR, Milwaukee County, We Energies, and MMSD.
Drafter
DCD:Benjamin.Timm:bt
09/24/19/B