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Public utilities seek wetland mitigation credits to support two elevated storage tanks at Northover Road
Summary
The Department of Public Utilities requested a waiver of competitive bidding to purchase wetland mitigation credits at the Pearson Metropark Wetland Mitigation Bank to allow construction of two elevated water storage tanks on city property at Northover Road. Council members raised concerns about proximity to residences and alternatives.
The Department of Public Utilities told the Agenda Review Committee it needs wetland mitigation credits to proceed with construction of two elevated storage tanks on City of Toledo property on Northover Road.
"Those are to facilitate construction of 2 elevated storage tanks on City Of Toledo property located on Northover Road. The Northover Road location was carefully chosen as the optimal location in the water system to construct the proposed elevated storage tanks," said Jake Gates, senior engineer at the water treatment plant.
Public utilities staff explained the Pearson Metropark Wetland Mitigation Bank is the only bank in the watershed and is administered by the Stream and Wetland Foundation; because mitigation credits are limited to the watershed and the Metropark bank is the only available source nearby, the department asked the committee to waive competitive bidding and purchase appropriate credits. The presentation said the purchase would cover costs to develop wetlands in the Metropark.
Council members raised several concerns. One member said they were "not exactly happy" about placing the elevated facilities in a residential neighborhood but acknowledged the hydraulic constraints limited location choices. Another council member asked about resident proximity; staff said the site has a minimum setback of 100 feet from the nearest house. Staff said other locations that would connect to the arterial main were not feasible.
The committee recorded a recommendation of SEP for the item. The request in the presentation did not state the dollar amount for the wetland mitigation purchase or the timing for purchase. Staff noted earlier community hearings had been held and that the project has been in process for more than a year.
The department also said the proposed Northover pair is near Jackman on Northover Road and that one similar elevated tank exists at Snyder Park in District 2.
Questions from members included whether the tanks could leak (staff declined to assert they never leak, saying hydraulic necessity drove placement) and why parks had been ruled out (parks increased project cost substantially).
