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Council updates: wastewater discharge permit expected to be closed; civil penalty negotiated to $12,508
Summary
City staff reported that the state Department of Water Quality has agreed to allow closure of the city's discharge permit, reducing compliance obligations; staff also reported negotiated civil penalty of $12,508 and recommended paying to avoid court action.
Council member Greg Evans reported to the Eureka City Council that inspectors from the state Department of Water Quality visited the city’s wastewater facility and indicated the city could withdraw and close its discharge permit, removing the city from the state’s discharge-permit requirements.
“This will make things a lot less complicated,” Evans said, describing the agency’s offer to allow the city to close the permit. Evans said the withdrawal would reduce testing frequency and monthly reporting obligations tied to an active discharge permit.
Evans also described ongoing settlement discussions over a prior compliance matter that originally carried a larger civil penalty. He reported the state sent a revised penalty amount of $12,508 and that the state requires action before the end of the month or the matter could proceed to a court docket. Evans recommended paying the $12,508 to resolve the matter administratively.
The council discussed timing and budget. Evans said the payment was already budgeted in the sewer fund and that the mayor would sign settlement documents after staff prepares them; the state engineer will then sign and the settlement will be advertised before payment is made. The council did not take a formal vote on the payment during the meeting; staff said they would handle the administrative steps and return documents for signature.
Evans also briefed the council on other utility matters: work on water meters and hotspots/tablets for field staff, plans to repair two remaining hydrants and replace a broken hydrant on Eagle, and coordination with Raw Water staff for valve and hydrant documentation to integrate into the city’s asset-management work.
No ordinance or budget appropriation was adopted at the meeting related to the penalty; Evans said the city budgeted funds for the anticipated cost and staff will complete the settlement paperwork and return for mayoral signature as required.
