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City reports TMDL progress, notes E. coli spike; staff to work with certified operator
Summary
Staff presented the annual TMDL report covering temperature, bacteria and mercury benchmarks; they reported a wastewater-plant E. coli exceedance starting Dec. 12 and said they will work with their certified operator and take samples ahead of the Feb. 1 DEQ filing.
City staff delivered the annual TMDL (Total Maximum Daily Load) report and reviewed required benchmarks and recent compliance issues.
The clerk explained that a TMDL sets the maximum pollutant load a water body can receive and remains compliant with water-quality standards; Westfir's responsibilities are implemented under EPA rules administered by Oregon DEQ. Staff noted riparian planting and invasive-species removal done in partnership with the Middle Fork Watershed Council and reported the community participated in planting days and a Title II grant-funded trail project at Confluence Park.
Staff also reported a current noncompliance: an E. coli value that exceeded the treatment plant permit limit beginning Dec. 12. Bobby and staff will take additional samples and work with Max, the certified operator, to identify and correct the source before the clerk submits the Feb. 1 report to DEQ.
Councilors asked for clarification on planned outreach and education around septic maintenance (Westfir has many properties on septic) and on next steps to adopt county stormwater rules through intergovernmental agreement. Staff said they will finish report content for the Feb. 1 filing and follow up with the council on any necessary actions.
