TRANSMITTAL LETTER FOR BOARD MEETING OF JULY 12, 2018
COMMITTEE ON MONITORING AND RESEARCH
Mr. John P. Murray, Acting Executive Director
Title
Authorization to Approve the North Branch Watershed Workgroup Membership Agreement for Fiscal Year 2018
Body
Dear Sir:
Authorization is requested to approve the membership agreement with the North Branch Watershed Workgroup (NBWW) for fiscal year 2018, ending April 30, 2019.
The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (District) has paid the 2018 annual membership invoice for the period of May 1, 2018, through April 30, 2019. Annual dues are $200.00. The District will remain a member until we choose not to be, at our sole discretion.
The NBWW is a non-profit organization formed by municipal stakeholders to cost-effectively improve the health of the North Branch of the Chicago River and to assist member agencies to meet current and future National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit requirements. The NBWW programs and services are prioritized and supported by dues-paying members.
It is beneficial for the District to participate in the NBWW for several reasons. A significant portion of the North Branch Watershed is within the District service area. Specifically, the reaches of the North Branch Chicago River and its tributaries from Lake Cook Road to Dempster Street are within the boundaries included in the NBWW. The NBWW’s main focus is on water quality, which will likely contribute to the District’s current efforts to reduce chlorides and nutrients and generally improve stormwater quality within the region. The District collected data at seven locations within the watershed during the years 2000-2012. As such, District staff are well suited to contribute to discussions regarding how to best manage this watershed and design future monitoring programs.
It is hereby recommended that the Board of Commissioners authorize the Acting Executive Director of the District to execute the Agreement and all documents necessary to effectuate membership with the NBWW.
Requested, Edward W. Podczerwinski, Director Monitoring and Research, EWP:KB:HZ:JW:kq
Respectfully Submitted, Kari K. Steele, Chairman Committee on Monitoring and Research
Disposition of this agenda item will be documented in the official Regular Board Meeting Minutes of the Board of Commissioners for July 12, 2018