PRESENTER: Presenter
Mark Enders, Watershed Program Manager
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SUBJECT: Title
Approval of a contract with Arcadis, U.S., Inc for professional services associated with the implementation of the Dry Comal Creek and Comal River Watershed Protection Plan.
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DEPARTMENT: Public Works
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COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: All
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
A Watershed Protection Plan (WPP) has been developed to reduce bacteria loading to both the Dry Comal Creek and the Comal River to help achieve applicable contact recreation bacteria standards set by the State of Texas. The Dry Comal Creek and Comal River WPP has been accepted by both the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and the US Environmental Protection Agency.
The City has taken the lead on implementation of the WPP and has been implementing bacteria reduction and education/ outreach measures since 2018. City Council approved a contract with TCEQ in August 2021 to receive $826,377 in grant funding to continue implementation of bacteria management measures and outreach efforts outlined in the Dry Comal Creek and Comal River WPP. The grant funding is available between Sept 2021 and Feb 2026.
The grant contract includes funding for professional assistance to help support continued WPP implementation efforts. Arcadis U.S., Inc (Arcadis) helped support the City between 2015 and 2018 to work with local stakeholders and technical advisors and to develop the WPP. Since 2018, Arcadis has continued to support the City with the implementation of the WPP. Given Arcadis’ history on this project and excellence in the service provided, the City seeks to continue working with Arcadis on the WPP implementation project.
The proposed contract with Arcadis is valued at $176,878 and includes 1) assistance with management of the WPP implementation projects, 2) Quality Assurance, 3) Education & Outreach, 4) Data Analysis, and 5) Reporting.
ISSUE:
Bacteria levels in the Comal River and Dry Comal Creek exceed the State water quality standard for E.coli bacteria/ contact recreation resulting in the listing of both waterbodies on the State 303(d) list of Impaired Waterbodies in Texas.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Per the grant contract with TCEQ, all project-related expenditures up to the authorized amount ($826,377) will be reimbursed to the City by TCEQ on a quarterly basis. An account has previously been established for tracking WPP grant-related expenditures and reimbursements.
Recommendation
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of a contract with Arcadis, U.S., Inc for professional services associated with the implementation of the Dry Comal Creek and Comal River Watershed Protection Plan.