Title
Approval for the City of Roswell to partner with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the National Park Service (NPS) and Chattahoochee Riverkeepers (CRK) in the amount of $2,500 to ensure the continuation of the BacteriAlert program to monitor river water bacteria levels in the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (CRNRA).
Public Works/Environmental
Body
Item Summary:
The BacteriAlert program was initiated within the CRNRA in 2000 as a public-private partnership between government agencies and nonprofit organizations with the goal to provide bacteria sampling results in real time via a publicly accessible website. The website provides users with current predictions of E. coli bacteria concentrations within the CRNRA.
The program is in need of additional funding partners due to federal sequestration impacting the USGS budget and a reduced commitment from Cobb County. The total cost for the program ranges from $50,000 to $60,000 depending on the specific components of the program. With 12 miles of Roswell bordering the CRNRA, the City of Roswell has been approached to consider becoming a partner in this program. The funding gap that needs to be filled is $10,300 per year. The City's contribution in this partnership would be $2,500.
Committee or Staff Recommendation:
On November 13, 2013 the Public Safety and Public Works Committee recommended placing this item on the November 25, 2013 Mayor and Council Agenda.
Financial Impact:
Funds are available in the monitoring operating budget of the Stormwater Utility Fund.
Presented by:
Stuart A. Moring, P.E., Director of Public Works/Environmental