HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-2021 MWMC Monthly Report2021MWMC Communication Packet
March 15, 2021
Urban Waters & Wildlife Partnership MOU Memo
Regional Wastewater Program Monthly Report— February 2021
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Photo Credit: David N. Jones
M E M O R A N D U M
DATE: March 11, 2021
TO: Metropolitan Wastewater Management Commission (MWMC)
FROM: Todd Miller, Environmental Services Supervisor
SUBJECT: Urban Waters & Wildlife Partnership MOU
ACTION
REQUESTED: Communication Packet
_____________________________________________________________________
ISSUE
The MWMC has the opportunity of signing on to the Urban Waters & Wildlife Partnership
(UWWP) memorandum of understanding (MOU) via an individual Adoption Agreement. The
UWWP has organized over the last two years as a regional collaborative partnership of local
government and conservation organizations to meet stormwater treatment objectives and
enhance local water quality and habitat more effectively. Joining the UWWP could benefit the
MWMC with furthering its local partnership opportunities.
BACKGROUND
Regional wastewater staff participation in UWWP discussions developed from previous
MWMC collaborations with UWWP members over the past decade. These opportunities relate
to furthering the MWMC’s interest in watershed approaches to improving regional water
quality. Below are examples of previous collaborations.
Cedar Creek Partnership. The Cedar Creek Partnership MOU was signed onto by the City of
Springfield in 2010 as an outcome of the Metro Waterways partnership facilitated by the Lane
Council of Governments (LCOG). The Partnership included government, non-profit, and
private organizations, including the McKenzie Watershed Council. Through opportunities
identified through Springfield’s involvement in the Cedar Creek Partnership, the MWMC
initiated pilot riparian shade projects. In parallel with that, the MWMC also collaborated with
the City of Springfield’s Mill Race Restoration project and implemented a pilot riparian shade
project. These three pilot projects comprise the “Riparian Shade Sponsorship Projects” that
have secured water quality trading credits for the MWMC.
Memo: Urban Waters & Wildlife Partnership MOU
March 11, 2021
Page 2 of 3
-Communication Packet-
Place-Based Water Resources Planning. In 2015, the MWMC’s recycled water planning
interests were represented in LCOG’s Place-Based Planning grant application to the Oregon
Water Resources Department in support of the 2012 Oregon Integrated Water Resources
Strategy. Despite not securing any grant funds, the process furthered the collaboration
among local water resources partners, which included local watershed councils.
Pure Water Partners. Through the riparian shading relationships developed under the Cedar
Creek Partnership, the MWMC was invited to collaborate in EWEB’s McKenzie Voluntary
Incentives Program (VIP) to protect and restore private lands in the McKenzie Watershed
(essentially expanding the Cedar Creek model into the entire watershed). The McKenzie VIP
evolved into the Pure Water Partners (PWP) as the model attracted more partners, including
federal agencies and conservation organizations.
The PWP Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was developed with input from the MWMC’s
regional staff, riparian shade consultant, and legal counsel. The MWMC signed on to the PWP
MOA via an individual Adoption Agreement in December 2020. The UWWP MOU and
Adoption Agreement structure was directly modeled after the PWP MOA, which the MWMC
has thoroughly vetted.
DISCUSSION
The UWWP includes multiple watershed, drinking water, and stormwater interests. Partners
include the MWMC’s three local government partners (Eugene, Springfield and Lane Co), the
Eugene and Springfield drinking water utilities (EWEB and SUB), the four local watershed
councils, the University of Oregon, and several local conservation districts and organizations.
The UWWP’s MOU is currently in final drafting for adoption by the partners. The mission of the
UWWP is to improve and protect water quality and wildlife habitat in our urban waterways
and aquifers for healthy, livable communities. The MOU is strictly a voluntary venue for
collaboration to pursue collective goals related to:
Developing community awareness and engagement for urban water enhancement
Engaging businesses through technical outreach and assistance
Leveraging partner resources for monitoring and implementation
Enhancing opportunities to address regional water issues equitably, including
engaging underserved, underrepresented, and marginalized communities
Potential benefits to the MWMC’s signing on with the UWWP include:
Aligns with the MWMC’s strategic planning goals towards clean water, partner
collaboration, sustaining environmental stewardship, and other elements
Positions the MWMC for grant funding, resource leveraging, and recognition as an
Urban Waters & Wildlife Partner
Promotes the MWMC as a regional “one water” partner, complementing our role as a
Pure Water Partner and member of Oregon ACWA
Memo: Urban Waters & Wildlife Partnership MOU
March 11, 2021
Page 3 of 3
-Communication Packet-
Enhances opportunities for the MWMC to be an integral partner in stormwater
solutions with recycled water irrigation and biochar soil amendment opportunities
Connects the MWMC to the UWWP private business networks and outreach for
messaging, which can enhance the MWMC’s success in mercury minimization, PFAS
reduction, and other community toxics reduction goals
Presents opportunities to enroll MWMC in UWWP efforts to enhance wetlands and
improve habitat, such as at the Biocycle Farm and Beneficial Reuse Site
Signing on the UWWP MOU does not obligate the MWMC to any funding or resource
commitments, other than having representation to vote on UWWP actions. Representation
can be accommodated through staff alternates and partner proxies. The MWMC can join the
UWWP via an Adoption Agreement at any time. Upon final drafting of the MOU, the MOU and
Adoption Agreement can be reviewed by MWMC legal counsel for approval.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the MWMC sign on to the UWWP MOU.
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