RESOLUTION NO. 55-07

 

A RESOLUTION TO PROVIDE CONTINUING SUPPORT FOR

THE COLORADO WATER QUALITY CONTROL

COMMISSION’S STORMWATER REGULATIONS

 

RECITALS:

 

In January 2006, the Colorado Water Quality Control Commission (Commission) voted to continue to enforce its regulations controlling storm water discharges from oil and gas development sites. The Commission determined that applying best management practices, (BMP’s) in spite of the federal exemption contained in the Energy Policy Act of 2005 is essential for the protection of water quality in Colorado.

 

Storm water runoff in the form of rain and melting snow flowing across drilling pads and other construction areas associated with oil and gas exploration, production and other operations can cause soil erosion, sending sediment into streams and rivers. Soil erosion and sedimentation are serious concerns because construction disturbs soil and plants and as with any industrial operation there is the potential for fuel, solvents and other chemicals to spill and cause pollution.

 

Notwithstanding the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that “siltation is the largest cause of impaired water quality in rivers” and that erosion rates from construction sites are much greater than from almost any other land use, the federal government has declined to regulate storm water from oil and gas industry sites. All other industries and private citizens in Colorado must comply with Commission regulations for storm water discharges.

 

Protecting and maintaining high quality, first use source water is of paramount importance to the residents of Grand Junction. In order to do that, the City by this Resolution states and provides its continuing support for the Commission to require the use of best management practices to control storm water runoff from all sites including those of the oil and gas industry.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City of Grand Junction supports the Commission’s regulation of storm water discharges from oil and gas operations that affect one acre or more of land; and

 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City of Grand Junction calls on the Colorado Water Quality Control Commission to fully enforce its current regulation of storm water discharges from oil and gas construction sites and reject proposed exemptions that are not based on sound science or policy.

 

ADOPTED AND APPROVED THIS 18th day of April, 2007

 

 

 

 

/s/: James J. Doody

President of the Council

ATTEST:

 

 

/s/: Stephanie Tuin

City Clerk