COM 0124.031 2004-2006 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Environmental Management Budget Review March 30, 2005 Page 6 of 8 Sewer Fund 10. Is the replacement reserve adequate for the sewer system? For Fiscal Year OS-06, the replacement reserve is adequate. Based on current projections for future budget years, with no additional contributions, we would expect the reserve to be depleted in 1 to 2 years. The Sewer Equipment Replacement Fund balance is projected to be $783,824 on June 30, 2006. This is 77% of the planned project costs for the 06-07 Fiscal Year. With larger projects being funding through the CIP process, $1 Million in the Sewer Equipment Replacement Fund is prudent and allows a quicker response to unforeseen problems. Prior to the formation of the Department of Environmental Management in 2001, Department (of Public Works) administrative costs were charged to the General Fund. Since the department organized, these administrative costs have been charged to this reserve, in proportion to the amount of support Wastewater is receiving. As the Department is now established and growing, this amount is budgeted at $370,000 in FY OS-06. This directly reduces what is available for contributions to the Sewer Equipment Replacement Fund. Funding options that are available to the Wastewater Division are sewer rate increases, CIP Bond floats, and General Fund transfers. 11. What is the difference between preventable and unpreventable sewage spill? Preventable sewage spills are spills related to insufficient Operation and Maintenance (O&M) activities. Examples are as follows: • Failure to clean lines as scheduled to remove debris, which caused the sewage spill such as, grease blockages, root intrusion, etc. • Failure to repair a known damaged section of sewer main or lateral in a timely manner to prevent a sewage spill. • Improper maintenance of plant and/or sewage pump stations which resulted in a sewage spill. • Improper operation of a plant and/or sewage pump station which results in a sewage spill. Non-preventable sewage spills are spills unrelated to insufficient Operation and Maintenance activities. Examples are as follows: • Deliberate vandalism of collection systems such as breakage of sewer cleanouts, etc. and insertion of debris resulting in a sewage spill. • Damage to sewer facilities by an outside entity such as a contractor that results in a sewage spill. • Damage to operations through flooding, high surf or other natural catastrophes. 12. What is the status of large capacity gang cesspools? County-owned large capacity cesspools are either being upgraded to septic tank systems or will be closed. Users will then connect to the County sewer system. The Departments of Public Works and Environmental Management are coordinating that work. Additionally, Environmental Management is working with the Environmental Protection Agency to manage several large projects involving privately owned large capacity cesspools. The status and the details for projects follow: Hawaii County is an egua! opportunity provider and employer.