Amending City of Dubuque Code of Ordinances Title 13 Public Utilities, Chapter 2 Sewers and Sewage Disposal, Article D Industrial Pretreatment Program, Secton 13-2D-10 Fees and Charges Copyrighted
September 5, 2023
City of Dubuque Action Items # 06.
City Council Meeting
ITEM TITLE: Amending City of Dubuque Code of Ordinances Title 13 Public Utilities,
Chapter 2 Sewers and Sewage Disposal, Article D I ndustrial
Pretreatment Program, Section 13-2D-10 Fees and Charges
SUM MARY: City Manager recommending City Council amend the City of Dubuque
Code of Ordinances Title 13 Public Utilities, Chapter 2 Sewers and
Sewage Disposal,Article D Industrial Pretreatment Program, Section
13-2D-10.
ORDINANCE Amending City of Dubuque Code of Ordinances Title 13
Public Utilities, Chapter 2 Sewers and Sewage Disposal,Article D
Industrial Pretreatment Program, Section 13-2D-10 Fees and Charges
SUGGESTED Suggested Disposition: Receive and File; Motion B; MotionA
DISPOSITION:
ATTACHMENTS:
Description Type
MVM Memo City Manager Memo
Staff Memo Staff Memo
Ordinance Ordinance
Dubuque
THE CITY QF �
All-Meriea Ciry
DLT B E ; . � . �
�� � �
MaSt� Z�C� aYd t�Q Mt55ZSSZ Z zoa�•zoiz•�ai3
YP pp za��*zai�
TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
FROM: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
SUBJECT: Amending City of Dubuque Code of Ordinances Title 13 Public Utilities,
Chapter 2 Sewers and Sewage Disposal, Article D Industrial Pretreatment
Program, Section 13-2D-10 Fees and Charges
DATE: August 29, 2023
Water & Resource Recovery Center William O'Brien is recommending City Council
amend the City of Dubuque Code of Ordinances Title 13 Public Utilities, Chapter 2
Sewers and Sewage Disposal, Article D Industrial Pretreatment Program, Section 13-
2D-10.
The City of Dubuque is making significant improvements to the industrial pretreatment
program. Enhancements are essential for ensuring the responsible management of
industrial wastewater and protecting the environment. These improvements follow EPA
recommendations provided after an audit of the City's Industrial Pretreatment Program.
To recover the increased FY24 pretreatment program administration costs
(approximately $150,000), each significant industrial user will be assessed a monthly
general pretreatment administration charge that includes a fixed charge (based on the
number of significant industrial users), plus a monthly volumetric charge (based on total
monthly discharge volume per significant industrial user).
20% of the additional administrative cost (approximately $30,000) will be recovered
through a fixed monthly fee that is evenly divided among all significant industrial users.
The remaining 80% of the additional administrative cost (approximately $120,000)
would be recovered through a variable monthly fee that is assessed each wastewater
discharge permit holder in the amount of$0.14 per 100 cubic feet of wastewater
discharged into the POTW.
The fee and charge structure development will be a continuous process and should be
updated annually to accurately reflect program costs. The City will propose additional
modifications to the Industrial Pretreatment Program Administrative Cost Recovery plan
during the Fiscal Year 2025 budgeting process.
I concur with the recommendation and respectfully request Mayor and City Council
approval.
v
Mic ael C. Van Milligen
MCVM:sv
Attachment
cc: Crenna Brumwell, City Attorney
Cori Burbach, Assistant City Manager
William O'Brien, Water & Resource Recovery Manager
Jenny Larson, Chief Financial Officer
Randy Gehl, Public Information Officer
2
Dubuque
THE CITY OF �
All-pmerisa Ci$
DuB E tin�,��,i.���u.�
1II � ��r
Maste 12Ce OYl ��le M1SB1SS1 1 zao��zoiz�zois
�P pp zoi�*zoi9
TO: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
FROM: William J. O'Brien, W&RRC Manager
RE: AMENDING CITY OF DUBUQUE CODE OF ORDINANCES TITLE 13
PUBLIC UTILITIES, CHAPTER 2 SEWERS AND SEWAGE DISPOSAL,
ARTICLE D INDUSTRIAL PRETREATMENT PROGRAM, SECTION 13-
2D-10 FEES AND CHARGES
DATE: August 16, 2023
INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this memorandum is to provide an ordinance for
review and approval. This ordinance amends the City of Dubuque Code of Ordinances
Title 13 Public Utilities, Chapter 2 Sewers and Sewage Disposal, Article D Industrial
Pretreatment Program, Section 13-2D-10.
DISCUSSION: The City of Dubuque is making significant improvements to the
industrial pretreatment program. Enhancements are essential for ensuring the
responsible management of industrial wastewater and protecting the environment.
These improvements follow EPA recommendations provided after an audit of the City's
Industrial Pretreatment Program.
The additional expense of an Industrial Pretreatment Coordinator, consulting fees, and
other program costs, will require an increase in pretreatment program fees, that will be
assessed to all Industrial Users, subject to the City's Industrial Pretreatment Program,
during the current Fiscal Year 2024. Several of the fees and charges, identified in the
schedule of charges and fees in Section 13-2D-10B, have not been adjusted since the
inception of the Industrial Pretreatment Program in 1983.
Water & Resource Recovery Center staff examined industrial pretreatment
administrative fee structures, from other cities with successful pretreatment programs,
for guidance, while working to develop a fair, and equitable, FY24 cost recovery
structure.
I am proposing to recover the increased FY24 pretreatment program administration
costs (approximately $150,000) by assessing each significant industrial user a monthly
general pretreatment administration charge that includes a fixed charge (based on the
number of significant industrial users), plus a monthly volumetric charge (based on total
monthly discharge volume per significant industrial user).
Service People Integrity Responsibility Innovation Teamwork
20% of the additional administrative cost (approximately $30,000) will be recovered
through a fixed monthly fee that is evenly divided among all significant industrial users.
The remaining 80% of the additional administrative cost (approximately $120,000)
would be recovered through a variable monthly fee that is assessed each wastewater
discharge permit holder in the amount of $0.14 per 100 cubic feet of wastewater
discharged into the POTW.
The total monthly administrative fee will be calculated as follows:
Fixed Charge + Variable Charge = Total Monthly Administrative Charge
• Fixed charge = ($30,000/12 months) /# of users/waste streams
• Variable charge = Monthly discharge volume (in CCF) x $0.14
The following three examples demonstrate potential monthly administrative charges for
industries discharging varying amounts of wastewater:
Example 1: If 20 total SIUs, and industry discharges 20,000,000 gallons per
month, then monthly fee would equal:
_ (($30,000/12)/20) + ((20,000,000/748) x $0.14
_ $125 + $3,743.32
_ $3,868.32 total monthly fee
Example 2: If 20 total SIUs, and industry discharges 5,000,000 gallons per
month, then monthly fee would equal:
_ (($30,000/12)/20) + ((5,000,000/748) x $0.14
_ $125 + $935.83
_ $1,060.83 total monthly fee
Example 3: If 20 total SIUs, and industry discharges 200,000 gallons per
month, then monthly fee would equal:
_ (($30,000/12)/20) + ((200,000/748) x $0.14
_ $125 + $37.43
_ $162.43 total monthly fee
The fee and charge structure development will be a continuous process and should be
updated annually to accurately reflect program costs. The City will propose additional
modifications to the Industrial Pretreatment Program Administrative Cost Recovery plan
during the Fiscal Year 2025 budgeting process.
We are working, with a consultant, to conduct a comprehensive Industrial Waste Survey
(12-18 months in duration). The survey is intended to gain a thorough understanding of
all industrial users contributing wastewater to the POTW. The identification of additional
Significant Industrial Users will allow for distribution of program costs over a larger
number of users.
Service People Integrity Responsibility Innovation Teamwork
RECOMMENDATION:
I recommend approval, of the proposed ordinance amendment, and submittal to the City
Council for approval at their September 5, 2023 City Council Meeting.
Cc: Crenna Brumwell, City Attorney
Jennifer Larson, Director of Finance & Budget
Adrienne Breitfelder, City Clerk
Randy Gehl, Public Information Officer
Attachments: Amendment to City Ordinance
Service People Integrity Responsibility Innovation Teamwork
Prepared by: Crenna M. Brumwell, Esq. 300 Main Street Suite 330 Dubuque IA 52001 563 589-4381
ORDINANCE NO. 38 - 23
AMENDING CITY OF DUBUQUE CODE OF ORDINANCES TITLE 13 PUBLIC
UTILITIES, CHAPTER 2 SEWERS AND SEWAGE DISPOSAL, ARTICLE D
INDUSTRIAL PRETREATMENT PROGRAM, SECTION 13-2D-10 FEES AND
CHARGES
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
DUBUQUE, IOWA:
Section 1. Section 13-2D-10 of the City of Dubuque Code of Ordinances is hereby
amended to read as follows:
13-2D-10: RATES AND CHARGES:
A. Purpose: It is the purpose of this section to provide for the collection of rates and
charges to produce gross revenues at least sufficient to pay the expenses of operation
and maintenance of the City's sanitary sewer system and POTW. The applicable rates
and charges shall be collected as provided in the Schedule of Rates and Charges
established in this section.
B. Description of Rates and Charges:
1 . Types of Rates and Charges: The city shall adopt rates and charges for the
administration of this program which may include:
a. Rates or other charges for the recovery of costs of setting up and
operating the industrial pretreatment program.
b. Rates or other charges for monitoring, inspections, and surveillance
procedures.
c. Rates or other charges relating to accidental discharge procedures. Note
that certain discharges may constitute environmental violations and be
subject to municipal infractions in addition to rates and charges for the
recovery of costs.
d. Rates or other charges for permit applications and renewals.
e. Rates or other charges for filing appeals.
f. Rates or other charges for the consistent removal (by the POTW) of
pollutants otherwise subject to federal pretreatment standards.
g. Other rates or charges adopted from time to time as the city may
deem necessary to carry out the requirements contained herein.
These rates and charges relate solely to the matters covered by this article and
are separate from all other fees chargeable by the city.
2. Rate Schedule: On or after September 13, 2023, the rates and charges
assessed to each Significant Industrial User of the system shall include all of the
following:
a. A general service charge with the following two components:
1. A fixed cost facilities and administration charge in the amount
of: $125.00/month;
and;
2. A volumetric charge in the amount of $0.14/Ccf of flow
discharged into the POTW.
b. A surveillance monitoring and sample charge in the amount of three
dollars ($3.00) for each sample collected.
c. A laboratory testing charge in an amount equal to actual expenses
incurred for each parameter tested in-house; and actual expenses incurred
plus ten percent (10%) for each parameter tested by outside laboratories.
d. A compliance charge for investigating incidents of program
noncompliance or accidental spills in an amount equal to the amount of time
actually expended multiplied by fifty dollars ($50.00) per hour.
e. A wastewater discharge permit application fee in the amount of one
hundred dollars ($100.00) for each wastewater discharge permit.
f. A wastewater discharge permit renewal charge in the amount of fifty
dollars ($50.00) per permit. A late fee of one hundred dollars ($100.00) per
month shall be assessed for each month past the due date of permit
renewal.
g. An appeal filing fee of two hundred fifty dollars ($250.00) shall be
assessed at the time of appeal.
h. Any person who discharges toxic substances or effluent into the
POTW which exceed discharge limitations shall be assessed a charge
equal to the amount of any fine, fee or penalty imposed upon the city by any
federal or state agency plus any applicable municipal infractions.
established in an agreement negotiated between the city and the
wastewater discharge permit applicant.
Section 2. This ordinance shall take effect upon publication.
Passed, approved, and adopted this 21st day of August, 2023.
Brac Cavana r
Attest:
_69--P)OL-,--'
Trish L. Gleason, Assistant City Clerk
EFFECT OF AMENDMENT
13-2D-10: RATES AND CHARGES:
A. Purpose: It is the purpose of this section to provide for the collection of rates and
charges to produce gross revenues at least sufficient to pay the expenses of operation
and maintenance of the City's sanitary sewer system and POTW. The applicable rates
and charges shall be collected as provided in the Schedule of Rates and Charges
established in this section.
B. Description of Rates and Charges:
1. Types of Rates and Charges: The city shall adopt rates and charges for the
administration of this program which may include:
a. Rates or other charges for the recovery of costs of setting up and
operating the industrial pretreatment program.
b. Rates or other charges for monitoring, inspections and surveillance
procedures.
c. Rates or other charges relating to accidental discharge procedures.
Note that certain discharges may constitute environmental violations and
be subject to municipal infractions in addition to rates and charges for the
recovery of costs.
d. Rates or other charges for permit applications and renewals.
e. Rates or other charges for filing appeals.
f. Rates or other charges for the consistent removal (by the POTW) of
pollutants otherwise subject to federal pretreatment standards.
g. Other rates or charges adopted from time to time as the city may
deem necessary to carry out the requirements contained herein.
These rates and charges relate solely to the matters covered by this article and
are separate from all other fees chargeable by the city.
2. Rate Schedule On or after September 13, 2023, the rates and charges
assessed to each Significant Industrial User of the system shall include all of the
following:
a. A general service charge with the following two components:
1. A fixed cost facilities and administration charge in the amount of: $125.00/month;
and;
2. A volumetric charge in the amount of$0.14/Ccf of flow discharged into the POTW.
b. A surveillance monitoring and sample charge in the amount of three
dollars ($3.00) for each sample collected.
c. A laboratory testing charge in an amount equal to actual expenses
incurred for each parameter tested in-house; and actual expenses incurred
plus ten percent (10%) for each parameter tested by outside laboratories.
d. A compliance charge for investigating incidents of program
noncompliance or accidental spills in an amount equal to the amount of time
actually expended multiplied by fifty dollars ($50.00)per hour.
e. A wastewater discharge permit application fee in the amount of one
hundred dollars ($100.00) for each wastewater discharge permit.
f. A wastewater discharge permit renewal charge in the amount of fifty
dollars ($50.00) per permit. A late fee of one hundred dollars ($100.00) per
month shall be assessed for each month past the due date of permit
renewal.
g. An appeal filing fee of two hundred fifty dollars ($250.00) shall be
assessed at the time of appeal.
h. Any person who discharges toxic substances or effluent into the
POTW which exceed discharge limitations shall be assessed a charge
equal to the amount of any fine, fee or penalty imposed upon the city by any
federal or state agency plus any applicable municipal infractions.
i. A special treatment charge for the consistent removal (by the POTW)
of pollutants otherwise subject to federal pretreatment standards as
established in an agreement negotiated between the city and the
wastewater discharge permit applicant.
hg. Any person who discharges toxic substances or effluent into the
POTW which exceed discharge limitations shall pay the city a fee be
assessed a charge equal to the amount of any fine, fee or penalty imposed
upon the city by any federal or state agency plus any applicable municipal
infractions.
ih. Fees A special treatment charge for the consistent removal (by the
POTW) of pollutants otherwise subject to federal pretreatment standards
shall_be ascoccod by ona1 treatment contracts as established in an
agreement negotiated between the city and the wastewater discharge
permit applicant.
STATE OF IOWA SS:
DUBUQUE COUNTY
CERTIFICATE OF PUBLICATION
I, Kathy Goetzinger, a Billing Clerk for Woodward
Communications, Inc., an Iowa corporation, publisher
of the Telegraph Herald, a newspaper of general
circulation published in the City of Dubuque, County
of Dubuque and State of Iowa; hereby certify that the
attached notice was published in said newspaper on the
following dates:
09/27/2023
and for which the charge is 58.37
Su scribed to before me,`a Notary Public in and for
Dubuque County, Iowa,
this 27th day of September, 2023
i<
c in and for Dubuque County, Iowa.
¢+nc JANET K. PAPE
o a0. ; Commission Number 199659
My Commission Expires
12/11/2025
loWp
Ad text : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION
ORDINANCE NO, 38 - 23
AMENDING CITY OF DUBUQUE CODE OF ORDINANCES TITLE 13 PUBLIC
UTILITIES, CHAPTER 2 SEWERS AND SEWAGE DISPOSAL, ARTICLE D
INDUSTRIAL PRETREATMENT PROGRAM, SECTION 13-2D-10 FEES AND
CHARGES
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA:
Section 1. Section 13-2D-10 of the. City of Dubuque Code of
Ordinances is hereby amended to read as follows:
13-2D-10: RATES AND CHARGES:
A, Purpose: It is the purpose of this section to provide for
the collection of rates and charges to produce gross revenues
at least sufficient to pay the expenses of operation and
maintenance of the Citys sanitary sewer system and POTW, The
applicable rates and charges shall be collected as provided in
the Schedule of Rates and Charges established in this section.
B. Description of Rates and Charges:
1, Types of Rates and Charges: The city shall adopt rates
and charges for the administration of this program which may
include:
a. Rates or other charges for the recovery of costs of
setting up and operating the industrial pretreatment program.
b. Rates or other charges for monitoring, inspections, and
surveillance procedures.
c. Rates or other charges relating to accidental discharge
procedures. Note that certain discharges may constitute
environmental violations and be subject to municipal
infractions in addition to rates and charges for the recovery
of costs.
d. Rates or other charges for permit applications and
renewals.
e. Rates or other charges for filing appeals.
f. Rates or other charges for the consistent removal (by the
POTW) of pollutants otherwise subject to federal pretreatment
standards.
g. Other rates or charges adopted from time to time as the
city may deem necessary to carry out the requirements
contained herein.
These rates and charges relate solely to the matters covered
by this article and are separate from all other fees
chargeable by the city.
2. Rate Schedule: On or after September 13, 2023, the rates
and charges assessed to each Significant Industrial User of
the system shall include all of the following:
a. A general service charge with the following two
components:
1. A fixed cost facilities and administration charge in the
amount of: $125.00/month; and
2. A volumetric charge in the amount of $0,14/Ccf of flow
discharged into the POTW.
b, A surveillance monitoring and sample charge in the amount
of three dollars ($3,00) for each sample collected.
c. A laboratory testing charge in an amount equal to actual
expenses incurred for each parameter tested in-house; and
actual expenses incurred plus ten percent (10 %) for each
parameter tested by outside laboratories.
d. A compliance charge for investigating incidents of
program noncompliance or accidental spills in an amount equal
to the amount of time actually expended multiplied by fifty
dollars ($50.00) per hour.
e. A wastewater discharge permit application fee in the
amount of one hundred dollars ($100.00) for each wastewater
discharge permit.
f. A wastewater discharge permit renewal charge in the
amount of fifty dollars ($50.00) per permit. A late fee of one
hundred dollars ($100.00) per month shall be assessed for each
month past the due date of permit renewal.
g. An appeal filing fee of two hundred fifty dollars
($250.00) shall be assessed at the time of appeal.
h. Any person who discharges toxic substances or effluent
into the POTW which exceed discharge limitations shall be
assessed a charge equal to the amount of any fine, fee or
penalty imposed upon the city by any federal or state agency
plus any applicable municipal infractions.
i. A special treatment charge for the consistent removal (by
the POTW) of pollutants otherwise subject to federal
pretreatment standards as established in an agreement
negotiated between the city and the wastewater discharge
permit applicant.
Section 2. This ordinance shall take effect upon
publication.
Passed, approved, and adopted this 21st day of August, 2023.
/s/Brad Cavanagh, Mayor
Attest:/s/Trish L. Gleason,
Assistant City Clerk
Published officially in the Telegraph Herald newspaper on
the 27th day of September, 2023.
/s/Trish L. Gleason,
Assistant City Clerk
it 9/27