U.S. EPA Urban Waters Small Grant Application Copyright 2014
City of Dubuque Consent Items # 24.
ITEM TITLE: U.S. EPA Urban Waters Small Grant Application
SUMMARY: City Manager recommending approval of an application for U.S. EPA
Urban Waters Small Grant in order to secure funding to identify the source
of the E. coli bacteria found in the Bee Branch Creek and establishing the
City Manager as an authorized representative of the City regarding the
grant.
RESOLUTION Approving an application for water monitoring and
establishing the City Manager as an authorized representative regarding
the agreement between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the
City of Dubuque, Iowa for Urban Waters Small Grant
SUGGESTED DISPOSITION: Suggested Disposition: Receive and File; Adopt Resolution(s)
ATTACHMENTS:
Description Type
❑ US EPA Urban Waters Small Grant-MVM Memo City Manager Memo
❑ Staff Memo Staff Memo
❑ Attachment A-Sampling Locations Supporting Documentation
❑ Attachment B-E coli Testing, Bee Branch Supporting Documentation
❑ IDNR Sampling Supporting Documentation
❑ Resolution Resolutions
THE CITY OF Dubuque
UBE I
erica .i
Masterpiece on the Mississippi 2007-2012-2013
TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
FROM: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
SUBJECT: US EPA Urban Waters Small Grant
DATE: November 30, 2015
City Engineer Gus Psihoyos recommends City Council approval of an application for US
EPA Urban Waters Small Grant in order to secure funding to identify the source of the
E. coli bacteria found in the Bee Branch Creek and establishing the City Manager as an
authorized representative of the City regarding the grant.
I concur with the recommendation and respectfully request Mayor and City Council
approval.
Micliael C. Van Milligen
MCVM:jh
Attachment
cc: Barry Lindahl, City Attorney
Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager
Teri Goodmann, Assistant City Manager
Gus Psihoyos, City Engineer
THE CITY OF Dubuque
AII-Ame1 rica City
DUBgkE r
Masterpiece on the Mississippi 2007.2012.2013
TO: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
FROM: Gus Psihoyos, City Engineer
DATE: December 3, 2015
SUBJECT: US EPA Urban Waters Small Grant for Bee Branch Creek
INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this memorandum is to seek authorization to apply for the US EPA
Urban Waters Small Grant in order to expand the City's E. coli bacteria monitoring in the
Bee Branch Creek.
BACKGROUND
Bacteria are single-celled organisms that are the most numerous organisms on earth.
They are microscopic in size; over five million could be placed on the head of a pin.
Escherichia coli (E. coli) is one subgroup of fecal coliform bacteria which is bacteria that
lives in the intestinal tract of warm-blooded animals and originates from animal and
human waste.
The EPA considers E. coli testing as one of the best indicators for the presence of
potentially harmful bacteria. While the presence of E. coli does not establish if there are
harmful bacteria, it has proven to be an easy and economical method for assessing the
likelihood of human health risks due to bacterial in surface waters. Measuring the
presence and the levels of E. coli in a stream do not give an indication of the source of
the bacteria. But it is the first step in investigating the watershed for potential sources.
Common sources of E. coli Bacteria in water can originate from the intestinal tracts of
both humans and other warm-blooded animals, i.e. pets, livestock, and wildlife. Animal
sources of fecal coliform bacteria include manure spread on land, livestock in runoff or
in streams, improperly disposed farm animal wastes, pet wastes (dogs and cats),
wildlife (deer, elk, raccoons, etc.), and birds (geese, pigeons, ducks, gulls, etc.). Human
sources include failing septic tanks, leaking sewer lines, and urban storm water runoff.
The USEPA recommended standards for E. coli in fresh water bodies for various uses
is shown below. The statewide standard in Iowa was set to match the acceptable limits
for swimming.
Designated Moderate Light Swimming Infrequent
Swimming Area Swimming Area Area Swimming Area
E. coli (CFU/100mL) 235 298 410 576
Even with good watershed management measures, there will always be fecal material
in the environment and the presence of E. coli in surface waters.
DISCUSSION
Bee Branch E.coli Monitoring
Bee Branch E.coli monitoring was done back in 2012 and 2013 as part of the City's
effort to understand the water quality of creeks within the City potentially impacted by
stormwater runoff as required by the City's NPDES permit. The monitoring followed the
Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) IOWATER protocol which involves a
rudimentary but effective means to determine the presence of E.coli and roughly to what
extent. A similar effort was undertaken in the Catfish Creek. But in contrast, the E.coli
monitoring done on the Catfish Creek was funded through a partnership with the Soil
and Water Conservation District that allowed more sophisticated, more expensive
testing such as utilizing a State of Iowa certified hygienic lab following a Quality
Assurance Project Plan. As a result, the Catfish Creek results can be thought to be
more reliable. In the case of the Catfish Creek, a mostly rural watershed and as
reported in the Catfish Creek Watershed Management Plan, some E. coli counts at the
Mines of Spain exceeded 24,000 CFU/100mL, 100 times over the statewide standard of
235 CFU/100mL.
The E. coli monitoring in the Bee Branch consisted of collecting grab samples at four
locations along the Bee Branch: just downstream of the Carter Road Detention Basin
(1), at the Carter Road and W. 32nd Street intersection (2), at the W. 32nd Street
Detention Basin (3), and at the 16th Street Detention Basin (4). See Attachment A. The
samples were then kept in a Styrofoam box in an attempt to keep them at a constant
temperature of around 90 degrees for 48 hours. E. coli were then placed in a petri dish
and counted. The results are shown in Attachment B.
The presence of E. coli was not unexpected. According to the IDNR, E. coli has been
detected across the state in 75% of all water quality samples they have collected since
2000 with counts as high as 920,000 CFU/100mL. Due to the nature of the test, the
variability of the results was also expected. Some samples showed E. coli in excess of
the statewide standard while others collected at the same location tested below the
statewide standard.
Because of the variability inherent in the testing, each sample is tested three times and
an average is reported. Some samples (see samples 5, 7, 11 , 13, etc.) tested both
above and below the statewide standard. While the average E. coli was found above
the 235 CFU/100mL for eleven of the sixteen samples, more than half (nine of the
sixteen) showed average counts below the limits recommended by the EPA for
"infrequent swimming area".
In the case of the samples collected at the Carter Rd Detention Basin, further testing
indicated that the elevated E. coli counts could have been caused by a leaking sanitary
sewer which was subsequently lined eliminating it as a potential source. All of the
samples collected and tested were downstream of the lined sanitary sewer. Three of the
2
four samples taken at the W. 32nd Street Detention Basin were below the limits
recommended by the EPA for an "infrequent swimming area." Two of the four samples
taken from the Lower Bee Branch Creek at the 16th Street Detention Basin were below
the limits recommended by the EPA for "infrequent swimming area." Additional E. coli
monitoring planned for 2016 will help verify if the sewer was the source or if the E. coil is
from wildlife living within the wooded detention basin.
US EPA Urban Waters Small Grant Application
Sophisticated tests have been developed that use DNA markers to determine the
source of bacteria (i.e. bird, raccoon, deer, human, etc.). The US EPA Urban Waters
Small Grant is an excellent opportunity to secure funding for the testing. The grant also
focuses on underserved communities, which ties in to the location of the Bee Branch
Creek day-lighting project.
The testing effort proposed is $50,198. This includes a cost share match of$9,868
which can be in-kind labor costs, including volunteers. Federal dollars for this project
include only material items, such as shipping samples to the lab, lab costs for analysis,
and public educational flyers. Costs for lab have been determined to be the lowest
available. The one in-person conference will be paid for as part of the cost share match.
The cost breakdown is as follows:
EPA Funding Cost Share /
Match
3 Volunteer Staff @ 80 hrs. major activities $2,400.00
8 Volunteer Staff @ 40 hrs. (monitoring + mt $3,200.00
Project Manager @ 80 hrs. $2,360.00
Project Manager Fringe Benefits $708.00
Bacteria Source Testing $36,750.00
Sample Shipping $1 ,080.00
Public Educational Materials $2,500.00
Travel Expenses for In-Person Conference $1 ,200.00
Totals $40,330.00 $9,868.00
Total Grant Amount Including Cost Share $50,198.00
If successful, the timeline of the grant would be as follows:
• September 2016 - assemble for a kickoff meeting ;
• September 2016 to April 2017 —attend the Learning Network conference call;
• October 2016 to April 2017 —attend two online training webinars;
• May / June 2017 — attend the in-person Urban Waters Learning Network training
session;
• May 2017 to August 2017 —collect samples and send to lab for analysis; and
• August 2017 to October 2017 — assemble to discuss lab results and identify the
potential need for future projects to address bacteria reduction.
3
REQUESTED ACTION
I respectfully request adoption of the attached Resolution approving an application for a
US EPA Urban Waters Small Grant in order to secure funding to identify the source of
the E. coli bacteria found in the Bee Branch Creek and establishing the City Manager as
an authorized representative of the City regarding the grant.
Attach.
Prepared by Deron Muehring
Cc: Denise Ihrig, Environmental Engineer
Deron Muehring, Civil Engineer
Dean Mattoon, Engineering Technician
4
Exhibit A UA
Bee Branch Water Quality Testing Locations
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ATTACHMENT B
Bee Branch E. coli Monitoring Results
Total Average Map
Test 1 Ecoli Test 2 Ecoli Test 3 Ecoli Ecoli Location
Sample Date Weather (CFU/100mL) (CFU/100mL) (CFU/100mL) (CFU/100mL) Location Description Number
1 6/5 Partly Sunny 3200 3400 1400 2667 Carter Rd Det. 1
2 7/2 Sunny 1400 800 800 1000 Carter Rd Det. 1
3 7/30 Partly Sunny 2200 1200 1400 1600 Carter Rd Det. 1
4 4/24 Sunny 0 0 100 33 Carter Rd Det. 1
5 6/6 Sunny 800 600 200 533 Carter and 32nd 2
6 7/2 Sunny 400 1800 600 933 Carter and 32nd 2
7 7/30 Partly Sunny 200 600 600 467 Carter and 32nd 2
8 4/24 Sunny 0 0 0 0 Carter and 32nd 2
9 6/6 Sunny 0 0 0 0 W.32nd St. Det. Basin 3
10 7/2 Sunny 2000 2000 2000 2000 W.32nd St. Det. Basin 3
11 7/30 Partly Sunny 400 200 200 267 W.32nd St. Det. Basin 3
12 4/24 Sunny 0 0 0 0 W.32nd St. Det. Basin 3
13 6/6 Sunny 400 200 200 267 16th St Det. Basin 4
14 7/2 Sunny 0 0 0 0 16th St Det. Basin 4
15 7/30 Partly Sunny 2000 1000 1000 1333 16th St Det. Basin 4
16 4/24 Sunny 1000 1800 2000 1600 16th St Det. Basin 4
IOWA DEPARTMENT OF
NATURAL RESOURCES
LEADING IOWANS IN CARING FOR OUR NATURAL RESOURCES
CHUCK GIPP, DBECTDR I BRUCE TmuUuy AN, DEPUTY DIRECTOR
Stream Water Quality Summary 2000-2014*
Numbard Palmeri
Wafer Quali Paremebr Unns Sm s Manuel. tam 25te Soft min 4M Max VYue
Aserm rr'1 8,821 -0.1 <0.1 ea1 <0.1 W.1 0ill 11
Aachmrn' 662] <01 <01 m.1 <al M.1 m.1 2
Ammores(as N) 13,"6 <01 <0.1 <0] <GA <0.1 0.16 5l
Atrimmi 8.82] -0.1 <A 61 <0.1 W.1 0.80 53
Bu al 6.621 <.1 <0.1 4.1 •0.1 <d 4.1 <.1
Camonawwe llOo is day) 13,208 12 <2 <2 12 2 4 30
Chloride 127" <1 11 Is 22 29 40 160
Chloro1.882 <1 <1 3 10 37 110 820
Chlorophyll bpr 1828 a <1 a <t <t 2 70
Chloro 4.18] -1 <1 <1 <1 2 9 86
Chlorophyll heed nee n n 6,8]5 05 2 4 10 28 70 Sia
Carteded Chl la eases <1 2 5 13 43 1ffi BW
C n It'l l <0.1 <0.1 <] <0.1 <0.1 <,1 1S
Deem ner'1 li <01 <0.1 m.1 <0.1 <.1 <.1 0"
Ce rola6mirme. .3.627 41i 40A m1 <.1 -a', 0.14 2.6
D'Im ihenmra"I 6194 <0.1 <o.t <.1 <0.1 <.1 <.1 3A
Dia..Orm mere rsP 13.3% <61 <0.1 <a ri 0.15 on 93
Dlaaoleedo en mi 13,581 0.1 1.1 9.E 10A 126 11A 21
CCCJI Gael CF0110am1 13,131 elo <10 w 110 380 1800 920,000
Field Hmite 136]1 5 ]B 8 BR BA 6.5 108
FidJ Tem lore Carl 13 am 0 0.1 18 11.9 208 244 843
Flow CF6 11,658 �i 25 98 350 1300 3600 81,000
Memlacnlml^ E,.7 <01 <01 m1 m1 <01 03 zs
Memdutlna' e,.7 <01 <01 <e <1 <1 <1 1s
Niaalo�NiNte(a.N) m L 13"8 <01 0] 28 5A iB 11 38
Ph 1.826 �1 0.5 1 3 8 18 201
6111ce'a n m L 630.3 <t OB B.B 18 1] 21 180
Sirne7Fa^' 6.816 <0.1 <.1 <,1 <.1 <.1 <,1 20
Salerno Conduclanwr4 MYun 58]4 120 4S 510 820 I20 830 1]00
6uBate myL 4,150 <i 10 25 38 at 100 410
Tobi plaadvetl 5dltls m L 13,411 4 250 300 360 490 510 9.880
Tolel Herdreaa(ea CeCOa) m L 13,221 3 200 240 300 350 410 820
Teral Ki Ni m L t3 M6 <.i 03 OS pA f3 19 2B
Tonal phosphorus a m L 4,"] 10.1 <01 0.11 0.19 C32 055 26
Toml 6uanandod 6olko m L 13.145 0.5 4 9 31 79 190 17,000
Tdflumlinl'r 8627 <01 rat <.1 <.1 <01 <.1 035
TUNidi NN 13,3% <1 2.5 54 16 37 66 5500
ug/t-micrograms nor liter]parts per Millon] • Includes only monthly samples for all stream sites
milli.-milligrams per liter(el per million) •'Provislprml tlabfrom the V.S.Geologlwl5urvey
CFU/100 ml-Colon,Forming Units per Soo milliliters of,eater
CFS-Cubic Feet per Second(h'/sec) 'Sampling dlswnEnued in 2005
pmhos/cm-micmmhos per commuter 'Sampling discontinued in 20CB
NTU-Nephelametrk Terblilty Units;Din.-Dill 'Sampling disonenuetlin lo09
<-less than detectionlimitshim,600-Bidogicai Oxygen Demand r sampling
resumed May20Seprougthmugh May2013;
amplingrezumetl May 2012 through July 2011
Raw data are auailahlethrough ASTORETat Mrpm//pm,mm&.lowadnr.gov/ Acal of 80 stream sites were Sampled monthly[win IND
-
iasmret/ M2.84 sites from 2003-2006.Number of dies sampled from
Note:This summary differs from previous summaries in[hrt it Doty Augl 200"Med from 75 to 83.A=al of 75 it..sites
IndudnmonNlytlaw for stream situ monllorgtlasin thet of then[, weresampledmonthlyfromJan Mol-5ept2o10. He.,
monthly network.Previous summaries included momhiy,event,and netdue fully lohWgetored Serat lnisthepetwm0.A dream of 81 speates re
other available data for these sites.Additional stream sites throughout sites
sampled
month00hererco0910 thun 11 ;75 from
Iowa are also monitored,but are not included in thk summary,since zinc 2012 through
han 014;74 sites
Octm Feb 20:14,78
their sampling frequency and parameters vary from the antl network. 1d2o12,60in Jan 2014;)4sites IromFehdug 2014;)8 in
Sep 20]4;fi0 in Get&Nov;and 62 in Oet.
WWW.IOWADNR.GOV @%
RESOLUTION NO. 415-15
RESOLUTION APPROVING AN APPLICATION FOR WATER MONITORING AND
ESTABLISHING THE CITY MANAGER AS AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE
REGARDING THE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL
PROTECTION AGENCY AND THE CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA FOR A URBAN
WATERS SMALL GRANT
Whereas, urban stormwater pollution is a common threat to any urban stream; and
Whereas, the US EPA has announced a funding opportunity for urban waters; and
Whereas, identifying the source of bacteria can help to determine appropriate best
management practices.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
DUBUQUE, IOWA, THAT:
Section 1. The Mayor is authorized to sign and submit an application to the EPA for
monitoring bacteria within the Bee Branch Creek.
Section 2. The City Manager is hereby authorized to act as an authorized
representative on the Environmental Protection Agency grant agreement and may
execute any documents required by the agreement as the Environmental Protection
Agency may reasonably request.
Passed, approved and adopted this 7th day of December, 2015.
Attest:
Kevin (S.'Firnstahl, oityblerk
nn V. Sutton, Mayor Pro -Tem