Agenda - 10-13-2009 - 1 - Laserfiche WebLink

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3 on the topic. The Health Director, ERCD Director and Extension Director would be asked to explore within their fields of expertise the potential fora "neutral party" to attend and, as keynote speaker, summarize the research to date and present in unbiased fashion what is currently known and unknown about this issue. Such a forum would invite representatives from all stakeholder groups to be present and participate including the wastewater utilities, environmental groups, agricultural operations, public health interests, and others as identified. The end result of the forum would be the identification of a "core list" of key issues, prioritized research needs, "questions that need answers," and potential County actions to this end. As noted by the County Attorney, some activities regarding regulation of biosolids application are clearly the domain of the State. However, there may be avenues or opportunities for joint activities in the public interest. Some of these potential future actions (which are not recommended at this time, but listed below as fodder for future discussions) include: • Engaging the State and utility providers in an enhanced monitoring and maintenance program, • Memoranda of Agreement with the State or with utility providers for provide for more communication and monitoring, • Exploration of activities by other counties around the nation in addressing biosolids issues, and • Other potential joint or partnership activities that furthers needed knowledge or information regarding biosolids application. It should be noted that the creation and planning for the educational forum concept above will require the expenditure of staff resources, and that this event -and more importantly, any subsequent follow-up activity or further research -will compete with existing Board goals and priorities and may impact the ability to accomplish other activities. FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with discussion of this topic. Pursuing a forum or subsequent task force would require the expenditure of funds and allocation of staff resources from multiple departments, which may impact other priorities and activities. RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board review the activities to date, discuss the proposed educational forum as an initial step to address this issue, and if agreeable, direct the Heath Director, ERCD Director and Extension Director to 1) collectively identify an unbiased expert to be invited to address the forum, and 2) develop a draft program for the event with defined outcomes. The Board may also wish to provide direction to the County Attorney regarding options identified in his previous correspondence.