HomeMy WebLinkAbout0557.000.. ,.
-~ , . .
", '::-
Noveaber 1., 1990
THE HONORABLE CITY COUNCIL
Palo Alto, california
Silver Ordinance update with Assemblyman Byron Sh~r's Office
M:embers of the Council:
Report in Br ief
This is an information report to advise council that there will be
a mesting between City staff and Assemblyman syron Sher's staff on
Nove=ber 16 J 1990. The topic of the meeting is the Regional Water
QUality Control Plant's silver reduction ordinance. council action
is not required.
BaekarQUng
On September 24, 1990 (CMR!492: 0). Council adopt.ed revisions to the
sewer use ordinance ~hich require reductions in the discharge of
silver to the sewer system from photo processors and x-ray
facilities. The ordinance requires businesses to either treat:
certain photo-processing chemicals or to have them bauled offsite
.n~ 1s expected to affect over 400 businesses in the service area
of the Reqional Water Quality Control Plant.
Discussion
The silver reduction program adds to the already ocmplex ~eb of
requirements which small businesses face. These ino::.lude the
transportation and treatment of photo-chemicals, which are
considered hazardous materials/'fllastes, and are regulated by the
Federal government, the State of California, Santa Clara County and
the palo Alto Fire Oepart~ent. The attached chart indica~es the
permits and fees required by these aqencies. The purpose of the
briefing for Assemblyman Sher is to advise him of the City'S ne~
silver reduction p~oqraat in light of his legislative initiatives
in environment~l regulation. Last year, Assemblyman Sher authored
legislation to improve the inter-action between existing state
requirements. With full knowl!i!'dge ot Palo Alto's new silvar
reduction program, Assemblyman Sher may be able to enhance that
coordination throuqh future legislation.
Prior to the c019pliance datI!; of June 1, 1991 for the silver
ordinance, .taft from the Regional water Quality Control Plant and
-1-
CMR:557:0
•
.,; .'
o
Fire Depe.rtlIWlnt vill explore methods ot easinq the :bul:-den on small
businesses, 'Which results from the ordinance arid. the ha.z.~rdou6
JDat.-rialaJ'IIIas.te requlations. Also.. .tatf will continue to aae.t
with .tate and county program administrators to ensure that proper
coordination cccura between the jUrisdictions in orOer to minimize
the impact on affected businesaes.
Respectfully s~mitted,
PHILIP BOIlEL
Engineering ~naqeT
DAVID G, ADAMS
Direetor ot Public Works
Assistant city Manager
Related CMR: 492:0
Attachlllents: Permit and Fees Chart
-2-
CIIR:557: 0
~: ,,":<,-,
"
:
RWOCP
RREOEPT.
OOUNTY
STATE-
G
NEW HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
PermH & Fee Requirements
. HAUUNG TREATMENT
PERMIT FEE PERMIT
X
X 250. X
X 300. X
X
..
.
FEE
o •
250.
300.
1,000.