Agenda Date: 12/01/2020
Subject:
Title
Ordinance 44-2020: An ordinance on second reading authorizing renewal of four farm lease agreements for South Platte Renew
Body
Prepared by:
Lucy Lucero, Executive Assistant, City Manager's Office
PURPOSE:
Does city council support renewing four farm lease agreements for South Platte Renew?
PRESENTATIONS:
Staff Presenter(s): Keith Reester, Public Works and Utilities Director
Additional Presenter(s): Pieter Van Ry, South Platte Renew Director; Blair Corning,
Deputy Director - Environmental Programs
SUMMARY:
Biosolids are nutrient-rich, organic materials produced during the treatment of domestic wastewater. These materials, when treated and processed properly, are environmentally safe and recycled as an organic soil amendment or fertilizer, to improve farm soils and stimulate crop growth. Since 1982, the South Platte Renew (SPR) has produced Class "B" biosolids which are used in an agricultural land application program for production of human consumable crops. This program was initiated in response to the increased cost and liability for landfill disposal of wastewater biosolids.
The long-term relationship with each farmer is critical to SPR's Beneficial Use Program, as it allows for successful land application of biosolids. This sustainable solution avoids additional expenses of landfilling the solids produced during the wastewater treatment process. Good farming practices and adherence to state and federal regulations by partner farmers is instrumental to the success of the biosolids program.
PRIOR ACTIONS OR DISCUSSIONS:
In 1995/1996, SPR was granted approval by the Cities of Englewood and Littleton to purchase approximately 6,600 acres of dryland farm properties (formerly known as the Byers Farm) for the beneficial application of domestic wastewater biosolids generated by the facility. In 2007, an additional 1,271 acres was purchased for biosolids application (added to the Byers Farm). In addition,...
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