Health Social and Environmental Affairs Committee

HEALTH, SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA TUESDAY, APRIL 22, 2025 The Health, Social and Environmental Affairs Committee will conduct a meeting on Tuesday, April 22, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. at City Hall (Mayor's Conference Room), 1737 Main Street, Second Floor, Columbia, SC 29201. Members of the public may view the meeting online at www.columbiasc.gov. Please contact the City Clerk’s Office at (803)545-3045 or cityclerk@columbiasc.gov if you have questions regarding this meeting. The Honorable Aditi Bussells, Chair The Honorable Edward H. McDowell, Jr., District II  The Honorable Tyler D. Bailey, At-Large Prior to entering the meeting please silence all electronic communication devices. All presenters are asked to speak directly into the microphone for recording purposes. CALL TO ORDER APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approval of January 28, 2025 Health, Social, and Environmental Affairs Committee Meeting Minutes PRESENTATIONS 2. Sanitary Sewer Overflow Update – Mr. Frank Eskridge, Director of Utility Operations, Columbia Water 3. Solid Waste Division Route Growth/Efficiency - Ms. Samantha Yager, Superintendent/Solid Waste Division 4. Undergrounding of Utilities – Ms. Viola Hendley, Chair, Columbia Tree & Appearance Commission ADJOURNMENT Page 1 of 1  1 MEETING DATE: April 22, 2025 DEPARTMENT: City Clerk FROM: Erika Hammond, City Clerk SUBJECT: Approval of January 28, 2025 Health, Social, and Environmental Affairs Committee Meeting Minutes FUNDING SOURCE & ORIGINAL BUDGET: ATTACHMENTS:  #a: HSEAC_MN_012825 (DOCX) Updated: 3/14/2025 10:10 AM Page 1 Packet Pg. 2  1.a HEALTH, SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2025 CALL TO ORDER The Columbia Health, Social, and Environmental Affairs Committee conducted a meeting on Tuesday, January 28, 2025 at City Hall (Mayor’s Conference Room), 1737 Main Street, Second Floor, Columbia, SC 29201. The Honorable Aditi Bussells, Chair called the meeting to order at 1:01 p.m. and the following members were present: Attendee Name Title Status Aditi Bussells Chair Present Edward H. McDowell Member Present Tyler D. Bailey Member Absent APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. December 17, 2024 Health, Social, and Environmental Affairs Committee Meeting Minutes - Approved Upon a motion made by Dr. Bussells and seconded by Mr. McDowell, the Committee voted unanimously to approve the December 17, 2024 Health, Social, and Environmental Affairs Committee Meeting Minutes. PRESENTATIONS 2. Environmental Priorities and Strategies for 2025 - Mr. Clint Shealy, P.E., Assistant City Manager of Columbia Water and Ms. Mary Pat Baldauf, Sustainability Facilitator – Received as information. Mr. Clint Shealy, P.E., Assistant City Manager of Columbia Water emphasized the continued importance of maintaining compliance with drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater regulations. This includes addressing sanitary sewer overflows, improving water quality, and investing in infrastructure upgrades. He shared about the efforts to extend project timelines with the EPA due to challenges like the 2015 flood and COVID-related delays. The team is working on more consistent notifications to customers, especially during water main breaks. Infrastructure upgrades are ongoing, with a focus on replacing old pipes to reduce service disruptions. There was discussion about time extensions; metal plates on the streets and backlogged work orders; line replacing; internal staff communications; and proactive approaches. Page 1 of 4 Packet Pg. 3  1.a HEALTH, SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2025 Dr. Bussells suggested the additional option of an “Active Alerts” button to the MyColaSC mobile application with the same functionality of reporting concerns or paying utility bills. If a water concern has information that has changed rapidly, it can be seen on the app in real time. Mr. Clint Shealy, P.E., Assistant City Manager of Columbia Water said that ongoing litigation regarding the regulation of perfluorinated substances in drinking water, with the team continuing to study the potential impacts and costs. Recently, a proposal for regulating wastewater effluent and bio solids was frozen under the new administration, but the team remains committed to pursuing litigation to ensure that polluters are held accountable for removing these substances. The team is also exploring value engineering to mitigate costs while maintaining progress on essential projects. There was discussion about process of biogas recovery; embankment repair and head gate replacement at the Metro Wastewater Treatment Plant; and anticipated timeline. Ms. Mary Pat Baldauf, Sustainability Facilitator shared the most recent grant opportunities received by the city:  Community Development Block Grant- $105,165 for decorative street lights in the Edisto Court community through June 30, 2025.  Urban and Community Forestry Inflation Reduction Act - $290,015, funding covers tree costs, tree diapers, and catering for free tree planting lunch and learn events through June 30, 2029.  Energy Efficiency Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) - $198,460 will retrofit city streetlights to LED bulbs through March 28, 2027.  Climate Pollution Reduction Grant - $9 million to develop a climate action plan for the region, with implementation funds potentially supporting a solar farm.  Bloomberg Youth Climate Action Grant – $100,000 through October 31, 2025. Page 2 of 4 Packet Pg. 4  1.a HEALTH, SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2025 Ms. Tina-Marie Sandoval, University of South Carolina student and Youth Climate Action Fund recipient organized a service day with fellow students in North Columbia's Meadow Lake neighborhood. They weatherized six homes to improve energy efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions by air-sealing, caulking windows, and installing door weatherization strips. Thirty students volunteered, gaining hands-on experience and connecting with the community. If selected for the next round of funding, the project will return to these homes to update attic insulation with a third-party contractor. There was discussion about servicing different locations. Ms. Beata Dewitt, SC Carolina Public Health Association and Youth Climate Action Fund recipient shared about the launch of College Climate Action Resilience Week. Events included a Climate Café discussing urbanization, a Tree Planting Initiative at MLK Jr. Park on Election Day, a "Don’t Waste Food SC" cooking demo, a Sustainable Art exhibit on issues like fast fashion, and a Green Networking Breakfast focused on youth and sustainability. A total of 45 students participated. There was discussion about collaborative efforts in organizing the events throughout the week. Ms. Mary Pat Baldauf, Sustainability Facilitator highlighted ongoing initiatives with CPAC, including bi-weekly core group and monthly full committee meetings. The team is focused on implementing the Ready for 100 Project Resolution 2.0, developing a tracking dashboard for upcoming launch, and prioritizing energy audits and efficiency improvements. The city’s 45-year Tree City designation is also a key focus, with the application for the 46th designation being processed, and 500 trees planted annually to maintain the status. There was discussion funding for additional tree planting. 3. Greenway and Trails Update - Ms. Dana Higgins, P.E., LEED AP, Director of Engineering for Columbia Water – This item was discussed. No action was taken. Ms. Dana Higgins, P.E., LEED AP, Director of Engineering for Columbia Water shared an update on the city’s trail and greenway connections, including key projects and future opportunities. Phase 3 of the Vista Greenway is progressing from Elmwood to North Main, with Phase 4 planned to extend to Page Ellington Park. Richland County’s Page 3 of 4 Packet Pg. 5  1.a HEALTH, SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2025 Penny projects, including the Gill Creek, Crane Creek, and Rocky Branch Greenways, are ongoing, with Crane Creek expected to finish by next spring. The River Alliance is working on a project connecting Boyd Island to Riverfront Park, set for completion by 2027. The team is also exploring grant funding to enhance connectivity. Dr. Bussells requested staff for a walkthrough of Finlay Park. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 1:58 p.m. Respectfully submitted: Erika D. Moore Hammond, CMC City Clerk Page 4 of 4 Packet Pg. 6  2 MEETING DATE: April 22, 2025 DEPARTMENT: City Clerk FROM: Erika Hammond, City Clerk SUBJECT: Sanitary Sewer Overflow Update – Mr. Frank Eskridge, Director of Utility Operations, Columbia Water FUNDING SOURCE & ORIGINAL BUDGET: ATTACHMENTS:  #a: 2025-04-22 Columbia Water Update to Council_2024SSOReview (PPTX) Updated: 4/16/2025 3:35 PM Page 1 Packet Pg. 7  2.a Columbia Water 2024 Sanitary Sewer Overflow Discussion and Analysis Frank Eskridge, Director of Utility Operations– Columbia Water April 22, 2025 Packet Pg. 8  2.a Overview & Agenda • Sanitary Sewer Overflow Multi-Year Recap • 2024 Sanitary Sewer Overflows • Metro Wastewater Treatment Plant Review • Hurricane Debby • Hurricane Helene • SSO Causes • SSO Mitigation Efforts • Questions 2 Packet Pg. 9  2.a Multi Year Look at SSO’s Packet Pg. 10  2.a SSO’s by Month 2020 - 2025 Packet Pg. 11  2.a 2024 SSO Volumes 5 Packet Pg. 12  2.a SSO Activity in 2024 6 Packet Pg. 13  2.a SSO Activity in 2025 IRR GROUP 1 IRR GROUP 2 IRR GROUP 3 Deadline = Deadline = Deadline = 3/18/2028 3/18/2030 3/18/2032 2 Projects 4 Projects 14 Projects 2 Complete 2 Complete 6 Complete 2 Design 5 Construction 3 Design Packet Pg. 14  2.a Metro WWTP Layout Packet Pg. 15  2.a Effects of Hurricane Debby • August 9, 2024 • Heavy Rain and high flows to Metro • Problems at Metro WWTP due to Electrical Switchgear Failure • Switchgear caught fire • Emergency transition to portable generators • Electrical Improvements became an Emergency Priority • All activities coordinated with SCDES 9 Packet Pg. 16  2.a Effects of Hurricane Helene • The Storm arrived Friday September 27, 2024 • Floodwaters from Western North Carolina and the Upstate of SC began arriving in the Columbia area the evening of Sunday, September 29, 2024 • Congaree River peaked just after noon on Monday, September 30, 2024 • Problems at the Metro WWTP due to flooding • Partially treated effluent overflowed the disinfection basins and flowed off the WWTP site to the Congaree River • All activities were coordinated with SCDES 10 Packet Pg. 17  2.a Sanitary Sewer Overflows - Cause 11 Packet Pg. 18  2.a Sanitary Sewer Overflows – Efforts to Address and Mitigate in the Future • Multiple Projects Under Design and Construction • SS7568 Saluda River Force Main Extension • SS7646 Metro WWTP Electrical Reliability Improvements • SS7615 Broad River LS Improvements + SS7497 Mill Creek LS Improvements 12 Packet Pg. 19  2.a 2024 Sanitary Sewer Overflow Discussion and Analysis Questions Packet Pg. 20  3 MEETING DATE: April 22, 2025 DEPARTMENT: City Clerk FROM: Erika Hammond, City Clerk SUBJECT: Solid Waste Division Route Growth/Efficiency - Ms. Samantha Yager, Superintendent/Solid Waste Division FUNDING SOURCE & ORIGINAL BUDGET: ATTACHMENTS:  #a: Solid Waste Reroute Council Presentation (PPTX) Updated: 3/14/2025 10:10 AM Page 1 Packet Pg. 21  3.a Solid Waste Division Route Growth/Efficiency Packet Pg. 22  3.a Route Balance • 1991- last route adjustment • Recycling Program • Twice per week collection • Technology Advancements • Rear loader • Automation • Three lever system • Joystick • Improved joystick and button controls • Auto Pack vs. Manual Pack • Balance density and services per day to optimize route efficiency 2 Packet Pg. 23  3.a Total new services: 12,978 Monday-3,997 Tuesday-2,494 Thursday-871 Friday-5,616 3 Packet Pg. 24  3.a 4 Packet Pg. 25  3.a Route Balance • Balance density and services per day to optimize route efficiency o Safety o Vehicle maintenance and cleanliness o Employee morale o Unbudgeted overtime • Allows for future growth of City • Trucks were funded and ready • Funds for 4 positions, vehicle maintenance and operating supplies 5 Packet Pg. 26  3.a Current Routes • Total Services: 41,585 • Monday: 10,283 • Avg. per route: 1,028 • Tuesday: 8,966 • Avg. per route: 1,121 • Thursday: 9,432 • Avg. per route: 1,179 • Friday: 12,904 • Avg. per route: 1,173 • Industry Standard • 800-1,000 homes per route for 10-hour shift 6 Packet Pg. 27  3.a New Garbage Routes Total Number of Affected Customers 10,722 7 Packet Pg. 28  3.a Garbage Changes Total Changes: 6,465 8 Packet Pg. 29  3.a Route Balance Communication Plan • Mail letter to specific addresses • 45 days from start date • Includes kitchen magnet • Reminder postcards • 30 days out and 15 days out • Update ReCollect notifications • Update forward-facing GIS and Cityworks • Update City website with maps • Potential neighborhood/business district meetings • Service • Week 1- service old routes and new routes • Week 2- only one collection on new routes 9 Packet Pg. 30  3.a 10 Packet Pg. 31  3.a 11 Packet Pg. 32  3.a Questions? Packet Pg. 33  4 MEETING DATE: April 22, 2025 DEPARTMENT: City Clerk FROM: Erika Hammond, City Clerk SUBJECT: Undergrounding of Utilities – Ms. Viola Hendley, Chair, Columbia Tree & Appearance Commission FUNDING SOURCE & ORIGINAL BUDGET: ATTACHMENTS:  #a: CTAC Health, Social & Environmental Committee (PDF) Updated: 4/16/2025 3:31 PM Page 1 Packet Pg. 34  4.a Packet Pg. 35  4.a Packet Pg. 36  4.a Packet Pg. 37  4.a Packet Pg. 38  4.a Packet Pg. 39  4.a Packet Pg. 40  4.a Packet Pg. 41  4.a Packet Pg. 42