Chapter 7 - Environmental Planning Element
The Environmental Planning Element of the Gilbert General Plan provides the framework for development, which addresses anticipated effects on water quantity and quality, air quality, and cultural resources. The Element also relates to the land use policies set forth in the General Plan. The Environmental Planning Element is presented in the following sections:
The Environmental Planning Element has been prepared to assist the development community in maintaining and enhancing the quality of life in the community. This element presents vision, goals and objectives to address the anticipated effects on the community as it grows. The Guidelines and Implementation Strategies are to manage the use of the Town’s resources in the design and development of public and private projects.
(A) Water Resources
The purpose of the water resources element is to address the water supplies available to meet current and future demand in the Town of Gilbert. The physical and legal availability of water supplies will be described as well as the future direction of water resources planning in order to meet build-out demand as projected in the General Plan. The Town of Gilbert’s plan to meet existing and future water demands is detailed in its Water Resources Master Plan which is periodically updated, and should be referred to for additional information.
Current Water Use-
The Town of Gilbert potable (drinkable) water production for the year 2004 totaled 40,358 acre-feet, which served a population of 167,381. The residential and non-residential sectors water demand was 75% and 25% respectively.The Town of Gilbert is divided into three zones:
Zone One includes the lands west of the Eastern Canal on the Eastern border and extends to the Town’s Western border. These lands are identified as On-Project, or lands that have rights to Salt River Project water.
Zone Two is the land extending from the Eastern Canal on the West side to the RWCD canal on the Eastern border. This land has water rights to Roosevelt Water Conservation District water.
Zone Three is the land between the Town’s Eastern border and the RWCD canal on the Western border. This land has no surface water rights associated with it.
Town Water Resources Facilities-
The Town of Gilbert has a variety of water resource facilities, including a water treatment plant, waste water treatment plant, wells, and groundwater recharge facilities.Surface Water Treatment Plant and Wells
The Town relied solely upon wells to meet the potable water demand until 1996, when the surface water treatment plant came on line. The plant was originally constructed to treat 15 million gallons per day (mgd), and in 2002, the capacity was expanded to treat up to 40 mgd. Future possibilities include expanding the existing plant to 60 mgd, or building a 25 mgd Central Arizona Project (CAP) water treatment plant located in Gilbert’s South planning area, which will have the capacity to treat Gilbert’s full CAP allocation at build-out..Currently, the Town has 13 wells located throughout the planning area, which have the capacity to produce 31.5 mgd of potable water. Two new drinking water wells are scheduled for completion in 2006, with an additional production of 4 mgd. A total of 25 potable wells are planned to meet the water demand at buildout.
Water Reclamation Facility (WRF)
The Water reclamation facility treats sewage and produces reclaimed water, with a loss of approximately 8 to 10% of the influent total to sludge (solids) treatment. The Neely (WRF) currently has a treatment capacity of 8.5 mgd, and is undergoing an expansion to up 11 mgd, with an expected completion date of 2006. A second WRF being constructed in partnership with the City of Mesa and the Town of Queen Creek will treat up to 52 mgd, with Gilbert’s capacity at 19 mgd. The expected completion date of the initial phase of construction is mid 2007, with a capacity of 16 mgd, and 8 mgd of capacity will be available to the Town.Recharge Facilities
Recharging surface water and reclaimed water to replenish groundwater, offer the Town the opportunity to accumulate Long Term Storage Credits, which can be used to offset future groundwater pumping and to firm up the Assured Water Supply. The Town currently recharges surface water from Salt River Project and CAP, as well as a portion of the Town’s produced reclaimed water.In the early 1980’s, the Town committed to reusing 100% of the reclaimed water produced through either direct reuse and/or recharge. Reclaimed water is wastewater that has been treated at the WRF to a standard acceptable for recharge and reuse. Recharge facilities, consisting of percolation basins, deliver reclaimed water to the aquifer through infiltration. The Neely Wildlife Habitat Facility is permitted to recharge up to 2.9 mgd, and the Riparian Preserve is currently permitted to recharge up to 8 mgd. A third recharge facility, also consisting of percolation ponds, will be located at the North-East corner of Higley and Ocotillo, and is permitted to recharge up to 9 mgd. Several vadose zone injection wells, which will inject up to 1 mgd reclaimed water directly into the ground, have come on line in 2005 and are located at the municipal center.
The Town also participates in surface water recharge at other facilities located throughout the Phoenix Active Management Area. Gilbert owns 3% of the capacity of the Granite Reef Underground Storage Project (GRUSP), which equates to approximately 3,000 acre-feet of recharge capacity per year. The Town also recharges CAP water at the Agua Fria and Tonopah Recharge projects, which are facilities owned and operated by the Central Arizona Water Conservation District (CAWCD). Groundwater Savings Facilities operated by irrigation districts, offer the Town additional recharge capability.
Current Water Supply-
The Town of Gilbert planning area is comprised of 45,000 acres of land. Approximately 11,600 acres have water rights from SRP and 20,815 acres have water rights from the Roosevelt Water Conservation District (RWCD). These rights are legally deemed appurtenant to the land, which means the water is “attached” to that portion of land and cannot be used elsewhere. The amount of water received is dependent upon the amount of lands within these rights that have been urbanized, or taken out of agricultural production. The amount of water available to the SRP and RWCD lands is variable, and will be addressed separately.Salt River Project
The lands located within SRP’s water rights are entitled to an allocation of surface water and groundwater that is quantified on an annual basis from SRP, taking into account the amount of storage and flows on the Salt River and Verde River systems. During a normal precipitation year, this entitlement is comprised of two acre-feet of surface water and one acre-foot of groundwater per acre of land. (An acre-foot of water is equal to 325,851 gallons, or enough to meet the average water demands for a family of four for a year).Roosevelt Water Conservation District
The lands located within RWCD’s water rights are also entitled to an allocation of surface and ground water, which during a normal year, is 0.41 acre-feet of water per acre of land. At build-out or full urbanization, this equates to ~8,534 acre-feet of water. This water as well as the surface water received from SRP Is treated to drinking water standards at the Water Treatment Plant.Colorado River Water
The Town receives Colorado River water delivered through the Central Arizona Project Canal (CAP), which pumps water from the Colorado River at Lake Havasu and delivers it to Maricopa, Pima, and Pinal Counties. Colorado River water has many monikers, identifying it by legal right and priority, which is described in detail below. The Town of Gilbert is entitled to Colorado River water labeled as Subcontract water, Wellton-Mohawk water, SRPMIC lease water, and RWCD assignment water. Also available is Incentive water and Excess water. Colorado River water is treated to drinking water standards at the WTP and can be used anywhere throughout Gilbert’s planning area. Colorado River water can also be recharged at any of the above described recharge facilities for the purpose of earning Long Term Storage Credits.Subcontract Water:
In 1992, the Town of Gilbert entered into a Subcontract with the Bureau of Reclamation and the CAWCD for 7,235 acre-feet a year of Municipal and Industrial (M&I) priority water.SRPMIC Lease Water:
The Town of Gilbert was instrumental in the negotiations for the SRPMIC settlement, which made available Wellton-Mohawk water, RWCD Assignment water (see below), and SRPMIC lease water. The SRPMIC lease equates to 4,088 acre-feet of water a year, and has a 99 year term, subject to extension in the future.Wellton-Mohawk Water:
The SRPMIC settlement made available to the Town the opportunity to purchase 6,762 acre-feet per year of water rights to Wellton-Mohawk water, which is an irrigation district located on the Colorado River near Yuma, Arizona. This water has a higher priority than CAP water.RWCD Assignment Water:
As part of the SRPMIC settlement, the RWCD transferred 1,537 acre-feet per year of Agricultural Priority water to the Town of Gilbert. The water total decreases in conjunction with the urbanization of the District, but will not fall below 922 acre-feet per year.Excess Water:
Excess water is the remaining Colorado River water left after all priority water has been distributed. This water is available by contract with the CAWCD to any entity for use in the State of Arizona.Incentive Water:
CAWCD offered lower priced water available for recharge on a yearly basis, but starting in 2006, incentive water will be priced the same as M & I water. This water can only be used for recharge with a recognized Groundwater Savings Facility or CAWCD recharge facility and is delivered directly to the facility. The Department of Water Resources issues Long Term Storage Credits to the Town for 95% of the amount of water recharged at a facility, with the remaining 5% being credited to the aquifer.Reclaimed Water
The Town of Gilbert produced 7.17 mgd or 8,032,890 acre-feet of reclaimed water at the WRF in 2004. Gilbert reuses a portion of this water through direct delivery to customers such as HOA’s, schools, parks, churches, and golf courses. The town currently has 26 reuse customers, including Town facilities, that received a total of 6,983 acre-feet of direct delivered or recovered reclaimed water in 2004.Recharge of reclaimed water is also an important component for the Town’s water portfolio. Reclaimed water recharge credits are accumulated and are used to offset groundwater pumping in a recharge/recovery scenario, as well as for the development of Long Term Storage Credits. The Town recharged over 5,229 acre-feet of reclaimed water in 2004.
Groundwater
The 1980 Arizona Groundwater Management Act (GMA) requires that municipalities and other water providers located within an Active Management Area (AMA) reduce their groundwater consumption through the development of renewable supplies by the year 2025. The Arizona Department of Water Resources which was created to implement the GMA, developed the Assured Water Supply (AWS) designation for water providers, which requires a provider to prove an adequate supply of good quality potable water to meet demand for 100 years. The Town of Gilbert has been designated as having an AWS, which is up for renewal in 2010.One of the founding principles of the GMA was to bring the State of Arizona into Safe Yield. Safe yield can be defined as the balance between groundwater withdrawal and natural and/or artificial recharge. As part of the AWS requirements, the Town must continue to reduce groundwater pumping and develop alternative renewable supplies. Groundwater use is allowable if its use is consistent with the goal of Safe Yield, which allows for groundwater pumping to be “offset” by credits stored previously under the Long Term Storage Credits scenario. The Town also participates in a recharge/recovery program with SRP for groundwater pumping occurring on SRP lands.
The ADWR allows for a specific amount of groundwater pumping to occur without the Town having to replace the water pumped. The two categories of groundwater allowance water available to the Town are incidental recharge and the groundwater allowance account. Incidental recharge is determined based upon a percentage of the total amount of water used by the municipality throughout the year, and is attributed to natural occurring recharge from activities such as lawn watering, etc. The Town has a 5.11% incidental recharge rate, which is determined by mulitiplying the annual demand by the recharge rate. The groundwater allowance account was determined at the onset of the Assured Water Supply program, and allows for the withdrawal of 975 acre-feet of water per year, which may be withdrawn from any permitted well in the Town.
Meeting Future Demand-
Build-out demand is based upon the Town’s assured water supply total system demand target goal of 220 gallons per capita per day. As described earlier, the Town is divided into 3 zones, and the demand at build-out by residential and non-residential sector has been determined by zone. To meet this future demand, the Town intends to but is not necessarily limited to:• Enter into short term and/or long term leases with local Tribes for additional CAP water
• Acquire additional CAP and other available water supplies
• Continue to earn Long Term Storage Credits by partnering with local GSF’s and direct recharge facilities
• Continue to make beneficial use of reclaimed water through direct reuse, recharge and recovery, and accumulation of annual storage credits through rechargeFor more detailed information, the plan to meet future demand is detailed in the Water Resources Master Plan Update under Section 3.0, Water Resources Plan.
Drought Planning-
Surface water supplies, SRP and CAP, will be subject to occasional reductions due to decreased precipitation on the watersheds. It is also predicted that shortages on the CAP system will occur routinely after 2030, when the Upper Basin States are utilizing their full Colorado River allocation. The Arizona Water Banking Authority is tasked with firming up to 20% of the M & I entitlement of Gilbert through the recovery of previously recharged Colorado River water.During surface water supply shortages, the Town can submit a groundwater pumping exemption to the Director of ADWR. This action has the ability to exempt groundwater pumping from replenishment obligations, thereby allowing the Town to pump groundwater without having to extinguish an equal amount of accumulated Long Term Storage Credits. The Town utilized this option in 2002, 2003 and 2004, to offset a shortage of SRP & RWCD surface water.
In order to meet demand with occasional surface water shortages, The Town is developing water delivery system redundancy through continuous well development. The expectation is that at build-out, 80% of normal day demand could be met solely through well production if necessary.
To further ensure the Town has the ability to meet demand during shortages, The Town Council approved the Water Supply Reduction Management Plan in June 2003 (Exhibit 1). The Plan enables Town Management and Council to declare water shortage stages determined by a specific percentage reduction in surface water supply, with each stage having corresponding water conserving response actions.
B) Water Conservation
The Town of Gilbert is regulated by the Non Per Capita Conservation Program (NPCCP), which is comprised of a list of best management practices also known as Recommended Conservation Measures (RCM’s) that target residential and non-residential indoor and outdoor water uses. The Town’s Assured Water Supply designation is based on the Town providing 220 GPCD for all uses. In the stipulation there are a number of conservation methods that address growth in the Town with an emphasis on new developments. Current measures in place limit the amount of water intensive landscaping allowed in new developments, encourage low water use plant material in landscape design, identify water sources in new developments, and encourage water efficient landscape practices.
The effectiveness of water conservation efforts to ensure compliance with the Arizona Department of Water Resources Assured Water Supply rules significantly impacts the Town’s water management plans over the next 5 years. There are costs and benefits associated with water conservation and with securing additional resources. These costs and benefits must be considered and acted upon while ensuring compliance with the Arizona Department of Water Resources rules. It is likely that a combination of changes in water use behavior (i.e., water conservation) and the purchase, lease, or exchange of additional water resources will be necessary for the assurance of a long term municipal water supply.
GOAL 1.0 Ensure a continued adequate supply of quality water, to continue to meet the Assured Water Supply requirements, and continue to promote the appropriate use of available water supplies through water conservation and education.
Policy 1.1 Require each new project, public or private, zoned after Jan 1, 2001, to comply with the regulations stipulated in the Non Per Capita Conservation Program Ordinance 1316, and Ordinance 66-141, which limit the amount of water intensive landscaping that can be installed in a development, and also limits the use of potable water for landscaping purposes.
Policy 1.2 Each new project public or private that will use reclaimed water must enter into a reclaimed water use agreement with the Town.
Policy 1.3 Develop and maintain the physical and legal availability of sufficient supply sources to meet water demands.
Policy 1.4 Promote the use of native and drought tolerant plant materials, where appropriate, to conserve energy and water in public parks, right-of-ways, and HOA common areas.
Policy 1.5 Require each new or modified existing project, public or private, to provide a written analysis of methods to be employed, including physical design, development and/or written policy, to minimize impacts on groundwater, surface water, and wastewater quality.
Policy 1.6 The Town does not encourage the extension of new water services to developments in unincorporated areas without the capacity for the Town to recapture a portion of this water through sanitary sewer service, except on a temporary basis prior to annexation by the Town or on an emergency basis.
B) Water Quality
Federal law requires all municipal water providers to develop and distribute to each customer an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). The Town's Public Information Officer has a copy of the current CCR. It describes in detail the Town's water sources and the respective water quality parameters. The current CCR is also available on the Town's web site. Historically, the Town has provided safe drinking water according to State and Federal Laws and Regulations.
Specific water quality issues expected to be of concern over the next five years have been identified and current and potential issues (not necessarily listed in priority order) include:
Arsenic is an indigenous chemical in Arizona soils, and therefore in our water supplies. The Environmental Protection Agency is in the process of determining the new limit for arsenic concentrations in drinking water. Lowering the limit will result in the need to abandon and re-drill drinking water wells or install well-head treatment and arsenic disposal systems at some or all of the Town's existing and future well sites. The lowered limit will also increase the cost of new well development.
On June 29, 1989, the EPA published the final Surface Water Treatment Rule, SWTR. For systems treating surface water, the SWTR requires treatment be provided to reduce turbidity, Giardia, Legionella, viruses, and heterotrophic plate count bacteria. More specifically, the SWTR established treatment and performance standards to provide a minimum reduction of 99.9 % (3-log) for Giardia and 99.99% (4-log) for viruses. Treatment effectiveness under this rule is determined through turbidity measurements. The turbidity of representative samples must be 0.5 NTU in at least 95% of the measurements taken each month. The Town's current Water Treatment Plant (WTP), and the current expansion and modifications to it, meet the requirements of the SWTR.
The Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule (IESWTR) is the first regulation to specifically address chlorine resistant pathogens such as Cryptosporidium. In addition to the requirements of the Surface Water Treatment Rule, this rule establishes a maximum contaminant level goal (MCLG) of zero for Cryptosporidium, the organism that causes cryptosporidiosis. This rule introduces a number of new monitoring requirements related to halogenated disinfection by-products. It also requires a combined filter effluent turbidity of less than or equal to 0.3 NTU in 95 percent of all measurements.
The Long-Term 1 and 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rules (LT1ESWTR) was finalized in November 2000 and become effective in November 2003. The LT2ESWTR will be finalized in May 2002 and becomes effective in May 2005. Requirements for this rule are not yet clear, although this rule may require proportional treatment levels or water shed based treatment levels based on Giardia and Cryptosporidium levels in the source water. Other pathogens, which may be included in this rule, are Cyclosporeae and Legionella, if information on occurrence, health effects, and treatment demonstrates a need for these regulations.
The Stage 1 and 2 Disinfectants/Disinfection By-Product Rules have been finalized and become effective for public water systems serving more than 10,000 in December 2001. This rule replaces the previous total trihalomethane (TTHM) standard of 0.1mg/L with 0.08 mg/L or 80 µg/L and regulates the sum of five haloacetic acids (HAA-5) at 60 µg/L, and establishes the MCL for bromate of10 µg/L. This rule also requires total organic carbon (TOC) monitoring and TOC removal to be investigated by enhanced coagulation or enhanced softening. The rule further specifies the percentage of influent TOC that must be removed based on the raw water TOC, ultraviolet (UV) light absorbance, and alkalinity levels.
The Stage 2 version of this rule will be finalized in May 2002 and becomes effective in May 2005. This rule has set placeholders for TTHMs at 40 µg/L and for HAA-5 at 30 µg/L. These values are only designated as place holders and may not reflect the actual regulatory levels which are promulgated under this rule. In addition, the MCL for bromate is anticipated to be reduced to 5 µg/L, in this rule.
The Town produces what is classified by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality as "A+ Quality Reclaimed Water". This classification enables the most flexible and widespread uses of reclaimed water allowed under State law. It will be important to maintain the ability to produce such high quality reclaimed water for the purposes of direct reuse of the water and for the underground storage of unused quantities.
Compliance with increasingly stringent water quality regulations generally results in higher costs of water production.
C) Air Quality
Gilbert is located within the Phoenix Metropolitan area that has been identified as non-attainment of air quality standards for carbon monoxide, PM-10, and ozone. The rate at which Gilbert has continued to urbanize has made Gilbert one of the fastest growing communities in the Valley. Growth has had an impact on air quality and the following list identifies the Town’s efforts to reduce air pollution as part of the comprehensive regional programs.
In addition to County Rules, the Town has passed ordinances requiring vacant lots (County Rule 310.01 and Ordinance 1090), unpaved parking lots (Ordinance 1091), unpaved roads and alleys (County Rule 310.01) to be stabilized with pavement, gravel, dust suppressant, or water prior to disturbance. Code Compliance and Maricopa County are responsible for enforcement of the requirements.
The Town of Gilbert has an annual Earth Moving Permit, issued by Maricopa County. The permit covers weed abatement and other dust-generating activities routinely conducted by the Town. As part of the permit application, the Town has identified dust mitigation measures, such as pre-wetting the area to be disturbed.
Trip Reduction Plan
Along with this growth come increased trips from the Valley Fringe to the jobs located outside the Gilbert area. Whether trips are to neighboring communities or within the greater Phoenix Metro area, they are by a personal use vehicle. Gilbert needs to encourage greater use of mass transit and alternative modes of travel and to participate in a commuter and/or light rail system.The Town has implemented a Trip Reduction Plan as part of the Maricopa Clean Air Campaign. The plan provides incentives to Town employees who carpool or use alternate methods of transportation.
The Urban Heat Island effect elevates Gilbert's ambient air temperatures, which leads to increased ozone (smog) creation, higher utility costs, and thus greater electrical generation requirements (which leads to higher emissions of sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrous oxides, suspended particulates, and carbon dioxide). This effect is due to the heating up of man-made structures from the sun. As this is an effect caused by many of man's development activities, the resulting effect can be mitigated – and it is recognized that it is in the best interest of the community that some projects should be evaluated for potential implementation of mitigation techniques.
Specific air quality issues expected to be of concern over the next twenty years have been identified and current and potential issues (not necessarily listed in priority order) include:
• Increase use of existing mass transit opportunities, and
• Participation in a regional commuter and/or light rail system, and
• Increase use of alternative modes, such as bicycling and walking.
• Particulates.
• Non-vehicular sources i.e. gas powered mowers, blowers, trimmers, etc.Alternative Fueled Vehicle Program
The Town purchased an alternative fueled vehicle in 2001. The vehicle is a Toyota Prius, which is so clean burning that it is classified as a Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle. Meaning it runs nearly 75% cleaner than Ultra Low Emission Vehicle. The only type lower is the Zero Emission Vehicle. The hybrid system combines a highly efficient engine with an advanced electric motor to not only power the vehicle but also recharge the vehicle’s batteries. The vehicle performed well during its first year, and as a result the Town purchased a second Prius in 2002.D) Cultural Resources
Gilbert’s Cultural Resources primarily consist of historic structures and agricultural implements. Most historic structures are located within the Heritage District and are a part of the Redevelopment Plan for that area. As additional structures or structures outside the Heritage District are identified, they may be eligible for the National Register of Historic places. Such structures should be analyzed to weigh the benefit of restoration and re-use. Archaeological remains that have been found, cataloged and analyzed have been determined to be insignificant by the State Historic Preservation Office. As Gilbert has been a farming community most of the land has been tilled on the surface layer. As land converts to other land uses greater care must be taken to address potential artifacts below this tilled surface layer. As artifacts are discovered the State Historic Preservation Office must be notified and appropriate procedures followed.
Specific cultural resource issues expected to be of concern over the next twenty years have been identified and current and potential issues (not necessarily listed in priority order) include:
• Co-ordination with the State Historic Preservation Office with archeological findings.
• Preservation of historic structures and historic artifacts.E) Noise
Noise or "unwanted sound" is generated by freeways, arterial roads, railroad lines, airports and industrial uses. Noise sensitive areas and uses usually include residential areas, parks, schools, churches, hospitals, and long term care facilities. The intent of this section is to document existing noise conditions and identify areas where potential noise problems exist. Generally noise is generated from two types of sources: transportation sources and fixed sources. The Town has identified these sources as shown on the Noise Exposure Map. Mitigation measures can be through avigation easements for airport sources coupled with noise attenuation construction or simply noise attenuation for construction near identified noise sources.
F) Storm Water Quality
The Clean Water Act (“CWA”), among other things, regulates storm water and urban runoff to protect water quality. The regulations are intended to prevent sediment and pollutants from entering waters of the United States. The storm water program is part of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permitting process. Currently the EPA regulates NPDES permits in Arizona. The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) has applied to take over this regulatory responsibility. The EPA may approve transfer as soon as Winter 2002.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published the regulation entitled “National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System – Regulations for Revision of the Water Pollution Control Program Addressing Storm Water Discharges” (Federal Register, Volume 64, Number 235, pages 68722-68852) on December 8, 1999 as required by Section 402(p) if the Clean Water Act (CWA). This new rule expanded the existing regulation of storm water discharges to include two additional categories:
First, the rule covers storm water discharges to certain municipal separate storm sewer systems (MS4s). The Town of Gilbert will be regulated under this category. As a regulated MS4, the Town of Gilbert must prepare and implement a Storm Water Management Program that incorporates the six (6) required minimum control measures:
1. Public Education and Outreach
2. Public Participation and Involvement
3. Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination
4. Construction Site Storm Water Runoff Control
5. Post-Construction, Development and Redevelopment
6. Pollution Prevention/Good Housekeeping for Municipal OperationsSecond, the rule also covers storm water discharges from construction activity generally disturbing between 1 and 5 acres. A construction operator could include the site owner, developer, contractor, or subcontractor. Construction sites over 5 acres were already regulated under the previous storm water regulations. Prior to site disturbance, the construction owner/operator must file a Notice of Intent (NOI) form with the EPA and prepare a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan which details the construction activities and storm water control measures that will be implemented at the construction site.
The storm water Phase II final rule also provides regulatory relief for certain industrial facilities (currently permitted under EPA’s storm water regulations) where storm water runoff is not exposed to industrial activities.
G) Pollution Prevention
Pollution prevention, the reduction or elimination of waste at the source, not only reduces pollution, but it can save money as well. Pollution prevention measures can also lead to a higher degree of environmental protection by reducing subsequent costs for disposal or cleanup of hazardous wastes and materials. A key reason for environmentally preferable purchasing is to protect the environment by reducing waste and pollution at the source with the resulting benefit of reduced overall cost to the government and the public (taxpayers and society as a whole). The Town has made efforts to reduce the use of products in aerosol containers and use low-mercury (green-tipped) fluorescent lamps in its buildings. Through education, additional green purchasing opportunities may be identified.
Public and private construction projects should be evaluated for environmental factors. This evaluation should be conducted early in the planning stage to incorporate environmentally friendly alternatives during construction and during the life of the building. Environmental factors include:
Site and transportation issues. Promoting public and alternative transportation (biking, walking, etc.)
Energy efficiency: high efficiency heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, lighting, automated building systems, and a well insulated building envelope.
Water use. Both quantity and quality in the building and landscaping.
Materials. Use of recycled content, reused, contaminant-free materials, and renewal sources.
Indoor Air Quality. Specifying ventilation rates, filters, and low volatile organic compound (VOC) products.
Occupant Productivity. Protecting the health and comfort of building Construction. Waste recycling at construction sites.
Facility Operations. Providing extensive operation and maintenance training and appropriate diagnostic tools.
These factors affect not only the environment, but also the operational and maintenance costs associated with the construction project.
H) Household Hazardous Waste
The Town of Gilbert hosts an annual Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event. The event provides residents with a way to properly dispose of these chemicals. The program reduces the amount of hazardous material entering the sanitary sewer, storm drains, and landfill, reduces illegal dumping of hazardous waste. Typical wastes collected include paint, used oil and antifreeze, pesticides, and tires. Town Staff has worked with hazardous waste disposal contractors to ensure wastes are recycled to the best extent practical. In 2001, approximately 88% pf the wastes collected were able to be recycled or used as alternative fuel.
In addition to the annual event, the Town provides on-going collection of fluorescent light bulbs and household batteries at the Public Works Residential Fluorescent Light and Battery Collection Point. Lights and batteries are sent off-site for recycling.
These programs promote public awareness of environmental issues. Town Staff participates in various town-sponsored outreach events, post information on the Town website and cable channel.
I) Environmental Justice
Environmental Justice is the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies. Fair treatment means that no group of people, including a racial, ethnic, or a socioeconomic group, should bear a disproportionate share of the negative environmental consequences resulting from industrial, municipal, and commercial operations or the execution of federal, state, local, and tribal programs and policies.
Gilberts General Plan, zoning, and plan review process is non-discriminatory, in that all construction plans are reviewed and inspected. Areas designated for industrial and commercial use are located along existing and planned traffic corridors. Much of this area is currently undeveloped or used for agriculture. As residential development occurs, local developers provide a mix of affordable housing with higher-end housing within the same development.
Gilbert hosts public meetings to involve local residents in the planning process for municipal operations such as the expansion of the south wastewater treatment plant, lift stations, and municipal parks and recreation facilities.
Salt River Project’s San Tan Generating Station is located within Gilbert. The station is scheduled for construction expansion in February 2003. SRP has held numerous meetings with the local residents to involve them with the planning of the expansion, publish a newsletter, SRP representatives are available to make in-home presentations to small groups upon request, and posts information on their website.
A) Mass Transit System
Additional bus routes with regular service need to be added as Gilbert continues to grow. Additional park-and-ride lots with bicycle and pedestrian trails connecting to residential areas are needed to encourage residents to give up their personal vehicles for their daily commute.B) Commuter/Light Rail
Gilbert needs to conduct a feasibility study to determine the manner and means to create and connect to a regional commuter and/or light rail system. At a minimum Gilbert needs to find a way to connect to the backbone rail system planned through Phoenix, Tempe and ending with a terminus to be located in Mesa.C) Preservation of Archaeological Artifacts
As traditionally agricultural lands are converted to other land uses the developer must comply with the State Historic Preservation Office in the cataloging and analysis of artifacts, including the State requirements for the preservation of significant sites and/or artifacts.D) Preservation of Historical Structures and Artifacts
Continue to utilize the Heritage District Redevelopment Plan for the preservation and re-use of historic structures in the downtown and analyze other historic structures outside the Heritage District Redevelopment Plan area for preservation and re-use as development continues. Support the efforts of the Gilbert Historical Society to preserve the historical artifacts of the community.E) Water Resources Planning
Implement the recommendations of the 2000-2001 Integrated Water Resources Master Plan Update as the progress of development requires such implementation to ensure compliance with stated policy, goals, regulations, and laws.
The intent of the Environmental Planning Element of the Gilbert General Plan is to provide a long-range plan for the development of the community in an Environmentally sensitive manner compatible with planned land uses and expected community growth.
| Implementation Strategies | Responsible Entity: | Complete By: |
|---|---|---|
Develop programs to reduce overall consumption of water resources. Programs shall meet the requirements of the Arizona Department of Water Resources. |
Water Resources, Public Works |
Ongoing |
| Develop an ordinance related to provision of domestic water service in unincorporated areas. |
Public Works , Engineering |
January 2002 |