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CITY OF HOUSTON - CITY COUNCIL

Meeting Date: 2/2/2021
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Item Creation Date:

HHD - Harris County Interlocal Agreement

Agenda Item#: 18.


 
                               
Summary:

ORDINANCE approving and authorizing Interlocal Agreement between City of Houston, Texas and HARRIS COUNTY for the protection of public health and the environment

Background:

 

Subject: Interlocal Agreement between the City of Houston and Harris County to coordinate, by mutual agreement and where appropriate, the actions of each Party in support of protecting and improving the public health, environment and economy. The City of Houston Health Department Bureau of Pollution Control and Prevention (“Houston BPCP”) and the Harris County Pollution Control Services Department (“Harris County Pollution Control”) desire to protect the public health, the environment and the economy by improving air quality. Given the shared mission of improving environmental quality for the residents of City and unincorporated County, the City and County believe that the two agencies can partner in this program.

 

Recommendation: It is recommended that City Council approves this Interlocal Agreement.

 

Description and Scope: Significant businesses and industry exists within both the County and the City and therefore can impact both jurisdictions, which could be the basis of potential joint enforcement actions (“Joint Pollution Cases”). The Houston BPCP and Harris County Pollution Control have pollution detection and monitoring equipment, personnel, and professional expertise that can benefit both the City and Harris County in investigating pollution events and incidents. The Houston BPCP and Harris County Pollution Control desire to utilize their equipment, personnel, and expertise to assist with joint statutory and regulatory environmental enforcement efforts.

By partnering in the detection and monitoring of pollution events, real time data can be gathered using mobile monitoring equipment so that both agencies can better inform decision makers with accurate and timely data. Cooperation under this Interlocal Agreement would promote the efficient use of assets within both jurisdictions when conducting investigations of pollution that may be impacting the public.

City’s Responsibilities:

  • The City acknowledges its intent to supply Personnel and Equipment through the Health Department Bureau of Pollution Control and Prevention to conduct investigations, inspections, and data analysis to develop information evidence that can be used in Joint Pollution and other cases.

 

  • In accordance with guidance to be developed by the Harris County Pollution Control and Houston BPCP, provide use of mobile monitoring equipment and personnel to operate on an as needed basis as requested by Harris County with the understanding that the Houston BPCP’s obligation to respond to City of Houston events and requirements will take precedence.

 

  • The City Legal Department will work cooperatively with the County Attorney in the investigation and response to potential pollution-related cases.

 

 

 

 

___________________________________

Stephen L. Williams, M.Ed., M.P.A.   

  Director - Houston Health Department
Contact Information:

Porfirio Villarreal

Telephone: 832-393-5041; 713-826-5695

ATTACHMENTS:
DescriptionType
Novus Signed CoversheetSigned Cover sheet