Editor, The Transcript:
The League of Women Voters of Norman recently met with City Manager Steve Lewis to review the city's water rights and management policies, safety and transportation issues, the proposed library and other local issues. Of particular interest was the development of a Stormwater Master Plan, pollution relating to Norman's record construction increase, lawn fertilizer and other chemical runoff which endangers groundwater and consequently Norman's drinking water. Lewis stated that City Council recently formed a Stormwater Master Plan Task Force and hired PGS--J Consulting to develop a Stormwater Master Plan for the next 20 to 30 years. Norman is in the final three years of a five-year program for Storm Water Master Plan Phase II with the Oklahoma Department of Environmental quality.
Lake Thunderbird water makes up 70 percent of Norman's water supply, noted Lewis, since the removal of several of the city's wells from the system due to arsenic levels. The city is considering joining a cluster of local cities to research the feasibility of acquiring water from Lake Sardis in southeast Oklahoma. Norman buys emergency water from Oklahoma City, but being a customer rather than a partner places the city at the mercy of the supplier, Lewis informed the League. Another concern is a federal lawsuit filed by Texas in order to force the sale of Oklahoma's water to the needy Ft. Worth/Dallas area.
Also discussed was enforcement of the city ordinance which prohibits draining swimming pools into the storm water drains. Using the street drainage system for disposal of swimming pool water introduces several harmful chemicals into our groundwater. Violation of this ordinance can result in a penalty of $75 to $200, Lewis reported. However, allowing the pool to go dormant for one or two weeks usually dissipates the harmful chemicals.
In response to a question about development of a wetlands in the Little River Watershed to help improve the quality of water in Lake Thunderbird, Lewis stated that there were no present plans to do so.
The CART system, Norman's long-term transportation policy and additional funding for much needed expansion of public transportation also are under review. The City is working with Imagine Norman, a Chamber of Commerce project, on the transportation issue. Norman also is considering a new library with better hours and more resources. Another public meeting to discuss the new library is scheduled for 7 p.m. Dec. 3 in City Council chambers. The issue may be placed on the ballot in May 2008.
The LWV of Norman would like to thank City Manager Steve Lewis for his informative responses and frank discussion of these issues which affect Norman. We look forward to working with the city in finding solutions which protect and enhance the quality of life of Norman's citizens.
BARBARA ROBINSON
President, LWV of Norman
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LWV talk water with Lewis
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