TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL

FROM: CITY MANAGER

DATE: DECEMBER 7, 2004

SUBJECT: ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT FOR HON PROPERTY

RECOMMENDATION

Receive and file.

BACKGROUND

The Phase I Environmental Assessment for the Portuguese Bend site dated November 5, 2004 indicated that pesticides, specifically DDT, might have contaminated the former agricultural areas. As a result of that possibility the City authorized a Phase 2 assessment of the agricultural sites that were identified as potentially having DDT impacts.

DISCUSSION

Although the written report of the testing was not available at the time the City Council materials were published and distributed, the results were provided in a verbal report from the contractor. According to Fred Clark, of The Source Group, one of the tests was positive for DDE (a derivative of DDT). The test result showed a level of 0.021 ppm that was described by Mr. Clark as a "low hit." The EPA standard for residential risk is 1.7 ppm, or over 80 times higher than the positive test result. Mr. Clark says that low-level residuals of DDT and its derivatives are common in areas that were farmed and should pose no risk to any use we wish to make of the property.

Respectfully submitted,

Les Evans

City Manager