To authorize the Director of the Department of Public Utilities to enter into a not for profit services contract for water quality assessment and watershed monitoring services for Central Ohio watersheds with the Midwest Biodiversity Institute, Inc.; and to authorize the expenditure of $82,500.00 from the Sewer Operating Sanitary Fund. ($82,500.00)

This item authorizes the Director of the Department of Public Utilities to enter into a $82,500.00 contract with the Midwest Biodiversity Institute, Inc. (MBI) for water quality assessment and watershed monitoring services in Central Ohio. The expenditure will be from the Sewer Operating Sanitary Fund.

This contract initiates the 2024 phase of a multi-year Watershed Monitoring and Bioassessment Plan (Phase I: 2024-2032). For 2024, monitoring will focus on Robert Milliken Ditch (HUC 050600011205) and Kian Run - Scioto River (HUC 050600012302), covering 28 sites.

MBI will conduct biological (fish, macroinvertebrates), habitat (QHEI), and chemical/physical (grab samples, Datasondes) assessments, adhering to Ohio EPA Level 3 Credible Data standards. This program is crucial for evaluating the effectiveness of the city's Wet Weather Management Plan (WWMP), Project Blueprint, and MS4 stormwater management efforts, and for identifying pollution stressors to support long-term water quality improvements.