RESOLUTION No. 36408

Adopt the Toxics Reduction Strategy plan to minimize toxic substances of concern in government operations by using the Precautionary Principle (Resolution)

WHEREAS, for decades, City of Portland bureaus have demonstrated success in seeking opportunities to prevent pollution and reduce the use of hazardous substances. The City should continue to build on these efforts and exercise leadership in utilizing safer least-toxic alternatives, when such alternatives are available, effective and affordable; and

WHEREAS, on September 22, 2004, City Council adopted Resolution 36254 to direct development of a Toxics Reduction Strategy jointly with Multnomah County using the Precautionary Principle; and

WHEREAS, scientific evidence points to exposures to environmental pollutants as preventable risk factors in a number of chronic diseases, disabilities and premature deaths; and

WHEREAS, further development of safer, least-toxic, alternatives to hazardous chemicals in Oregon has the potential to spur business growth, create jobs, improve public health, lower the costs of health care and special education, and protect the environment; and

WHEREAS, a Toxics Reduction Strategy Workgroup was convened with representation from the City of Portland, Multnomah County, the Sustainable Development Commission, and members of the community including Metro, Oregon Center for Environmental Health, Oregon Environmental Council, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland State University and the public. The workgroup reviewed internal operations, best practices from other local governments regarding toxic reduction, and developed a set of recommended actions to support the following long-term goal:

By using the Precautionary Principle as a framework, replace toxic substances, materials or products of concern with viable least-toxic alternatives by 2020.

WHEREAS, the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has been directed to develop a plan to eliminate persistent bioaccumulative toxics in Oregon by 2020, and local governments in Oregon are encouraged to participate; and

WHEREAS, Exhibit A, “Toxics Reduction Strategy, a plan for minimizing use of toxic substances of concern in government operations by using the Precautionary Principle,” meets the direction outlined in Resolution 36254 by supporting public health and the environment through precautionary actions that seek least-toxic alternatives.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED to adopt the Toxic Reduction Strategy, a plan for minimizing toxic substances of concern in government operations by using the Precautionary Principle, attached as Exhibit A.

AND THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED to direct the Office of Sustainable Development, in partnership with the Multnomah County Department of County Management, to convene a Steering Committee to facilitate and coordinate the evaluation and implementation of the proposed actions identified in the Toxics Reduction Strategy. The Steering Committee will be comprised of key City and County staff who have relevant expertise and responsibilities, as well as external community partners who can add value to these efforts through their knowledge, experience or resources.

AND THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Steering Committee, in consultation with affected City bureaus and County departments, will finalize an implementation process within three months of the adoption of this resolution.

AND THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that using the progress reports and updates from staff working on the proposed actions, the Steering Committee will provide an annual update to the Council on the City and County’s overall progress.

Adopted by the Council: May 10, 2006      GARY BLACKMER

Auditor of the City of Portland

Commissioner Dan Saltzman          By /S/ Susan Parsons

Susan Anderson                  Deputy

Prepared by: Michele Crim

April 26, 2006

BACKING SHEET INFORMATION

AGENDA NO. 575-2006

ORDINANCE/RESOLUTION/COUNCIL DOCUMENT NO. 36408