1st Compact
Natural Environment
The first compact, with Washoe County from July 2001-2002, improved the community’s natural environment through five specific areas detailed below.
The results of this first compact are impressive. For brevity, only one specific example of each goal has been included below. The county set five goals, each with strategies and measurements associated with it, and the complete report may be reviewed by clicking here.
The goals were:
Goal #1: Reduced Vehicle Trips: Achievement of this goal will improve our air quality.
In 1998, 50% of the new vehicles purchased were in compliance with alternative fueled vehicle requirements. In 1999 that percentage increased to 75%, and in 2000 and each year afterward, compliance is at 90%.
Goal #2: Waste Reduction/Materials Recycled: Achievement of this goal will reduce our community’s landfill and litter index.
The county has reached a recycling rate of 29% for the entire county. This is especially significant because it is the first time ever that any county in the State of Nevada exceeded the 25% recycling rate goal set in by the Nevada Legislature.
Goal #3: Energy Conservation: Achievement of this goal will improve our natural environment by reducing air pollution and reduce our dependence upon natural resources for energy.
Preliminary measurements for a partial year indicate a reduction in kilowatt usage of 3.7% at the Jail, 6.7% reduction at the Reno Main Library and a 19.6% reduction at the Administration Complex. The county’s Water Resources reports that from January through June of this year, their retrofit resulted in a 21% decrease in energy consumption as compared to the same period in 2001. This energy use reduction resulted in a cost savings of 14%.
Goal #4: Water Conservation/Quality: Achievement of this goal will improve upon one of our area’s most precious resources.
The county’s use of treated effluent for water irrigation is used at the Sierra Sage Golf Course and soon the North Valleys Sports Complex and the South Valley Sports Complex will be doing the same. Water Resources staff is currently working with the City Sparks to put effluent systems in place at the Lazy 5 Regional Park and other Spanish Springs parks anticipated for Spring 2003. The South Valleys Regional Sports Complex will also use treated water once the latest construction phase is completed, also estimated for Spring 2003. The treated effluent is applied during non-business and evening hours to avoid human contact.
Goal #5: Public Information: Achievement of this goal will encourage other organizations and individuals to improve our community’s natural environment quality of life indicators.
The TMT/Washoe County Quality of Life Compact was selected to be presented at a Regional Forum of the Innovation Group in Las Vegas and the program received a “Best Practices” award from the ICMA (International City and County Managers’ Association) which included making a presentation at their annual conference. This compact, as well as the overall TMT program, was also a featured topic at the November 2002 meeting of the International Society for Quality of Life Studies.
A working committee comprised of representatives from various county departments and functions developed the action plan the county used and there was no direct fiscal impact as a result for any programs being as they were already funded within individual departmental budgets responsible for that program.
For more information about the Washoe County compact, contact:
Kathy Carter, Community Relations Director, Washoe County