The Town of Marana is putting in their final preparation for the National Civic League’s All-America City competition. Marana is one of 20 finalists for the 10 All-America City designations and will depart for the competition on June 15...
Marana Water News: Future of Wastewater - WRF Master Plan
In the Town Code Title 14, Town Council may adopt all infrastructure master plans to ensure projects align with growth and Council vision for the Town. On June 21, Marana Water is bringing the Marana Water Reclamation Facility Master Plan forward to final adoption.
In 2012, the Town acquired the Marana Water Reclamation Facility including the infrastructure and water rights of the treated water. Currently, the plant is operating at 70% of its capacity or approximately 355,000 gallons each day, and these flows are only expected to increase as residents and businesses come into the sewer service area. There are projections in this Plan that suggest the plant may require 1 - 1.5 million gallons per day within the next ten years. This Master Plan outlines the plant expansion to an eventual 4.5 million gallons per day. To reach this capacity, the project is divided into several phases. The first phase will expand the plant capacity to 1.5 million gallons per day and update the treatment process.
This picture shows a conceptual layout of what the plant could look like after the first phased expansion to 1.5 million gallons per day.
Also mentioned in the Master Plan is the construction of a several aquifer recharge basins that will collect highly treated water and recharge it back into the aquifer. These recharge credits will be added to the overall water portfolio and allow additional sustainability for future growth. As this portion of the project gets closer, there will be posts related to the specifics of this project. Stay tuned!
This Master Plan allows the Town to better prepare and plan for the future, especially with the ability to take the treated water and recharge it into the aquifer for future use. For more on these resources and the future of our water, click here and be sure to watch the video!
A full copy of the Master Plan can be found on the Water Reclamation page here.
Marana Water News: Professional Development - AZWater Conference 2016
A few weeks ago a few staff members from Marana Water attended the annual AZ Water conference in Glendale, AZ. This was the 89th Annual conference for those in the water profession in Arizona to come together to share ideas and experiences.
AZ Water was founded in 1928 and is an educational organization focusing on water/wastewater professional development, and "enhancing and protecting Arizona's water environment." It also is connected to two large national organizations, the American Water Works Association and the Water Environmental Federation. These organizations are dedicated to providing opportunities for water professionals to gain knowledge and insight on the industry.
There were six employees who attended the conference. Some who had been many times, and two that were first-time attendees. Our attendees were all levels of staff and areas of expertise. The Water Director and Water Resources Coordinator attended as well as Water Operator and Wastewater Operator. Every attendee said the networking with other departments and water professionals was a highlight of the conference. From the Wastewater division, Jacob said, "It was great to discuss issues with other operators that have many years in the industry and are willing to share their knowledge." Water Director John also said, "I look forward to meeting with other water and wastewater leaders throughout the state..learning from experiences that other communities have been or are facing."
Another important part of this conference is the educational components. There were sessions this year on Flint Water, wastewater treatment, energy management, new technology, utility management, construction of water projects, and many more. These sessions provide the continuing education requirements for keeping up certifications. Water Superintendent Paul said his most valuable sessions were the ones about the distribution system. In these classes he learned about preventive maintenance programs, water quality, asset management, and managing a workforce. Fred from the Water division said he learned a lot from the session on main breaks, valve assessment, and creating water system maps.
Another highlight for our attendees was the Keynote address by Kathy Ferris and the documentary by Michael Schiffer on the 1980 Groundwater Management Act. Discussing how the water laws were created and what decisions and discussions went into them, are the focus of the documentary. Having this background provides a broader perspective for the Marana Water team. Jacob put it very nicely saying, "It is easy to get caught up in a routine [at work] and lose sight of the broader implications of the work we do on a daily basis. It was great to see how much of an impact our work has in the bigger picture."
Marana Water is lucky we are able to send so many of our talented staff to a conference like this. It is only once a year, so the department tries to rotate those that are able to go to give everyone a chance to attend. The experiences from the sessions to meeting others in the industry has been invaluable for those that have had the chance to attend. Next year is the 90th anniversary of AZ Water. Looking forward to seeing what they have in store for such an incredible milestone.
Real Estate Daily News: Lot Sales Heat Up as Fast as the Weather in Marana
By Karen Schutte
Just as temperatures start to reach the 100 degree mark, residential lots sales are heating up too. Tucson has experienced a 40% increase in residential building permits this year, and it seems home builders are bracing themselves for existing labor and lot shortages. There were 328-platted lots sold in the Northwest Tucson submarket since May 12th with an aggregate sum of $9.1 million.
“We are definitely seeing the push into north Marana by the homebuilders. We are seeing land prices increasing due to strong demand and it is well documented that the “shovel ready” lots are in very short supply in this area,” said Will White of Land Adviors Organization in Tucson.
Marana to Participate in Pima County Warrant Resolution Court
The Pima County Consolidated Justice Court will hold their first Warrant Resolution Court Saturday, June 11, 2016 in order to serve individuals who currently have outstanding warrants or need to reestablish payment plans.
The Pima County Consolidated Justice Court will be open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. to handle cases from the Marana Municipal court as well as other courts in the Tucson-area. There will be up to six courtrooms available to hear cases and nine service windows for faster service. The court hopes the community sees this as an opportunity for people with weekday responsibilities to come in to resolve their warrants.
The goal of the Warrant Resolution Court is to settle some of the 20,000 active misdemeanor warrants issued from 31 different agencies while reducing the number of non-violent, misdemeanor offenders in jail. Those with Marana warrants are asked to call the Marana court at 520-382-2700 prior to June 11, to notify the court of their intent to attend Warrant Resolution Court on June 11, 2016. This will guarantee the most efficient service upon arrival to the Pima County Consolidated Justice Court on June 11.
Orange Grove and UPRR Bridge Painting
The bridge at Orange Grove and Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) will be painted beginning May 31 – June 17. The work will be done at night from 9 P.M. to 5 A.M.
For your safety and that of the contractor’s personnel, please comply with traffic control devices, flagging personnel, and/or detour signs.
Travel time through the project area may increase during construction, so please adjust your schedule accordingly. Construction may restrict traffic lanes and create congestion. Taking alternate routes is suggested.
If inclement weather or other events cause delays, the work may be rescheduled without further notice.
For more information, please contact Town of Marana foreman Rob Grimaldo (520) 471-4602, or Public Works Office (520) 382-2505.
Stay up-to-date on Town of Marana news, projects, and events. Visit MaranaAZ.gov, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter.
Utility work on Ina Road at Interstate 10 in Marana
Map from the Ina Road Interchange Final Design information sheet.
Utility work is underway near Interstate 10 and Ina Road traffic interchange in Marana. The work is in preparation of the Interstate 10, Ina Road Traffic Interchange reconstruction project, which is scheduled to begin in summer 2016.
The utility work is planned as follows:
The westbound Interstate 10 frontage road will be closed from Orange Grove Road to Cortaro Road early in the morning Friday, June 3 from 12 A.M. - 5 A.M. for utility work.
- The westbound I-10 on- and off-ramps at Ina Road will be closed during the work.
- The ramps at Orange Grove Road and Cortaro Road will remain open.
- Interstate 10 will remain open in both directions during the work.
The reconstruction project will improve traffic operations on I-10 and on the Ina Road traffic interchange. The project consists of widening I-10 to three lanes in each direction, and Ina Road to two lanes in each direction from Silverbell Road to Camino de la Cruz.
The construction is scheduled to begin in summer 2016 with Ina Road, east and west of I-10, remaining open until early 2017.
ADOT works to inform the public about planned roadway restrictions, but there is a possibility that unscheduled closures or restrictions may occur due to weather or equipment issues.
Drivers are reminded to share the road, be cautious, and slow down while traveling through the work zone.
For more information about this project, please visit the website.
Traffic alert: Temporary closure of Postvale Road between Moore and Barnett on May 26th
On Thursday, May 26th, between 9:00 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., Postvale Road will be closed to traffic between Moore Road and Barnett Road so that construction crews can repave a segment of the roadway north of the Postvale/Moore Intersection. Sandario Road between Moore and Barnett is designated to be the detour route for all traffic. Directional signs and traffic control devices will be set up to guide vehicles around the Postvale Road closure and along the detour route.
For your safety and that of the contractor’s personnel, please comply with all traffic control devices, flagging personnel, and/or detour signs.
Travel time through the project area may increase during construction so please adjust your schedule accordingly. Construction may restrict traffic lanes and create congestion. Taking alternate routes is suggested.
If inclement weather or other events cause delays, the work may be rescheduled without further notice.
Stay up-to-date on Town of Marana news, projects, and events. Visit MaranaAZ.gov, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter.
Traffic Alert: Tangerine and I-10 Intersection Bridge Painting
Tangerine bridge at the Tangerine Road and I-10 intersection will be painted beginning May 23 – 26. The work will be done at night from 8 P.M. to 5 A.M.
For your safety and that of the contractor’s personnel, please comply with traffic control devices, flagging personnel, and/or detour signs.
Travel time through the project area may increase during construction so please adjust your schedule accordingly. Construction may restrict traffic lanes and create congestion. Taking alternate routes is suggested.
If inclement weather or other events cause delays, the work may be rescheduled without further notice.
For more information, please contact Town of Marana foreman Rob Grimaldo (520) 471-4602, or Public Works Office (520) 382-2505.
Stay up-to-date on Town of Marana news, projects, and events. Visit MaranaAZ.gov, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter.
Marana Water News: Bring a Nickel, Tap your Feet - a different kind of CCR
The Environmental Protection Agency oversees the Safe Drinking Water Act. This is one of the primary pieces of legislation that outlines the water quality rules community water systems are required to follow. A portion of this act requires an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) to be provided to all customers. A CCR is an annual water quality report that includes information on water sources, levels of detected contaminants, and the water system's compliance with the drinking water rules. When these reports are prepared, they are presenting information from the previous year. For example, the versions that were mailed out last week by Marana Water includes the data from 2015. These must be delivered to customers by July 1st each year.
In previous years, Marana Water has published the CCR data in the newspaper, but now each customer is mailed a copy of the CCR for their water system each year. The documents can also be viewed on the water quality webpage for this year, and for many previous years.
There is a wide variety of content within the CCRs. Details about the wells used to provide water to the system, any violations of the drinking water rules in the past year, the safety concerns of certain elements that may be found in the water, a terrific glossary of water quality related terms, and sample results are areas covered in the CCR.
Examples of bottles used to collect samples for the CCR data.
When reviewing the results chart, be sure to notice if the measurement is in parts per million (ppm) or parts per billion (ppb). Parts per million, also called milligrams per liter (mg/L) can be compared to one minute in two years, or a single penny in $10,000. If you multiply ppm by 1,000 you will get parts per billion. PPB is the equivalent of one minute in 2,000 years or a single penny in $10,000,000! Identifying the difference in these units can help to understand how much of a compound actually was detected in the water sample.
Some of the inorganic compounds tested for are arsenic, fluoride, and nitrates. Inorganic contaminants can be naturally occurring, or a result of run off from activities near by like mining, farming, or wastewater processing. Most of the minimal detected levels are likely due to erosion of natural deposits or run off from the sources mentioned above. Nitrate levels may rise quickly for short periods of time due to rainfall or agricultural activity. Fluoride, can be naturally occurring, and is sometimes added to water to help promote strong teeth. It is monitored because too much fluoride can, in fact, damage teeth. Marana Water does not add any fluoride to our systems. The Airport system is classified as a "non-transient, non-community water system" due to the number and type of customers using water in this system. This is why there is no test for fluoride below. A new rule was put in place in 2002 regarding arsenic. In high levels (50 ppb or more) arsenic is a carcinogen, so this new rule brought the MCL to 10 ppb to address any potential long term effects it may cause. As shown in the excerpt below, none of the systems approached the Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for these compounds. The MCL is the highest level allowed in drinking water. There were no violations in 2015 in any of Marana Water's water systems in regard to nitrates, arsenic, or fluoride.
The CCR compiles water quality tests done throughout the year including total coliform tests and chlorine residuals, which you can read about here. There are close to 3,000 tests done annually by only four operators. These dedicated water professionals work all year to ensure the quality of the drinking water to our customers is safe.
Tucson News Now: PAG releases population estimates for coming decades
"Marana and Sahuarita are expected to see the largest rates of growth, each more than doubling in size..."
Practice makes perfect: Local agencies prepare for "worst case" scenarios
On Wednesday, May 4, first responders and law enforcement agencies across Pima County simulated emergency scenarios in order to improve multiple agency emergency response while acting in a unified command in the event of an actual emergency. One of the six scenarios occurred at Marana Regional Airport, testing the response and communication systems of the Marana Police Department, Northwest Fire, Avra Valley Fire, and Picture Rocks Fire.
In Marana's scenario, a small prop plane made an unauthorized landing at the airport, and in the process clipped a large passenger jet, causing both to crash on opposite ends of the airport. Police units received word of the incident, and arrived to the scene.
Upon reaching the scene, police officers were surprised by an armed suspect standing in the shadow of the smaller plane. After a quick gunfire exchange, the officers had apprehended the suspect - but not without their own officer taking a hit.
Meanwhile, across the airport, firefighters, police, and paramedics responded to victims aboard the passenger jet. These "victims," played by students from Marana High School, presented the first responders with a variety of injuries, each posing its own unique challenge.
LifeNet, which provides helicopter medivac services out of the airport, transported "victims" to nearby hospitals.
Throughout the entire scenario, all three fire departments and Marana Police secured the scene, coordinating civilians, media, and other personnel.
"Today has been an important learning experience for all of us," says Sgt. Chris Warren, Marana PD's public information officer. "As government agencies, we need to make sure we can work together smoothly and seamlessly, and today's exercise is helping us practice that skill, as well as helping us identify any gaps."
The Town of Marana thanks Marana High School for their volunteers in the exercise.
Traffic alert: 2-week closure of Moore Road between I-10 and Postvale to begin May 16th
Moore Road west of Interstate 10 will be closed between the I-10 frontage road and Postvale Road for approximately two weeks beginning May 16th. The temporary closure is occurring in conjunction with the Town of Marana’s Tangerine/Downtown Sewer Conveyance System project. Kinkaid Civil Construction, the project contractor, will be installing a sewer pipe across Moore Road.
Barnett Road is designated to be the detour route for all traffic. Directional signs and traffic control devices will be set up to guide vehicles around the Moore Road closure and along the detour route.
For your safety and that of the contractor’s personnel, please comply with all traffic control devices, flagging personnel, and/or detour signs.
Travel time through the project area may increase during construction so please adjust your schedule accordingly. Construction may restrict traffic lanes and create congestion. Taking alternate routes is suggested.
If inclement weather or other events cause delays, the work may be rescheduled without further notice.
Stay up-to-date on Town of Marana news, projects, and events. Visit MaranaAZ.gov, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter.
New Marana park to be named “Tangerine Sky Community Park”
A new park is coming to town, and it now has an official name. On May 3, Marana Town Council approved “Tangerine Sky Community Park” to be the name of the new park located at 4411 W. Tangerine Road, south of Tangerine Road between Camino De Oeste and Camino De Mañana.
The name came from a park survey conducted by the Town of Marana Parks and Recreation Department. Over 377 residents provided feedback on what amenities they would like to see at the park, including name ideas. The most frequently suggested names included Sky Ranch Community Park, Tangerine Community Park, and Tangerine Sky Community Park. Of those submitted names, Tangerine Sky Community Park received the most favorable votes from Council.
Soliciting public feedback on park amenities and collecting name ideas are just a few of the many steps the Town of Marana took to design the new community park. After the public provided their initial feedback, Town staff worked with Norris Design to provide two park layout proposals. The public provided their feedback on the layouts, and the final park design will reflect their input.
Construction on the park will begin later this year, and will take approximately nine months to complete. Amenities will include a dog park, parking lot, restroom, ramadas, play area, turf area, multi-use paths, and trails.
Marana Water News: Chlorine and Coliforms - Water Quality Testing
Water quality is one of the most vital parts of the job here at Marana Water. Our Water Quality staff work each day to ensure that the water delivered to our customers is safe to drink at all times.
Marana Water's water quality inspector in the field testing the water system.
As you can imagine, there is a lot of testing involved to check that water is safe for customers. Established in 1974, and amended in 1996, the Safe Drinking Water Act under the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) establishes the allowable levels of elements in the drinking water. Approximately 90% of Americans are served by a public water system similar to Marana Water. The guidelines from the EPA require public water systems to test to be sure that the water system is not being contaminated by bacteriological sources, specifically Total Coliforms.
Close up of total coliform bacteria
Total Coliforms are used as an indicator of fecal contamination from animals and humans. These tests are scheduled to be completed monthly throughout the water system. Each sample is sent to the lab where a "present" or "absent" result can occur. Absent means no total coliform was identified in the sample, while present would indicate a positive sample. Should there ever be a "present" result, Marana Water has plans in place to conduct a second test, notify the public, and determine if the result was a sampling error or there is a defect in the system.
In order to safeguard against a potential total coliform result, Marana Water provides minimal treatment to the water system. Chlorine is added to protect against bacterial contamination. Water can come from a variety of sources such as lakes, rivers, and wells. Water from these sources can be contaminated with microbes that can make people sick. Marana Water uses 100% groundwater, which is less susceptible to contamination, the chlorine is an added precaution to protect public heath. Chlorine kills many microbes that cause waterborne diseases like cholera, dysentery, and typhoid fever. It was first introduced to a public water system in 1908, and since has been considered a major public health achievement. Tests are also done for chlorine to be sure there are safe levels. These tests are called chlorine residuals. Some amount of chlorine is expected and necessary to keep the water safe. Chlorine residual tests are done throughout the system on a weekly rotation.
Example of a sample bottle used for testing for total coliforms
All other elements that require testing are done on individual schedules with the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ). Tests for synthetic organic compounds (SOCs), inorganic compounds (IOCs), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), radiochemicals (RADs), lead and copper, disinfection by-products (DPBs), and microbial contaminants. The staff even perform tests to show the water hardness. In the next few weeks customers should receive a report in the mail outlining the testing results for that water system. Be sure to check back to Marana News for more information on these reports. Marana Water works closely with this department to plan all necessary testing and reporting. For more information on water quality information, check out the this page of the website.
Airport runway/taxiway closures at Marana Regional Airport
Marana Regional Airport will experience a series of closures due to construction and maintenance on the airport proper. Please click here for more information. Try to plan accordingly with the information provided in this document. If there are any questions or concerns, please call Marana Regional Airport at 520-382-8053.
Marana News: Marana to continue pavement preservation program
The road conditions in Pima County are a hot button topic among the public and politicians, but it is far less of a problem in Marana. The town has taken steps to ensure that their roads are in tip-top shape.
Marana has always tried to keep their roads in good condition, but in 2014 they instituted the Pavement Preservation Program and with the next budget beginning in July, the town will enter their fourth year of the program...
Marana Recognizes Importance of Tourism with Travel and Tourism Week, May 1-7, 2016
During the first week of May, tourists, and the service industry that supports them, will celebrate Arizona Travel and Tourism Week. This annual event highlights the significant role played by tourism in the state’s economy. Every year, this export-oriented sector generates $20.9 billion in direct revenues. With a state offering attractions as varied as world-class sports venues, awe-inspiring natural wonders, and exquisite Southwest cuisine, it is little surprise that visitors from across the country and the world are clamoring to experience all Arizona has to offer.
Every county in Arizona enjoys the tremendous benefits of tourism. The Grand Canyon alone attracts 5 million unique tourists each year, all of them eager to gaze out over the most stunning landscape in the world. Pima County , home of the unforgettable Saguaro National Park, top-tier wineries, and the Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain, Arizona’s only Five-Star, Five-Diamond resort, also sees considerable gains from tourism.
Not only does tourism promote the service sector that caters to travelers’ needs, but it also provides powerful economic drivers for all who live in Arizona. After all, the same infrastructure that supports tourism also provides valuable services for residents. The Arizona Office of Tourism estimates that tourism contributes $28 billion in federal, state, and local tax revenues, revenues which are then spent on providing public services that improve the overall well-being and quality of life for all residents.
Furthermore, the Arizona Office of Tourism estimates that tourism directly supports 171,500 jobs in our beautiful state, and indirectly supports 300,000 more jobs in industry-related businesses.
Marana is an active participant in the Arizona tourist economy. Last year, the Town launched DiscoverMarana.org, a portal for visitors to Marana to learn more about all this community has to offer. Marana’s tourism efforts also include targeted advertising in print publications that reach audiences across the country and even abroad.
Last year, these efforts supported Marana’s partnership with Perimeter Cycling, the host of El Tour de Tucson. In November 2016, for the first time, Marana will host its own start in El Tour, inviting visitors to Marana to join our residents in an invigorating ride through Marana to Downtown Tucson.
Town of Marana Tourism Manager Toby Parks has reveled in the opportunity since she started in her position in 2015. “Marana is the gateway to Southern Arizona and has many wonderful tourism draws, including hiking, cycling, and world class golf. Anyone who visits Marana walks away with incredible memories of a rich landscape filled with natural beauty.”
To stay up to date with Marana’s tourism efforts, be sure to like Discover Marana on Facebook, and visit DiscoverMarana.org to learn all there is to know about visiting this beautiful community.
Ride of Silence Encourages Cyclists and Motorists to Share the Road
On Tuesday, April 19, the Marana Town Council unanimously passed a proclamation recognizing Ride of Silence Day, which will occur on Wednesday, May 18, 2016. This annual international event honors cyclists who have been injured or killed while cycling on public roadways. Furthermore, it raises awareness that cyclists have a legal right to share the road with motorists. In passing this proclamation, the Council emphasizes the importance that all travelers—drivers and cyclists alike—share the road with respect for the law and for each other.
The Ride of Silence organization hosted its first event in 2003 in response to tragedy in Dallas, Texas. In May of that year, long-distance cyclist Larry Schwartz was struck and killed by the side mirror of a passing bus. In the days following his death, the cycling community in Dallas organized an informal gathering that attracted over 1000 riders. Every year since then, the ride has grown substantially, and this year will occur not just in every state in the US, but also in 38 countries across the world. On May 18, over 300 rides across the globe will raise awareness of the importance of bicycling safety.
Marana is proud to participate in year’s event. Community and recreation are both focus areas in the Town’s strategic plan. Ensuring that local cyclists feel safe while pedaling on our streets and bike paths helps Marana fulfill both of those commitments.
“The safety of bicyclists in our community is an essential consideration in responsibly planning for future growth and development,” explains Varney, a planner with the Town. “Town staff work collaboratively in planning and developing bicycle facilities that provide a safe, comfortable, and convenient means for bicycle travel within Marana. Such facilities include shared-use paths detached from the roadway, paved shoulders where shared-use paths are not feasible, and options for recreational riding such as the Santa Cruz Shared-Use Path and smaller neighborhood-scale trail systems similar to what we have in Gladden Farms.” Varney, himself an avid cyclist, is proud to be part of these efforts.
Marana has demonstrated its commitment to bike safety through its construction and maintenance of the Santa Cruz Shard-Use Path. This car-free stretch of pavement extends for miles along the banks of the Santa Cruz River, paralleling a picturesque riparian corridor. Not only does this path afford cyclists a safe place to travel, but its regular maintenance ensures a smooth and steady ride.
On May 18, and on every other day of the year, be sure to share the road. Both cyclists and cars have a right to the roadway, and the Ride of Silence will help remind everyone about the importance of safety and respect on the streets.
Town of Marana to participate in multi-agency emergency response exercise on May 4
MARANA, AZ – On May 4, Town of Marana will participate in a multi-agency emergency response exercise led by the Pima County Office of Emergency Management. This countywide mock, multiple-location response exercise will include federal, state and local law enforcement, fire, rescue, medical, and other first-response agencies. The event is designed to assist agencies in assessing their preparedness and ability to respond to multiple, large-scale, simultaneous events.
Media and members of the public may observe increased and realistic radio chatter from response agencies and see or hear multiple emergency vehicles responding to the simulated incident locations. The public should be aware that agencies will be engaged in realistic scenarios at multiple locations throughout the day designed to simulate active emergency response events. Exercises are planned to begin at various times and locations, including the University of Arizona, and in Oro Valley, Marana, Sahuarita, and Tucson. The specific locations or details about the types of emergency scenarios will not be released ahead of time, so that the agencies have the best opportunity to test their procedures and protocols.
Town of Marana and responding public safety agencies will use social media to announce when training exercises are underway. You can follow the Town of Marana on the Town's Facebook and Twitter pages, and on the Marana Police Department's Facebook and Twitter pages.
