HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-24-2015 Steering Committee Agenda Packet.pdf Orange County Sanitation District Wednesday, June 24, 2015
Regular Meeting of the 5:00 P.M.
Steering Committee _ Administration Building
Conference Rooms A& B
10844 Ellis Avenue
Fountain Valley, CA 92708
(714) 593-7433
AGENDA
DECLARATION OF QUORUM:
PUBLIC COMMENTS: If you wish to speak, please complete a Speaker's Form and give it to the
Clerk of the Board. Speakers are requested to limit comments to three minutes.
REPORTS: The Committee Chair and the General Manager may present verbal reports on
miscellaneous matters of general interest to the Directors. These reports are for information only and
require no action by the Directors.
CONSENT CALENDAR:
1. Approve Minutes of the May 27, 2015 Regular Steering Committee Meeting.
NON-CONSENT ITEMS:
2. Recommend to the Board of Directors:
A. Agree with Findings F.1, F.2, F.3 and with Recommendation R.1
contained in the 2014-2015 Orange County Grand Jury Report —
"Increasing Water Recycling:A Win-Win for Orange County'; and
B. Authorize the Board Chair to notify the presiding judge in writing of the
Board's agreement and responses.
INFORMATION ITEMS:
None.
W24115 Steering Committee Agenda Page 1 of 3
CLOSED SESSION:
During the course of conducting the business set forth on this agenda as a regular meeting of the
Board, the Chair may convene the Board in closed session to consider matters of pending real estate
negotiations, pending or potential litigation, or personnel matters, pursuant to Government Code
Sections 54956.8, 54956.9, 54957 or 54957.6, as noted.
Reports relating to (a) purchase and sale of real property; (b) matters of pending or potential litigation;
(c) employment actions or negotiations with employee representatives;or which are exempt from public
disclosure under the California Public Records Act, may be reviewed by the Board during a permitted
closed session and are not available for public inspection. At such time as the Board takes final action
on any of these subjects, the minutes will reflect all required disclosures of information.
Convene in closed session.
(1) CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL RE EXISTING LITIGATION
(Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1))
Number of Potential Cases: 3
Klean Waters, Inc. v. Orange County Sanitation District, United States
District Court, Central District of California, Southern Division, Case No.
8:15-cv-00627-JVS-FFM
Alex Shaaban v. Orange County Sanitation District, Orange County
Superior Court, Case No. 30-2014-00714555
Kelly Ross v. Orange County Sanitation District, Orange County Superior
Court, Case No. 30-2014-00714553
(2) PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION
(Government Code Section 54957(b)(1))
Title: General Manager
Reconvene in regular session.
CONSIDERATION OF ACTION ON MATTERS CONSIDERED IN CLOSED SESSION,
IF ANY:
OTHER BUSINESS AND COMMUNICATIONS OR SUPPLEMENTAL AGENDA
ITEMS, IF ANY:
06/24/15 Steering Commiftee Agenda Page 2 of 3
ADJOURNMENT:
To the Steering Committee meeting scheduled for Wednesday, July 22, 2015, at
5:00 p.m.
Accommodations for the Disabled: Meeting Rooms are wheelchair accessible. If you require any special disability
related accommodations, please contact the Orange County Sanitation District Clerk of the Board's once at
(714)593-7433 at least 72 hours prior to the scheduled meeting. Requests must specify the nature of the disability
and the type of accommodation requested.
Agenda Posting: In accordance with the requirements of California Government Code Section 54954.2,this agenda
has been posted outside the main gate of the Sanitation District's Administration Building located at 10844 Ellis
Avenue, Fountain Valley, California,and on the Sanitation District's website at www.ocsd.com,not less than 72 hours
prior to the meeting date and time above. All public records relating to each agenda item, including any public
records distributed less than 72 hours prior to the meeting to all, or a majority of the Board of Directors,are available
for public inspection in the office of the Clerk of the Board.
NOTICE TO DIRECTORS: To place items on the agenda for the Committee Meeting, items must be submitted to the
Clerk of the Board 14 days before the meeting.
Kelly A. Lore
Clerk of the Board
(714)593-7433
klore(o3ocsd.com
For any questions on the agenda,Committee members may contact staff at:
General Manager Jim Herberg (714)593-7110 iherbergaocsd.com
Assistant General Manager Bob Ghirelli (714)593-7400 rahirelliGPocsd.com
Director of Engineering Rob Thompson (714)593-7310 rthomoson(glocsd.com
Director of Facility Support Services Nick Arhontes (714)593-7210 narhontes(cDomd.com
Director of Finance and Lorenzo Tyner (714)593-7550 Ityner(&ocsd.com
Administrative Services
Director of Operations&Maintenance Ed Torres 714 593-7080 etorres omd.com
06/24/15 Steering Committee Agenda Page 3 of 3
ITEM NO. 1
MINUTES OF THE
STEERING COMMITTEE
Orange County Sanitation District
Wednesday, May 27, 2015 at 5:00 p.m.
A regular meeting of the Steering Committee of the Orange County Sanitation
District was called to order by Chair Beamish on Wednesday, May 27, 2015 at
5:02 p.m. in the Administration Building of the Orange County Sanitation District.
A quorum was declared present, as follows:
COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT: STAFF PRESENT:
Tom Beamish, Chair Jim Herberg, General Manager
John Nielsen, Vice-Chair Bob Ghirelli, Assistant General
Greg Sebourn, Operations Committee Manager
Chair Rob Thompson, Director of
John Withers, Administration Engineering
Committee Chair Lorenzo Tyner, Director of Finance &
Keith Curry, Member-At-Large Administrative Services
Steve Jones, Member-At-Large Ed Torres, Director of Operations &
David Shawver, Member-At-Large Maintenance
Nick Arhontes, Director of Facility
COMMITTEE MEMBERS ABSENT: Support Services
None. Kelly A. Lore, Clerk of the Board
Jennifer Cabral
Chad Crow
Al Garcia
OTHERS PRESENT:
Brad Hogin, General Counsel
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
None.
REPORTS:
Chair Beamish updated the Committee on the recent legislative tours for Helene
Ansel from Congressman Lowenthal's office and Maurice Lyles from Senator
Boxer's office. He thanked Director Kiley for participating. He further announced
that Assembly member Young Kim will tour OCSD tomorrow at 3:30 p.m. Chair
Beamish also reported on the OC Science and Engineering Fair winners; facts about
OS/27/2015 Steering Committee Minutes Page 1 of 3
social media and the "Save the Date" for the GWRS Expansion Ceremony being
held on June 261h.
General Manager Herberg introduced Director of Engineering Rob Thompson who
updated the Committee on the completion of Phase One of the Newport Force Main
project. He also announced that OCSD had received a $450,000 WaterSMART
Grant from the US Bureau of Reclamation to help fund the Effluent Reuse Study.
Director of Fleet Services, Nick Arhontes, notified the Committee of an upcoming
Public Meeting on June 17, 2015 6:00 p.m. at Foothill High School. The purpose will
be to inform the public of OC LAFCO's Municipal Service Review study and provide
an overview of the proposals to assume local sewer service in the area submitted by
EOCWD and IRWD. The Clerk of the Board will forward the information to the
Committee.
Director of Finance and Administrative Services, Lorenzo Tyner, provided
information regarding the budget update and the decrease to rate increases that will
be presented to the Board tonight. Questions were raised regarding Proposition 218
noticing requirements which General Counsel Brad Hogin replied were not
applicable to this update.
CONSENT CALENDAR:
1. MOVED, SECONDED, AND DULY CARRIED TO:
A. Approve Minutes of the April 16, 2015 Special Steering Committee
Meeting; and
B. Approve Minutes of the April 22, 2015 Regular Steering Committee
Meeting.
AYES: Beamish; Jones; Sebourn; and Shawver
NOES: None
ABSTENTIONS: Curry (Item 1 B); Nielsen and Withers (Item 1A)
ABSENT: None
NON-CONSENT CALENDAR:
None.
05/27/2015 Steering Committee Minutes Page 2 of 3
INFORMATION ITEMS
None.
CLOSED SESSION:
CONVENED IN CLOSED SESSION PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE
SECTIONS: 54956.9(d)(1)
The Committee convened in closed session at 5:18 p.m. to discuss one item.
Confidential minutes of the Closed Session have been prepared in accordance with
the above Government Code Sections and are maintained by the Clerk of the Board
in the Official Book of Confidential Minutes of Board and Committee Closed
Meetings.
RECONVENED IN REGULAR SESSION:
The Committee reconvened in regular session at 5:48 p.m.
CONSIDERATION OF ACTION, IF ANY, ON MATTERS CONSIDERED IN
CLOSED SESSION
None.
OTHER BUSINESS AND COMMUNICATIONS OR SUPPLEMENTAL AGENDA
ITEMS, IF ANY:
None.
ADJOURNMENT:
The Chair declared the meeting adjourned at 5:49 p.m. to the next Steering
Committee meeting to be held on Wednesday, June 24, 2015 at 5:00 p.m.
Submitted by:
Kelly A. Lore
Clerk of the Board
05/27/2015 Steering Committee Minutes Page 3 d 3
STEERING COMMITTEE Meech Date TOBA.of Dir.
06/24/15 O6/24/15
AGENDA REPORT Item Number Item Number
z
Orange County Sanitation District
FROM: James Herberg, General Manager
Originator: Robert Ghirelli, Assistant General Manager
SUBJECT: RESPONSE TO THE 2014-2015 ORANGE COUNTY GRAND JURY'S
REPORT: INCREASING WATER RECYCLING: A WIN-WIN FOR
ORANGE COUNTY"
GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION
A. Agree with Findings F.1, F.2, F.3 and with Recommendation R.1 contained in the
2014-2015 Orange County Grand Jury Report — "Increasing Water Recycling: A
Win-Win for Orange County'; and
B. Authorize the Board Chair to notify the presiding judge in writing of the Board's
agreement and responses.
SUMMARY
The Orange County Grand Jury was assigned to inventory the total amount of sewage
collected and treated in Orange County, determine the ultimate destination/use of the
treated sewage (ocean outfall, recycled water applications, indirect potable reuse,
etc.), and assess the unit treatment costs in dollars per million gallons. The stated
reason for the study as outlined in the report is as follows:
"Given the fact that California is facing a serious, extended drought, the
guaranteed supply of imported water and local groundwater is very vulnerable.
The primary purpose of this study was to compare the cost of recycling more
water with the cost of buying imported water. The Grand Jury needed to
research each wastewater processor to determine the volume of wastewater
that might be available for recycling. Based on the possible availability of more
wastewater to recycle, what plans does Orange County have to do more
recycling of this precious resource rather than discharging it into the ocean?"
The Grand Jury gathered information from interviews, site visits, district
production reports and research. They inventoried the volume of treated
sewage currently discharged from Orange County into the ocean that could be
recycled for beneficial reuse. The amount of treated discharges identified 147
million gallons per day of treated sewage going into the ocean. The results of the
investigation by the Grand Jury were detailed in a report, "Increasing Water
Recycling: A Win-Win for Orange County" which was released to the public on May
1,2015. A copy of the report is attached.
Page 1 of 3
Based on the investigation, the Grand Jury arrived at eight principal findings
(F.1 through F.8), and four recommendations (R.1 through RA). The California Penal
Code section 933 and section 933.05 (a), (b), and (c) requires the governing body of
any public agency which the Grand Jury has reviewed to respond to the Presiding
Judge of the Superior Court on the findings and recommendations. OCSD is required
to respond to Findings F.1, F.2 and F.3 and Recommendation R.3 below:
FA.The Orange County Sanitation District processes an average of 198
million gallons per day of wastewater and sends 121 million gallons per
day of secondary treated wastewater to the ocean.
The Orange County Sanitation District Response: Agree with the findings. The
actual flow volumes vary daily based on water usage in the service area. As a
result of the past economic downturn, conservation efforts, and the prolonged
drought, the Orange County Sanitation District's actual influent flows have been
dropping over the last decade. The average influent flow in 2004 was about 240
million gallons per day.
F.2. The Orange County Water District receives an average of 92 million
gallons per day of treated wastewater from Orange County Sanitation
District and recycles 70 million gallons per day of water treated to potable
water standards that is then returned to the groundwater basin aquifers.
The Orange County Sanitation District Response: Agree with the findings. The
Orange County Sanitation District and Orange County Water District have a long
partnership for water recycling dating back to the 1970s. With the decreasing
influent flow volumes, the Orange County Sanitation District has been actively
diverting flow to its Fountain Valley plant to make as much water as possible
available to the Orange County Water District for recycling. This includes an on-
site pump station and manipulation of diversion structures in our collection
system. These diversion management steps are very important in light of the
generally decreasing influent flows and the expansion of recycling capacity
recently completed by the Orange County Water District.
F.3. From the 92 million gallons per day from Orange County Sanitation
District the Orange County Water District recycles 7 million gallons per day
of water treated to plant irrigation standards.
The Orange County Sanitation District Response: Agree with the findings.
R.1. Orange County Sanitation District should conduct a study of possible
methods of increasing the amount of processed wastewater sent to Orange
County Water District, including timelines and noting any barriers that may
prevent increasing flow, and implement the most cost effective method to
reduce the amount of imported water to Orange County. (F.1.) (F.2.) (F.7.)
Page 2 of 3
The Orange County Sanitation District Response: Agree with the
recommendation. The Orange County Sanitation District Board of Directors
established a strategic plan goal in November 2013 to recycle all of the water we
treat. The primary use envisioned is to support the ultimate build out of the
Groundwater Replenishment System.
The staff of the Orange County Sanitation District and the Orange County Water
District have collaboratively created a scope of work for an engineering study to
investigate the feasibility of recycling all of Orange County Sanitation District's
effluent flows. This study involves some potentially significant replumbing of the
Orange County Sanitation District's infrastructure to segregate less desirable
flows, and to pump effluent from our Huntington Beach Plant to Fountain Valley
for recycling at the Orange County Water District. A fraction of the flows with
high salt content or other constituents not conducive to drinking water reuse will
be studied for other beneficial uses.
The contract for this study has been awarded and work is scheduled to be
complete in June 2016. The Orange County Sanitation District and Orange
County Water District are sharing the cost of the study. In addition, grant funding
of $450,000 from the Bureau of Reclamation's U.S. Water Smart program was
awarded in May 2015.
Staff has confirmed the accuracy of these findings and recommends that the Board
agree with Finding F.1, F.2 and F.3 and recommends that the Board Chair notify the
Presiding Judge of the Superior Court in writing acknowledging this agreement, which
is attached. The drafted letter has been coordinated with the Orange County Water
District.
PRIOR COMMITTEE/BOARD ACTIONS
None
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
None
CEQA
N/A
ATTACHMENTS
• Grand Jury Report
• Proposed response to Grand Jury Report
Page 3 of 3
RETURN TO AGENDA
Increasing Water Recycling :
A Win-Win for Orange County
40
GRAND JURY 2014-2015
RETURN TO AGENDA
Increasing Water Recycling:A Win-Win for Orange County
TABLE OF CONTENTS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ................................................................................................3
BACKGROUND..............................................................................................................3
REASON FOR THE STUDY...........................................................................................4
METHODOLOGY............................................................................................................4
INVESTIGATION AND ANALYSIS.................................................................................5
North & Central Orange County Wastewater Processing...............................6
OC Sanitation District..............................................................................6
OCWater District.....................................................................................6
South OC Wastewater Processing....................................................................7
IrvineRanch Water District................................................................................7
Costs and Measurements..................................................................................7
FINDINGS.......................................................................................................................7
RECOMMENDATIONS...................................................................................................8
REQUIRED RESPONSES..............................................................................................9
COMMENDATIONS...................................................................................................... 10
REFERENCES.............................................................................................................. 10
APPENDIX: GLOSSARY............................................................................................. 11
2014-2015 Orange County Grand Jury Page 2
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Increasing Water Recycling:A Win-Win for Orange County
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Given the series of droughts in California affecting both the Sierra Nevada water
supply and Orange County's ground water supply, the 2014-2015 Grand Jury
inventoried the volume of treated wastewater currently discharged into the ocean that
could be recycled for beneficial use. Orange County has a long history of working to
recycle treated wastewater; however, the County still discharges 147 million gallons per
day of wastewater into the ocean (Table 1). This precious water has the potential to be
reused or recycled (replacing imported water) for irrigation and in some cases for
drinking water. The majority of the treated water costs less to produce than the cost of
imported water by 43.5% (Table 2).
The Santa Ana River Basin water is a blend of'free" water (treated wastewater
from Riverside and San Bernardino counties, rainfall water, and water runoff)with non-
"free" water (recycled Orange County wastewater and imported water). The Grand Jury
found that the blending of`free" water with expensive imported water and recycled
water resulted in groundwater costing 58% less than imported water (Table 2). The
County has wastewater available to recycle that would be cheaper than buying imported
water during these years of continuing drought conditions.
BACKGROUND
Southern California is a semi-desert region, where the historical average rainfall
is 12.8 inches a year(State of Water, 2013). In 2013, there were 3.6 inches of rainfall in
Southern California. Rainfall in 2014 was only 4.7 inches (State of Water, 2013). If 2015
continues to have a shortage of rainfall, the amount of water retrieved from certain
sources may need to be reduced or alternatives created. Water availability in Orange
County (OC) depends on a diversified water supply portfolio. OC water supply comes
from local and imported sources. Local water sources in OC include a mix of
groundwater and recycled wastewater. The Metropolitan Water District of Orange
County indicates that 45% of OC's water is imported (State of Water, 2013). The
Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MET) supplies imported water from
the Colorado River and from the northern Sierra Nevada Mountains (State of Water,
2013). Many water distribution and wastewater recycling terms used in this report can
be found in the Appendix.
As a result of the recent and drastic decreases in rainfall, water levels and
availability of these local sources are quickly falling. When rainfall is below average,
local water sources experience different impacts.
Groundwater comes from the local Santa Ana River groundwater basin (the
Basin). This local source is always available, but the amount that can be extracted
without adverse consequences is largely dependent on the annual rainfall received. The
less rainfall, the less groundwater is available for extraction.
Recycled water is a relatively stable source because the amount of available
recycled water remains fairly constant. When there is less rainfall, there is less
groundwater, which causes more of a demand for putting water back into the Basin to
resupply the ground water source. Groundwater recovery is the means by which
2014-2015 Orange County Grand jury Page 3
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Increasing Water Recycling:A Win-Win for Orange County
groundwater is kept at an acceptable level. The water storage is adversely affected
because less rainfall results in less water to store. OC water is typically stored
underground in the Santa Ana River Basin or in above ground catch basins, lakes, or
ponds. Water storage is more limited in the southern portions of OC than in the northern
and central regions. The storage is drawn down to critical levels when the rainfall is too
low to replenish it.
Annual snowfall and rainfall also affect the two imported water sources. The
northern Sierra Nevada Mountains provide water to OC from the snow accumulated
during the winter months. The Colorado River Aqueduct System is one of the most
dependable sources but it also has limitations. The Colorado River upstream water
sources are also adversely affected by below- average rainfall. Even though it is less
affected, the reliability of this source could also be reduced if the drought continues for
years to come. Some areas in the southern part of the county depend as much as 95%
on imported water for their potable water needs (State of Water, 2013).
OC is extremely fortunate to have the Basin and the Groundwater Replenishment
System (GRS). The Basin and the GRS make OC less vulnerable to drought compared
to other California communities. The Basin is the most cost effective source of water
because most of the storage, some of the purification, and most of the replenishment
are done by nature with very little human intervention. Again, rainfall does affect how
much water can be pumped out of the Basin without replenishment. The GRS recycles
wastewater and injects it into the Basin using various methods.
Since recycled water is a local source of water, it is the one part of the system
that can be improved and provide economic savings. Recycled water is wastewater that
has been treated to remove solids and impurities. The resulting water can be further
processed and used to create potable water or used for sustainable landscape
irrigation. This irrigation water is called "purple pipe' water.
REASON FOR THE STUDY
Given the fact that California is facing a serious, extended drought, the
guaranteed supply of imported water and local groundwater is very vulnerable. The
primary purpose of this study was to compare the cost of recycling more water with the
cost of buying imported water. The Grand Jury needed to research each wastewater
processor to determine the volume of wastewater that might be available for recycling.
Based on the possible availability of more wastewater to recycle, what plans does
Orange County have to do more recycling of this precious resource rather than
discharging it into the ocean?
METHODOLOGY
The Grand Jury gathered information for this report from interviews, site visits,
district production reports, and research. On-site interviews were conducted at the
Orange County Sanitation District (OCSD), the Orange County Water District (OCWD),
the Irvine Ranch Water District, and the South OC Wastewater Authority. The Grand
Jury conducted telephone interviews with the remaining water districts. Each interview
was with the most senior executive, often followed up with an interview with the person
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Increasing Water Recycling:A Win-Win for Orange County
in charge of production. Production data and information were submitted to the Grand
Jury by fax or email. Imported water rates came from the Municipal Water District of
Orange County (Municipal, 2014).
INVESTIGATION AND ANALYSIS
OC water supply comes from local water sources and imported water sources.
Local water sources in OC include a mix of groundwater and recycled wastewater.
These local sources provide about one-half of OC's water. The other half is imported
and supplied to OC by the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California from the
Colorado River and from the northern Sierra Nevada Mountains. Assuming the drought
continues, OC will have to recycle more wastewater or buy more imported water, which
may be much more expensive if all sources are adversely affected by the drought. An
analysis of all the data shows that recycling more wastewater is less expensive and
more dependable.
The Grand Jury obtained all of the production data from the agencies and
analyzed and determined the amount of wastewater volumes and costs. A summary of
results are provided in the tables below, with details presented in the following
paragraphs.
Table 1: Wastewater Volume
District/Authority WW Volume In W W Volume Out
Total In Ocean Purple Pipe Potable
(mgpd) (%) (mgpd) (mgpd) (mgpd)
El Toro Water District(ETWD) 3.7 1.4% 3.3 0.4
Irvine Ranch Water District(IRWD) 21.9 8.4% 1.7 20.2
Metropolitan Water District of SOCal (MEr) 0 0.0%
Orange County Sanitation District(OCSD) *, ** 198.0 75.6% 121.0
Orange County Water District(OCWD) *** 7 70
City of San Clemente (SC) 4.0 1.5% 3.0 1.0
Santa Margarita Water District(SMWD) 11.0 4.2% 3.2 7.8
South OC Wastewater Authority(SOCWA) 22.7 8.7% 14.7 8
Trabuco Canyon Water District(TCWD) 0.6 0.2% 0.6
TOTAL 261.9 100% 246.9 45.0 70
Notes:
mgpd=millions of gallons per day
"OCSD's Total In (198mgpd)=OCSD Plant 1(96mgpd)+OCSD Plant 2(102mgpd)
"*Oat's Total In(198mgpd)=005D ocean discharge(121mgpd)+OCWD purple pipe (7mgpd)+OCWD potable(70mgpd)
"*OCWD has 92mgpd (15mgpd+7mgpd +70mgpd)that is already accounted for in OCSD's throughput, including
15mgpd returned to OCSD for Ocean discharge
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Increasing Water Recycling:A Win-Win for Orange County
Table 2: Water Costs ($/mg)
IRWD Purple Pie $1,653 Cost to treat to purple pipe standards
OCSD Ocean Discharge $1,926 Cost to treat for ocean discharge
OCWD Groundwater $1,083 Cost of Santa Ana River Basin water
OCWD Purple Pipe $1,503 Cost to treat to purple pipe standards
OCWD Potable $1,468 Cost to treat to potable standards
SMWD Ocean Discharge $1,103 Cost to treat for ocean discharge
SMWD Purple Pipe $1,488 Cost to treat to purple pipe standards
SOCWA Ocean Discharge $2,655 Cost to treat for ocean discharge
SOCWA Purple Pipe $3,326 Cost to treat to purple pipe standards
MET Wholesale $2,601 Cost of imported water
North & Central Orange County Wastewater Processing
OC Sanitation District
OC Sanitation District (OCSD) receives and processes the wastewater for all of
the cities and unincorporated land in north and central OC, which represents 75.6% of
all of OC's wastewater. Last year it processed an average of 198 million gallons per day
(mgpd) of wastewater. The OCSD's treatment of wastewater results in a water product
that meets federal water safety and state water quality standards for ocean discharge.
OCSD also sends treated wastewater to the OC Water District (OCWD).
OC Water District
OCWD manages the Santa Ana River Basin Aquifer, which supplies groundwater
for most of the cities and unincorporated areas in north and central OC. The Aquifer
water comes from (1) rainfall captured in catch basins along the Santa Ana River, (2)
river water flowing from San Bernardino and Riverside, (3) treated wastewater from
outside of OC, (4) imported water, (5) recycled wastewater, and (6) a small amount of
incidental runoff. OCWD receives 92 mgpd of recycled wastewater from OCSD and
then further treats it for two valuable uses: irrigation (purple pipe water), or potable
water (drinking water). The amount recovered from this processing or recycling is 7
mgpd of purple pipe water, 70 mgpd of potable water for replenishing the basin aquifer,
and 15 mgpd as a byproduct of the treatment process. The majority of this byproduct is
returned to OCSD for ocean discharge. OCWD is currently in the process of increasing
their recycled potable water capacity from 70 mgpd to 100 mgpd. The capital cost of the
project is $142 million. The Grand Jury computed the amount of additional potable
water this project could produce over 30 years and amortized the capital costs over the
same period to find that recycled water would still cost far less than imported water.
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Increasing Water Recycling:A Win-Win for Orange County
South OC Wastewater Processing
South OC wastewater is processed by the El Toro Water District, the City of San
Clemente, the Santa Margarita Water District, the South OC Wastewater Authority, and
the Trabuco Water District. These entities processed an average of 42 mgpd last year,
or 16% of OC's daily wastewater volume. From those 42 mgpd, they produced 17.2
mgpd of purple pipe water and discharged the remainder into the ocean.
Irvine Ranch Water District
The Irvine Ranch Water District (IRWD) processes 21.9 mgpd of wastewater.
From those 21.9 mgpd, it produced 20.2 mgpd of purple pipe water and 1.7 mgpd of
byproduct. IRWD is unique because in addition to using purple pipe water for landscape
irrigation, it also uses it for industrial processes and toilet Flushing via dual plumbing
systems.
Costs and Measurements
The Grand Jury reviewed the various costs of imported water, recycled water,
and groundwater. Since all wastewater must be treated before it can be discharged into
the ocean, that cost is considered fixed and, while it is noted in Table 2, it is not used in
this study. Water agencies and wastewater processors sometimes use different
measuring nomenclature. This study uses one common measurement of million gallons
(mg). Some production reports used Acre-Feet (AF). One AF equals 325,851 gallons.
FINDINGS
In accordance with California Penal Code sections 933 and 933.05, the 2014-
2015 Grand Jury requires (or, as noted, requests) responses from each agency affected
by the findings presented in this section. The responses are submitted to the Presiding
Judge of the Superior Court.
Based on its investigation of Wastewater Processing in Orange County, the
2014-2015 Orange County Grand Jury has arrived at eight principal findings, as follows:
F.1. The Orange County Sanitation District processes an average of 198 million
gallons per day of wastewater and sends 121 million gallons per day of
secondary treated wastewater to the ocean.
F.2. The Orange County Water District receives an average of 92 million gallons per
day of treated wastewater from Orange County Sanitation District and recycles
70 million gallons per day of water treated to potable water standards that is then
returned to the groundwater basin aquifers.
F.3. From the 92 million gallons per day from Orange County Sanitation District the
Orange County Water District recycles 7 million gallons per day of water treated
to plant irrigation standards.
F.4. The Irvine Ranch Water District processes 21.9 million gallons per day of
wastewater and recycles 20.2 million gallons per day for purple pipe use.
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F.5. The South OC Wastewater Authority (SOCWA) processes 22.7 million gallons
per day of wastewater, treats 8 million gallons per day to purple pipe standards,
and sends 14.7 million gallons per day to the ocean.
F.6. The El Toro Water District, the City of San Clemente, the Santa Margarita Water
District and the Trabuco Canyon Water District process a combined average total
of 19.3 million gallons per day and send to the ocean 9.5 million gallons per day.
The remaining 9.8 million gallons per day are used for landscape irrigation.
F.7. In north and central Orange County, the cost to create potable recycled water is
$1,468 per million gallons or$1,133 less than the current cost per million gallons
of imported water.
F.B. The South OC Wastewater Authority (SOCWA) cost to recycle wastewater
currently exceeds the cost of imported water, however the Grand Jury believes
that the cost of imported water will increase.
RECOMMENDATIONS
In accordance with California Penal Code sections 933 and 933.05, the 2014-
2015 Grand Jury requires (or, as noted, requests) responses from each agency affected
by the recommendations presented in this section. The responses are submitted to the
Presiding Judge of the Superior Court.
Based on its investigation of Wastewater Processing in Orange County, the
2014-2015 Orange County Grand Jury makes the following four recommendations:
R.1. Orange County Sanitation District should conduct a study of possible methods of
increasing the amount of processed wastewater sent to Orange County Water
District, including timelines and noting any barriers that may prevent increasing
Flow, and implement the most cost effective method to reduce the amount of
imported water to Orange County. (F.1.) (F.2.) (F.7.)
R.2. Orange County Water District should conduct a study of possible methods of
increasing the amount of processed wastewater and implement the most cost
effective method to reduce the amount of imported water to Orange County.
(F.2.) (F.3.) (F.7.)
R.3. South Orange County Wastewater Authority should conduct a study of possible
methods of increasing the amount of processed wastewater and implement the
most cost effective method to reduce the amount of imported water to Orange
County. (F. 5.) (F. 8.)
R.4. The El Toro Water District, the City of San Clemente, the Santa Margarita Water
District, and the Trabuco Canyon Water District should conduct a study of
possible methods of increasing the amount of processed wastewater and
implement the most cost effective method to reduce the amount of imported
water to Orange County. (F.6.)
2014-2015 Orange County Grand Jury Page 8
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Increasing Water Recycling:A Win-Win for Orange County
REQUIRED RESPONSES
The California Penal Code section 933 requires the governing body of any public
agency which the Grand Jury has reviewed, and about which it has issued a final report,
to comment to the Presiding Judge of the Superior Court on the findings and
recommendations pertaining to matters under the control of the governing body. Such
comment shall be made no later than 90 days after the Grand Jury publishes its report
(filed with the Clerk of the Court). Additionally, in the case of a report containing findings
and recommendations pertaining to a department or agency headed by an elected
County official (e.g. District Attorney, Sheriff, etc.), such elected official shall comment
on the findings and recommendations pertaining to the matters under that elected
official's control within 60 days to the Presiding Judge with an information copy sent to
the Board of Supervisors.
Furthermore, California Penal Code section 933.05 (a), (b), (c), details, as
follows, the manner in which such comment(s) are to be made:
(a) As to each Grand Jury finding, the responding person or entity shall indicate one of
the following:
(1)The respondent agrees with the finding
(2) The respondent disagrees wholly or partially with the finding, in which case
the response shall specify the portion of the finding that is disputed and shall include an
explanation of the reasons therefore.
(b) As to each Grand Jury recommendation, the responding person or entity shall report
one of the following actions:
(1) The recommendation has been implemented, with a summary regarding the
implemented action.
(2) The recommendation has not yet been implemented, but will be implemented
in the future, with a time frame for implementation.
(3) The recommendation requires further analysis, with an explanation and the
scope and parameters of an analysis or study, and a time frame for the matter to be
prepared for discussion by the officer or head of the agency or department being
investigated or reviewed, including the governing body of the public agency when
applicable. This time frame shall not exceed six months from the date of publication of
the Grand Jury report.
(4) The recommendation will not be implemented because it is not warranted or
is not reasonable, with an explanation therefore.
(c) If a finding or recommendation of the Grand Jury addresses budgetary or personnel
matters of a county agency or department headed by an elected officer, both the
agency or department head and the Board of Supervisors shall respond if requested by
the Grand Jury, but the response of the Board of Supervisors shall address only those
budgetary /or personnel matters over which it has some decision making authority. The
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Increasing Water Recycling:A Win-Win for Orange County
response of the elected agency or department head shall address all aspects of the
findings or recommendations affecting his or her agency or department.
Comments to the Presiding Judge of the Superior Court in compliance with Penal Code
section 933.05 are required from:
Responses Required:
1. Responses to Findings F.1., F.2. and Recommendation R.1. are required
from the Board of Directors of the Orange County Sanitation District.
2. Responses to Findings F.1., F.3., F.7., and Recommendation R.2. are
required from the Board of Directors of the Orange County Water District.
3. Responses to Findings F.5., F.8., and Recommendation R.3. are required
from the Board of Directors of the South Orange County Wastewater
Authority.
4. Responses to Findings F.6., and Recommendation RA. are required from the
Board of Directors of the El Toro Water District.
5. Responses to Findings F.6., and Recommendation R.4. are required from the
Mayor of the City of San Clemente.
6. Responses to Findings F.6., and Recommendation RA. are required from the
Board of Directors of the Santa Margarita Water District.
7. Responses to Findings F.6., and Recommendation R.4. are required from the
Board of Directors of the Trabuco Canyon Water District.
8. Response to Finding F.4. is required from the Board of Directors of the Irvine
Ranch Water District.
COMMENDATIONS
The 2014-2015 Grand Jury commends the OC Sanitation District and the OC
Water District for the partnership they developed to recycle wastewater for the beneficial
use of north and central OC residents. Last year's average of 77 mgpd of recycled
water reduces dependence on more expensive imported water at a time when the
amounts of external water supplies are stressed by the State's prolonged drought.
The 2014-2015 Grand Jury commends the Irvine Ranch Water District for the
years of recycling water for landscape irrigation leadership. Last year they recycled over
92% of the wastewater they received.
REFERENCES
State of water, summer 2013:A call for investing in reliability.[Pamphlet]. (2013).
Municipal Water District of Orange County.
Municipal Water District of Orange County (2014). Water rates and charges.
Retrieved from http://www.mwdoc.com/pages.php?id_pge=166
2014-2015 Orange County Grand Jury Page 10
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Increasing Water Recycling:A Win-Win for Orange County
APPENDIX:
GLOSSARY
AF. Acre-Foot. The amount of water needed to cover an acre (approximately a football
field) one foot deep, or 325,900 gallons. One acre-foot can support the annual indoor
and outdoor needs of between one and two households per year, and, on average,
three acre-feet are needed to irrigate one acre of farmland.
Aquifer. A geologic formation of sand, rock and gravel through which water can pass
and which can store, transmit, and yield significant quantities of water to wells and
springs.
Groundwater. Water that occurs beneath the land surface and fills partially or wholly
pore spaces of the alluvium, soil, or rock formation in which it is situated. Does not
include water which is being produced with oil in the production of oil and gas or in a
bona fide mining operation.
Groundwater basin. A groundwater reservoir defined by all the overlying land surface
and the underlying aquifers that contain water stored in the reservoir. Boundaries of
successively deeper aquifers may differ and make it difficult to define the limits of the
basin.
Groundwater Replenishment System (GRS). An OCWD/OCSD joint project being
developed to provide up to 100,000 acre-feet of reclaimed water annually for
groundwater replenishment. Treated wastewater will undergo further treatment at
OCW D-using the same technology as bottled water companies-before it is piped
northward along the Santa Ana River to replenish the groundwater basin in the inland
part of the county. Visit the GWR System website (http://www.gwrsystem.com).
Imported water. Water that has originated from one hydrologic region and is
transferred to another hydrologic region. Metropolitan Water District of Southern
Califamia(MET) imports water from the Colorado River and Northern California. MET's
agency in OC is the Municipal Water District of OC (MWDOC).
Potable water. Suitable and safe for drinking.
Primary treated water. First major treatment in a wastewater treatment facility, usually
sedimentation removal but not biological oxidation.
Recycling. A type of reuse, usually involving running a supply of water through a closed
system again and again. Legislation in 1991 legally equates the term "recycled water"to
reclaimed water.
Santa Ana River Basin Aquifer. That portion of the Santa Ana River that is located
within OC.
Secondary Treatment. Generally, a level of treatment that produces 85 percent
removal efficiencies of biological oxygen demand and suspended solids. Usually carried
out through the use of trickling filters or by the activated sludge process.
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Increasing Water Recycling:A Win-Win for Orange County
Tertiary treatment. The treatment of wastewater beyond the secondary or biological
stage. Normally implies the removal of nutrients, such as phosphorous and nitrogen,
and a high percentage of suspended solids.
Wastewater. Water that has been previously used by municipality/residences, industry
or agriculture and has suffered a loss of quality as a result of use.
2014-2015 Orange County Grand Jury Page 12
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June 24, 2015
The Honorable Glenda Sanders, Presiding Judge
Orange County Superior Court
700 Civic Center Drive West
Santa Ana,CA 92701
Dear Presiding Judge Sanders:
On May 1, 2015, the Grand Jury released a report entitled: "Increasing Water
Recycling: A Win-Win for Orange County." This report requires written
responses to certain findings and recommendations from the Orange County
Sanitation District.
A safe and reliable water supply is fundamental to the life and health of
Orange County's citizens and visitors, and is essential to economic
sustainability. The Orange County Sanitation District thanks the Grand Jury for
its attention to this important issue.
Below are responses to each of the findings and recommendations of the
report:
Responses to Findings Page 7
F.I. The Orange County Sanitation District processes an average of 198
million gallons per day of wastewater and sends 121 million gallons per day
of secondary treated wastewater to the ocean.
The Orange County Sanitation District Response: Agree with the findings. The
actual flow volumes vary daily based on water usage in the service area. As a
result of the past economic downturn, conservation efforts, and the prolonged
drought, the Orange County Sanitation District's actual influent flows have
been dropping over the last decade. The average influent flow in 2004 was
about 240 million gallons per day.
F.2. The Orange County Water District receives an average of 92 million
gallons per day of treated wastewater from Orange County Sanitation District
and recycles 70 million gallons per day of water treated to potable water
standards that is then returned to the groundwater basin aquifers.
RETURN TO AGENDA
Response to Orange County Grand Jury
June 24, 2015
Page 2
The Orange County Sanitation District Response: Agree with the findings. The
Orange County Sanitation District and Orange County Water District have a
long partnership for water recycling dating back to the 1970s. With the
decreasing influent flow volumes, the Orange County Sanitation District has
been actively diverting flow to its Fountain Valley plant to make as much water
as possible available to the Orange County Water District for recycling. This
includes an on-site pump station and manipulation of diversion structures in
our collection system. These diversion management steps are very important
in light of the generally decreasing influent flows and the expansion of
recycling capacity recently completed by the Orange County Water District.
F.3. From the 92 million gallons per day from Orange County Sanitation
District the Orange County Water District recycles 7 million gallons per day of
water treated to plant irrigation standards.
Orange County Sanitation District Response: Agree with the findings.
Responses to Recommendations—Page 8
R.I. Orange County Sanitation District should conduct a study of possible
methods of increasing the amount of processed wastewater sent to Orange
County Water District, including timelines and noting any barriers that may
prevent increasing flow, and implement the most cost effective method to
reduce the amount of imported water to Orange County. (F.1.) (F.2.) (F.7.)
The Orange County Sanitation District Response: Agree with the
recommendation. The Orange County Sanitation District Board of Directors
established a strategic plan goal in November 2013 to recycle all of the water
we treat. The primary use envisioned is to support the ultimate build out of
the Groundwater Replenishment System.
The staff of the Orange County Sanitation District and the Orange County
Water District have collaboratively created a scope of work for an engineering
study to investigate the feasibility of recycling all of Orange County Sanitation
District's effluent flows. This study involves some potentially significant
replumbing of the Orange County Sanitation District's infrastructure to
segregate less desirable flows, and to pump effluent from our Huntington
Beach Plant to Fountain Valley for recycling at the Orange County Water
District. A fraction of the flows with high salt content or other constituents not
conducive to drinking water reuse will be studied for other beneficial uses.
RETURN TO AGENDA
Response to Orange County Grand Jury
June 24, 2015
Page 3
The contract for this study has been awarded and work is scheduled to be
complete in June 2016. The Orange County Sanitation District and Orange
County Water District are sharing the cost of the study. In addition, grant
funding of $450,000 from the Bureau of Reclamation's U.S. Water Smart
program was awarded in May 2015.
If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at
(714) 593-7110.
Sincerely,
Tom Beamish
Chair
Orange County Sanitation District
1DH/RT/clr
ORANGE COUNTY SANITATION DISTRICT
Agenda
Terminology Glossary
Glossary of Terms and Abbreviations
AQMD Air Quality Management District
ASCE American Society of Civil Engineers
BOD Biochemical Oxygen Demand
CARB California Air Resources Board
CASA California Association of Sanitation Agencies
CCTV Closed Circuit Television
CEQA California Environmental Quality Act
CRWQCB California Regional Water Quality Control Board
CWA Clean Water Act
CWEA California Water Environment Association
EIR Environmental Impact Report
EMT Executive Management Team
EPA U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
FOG Fats, Oils, and Grease
FSSD Facilities Support Services Department
gpd Gallons per day
GWR System Groundwater Replenishment System (also called GWRS)
ICS Incident Command System
IERP Integrated Emergency Control Plan
LOS Level of Service
MGD Million gallons per day
NACWA National Association of Clean Water Agencies
NPDES National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
NWRI National Water Research Institute
O&M Operations and Maintenance
OCCOG Orange County Council of Governments
OCHCA Orange County Health Care Agency
OCSD Orange County Sanitation District
OCWD Orange County Water District
GOBS Ocean Outfall Booster Station
OSHA Occupational Safety and Health Administration
POTW Publicly Owned Treatment Works
ppm Parts per million
RFP Request For Proposal
RWQCB Regional Water Quality Control Board
SARFPA Santa Ana River Flood Protection Agency
Glossary of Terms and Abbreviations
SARI Santa Ana River Inceptor
SARWQCB Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board
SAWPA Santa Ana Watershed Project Authority
SCADA Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition system
SCAP Southern California Alliance of Publicly Owned Treatment Works
SCAQMD South Coast Air Quality Management District
SOCWA South Orange County Wastewater Authority
SSMP Sanitary Sewer Management Plan
SSO Sanitary Sewer Overflow
SWRCB State Water Resources Control Board
TDS Total Dissolved Solids
TMDL Total Maximum Daily Load
TSS Total Suspended Solids
WDR Waste Discharge Requirements
WEF Water Environment Federation
WERF Water Environment Research Foundation
Activated-sludge process — A secondary biological wastewater treatment process where bacteria
reproduce at a high rate with the introduction of excess air or oxygen, and consume dissolved
nutrients in the wastewater.
Benthos— The community of organisms, such as sea stars, worms and shrimp, which live on, in, or
near the seabed, also know as the benthic zone.
Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD)—The amount of oxygen used when organic matter undergoes
decomposition by microorganisms. Testing for BOD is done to assess the amount of organic matter in
water.
Biosolids — Biosolids are nutrient rich organic and highly treated solid materials produced by the
wastewater treatment process. This high-quality product can be recycled as a soil amendment on
farm land or further processed as an earth-like product for commercial and home gardens to improve
and maintain fertile soil and stimulate plant growth.
Capital Improvement Program (CIP) — Projects for repair, rehabilitation, and replacement of assets.
Also includes treatment improvements, additional capacity, and projects for the support facilities.
Coliform bacteria—A group of bacteria found in the intestines of humans and other animals, but also
occasionally found elsewhere used as indicators of sewage pollution. E. coli are the most common
bacteria in wastewater.
Collections system — In wastewater, it is the system of typically underground pipes that receive and
convey sanitary wastewater or storm water.
Certificate of Participation (COP) —A type of financing where an investor purchases a share of the
lease revenues of a program rather than the bond being secured by those revenues.
Glossary of Terms and Abbreviations
Contaminants of Potential Concern (CPC) — Pharmaceuticals, hormones, and other organic
wastewater contaminants.
Dilution to Threshold (D!f) — the dilution at which the majority of the people detect the odor
becomes the DrT for that air sample.
Greenhouse gases — In the order of relative abundance water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane,
nitrous oxide, and ozone gases that are considered the cause of global warming ("greenhouse
effect").
Groundwater Replenishment (GWR) System — A joint water reclamation project that proactively
responds to Southern California's current and future water needs. This joint project between the
Orange County Water District and the Orange County Sanitation District provides 70 million gallons a
day of drinking quality water to replenish the local groundwater supply.
Levels of Service (LOS)—Goals to support environmental and public expectations for performance.
NDMA— N-Nitrosodimethylamine is an N-nitrosoamine suspected cancer-causing agent. It has been
found in the Groundwater Replenishment System process and is eliminated using hydrogen peroxide
with extra ultra-violet treatment.
National Biosolids Partnership (NBP) — An alliance of the National Association of Clean Water
Agencies (NACWA) and Water Environment Federation (WEF), with advisory support from the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). NBP is committed to developing and advancing
environmentally sound and sustainable biosolids management practices that go beyond regulatory
compliance and promote public participation in order to enhance the credibility of local agency
biosolids programs and improved communications that lead to public acceptance.
Plume—A visible or measurable concentration of discharge from a stationary source or fixed facility.
Publicly-owned Treatment Works (POTW)— Municipal wastewater treatment plant.
Santa Ana River Interceptor (SARI) Line — A regional brine line designed to convey 30 million
gallons per day (MGD) of non-reclaimable wastewater from the upper Santa Ana River basin to the
ocean for disposal, after treatment.
Sanitary sewer — Separate sewer systems specifically for the carrying of domestic and industrial
wastewater. Combined sewers carry both wastewater and urban run-off.
South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) — Regional regulatory agency that
develops plans and regulations designed to achieve public health standards by reducing emissions
from business and industry.
Secondary treatment — Biological wastewater treatment, particularly the activated-sludge process,
where bacteria and other microorganisms consume dissolved nutrients in wastewater.
Sludge—Untreated solid material created by the treatment of wastewater.
Total suspended solids (TSS)—The amount of solids floating and in suspension in wastewater.
Trickling filter — A biological secondary treatment process in which bacteria and other
microorganisms, growing as slime on the surface of rocks or plastic media, consume nutrients in
wastewater as it trickles over them.
Glossary of Terms and Abbreviations
Urban runoff — Water from city streets and domestic properties that carry pollutants into the storm
drains, rivers, lakes, and oceans.
Wastewater—Any water that enters the sanitary sewer.
Watershed —A land area from which water drains to a particular water body. OCSD's service area is
in the Santa Ana River Watershed.