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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 RETURN TO AGENDA 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 RETURN TO AGENDA 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 2014-2015 Orange County Grand Jury Page 4 RETURN TO AGENDA 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 2014-2015 Orange County Grand Jury Page 5 RETURN TO AGENDA 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. 2014-2015 Orange County Grand jury Page 6 RETURN TO AGENDA 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. 2014-2015 Orange County Grand Jury Page 7 RETURN TO AGENDA Increasing Water Recycling:A Win-Win for Orange County 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 RETURN TO AGENDA 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 2014-2015 Orange County Grand Jury Page 9 RETURN TO AGENDA 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 RETURN TO AGENDA 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. 2014-2015 Orange County Grand jury Page 11 RETURN TO AGENDA 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 RETURN TO AGENDA 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.