HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-22-2018 Steering Committee Agenda Packet.pdf08/22/2018 Steering Committee Agenda Page 1 of 3
AGENDA CALL TO ORDER
DECLARATION OF QUORUM: Clerk of the Board
PUBLIC COMMENTS: If you wish to address the Committee on any item, please complete a
Speaker’s Form (located at the table at the back of the room) and submit it to the Clerk of the Board or
notify the Clerk of the Board the item number on which you want to speak. Speakers will be recognized by the Chairperson and are requested to limit comments to three minutes.
REPORTS: The Committee Chairperson 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: The Consent Calendar Items are considered to be routine and will be
enacted, by the Committee, after one motion, without discussion. Any items withdrawn from the Consent
Calendar for separate discussion will be considered in the regular order of business.
1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES (Clerk of the Board)
RECOMMENDATION: Approve Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Steering Committee held July 25, 2018.
NON-CONSENT: 2. RETIREMENT OF ROBERT P. GHIRELLI ASSISTANT GENERAL MANAGER OF THE ORANGE COUNTY SANITATION DISTRICT (Jim Herberg)
RECOMMENDATION: Recommend to the Board of Directors to: Adopt Resolution No. OCSD 18-13 entitled, “A Resolution of the Board of Directors of the Orange County Sanitation District commending Dr. Robert P. Ghirelli for his contributions and dedication to public service as Assistant General Manager of the Orange County
Sanitation District.”
Orange County Sanitation District Regular Meeting of the STEERING COMMITTEE
Wednesday, August 22, 2018 5:00 P.M. Administration Building Conference Rooms A & B
10844 Ellis Avenue Fountain Valley, CA 92708 (714) 593-7433
08/22/2018 Steering Committee Agenda Page 2 of 3
3. GENERAL MANAGER’S FISCAL YEAR 2018-2019 DRAFT WORK PLAN (Jim Herberg)
RECOMMENDATION: Receive and File the General Manager’s Fiscal Year 2018-2019 Draft Work Plan. 4. GENERAL MANAGER’S COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
(Greg Sebourn)
RECOMMENDATION: Recommend to the Board of Directors to: Adopt Resolution No. OCSD 18-XX entitled, “A Resolution of the Board of Directors of the Orange
County Sanitation District approving salary increase and salary range adjustment for
the General Manager for Fiscal Year 2018 to 2019,” authorizing the Board Chair to implement a base building salary increase of 5.0%, consisting of a 2.5% salary range adjustment and a 2.5% merit increase commencing in the first pay period of July 2018 for fiscal year 2018 to 2019. The total salary cost increase is $13,832 for the fiscal
year. Compensation and benefits costs based on impacts to existing benefits total
an amount not to exceed $17,761. INFORMATION ITEMS:
None.
CLOSED SESSION: None.
OTHER BUSINESS AND COMMUNICATIONS OR SUPPLEMENTAL AGENDA ITEMS, IF ANY:
ADJOURNMENT: To the Steering Committee meeting scheduled for Wednesday, September 26, 2018 at 5:00 p.m.
08/22/2018 Steering Committee Agenda Page 3 of 3
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 office at (714) 593-9433 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. Agenda Description: The agenda provides a brief general description of each item of business to be considered or discussed. The recommended action does not indicate what action will be taken. The Board of Directors may take any action which is deemed appropriate. NOTICE TO DIRECTORS: To place items on the agenda for a Committee or Board Meeting, items must be submitted to the Clerk of the Board 14 days before the meeting. Kelly A. Lore, MMC Clerk of the Board (714) 593-7433 klore@ocsd.com For any questions on the agenda, Committee members may contact staff at: General Manager Jim Herberg (714) 593-7300 jherberg@ocsd.com Assistant General Manager Bob Ghirelli (714) 593-7400 rghirelli@ocsd.com Assistant General Manager Rob Thompson (714) 593-7310 rthompson@ocsd.com Director of Environmental Services Jim Colston (714) 593-7450 jcolston@ocsd.com Director of Finance and Administrative Services Director of Human Resources
Lorenzo Tyner Celia Chandler
(714) 593-7550 (714) 593-7202
ltyner@ocsd.com cchandler@ocsd.com Director of Operations & Maintenance Ed Torres (714) 593-7080 etorres@ocsd.com
07/25/2018 Steering Committee Minutes Page 1 of 4
MINUTES OF THE STEERING COMMITTEE
Orange County Sanitation District Wednesday, July 25, 2018 at 5:00 p.m.
A regular meeting of the Steering Committee of the Orange County Sanitation District was called to order by Boar Chairman Greg Sebourn on Wednesday, July 25, 2018 at 5:03 p.m. in the Administration Building of the Orange County Sanitation District.
A quorum was declared present, as follows:
COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT: Greg Sebourn, Board Chair David Shawver, Board Vice-Chair Ellery Deaton, Member-At-Large
Donald Wagner, Member-At-Large
John Withers, Operations Committee Chair
COMMITTEE MEMBERS ABSENT:
Chad Wanke, Administration Committee
Chair
Tim Shaw, Member-At-Large
STAFF PRESENT: Bob Ghirelli, Assistant General Manager Rob Thompson, Assistant General Manager
Jim Colston, Director of Environmental
Services Ed Torres, Director of Operations & Maintenance Lorenzo Tyner, Director of Finance &
Administrative Services
Kelly Lore, Clerk of the Board Jennifer Cabral Mike Dorman Laurie Klinger
Tina Knapp
Mark Manzo Laura Maravilla Kathy Millea Ddaze Phuong
OTHERS PRESENT: Brad Hogin, General Counsel
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
No public comments were provided.
REPORTS:
Chair Sebourn did not provide a report.
Assistant General Manager Bob Ghirelli provided the following information: OCSD received the NACWA Platinum Award for achieving 100% water discharge permit
ITEM NO. 1
07/25/2018 Steering Committee Minutes Page 2 of 4
compliance over a consecutive five-year period. He went on to say that General Manager Jim Herberg is in Boston this week attending NACWA's 2018 Utility Leadership Conference where he accepted the award on behalf of OCSD.
Mr. Ghirelli informed the Committee that to facilitate the relocation of the Santa Ana River Interceptor Line in 2014, OCSD loaned the County of Orange $56.5 million, pending receipt of funds from the State Flood Control Subventions Program; and further
stated that the County has completed full repayment this month.
Mr. Ghirelli stated that at the end of this quarter, OCSD posted an impressive 99.4% safety training completion for the fourth quarter of 2018, and a cumulative score of 99% for the entire 2017-18 fiscal year. He stated the safety scorecard is an indication
of OCSD’s standard commitment to ensure the safety of its employees.
In conclusion, Mr. Ghirelli mentioned that an RFP was released this week for State and Federal Lobbyist contracts, with proposals expected towards the end of August. He stated that should any Director receive calls or inquiries regarding this, please
have them contact our Purchasing division (Jennifer Martin at ext. 7582).
CONSENT CALENDAR: 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES (Clerk of the Board)
MOVED, SECONDED, AND DULY CARRIED TO:] Approve Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Steering Committee held on June 27, 2018. AYES: Deaton, Sebourn, Shawver, and Withers NOES: None
ABSTENTIONS: None
ABSENT: Shaw, Wanke, and Wagner 2. LEASE AGREEMENT WITH CARL KARCHER ENTERPRISES (CKE) PROVIDING DISTRICT PARCEL FOR CKE PARKING AND/OR RELATED ACTIVITIES (Lorenzo Tyner)
MOVED, SECONDED, AND DULY CARRIED TO:] Recommend to the Board of Directors to: Approve a one year and five-month lease agreement, beginning August 2018, with Carl Karcher Enterprises, Inc (CKE), a California Corporation, to allow paving, striping, parking, and related improvements by
CKE within the Orange County Sanitation District’s 4-foot wide utility corridor located at 21532 South Brookhurst Street, Huntington Beach. AYES: Deaton, Sebourn, Shawver, and Withers
NOES: None
ABSTENTIONS: None ABSENT: Shaw, Wanke, and Wagner
07/25/2018 Steering Committee Minutes Page 3 of 4
Director Wagner arrived at 5:09 p.m. NON-CONSENT:
Chair Sebourn stated that the Clerk of the Board had provided late communication regarding Item No. 3. 3. LEGISLATIVE AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS COMMITTEE (Bob Ghirelli)
MOVED, SECONDED, AND DULY CARRIED TO:] Recommend to the Board of Directors to: Adopt Resolution No. OCSD 18-XX entitled, “A Resolution of the Board of Directors of Orange County Sanitation District establishing Rules of Procedure for the Conduct of Business of the District; and repealing
Resolution No. OCSD 17-18”, which will amend the rules of procedure to
provide for the appointment of a Chairperson and Vice Chairperson of the Legislative and Public Affairs Committee by the Chairperson of the Board of Directors.
AYES: Deaton, Sebourn, Shawver, Wagner, and Withers
NOES: None
ABSTENTIONS: None ABSENT: Shaw and Wanke INFORMATION ITEMS:
None.
CLOSED SESSION: CONVENED IN CLOSED SESSION PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE
SECTION 54957(b)(1): The Committee convened in closed session at 5:10 p.m. to discuss one item. Confidential minutes of the Closed Session have been prepared in accordance with the above Government Code Section and are maintained by the Clerk of the Board in
the Official Book of Confidential Minutes of Board and Committee Closed Session Meetings. RECONVENED IN REGULAR SESSION:
The Committee reconvened in regular session at 5:26 p.m. CONSIDERATION OF ACTION, IF ANY, ON MATTERS CONSIDERED IN CLOSED SESSION:
General Counsel Brad Hogin did not provide a report.
07/25/2018 Steering Committee Minutes Page 4 of 4
OTHER BUSINESS AND COMMUNICATIONS OR SUPPLEMENTAL AGENDA ITEMS, IF ANY:
None.
ADJOURNMENT: Chair Sebourn declared the meeting adjourned at 5:26 p.m. to the next Steering
Committee meeting to be held on Wednesday, August 22, 2018 at 5:00 p.m.
Submitted by:
_________________ Kelly A. Lore, MMC Clerk of the Board
Page 1 of 1
STEERING COMMITTEE Meeting Date 08/22/18 To Bd. of Dir. 08/22/18
AGENDA REPORT Item Number 2 Item Number
Orange County Sanitation District FROM: James D. Herberg, General Manager SUBJECT: RETIREMENT OF ROBERT P. GHIRELLI ASSISTANT GENERAL MANAGER OF THE ORANGE COUNTY SANITATION DISTRICT
GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION Adopt Resolution No. OCSD 18-13 entitled, “A Resolution of the Board of Directors of the Orange County Sanitation District commending Dr. Robert P. Ghirelli for his contributions
and dedication to public service as Assistant General Manager of the Orange County Sanitation District.” BACKGROUND
After 20 years of service, Robert P. Ghirelli is completing his tenure as Assistant General Manager of the Orange County Sanitation District (Sanitation District). In this capacity, he reported directly to the General Manager and oversaw the day-to-day operations of the Sanitation District’s 600 employees and a $164 million annual operating budget. He was directly responsible for managing the agency’s strategic planning efforts and public
and legislative affairs. Previously, he served as the Director of Technical Services for the Sanitation District where his responsibilities included managing the environmental and regulatory compliance programs, the Sanitation District’s laboratory, and industrial waste control
programs. RELEVANT STANDARDS
• Maintain collaborative and cooperative relationships with regulators, stakeholders, and neighboring communities
• Maintain positive employer-employee relations ATTACHMENT
The following attachment(s)is included in hard copy and may also be viewed on-line at the OCSD website
(www.ocsd.com) with the complete agenda package:
• Resolution No. OCSD 18-13
OCSD 18-13-1
RESOLUTION NO. OCSD 18-13 A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE
ORANGE COUNTY SANITATION DISTRICT COMMENDING
DR. ROBERT P. GHIRELLI FOR HIS CONTRIBUTIONS AND DEDICATION TO PUBLIC SERVICE AS ASSISTANT GENERAL MANAGER OF THE ORANGE COUNTY SANITATION DISTRICT
WHEREAS, Robert P. Ghirelli (Bob Ghirelli) is completing his tenure as Assistant General Manager of the Orange County Sanitation District (OCSD), having served from 1998 through August 2018;
WHEREAS, he is a graduate of University California, Los Angeles with an
undergraduate degree in Bacteriology and a Doctorate in Environmental Science and Engineering; and holds a master’s degree in Health Science from California State University, Northridge;
WHEREAS, Bob Ghirelli has spent his entire 40-year career in the field of public
health, environment, and water quality protection starting out in state government, then moving to the private sector, and now at the regional government level; WHEREAS, prior to coming to OCSD, Bob Ghirelli served as the Executive Officer
of the California Regional Water Quality Control Board, Los Angeles/Ventura Region for
13 years and oversaw a $10 million annual budget and a staff of 100 water quality professionals responsible for issuing waste discharge permits, taking enforcement action against violators, and monitoring water quality;
WHEREAS, Bob Ghirelli joined OCSD in 1998 as Director of Technical Services
where his responsibilities included: managing the environmental affairs and regulatory compliance programs, environmental laboratories, and industrial waste control programs; WHEREAS, under Bob’s leadership as Director of Technical Services, OCSD
undertook and successfully completed the Huntington Beach Studies which involved
more than 5,000 samples and analyses; and negotiated a voluntary consent decree with the U.S. Department of Justice and regulators for implementation of full secondary treatment;
WHEREAS, in 2006, Bob Ghirelli was promoted to Assistant General Manager and
under his leadership OCSD implemented a complete restructure to streamline our organization and administrative functions. He was tasked with overseeing and managing OCSD’s strategic planning efforts, the Public Affairs and Board Services divisions, and assisted in overseeing the day-to-day operations of OCSD’s more than 600 employees
and $164 million annual operating budget;
OCSD 18-13-2
WHEREAS, with his leadership and guidance, the initial expansion of the Groundwater Replenishment System (GWRS) the world’s largest advanced water purification system for potable reuse has been established. The Orange County Water
District now receives 130 million gallons per day of secondary treated effluent from
OCSD, which in turn has increased GWRS water production from 70 million gallons per day to 100 million gallons per day; WHEREAS, through his leadership and vision at OCSD, he was directly
responsible for managing the OCSD’s Legislative and Public Affairs Committee where he
was the management point person on legislative and public affairs matters working with elected officials and senior executives at the local, state, and federal level; and WHEREAS, Dr. Ghirelli has demonstrated determination, vision, and leadership to
OCSD and its ratepayers through the commitment of his time, professional dignity, and
devotion to the residents and businesses of Orange County. NOW, THEREFORE, the Board of Directors of the Orange County Sanitation District DOES HEREBY RESOLVE, DETERMINE AND ORDER:
That the Board of Directors and staff of the Orange County Sanitation District express to Robert P. Ghirelli their sincere appreciation for his outstanding public service to the citizens of Orange County, and his meritorious efforts on behalf of OCSD and its mission of protecting public health and the environment by providing effective wastewater
collection, treatment, and recycling.
PASSED AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the Board of Directors held on August 22, 2018.
_____________________________ _____________________________ Gregory C. Sebourn, PLS James D. Herberg, PPE Chairman of the Board General Manager
ATTEST:
_____________________________ Kelly A. Lore, MMC Clerk of the Board
OCSD 18-13-3
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
) ss
COUNTY OF ORANGE )
I, Kelly A. Lore, Clerk of the Board of Directors of the Orange County Sanitation District, do hereby certify that the foregoing Resolution No. OCSD 18-13 was passed and adopted at a regular meeting of said Board on the 22nd day of August 2018, by the following vote, to wit:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTENTIONS:
ABSENT:
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the official seal of Orange County Sanitation District this 22nd day of August 2018.
Kelly A. Lore, MMC Clerk of the Board of Directors Orange County Sanitation District
Page 1 of 2
STEERING COMMITTEE Meeting Date 08/22/18 To Bd. of Dir. --
AGENDA REPORT Item Number 3 Item Number --
Orange County Sanitation District FROM: James D. Herberg, General Manager SUBJECT: GENERAL MANAGER’S FISCAL YEAR 2018-2019 DRAFT WORK PLAN
GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION Receive and File the General Manager’s Fiscal Year 2018-2019 Draft Work Plan. BACKGROUND
Each year, the General Manager prepares a work plan of activities supporting the Orange County Sanitation District’s strategic goals and initiatives to be accomplished during the fiscal year. The draft work plan is being submitted to the Steering Committee for review and input from the Directors. A final work plan will be submitted to the Steering Committee
and Board of Directors for approval in September. RELEVANT STANDARDS
• Sustain 1, 5, 20-year planning horizons
• 24/7/365 treatment plant reliability
• Negotiate fair and equitable labor agreements
• Commitment to safety & reducing risk in all operations
• Meet volume and water quality needs for the GWRS
• Maintain a culture of improving efficiency to reduce the cost to provide the current service level or standard PRIOR COMMITTEE/BOARD ACTIONS
The General Manager provides his draft and final work plan annually and provides updates accordingly. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The General Manager’s work plan includes goals for the 2018-2019 fiscal year. The work plan has five areas of focus which include: Safety and Security, Succession Planning, Resource Recovery, Reliability, and Operational Optimization. FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS
All items included in the General Manager’s work plan are budgeted in the FY 2018-2019 Budget.
Page 2 of 2
ATTACHMENT
The following attachment(s) are included in hard copy and may also be viewed on-line at the OCSD website (www.ocsd.com) with the complete agenda package:
• General Manager’s Fiscal Year 2018-2019 Draft Work Plan
General Manager’s Fiscal Year 2018-2019 Work Plan – Draft
ORANGE COUNTY SANITATION DISTRICT
Memorandum
August 22, 2018
TO: Chairman and Members of the Board of Directors
FROM: James D. Herberg, General Manager
SUBJECT: General Manager’s Fiscal Year 2018-2019 Work Plan
I am pleased to present for your consideration my proposed work plan for Fiscal Year 2018-
2019. I have identified five areas of focus for the next year to ensure that our operations
are safe and reliable; that we continue to attract, develop, and retain a capable workforce;
and that we enhance our sustainability by maximizing water recycling and sound financial
practices. This forward-looking work plan is designed to position our agency to continue
providing our customers with a high level of service while seizing opportunities and
meeting future challenges. My five focus areas are:
1. Safety and Security
• Emergency Preparedness – Develop and conduct two emergency response and
recovery drills by June 30, 2019 that test the Integrated Emergency Response
Plan (IERP) and Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) during a single
catastrophic event.
• Safety Engineering Solutions – Continue the 11 Safety Improvement
Construction Projects and implement physical site security enhancements as
needed to ensure all facilities remain secure. All identified safety improvement
contracts and task orders are awarded by May 30, 2019.
Page 2
General Manager’s Fiscal Year 2018-2019 Work Plan – Draft
• Voluntary Protection Plan (VPP) Certification – Complete a full review and
audit of all Safety and Health policies, conduct a third-party VPP readiness
assessment, and draft a VPP implementation plan by June 30, 2019.
• Safety Help Desk – Create a Safety Help Desk Program by June 30, 2019 with
software and in-house telephone extension monitored by Risk Management
staff, intended to provide internal customers with prompt information and
support related to health and safety services. Services include but are not
limited to: troubleshooting safety problems, scheduling contractor orientation,
or getting policy guidance.
2. Succession Planning
• Realignment of Operations, Maintenance & Engineering (Maintenance
Mode) – Assess the roles and responsibilities of each department and
workgroup within the Operation and Maintenance and Engineering
Departments and adjust the structure and roles to more efficiently support
delivery of services to operate, maintain, refurbish, and replace Orange County
Sanitation District (OCSD) assets by November 30, 2018. Make the necessary
adjustments to the organization by March 31, 2019.
• Labor Negotiations – Complete successful negotiations with all represented
bargaining units by June 30, 2019.
• Leadership Development – Provide leadership and supervision training and
development opportunities to the Supervisory level and to staff desiring to
move into Supervision by June 30, 2019.
Page 3
General Manager’s Fiscal Year 2018-2019 Work Plan – Draft
3. Resource Recovery
• Water Quality for Water Recycling – Update OCSD’s wastewater ordinance
to reflect necessary discharge regulations resulting from alkaline hydrolysis
to protect water quality by June 30, 2019.
4. Reliability
• Asset Management Plan – Develop an Asset Management Plan by
October 31, 2018 that includes an inventory of critical assets for each process
area and the collection system; an evaluation of their condition and
performance; and a budgeting and implementation plan to maintain,
rehabilitate, and replace these assets to meet the required levels of service
at the lowest life cycle cost and at an acceptable level of risk.
5. Operational Optimization
• Clean Air Act – Develop an implementation strategy to review the need for
Clean Air Act Title V permits at both plants by June 30, 2019.
• OCSD Headquarters Building – Create a final concept plan for the new
building complex north of Ellis Avenue by February 28, 2019.
• Board Meeting Agenda Management Software System – Select and install a
new Board Meeting Agenda Management Software System by
January 31, 2019.
• Document Management – In preparation for creating a more digital
workplace and reducing physical record storage, develop a Scope of Work by
November 30, 2018 to issue a Request for Proposals for a Trusted System
Enterprise Solution and award a contract by February 28, 2019. Present the
records retention schedule to the Board of Directors for approval by
December 31, 2018.
Page 4
General Manager’s Fiscal Year 2018-2019 Work Plan – Draft
5. Operational Optimization (continued)
• Sludge Dewatering and Odor Control Plant No. 1 – Begin production of
dewatered biosolids cake by March 31, 2019.
• American Society of Civil Engineers Peer Review – Complete a peer review
of the Engineering Department’s Capital Improvement Program delivery
system by the American Society of Civil Engineers by May 31, 2019.
• Communications Audit – Develop scope of work and issue RFP by
June 30, 2019 to select firm to conduct a communications audit to review
effectiveness of OCSD’s communication efforts to redefine and rescope the
program.
• Lobbyist Contract – Complete selection and contract implementation of
legislative lobbyist contracts by December 31, 2018.
Page 1 of 4
STEERING COMMITTEE Meeting Date 08/22/18 To Bd. of Dir. 08/22/18
AGENDA REPORT Item Number 4 Item Number
Orange County Sanitation District FROM: Gregory C. Sebourn, PLS, Board Chairman SUBJECT: GENERAL MANAGER’S COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
BOARD CHAIR'S RECOMMENDATION Adopt Resolution No. OCSD 18-XX entitled, “A Resolution of the Board of Directors of the Orange County Sanitation District approving salary increase and salary range adjustment for the General Manager for Fiscal Year 2018 to 2019,” authorizing the Board
Chair to implement a base building salary increase of 5.0%, consisting of a 2.5% salary range adjustment and a 2.5% merit increase commencing in the first pay period of July 2018 for fiscal year 2018 to 2019. The total salary cost increase is $13,832 for the fiscal year. Compensation and benefits costs based on impacts to existing benefits total an amount not to exceed $17,761.
BACKGROUND The General Manager of the Orange County Sanitation District (Sanitation District) is employed on an At-Will basis and serves at the pleasure of the Board of Directors.
According to Section 6 of the General Manager’s At-Will Agreement, the “District’s Steering Committee shall meet with the General Manager in August of each year during the term of this Agreement to review and evaluate his performance over the prior year. The Steering Committee shall make its recommendation(s) to the Board concerning
adjustment to the compensation and/or benefits paid or provided to the General Manager, to be effective in July of the year of the review.” The Sanitation District’s Board of Directors has taken action in recent years to attract and retain critical executive- and management-level employees, ensuring compensation and
benefits are competitive with the labor market. The General Manager’s salary market position in 2016 was extremely low when compared to the Sanitation District’s comparison agencies. Board actions in the past two (2) years have made progress in addressing this issue. Salary market position for the
Sanitation District’s General Manager was at the 7th percentile in 2016 compared with the Sanitation District’s comparison agencies. With salary increases and benefits package additions in the recent two-year employment contract, the Sanitation District’s General Manager is currently at the 40th percentile in salary and the 66th percentile in total compensation (salary plus benefits) in 2018.
Page 2 of 4
RELEVANT STANDARDS
• Offer competitive compensation and benefits
• Maintain positive employer-employee relations
• Cultivate a highly qualified, well-trained, and diverse workforce
• Comply with OCSD Policy (Policy 6.1 Appraisal of Performance) and the General Manager’s At-Will Employment Agreement PROBLEM
The General Manager’s current salary market position is at the 40th percentile. This could put the Sanitation District at risk for retention of executive staff and falls below the 75th percentile that the Sanitation District aims for as its target market position. The salary market position could deteriorate if the Sanitation District’s salary range were to remain
static while comparison agencies provide salary increases.
Also, Sanitation District executive management salary ranges increased by 2.5% for fiscal year 2018-19, as approved in Resolution No. OCSD 16-27. Salary compaction and alignment issues could arise in the future if the General Manager’s salary range were to
remain unchanged as others increase. PROPOSED SOLUTION Adopt Resolution No. OCSD 18-XX, entitled “A Resolution of the Board of Directors of
the Orange County Sanitation District approving salary increase and salary range
adjustment for the General Manager for Fiscal Year 2018 to 2019.” The proposed 5.0% total salary increase consists of a 2.5% salary range adjustment and a 2.5% merit increase. This would move the General Manager’s market position to the
49th percentile in salary and the 79th percentile in total compensation.
The Sanitation District is committed to maintaining a competitive compensation market position that attracts and retains top employment talent. It is the Sanitation District’s philosophy to compensate employees competitively and equitably, understanding the
relative market position assists with that determination. TIMING CONCERNS N/A
RAMIFICATIONS OF NOT TAKING ACTION Potential retention issue of highly skilled and experienced executive staff.
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PRIOR COMMITTEE/BOARD ACTIONS
July 2018 - Steering Committee continued the annual performance evaluation of the
General Manager for fiscal year 2017 to 2018 in closed session.
June 2018 - Steering Committee conducted the annual performance evaluation of the General Manager for fiscal year 2017 to 2018 in closed session.
July 2017 - Steering Committee conducted the annual performance evaluation of the
General Manager for fiscal year 2016 to 2017 in closed session. Resolution No. OCSD 16-29 included direction on adjustments to the compensation for fiscal year 2017 to 2018; no further action was needed to implement.
November 2016 - Approved Resolution No. OCSD 16-29, which authorized adjustments
to the General Manager’s compensation and benefits for fiscal years 2016 to 2017 and 2017 to 2018, specifically a base building salary increase and a salary range adjustment of 8.0% in July 2016 for fiscal year 2016 to 2017 and a base building salary increase and a salary range adjustment of 8% in July 2017 for fiscal year 2017 to 2018.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION The agency’s accomplishments during the past year include the following:
• Approving a five-year rate plan of user fees based on a comprehensive rate study
• Completing and approving a final concept design for the Sanitation District’s future Headquarters Complex
• Receiving the NACWA Platinum Award recognizing five years with no violations of the Ocean Discharge Permit
• Achieving successful negotiation and implementation of new agreements with
various other public agencies
• Reaffirming the Sanitation District’s AAA credit ratings
• Creating a Continuity of Operations Plan to ensure operational resiliency in case
of a major disaster and/or emergency
• Implementing procedures and corrective measure to maximize laboratory operations based on the Sanitation District’s National Environmental Laboratory Certification
• Embarking on changes to preventive maintenance and lubrication programs to maximize equipment efficiency
• Initiating the purchasing process for a food waste receiving facility project
• Expanding external leadership in technology and policy issues
• Participating actively in regional meetings and industry events
• Improving cyber security through file sharing auditing, assigning additional
resources, and necessary equipment updates
• Improving site safety and security through audits and implementation of projects
• Revising organizational structure to support agency operations and succession
planning with two (2) Assistant General Managers
Page 4 of 4
• Streamlining recruitment through process efficiencies that shorten time-to-fill for jobs
• Achieving significant improvement in employee engagement since 2016 survey CEQA
N/A FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS Cost of salary increase for fiscal year 2018-2019 is $13,832. Total increase to
compensation costs, including impact to existing benefits, not to exceed $17,761. ATTACHMENT
The following attachment(s) are included in hard copy and may also be viewed on-line at the OCSD website (www.ocsd.com) with the complete agenda package:
• Resolution No. OCSD 18-XX
• General Manager’s Current & Proposed Salary Schedule
• General Manager’s At-Will Employment Agreement
OCSD 18-XX-1
1338105.1
RESOLUTION NO. OCSD 18-XX A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE
ORANGE COUNTY SANITATION DISTRICT APPROVING
SALARY INCREASE AND SALARY RANGE ADJUSTMENT FOR THE GENERAL MANAGER FOR FISCAL YEAR 2018 TO 2019
WHEREAS, the General Manager provides organizational leadership, strategic direction, and District oversight for Orange County Sanitation District (OCSD); and WHEREAS, the General Manager serves in an at-will employment capacity, which
may be terminated at any time by the Board with or without cause; and WHEREAS, it is OCSD’s philosophy to compensate employee classifications competitively, which currently can be achieved through alignment with the salary market; and
WHEREAS, the July 1, 2016, At-Will Agreement with the General Manager provides that, “District’s Steering Committee shall meet with General Manager in August of each year during the term of this Agreement to review and evaluate his performance over the prior year. The Steering Committee shall make its recommendation(s) to the
Board concerning adjustment to the compensation and/or benefits paid or provided to
General Manager, to be effective in July of the year of review. After consideration of the recommendation(s) of the Steering Committee, the Board shall determine and approve the compensation, including benefits, payable to General Manager, which generally becomes effective July of the fiscal year of the review”; and
WHEREAS, the Steering Committee commenced its review of the General Manager’s performance in June 2018, finalized its review and made its recommendation to the Board on August 22, 2018.
NOW, THEREFORE, the Board of Directors of the Orange County Sanitation
District, DOES HEREBY RESOLVE, DECLARE, DETERMINE, AND ORDER: 1. That the At-Will Agreement with the General Manager (Attached hereto as Exhibit 1) setting forth the terms and conditions of his employment, including
a base building salary increase of five percent (5%) in the first pay period of
July 2018, consisting of 2.5% salary range adjustment and 2.5% merit increase, and a salary range adjustment to the corresponding salary range, is hereby approved to be effective retroactively to the first pay period of July 2018:
2. That the Board Chair, or his designee, is authorized to implement the changes to salary range and salary items approved herein.
OCSD 18-XX-2
1338105.1
PASSED AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the Board of Directors held August 22, 2018.
_______________________________ Gregory C. Sebourn, PLS
Board Chairman ATTEST:
___________________________________ Kelly Lore, MMC
Clerk of the Board
OCSD 18-XX-3
1338105.1
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
)
COUNTY OF ORANGE )
I, Kelly A. Lore, Clerk of the Board of Directors of the Orange County Sanitation
District, do hereby certify that the foregoing Resolution No. OCSD 18-XX was passed and adopted at a regular meeting of said Board on the 22nd day of August 2018, by the following vote, to wit:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTENTIONS:
ABSENT:
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the official seal of Orange County Sanitation District this 22nd day of August 2018.
Kelly A. Lore, MMC Clerk of the Board of Directors Orange County Sanitation District
General Manager Salary Schedules
July 2017 and Proposed July 2018
Pay Grade Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Step 4 Step 5
EM37 Annual 249,543$ 262,305$ 275,719$ 289,820$ 304,641$
Monthly 20,795$ 21,859$ 22,977$ 24,152$ 25,387$
Hourly 119.97$ 126.11$ 132.56$ 139.34$ 146.46$
Pay Grade Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Step 4 Step 5
EM37 Annual 255,778$ 268,861$ 282,618$ 297,066$ 312,250$
Monthly 21,315$ 22,405$ 23,551$ 24,755$ 26,021$
Hourly 122.97$ 129.26$ 135.87$ 142.82$ 150.12$
Orange County Sanitation District
Classification and Compensation Plan
Rates Effective July 1, 2017
GENERAL MANAGER
Orange County Sanitation District
Classification and Compensation Plan
PROPOSED Rates Effective July 1, 2018
GENERAL MANAGER
1338031.1
AT-WILL EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
James D. Herberg General Manager
ORANGE COUNTY SANITATION DISTRICT
THIS AT- WILL EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT ("Agreement") is entered into, to be
effective the 1st day of July, 2018, by and between:
ORANGE COUNTY SANITATION DISTRICT, hereinafter referred to as
"District";
AND JAMES D. HERBERG, sometimes hereinafter referred to as "General Manager"; collectively referred to herein as (“the Parties”)
RECITALS WHEREAS, District desires to continue to employ James D. Herberg ("Mr. Herberg"),
as General Manager of District, pursuant to the terms and conditions as set forth in this
Agreement ; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Herberg, by virtue of his education, training and experience, is fully
qualified to fill the position of General Manager and desires to continue to serve the District
as its General Manager, pursuant to the terms and conditions of this Agreement; and
WHEREAS, per Resolution No. 18-XX adopted on August 22, 2018 the District's
Board of Directors has approved and authorized the Board Chair to execute this "At-Will
Employment Agreement " to include a base building salary increase of 5% of his current salary.
WHEREAS, at the beginning of negotiations of a new Employment Agreement, the
parties agreed that any salary changes agreed to would take effect retroactively to the first pay
1338031.1
period of July 2018, which is the first pay period in the current fiscal year.
NOW, THEREFORE, the Parties hereto agree as follows:
Section 1: District hereby continues to employ Mr. Herberg to serve as General Manager
of the Orange County Sanitation District, commencing on the effective date hereof, and continuing
until termination by either Party, as provided in this Agreement.
In that capacity, Mr. Herberg agrees to perform the functions and duties of General
Manager, the administrative head of the District, as prescribed by the laws of the State of
California, and by the rules, regulations, decisions, and directions of the Board of Directors of
District (hereinafter referred to as "Board"). The General Manager's duties may involve
expenditures of time in excess of the regularly established workday or in excess of a forty hour
work week and may also include time outside normal office hours (including attendance at
Board and Committee meetings). General Manager is classified as an exempt employee under
the Fair Labor Standards Act ("FLSA") and shall not be entitled to any additional compensation
for hours worked in excess of forty in a work week.
Section 2: Mr. Herberg shall be employed in an "at-will" capacity serving at the sole
pleasure of the Board. Either party to this Agreement may terminate the Agreement at any time
for any reason with or without cause, and without hearing, upon 30 days' notice to the other
party. Mr. Herberg is advised and acknowledges that he has none of the termination rights of a
Regular employee of the District. Except as expressly provided herein, and as a condition of
employment, Mr. Herberg knowingly, willingly and voluntarily gives up, waives, and disclaims
any and all rights he may have, express or implied, to any notice and/or hearing before or after
termination, and/or to any continued employment with the District after termination.
As an "at-will" employee, Mr. Herberg understands that he may be subject to termination
with or without cause at the sole discretion of the Board, notwithstanding that the other
provisions of the District's Personnel Policies and Procedures Manual (hereinafter referred to as
"Manual") apply to Mr. Herberg. If the District terminates employment without cause, Mr. Herberg shall
be given a thirty (30) day Notice of Termination and severance pay in an amount equal to six (6)
months of his then current annual base salary upon Mr. Herberg’s execution of a valid written release
of legal claims.
If the District terminates this Agreement (thereby terminating Mr. Herberg's employment) without
cause, and Mr. Herberg executes a valid written release of legal claims, the severance pay is
considered a cash settlement related to the termination of Mr. Herberg and waiver of legal claims and
1338031.1
shall be fully reimbursed to the District by Mr. Herberg if Mr. Herberg is convicted of a crime involving
an abuse of his office or position. Abuse of office or position shall have the meaning set forth in
Government Code 53243.4, as may be amended, of either (1) an abuse of public authority, including,
but not limited to, waste, fraud and violation of the law under color of authority, or (2) a crime against
public justice, including, but, not limited to, a crime described in Title 7 (commencing with Section 92
of Part 1 of the Penal Code). Mr. Herberg shall reimburse such severance pay to the District no later
than six (6) months after such conviction. If Mr. Herberg terminates his employment with 30 days'
notice, the Board shall have the right to accept his resignation effective the date notice is given. Such
decision to accept his resignation earlier shall not be considered a termination without cause and shall
not entitle Mr. Herberg to receive the severance pay noted above.
Section 3: The term of this Agreement shall commence on the effective date above and
continue for an indefinite duration, until terminated by either Party pursuant to Section 2 above, or
unless terminated or amended as provided herein.
Section 4: As compensation for the services to be performed hereunder, upon the effective
date of this Agreement, District agrees to pay General Manager an annual base salary for services
rendered of two hundred ninety thousand, two hundred twenty-two dollars ($290,222), subject to all
applicable deductions and withholdings of any and all sums required by then current state, federal or
local law, along with deductions of applicable sums the General Manager is obligated to pay because
of participation in plans and programs described in this Agreement, and paid biweekly in accordance
with the District's established accounting and payroll practices at the same time and in the same
manner as other employees of the District. No increase in salary may exceed the compensation
permitted by the applicable salary range for the classification established by duly adopted Resolution
of the Board.
Section 5: For the period of this Agreement, District shall provide Mr. Herberg with a fixed
benefit package that includes the following:
• Personal Leave – accrued based on years of service for all paid hours, including
hours actually worked and hours in a paid-leave payroll status, on a biweekly
basis in accordance with the Manual. Personal leave accruals shall not exceed
four hundred forty (440) hours as of December 31 of each year. Any hours in
excess of said limit, will be paid to Mr. Herberg in January in an amount equal to
the hourly rate of compensation.
• Administrative Leave - 40 hours per fiscal year, granted and not eligible for
1338031.1
annual cash out.
• Investment Incentive Salary (llS) - 6% of base salary applied on a biweekly fiscal
year basis, and a flat amount of one thousand two hundred fifty dollars ($1,250)
annually.
• Deferred Compensation - OCSD-paid annual allocation for 2018 of $11,000
allocated on a biweekly calendar year basis.
• Car Allowance – OCSD-paid annual allocation of $8,400.
• Added Medical Allowance – OCSD-paid annual allocation for 2018 of six
thousand dollars ($6,000).
Mr. Herberg's benefit package shall also include benefits consistent with the Manual for:
holiday pay; medical, dental, vision and life insurance at three times base salary; long-term and
short-term disability insurance; and employee assistance program. Additionally, Mr. Herberg's
benefit package shall include executive disability insurance benefits, consistent with those
provided to OCSD managers.
These benefits shall remain in full force and effect unless and until replaced by an amendment
to this Agreement, signed by Mr. Herberg and approved by the Board, which amendment shall include
the effective date thereof.
Section 6: District's Steering Committee shall meet with General Manager in August of
each year during the term of this Agreement to review and evaluate his performance over the
prior year. The Steering Committee shall make its recommendation(s) to the Board concerning
adjustment to the compensation and/or benefits paid or provided to General Manager, to be
effective in July of the year of review. After consideration of the recommendation(s) of the
Steering Committee, the Board shall determine and approve the compensation, including
benefits, payable to General Manager, which generally becomes effective July of the fiscal year
of the review. Failure of the District to review and evaluate the performance of the General
Manager pursuant to this section shall not affect the right of the District to terminate the General
Manager's employment and shall not be considered a breach of this Agreement.
Section 7: Mr. Herberg shall be a Participant Member in the Orange County Employees
Retirement System ("OCERS"). District shall pay the required employer's contribution and 0%
of Mr. Herberg's required contribution towards membership in OCERS.
Section 8: District shall reimburse General Manager for all expenses paid by him and
incurred for non-personal, job-related District business that are reasonably necessary to the
1338031.1
General Manager's service to the District. The District agrees to either pay such expenses in
advance or to reimburse the expenses, so long as the expenses are incurred and submitted
according to the criteria established by District's budget and/or normal expense reimbursement
procedures pursuant to applicable policy Resolutions . To be eligible for reimbursement, all
expenses must be supported by documentation meeting the District's policies and requirements
and must be submitted within time limits established by the District. Such reimbursement shall
not be considered a benefit.
Section 9: During the period of this Agreement, it is agreed that General Manager shall
devote his fulltime, skills, labor and attention to said employment. At no time may General
Manager undertake outside activities consisting of consultant work, speaking engagements,
writing, lecturing, or other similar professional activities for money or other consideration without
prior approval of District’s Steering Committee. However, the expenditure of reasonable amount
of time for educational, charitable, or professional activities shall not be deemed a breach of
this Agreement if those activities do not conflict or materially interfere with the services
required under this Agreement, and shall not require the prior written consent of the Steering
Committee.
This Agreement shall not be interpreted to prohibit General Manager from making
passive personal investments or conducting private business affairs, provided those activities
are not deemed to be a conflict of interest by state law nor do they conflict or materially interfere
with the services required under this Agreement.
Section 10: The Board has the sole discretion to determine whether the District shall pay
General Manager pending an investigation into any alleged misconduct by General Manager. In
the event that the District's Board determines, in its sole discretion, that it is in the best interest
of the District for General Manager to be placed on paid administrative leave pending such an
investigation, General Manager shall fully reimburse any salary provided for that purpose if the
misconduct for which the General Manager was under investigation results in the General
Manager being convicted of a crime involving an abuse of his office or position as defined in
Section 2 of this Agreement. General Manager shall reimburse such salary to the District no
later than six months after such conviction.
Section 11: In the event that the District provides funds for the legal criminal defense of
General Manager, General Manager shall fully reimburse said funds to the District if the
General Manager is convicted of a crime involving an abuse of his/her office or position as
1338031.1
defined in Section 2 of this Agreement. General Manager shall reimburse such criminal legal
defense fees to the District no later than six months after such conviction.
Section 12: The terms and conditions of employment for General Manager, including
other employment benefits for the General Manager that are not specifically provided for in this
Agreement, shall be governed by the Manual, to the extent that amendments to the Manual
made after the effective date of this Agreement are not inconsistent with the provisions of this
Agreement. In the event of any such inconsistency or conflict, the provisions of this Agreement
shall govern.
Section 13: This Agreement supersedes any and all other prior agreements, either
oral or in writing, between the Parties hereto with respect to the employment of Mr. Herberg by
District, and contains all of the covenants and agreements between the Parties with respect to
that employment in any manner whatsoever. Each Party to this Agreement acknowledges that
no representation , inducement, promise, or agreement, orally or otherwise, has been made by
any Party, or anyone acting on behalf of any Party, which is not embodied herein, and that no
other agreement, statement, or promise not contained in this Agreement or Employment shall
be valid or binding on either Party.
Section 14: Any notices to be given hereunder by either Party to the other shall be in
writing and may be transmitted by personal delivery, or by mail, registered or certified, postage
prepaid, with return receipt requested. Mailed notices shall be addressed to the Parties at the
addresses maintained in the personnel records of District, but each Party may change that
address by written notice in accordance with this Section. Notices delivered personally shall be
deemed communicated as of the date of actual receipt; mailed notices shall be deemed
communicated as of the date of mailing.
Section 15: Any modifications of this Agreement will be effective only if set forth in
writing and signed by the Parties.
Section 16: The failure of either Party to insist on strict compliance with any of the
terms, covenants, or conditions of this Agreement by the other Party, shall not be deemed a
waiver of that term, covenant, or condition, nor shall any waiver or relinquishment of any right or
power at any one time or times be deemed a waiver or relinquishment of that right or power for
all or any other times.
Section 17: If any provision of this Agreement is held by a court of competent jurisdiction
1338031.1
to be invalid, void or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall nevertheless continue in
full force without being impaired or invalidated in any way.
Section 18: This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with
the laws of the State of California and all applicable ordinances, policies and resolutions.
Section 19: General Manager acknowledges that he has had the opportunity and has
conducted an independent review of the financial and legal effects of this Agreement. General
Manager acknowledges that he has made an independent judgment upon the financial and
legal effects of the Agreement and has not relied upon representation of the District, its elected
or appointed officers and officials, agents or employees other than those expressly set forth in
this Agreement. General Manager acknowledges that he has been advised to obtain, and has
availed himself of, legal advice with respect to the terms and provisions of this Agreement.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this At-Will Employment
Agreement as follows.
"DISTRICT"
ORANGE COUNTY SANITATION DISTRICT
"GENERAL MANAGER”
By: _______________________________
James D. Herberg Date
APPROVED AS TO FORM: BRADLEY R. HOGIN
GENERAL COUNSEL
_________________________
Bradley R. Hogin
"CHAIR, BOARD OF DIRECTORS"
By: _______________________________
Gregory C. Sebourn Date
ORANGE COUNTY SANITATION DISTRICT
COMMON ACRONYMS
ACWA Association of California
Water Agencies LAFCO Local Agency Formation
Commission RWQCB Regional Water Quality
Control Board
APWA American Public Works
Association LOS Level Of Service SARFPA Santa Ana River Flood
Protection Agency
AQMD Air Quality Management
District MGD Million Gallons Per Day SARI Santa Ana River
Interceptor
ASCE American Society of Civil Engineers MOU Memorandum of Understanding SARWQCB Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board
BOD Biochemical Oxygen Demand NACWA National Association of Clean Water Agencies SAWPA Santa Ana Watershed Project Authority
CARB California Air Resources
Board NEPA National Environmental
Policy Act SCADA Supervisory Control And
Data Acquisition
CASA California Association of Sanitation Agencies NGOs Non-Governmental Organizations SCAP
Southern California
Alliance of Publicly Owned
Treatment Works
CCTV Closed Circuit Television NPDES National Pollutant Discharge
Elimination System SCAQMD South Coast Air Quality
Management District
CEQA California Environmental
Quality Act NWRI National Water Research
Institute SOCWA South Orange County
Wastewater Authority
CIP Capital Improvement
Program O & M Operations & Maintenance SRF Clean Water State
Revolving Fund
CRWQCB California Regional Water
Quality Control Board OCCOG Orange County Council of
Governments SSMP Sewer System
Management Plan
CWA Clean Water Act OCHCA Orange County Health Care Agency SSO Sanitary Sewer Overflow
CWEA California Water Environment
Association OCSD Orange County Sanitation
District SWRCB State Water Resources
Control Board
EIR Environmental Impact Report OCWD Orange County Water District TDS Total Dissolved Solids
EMT Executive Management Team OOBS Ocean Outfall Booster Station TMDL Total Maximum Daily Load
EPA US Environmental Protection
Agency OSHA Occupational Safety and
Health Administration TSS Total Suspended Solids
FOG Fats, Oils, and Grease PCSA
Professional
Consultant/Construction Services Agreement WDR Waste Discharge
Requirements
gpd gallons per day PDSA Professional Design Services
Agreement WEF Water Environment
Federation
GWRS Groundwater Replenishment
System POTW Publicly Owned Treatment
Works WERF Water Environment &
Reuse Foundation
ICS Incident Command System ppm parts per million WIFIA Water Infrastructure
Finance and Innovation Act
IERP Integrated Emergency
Response Plan PSA Professional Services
Agreement WIIN
Water Infrastructure
Improvements for the
Nation Act
JPA Joint Powers Authority RFP Request For Proposal WRDA Water Resources
Development Act
ORANGE COUNTY SANITATION DISTRICT
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
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 known 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.
BIOGAS – A gas that is produced by the action of anaerobic bacteria on organic waste matter in a digester tank that can be used
as a fuel.
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 farmland 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.
CONTAMINANTS OF POTENTIAL CONCERN (CPC) – Pharmaceuticals, hormones, and other organic wastewater contaminants.
DILUTION TO THRESHOLD (D/T) – The dilution at which the majority of people detect the odor becomes the D/T for that air sample.
GREENHOUSE GASES (GHG) – 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 SYSTEM (GWRS) – 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 per day of drinking quality water to replenish the local groundwater supply.
LEVEL OF SERVICE (LOS) – Goals to support environmental and public expectations for performance.
N-NITROSODIMETHYLAMINE (NDMA) – A N-nitrosamine 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 and Water Environment Federation, with advisory support from the US Environmental Protection Agency. NBP is committed to developing and advancing environmentally sound and sustainable biosolids management practices that go beyond regulatory compliance and promote public participation 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) – A municipal wastewater treatment plant.
SANTA ANA RIVER INTERCEPTOR (SARI) LINE – A regional brine line designed to convey 30 million gallons per day 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 runoff.
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.
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. The Orange County Sanitation District’s service area is in the Santa Ana River Watershed.