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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-28-2015 Steering Committee Agenda Packet.pdf Orange County Sanitation District Wednesday, October 28, 2015 Regular Meeting of the F, 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 address the Board of Directors 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 Chairman and 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: 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 Any items withdrawn from the Consent Calendar for separate discussion will be considered in the regular order of business. 1.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 September 23, 2015 meeting of the Steering Committee. NON-CONSENT CALENDAR: 2. GENERAL MANAGER COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS (John Nielsen) RECOMMENDATION: Recommend to the Board of Directors to: Adopt Resolution No. OCSD 15-23 entitled, "A Resolution of the Board of Directors of the Orange County Sanitation District approving salary increase, salary range 10/28/15 Steering Committee Agenda Page 1 of 3 adjustment, and changes to benefits for the General Manager for Fiscal Year 2015-2016," authorizing the Board Chair to implement a base building salary increase and corresponding salary range adjustment of 7% retroactive to July 10, 2015, and changes to the benefits package for the General Manager, for a total amount not to exceed $41,107. INFORMATION ITEMS: None. 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 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 Reconvene in regular session. CONSIDERATION OF ACTION ON MATTERS CONSIDERED IN CLOSED SESSION, IF ANY: 1028115 Steenng Commlfiee Agenda Page 2 of 3 OTHER BUSINESS AND COMMUNICATIONS OR SUPPLEMENTAL AGENDA ITEMS, IF ANY: ADJOURNMENT: To the Steering Committee meeting scheduled for Wednesday, November 18, 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 ice 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 dale 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 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@oced.com For any questions on the agenda, Committee members may contact staff at: General Manager Jim Herberg (714)593-7300 iherbem(docsd.com Assistant General Manager Bob Ghirelli (714)593-7400 mhirelli(a)ocsd.cem Director of Engineering Rob Thompson (714)593-7310 rthompson(rpocsd.com Director of Facility Support Services Nick Amontes (714)593-7210 narhontesfdocsd.cem Director of Finance and Lorenzo Tyner (714)593-7550 Ityner(rpocsd.com Administrative Services Director of Operations& Ed Torres (714)593-7080 etorres(Wocsd.com Maintenance 10/28115 Steenng Committee Agenda Page 3 of 3 ITEM NO. 1 MINUTES OF THE STEERING COMMITTEE Orange County Sanitation District Wednesday, September 23, 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, September 23, 2015 at 5:02 p.m. in the Administration Building of the Orange County Sanitation District. Chair Nielsen led the Pledge of Allegiance. A quorum was declared present, as follows: COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT: STAFF PRESENT: John Nielsen, Chair Jim Herberg, General Manager Greg Sebourn, Vice-Chair Bob Ghirelli, Assistant General Keith Curry, Administration Committee Manager Chair Rob Thompson, Director of John Withers, Operations Committee Engineering Chair Lorenzo Tyner, Director of Finance & Tom Beamish, Member-At-Large Administrative Services David Shawver, Member-At-Large Ed Torres, Director of Operations & Maintenance COMMITTEE MEMBERS ABSENT: Nick Arhontes, Director of Facility Lucille Kring, Member-At-Large Support Services Kelly A. Lore, Clerk of the Board Jennifer Cabral Rhea De Guzman Norbert Gaia Al Garcia Tim Luu Laura Maravilla Sarah Redinger Richard Spencer Christina Stanford OTHERS PRESENT: Brad Hogin, General Counsel Roger A. Cerda, Esq., Alston & Bird ILL PUBLIC COMMENTS: None. 09/23/2015 Steering Committee Minutes Page 1 d6 REPORTS: Chair Nielsen provided a report on Legislative Affairs including: H.R. 3353 — Clean Water Act Citizen Suit Reform and the California Emergency Drought Relief Assistance bill (S. 1894); and drafting letters of supportfor both of these bills for action by the Committee in October. He stated that Townsend Public Affairs team attended the Committee this month and provided a State political update as well as a briefing on SB 350. He stated that at his request, staff is working with CASA to attend an upcoming Legislative and Public Affairs Committee Meeting to presenttheir legislative platform; and also working with ACC-OC to coordinate an event that will be hosted here at OCSD in the future, to tour both OCSD and GWRS with a presentation by SAWPA and OCSD. Chair Nielsen further reported on recent Communicator Awards received; educational outreach efforts which allowed OCSD to reach approximately 1,300 people through tours and events in the month of July and August; and the expansion of OCSD's tour program both in number of visitors (13%) as well as the number of tours offered. He also reminded the Board of the upcoming State of the District event to be held on October 16, 2015. General Manager Jim Herberg informed the directors of the District's preparations for the anticipated wet weather associated with El Nino, including training exercises, drills and coordinating with local, regional and federal agencies on preparedness efforts. He stated that he and staff had attended a meeting today at the Orange County EOC; coordinating with OC Flood Control and the National Weather service in which preparations were coordinated. Mr. Herberg announced the following: final General Manager's work plan is included in tonight's agenda; an upcoming Special Board Meeting to be held on October 21, 2015 at 6:00 p.m. to discuss the Strategic Plan Update; and the OCSD District tour for State Senator Janet Nguyen on October 28th. He also stated that on Sept. 16th the GWRS hit 100 mgd. CONSENT CALENDAR: 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES (Clerk of the Board) MOVED, SECONDED, AND DULY CARRIED TO: Approve Minutes of the August 26, 2015 Regular Steering Committee Meeting. AYES: Beamish; Curry; Nielsen; Sebourn; Shawver and Withers NOES: None ABSTENTIONS: None ABSENT: Kring 09/23/2015 Steering Committee Minutes Page 2 of 6 2. GENERAL MANAGER'S FY 2015-2016 WORK PLAN (Jim Herberg) MOVED, SECONDED, AND DULY CARRIED TO: Recommend to the Board of Directors to: Receive and file the General Manager's FY 2015-16 Work Plan. AYES: Beamish; Curry; Nielsen; Sebourn; Shawver and Withers NOES: None ABSTENTIONS: None ABSENT: Kring 3. SALES TAXES FOR CHEMICAL PURCHASES (Brad Hogin) MOVED, SECONDED, AND DULY CARRIED TO: Recommend to the Board of Directors to: Approve Sole Source Agreements for Tax Consulting and Advocacy Services with Equity Recovery Solutions and Reed Smith regarding pursuit of refunds for sales tax paid on chemical purchases. AYES: Beamish; Curry; Nielsen; Sebourn; Shawver and Withers NOES: None ABSTENTIONS: None ABSENT: Kring NON-CONSENT CALENDAR: Assistant General Manager, Bob Ghirelli, provided a brief presentation and answered questions regarding Item 4, which is returning to the committee for approval. 4. LOCAL 501 MOU REOPENERS FOR ARTICLE 19 — STANDBY PAY, ARTICLE 26 — SHIFT DIFFERENTIAL, & ARTICLE 49.2 — RELIEF OPERATOR (Bob Ghirelli) MOVED, SECONDED, AND DULY CARRIED TO: Recommend to the Board of Directors to: Adopt Resolution No. OCSD 15-19, entitled, "A Resolution of the Board of Directors of the Orange County Sanitation District Approving Standby Pay Changes Identified through the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 501 (Local 501) 2015 Reopener Negotiations." AYES: Beamish; Curry; Nielsen; Sebourn; Shawver and Withers NOES: None ABSTENTIONS: None ABSENT: Kring 09/23/2015 Steering Committee Minutes Page 3 of 6 5. General Manager Jim Herberg, introduced item 5 and provided a brief presentation including the accomplishments of the agency. EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT TEAM COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS AND MANAGER GROUP COMPENSATION (Jim Herberg) MOVED, SECONDED, AND DULY CARRIED TO: Recommend to the Board of Directors to: A. Adopt Resolution No. OCSD 15-20 entitled, "A Resolution of the Board of Directors of the Orange County Sanitation District approving salary increases, salary range adjustments, performance-based increases, the distribution of any remaining funds based on changes to scope, duties or responsibilities and changes to benefits for At-Will Executive Management Team employees for Fiscal Year 2015-2016," authorizing the General Manager to implement a base building salary increase and corresponding salary range adjustment of 2% retroactive to July 10, 2015; a performance-based base building increase at the discretion of the General Manager; the distribution of any remaining funds, as a non- base building payment, to specific Executive Management Team incumbents based on changes to scope, duties or responsibilities; and a one-time irrevocable election for the Executive Management Team to transition from Executive Benefits to Organizational Benefits, for a total NTE amount of$78,688. B. Adopt Resolution No. OCSD 15-21 entitled, "A Resolution of the Board of Directors of the Orange County Sanitation District approving changes to the salary schedule, salary increases, performance-based increases, and the distribution of any remaining funds based on changes to scope, duties or responsibilities for unrepresented management employees for Fiscal Year 2015-2016," authorizing the General Manager to implement changes to the Manager Group salary schedule that eliminates the control point and reduces the range maximum; a base building salary increase of 2% retroactive to July 10, 2015; a performance-based base building increase at the discretion of the General Manager and Department Head; and the distribution of any remaining funds, as a non- base building payment, to specific Manager Group incumbents based on changes to scope, duties or responsibilities, for a total NTE amount of$114,000. AYES: Beamish; Curry; Nielsen; Sebourn; Shawver and Withers NOES: None ABSTENTIONS: None ABSENT: Kring 09/23/2015 Steering Committee Minutes Page 4 of 6 Mr. Herberg introduced item 6, and stated that this report and recommendation incorporates exactly what was directed by the committee. The Committee stated their satisfaction in the revisions. 6. CLASSIFICATION & COMPENSATION STUDIES — COMPARISON AGENCIES (Bob Ghirelli) MOVED, SECONDED, AND DULY CARRIED TO: Recommend to the Board of Directors to: Approve the list of 17 comparison agencies selected by OCSD in collaboration with stakeholder groups, and begin the next phase of the Classification & Compensation Studies, which includes a labor market survey. CLOSED SESSION: CONVENED IN CLOSED SESSION PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTIONS: 54956.9(d)(1); 54957.6 The Committee convened in closed session at 5:15 p.m. to discuss two items. 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 6:00 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. 09/23/2015 Steering Committee Minutes Page 5 of 6 ADJOURNMENT: The Chair declared the meeting adjourned at 6:00 p.m. to the next Steering Committee meeting to be held on Wednesday, October 28, 2015 at 5:00 p.m. Submitted by: Kelly A. Lore Clerk of the Board 09/23/2015 Steering Committee Minutes Page 6 of 6 STEERING COMMITTEE Meeting Date TOBE.Or .Dir. 10/28/15 10/28/15 AGENDA REPORT ItemNumber Item Number z Orange County Sanitation District FROM: John Nielsen, Board Chair SUBJECT: GENERAL MANAGER COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS BOARD CHAIR'S RECOMMENDATION Adopt Resolution No. OCSD 15-23 entitled, "A Resolution of the Board of Directors of the Orange County Sanitation District approving salary increase, salary range adjustment, and changes to benefits for the General Manager for Fiscal Year 2015-2016,"authorizing the Board Chair to implement a base building salary increase and corresponding salary range adjustment of 7% retroactive to July 10, 2015, and changes to the benefits package for the General Manager, for a total amount not to exceed $41,107. SUMMARY The General Manager is employed on an At-Will basis, and serves at the pleasure of the Board of Directors. Since the General Manager was appointed to this position in April 2013, the Board has approved one (1) base building salary increase of 3% and a corresponding salary range adjustment in Fiscal Year 2014-2015. The Board Chair is recommending a base building salary increase and corresponding salary range adjustment of 7%, at a total cost not to exceed $15,501, for Fiscal Year 2015-2016. The proposed 7% base building salary increase and the corresponding salary range adjustment would move the General Manager's salary range market position from the 20th percentile to the 26th percentile for Fiscal Year 2015-2016. Similarly, the proposed salary increase would move OCSD's General Manager's market position in terms of incumbents' (OCSD's comparison agencies) salaries and total compensation, from the 1st percentile to 9th percentile of peers' salaries, and from the 3rd percentile to 15th percentile of peers' total compensation. The General Manager's market position will be revisited through the current comprehensive classification and compensation study, which will provide the Board with data for consideration on an organization-wide structural alignment of its pay systems. Pursuant to the understanding with the General Manager at the beginning of negotiations, the salary changes would take effect retroactively to July 10, 2015, the first pay period in the current fiscal year. The Board Chair also recommends implementing changes to the General Manager's benefits package to more closely align with those offered to represented and unrepresented employees, at a projected cost of$25,606. Page 1 d 3 The net total cost for all proposed compensation and benefit changes for the General Manager is not to exceed $41,107. PRIOR COMMITTEE/BOARD ACTIONS August 2015 — Board authorized the Chair to initiate discussions with the General Manager regarding his compensation and benefits package in closed session. June 2015 — Steering Committee conducted the annual performance evaluation of the General Manager in closed session. November 2014 — Board approved Resolution No. OCSD 14-15, approving a base building salary increase for the General Manager of 3% of salary and to adjust the corresponding salary range by 3% for FY 2014-2015, effective July 11, 2014. June 2014 — Steering Committee conducted the annual performance evaluation of the General Manager in closed session. February 2013 — Board approved appointment of James D. Herberg to the position of General Manager and approved the current compensation and benefits package, effective April 1, 2013. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION The General Manager provides leadership, strategic direction, and organizational oversight at OCSD. This position serves as the chief executive officer, and it is integral and critical to the success of the agency. During the past year, under the direction of the General Manager, the Sanitation District completed significant goals as set forth by the Board of Directors, including: • Reduced planned user fee increases; • Reaffirmed AAA credit ratings; • Paid down unfunded retirement liabilities, resulting in $6 million of annual savings; • $75 million in other operations savings identified over the next ten-year forecasting period; • No staff increases; • No additional debt; • Secured a $450,000 grant for future water recycling study; • Ceased bleach disinfection of our effluent saving $425,000 per year; • Completed phase 1 of the Newport Forcemain Replacement Project; • Increased flows to GWRS by 30% to 130 mgd; • Achieved labor agreements with bargaining units; • Relocation of Santa Ana River Interceptor from the flood plain (by County of Orange); and • Received numerous national awards including NAWCA Peak Performance Award for 100% compliance, US top 10 Fleets, Budget and Procurement Awards, WEF Plant Safety Award, to name a few. Page 2 d 3 The current At-Will Employment Agreement for General Manager James D. Herberg became effective July 1, 2014. The General Manager's current annual base salary is $221,449. Annually, the Steering Committee makes its recommendation to the Board concerning adjustments to the General Manager's compensation package. Section 6 of the At-Will Employment Agreement specifies the following: "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." OCSD is committed to maintaining a competitive compensation market position that attracts and retains top employment talent. It is OCSD's philosophy to compensate employees competitively and equitably, and understanding the relative market position assists in that determination. The proposed base building salary increase effective July 2015 will ensure OCSD maintains a competitive compensation market position to continue to attract and retain this critical positions. The proposed benefits package would include those benefits offered to represented and unrepresented employees, including medical, dental, vision, disability insurance and paid leave. The General Manager's benefits package also will include additional life insurance coverage at two times (2x) salary, auto allowance, 6% plus $1,250 investment incentive salary (IIS), and a $5,000 employer-paid 457(b) deferred compensation contribution. CEQA N/A BUDGET/PURCHASING ORDINANCE COMPLIANCE The funds for this increase were included in the OCSD Operating Budget for FY 2015- 2016. ATTACHMENTS • Resolution No. OCSD 15-23 • General Manager Pay Table, July 2014 • Proposed General Manager Pay Table, July 2015 Page 3 of 3 RESOLUTION NO. OCSD 15-23 A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE ORANGE COUNTY SANITATION DISTRICT APPROVING SALARY INCREASE, SALARY RANGE ADJUSTMENT, AND CHANGES TO BENEFITS FOR THE GENERAL MANAGER FOR FISCAL YEAR 2015-2016 WHEREAS, the General Manager provides organizational leadership, strategic direction, and District oversight for Orange County Sanitation District (OCSD); and WHEREAS, the General Manager serves an at-will employment status, which may be terminated at any time by the Board with or without cause with no liability; 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, 2014, 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 2015, finalized its review and made its recommendation to the Board on October 28, 2015. NOW, THEREFORE, the Board of Directors of the Orange County Sanitation District, DOES HEREBY RESOLVE, DETERMINE, AND ORDER: 1. That the Board of Directors hereby authorizes and approves the following changes to General Manager's salary, which shall become effective retroactively to the first pay period of July 2015: a. Abase building salary increase for the General Manager of 7% of salary and to adjust the corresponding salary range by 7%. 2. That the Board Chair, or his designee, is authorized to implement the changes to salary range and salary approved herein. OCSD 15-23-1 PASSED AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the Board of Directors held October 28, 2015. John Nielsen Board Chair ATTEST: Kelly Lore, Clerk of the Board OCSD 15-23-2 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 15-23 was passed and adopted at a regular meeting of said Board on the 281h day of October 2015, 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 281h day of October 2015. Kelly A. Lore Clerk of the Board of Directors Orange County Sanitation District OCSD 15-23-3 General Manager Pay Tables July 2014 and Proposed 2015 Orange County Sanitation District Classification and Compensation Plan Rates Effective July 1, 2014 GENERAL MANAGER Classification Pay Grade I Minimum I Midpoint I Control Point I Maximum General Manager I EMT120 1 $ 176,5901 $ 220,739 1 $ 238,399 $ 264,887 Orange County Sanitation District Classification and Compensation Plan PROPOSED Rates Effective July 1, 2015 GENERAL MANAGER Classification I Pay Grade I Minimum I Midpoint I Control Point I Maximum General Manager I EMT120 1 $ 188,9521 $ 236,1911 $ 255,087 $ 283,429 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.