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Home My WebLink About12-14-2015 Legislative & Public Affairs Meeting Agenda Orange County Sanitation District r + ""'r+,, Monday, December 14, 2015 Regular Meeting of the '` 8:00 A.M. LEGISLATIVE AND PUBLIC Administration Building AFFAIRS COMMITTEE Conference Room A& B 10844 Ellis Avenue Fountain Valley, CA (714) 593-7433 AGENDA PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: DECLARATION OF QUORUM: 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 wish 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 Committee Members. These reports are for information only and require no action by the Committee. CONSENT CALENDAR: Consent Calendar Items are considered to be routine and will be enacted, by the Board of Directors, 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 Any items withdrawn from the Consent Calendar for separate discussion will be considered in the regular order of business. 1.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 for the Committee meeting held on November 9, 2015. NON-CONSENT CALENDAR: 2. APPROVAL OF 2016 LEGISLATIVE PLAN (Bob Ghirelli) RECOMMENDATION: Recommend to the Board of Directors to: Approve the Orange County Sanitation District 2016 Legislative Plan. 12/14/15 Legislative and Public Affairs Committee Page 1 of 2 INFORMATION ITEMS: 3. PUBLIC AFFAIRS UPDATE (Jennifer Cabral) 4. LEGISLATIVE UPDATE (Rebecca Long) OTHER BUSINESS AND COMMUNICATIONS OR SUPPLEMENTAL AGENDA ITEMS IF ANY: ADJOURNMENT: The next Legislative and Public Affairs Committee meeting is scheduled for Monday, February 8, 2016 at 8:00 a.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 office 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. Aaenda Postina: In accordance with the requirements of California Government Code Section 54954.2, this agenda has been posted outside the main gate of the Sanitation District's Administration Building located at 10844 Ellis Avenue, Fountain Valley, California, and on the Sanitation District's website at www.ocsd.com, not less than 72 hours prior to the meeting date and time above. All public records relating to each agenda item, including any public records distributed less than 72 hours prior to the meeting to all,or a majority of the Board of Directors,are available for public inspection in the office of the Clerk of the Board. NOTICE TO DIRECTORS: To place items on the agenda for the Committee Meeting, items must be submitted to the Clerk of the Board 14 days before the meeting. Kelly A.Lore Clerk of the Board (714)593-7433 Klore0ocsd.com For any questions on the agenda, Committee members may contact staff at: General Manager James D. Herberg (714)593-7300 iherbem(Womd.com Assistant General Manager Bob Ghirelli (714)593-7400 rahire1l0,ocsd.00m Principal Public Affairs Specialist Jennifer Cabral (714)593-7588 icabral(domd.com Senior Public Affairs Specialist Rebecca Long (714)593-7444 rlonoQocsd.com 12/14/15 Legislative and Public Affairs Committee Page 2 of 2 ITEM NO. 1 MINUTES OF THE LEGISLATIVE AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS COMMITTEE Orange County Sanitation District Monday, November 9, 2015, at 8:00 a.m. A motion was made by Director Kring and seconded by Director Diep to appoint Director Beamish to serve as Interim Chairman. A regular meeting of the Legislative and Public Affairs Committee was called to order by Interim Chair Beamish on Monday, November 9, 2015 at 8:05 a.m., in the Administration Building of the Orange County Sanitation District. Director Diep led the pledge of allegiance. A quorum was declared present, as follows: COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT: STAFF PRESENT: Tyler Diep, Director Jim Herberg, General Manager John Nielsen, Board Chair Celia Chandler, Director of Human Tom Beamish, Director Resources Robert Kiley, Director Nick Arhontes, Director of Facilities Lucille Kring, Director Support Services John Withers, Director Rob Thompson, Director of Engineering Ed Torres, Director of Operations and COMMITTEE MEMBERS ABSENT: Maintenance Greg Sebourn, Board Vice-Chair Lorenzo Tyner, Director of Finance & Administrative Services Kelly Lore, Clerk of the Board Jennifer Cabral Jim Colston Al Garcia Rebecca Long Kelly Newell Eric Sirjord Nina Tran OTHERS PRESENT: Brad Hogin, General Counsel Eric Sapirstein, ENS (via Teleconference) Eric O'Donnell, Townsend Public Affairs Cori Williams, Townsend Public Affairs Adam Link, CASA 11/09/2015 Legislative and Public Affairs Committee Minutes Page 1 of4 PUBLIC COMMENTS: None. REPORTS: The Committee Chair and the General Manager may present verbal reports on miscellaneous matters of general interest to the Committee Members. These reports are for information only and require no action by the Committee. None. CONSENT CALENDAR: Consent Calendar Items are considered to be routine and willbe enacted, by the Board of Directors, 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) MOVED, SECONDED and DULY CARRIED TO: Approve minutes for the Committee meeting held on October 12, 2015. AYES: Beamish, Diep, Kiley, Kring, and Withers NOES: None ABSTENTIONS: None ABSENT: Nielsen and Sebourn Chair Nielsen arrived at 8:09 a.m, and presided. INFORMATION ITEMS: 2. PUBLIC AFFAIRS UPDATE (Jennifer Cabral) Principal Public Affairs Specialist, Jennifer Cabral provided an update on Public Affairs community education outreach for the month, and showed photos of the Placentia Heritage Festival and the Los Alamitos Wheels,Wings& Rotors events attended. She also notified the committee that an informational item regarding Public Affairs and Community outreach will be presented at upcoming Operations and Administration Committee meetings. Ms. Cabral stated that a request for OCSD to man a booth at the OC Fair had previously been made; and that after research was completed, staff found that the extensive amount of volunteer time (400 hours, 2 week period)and resources needed for an event this large was not recommended. 11/09/2015 Legislative and Public Affairs Committee Minutes Page 2 of 4 3. LEGISLATIVE UPDATE (Rebecca Long) Senior Public Affairs Specialist, Rebecca Long updated the committee on the State of the District event held on October 16°i and Senator Janet Nguyen's tour on October 28th and further stated that she is now a member of the State CASA Committee. Eric Sapirstein, ENS Resources, provided an informative presentation regarding: new Speaker of the House Paul Ryan and his pledge to have an open process for legislation consideration; the FY 2016 budget process, including a two-year budget agreement reached; tax reform; water infrastructure funding; climate change issues; funding priorities; spending limits, including the 80 to 85 billion in new spending and the allocations; and issues with current year spending bills. Mr. Sapirstein also provided information regarding: Emergency Drought bill challenges and announced that Joel Beauvais will serve as acting Assistant Administrator of the USEPA, who's area of priority is climate change issues. Mr. Sapirstein then answered questions from the committee regarding: funding for storage and distribution of water, additional water recycling and alternative energy production and innovation; funding assistance and challenges for desalination projects; and the possibility of a scaled back drought bill due to the probability of El Nino. Cori Williams, Townsend Public Affairs, reported on the continued work of the Transportation Infrastructure Conference Committee Special Session and the considered funding proposals. Ms. Williams stated that California continued to reduce water usage by 26% in September, and stated that the emergency water conservation regulations that will expire in February 2016, will be evaluated and reconsidered by the State Water Resources Control Board at a Public Workshop on December 7. Ms. Williams further stated that for FY 2016, there are five measures that qualified for initiatives or referendum on the ballot; one which will require voter approval for Public Works projects which mandate over 2 billion in revenue bonds, is of most importance to the District. Eric O'Donnell, Townsend Public Affairs, reported on the IRWM funding approval and the future actions that will be taken. He also reported that he had met with Senator Herzberg's office regarding SB163 and recommends sending position letters to the Senator. Mr. O'Donnell is also working on setting up a meeting with the Senator at his Van Nuys office in early December and scheduling a tour of OCSD in February. 11/09/2015 Legislative and Public Affairs Committee Minutes Page 3 of 4 4. CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF SANITATION AGENCIES LEGISLATIVE PLATFORM (Jennifer Cabral) Ms. Cabral introduced Adam Link Director of Affairs for CASA who provided an informative PowerPoint presentation regarding: CASA sponsored legislation and priority issues in 2015; state and federal legislative priorities for 2016; anticipated legislation; issues of significance; fellow associations; and CASA initiatives and upcoming events. Mr. Link responded to questions from the committee regarding: the makeup of the CASA legislative committees; and California "Duck Curve", solar power system peaks and excess energy issues. NON-CONSENT CALENDAR: None. OTHER BUSINESS AND COMMUNICATIONS OR SUPPLEMENTAL AGENDA ITEMS, IF ANY: General Manager Jim Herberg announced that OCSD Administrative Offices will be closed on Wednesday, November 111h in observance of Veterans Day. Director Kring announced that the City of Anaheim will be hosting a Veterans Day event at the Muzeo with a special commemoration of the Marine Corps 2401h birthday. ADJOURNMENT: Chair Nielsen declared the meeting adjourned at 9:14 a.m. to the next Legislative and Public Affairs Committee Meeting, December 14, 2015 at 8:00 a.m. Submitted by: Kelly A. Lore Clerk of the Board 11/09/2015 Legislative and Public Affairs Committee Minutes Page 4 of LEGISLATIVE AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS COMMITTEE N1e2ng Dale T012/16/15r. AGENDA REPORT ItemNumber Item Number z Orange County Sanitation District FROM: James D. Herberg, General Manager Originator: Bob Ghirelli, Assistant General Manager SUBJECT: APPROVAL OF 2016 LEGISLATIVE PLAN GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION Approve the Orange County Sanitation District 2016 Legislative Plan. SUMMARY The Orange County Sanitation District (OCSD) has annually approved a Legislative Plan which provides a list of key issues for OCSD's staff, management, Board of Directors and legislative advocates to follow during the legislative year. Additionally,the Legislative Plan provides direction to the staff and management on how to coordinate advocacy efforts with wastewater associations and state and federal legislative bodies. PRIOR COMMITTEE/BOARD ACTIONS 2006-2015, annually approve the OCSD Legislative Plan ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Legislative Team Contacts: Name Organization Email Phone Rebecca Long OCSD I riong@ocsd.com 1 714-593-7444 Jennifer Cabral JOCSD 1 j2abral ocsd.com 1 714-593-7581 CEQA N/A BUDGET/PURCHASING ORDINANCE COMPLIANCE N/A Page 1 ATTACHMENTS The following attachments(s) are attached in hard copy and may be viewed on-line at the OCSD website (16 .ocsd.com) with the complete agenda package and attachments: • OCSD 2016 Legislative Plan Page 2 P1t SAW T � � 9 � N 9 N THE N P Orange County Sanitation District 2016 Legislative Plan Orange County Sanitation District 2016 Legislative Plan Legislative Affairs Team OCSD Staff Rebecca Long,Senior Public Affairs Specialist (714)593-7444 rlong@ocsd.com Jennifer Cabral, Principal Public Affairs (714)593-7581 jcabral@ocsd.com Specialist Robert Ghirelli (714)593-7400 rghirelli@ocsd.com Assistant General Manager Jim Herberg (714)593-7110 jherberg@ocsd.com General Manager Federal Lobbying Team Eric Sapirstein (202)466-3755 esap@ensresources.com ENS Resources Sacramento Lobbying Team Cori Williams (949) 399-9050 cwilliams@TownsendPA.com Townsend Public Affairs Eric O'Donnell (949)399-9050 eodonnell@TownsendPA.com Townsend Public Affairs Casey Elliott (916)447-4086 celliott@TownsendPA.com Townsend Public Affairs 2 January 2016 Orange County Sanitation District 2016 Legislative Plan Introduction The Orange County Sanitation District(OCSD) recognizes the need for an active state and federal legislative advocacy program to ensure that the interests of the ratepayers and the Board of Directors are protected.Towards that end,the legislative team actively engages, pursues and monitors activities in Sacramento and Washington, D.C.and takes appropriate action in support or opposition of legislative initiatives. Each year,the Board of Directors adopts a legislative plan,which is a summary of OCSD's goals, key issues and policy positions.The following legislative policies have been developed by OCSD staff and legislative advocates in consideration of OCSD's member agencies and policy needs.These Board- approved policies serve as OCSD's official positions of support or opposition on issues of importance to the agency.The legislative plan is a dynamic document,adopted annually and changing to meet the needs of the Board as well as the federal and state policymaking agendas. The legislative team, in conjunction with the Board, may take appropriate action consistent with the legislative plan, including, but not limited to, drafting letters, lobbying legislators and staff and crafting bills. Procedure for Taking Positions on Bills 1. Staff will track bills of greatest interest to OCSD, particularly those that fall within the goals and objectives identified by the Board of Directors.Staff will monitor bills being watched by similar agencies in Orange County(Irvine Ranch Water District,South Orange County Water Authority, Orange County Water District, Municipal Water District of Orange County, etc.) as well as state, federal and national associations such as California Association of Sanitation Agencies(CASA), the California Special Districts Association (CSDA)and the Association of California Water Agencies(ACWA) and National Association of California Water Agencies(NACWA),the Association of California Cities Orange County(ACC-OC),and the League of California Cities (LOCO). 2. For those bills that are being tracked,where there is clear policy direction stated in the Board- adopted legislative plan or adopted goals,staff can send letters and give direction to the lobbyists to advocate that position. 3. Where a particular issue is not urgent,all legislative letters will be hand-signed by the Board Chair or Vice-Chair. If a matter is urgent,staff may use the electronic signature,so long as a clear policy direction exists. 4. When a bill does not fall within the scope of the legislative plan or is a politically controversial issue,staff will seek direction from the Legislative and Public Affairs Committee. 5. If a bill does not fall within the scope of the legislative plan,but the California Association of Sanitary Agencies(CASA),the California Special Districts Association (CSDA)or the National Association of Clean Water Agencies(NACWA) has an adopted position,staff may follow this position but must inform the Legislative and Public Affairs Committee of such action at the next regularly scheduled meeting. 3 January 2016 Orange County Sanitation District 2016 Legislative Plan Federal Priorities • Support legislation that provides below market bonding rate assistance to construct treatment facilities such as infrastructure banks. • Support at least$1.5 billion in annual federal appropriations to State Revolving Fund (SRF). • Support legislation to revise the SRF allocation formula to allow for appropriate and fair share of funding to California. • Remove restrictions on the use of tax-exempt financing in conjunction with alternative financing tools included in the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA). • Work with appropriate regional stakeholders to respond to flood protections and ecosystem needs and Water Resources Reform and Development Act(WRRDA) reauthorization. • Support efforts to remove State Volume Caps on water and wastewater private activity bonds to allow for innovative financing options such as public private partnerships. • Oppose restrictions on tax-exempt financing for public infrastructure. • Seek federal funding for projects, including infrastructure funding,water recycling,ecosystem restoration and alternative energy projects. • Support development of CASA and NACWA's legislative priorities. • Work with Congress and the United States Environmental Protection Agency to develop cost effective mandates to reduce compliance costs and to streamline the Clean Water Act permitting processes. Federal Tactics Initiative Action 1. Identify and advise on . Monitor federal agency competitive grants announcements federal funding for funding of alternative energy, bioenergy,water opportunities for OCSD recycling, beach protection and habitat conservation infrastructure projects projects . Schedule meetings with Federal agency officials stakeholders and senior officials in D.C.and district offices to build support for OCSD priority projects 2. Seek funding assistance to . Meet with U.S. Department of Energy staff to discuss advance recovery of energy funding opportunities and options and other resources from . Work with other agencies to advance technologies biosolids 3. Seek funding for water . Identify and pursue water infrastructure financing needs infrastructure enhancement . Work with Congress and U.S. Bureau of Reclamation on proposals to provide enhanced alternative water infrastructure financing 4. Support continued public . Work with NACWA and CASA in support of continued use of financing tax-exempt financing and feasible innovative financing approaches such as infrastructure banks to supplement traditional funding approaches . Submit testimony on tax-exempt financing 4 January 2016 Orange County Sanitation District 2016 Legislative Plan S. Support drought relief • Work with delegation to ensure incorporation of new legislation that supports water programs for water recycling assistance recycling assistance • Work with NACWA,CASA,ACWA to advance priority 6. Work with federal agencies • Work with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office on permitting issues of Water and Office of Air on emerging issues of concern • Work with U.S. Department of Energy on alternative energy permitting issues • Work with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on environmental site assessment issues • Increase NPDES permits from 5-years to at least 10-years • Update Clean Water Act conflict language to allow qualified candidates to serve on California Water Boards State Priorities • Secure state funding including Proposition 1,for the final expansion of the Groundwater Replenishment System and ongoing capital projects. • Secure funding through grants and legislation for the planning and feasibility studies,as well as capital infrastructure improvements, at the Fountain Valley,Plant No. 1 and Huntington Beach, Plant No. 2. • Work with the current administration, legislators and their staff,key stakeholders,and statewide associations to advocate for OCSD's desired goals.Amend,support and/or oppose legislation that may impact OCSD and its operations. • Continue to monitor the state budget and actively protect local property taxes. • Monitor pension reform legislation for clean-up bills. • Support efforts to competitively seek funding for projects that meet the state's goals of expanded water supply and energy reduction. • Oppose additional and redundant regulatory requirements that do not create a statewide management program for biosolids. • Oppose legislation or any regulations that would mandate volumetric pricing of wastewater. • Where appropriate, pursue state funding for critical aging infrastructure,through funding sources made available through any agency including but not limited to the State Water Resources Control Board and the Department of Water Resources. • Continue to foster partnerships with other agencies in order to develop projects that are regional in nature. • Support the State Water Resources Control Board considering local conditions, existing water reuse investments and indirect potable reuse projects as they discuss the extension of the emergency drought regulations,which expire in February 2016. 5 January 2016 Orange County Sanitation District 2016 Legislative Plan State Tactics Initiative Action 1. Develop a proactive . As legislation is introduced between January and February, legislative advocacy agenda and as bills are amended, identify legislation that has potential impact to OCSD . Recommend positions on identified legislation in alignment with OCSD's legislative agenda . Create and continually update a legislative matrix to track identified pieces of priority legislation . Schedule advocacy days in Sacramento with legislators and committee staff . Continue an active letter writing campaign in support or opposition of priority legislation . Schedule meetings with legislators,stakeholders and senior officials in Sacramento and district offices to build support for OCSD priority projects . Participate in CASA legislative committees 2. Compile a comprehensive . Meet with EMT to discuss future capital projects and list of Capital Improvement priorities projects . Match capital improvements with funding opportunities based on project eligibility 3. Monitor and advise on . Identify opportunities included in the water bond related to: funding opportunities Water recycling-$725 million available through Prop 1 Integrated Regional Water Management section-$69 million . Proactively engage on the drafting of grant funding guidelines, and provide input to drafting agency or committee to ensure eligibility of OCSD projects and priorities are met . Proactively engage on proposed legislation that would have an impact on the implementation of funding guidelines and OCSD priorities . Identify funding opportunities and provide recommendations for eligible projects . Create a schedule on planning and execution of efforts to seek funds, including outreach and advocacy strategy 4. Monitor and advise on . Monitor future solicitations and track guideline changes to funding available through the Water-Energy grant: a$20 million opportunity Cap and Trade . Identify eligible and competitive projects and programs . Create a schedule on planning and execution of efforts to seek funds, including outreach and advocacy strategy S. Monitor and advise on . Track energy related grant opportunities energy or other resource . Identify potential projects for funding, including, but not recovery related funding limited to: alternative energy, biosolids to energy conversion, opportunities organic waste(food waste and fats,oils,and grease) to energy conversion,and greenhouse gas reduction projects 6 January 2016 Orange County Sanitation District 2016 Legislative Plan . Ensure wastewater interests are protected as significant decisions are made related to renewable energy production financing, mandates, and new climate change goals and programs . Schedule meetings with local delegation as well as key members to discuss project benefits and funding opportunity 6. Schedule and attend . Educate current administration, key staff,and agencies on advocacy and outreach priority projects and advocate for funding allocations that meetings to provide OCSD align with OCSD priorities project updates . Schedule stakeholder meetings to build support for projects . Hold advocacy meetings in coordination with funding opportunities and project timelines . Work with relevant budget committees, budget sub- committees, policy committees and their staff to advocate for funding allocations that align with OCSD priorities . Provide full briefings and updates to Orange County legislative delegation and relevant members on OCSD priority projects 7. Regulatory relief to allow for . Outreach with Department of Toxic Substances, State Water water recycling and Resources Control Board,the governor's office, legislative expansion of GWRS for all leadership and other appropriate stakeholders water flowing into Plant No. 2 g. Development and advocacy . Create and update a legislative matrix to track identified for design-build legislation pieces of legislation focused on design build legislation targeted at OCSD projects . Schedule briefings and updates with Orange County legislative delegation to discuss upcoming design build legislation 9. Development and . Work in conjunction with CASA to outreach,educate and implementation of a develop an advocacy strategy for regulatory framework that statewide biosolids land will support statewide objectives to manage biosolids land application management application policy 7 January 2016 Orange County Sanitation District 2016 Legislative Plan The Regulatory Outlook section has been added to the Legislative Plan as many of the proposed legislative actions have a regulatory component. By adding this section,the regulatory and legislative teams will be able to better coordinate efforts and bring awareness to proposed legislation and possible regulatory impacts. Regulatory Outlook Regulation Regulation Name Regulatory Impact to OCSD Number(If Agency Applicable) Proposed Vacuum Truck Operations South Coast May impose volatile organic AQMD Rule AQMD compounds(VOC) control and 1188 stringent best management practices on OCSD vactor trucks for collection system cleaning. 40 CFR 441 Effluent Limitations Guidelines U.S. EPA Would require permitting and and auditing of dental facilities(500- Standards for the Dental 2000 new permits or Category certifications). File No. 132 Federal Trade Commission vs. FTC Removes"flushable" labeling 3272 Nice-Pak Agreement Containing from non-flushable wipes;will Consent Order have a slight positive affect for OCSD Operations and Finalized Consent Order Maintenance. State Water Resources Control State Water • Requires multiple groundwater Board-Compost General Order Resources monitoring requirements for Control Board composting operations. • May indirectly impact OCSD regarding cost to manage biosolids from compost vendors. CalRecycle—Compostable CalRecycle Regulation would benefit OCSD. Materials,Transfer/Processing It exempts POTWs from Proposed Regulations(Co- CalRecycling's permitting Digestion) regulations that process organic waste for co-digestion for methane recovery. Construction General Permit California State High Impact: Affects how we (CGP) Water Resources design and implement Stormwater Permit Renewal Control Board construction projects at OCSD. June 2016 Ocean Water Quality Criteria California State High Impact: Determining new Water Resources standards for NPDES water Control Board quality monitoring. 8 January 2016 Orange County Sanitation District 2016 Legislative Plan Legislative Policies 1. Air Quality:OCSD is committed to complying with federal,state, and local air quality laws and rules.OCSD is further committed to adhering to OCSD's odor policy to assure that OCSD is a good neighbor to the surrounding communities. a. Support air quality legislation that emphasizes the use of advanced technologies and applicable market incentives, and incentives for the use of alternative fuels and the development of the infrastructure for alternative fuel vehicles. b. Support measures that maintain and enhance local decision-making authority,where appropriate, in the development and implementation of air quality attainment strategies. c. Support legislation to ensure greater consistency between the California and Federal Clean Air Acts; including the need to demonstrate cost-effective public health or environmental benefit if California elects to exceed federal standards. d. Support strategies that clearly demonstrate and provide for the most cost-effective means for meeting air quality goals. e. Support, in concept, legislation that would utilize incentives and pricing strategies as a preferred alternative to traditional command and control regulations for meeting emission reduction objectives for all sources. f. Oppose actions that preclude implementation of the Air Quality Management Plan (AQMP)to the extent that such actions could subject the basin to sanction or conformity penalties. 2. Biosolids:OCSD strives to beneficially use biosolids through multiple management options performed at reasonable costs that are protective of public health and the environment and offer cost-effective alternatives to land application. a. Support legislation or policies that support the beneficial use of biosolids on agricultural lands, mine reclamation,fire ravaged lands,superfund sites,brownfields,overgrazed lands,and wetland restoration. b. Support policies that encourage biosolids product use by horticulture,commercial,and residential markets. c. Oppose legislation that imposes new mandates or bans the use of biosolids for land application in any region,county,or state. d. Support alternative energy policy or legislation that encourages use of biosolids as a renewable energy resource. 9 January 2016 Orange County Sanitation District 2016 Legislative Plan 3. Grant Funding:OCSD is committed to advancing the state of knowledge in the treatment and management of wastewater through the application of innovative and alternative technologies. To this end,OCSD supports grants assistance to offset its research and special projects. a. Support appropriations legislation, bonds, programs,and projects that provide funding for infrastructure construction and rehabilitation,special studies and research or projects relating to security,environmental education,water quality,wastewater processing,urban runoff,and water recycling. b. Support projects that provide for public benefit over projects that are primarily intended for private benefit or gain. c. Oppose proposals placing further requirements on grant recipients that return low value for high administrative costs. 4. Labor Relations:OCSD is committed to the exercise of and provision of orderly procedures for the administration of employer-employee relations, including, but not limited to,meeting and conferring in good faith with recognized employee organizations regarding the wages, hours of work,and other terms and conditions of employment. As Congress considers reforming the federal tax code, many of the provisions subject to reform may impact labor relations. a. Support measures to reform current workers compensation formulas to rely on higher thresholds for compensation or a proportionate exposure formula. b. Support health insurance reform that does not create additional financial burdens on special districts. c. Support measures to ease applicability of the Fair Labor Standards Act(FLSA)on public agencies. d. Oppose any measure imposing compulsory and binding arbitration with respect to public employees. e. Oppose any measure that imposes upon local government mandated employee benefits that are more properly decided at the local bargaining table. f. Oppose efforts reducing local control over public employee disputes and imposing regulations on an outside agency. g. Oppose any measure granting public employees the right to strike. It. Oppose a new mandatory Social Security tax for public employers and public employees. 5. Planning:OCSD ensures the long-range planning of capital improvement programs in order to deliver the highest quality facilities. a. Support reform of existing state, regional,and local planning processes only if directly linked to reforms in the current revenue and tax structure of state and local governments. b. Support measures that provide new revenues for growth management and the public facilities necessary to support expected growth. 10 January 2016 Orange County Sanitation District 2016 Legislative Plan c. Support proposals encouraging regional,sub-regional or countywide cooperation in planning urban development strategies,especially those that provide funding for effective implementation of agreed upon goals. d. Oppose legislation consolidating special districts that fail to address the concerns of cities affected by the proposed consolidation. e. Oppose measures that prevent or restrict the ability of cities or special districts to participate in the Southern California Association of Governments'(SCAG)sub-regional process. 6. Public Health: Protection of public health is OCSD's core mission. OCSD will work cooperatively with county and state health officers to assure local health protection. a. Support hazard mitigation,emergency response, planning and recovery through direct legislation, policy directives and funding toward floodplain security within the Santa Ana River watershed. b. Support(generally) measures that provide for improved public health through regulation. c. Support the protection of public health through the construction and implementation of advanced wastewater treatment technology. 7. Public Works:OCSD is committed to the achievement of effective and efficient projects that provide wastewater treatment services that benefit its ratepayers. a. Support measures that provide funding and support to publicly owned treatment works and sewerage collection systems. b. Support legislation that allows public agencies to procure goods and services in manners similar to private industry,thereby reducing overall costs of delivery. c. Support legislation that improves the Utility Underground Service Alert Program in order to improve coordination, identification,minimize damage, minimize environmental risks and minimize cost exposure to publicly owned facilities when contractors are performing sub-surface work. d. Support a comprehensive response to the state's electricity and natural gas shortages that provide a stable energy supply, respects the ability of municipalities to provide power, recognizes that infrastructure(i.e.emergency and standby generators)exists that could be employed temporarily during periods with minimal air quality impact and protects ratepayers(including cities and special districts) against dramatic rate increases and statewide power outages. e. Support legislation that allows OCSD to utilize the Best Value Design/Build option for the construction of public works projects. f. Oppose Buy American mandates legislation that would increase project costs or prevent the use of the most innovative technologies. 11 January 2016 Orange County Sanitation District 2016 Legislative Plan 8. Revenue and Taxation:Track pending legislation to ensure OCSD remains in compliance with the government code as it pertains to wastewater system user fees and property tax revenues and the investment of public funds. a. Support measures leading to a greater financial independence from the state and would result in greater stability and predictability in local government budgeting. b. Oppose measures that impose mandated costs for which there is no guarantee of local reimbursement or offsetting benefits. c. Oppose legislation that shifts tax revenues away from local governments without the adequate provision of a constitutionally guaranteed backfill to offset the lost revenues of those local governments. d. Oppose measures that allow state retention of existing local revenue sources, including the special district share of property tax,sales tax,vehicle license fees and rate payer fees. e. Oppose the use of revenues traditionally used to fund the delivery of municipal services to fund programs for which the state is responsible,particularly the courts, health,and welfare programs. 9. Special Districts:OCSD supports the maintenance of special districts to provide specific services, in response to citizen's demands, in a cost effective manner. a. Support outreach to local, regional,and state elected officials to foster a greater understanding regarding the critical relationship between adequate reserves and the successful short-and-long-term operation of water and wastewater agencies. b. Support the work of the Association of California Water Agencies(ACWA), California Association of Sanitation Agencies(CASA),and California Special Districts Association (CSDA)in any future discussions or negotiations pertaining to the legislative and budget issues relative to preserving control of members'reserves. c. Oppose further state regulations that adversely impact special district financing and operations. d. Oppose measures that create or grant powers to sub-regional or regional bodies that would result in an infringement on clearly local concerns. e. Oppose any administrative or legislative efforts to access or transfer any reserve funds held by water and wastewater districts. f. Oppose the imposition of unfunded, mandated programs on local governments. g. Oppose efforts that diminish OCSD's ability to govern efficiently and effectively, including expanding the size of the Board of Directors. 10. Water Quality and Supply:OCSD is committed to participating collaboratively in the protection of regional water resources for the benefit of the people we serve. a. Support federal contribution for the removal of rip rap from the Santa Ana River. b. Support(generally)measures to increase water supply and improve water quality in the region, including drought relief legislation. 12 January 2016 Orange County Sanitation District 2016 Legislative Plan c. Support measures that would increase funding for water reuse technologies, including support for the Groundwater Replenishment System project by the Orange County Water District and OCSD to create new water supplies through recycling. d. Support U.S.Army Corps of Engineers projects for Orange County regarding watershed and water quality protection and sand replenishment. e. Support measures that promote and provide for the use of reclaimed water. f. Support"watershed-based" solutions,including cost-shared studies with the US Army Corps of Engineers of water quality improvements that reflect state-of-the-art science. g. Support policy development,funding, and research for addressing urban runoff and beach closures, including funding for studies that identify the sources of bacterial,viral and other contaminants and human pathogens. h. Support measures to evaluate water quality standards,as needed,to ensure the objectives are appropriately protecting the designated use. i. Support legislation that would direct USEPA levied fines to remain in the region. j. Support legislation that clarifies the use of Clean Water Act citizen suits that are frivolous and/or abusive of congressional intent. k. Support measures addressing non-point source pollution in order to protect our ocean water quality and provide funding to mitigate its effects, including integrated permitting approaches that can reduce costs and achieve water quality improvements while allowing permits to be tailored to the needs of Orange County and its watershed. I. Support national aspirational goal through legislation that promotes improved water use efficiency in construction of water efficient buildings and communities. m. Support legislation that promotes improved water use efficiency through state and federal assistance in evaluating and implementing new programs and technologies and increasing public awareness of water use efficiency. n. Support legislation that provides for the development of the watershed approach, including watershed management plans and watershed-based permitting. o. Support legislation that necessitates the responsible use of water in residential, commercial,and industrial areas. p. Oppose proposed environmental constraints on government agencies that would result in economic damage to the region while providing only minimal protections. q. Oppose the imposition of statewide/nationwide fees for environmental cleanup that is privately caused or regional in nature(e.g.,when the nexus between those responsible for environmental abuse and those required to pay for cleanup or mitigation is absent). r. Support measures to provide federal assistance to support urban runoff studies and urban runoff reduction. 13 January 2016 LEGISLATIVE AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS COMMITTEE Neetlng Date To ad.of Dir. 17114/15 -- AGENDA REPORT Item Number Item Number 3 Orange County Sanitation District FROM: James D. Herberg, General Manager Originator: Bob Ghirelli, Assistant General Manager SUBJECT: PUBLIC AFFAIRS UPDATE GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION Information Only. SUMMARY Staff will provide an update on recent public affairs activities. PRIOR COMMITTEE/BOARD ACTIONS N/A ADDITIONAL INFORMATION November 2015 Activity # # of Guests OCSD/OCWDTours 7 130 OCSD Tours 1 101 172 Events I 1 1 —140 BUDGET/PURCHASING ORDINANCE COMPLIANCE N/A ATTACHMENT The following aftachment(s) are attached and may also be viewed on-line at the OCSD website (www.ocsd.com)with the complete agenda package: • Outreach Calendar • Media Clips Page 1 OCSD Outreach Report - 1 1/3 012 01 5 Date Time Or anizati Location Purpose Attendee Contact 11/02/2015- 1230- 1400 Plant Tour Boardroom Hope International Lisa Rothbart Tour Cheryl Scott University to tour P1. Guide Approx. 15 guests. 11/03/2015- 900- 1030 Plant Tour Room C CSULB Nursing to tour P1. Gina Tetsch Tour Cheryl Scott Approx. 13 guests. Guide 11/05/2015- 900- 1030 Plant Tour Room Encina WasteWater to tour Chris Cervellone Tour Cheryl Scott P1. Approx. 10 guests. Guide 11/06/2015- 900- 1100 Plant Tour Boardroom Cypress College to tour P1. Mike Zedek and Cheryl Scott Approx.40 guests, 2 tours Samir Patel Tour Guides 11/10/2015- 930- 1100 Plant Tour Boardroom Anaheim North High Paula Zeller Tour Cheryl Scott School Students to tour P1. Guide Approx. 25 guests. 11/12/2015- 900- 1030 Plant Tour Boardroom CSUF Nursing to tour P1. Mike Zedek Tour Cheryl Scott Guide 11/14/2015- 900- 1130 Plant Tour P2 Rancho Santiago Shabbir Basrai Tour Cheryl Scott Wastewater Class to tour Guide P1. 10 students 11/16/2015- 1300- 1500 Plant Tour A& B UCS Engineers to tour P1. Mark Esquer Tour Cheryl Scott Approx. 27 guests. Guide 11/17/2015- 1000- 1130 Plant Tour Boardroom OCC Marine Science to Jeff Armstrong Tour Cheryl Scott tour P1. Approx. 25 Guide guests. 11/30/2015 9:19:55 AM OCSD Outreach Report - 1 113 012 01 5 Date Time Or anizati Location Purpose Attendee Contact 11/19/2015- 800- 1300 Plant Tour P1 and Green Biosolids and Green Acre Deirdre Bingman Tour Cheryl Scott Acre Farm Farm tours for Chinese Guide Delegation. 11/19/2015- 1630- 1830 Career Fair Heritage Museum HR to host Career booth HR Staff Cheryl Scott of Santa Ana for ASCE OC Student Night. Approx. 140 attendees 11/20/2015- 1300- 1430 Plant Tour Boardroom County of Orange Jim Herberg Tour Cheryl Scott Executive Staff to tour P1. Guide 11/20/2015- 900- 1200 Plant Tours Boardroom Mt. San Antonio College to Mike Zedek Tour Cheryl Scott tour P1. Approx. 45 Guide guests. 2 Tours 11/23/2015- 1245- 1415 Plant Tour Boardroom OCC to tour P1.Approx. 30 Ryal Wheeler Tour Cheryl Scott guests. Guide 11/24/2015- 900- 1030 Plant Tour Boardroom New Employee/Open to Randy Kleinman Tour Cheryl Scott the Public Tour Guide 11/25/2015- 900- 1030 Plant Tour Boardroom WestCoast University Gina Tetsch Tour Cheryl Scott Nursing to tour P1. Approx. Guide 15 guests. 11/30/2015- 1245- 1415 Plant Tour Boardroom Fullerton College to tour Ingrid Hellebrand Tour Cheryl Scott P1. Approx. 25 guests. Guide 11/30/2015 9:19:55 AM OCSD Outreach Report - 1 113 012 01 5 Date Time Or anizati Location Purpose Attendee Contact 12/02/2015- 930- 1100 Plant Tour Room A CSULB Nursing to tour P1. Gina Tetsch Tour Cheryl Scott Approx. 13 guests. Guide 12/03/2015- 830- 1000 Plant Tour Boardroom Saddleback College to tour Jeff Armstrong Tour Cheryl Scott P1. Approx. 30 guests. Guide 12/05/2015- 800- 1000 Plant Tour Boardroom CSUF Engineering to tour Mark Esquer Tour Cheryl Scott P1. Approx. 20 guests. Guide 11/30/2015 9:19:55 AM Monthly News Clippings G�JN�V S A N I TgT�Oy = 9 Q 2 c� o � FCTi� �E November 2015 OCSD Public Affairs Office Table of Contents GWRS...................................................................................PAGE 1 November 23, 2015 CA plans Nation's largest Recycled Water Supply Program By: Sara Jerome Water Online HUMAN INTEREST................................................... .................PAGE 3 November 12, 2015 Irvine Ranch Water gets edge in bid for Tustin area sewer service By: Brooke Edwards OC Register WHAT 2 FLUSH................................................... ....................PAGE 5 November 19, 2015 Wipes in the pipes By: Andrea Goodell Holland Sentinel TWITTER POSTINGS................................................... ..............PAGE 8 FACEBOOK POSTINGS................................................... ..........PAGE 10 November 23, 2015 Water Online 6)91 JJJ1JJJ9 November 23,2015 California Plans Nation's Largest Recycled Water Supply Program R By Sara Jerome @sarm'e ,L Southern California is looking for ways to make better use of wastewater in what could become the largest recycled water supply program in the nation. "The board of directors of Metropolitan Water District, Southern California's largest water importer,has approved a plan to explore a large-scale regional treatment project to purify wastewater currently discharged into the Pacific Ocean and instead use it to recharge local groundwater basins,"BizJommals reported. `The board authorized an agreement with the Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County to develop a i- million-gallon-per-day demonstration plant and also to establish terms and conditions for future development,'the report said. The plan would require a significant facility upgrade for the district."Metropolitan could ultimately build a new purification plant to produce up to 168,000 acre-feet per year at the sanitation district's Joint Water 1 Pollution Control Plant in Carson along with about 30 miles of distribution pipelines to replenish groundwater basins in Los Angeles and Orange counties,"district officials explained in a statement. Metropolitan Board Chairman Randy Record explained the significance of the plan. "The purified water produced by this program would represent a new drought-proof supply to help replenish the region's groundwater basins,which typically produce about a third of Southern California's overall water needs,"Record said."Diversifying the region's supply sources,advancing conservation and maintaining our imported supplies are all critical and complementary parts of our long-term water plan for Southern California." Using recycled water for groundwater recharge has a long history in California."The Orange County Water District(OCWD)has been recharging with Santa Ana River water since it was formed in 1933.As the watershed became more populated,more of the river flow was comprised of treated wastewater.This river continues to be a source of replenishment for groundwater basins,"according to the Water Replenishment District of Southern California. More recently,Orange County"began operation of the Groundwater Replenishment System,which utilizes microfiltration,reverse osmosis,ultraviolet light to produce recycled water that is used for percolation in ponds and for seawater barrier protection." The entire state of California is experiencing abnormally dry or drought conditions, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.The state has been languishing in extreme drought for four years. For more on the Western drought,visit Water Online's Water Scarcity Solutions Center. 2 November 12, 2015 OC Register ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER Irvine Ranch Water gets edge in bid for Tustin area sewer service Nov. 12,2015 Updated 12:00 a.m. © la L..AMb C3 4ewr Ar, E.CMGms Ave. afaH C CM1aOmm Are. � iN GRANGE ORANGE G E.IMR. NORTH E. St. � � NORTH Nvine 814. kvne Rio.. SANTA SANTA AM ANA TGSTN TGSTN 5 IRVIN[ IMNf kurteYRR0 STAII.A.0 5—,MOM STAFF GRARIIC By BROOKE EDWARDS STAGGS/ Staff Writer Irvine Ranch Water District just got the upper hand in a bid for 80,000 new customers. Staff from the Orange County Local Area Formation Commission recently recommended allowing the Irvine water agency to take over sewer service for residents in westem Tustin,North Tustin and El Modena, an unincorporated community near Orange. 3 East Orange County Water District also submitted an application to serve the area, drawing support from some local leaders and residents. However,LAFCO, which oversees boundary and governance changes, reviewed both applications and released a report endorsing Irvine Ranch Water for the job. "Because of the district's history of financial stability and the economies of scale that will be gained in terms of staffing and other resources, IRWD is the most logical local sewer provider,"the LAFCO staff report states. Orange County Sanitation District has served the 7,800-acre area since 1985.Now the county agency wants to step away from local services to focus on countywide wastewater treatment. That prompted the competing bids,with Irvine Ranch promising to lower rates by 50 percent while East Orange County Water pledged to lower them by 10 percent. State law favors an existing agency expanding its service rather than a new one entering the field,the LAFCO analysis states. The report cites Irvine Ranch Water District's 50-year experience handling sewer service,while East Orange County Water has only offered water service. The final decision rests with the I I-member regional LAFCO. Project manager Ben Legbandt said the vote will be pushed back until at least Dec. 9, since the county Board of Supervisors needs to first take action on related property tax changes. Contact the writer: 714-796-7963 or BStaggs@OCRegister.com 4 November 19, 2015 Foothills Sentry Wipes in the pipes : ' Flushable' wipes causing Holland BPW problems Waste water officials are warning consumers that "flushable" wipes aren't so flushable. The Holland Board of Public Works is warning that the only item that is actually suitable for flushing is toilet paper. "Flushable" wipes, officials say, do damage to pipes and infrastructure. Andrea Goodell/Sentinel Staff 5 By Andrea.Goodell @ hollandsentin el.com (616) 546-4275 Posted Nov. 19, 2015 at 7:00 AM Holland, Mich. Don't flush those wipes! Waste water officials are warning consumers that "Flushable" wipes aren't so Flushable. Tissues, paper towels and "flushable" wipes all remain intact to one degree or another and can clog up home drains and sewer lift stations, pumps and other areas down the line. Over the past five to 10 years, the Holland Board of Public Works has seen an increase in maintenance at its lift stations as a direct result of wipes "binding up"the works, according to Waste Water Treatment Plant Superintendent Joel Davenport. "We obviously want to provide a high quality service for the lowest possible price," Davenport said, "but when things come into the sewer that aren't intended for the sewer, it's going to have an impact." Three years ago, the municipal utility replaced its headworks facility at a cost of$5.3 million. The headworks sifts out large pieces of debris such as wipes. In the past two fiscal years, the headworks has removed about 450 tons (900,000 pounds) of material. Pumps partially plugged will continue to run, but are much less efficient, according to BPW documents. This requires them to run longer and increases the wear on the equipment. "Wipes weren't the only driver of that project, but they were certainly one driver of that project," Davenport said. Toilet paper disperses after about 20 seconds, while wet wipes remained intact after 24 hours, according to a 2012 experiment by the Orange County California Sanitation District. "Flushable" has no legal definition, and the Federal Trade Commission does not regulate what products can carry the label. Both the wipes industry and utilities organizations are working to establish standards. Anything made of paper or cloth, the BPW terms "rags." Paper towels, flushable wipes, even diapers and cloth towels are found in the sewer, Davenport said. 6 "I don't think most people realize toilet paper is designed so that as soon as you flush, it's gone," Davenport said. "The more durable it is when you use it, the harder it's going to be to breakdown." 7 November 2015 OCSD Tweets 'twitter Posts for November 2015 Tweeted 8 times, Re-tweeted 7 time OC Sewers @OC_Sewers Nov 25 Holiday Dinners Stick to Your Ribs and your Pipes. Learn how to keep plumbing and local sewers free from blockages http://www.ocsewers.com OC Sewers @OC_Sewers Nov 24 Currently accepting applications for the position of Public Affairs Intern. If you're interested please apply. http://agency.governmentjobs.com/oesd/default.cfm ... 0 CWEA Members @CWEAMembers Nov 17 Member profile: Roy Reynolds is Chair of CWEA's Technical Con Program &@OC_Sewers Maintenance Superintendent PInt1 pic.twitter.com/K6ZOer5A4u 8 The more I got involved in maintenance requirements the more I fourid I had to have those math skills. I think water math is a skill all on its own. - Roy Reynolds �t Careers In Gov @careersingov Nov 15 .,@\I)OvjCSewers SOURCE CONTROL INSPECTOR http://ow.ly/UiEEx #science#water#environment#CA #careerarc#veterans#black#women#Iatino �oulFlresplrit @OwlFireOrchidl5 Nov 14 Retweeted Careers In Gov (@careersingov): .@OC_Sewers SOURCE CONTROL INSPECTOR http://ow.ly/UiECs #science... http://fb.me/6Rwu3VaUQ Orange County Water @OCWDWaterNews Nov 2 U>. #OCWD staff will present on current&future#stormwater capture&recharge @OC_Sewers CAL FIRE NEWS @CalFireNews Nov 1 California, USA i @OC_Sewers @CA_DWR sandbagging class? better investment is simple sand-bagging rigs even traffic cones mounted between sawhorses#BeenThere 9 November 2015 OCSD Facebook Postings Facebook Posts for November 2015 Posted 13 times and Re-Shared 2 times Orange County Sanitation District Published by Rebecca Gorelick Long - November 25 at S:OOpm Happy Thanksgiving! Just a reminder that our Administrative offices will be closed on Thursday, November 26 and Friday,November 27 for the Thanksgsiving Holiday. M 10 Orange County Sanitation District Published by Rebecca Gorelick Long - November 25 at 8:54am - Edited Holiday Dinners Stick to Your Ribs and your Pipes! Orange County Sanitation District wants to share some tips on how to keep your plumbing and local sewers free from blockages by properly disposing of fats, oils and grease this holiday season and in the coming New Year. Learn more at www.ocsewers.com. A , FU RE Illy 10 Orange County Sanitation District Published by Rebecca Gorelick Long - November 24 at 3:41pm We're currently accepting applications for the position of Public Affairs Intern. If you're interested please apply. http://agency.gove=entjobs.com/ocsd/default.efin You can apply online by clicking on thejob title you are interested in and clicking on the "Apply" link. If this is the first time you are applying using our online job application,you will need to create an account and select a Usemame and Password. If you previously had an account on our old sy... agency.govemmentjobs.com Lim IV Orange County Sanitation District Published by Kelly Newell - November 20 at 3:23pm Thank you to County of Orange CEO Frank Kim, COO Mark Denny, FIR Interim Terri Bruner& staff for coming to tour OCSD today. L a 10 Orange County Sanitation District Published by Kelly Newell - November 20 at 10:Main Thank you to the Beijing Drainage Group, a large municipality with eight wastewater treatment plants, for touring OCSD and learning about OCSD biosolids program. 11 Orange County Sanitation District Published by Jennifer Cabral - November 18 at 6:35pm Congratulations and thank you to our 2016 Safety Contest submitters who attended our Board meeting tonight to be recognized for their outstanding safety poster submissions. Safety is a priority to all of us here at OCSD!! Orange County Sanitation District Published by Kelly Newell - November 17 at 9:47am Our very own Director of Facilities Support Services,Nick Arhontes and our What 2 Flush campaign were highlighted in an article in the Southern California Alliance of Publicly Owned Treatment Works (SCAP)Monthly Update. Check it out! http://billy/1 WXoZE8 OCSD was highlighted in the SCAP Monthly Update OCSD was highlighted in the Southern California Alliance of Publicly Owned Treatment Works (SCAP)Monthly Update on our What 2 Flush campaign and OCSD's participation in a research project on the dispensability of flushable wipes,thanks in part of our very own Nick Arhontes, Director of Facilities... Orange County Sanitation District Published by Kelly Newell - November 13 at 2:58pm - Orange, CA ReadyOC has emergency preparedness mobile apps! Do you know what do you in case of a emergency?https://t.co/ZTzWgTEY13 12 Orange County Sanitation District Published by Jennifer Cabral - November 12 at 6:32pm OCSD's Administration Committee Meeting-Listening to Adam Hutchinson, Orange County Water District's Recharge Planning Manager present on OCWD's storm water capture efforts. OC is ready to capture storrn flow. 10 Orange County Sanitation District Published by Kelly Newell - November 9 at 1:29pm - Edited Just a reminder that our Administrative offices will be closed on Wednesday,November I Ith in remembrance of Veterans Day. Orange County Sanitation District Published by Kelly Newell - November 5 at 7:30am We're currently accepting applications for the position of a Source Control Inspector II. If you're interested please apply. http://agency.govemmentjobs.com/ocsd/default.effn ... ... ... agency.govemmentjobs.com You can apply online by clicking on the job title you are interested in and clicking on the "Apply" link. If this is the first time you are applying using our online job application,you will need to create an account and select a Usemame and Password. If you previously had an account on our old sy... agency.govemmentjobs.com 13 Orange County Sanitation District Published by Kelly Newell - November 4 at 10:51 am Orange County Sanitation District Welcomes New Human Resources Director Celia Chandler The Orange County Sanitation District(OCSD)recently welcomed Celia Chandler as the new Human Resources Director. Chandler has more than 20-years of experience both in the private and public sectors. Chandler holds a Bachelor's degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies from San Diego State University and a Management Certificate in Human Resources from the University California, Riverside. To learn more,please visit: http://www.ocsd.com/Home/Components/News/News/572/52... Orange County Sanitation District Welcomes New Human Resources Director Celia Chandler The Orange County Sanitation District(OCSD)recently welcomed Celia Chandler as the new Human Resources Director. Chandler has more than 20-years of experience both in the private and public sectors. Chandler holds a Bachelor's degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies from San Diego Star... 10 Orange County Sanitation District Published by Kelly Newell - November 2 at 3:33pm Congratulations to Rich Castillon, OCSD's IT System and Operations Manager for his 25 yews of service with OCSD. Rich joined OCSD in 1990 as an Instrumentation Maintenance Technician and quickly promoted to IT Manager in 1999. In 2007, Rich promoted to his current position of IT Systems & Operations Manager where he manages the Information and Technology Division and is responsible for over 40 people and is in charge of a$10 million dollar budget. Prior to coming to OCSD, Rich spent three years in the Army, 6 years in the California Air National Guard and 10 years at Rockwell International in El Segundo in the Aircraft Air Transport Division. In his spare time he is an avid tennis player and still plays competitively. Congratulations again to Rich on his 25 yews of service to OCSD. 14 LEGISLATIVE AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS COMMITTEE M 2 1 ,1 ngDate To ad.ofDir. AGENDA REPORT ItemNumber Item Number a Orange County Sanitation District FROM: James D. Herberg, General Manager Originator: Bob Ghirelli, Assistant General Manager SUBJECT: LEGISLATIVE UPDATE GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION Information Only. SUMMARY Staff will provide an update on recent federal and state legislative activities. PRIOR COMMITTEE/BOARD ACTIONS N/A ADDITIONAL INFORMATION BUDGET/PURCHASING ORDINANCE COMPLIANCE N/A ATTACHMENT The following attachment(s) maybe viewed on-line at the OCSD webslte (www.ocsd.conn with the complete agenda package: • Federal Update-ENS Resources • State Update -Townsend Public Affairs • Grant Matrix Page 1 Ll�V PESOY RCES MEMORANDUM TO: Jennifer Cabral Rebecca Long FROM: Eric Sapirstein DATE: November 22, 2015 SUBJECT: Washington Update Congressional activities of interest to the District continued to involve finding a compromise on drought relief legislation,charting a course on a final fiscal year 2016 spending measure to avoid a mid-December governmental shut-down,and continuation of efforts to reverse a series of environmental rulemakings that impact pending water quality and climate policy. The following summarizes the status of these activities. Drought Relief Policy Senators Dianne Feinstein and Barbara Boxer's staff continued negotiations with House California Members'staff,led by Representative Kevin McCarthy's staff. In an unusual move,the Democratic representatives to this"preconference" meeting were selected by the Republican leadership to be Representatives John Garamendi and Grace Napolitano of California.This decision leapfrogged over the traditional selection of the senior Members of the key committee and subcommittee, Representatives Raul Grijalva (AZ) and Jared Huffman (CA). After several staff meetings during the past month,the staff reportedly reached an understanding on a number of noncontroversial issues. According to staff,the agreements tended to involve definitions related to water policy and restructuring existing water recycling programs like Title XVI to enhance administrative efficiencies in the management of the program. Despite this understanding, no bill language has been circulated.At the same time,no agreements have been reached on funding of any infrastructure programs as part of any such agreement.This absence throws into question the value of any new or existing programs without an agreement on funding levels. 11Fage The real debate continues to involve bridging the gulf between the House and Senate drought bills (H.R. 2898/S. 1894) on the matter of enhancing water transfers, streamlining environmental permitting mandates and water rights as they pertain to the operation of the federal and state water projects. Also,there appears to be ongoing pushback from some House Members on the value of establishing new federal assistance programs for water recycling infrastructure. The continued inability to find a middle ground on these issues has led to several delays in the release of proposed compromise that could lead to a bill markup,and then Senate passage followed by House approval. At this writing, House and Senate negotiators are expected to try and find a resolution by December 8. This timetable would allow for the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources to consider a drought bill. Even if a compromise is acted upon,and barring the incorporation of any such bill into an omnibus spending bill,final action on a drought bill would likely be delayed until next year because of the limited time remaining in the congressional session. New Alternative Water-Supply Funding Mechanism Under Consideration As discussions continue on how to develop drought relief legislation with additional infrastructure project assistance through a RIFIA program, enhanced Title XVI assistance,and a new competitive grants program at USEPA,a separate track has emerged that might benefit the District's infrastructure needs. A program known as the Water Infrastructure Loan Act (WILA),based on the success of a federal railroad infrastructure assistance program,is being contemplated for introduction by the Senator Feinstein,according to staff. A copy summarizing WILA is attached to this update. Under WILA, low interest loans and loan guarantees would be provided to support the construction of water supply infrastructure like water recycling. An applicant would be required to pay loan closing costs estimated to be 0.5%of the loan amount. A risk premium to cover the risk of default,estimated within a range of 2%-S%of the loan amount,would be mandated as a condition to receive assistance. The premium would be determined based upon the applicant's creditworthiness. Project assistance could cover 100%of a project's costs and repayment terms could stretch forty years,starting five years after project completion. Because the proposed approach would not impact the federal deficit, proponents believe it is a more effective financing tool at the federal level. It would not trigger budget offsets for new spending,as is the case with RIFIA and other options contained in the Senate and House drought bills,since no federal spending would be required other than providing a loan in which the costs, risks of default and repayment would be shouldered entirely by the loan recipient. Assuming that WILA gains more support in Congress,it could be introduced as a standalone measure. Such an action might result in a decision to pare back the drought bills,under discussion,to allow for a drought measure that would only address operational issues associated with water transfers and environmental protections associated with the delivery of drought related water supplies. Positive Train Control Technology Implementation Delay Heeding Industry and Wastewater Agencies'Concerns In the past month,Congress moved swiftly to avoid disruption of rail deliveries of critical water treatment supplies. After calls from entities ranging from railroad interests to wastewater and water agencies,Congress passed legislation that delays the mandate to implement safety devices to minimize train derailments until 2018. The president signed the measure into law. Therefore, deliveries of vital treatment supplies that allow for compliance with NPDES permits, for example, will continue uninterrupted for the next two years while the rail industry continues to work toward implementation of the technology to better brake rail cars. 21Page WIFIA Tax Exempt Financing Prohibition Set for Revision as Part of Final Highway Rewrite The prohibition on combining tax exempt financing with the WIFIA loan assistance program may be eliminated. The prohibition was adopted to allow Congress to pass WIFIA,without adding to the federal deficit.Without the prohibition,deficit hawks cited a loss of tax revenues stimulated by new WIFIA inspired tax exempt financing of wastewater and water infrastructure. According to staff to Senator Barbara Boxer and Representative Bob Gibbs (R-OH),chair of the clean water subcommittee with jurisdiction over WIFIA,the Members hope to use the final highway reauthorization bill to overturn the prohibition. The highway bill must be enacted before Congress recesses for the year in December. If successful,the elimination on the ban on using tax exempt bonds should provide for actual implementation of the WIFIA program at USEPA. Fiscal Year 2016 Budget The annual congressional debate on how to address policy disagreements with the White House continue despite an agreement on overall spending limits that congressional leaders and the White House achieved last month. Today,Congress faces a December 11 deadline to finalize a Fiscal Year 2016 spending bill for all federal agencies. As of this writing, congressional efforts to impose policy riders related to climate change and waters of the U.S.rulemakings,as well as non-environmental policies,including the resettlement of refugees has drawn an unequivocal veto threat from the White House. If Congress persists in adding policy riders and a veto is exercised,then a year-long stop-gap spending bill is more probable as a final spending bill. Because a final overall spending limit was agreed-upon last month, even a year-long Continuing Resolution could provide for important program increases compared to the sequester inspired cuts of the pending spending bills. For water infrastructure programs,like Title XVI and SRF,this would allow for increased funding of water recycling and traditional wastewater treatment project needs of the District. 31Page I NVvv IVJCIv L! PUBLIC AFFAIRS — TPA ^+• To: Orange County Sanitation District From: Townsend Public Affairs, Inc. Date: November 23, 2015 Subject: Legislative and Public Affairs Agenda Report State Political Update The Legislature will reconvene for the second year of the two year session on January 4, 2016. Legislators in both the Senate and the Assembly will have an accelerated legislative timeline as they take up all two- year bills that were introduced in the previous session. January 31 is the last day for each house to pass bills that did not pass out of their house of origin in the previous year. February 19 is the last day for any new legislation to be introduced. On November 16, Senator Fran Pavley, Chair of the Senate Natural Resources and Water Committee, hosted an informational hearing relating to water infrastructure funding needs. The hearing was a 'Tact finding mission' focused on acquiring information relating to the funding needs for water infrastructure throughout the state.The next hearing,to be held in early 2016, will look at these various funding solutions in more detail. At the hearing, several prominent figures in the water field testified that California suffers from an estimated $2-$3 billion a year in water infrastructure funding shortfalls. Senator Pavley mentioned that a public goods charge is being looked at as a possible method of bridging the funding gap and that historically, funding for water infrastructure projects has been most successful at the local level. Additionally, Lester Snow, Executive Director of the California Water Foundation, mentioned that a public goods charge could be modeled after the surcharge on customers of publicly owned utilities. This hearing was just the beginning of a complex and sensitive topic that will be discussed in the upcoming year. On the Assembly side, Assemblymember Richard Gordon, Chair of the Assembly Select Committee on Water Consumption and Alternative Sources, hosted his own informational hearing on November 17 relating to improving water availability through alternative sources. The panel of water experts included staff from the Department of Water Resources, the State Water Resources Control Board, and the Natural Resources Agency, as well as representatives from private institutions relating to water and a professor from the Ben Gurion University of the Negev in Israel. The panel reiterated that the best method for long term water supply resiliency is a portfolio based approach which leverages various sources of water and reduces dependability. Ellen Hanak of the Water Policy Center at the Public Policy Institute added that California should build on what was currently working such as regional coordination for projects and mandatory conservations. In the hearing, Proposition 218 passed by the voters in 1996, was cited as an obstacle to combating this drought. The panel went on to explain that local water agencies across the state have had their hands tied behind their back while they are struggling to overcome drought conditions. It is expected that more talk relating to Proposition 218 will emerge as a result of increasing drought conditions. Southern California Office-1401 Dove Street-Suite 330-Newport Beach,CA 92660-Phone(949)399-9050-Fax(949)476-8215 State Capitol Office•925 L Street•Suite 14N-Sacramento,CA 95814•Phone(916)447-0086-Fax(916)444-0383 FeEeral Office-600 Pennsylvania SE-Suite 207-Washington,DC 20003•Phone(202)546-8696-Fax(202)5464555 Northern California Office•300 Frank Ogawa Plaza-Suite 204-Oakland,CA M612-Phone(510)835-9050-Fax(510)835-9030 Executive Order 8-36-15 On November 13, the Governor issued Executive Order 8-36-15, which enacts further actions in order for the state to better mitigate the effects of the drought. The executive order streamlines the permitting process for projects that attempt to capture stormwater in events of high precipitation.This executive order also gives the State Water Resources Control Board the authority to extend the restrictions on urban potable water use if drought conditions last through January 2016. A breakdown of the order is below: • Previous executive orders and proclamations remain in full effect, except as modified in this executive order • SWRCB and California Regional Water Quality Control Board shall prioritize temporary water rights permits, water quality certifications, waste discharge requirements, and conditional waivers in relation to projects that help capture stormwater in rain events • If drought conditions extend through January 2016, the SWRCB shall extend the restrictions to October 31, and shall consider modifying its existing restrictions • The SWRCB shall use up to $5 million for permanent solutions that provide safer, cleaner, and more reliable drinking water to systems with less than 15 drinking water connections • The Energy Commission shall expedite the processing of all applications or petitions for amendments to power plant certifications issued by the Energy Commission for the purpose of remediating any wildfire damage and to restore power plant operation by authorizing emergency construction activities including demolition, alteration, replacement, repair or reconstruction necessary for power plant operation. In order for the State Water Resources Control Board to renew their emergency conservation regulations, they needed to receive specific authority, which is covered under this Executive Order. It is likely that the State Water Resources Control Board will consider modifications to the existing water conservation regulations.While nothing has been determined,the areas that they have been discussing include, but are not limited to: adjustments for climate, credits for potable reuse and desalination, regional compliance for conservation targets, and credits for groundwater. On December 7, the State Water Resources Control Board is conducting a public workshop to discuss the possible extension of the emergency conservation regulations. The workshop will focus on what elements of the regulations should be extended, what additional data (if any)should the State be collecting, and how should the State Water Resources Control Board account for the anticipated precipitation this winter and spring when considering an extension of the regulations. ® November 2015 Report 2 State Water Use: September 2015 For the fourth month in a row, California exceeded the Governor's 25 percent mandate, reducing their overall water use by 26.1 percent in September. Californian's have now saved a total of 777,739 acre-feet, equating to about 65 percent of its goal of 1.2 million acre-feet of water saved by February 2016. The cumulative water savings from June, July, August, and September when compared to the same months in 2013, is now 28.1 percent. The State Water Resources Control Board is urging Californian's to continue their efforts to conserve throughout the winter months, regardless of the assumed increase in rainfall. The State Water Resources Control Board has also been focused on informing residents about the importance of protecting their trees in times of drought, and to water them "slowly and carefully'. In September: • Suppliers reported 77,763 compliance and enforcement actions taken in September, a significant decrease from the 92,868 actions reported in August. • The Office of Enforcement continues to work with suppliers that have not met their conservation standard. Since June, the State Water Board has issued: o Eight conservation orders 0 99 information orders 0 68 warning letters o Seven alternative compliance orders • Of the 389 suppliers reporting for September, six were more than 15 percentage points away from meeting their conservation standard Looking Ahead: Legislative Priority Issues in 2016 As we look ahead to 2016, the State Legislation will have a continued focus on water and drought related topics. Throughout the 2016 legislative year we anticipate several water focused issues to be discussed including but not limited to the following priorities: • Proposition 218—Amendment/Re-Structure-The Governor noted in a signing message for AB 401 (Dodd), signed last year, that his Administration is going to work with the Legislature and stakeholders next year to address issues with Proposition 218. Several statewide associations, including the League of California Cities, ACWA, and the California Water Foundation have formed a coalition to pursue amendments to Prop 218., The coalition is looking at three key elements in their proposal: o Flexibility for tiered rate structures o Enhance ability to fund stormwater/flood management o Provide ability to do lifeline rates The approach could take one of two paths:an initiative or legislation as a constitutional amendment. A constitutional amendment would need to go through the legislative process, which would require a 2/3 vote in each House, by July 2016. ® November 2015 Report 3 • Sustainable Funding for Water Infrastructure - Public Goods Charge - At the end of the legislative session, Senator Fran Pavley amended SB 20 so that it would create the "California Water Resiliency Investment Fund. While the bill does not currently include a proposal as to how funds would be allocated into the Fund, it is likely that the bill will be used as a vehicle to discuss a statewide public goods charge on water. The current language in the bill would allow funding to be used for: emergency drought response, integrated regional water resiliency, safe drinking water for disadvantaged communities, environmental protections for fish and wildlife, and for improved data collection and management. This was first discussed in her November 16 hearing, referenced earlier in this report, and will be the focus of a January hearing. • Recycled Water and Ocean Discharge - SB 163 by Senator Hertzberg was amended the last week of the legislative session to address wastewater treatment. The bill would declare that the discharge of treated wastewaterfrom ocean outfalls, except in compliance with the bill's provisions, is a waste and unreasonable use of water in light of the cost-effective opportunities to recycle this water for further beneficial use. Hertzberg's office is collecting letters that outline agency concerns and is willing to have an open dialogue on how this will work for agencies • Water Consolidation—Cleanup Legislation - Budget Trailer Bill, SB 88, included consolidation language that allows the State Water Board to order public water system consolidations or extensions of service when a system serving a disadvantaged unincorporated community "consistently fails to provide an adequate supply of safe drinking water." The State Water Board is required to take several steps before ordering a consolidation or extension of service, including notifying the affected systems, consulting with the relevant local agency formation commission (LAFCO), and allowing time to negotiate another means of providing an adequate supply of safe drinking water. There may be additional legislation or trailer bill language in 2016 that will attempt to expand the efforts to mandate consolidations. • WateReuse Bottling Legislation -WateReuse is looking to sponsor legislation that will allow the bottling of potable reuse demonstration water for educational purposes. This will be similar to legislation that was run in 2010, AB 1100 (Duvall). WateReuse is working on the language and will take the proposal to their full Board in December. • Bay Delta Conservation Plan - California WaterFix is the preferred project by state and federal officials which aims to build two large pipes under the Delta in an effort to better protect Southern California's water future. The public comment period had been open since July 10 and the comments will help the State finalize the Environmental Impact Report (EIR). All comments will be addressed in the final EIR and will be considered during the decision making process. The state will not make final decisions about the proposed project until after the CEQA and NEPA processes have finished. o An initiative has qualified for the 2016 ballot that would require statewide voter approval before any revenue bonds can be issued or sold by the state for projects that are financed, owned, operated, or managed by the state or any joint agency created by or including the state, If the bond amount exceeds $2 billion. It also prohibits dividing projects into multiple separate projects to avoid statewide voter approval requirement. If passed, this initiative could pose an immediate threat to the California WaterFix plan. ® November 2015 Report 4 OCSD Priority Legislation —2 Year Bills AB 708 (Jones-Sawyer) Consumer Products: Content Information (OCSD Watch) Status: AS 708 is a two year bill. Next steps for AB 708: Assemblymember Jones-Sawyer intends to move this bill forward. His office is discussing possible amendments. AS 708 is currently in the Business and Profession Committee and will have until January 31 to pass the Assembly Floor. AB 1144 (Rendon) Renewable Portfolio Standard Program (OCSD Supports) Status: AS 1144 is a two year bill. Next steps for AS 1144: No decision has been made. AB 1217(Daly) Orange County Fire Authority(OCSD Opposed) Status: AS 1217 is a two year bill. Next steps for AS 1217: Discussions have occurred with the bill sponsor, but no decision has been made. SB 163 (Hertzberg) Wastewater treatment.,recycled water Status: SB 163 is a two year bill. Next steps for SB 163: Senator Hertzberg is willing to open a discussion on the details of SB 163 during the Fall Recess. TPA has scheduled a meeting with OCSD and Senator Hertzberg for December 1 at his district office in Van Nuys. Hertzberg's office has also requested detailed letters from stakeholders who have issues with this bill. TPA will work with staff to craft a letter to the Senator as follow up to the meeting on December 1. ® November 2015 Report 5 MD's Grant Funding Tracker Name of Grant Synopsis of Grant Amount of Grant Applying Y/N Project/Program Reason Deadline The P2 grant program supports grants and/or cooperative We do not fit within the guidelines of the grant. It EPA Pollution Prevention (P2) agreements that provide pollution prevention technical In fiscal year 2015, EPA anticipates approximately$3.97 states that the grant will be given to "state assistance services or training to businesses. Funded million will be available under this program. governments,colleges and universities(recognized projects use P2 techniques that reduce and/or eliminate as instrumentalities of the state),federally- pollution from air,water and/or land. No C4P recognized tribes and intertribal consortia". 5/14/2015 The program promotes projects that"encourage the development and use of safer alternatives to The SRA funds projects that address: (1)climate change hazardous chemicals",and references EPA and DTSC mitigation/prevention of greenhouse gas emission by priority lists. The program guidelines describe EPA Source Reduction Assistance(SRAI providing technical assistance to businesses; (2)food EPA hasi total of$15 million to award in SRA grants hazardous materials as chemical ingredients, paints, manufacturing; and 3 State or community approaches in FY 2015. ( ) y pproaches solvents and pesticides on land and hazardous to hazardous materials source reduction. wastes. The guidelines give examples like assisting business to improve material practices that reduce the risk of release of hazardous chemicals during a No C4P storm. 5/28/2015 Integrated Regional Water Management Funding: $5.4 billion in general obligation bonds for water and Designed to encourage integrated regional strategies for flood control projects. $60 million for the Santa Ana Prop 84 management of water resources and to provide funding Region. for implementation projects that support integrated Appyling for the grant.SAW PA has recommeded water management. Yes Projects include: 2-72 OCSD to receive$1 million. Next phase: DWR Spring 2015 The Drought Response Program is funded under the U.S. Total program fuding$3 million. Award ceiling Department of the Interior's(Interior)WaterSMART $300,000.00 (Sustain and Manage America's Resources for Tomorrow) Program.The Drought Response Program supports a proactive approach to drought by providing assistance to water users to (1)develop and update comprehensive drought contingency plans Drought Contingency Plans,(2) The schedule for the project shows final completion in October 2020. USBR requires that the project be Water Smart Drought Resiliency implement projects that will build long-term resiliency to completed by September 30,2017(FDA p.45). Our drought(Drought Resiliency Projects),and (3) implement emergency response actions.This Funding Opportunity project does not fit within this timeline. Announcement(FDA)supports Drought Resiliency Projects that will build long-term resiliency to drought and reduce the need for emergency response actions. No. Projects include: 2-72 6/25/2015 State Water Resources Control Board provides funding Authorize$7.12 billion in general obligation bonds for Pry for the planning,design and construction of water state water supply infrastructure projects. $725 million recycling projects that offset or augment state fresh for water recycling and advanced water treatment We are looking at applying for the construction water supplies. technology projects. Yes SP-173 grant. Spring 2016 The CPUC's Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP) Up to$1.4 million provides incentives to support existing, new,and emerging distributed energy resources.The SGIP provides rebates for qualifying distributed energy systems installed on the customer's side of the utility meter. Qualifying We are looking to see if the project fits within the Self-Generation Incentive Program technologies include wind turbines,waste heat to power technologies, pressure reduction turbines, internal specs of the grant combustion engines, microturbines,gas turbines,fuel cells,and advanced energy storage systems. In progress Aquacritox Ongoing Updated: Monday,November 16, 2015 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 PCSA Professional Consultant Services Agreement POTW Publicly Owned Treatment Works ppm Parts per million PSA Professional Services Agreement RFP Request For Proposal Glossary of Terms and Abbreviations RWQCB Regional Water Quality Control Board SARFPA Santa Ana River Flood Protection Agency SARI Santa Ana River Inceptor SARWQCB Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board SAW PA 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 BOO 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. Glossary of Terms and Abbreviations 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 the people detect the odor becomes the D/T 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. NOMA- 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. Glossary of Terms and Abbreviations 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. OCSD's service area is in the Santa Ana River Watershed.