HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-04-2019 Legislative Committee Meeting Complete Agenda PacketOrange County Sanitation District
LEGISLATIVE AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
Regular Meeting Agenda
Monday, November 4, 2019 - 12:00 PM
Board Room
Administration Building
10844 Ellis Avenue
Fountain Valley, CA 92708
(714) 593-7433
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.
AGENDA POSTING: In accordance with the requirements of California Government Code Section 54954.2, this
agenda has been posted outside the main gate of the Sanitation District’s Administration Building located at
10844 Ellis Avenue, Fountain Valley, California, and on the Sanitation District’s website at www.ocsd.com not
less than 72 hours prior to the meeting date and time above. All public records relating to each agenda item,
including any public records distributed less than 72 hours prior to the meeting to all, or a majority of the
Board of Directors, are available for public inspection in the office of the Clerk of the Board.
AGENDA DESCRIPTION: The agenda provides a brief general description of each item of business to be
considered or discussed. The recommended action does not indicate what action will be taken. The Board of
Directors may take any action which is deemed appropriate.
MEETING AUDIO: An audio recording of this meeting is available within 24 hours after adjournment of the
meeting. Please contact the Clerk of the Board's office at (714) 593-7433 to request the audio file.
NOTICE TO DIRECTORS: To place items on the agenda for a Committee or Board Meeting, the item must be
submitted in writing to the Clerk of the Board: Kelly A. Lore, MMC, (714) 593-7433 / klore@ocsd.com at least 14
days before the meeting.
FOR ANY QUESTIONS ON THE AGENDA, BOARD MEMBERS MAY CONTACT STAFF AT:
General Manager: Jim Herberg, jherberg@ocsd.com / (714) 593-7300
Asst. General Manager: Lorenzo Tyner, ltyner@ocsd.com / (714) 593-7550
Asst. General Manager: Rob Thompson, rthompson@ocsd.com / (714) 593-7310
Director of Human Resources: Celia Chandler, cchandler@ocsd.com / (714) 593-7202
Director of Engineering: Kathy Millea, kmillea@ocsd.com / (714) 593-7365
Director of Environmental Services: Lan Wiborg, lwiborg@ocsd.com / (714) 593-7450
LEGISLATIVE AND PUBLIC
AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
Regular Meeting Agenda Monday, November 4, 2019
CALL TO ORDER
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 outside
of the Board 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 Chairperson and are requested to limit comments to
three minutes.
REPORTS:
The Committee Chairperson and the General Manager may present verbal reports on miscellaneous matters of
general interest to the Directors. These reports are for information only and require no action by the Directors.
CONSENT CALENDAR:
Consent Calendar Items are considered to be routine and will be enacted, by the Committee, after one motion,
without discussion. Any items withdrawn from the Consent Calendar for separate discussion will be considered in
the regular order of business.
1.2019-697APPROVAL OF MINUTES
RECOMMENDATION:
Approve Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Legislative and Public Affairs
Committee held October 14, 2019.
Originator:Kelly Lore
Agenda Report
10-14-2019 Legislative Committee Minutes
Attachments:
NON-CONSENT:
2.2019-696PUBLIC AFFAIRS UPDATE FOR THE MONTH OF OCTOBER 2019
RECOMMENDATION: Recommend to the Board of Directors to:
Receive and file the Public Affairs Update for the month of October 2019.
Originator:Jim Herberg
Page 1 of 3
LEGISLATIVE AND PUBLIC
AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
Regular Meeting Agenda Monday, November 4, 2019
Agenda Report
Outreach Report October 2019
Monthly Clippings October 2019
Attachments:
3.2019-698LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS UPDATE FOR THE MONTH OF OCTOBER
2019
RECOMMENDATION: Recommend to the Board of Directors to:
Receive and file the Legislative Affairs Update for the month of October 2019.
Originator:Jim Herberg
Agenda Report
Federal Update - ENS Resources
Federal Legislative Matrix - ENS Resources
State Update - Townsend Public Affairs
State Legislative Matrix - Townsend Public Affairs
Grant Matrix
Attachments:
INFORMATION ITEMS:
4.2019-549CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF SANITATION AGENCIES AND
ASSOCIATION OF CALIFORNIA CITIES-ORANGE COUNTY
RECOMMENDATION:
Information Item.
Originator:Jim Herberg
Agenda ReportAttachments:
5.2019-550DRAFT 2020 LEGISLATIVE/REGULATORY PLAN
RECOMMENDATION:
Information Item.
Originator:Jim Herberg
Agenda Report
Draft Legislative and Regulatory Plan 2020
Attachments:
DEPARTMENT HEAD REPORTS:
Page 2 of 3
LEGISLATIVE AND PUBLIC
AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
Regular Meeting Agenda Monday, November 4, 2019
CLOSED SESSION:
None.
OTHER BUSINESS AND COMMUNICATIONS OR SUPPLEMENTAL AGENDA ITEMS, IF
ANY:
BOARD OF DIRECTORS INITIATED ITEMS FOR A FUTURE MEETING:
At this time Board members may request staff to place an item on a future agenda.
ADJOURNMENT:
The next Legislative and Public Affairs Committee meeting is scheduled for Monday,
December 9, 2019 at 12:00 p.m.
Page 3 of 3
Orange County Sanitation District
LEGISLATIVE AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS
COMMITTEE
Agenda Report
Administration Building
10844 Ellis Avenue
Fountain Valley, CA 92708
(714) 593-7433
File #:2019-697 Agenda Date:11/4/2019 Agenda Item No:1.
FROM:James D. Herberg, General Manager
Originator: Kelly A. Lore, Clerk of the Board
SUBJECT:
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION
RECOMMENDATION:
Approve Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Legislative and Public Affairs Committee held October
14, 2019.
BACKGROUND
In accordance with the Board of Directors Rules of Procedure,an accurate record of each meeting
will be provided to the Directors for subsequent approval at the following meeting.
RELEVANT STANDARDS
·Resolution No. OCSD 18-12
ATTACHMENT
The following attachment(s)are included in hard copy and may also be viewed on-line at the OCSD website
(www.ocsd.com) with the complete agenda package:
·Minutes of the Legislative and Public Affairs Committee meeting held October 14, 2019
Orange County Sanitation District Printed on 10/23/2019Page 1 of 1
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Orange County Sanitation District
Minutes for the
LEGISLATIVE AND PUBLIC
AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
Monday, October 14, 2019
3:30 PM
Board Room
Administration Building
10844 Ellis Avenue
Fountain Valley, CA 92708
(714) 593-7433
CALL TO ORDER
A meeting of the Legislative and Public Affairs Committee was called to order by Committee
Chair Peter Kim on Monday, October 14, 2019 at 3:32 p.m. in the Administration Building of
the Orange County Sanitation District. Chair Kim led the pledge of allegiance.
DECLARATION OF QUORUM:
A quorum was declared present, as follows:
Present:Peter Kim, Allan Bernstein, Lucille Kring, Christina Shea, David
Shawver and John Withers
Absent:Erik Peterson
STAFF PRESENT:
Jim Herberg, General Manager; Robert Thompson, Assistant General Manager; Lorenzo Tyner,
Assistant General Manager; Kathy Millea, Director of Engineering; Lan Wiborg, Director of
Environmental Services; Kelly Lore, Clerk of the Board; Jennifer Cabral; Tanya Chong; Daisy
Covarrubias; Al Garcia; Rebecca Long; Joshua Martinez; and Kelly Newell.
OTHERS PRESENT:
Brad Hogin, General Counsel; David French, ENS Resources (via teleconference); and Eric
O’Donnell, Townsend Public Affairs (TPA).
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
There were no public comments received.
REPORTS:
Chair Kim did not provide a report.
General Manager Jim Herberg introduced newly promoted Principal Public Affairs Specialist
Daisy Covarrubias.
Page 1 of 4
LEGISLATIVE AND PUBLIC
AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
Minutes October 14, 2019
CONSENT CALENDAR:
1.APPROVAL OF MINUTES 2019-639
Originator: Kelly Lore
MOVED, SECONDED, AND DULY CARRIED TO:
Approve Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Legislative and Public Affairs
Committee held September 9, 2019.
Ayes:Peter Kim, Allan Bernstein, Lucille Kring, Christina Shea, David
Shawver and John Withers
Noes:None
Absent:Erik Peterson
Abstentions:None
NON-CONSENT:
2.LEGISLATIVE AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS COMMITTEE MEETING DATES 2019-636
Originator: Jim Herberg
Administration Manager Jennifer Cabral presented the item and responded to
questions from the Committee.
MOVED, SECONDED, AND DULY CARRIED TO:
Approve proposed 2020 schedule of the Legislative and Public Affairs Committee
Meeting dates and times: January no meeting, February 10 at 12:00 p.m., March 9 at
12:00 p.m., April 13 at 3:30 p.m., May 11 at 12:00 p.m., June no meeting, July 13 at
3:30 p.m., August no meeting, September 14 at 12:00 p.m., October no meeting,
November 9 at 12:00 p.m., and December no meeting.
Ayes:Peter Kim, Allan Bernstein, Lucille Kring, Christina Shea, David
Shawver and John Withers
Noes:None
Absent:Erik Peterson
Abstentions:None
Page 2 of 4
LEGISLATIVE AND PUBLIC
AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
Minutes October 14, 2019
3.LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS UPDATE FOR THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER
2019
2019-551
Originator: Jim Herberg
Rebecca Long, Senior Public Affairs Specialist reminded the Committee that the State
of the District will take place on October 25 at 8:00 a.m. at Mile Square Park; and
provided an update on the CalGovOps Mass Timber Grant, Draft Legislative Plan for
2020, and Cal Recycle's grant for the Foodwaste Digester project at Plant No. 2.
Eric Sapirstein, ENS Resources, provided a PowerPoint presentation and a brief
overview of key legislative activities for the month including: FY 2020 Appropriation
Status, Extended NPDES Permit Terms and PFAS/PFOA: National Defense
Authorization Act. Lan Wiborg, Director of Environmental Services provided an update
to the Committee on the federal analysis and necessary legislation needed at the state
level as well as working with a consortium to validate and sanction testing that is taking
place.
Eric O'Donnell, TPA, provided a PowerPoint presentation and overview on the current
legislative schedule and deadlines, a recap of priority two-year bills, priority legislation
status, 2019 OCSD led legislative proposals, and potential 2020 ballot measures
including Split Roll Tax Reform which amends Proposition 13 and Natural
Resources/Climate Change/Wildfire Bonds.
WITHOUT OBJECTION ACTION TAKEN TO: Recommend to the Board of Directors
to:
Receive and file the Legislative Affairs Update for the month of September 2019.
4.PUBLIC AFFAIRS UPDATE FOR THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER 2019 2019-648
Originator: Jim Herberg
Brad Hogin provided information on AB 1486 (Ting) including the requirements of
disposal of surplus land by a local agency in California and the minimal impact of this
bill to the Sanitation District.
Ms. Cabral provided a brief update on the events and activities that took place during
the month and announced that the GWRS Final Expansion Groundbreaking will take
place at OCWD on November 8 at noon. She also mentioned that as part of workforce
planning efforts, Human Resources will be attending the Sanitago Canyon Career Fair.
Ms. Cabral also stated that a productive meeting with Garry Brown from OC
Coastkeeper was recently held.
WITHOUT OBJECTION ACTION TAKEN TO: Recommend to the Board of Directors
to:
Receive and file the Public Affairs Update for the month of September 2019.
Page 3 of 4
LEGISLATIVE AND PUBLIC
AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
Minutes October 14, 2019
5.PUBLIC AFFAIRS YEAR-END REPORT 2019-649
Originator: Jim Herberg
Ms. Cabral provided a PowerPoint presentation on the Public Affairs Year-End Report
which included the Public Affairs portfolio of promotional material created within the
past year. The Committee Chair commended staff and complemented the graphic
designer on their creative and innovative work.
WITHOUT OBJECTION ACTION TAKEN TO: Recommend to the Board of Directors
to:
Receive and file the Public Affairs Year-End Report for Fiscal Year 2018/19.
INFORMATION ITEMS:
None.
DEPARTMENT HEAD REPORTS:
None.
OTHER BUSINESS AND COMMUNICATIONS OR SUPPLEMENTAL AGENDA ITEMS, IF
ANY:
David Shawver announced that he recently attended a tour of the Irvine Ranch Water District
and attended the 75th Anniversary Open House at the Costa Mesa Sanitary District.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS INITIATED ITEMS FOR A FUTURE MEETING:
Director Shawver expressed interest in forming a committee for the better wastewater
collection treatment and recycling academy which would host and educate neighboring cities
and agencies, and possibly creating a citizen's academy. Staff will come back with ideas and
proposals for discussion in the near future.
ADJOURNMENT:
At 4:45 p.m. Chair Kim adjourned the meeting to the next Legislative and Public Affairs
Committee meeting to be held on Monday, November 4, 2019 at 12:00 p.m.
Submitted by:
__________________
Kelly A. Lore, MMC
Clerk of the Board
Page 4 of 4
Orange County Sanitation District
LEGISLATIVE AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS
COMMITTEE
Agenda Report
Administration Building
10844 Ellis Avenue
Fountain Valley, CA 92708
(714) 593-7433
File #:2019-696 Agenda Date:11/4/2019 Agenda Item No:2.
FROM:James D. Herberg, General Manager
SUBJECT:
PUBLIC AFFAIRS UPDATE FOR THE MONTH OF OCTOBER 2019
GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION
RECOMMENDATION: Recommend to the Board of Directors to:
Receive and file the Public Affairs Update for the month of October 2019.
BACKGROUND
Staff will provide an update on recent public affairs activities.
RELEVANT STANDARDS
·Maintain influential legislative advocacy and a public outreach program
·Build brand, trust, and support with policy makers and community leaders
·Maintain collaborative and cooperative relationships with regulators, stakeholders and
neighboring communities
·Listen to and seriously consider community input on environmental concerns
PROBLEM
Many Californians are not aware of the Orange County Sanitation District (Sanitation District)and the
important work we do to keep the environment clean by using the wastewater byproducts to create
energy,water recycling,and the use of biosolids.In general,the community and businesses do not
realize that when they improperly dispose of waste into the sanitation system,it can negatively affect
the work we do and the quality of water we supply for the Groundwater Replenishment System.
PROPOSED SOLUTION
By providing tours,community outreach,education,and general communication via the Sanitation
District’s website,social media outlets,and mainstream media,we have the ability to educate the
community,local agencies,and businesses on the What2Flush program,energy production,water
recycling,biosolids,and our source control program.This,in turn,results in a better quality of
wastewater.
Orange County Sanitation District Printed on 10/24/2019Page 1 of 3
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File #:2019-696 Agenda Date:11/4/2019 Agenda Item No:2.
TIMING CONCERNS
N/A
RAMIFICATIONS OF NOT TAKING ACTION
If we do not educate the community,local agencies,and area businesses about the Sanitation
District,we lose an opportunity to educate thousands of people about our plants,source control,and
the wastewater industry as a whole.
PRIOR COMMITTEE/BOARD ACTIONS
N/A
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
October 2019
Activity ## of Guests
OCSD/OCWD Tours 7 125
OCSD Tours 12 231
Speaking Engagements 4 109
Events 3 350
Current Activities - October 2019
Water Professionals Week October 7-11
This year the Sanitation District participated in celebrating our water professionals by posting on our
social media sites and internal website highlighting a few of our staff.Water Professionals Week is
dedicated to honoring the important role that water and wastewater industry professionals play in our
communities to ensure that we have clean,safe drinking water,effective wastewater treatment,and
innovative water recycling techniques.
Placentia Heritage Festival
The Sanitation District hosted a booth at the Placentia Festival on October 12 where we spoke to
residents about the Sanitation District and handed out What 2 Flush educational material.
Costa Mesa Sanitary District’s 75th Anniversary Open House
On October 12,the Sanitation District attended the 75th Anniversary Open House for the Costa Mesa
Sanitary District where our Board Chair presented a certificate of commendation.The event also
brought California Legislators and staff to present resolutions in celebration of their 75th Anniversary.
Orange County Sanitation District Printed on 10/24/2019Page 2 of 3
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File #:2019-696 Agenda Date:11/4/2019 Agenda Item No:2.
Construction Outreach
Plant No. 2 Outreach
As part of the Plant No.2 Neighborhood Outreach program,the neighbors were invited to tour the
facility and learn about our operations and the upcoming construction.We had 4 people join the
October 18 tour.We also distributed the seventh issue of the Neighborhood Connection Newsletter
which goes out to approximately 1,500 of our neighbors in Huntington Beach,Costa Mesa,and
Newport Beach.
State College Sewer Construction Project
The project team participated in two City of Anaheim meetings to provide an update on the State
College Sewer Project.The meetings were hosted by the City to provide an update to the public on
various topics,our project being one of them.Attending these meetings allows us to connect to the
public we serve and hear first-hand how they are dealing with the construction.We appreciate the
City of Anaheim allowing us the opportunity to speak directly to their residents.
CEQA
N/A
FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS
N/A
ATTACHMENTS
The following attachment(s)are included in hard copy and may also be viewed on-line at the OCSD website
(www.ocsd.com) with the complete agenda package:
·Outreach Report October 2019
·Media Clips October 2019
Orange County Sanitation District Printed on 10/24/2019Page 3 of 3
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Outreach Report October 2019
Date Event Attendees
10/1/2019 OC Coastkeeper Tour 1
10/2/2019 CSUF Nursing tour 24
10/3/2019 CBIZ LA and guest tour 2
10/7/2019 UCI Tour 35
10/8/2019 Vanguard Nursing Tour 30
10/8/2019 Speaking Engagement - Project Access 4
10/9/2019
Speaking Engagement - Anaheim District 4 Community
Meeting 25
10/9/2019 American Univ. of Health Nursing tour 21
10/10/2019
Speaking Engagement - Anaheim District 5 Community
Meeting 40
10/10/2019 CSUF Nursing tour 13
10/11/2019 Edison HS Tours 38
10/11/2019 Speaking Engagement - UCI 40
10/12/2019 Placentia Heritage Festival 200
10/15/2019 Cypress College Tour 20
10/16/2019 CSUF Nursing tour 12
10/16/2019 American Univ. of Health Nursing tour 25
10/18/2019 Plant 2 Tour 10
10/22/2019 CSULB Nursing Tour 25
10/24/2019 CFCC Tour 25
10/25/2019 OCSD 2019 State of the District and Tour 100
10/26/2019 Santiago Canyon College Career Fair 50
10/28/2019 Loara High School Tours 50
10/30/2019 OCC Lab Tour 20
10/30/2019 UCI Tour 10
OCSD Public Affairs Office
Monthly News Clippings
October 2019
Table of Contents
GWRS…………………………………………… ................................ PAGE 1 October 7, 2019 A Wealthy California enclave has some of the purest tap water in the county, and it starts out as sewage Business Insider
October 10, 2019 Orange County Water District Designated Utility of the Future Today at WEFTEC 2019 California Water News Daily
HUMAN INTEREST…………………………………………… ................. PAGE 7 September 24, 2019 OCC’s new Mariner Training Center breaks ground in Newport; completion expected in 2021 Daily Pilot
September 26, 2019 Report on Poseidon desalination plant in Carlsbad, California shows poor performance and high costs Orange County Breeze September 27, 2019 County Sanitation District honored with industry award Daily Pilot October 2, 2019 The biggest likely source of microplastics in California coastal waters? Our car tires Los Angeles Times
October 11, 2019 Pilot Plant Aims to Ease Water Need Daily Breeze
SPILLS.…………………………………………… ................................ PAGE 26
September 25, 2019 Costa Mesa Denny’s gets heat over sewage spills Daily Pilot September 26, 2019 Many undeterred by water closure at Newport’s North Star Beach after 750-gallon sewage spill Daily Pilot TWITTER POSTINGS …………………………………………… ............. PAGE 32
FACEBOOK POSTINGS ……………………………………………………PAGE 33
INSTAGRAM POSTINGS……………………………………………………PAGE 36
1
A wealthy California enclave has
some of the purest tap water in the
country, and it starts out as
sewage
Aria Bendix October 7, 2019
Whenever I visit my hometown of Orange County, California, I get to sip some of the purest
drinking water in the US.
The quality is sometimes hard to spot, since many drinking-water contaminants are odorless,
tasteless, and invisible to the human eye. Even in cities where the water is contaminated with
lead, residents have reported that their taps are crystal clear.
Business Insider
October 7, 2019
2
But in Orange County, the water is actually as clean as it looks.
It wasn't always that way. In his new book, "Troubled Water," the activist Seth Siegel explains
how Orange County's taps went from having too much saltwater to spouting the purest
drinking water in the US.
Saltwater was seeping into Orange County's
freshwater supply
Orange County is just 35 miles from Los Angeles, but it relies on a different water system to
serve its nearly 3.2 million residents. About a decade ago, that system begin churning out the
most pristine water the country had ever seen.
From about the 1930s to the 1970s, farmers overpumped water through Orange County's
underground aquifers, the bodies of porous rock that act as a natural filtration system. The
process allowed seawater to seep into the county's freshwater supply — something known as
saltwater intrusion — and threatened to expose residents to excess sodium in their taps.
Though scientists are still studying the health effects of too much sodium in drinking water,
early research suggests it could lead to hypertension and chronic kidney disease.
Orange County prevented this scenario by getting people to drink recycled water instead.
Now, Orange County tap water starts out as sewage
The Groundwater Replenishment System in Fountain Valley, California, converts Orange County's sewage water into drinking water.
3
In 2008 the county unveiled a Groundwater Replenishment System, which purifies
wastewater from the local sewage system and turns it into clean drinking water.
Many cities have struggled to implement such a system because of pushback from local
residents who aren't keen on drinking water that originated in their toilets. But more than 4
million Americans — including residents of Dallas, Phoenix, and Atlanta — now get at least
some of their drinking water from treated sewage.
But Orange County's process is unique because it filters for inorganic contaminants — things
like pesticides and industrial chemicals that are hard to detect in water and may still be
allowed under federal law.
The US Environmental Protection Agency has drinking-water regulations for more than 90
contaminants, but Siegel said more than 100,000 chemicals and pharmaceutical compounds
escaped regulation.
"What makes Orange County so special is they say: 'OK, fine, the federal rules are X. We don't
really care. We're going to go so far beyond those rules that we're going to make the purest
water flow we can possibly have,'" he told Business Insider.
Water gets filtered through invisible holes and
zapped with UV light
Orange County's filtration process begins like most "toilet to tap" systems in the US.
Household sewage arrives at local wastewater treatment facilities, where it's filtered by
screens. Then friendly bacteria are added to get rid of lingering organic material (i.e., human
waste).
Most communities allow this treated water to be discharged into public waterways, but
Orange County's process doesn't stop there.
Next, the water heads to the Groundwater Replenishment System, where it passes through
another set of filters with holes so tiny that they're invisible to the human eye. Mike Wehner,
the assistant general manager at the Orange County Water District, told Siegel the holes were
one one-hundred fiftieth the width of a human hair.
4
Orange County's underground filtration system removes particles, bacteria, and viruses from
pretreated sewage water and pumps them through stainless steel pipes.
From there, the water goes through reverse osmosis, a process that extracts salt, minerals,
chemicals, and pharmaceutical compounds.
The water that emerges is free of minerals, so it's slightly acidic, which means it can corrode
local pipes. So the county adds crushed limestone back into the water supply to neutralize the
pH. From there, it disinfects the water by zapping it with ultraviolet light. This is meant to
ensure that not a single molecule of waste can survive.
"It's not fair to say that a contaminant could never possibly be in Orange County's water,"
Siegel said. But the community's taps, he added, are "as pure as pure can be."
The process could be replicated all over the country
Orange County's "toilet to tap" system was expensive — about $480 million to get off the
ground. But Siegel argues in his book that almost any city can replicate the process for less.
5
Water from the Groundwater Replenishment System in Fountain Valley.
In many poor communities, he said, water fees aren't actually used to improve the local water
system by investing in water infrastructure and technology. Most of these fees, he said, go
toward the municipal budget.
"Flint actually had the highest water fees in the United States when the crisis broke," Siegel
said. "What they did wrong was they diverted money from water fees to the general budget."
Based on his conversation with Wehner, Siegel estimates that having water as pure as Orange
County's would cost communities an extra $33 a person a year. (That's after repaying any
loans used to build the system and not including state and federal subsidies.)
As filtration technologies become more advanced, he said, that cost could drop lower.
"Now that Orange County has led the way and spent fortunes of money to figure it out,
everybody can adopt more or less the Orange County system at not a phenomenal expense,"
Siegel said. "Why isn't everyone doing it? The answer is: because nobody's pushing them to."
6
Orange County Water District Designated
Utility of the Future Today at WEFTEC 2019
By California Water News Daily on October 10, 2019
The Water Environment Federation’s (WEF) 92nd annual technical exhibition and conference (TEC), held Sept. 24 at McCormick Place in Chicago, has honored the Orange County Water District (OCWD) as the Utility of the Future Today (UotFT). This award celebrates the achievements of water utilities that transform from the traditional wastewater treatment system to a resource recovery center and who provide
leadership in the overall sustainability and resilience of the communities they serve.
“The Orange County Water District is extremely proud of this new designation,” said OCWD President Vicente Sarmiento. “Our agency has pioneered groundwater management for more than 80 years and water reuse for nearly 40 years. OCWD’s Board of Directors and staff take on the water challenges of today and prepare to meet the region’s water demands for generations to come. Solid science and state-of-the-art technologies guide our decisions.”
Like many California water agencies, OCWD realized long ago that they must prepare for a future replete with a shrinking source of water and an ever-growing population. To meet the challenges of groundwater
depletion and unreliable surface water supplies, plus the more recent problem of seawater intrusion from the Pacific Ocean, OCWD in partnership with the Orange County Sanitation District, created the Groundwater Replenishment System (GWRS). Launched in 2008, the GWRS is the world’s largest advanced water purification project of its kind. The system purifies wastewater and provides 100 million gallons of near-distilled quality water each day. The GWRS has been replicated in both Singapore and Australia as well as several U.S. cities and is considered the gold standard for both indirect and direct potable reuse projects.
Utility of the Future Today designation was launched in 2016 by the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA), WEF, the Water Research Foundation (WRF) and the WateReuse Association, along with input from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).The consortium of awarding agencies
have indicated that 43 utilities across the United States have been recognized this year that recover resources from wastewater, engage in their community, form unique partnerships, and build an internal culture of innovation. A total of 118 utilities have been recognized since the program started.
“Each of the Utility of the Future Today honorees represent a transformational approach to utility management that results in a ripple effect of benefits,” said WEF Executive Director Eileen O’Neill. “We are delighted to celebrate their impact and proud to recognize their leadership in water sector innovation.”
Numerous Orange County water agencies depend on the GWRS for up to 77 percent of their water demands including: Anaheim, Buena Park, Costa Mesa, Cypress, Fountain Valley, Fullerton, Garden Grove, Huntington Beach, Irvine, La Palma, Los Alamitos, Newport Beach, Orange, Placentia, Santa Ana, Seal Beach, Stanton, Tustin, Villa Park, Westminster and Yorba Linda.
California Water News Daily
October 10, 2019
7
OCC’s new Mariner Training Center breaks ground in Newport; completion expected in 2021
By LILLY NGUYEN SEP. 24, 2019 4:12 PM
Daily Pilot
September 24, 2019
8
Orange Coast College is building bridges in Newport Beach — literally.
Construction on the Costa Mesa college’s new Professional Mariner Training Center
is officially underway following a groundbreaking ceremony Monday afternoon,
and it will connect to the marine program’s sailing and rowing base at Newport
Harbor — just across the street — by a skyway bridge over West Coast Highway.
It also will have simulations of the bridge of a ship.
Once completed in fall 2021, the two-story, 12,000-square-foot training center will
be home to the college’s growing Professional Mariner Program, which currently
serves more than 1,500 students and adults annually, the college said.
The $22-million project is funded by Measure M, a Coast Community College
District initiative approved by voters in 2012 for facilities rehabilitation and
construction.
“It’s a demonstration of the support that Orange Coast College has from this community,” said OCC President Angelica Suarez. “From the passage of [Measure] M ... to coming out this afternoon for the groundbreaking, it just demonstrates the incredible support that the college enjoys from the community it serves.”
The new facility will include classrooms, a laboratory space, a full bridge simulator, a radar training room, a conference room and a student lounge.
Sarah Hirsch, newly appointed manager of the college’s community boating program, said the school offers a radar class to students on the main campus in Costa Mesa, but the new training room will bring the class to the program’s primary location on the water.
9
Students will have access to simulator units in the lab space, Hirsch said, and the full bridge simulator will be outfitted to look like the bridge of a ship, which serves as the command and control center.
“On the ship, you’d have a big window and a lot of electronic equipment right there to navigate,” Hirsch said. “To simulate that, a number of large screens will simulate the view out of the window, and we could actually work with our students to navigate out of, say, the Port of Long Beach or Los Angeles and they could practice leaving or managing in heavy weather.”
The project is more than 15 years in the making. Brad Avery, OCC’s director of marine programs and a Newport Beach city councilman, said the concept began when seven contiguous lots went up for sale across the street from the sailing and rowing base.
After the Orange Coast College Foundation tried unsuccessfully to buy the lots, the Orange County Sanitation District reached out to the sailing program to discuss installing a pump station at what would later become the construction site for the new training center, with the remaining land allocated to the college, Avery said. The Coast Community College District bought the land from the sanitation district in 2017.
Avery said the new facility will “supercharge” the program and provide a bigger presence in a credit program for students interested in maritime careers.
“Whether it’s on yachts, work boats, tug boats, military sea lift command or transferring to a four-year maritime college, we’re able to offer that with this new building,” Avery said. “That’s what it’s really about.”
Avery added that members of the public who participate in the program will be able to use the facility as well.
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“It’s a win-win for the community on both sides,” he said. “We’re training local kids for jobs in an avocation that they’re passionate about, but we’re also open to all community members to participate in the classes.”
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Report on Poseidon desalination plant in Carlsbad, California shows poor performance and high costs By: courtesy On: September 26, 2019 In: Community, Environment Tagged: Carlsbad CA, Orange County CA, Poseidon desalination plant, San Diego County Water Authority The San Diego County Water Authority’s 2019 fiscal year report on the Carlsbad ocean desalination
plant shows poor performance at the facility. According to the report, Poseidon paid a penalty of
almost $2 million for non-delivery of water, reaffirming concerns around affordability and reliability raised by community advocates in Orange County over the company’s proposal to build a similar desalination plant in Huntington Beach.
The report showed that water from the Carlsbad facility was far more costly than average, at a cost of
$2,685 per acre foot, and is expected to increase 5 percent next year. The Authority (SDCWA) paid an
astonishing total of $121 million for Poseidon’s desalinated water.
Orange County Breeze
September 26, 2019
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Alarmingly, the report also showed that Poseidon received five citations for violating its wastewater discharge permit at the Carlsbad plant over the last year. Desalination plants like Poseidon’s discharge
extremely salty, chemical-laden brine into the sea that can harm ocean plants and animals.
Poseidon also failed to deliver enough water to meet the area’s needs during the 2018-2019 contracted period, falling short by more than 5,000 acre feet. Despite this, the report indicated that Poseidon received a ‘Management Fee’ from the Water District based on their performance and the amount of the fee has not been disclosed.
“This is more evidence that Poseidon dealt Carlsbad a bad deal with its desalination plant and is trying
to repeat the corporate boondoggle in Huntington Beach,” said Ray Hiemstra, Associate Director of Programs of Orange County Coastkeeper. “Orange County and state leaders should take a hard look at this report as a cautionary tale and really consider what it would do to working families in Orange County who need affordable drinking water.”
Poseidon’s proposal for a $1 billion desalination plant in Huntington Beach is currently before the
Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board, who will likely issue a tentative decision in late November or early December. UCLA recently found that the Huntington Beach plant would make water less affordable for low-income households in Orange County, causing moderate to severe rate increases. A study by the Municipal Water District of Orange County found that the Poseidon’s
desalination plant would be the most expensive of all water supply options for Orange County, and the
most financially risky.
“All signs indicate that Poseidon’s desalination plant is a terrible idea. UCLA’s study shows it will raise water bills for Orange County families, and this report confirms that Carlsbad communities are already paying the price,” said Andrea Leon-Grossmann, Deputy Director of AZUL. “It is an injustice
to ask working-class families to pay more for water, only to benefit Wall Street investors.”
Poseidon’s recent corporate behavior has also been raising questions. While the $1 billion sale of the Carlsbad plant to international investment corporation Aberdeen Standard was reported in May, the sale was left unmentioned in the SDCWA report. The terms of the sale remain unknown, raising an important question of how to reconcile the profit from the sale against the $400 million public subsidy
Poseidon has applied for in Huntington Beach.
Moreover, Poseidon has been spending millions lobbying state officials and making campaign contributions, as well as hiring influential lobbyists including former Senator Barbara Boxer and Axiom Advisors, a lobbying firm with ties to Governor Newsom. Poseidon has also been linked to a front group called OCWISE.
“Orange County doesn’t need—and shouldn’t have to pay for—Poseidon’s boondoggle,” said Susan
Jordan, Executive Director of California Coastal Protection Network. “Orange County should look for cleaner, cheaper and common sense solutions like recycling water and capturing rainwater.”
For more information, please visit https://www.californiadesalfacts.org/
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September 27, 2019 County Sanitation District honored with industry award
The Orange County Sanitation District was recently honored by national water sector organizations through the Utility of the Future Today recognition program, according to a news release.
The district, based in Fountain Valley, was honored for its excellence in watershed stewardship.
“We are honored to be recognized for the innovations in watershed stewardship that allow us to protect the public health and the environment while providing a valuable resource,” district board Chairman David Shawver said in a statement. “Initiatives such as our dry weather urban runoff program that protects the beaches and the groundwater replenishment system that provides source water for the largest indirect potable reuse program in the world ensures our ratepayers are getting top-notch service while providing a tangible benefit beyond wastewater treatment.”
Daily Pilot
September 27, 2019
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The biggest likely source of microplastics
in California coastal waters? Our car tires
A new study finds that tire dust and fragments appear to be the largest source of microplastics polluting San Francisco Bay, and it is likely that the same is true for other coastal waters in California. (David Madison / Getty Images) By ROSANNA XIASTAFF WRITER OCT. 2, 2019 8:15 AM BERKELEY —
Driving is not just an air pollution and climate change problem — turns out, it just
might be the largest contributor of microplastics in California coastal waters.
Los Angeles Times
October 2, 2019
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That is one of many new findings, released Wednesday, from the most
comprehensive study to date on microplastics in California. Rainfall washes more
than 7 trillion pieces of microplastics, much of it tire particles left behind on streets,
into San Francisco Bay each year — an amount 300 times greater than what comes
from microfibers washing off polyester clothes, microbeads from beauty products
and the many other plastics washing down our sinks and sewers.
These tiny plastics, invisible to the naked eye, have been vilified for tainting water
and wildlife but are notoriously difficult to study. They’re everywhere and
seemingly come from everywhere. They wash into the ocean in all different shapes
and sizes, many covered with dyes and chemicals. Scientists and labs across the
state, the nation and the world haven’t even agreed on how exactly to measure or
sample or study them.
So a team of researchers, led by the San Francisco Estuary Institute and the 5 Gyres
Institute, a nonprofit research group focused on reducing plastic pollution, set off
to create an inventory of sorts to identify all the ways these different microplastics
were getting into San Francisco Bay. They analyzed hundreds of samples from fish,
sediment, surface water, wastewater and stormwater runoff and tried to trace the
origins of all these particles.
Mark Gold, who heads the state’s Ocean Protection Council and was recently
appointed the state’s deputy secretary for ocean and coastal policy, said he was
surprised that car tire particles were such a large source.
“I’m so used to thinking of the toxics that come from urban runoff and not the
actual physical particles from something like tire dust,” said Gold, who has worked
for 30 years on cleaning up California’s beaches and oceans from toxic chemicals.
“But the sheer number of particles … the scope and scale of this problem makes
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you realize that this is something that’s definitely worth looking at a great deal
more seriously.”
Once plastic enters the environment, it breaks down into smaller and smaller pieces
but never goes away. The tiny particles make their way into the ocean, into the
stomachs of marine animals, and ultimately become part of the food and water
people consume.
A recent UC Davis study sampled seafood sold at local markets in Half Moon Bay,
Calif., and found that one-quarter of the fish and one-third of the shellfish
contained plastic debris. A survey comparing 150 tap-water samples from five
continents found synthetic microfibers in almost every sample — 94% in the United
States.
Microplastics have been found in Lake Tahoe, in the deep, deep ocean — even in
the Arctic, one of the most remote regions in the world. A scientific review of 52
studies recently concluded that humans on average consume a credit card’s worth
of microplastic each week. The European Union is trying to classify microplastics as
a contaminant that is unsafe at any level of discharge.
“We’re using more and more plastic and it’s showing up as a footprint on the
seafloor,” said Jennifer Brandon, a microplastics biologist at UC San Diego’s Scripps
Institution of Oceanography whose research found that since the 1940s, the
amount of microscopic plastics has doubled about every 15 years. “It begs the
question: Is this what our civilization is going to be remembered for?”
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Brown pelicans at San Francisco Bay in Sausalito, Calif. Trillions of microplastic particles, invisible to the naked eye, dump into the bay every year and work their way through fish and birds and the rest of the food chain. (Eric Risberg / Associated Press)
Microplastics are commonly defined as plastic particles smaller than 5 millimeters
and classified into five general shape categories: foam, “sphere or pellets,” such as
microbeads; jagged “fragments” from larger plastic debris; “film,” such as
breakdowns from plastic bags and wraps; and “fibers,” from the likes of textiles,
fishing gear and even cigarette filters. Rubber is also considered plastic, both
natural (isoprene) and synthetic (styrene butadiene).
These particles often contain harmful chemical additives such as flame retardants
or plasticizers, but the overwhelming diversity in size and chemical composition
also makes toxicity difficult to predict, let alone study.
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What’s missing right now is a systematic approach to evaluating all these different
microplastics. When every study does it differently, it’s hard to compare results,
said Susanne Brander, an environmental toxicologist at Oregon State University.
As for rubber fragments, they can be toxic because of the fossil-fuel-associated
compounds that they’re likely picking up. The San Francisco findings, Brander
added, are a window into other populated coastal areas with so many bridges and
roads crisscrossing the watershed.
San Francisco Bay is a good laboratory for investigating this emerging contaminant
in an urban environment. Essentially a bathtub surrounded by more than 7 million
people, it ends up trapping many of the contaminants before they disperse into the
greater ocean.
In the latest study, a three-year, $1.1-million effort by a large team of researchers,
microplastics from almost 400 samples were identified and analyzed with
microscopes, tweezers and lasers in an ecotoxicology lab at the University of
Toronto. By establishing new standards for doing a large-scale study of a major
estuary and creating a baseline for all these diverse plastics, scientists found clues
to where all the particles were coming from.
“We wanted to come up with methods that could be duplicated anywhere in North
America — to measure the sources, pathways and fates of those various particles …
so that we could standardize a definition of the problem,” said Warner Chabot,
executive director of the San Francisco Estuary Institute, an independent science
think tank whose board draws both from regulating agencies and those being
regulated for water quality, as well as public interest groups.
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“The goal was to provide the data and the science to define and quantify the
microplastic problem and inform policy solutions.”
Researchers collected anchovies and smelt from six sites in the bay and found they
had higher particle counts — particularly of man-made microfibers — than those
tested in more undeveloped areas. These prey fish are a critical link between
contamination in sediment and seawater and the rest of the food web — an
indicator of exposure to larger predators and ultimately humans.
Eight wastewater treatment plants in the Bay Area were also examined. More than
90 million microparticles are discharged into the ocean every day through the
facilities, the report said.
Sediment samples were also collected from 20 sites. Scientists found that many
microplastics do indeed sink and accumulate on the seafloor, and that the highest
concentrations of microparticles were in areas that received large volumes of
wastewater and stormwater discharges. Public attention and scientific study, they
said, need to focus beyond just the plastic floating on the surface.
Scientists were also taken aback by the sheer amount of particles coming from
stormwater runoff, as well as the “black rubbery fragments” that made up almost
half of all the particles collected from these samples.
“No one had looked at all the water rushing off the streets during rainfall events to
see whether that had plastics in it,” said estuary institute scientist Rebecca Sutton,
the study’s lead author. “That makes all that driving we do something to think
about, not just in the Bay Area, but any setting where there are cars.”
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Researchers in California have been working on documenting the presence of
microplastics since as early as the 1990s. Studies by the Southern California Coastal
Water Research Project found that tiny pre-production plastic pellets, or “nurdles,”
have become a ubiquitous presence in Southern California beach sand.
The SCCWRP is now working with officials across the state to standardize the way
microplastics are measured and studied. There’s been growing movement on the
issue since two state Senate bills, signed into law in September 2018, called for the
State Water Quality Control Board to develop plans for quantifying microplastic
particles in drinking water by 2021, and for the Ocean Protection Council to come
up with a statewide strategy on the problem.
At a gathering Wednesday in Berkeley, top state environmental regulators,
policymakers and scientists examined the latest findings. They talked about the
need for better filters in washing machines that could trap microfibers, and the
benefits of more advanced filtration at wastewater treatment plants
Eliminating plastic at its source will always be the ultimate, though somewhat
unrealistic, solution. While people can stop using plastic straws, states can ban
microbeads and companies can redesign their shrink wrap, reducing the world’s
dependence on automobiles is a tougher nut to crack.
“The answer to many of these stormwater deposits is ... thinking about public
transit, getting people out of their cars — all the things that we need to do anyway
are just exacerbated by this issue,” said Jared Blumenfeld, who heads the California
Environmental Protection Agency.
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“Making this report actionable is about legislation, it’s about individual behavior
change, it’s about more corporate responsibility. Together, we can make a big
change.”
Another idea discussed Wednesday was the use of so-called rain gardens and
other nature-based infrastructure that can trap polluted runoff before it reaches
the ocean. Designed to remove well-known toxics and metals — while bringing
more nature back into the city — a local rain garden was found to capture more
than 90% of the microplastics.
“The role of greening cities becomes part of the overall solution.… It’s all part of a
complex dance,” Chabot said. “Plastic pollutes the air we breathe, the water we
drink, the food we eat. Plastics are a big part of the climate change problem….
Since California is the fifth-biggest economy on Earth, we have the potential to lead
the planet with solutions.”
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PILOT PLANT AIMS TO EASE WATER NEED
(Guests tour the newly unveiled Regional Recycled Water Advanced
Purification Center, a $ 17 million demonstration plant for purifying
wastewater into potable water, at the Metropolitan Water District of
Southern California water treatment plant in Carson on Thursday.)
By Martin Wisckol
mwisckol@scng.com @MartinWisckol on Twitter
Daily Breeze
October 11, 2019
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In its effort to establish a new, drought-proof source of water that could
serve a half million Southern California homes, the Metropolitan Water
District on Thursday unveiled a $ 17 million pilot plant that will bring
wastewater to drinkable standards.
Water from the trial project in Carson will not be piped to customers. It will
be put back with regularly treated wastewater and pumped into the ocean.
But it’s a key step toward construction of a working plant that would reduce
the region’s dependence on imported water. “Mother Nature doesn’t just
give us water she recycles the water,” said Rep. Grace Napolitano, D-
Norwalk. “We do it technologically.”
Napolitano, a longtime advocate for recycling water, was among a host of
speakers at Thursday’s grand opening of the pilot plant. Some 300 water
officials, elected officials and environmentalists attended.
Like a similar project in Orange County that already recycles enough wastewater to serve about 350,000 homes, the Carson project filtration
system would use reverse osmosis as a key part of the purification process.
As in Orange County, the resulting potable water would be used to recharge
groundwater basins. But Metropolitan officials also foresee the possibility of
piping purified wastewater directly to customers in a process some dub
“toilet-totap,” skipping the step of first putting it into the ground or into a
reservoir for mixing with other water supplies, as is done in San Diego.
So far, nowhere in the state has such a direct potable reuse system.
Furthermore, California doesn’t yet have a process for approving such a
plant.
“We want to help establish that process in the state,” said John Bednarski,
Metropolitan’s chief engineer. “We’re kind of leading the way.”
While the trial project will produce 500,000 gallons per day, the full-size
plant as envisioned would purify 150 million gallons. Estimated cost of a
final plant is $ 3.4 billion, with construction beginning as early as 2024 and
completion as soon as 2027 if all goes smoothly with the pilot, Bednarski
said.
Follow the leader
The state’s 2011-2015 drought underscored Southern California’s
vulnerability to inadequate water supplies. The four-year stretch was
California’s driest on record, with some experts predicting that climate
change will make such extreme droughts more common.
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Southern California relies on the Metropolitan Water District to import 45%
of the water supplied to 19 million residents in six counties. New local
sources of water provide buffers against both local droughts and decreased
availability of flows from Northern California and the Colorado River.
The Orange County Water District has been a leader in recycling wastewater
for potable use, launching its plant operations in 2008.
After purifying the water at its Fountain Valley plant, it pumps 100 million
gallons into the groundwater basin daily. Member water agencies then draw
the water back out, give it final treatment and pipe it to customers.
Already billed as “the world’s largest water purification system for indirect potable reuse,” the Orange County system is about to undergo a $ 292
million expansion that would increase its daily capacity to 130 million gallons
a day.
That would allow potable recycled water to serve 1 million people nearly a third of the county’s population. Construction is expected to begin before the
end of the year, with completion in 2023. The cost of Orange County’s
purified wastewater is $ 602 an acre-foot ( 326,000 gallons), far cheaper
than imported water at $ 1,100 an acre-foot, according to Orange County
Water District statistics.
The cost of purified water that would be produced at the Carson plant is
pegged at $ 800 an acre-foot but the 60 miles of new pipeline needed to
distribute it would bring the cost to $ 1,800, according to Bednarksi. It would still be worth it because of the hedge against drought and against
earthquakes shutting down import lines, he said.
Opponents of desalination plants proposed for El Segundo, Huntington
Beach and Doheny Beach have pointed to the Carson proposal as one reason the desalting approach isn’t needed.
But Mickey Chadhuri, Metropolitan’s assistant chief of operations, doesn’t
see it that way.
“There’s still plenty of room for local projects,” he said.
Bednarski, meanwhile, dismissed concerns that the Carson project could
jeopardize the availability of Metropolitan subsidies for local water projects
such as desalination plants.
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“They’re two separate pots of money,” he said.
Current plans for the Poseidon plant are contingent on the project receiving
a Metropolitan subsidy, with the El Segundo and Doheny proposals expected
to also seek such assistance.
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Costa Mesa Denny’s gets heat over sewage spills
Daily Pilot
September 25, 2019
27
The Denny’s at 3170 Harbor Blvd. in Costa Mesa has had nine sewer overflows since 1997, according to the Costa Mesa Sanitary District, which blames grease clogging the pipe that connects the restaurant’s plumbing to the city’s sewer main. Denny’s owner blames people throwing excessive paper down the toilet. (Faith E. Pinho) By FAITH E. PINHO SEP. 23, 2019 5:40 PM
According to the Costa Mesa Sanitary District, the local Denny’s does.
The sanitary district board of directors, which oversees trash and sewer services in Costa Mesa and parts of Newport Beach, held a special hearing Monday morning to address sewer overflows from the Denny’s restaurant at 3170 Harbor Blvd. in Costa Mesa.
The board ordered Denny’s to flush out its system once a month with a powerful hydro jet. If a significant overflow happens again, the board said, it would require Denny’s to install a grease trap.
In a 3-2 vote, with board Vice President Robert Ooten and member Michael Scheafer dissenting, the board eased back from staff’s recommendations and gave the restaurant one last chance to clean up its act.
“We’re trying to be business-friendly,” board member Arthur Perry said.
According to district staff, Denny’s has had nine sanitary sewer overflows, in which untreated sewage spills onto the street, since 1997. The most recent were in May and January. No other restaurant in the district has experienced so many sewer overflows, district General Manager Scott Carroll said.
The sanitary district said grease clogged a pipe and obstructed sewage flow, leading to the spills. District staff tried to prevent overflows at Denny’s several times in the past 22 years, at times requiring that the restaurant video-record its pipe innards and increase its hydro jet cleanings from every three months to every two.
After the January incident, the district notified Denny’s that another sewer overflow would warrant requiring an interceptor to catch the grease before it enters the wastewater system.
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“It comes to a point when you say, ‘OK, enough is enough.’ … Sewer spills are a threat to public safety,” Carroll said.
Carroll played a video showing white gunk caked on parts of the inside of a lateral, the pipe that connects the restaurant’s plumbing to the city’s sewer main.
Medhat Bechay, owner of Denny’s Costa Mesa location, said the issue isn’t grease. He blamed the overflows on patrons and homeless people throwing excessive toilet paper, hand towels and other objects down the toilet.
“Usually that’s what happens — somebody washing themselves, cleaning themselves, taking a shower, really, in the restaurant,” Bechay said.
Board members questioned Bechay’s business practices, saying he should make the restrooms available only to paying customers. He said the restrooms are limited to customers but cannot be patrolled constantly, since the restaurant is open around the clock.
The only grease that enters the system would be from washing the floor, he said.
Joe Jenkins, who oversees the district’s food oil and grease program for the company EEC Environmental, pointed out that any food waste or grease from pots, pans, plates and utensils also would likely flow through the drain into the lateral.
Installing a nearly $50,000 grease interceptor — plus thousands of dollars in additional costs to temporarily close the restaurant — “really doesn’t make sense … as a business,” Bechay said. Instead, the restaurant will pay about $475 for the monthly hydro jet treatments.
“We take care about the public,” Bechay said. “That’s something very important to us.”
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Many undeterred by water closure at Newport’s North Star Beach after 750-gallon sewage spill
By JULIA SCLAFANI SEP. 26, 2019 5:34 PM
Water sports enthusiasts at North Star Beach in Newport Beach are being greeted
by warning signs, thanks to a sewage spill, though many rowers and paddlers are
going into the Back Bay as usual.
The beach was closed Thursday to swimming and diving after a blockage of a city
sewer main caused about 750 gallons of wastewater to spill, according to the
Orange County Health Care Agency.
However, it hasn’t deterred many of the regulars who pass through the Newport
Aquatic Center at the beach.
“We are still allowing people to go into the water if they wish,” said NAC staff
administrator Sydney Moralice, who added that anyone who comes in is informed
of the closure.
City officials told NAC administrators that the spill occurred Tuesday, Moralice said.
Daily Pilot
September 26, 2019
30
Incidental splashing isn’t considered a major hazard for rowers and paddlers, Moralice said.
“We haven’t been busy as it is,” Moralice said, noting the overcast weather Thursday, “so we haven’t turned anyone away because of it.”
The city posted signs on the beach saying the water is closed to swimming and diving, NAC said.
Junior rowing practice was underway as usual Thursday, though athletes were given the choice not to go on the water, particularly if they had open cuts or other wounds, NAC said.
An average of 300 people pass through the facility daily on their way to the bay, including rowers, members and rental patrons, NAC said.
There were no reported changes in the water or a noticeable indication of a spill in the area in the days leading to the closure, according to Moralice, who said she checks water quality reports daily.
The sewage spill occurred at about 12:20 p.m. Tuesday near the intersection of Jamboree and San Joaquin Hills roads, according to Health Care Agency spokesman Anthony Martinez.
The blockage was cleared within about 20 minutes, but about 750 gallons of wastewater flowed from a manhole, Martinez said.
About 250 gallons were captured, but the rest entered drains leading to the bay near the end of San Joaquin Hills Road, Martinez said.
North Star Beach is the closest public beach and testing site to the area where the spill occurred. The beach is sampled weekly.
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“If today’s results come back clean, we could potentially be lifting closure tomorrow,” Martinez said Thursday.
The most recent ocean water reports can be found at OCBeachInfo.com. To report a swimming-related illness, call (714) 433-6011.
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October 2019
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October 2019
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Instagram Posts
October 2019
Orange County Sanitation District
LEGISLATIVE AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS
COMMITTEE
Agenda Report
Administration Building
10844 Ellis Avenue
Fountain Valley, CA 92708
(714) 593-7433
File #:2019-698 Agenda Date:11/4/2019 Agenda Item No:3.
FROM:James D. Herberg, General Manager
SUBJECT:
LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS UPDATE FOR THE MONTH OF OCTOBER 2019
GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION
RECOMMENDATION: Recommend to the Board of Directors to:
Receive and file the Legislative Affairs Update for the month of October 2019.
BACKGROUND
The Orange County Sanitation District’s (Sanitation District) legislative affairs program includes
advocating the Sanitation District’s legislative interests, sponsoring legislation (where appropriate),
and seeking Local, State, and Federal funding for projects and programs. Staff will provide an
update on recent legislative and grant activities.
RELEVANT STANDARDS
·Maintain influential legislative advocacy and a public outreach program
·Build brand, trust, and support with policy makers and community leaders
·Maintain collaborative and cooperative relationships with regulators, stakeholders, and
neighboring communities
PROBLEM
Without a strong advocacy program,elected officials may not be aware that the Sanitation District is
more than a wastewater treatment plant - treating and sending water to the ocean.
The Sanitation District is an environmentally engaged organization which recycles more than 50
percent of its wastewater.Additionally,to help meet the goal of 100 percent recycling,the Sanitation
District uses the byproducts from the wastewater treatment process to produce biosolids to fertilize
crops and energy used to help power the two plants in Fountain Valley and Huntington Beach.
PROPOSED SOLUTION
Continue to work with Local,State,and Federal officials to advocate the Sanitation District’s
legislative interests.Help to create/monitor legislation and grants that would benefit the Sanitation
District,the wastewater industry,and the community as a whole.To assist in our relationship building
Orange County Sanitation District Printed on 10/23/2019Page 1 of 2
powered by Legistar™
File #:2019-698 Agenda Date:11/4/2019 Agenda Item No:3.
District,the wastewater industry,and the community as a whole.To assist in our relationship building
activities,we will continue to reach out to our elected officials providing facility tours,one-on-one
meetings, and trips to D.C. and Sacramento.
TIMING CONCERNS
N/A
RAMIFICATIONS OF NOT TAKING ACTION
If we do not work with Local,State,and Federal elected officials,legislation could be passed that
negatively affects the Sanitation District and the wastewater industry as a whole.Additionally,this
could affect our chances of receiving grant funding.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The Sanitation District has been awarded $40,000 for the Mass Timber Grant/Competition by CalGov
Ops for an educational display at the new Headquarters Building.The display is to highlight how
mass timber was used in building the Headquarters Building and the overall benefit of mass timber
for the environment.
The Sanitation District is applying for a grant through CalRecycle’s Organics Grant Program for the
Food-Waste Co-Digestion facility at Plant No.2 in Huntington Beach.The amount the Sanitation
District would be eligible to receive is up to $3 million. The grant application is due November 21.
FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS
N/A
ATTACHMENT
The following attachment(s)are included in hard copy and may also be viewed on-line at the OCSD website
(www.ocsd.com) with the complete agenda package:
·Federal Update - ENS Resources
·Federal Legislative Matrix - ENS Resources
·State Update - Townsend Public Affairs
·State Legislative Matrix - Townsend Public Affairs
·Grant Matrix
Orange County Sanitation District Printed on 10/23/2019Page 2 of 2
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1 | P a g e
M E M O R A N D U M
TO: Rebecca Long
FROM: Eric Sapirstein
DATE: October 15, 2019
SUBJECT: Washington Update
Congress returned to work in September after a six-week summer recess. The
current impeachment inquiry has thrown into question how the next several weeks
of legislative activity will unfold, but finalizing the fiscal year (FY) 2020 spending
bills remains a priority. Aside from spending matters, the ongoing effort in the
House and Senate to address contamination of water supplies from Per- and
polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS/PFOA) continues to command attention. The
following summarizes the status of these and other matters.
Finalizing Fiscal Year 2020 Spending Decisions Likely to Extend into December
The Senate Committee on Appropriations has approved spending for the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation
(USBR) programs, along with most other federal agency spending measures.
However, prospects for Senate floor debate and a vote remain in doubt as the
ongoing funding of the border wall continues to slow progress. The current stopgap
spending bill expires on November 21 and it is reported that Congress will be forced
to extend the stopgap funding until December. Assuming that this occurs, final
spending decisions are likely to be enacted into law shortly before Christmas.
Irrespective of the timing of a final agreement, overall spending levels for key water
infrastructure programs in the Senate appropriations bills of spending levels trends
in the same direction as the House-passed bills. However, the minimally lower
spending levels in the Senate bills, compared to the House spending bills, may result
in bridging differences by reducing spending levels nominally. Program levels for
the State Revolving Fund (SRF) and water recycling appear to be targeted at levels
2 | P a g e
slightly higher than current year with the Clean Water SRF expected to be funded at
between $1.4 and $1.8 billion.
Additionally, the Senate USEPA spending bill urges the agency to use Water
Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) to support PFAS-related water
projects and lead contamination needs. This funding priority might support
groundwater funding needs within the Orange County region that has been a
concern for OCSD.
House and Senate Committees Begin Task of Defining the Regulation and
Remediation of PFAS/PFOA
The House and Senate Committees on Armed Services continue to seek to reconcile
differences between each chamber’s version of the National Defense Authorization
Act (NDAA). The NDAA is notable because of amendment packages the House and
Senate passed to regulate PFAS/PFOA contamination and address the treatment and
control of PFAS/PFOA contamination. However, the amendment packages remain a
key sticking point in NDAA conference negotiations due to the packages differing
legislative approaches employed by each chamber. Further complicating
negotiations is the fact that the White House has issued a veto threat on the bill in
large measure because of the PFAS/PFOA provisions.
As of this writing, the key dispute centers on a House amendment to require USEPA
to designate PFAS/PFOA as a hazardous waste under Superfund. This would create
significant impacts for wastewater treatment since any PFAS/PFOA contaminated
biosolids, for example, would be subject to new and costly treatment and disposal
regimes. Additionally, the potential for trace amounts of the chemicals in effluents
could further impose expensive treatment as well as potential liabilities associated
with any discharges. The Senate rejected this kind of mandate in its NDAA. Instead,
it directs USEPA to develop and issue a drinking water monitoring and treatment
standard within two years of any bill enactment that drinking water agencies would
need to comply with as directed under the Safe Drinking Water Act.
The potential exists that a consensus on PFAS language as part of any final NDAA
may not be reached. This possibility resulted in the House Committee on Energy
and Commerce, Subcommittee on Environment approving fifteen PFAS bills. Among
the measures were bills to designate PFAS as a hazardous waste and to create an
industry supported clean-up fund to respond to groundwater contamination.
Meanwhile, national and state trade associations, including the National Association
of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA), Water and Environment Federation (WEF),
California Association of Sanitation Agencies (CASA), Association of California Water
Agencies (ACWA), and American Water Works Association (AWWA) are working
with congressional committees to develop a compromise that would require
adequate scientific research into the threats posed from the chemicals before any
regulations or conditions are mandated on how to treat, manage and dispose of
PFAS/PFOA contaminated substances.
3 | P a g e
Clean Water State Revolving Fund Infrastructure Bill Discussions Center on
Permit Term Extensions
The House Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure staff continue to work on
developing an approach to allow for extended National Pollutant Discharge
Elimination System (NPDES) permit terms of up to ten years as called for by a broad
array of national and state public associations, including CASA and ACWA. The
effort to develop compromise language that would enjoy at minimum muted
support by the non-governmental organization (NGO) community continues. As a
result, committee action on a broader SRF water infrastructure bill, H.R. 1497, has
been delayed. Committee staff are expressing a desire to secure an agreement on a
compromise approach within the next two weeks that, in turn, would allow for a
committee mark-up of H.R. 1497. Failing to secure an agreement could lead to a
further delay. However, the impact of the delay would not be measurable since the
Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works has indicated that it will not
address the SRF or other water infrastructure issues until next year.
OCSD
Federal
Bills of Interest
BILL AUTHOR SUMMARY LATEST ACTION OCSD POSITION OTHER
POSITIONS
H.R. 1162 Rep. Grace Napolitano (D-CA)
Water Recycling Investment and Improvement Act. Establishes a grant
program for the funding of water recycling and reuse projects, and for other
purposes.
House - 6/13/19
Subcommittees Hearings
held
Watch CASA SUPPORTS
H.R. 1497 Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-OR)
Water Quality Protection and Job Creation Act of 2019. Provides nearly
$23.5 billion in direct infrastructure investment over the next five years to
address wastewater infrastructure and local water quality challenges. This
bill allocates $20 billion in grants for the Clean Water State Revolving Fund.
House - 03/06/2019
Referred to the
Subcommittee on Water
Resources and
Environment
Watch CASA SUPPORTS
H.R. 535 Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-MI)R
To require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to
shall designate per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances as hazardous
substances under the Comprehensive Environmental Response,
Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980.
House - 2/7/19 Referred
to Subcommittee on
Railroads, Pipelines, and
Hazardous Materials Watch NYC
H.R. 876 Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-OR)
Pacific Northwest Earthquake Preparedness Act of 2019. Requires the
FEMA to develop a plan for the purchase and installation of an earthquake
early warning system for the Cascadia Subduction Zone. The term "Cascadia
Subduction Zone".
House - 2/6/19 Passed
House by voice vote,
received in Senate and
referred to Committee
on Homeland Security
and Governmental
Affairs
Watch NYC
H.R. 667 Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-WA)
Regulatory Certainty for Navigable Waters Act. Repeals the Waters of the
United States rule and amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act
definition of navigable waters, and for other purposes.
House - 2/7/19 Referred
to Subcommittee on
Water Resources and
Environment
Watch NYC
Federal Legislation 2019 - 2020
Priority
Updated October 2019
OCSD
Federal
Bills of Interest
BILL AUTHOR SUMMARY LATEST ACTION OCSD POSITION OTHER
POSITIONS
S. 403 Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI)
A bill to encourage the research and use of innovative materials and
associated techniques in the construction and preservation of the
domestic transportation and water infrastructure system, and for other
purposes.
Senate - 2/7/19 Referred
to Committee on
Environment and Public
Works
Watch NYC
H.R. 977 Rep. Brian Mast (R-FL)
To require the Corps of Engineers to notify affected communities before
releasing water contaminated with cyanobacteria from flood risk
management projects, and for other purposes.
House - 2/7/19 Referred
to Subcommittee on
Water Resources and
Environment
Watch NYC
H.R. 892 Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-CA)
To amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to limit attorney fees
and penalties in citizen suits, and for other purposes.
House - 2/7/19 Referred
to Subcommittee on
Water Resources and
Environment
Watch NYC
H.R. 358 Rep. Juan Vargas (D-CA)
California New River Restoration Act of 2019. Requires the USEPA to
establish a California New River restoration program for the New River.
USEPA must (1) implement projects, plans, and initiatives for the New River
supported by the California-Mexico Border Relations Council; and (2)
provide grants and technical assistance for coordinating restoration and
protection activities.
House - 2/7/19 Referred
to Subcommittee on
Water Resources and
Environment Watch NYC
S. 376 Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY)
A bill to amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to clarify the
definition of navigable waters, and for other purposes.
Senate - 2/7/19 Referred
to Committee on
Environment and Public
Works
Watch NYC
H.R. 658 Rep. Rosa DeLauro
National Infrastructure Development Bank Act. Facilitates efficient
investments and financing of infrastructure projects and new job creation
through the establishment of a National Infrastructure Development Bank,
and for other purposes.
House - 2/7/19 Referred
to Subcommittee on
Economic Development,
Public Buildings, and
Emergency Management Watch NYC
Updated October 2019
OCSD
Federal
Bills of Interest
BILL AUTHOR SUMMARY LATEST ACTION OCSD POSITION OTHER
POSITIONS
H.R. 1137 Rep. John Garamendi (D-CA)
To amend the Water Resources Development Act of 1986 to repeal the
authority relating to reprogramming during national emergencies.
House - 2/12/19
Referred to the
Subcommittee on Water
Resources and
Environment
Watch NYC
H.R. 1317 Rep. Harley Rouda (D-CA)
Coastal Communities Adaption Act. Improves the resilience of the built and
natural environment to natural disasters and climate change using, among
other measures, natural and nature-based features, and for other purposes.
House - 3/619 Referred
to Subcommittee on
Water Resources and
Environment
Watch NYC
S. 638 Sen. Tom Carper (D-DE)
A bill to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency
to designate per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances as hazardous substances
under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation,
Liability Act of 1980, and for other purposes.
Senate - 2/28/19
Referred to Committee
on Environment and
Public Works
Watch NYC
S. 611 Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT)
A bill to provide adequate funding for water and sewer infrastructure, and
for other purposes.
Senate - 2/28/19
Referred to Committee
on Environment and
Public Works
Watch NYC
H.R. 1331 Rep. Angie Craig (D-MN)
To amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to reauthorize certain
programs relating to nonpoint source management, and for other
purposes.
House - 4/9/19 Passed
House 329-56. Received
in Senate, referred to
Committee on
Environment and Public
Works
Watch NYC
H.R. 1764 Rep. John Garamendi (D-CA)
To amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act with respect to
permitting terms, and for other purposes.
House - 3/15/19
Referred to
Subcommittee on Water
Resources and
Environment
Watch CASA, NACWA,
ACWA - SUPPORTS
S. 950 Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-MI)
PFAS Detection Act of 2019. Requires the Director of the United States
Geological Survey to perform a nationwide survey of perfluorinated
compounds, and for other purposes.
Senate - 3/28/19
Referred to Committee
on Environment and
Public Works
Watch NYC
Updated October 2019
OCSD
Federal
Bills of Interest
BILL AUTHOR SUMMARY LATEST ACTION OCSD POSITION OTHER
POSITIONS
S. 933 Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI)
BLUE GLOBE Act. Improves data collection and monitoring of the Great
Lakes, oceans, bays, estuaries, and coasts, and for other purposes.
Senate - 3/28/19
Referred to Committee
on Commerce, Science,
and Transportation
Watch NYC
S. 914 Sen. Roger Wicker (R-MS)
Coordinated Ocean Observations and Research Act of 2019. Reauthorizes
the Integrated Coastal and Ocean Observation System Act of 2009, to clarify
the authority of the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration with respect to post-storm assessments, and to require the
establishment of a National Water Center, and for other purposes.
Senate - 4/3/19 Referred
to Committee on
Commerce, Science, and
Transportation Watch NYC
H.R. 2019 Rep. Jerry McNerney (D-CA)
Smart Energy and Water Efficiency Act of 2019. Provides for a smart water
resource management pilot program.
House - 4/9/19 Referred
to Committee on
Science, Space, and
Technology
Watch NYC
H.R. 1904 Rep. Raul Grijalva (D-CA)
Indian Water Rights Settlement Extension Act. Amends the Omnibus Public
Land Management Act of 2009 to make the Reclamation Water Settlements
Fund permanent.
House - 4/4/19
Committee on Natural
Resources Hearings Held Watch NYC
H.R. 2205 Rep. David McKinley (R-WV)
Water Quality Certification Improvement Act of 2019. Amends the Federal
Water Pollution Control Act to make changes with respect to water quality
certification, and for other purposes.
House - 4/11/19
Referred to
Subcommittee on Water
Resources and
Environment
Watch NYC
H.R. 2189 Rep. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD)
Digital Coast Act. Requires the Secretary of Commerce, acting through the
Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, to
establish a constituent-driven program to provide a digital information
platform capable of efficiently integrating coastal data with decision-support
tools, training, and best practices and to support collection of priority
coastal geospatial data to inform and improve local, State, regional, and
Federal capacities to manage the coastal region, and for other purposes.
House - 9/18/19
Reported out of
Committee on
Transportation and
Infrastructure as
amended by unanimous
consent
Watch NYC
Updated October 2019
OCSD
Federal
Bills of Interest
BILL AUTHOR SUMMARY LATEST ACTION OCSD POSITION OTHER
POSITIONS
S. 1069 Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI)
A bill to require the Secretary of Commerce, acting through the
Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, to
establish a constituent-driven program to provide a digital information
platform capable of efficiently integrating coastal data with decision-
support tools, training, and best practices and to support collection of
priority coastal geospatial data to inform and improve local, State,
regional, and Federal capacities to manage the coastal region, and for
other purposes.
Senate - 4/9/19 Referred
to Committee on
Commerce, Science, and
Transportation Watch NYC
S. 1087 Sen. John Barrasso (R-WY)
A bill to amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to make changes
with respect to water quality certification, and for other purposes.
Senate - 4/9/19 Referred
to Committee on
Environment and Public
Works
Watch NYC
H.R. 2473 Rep. Josh Harder (D-CA)
S.A.V.E. Water Resources Act. Promotes water supply reliability and
improved water management for rural communities, the State of
California, and the Nation, and for other purposes.
House - 6/13/19
Subcommittees Hearings
held
Watch NYC
S. 1251 Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH)
Safe Drinking Water Assistance Act of 2019. Improves and coordinate
interagency Federal actions and provide assistance to States for responding
to public health challenges posed by emerging contaminants, and for other
purposes.
Senate - 4/30/19
Referred to Committee
on Environment and
Public Works
Watch NYC
H.R. 2458 Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell (D-FL)
WISE Act. Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to require a
certain percentage of funds appropriated for revolving fund capitalization
grants be used for green projects, and for other purposes.
House - 5/1/19 Referred
to Subcomittee of Water
Resrources and
Environment
Watch NYC
H.R. 2377 Rep. Brendan Boyle (D-PA)
Protect Drinking Water from PFAS Act of 2019. Requires the Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) to address the level of perfluoroalkyl and
polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water. Specifically, the EPA
must publish a maximum contaminant level goal and promulgate a national
primary drinking water regulation for total PFAS. PFAS are man-made
chemicals that may lead to adverse human health effects.
House - 4/29/19
Referred to Committee
on Energy and
Commerce Watch NYC
Updated October 2019
OCSD
Federal
Bills of Interest
BILL AUTHOR SUMMARY LATEST ACTION OCSD POSITION OTHER
POSITIONS
H.R. 2533 Rep. Frank Pallone (D-NJ)
To assist community water systems affected by PFAS contamination, and
for other purposes.
House - 5/7/19 Referred
to Committee on Energy
and Commerce Watch NYC
H.R. 2566 Rep. Darren Soto (D-FL)
To require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to
revise the Safer Choice Standard to provide for a Safer Choice label for
pots, pans, and cooking utensils that do not contain PFAS, and for other
purposes.
House - 5/7/19 Referred
to Committee on Energy
and Commerce Watch NYC
H.R. 2577 Rep. Antonio Delgado (D-NY)
PFAS Right-To-Know Act. Amends the Emergency Planning and Community
Right-To-Know Act of 1986 to include per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances on
the Toxics Release Inventory, and for other purposes.
House - 5/8/19 Referred
to Committee on Energy
and Commerce Watch NYC
S. 1372 Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-MI)
A bill to encourage Federal agencies to expeditiously enter into or amend
cooperative agreements with States for removal and remedial actions to
address PFAS contamination in drinking, surface, and ground water and
land surface and subsurface strata, and for other purposes.
Senate - 5/8/19 Referred
to Committee on
Environment and Public
Works
Watch NYC
H.R. 2740 Rep. Rosa De Lauro (D-CT)
Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, Defense, State, Foreign
Operations, and Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act, 2020.
Making appropriations for energy and water development and related
agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2020, and for other
purposes.
House - 6/19/19 Passed
House 226-203
Watch NYC
H.R. 3055 Rep. Jose Serrano (D-NY)
Commerce, Justice, Science, Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and
Drug Administration, Military Construction, Veterans Affairs,
Transportation, and House and Urban Development Appropriations Act,
2020. Making appropriations for the Department of the Interior,
environment, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30,
2020, and for other purposes.
House - 6/25/19 Pased
House 227-194
Watch NYC
Updated October 2019
OCSD
Federal
Bills of Interest
BILL AUTHOR SUMMARY LATEST ACTION OCSD POSITION OTHER
POSITIONS
H.R. 2705 Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR)
Water Infrastructure Trust Fund Act of 2019. To establish a Water
Infrastructure Trust Fund, and for other purposes.
House - 5/15/19
Referred to
Subcommittee on Water
Resources and
Environment
Watch NYC
H.R. 2755 Rep. Brendan Boyle (D-PA)
Buy America 2.0 Act. To standardize and extend certain Buy America
Provisions.
House - 5/16/19
Referred to
Subcommittee on
Aviation
Watch NYC
S. 1473 Sen. Kristen Gillibrand (D-NY)
Protect Drinking Water from PFAS Act of 2019. A bill to amend the Safe
Drinking Water Act to require the Administrator of the Environmental
Protection Agency to set maximum contaminant levels for certain chemicals,
and for other purposes.
House - 5/15/19
Referred to Committee
on Environment and
Public Works
Watch NYC
S. 1535 Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA)
Reinventing Economic Partnerships and Infrastructure Redevelopment Act.
A bill to facilitate efficient investments and financing of infrastructure
projects and new, long-term job creation through the establishment of an
Infrastructure Financing Authority, and for other purposes.
Senate - 5/16/19
Referred to Committee
on Finance Watch NYC
H.R. 2776 Rep. Lori Trahan (D-MA)
Stop Sewage Overflow Act. To make certain municipalities eligible for
grants under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, and for other
purposes.
House - 5/16/19
Referred to
Subcommittee on Water
Resources and
Environment
Watch NYC
H.R. 2800 Rep. Elissa Slotkin (D-MI)
PFAS Monitoring Act of 2019. To amend the Safe Drinking Water Act to
require continued and expanded monitoring of perfluoroalkyl and
polyfluoroalkyl substances in drinking water, and for other purposes.
House - 5/16/19
Referred to Committee
on Energy and
Commerce
Watch NYC
Updated October 2019
OCSD
Federal
Bills of Interest
BILL AUTHOR SUMMARY LATEST ACTION OCSD POSITION OTHER
POSITIONS
S. 1507 Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (D-WV)
A bill to include certain perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances in
the toxics release inventory, and for other purposes.
Senate - 6/27/19 Passed
as an amendment to
National Defense
Authorization Act (S.
1790)
Watch NYC
S. 1613 Sen. Ed Markey (D-MA)
Contaminant and Lead Electronic Accounting and Reporting Requirements
for (CLEARR) Drinking Water Act of 2019. Amends the Safe Drinking Water
Act to update and modernize the reporting requirements for contaminants,
including lead, in drinking water, and for other purposes.
Senate - 5/22/19
Referred to Committee
on Environment and
Public Works
Watch NYC
S. 1570 Sen. James Risch (R-ID)
Aquifer Recharge Flexibility Act. Provides flexibility to allow greater aquifer
recharge, and for other purposes.
Senate - 7/18/19
Subcommittee Hearings
Held
Watch NYC
H.R. 2871 Rep. Russ Fulcher (R-ID)
Aquifer Recharge Flexibility Act. Provides flexibility to allow greater aquifer
recharge, and for other purposes.
House - 5/21/19
Referred to Committee
on Natural Resources
Watch NYC
Updated October 2019
OCSD
Federal
Bills of Interest
BILL AUTHOR SUMMARY LATEST ACTION OCSD POSITION OTHER
POSITIONS
S. 1604 Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN)
Local Water Protection Act. Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control
Act to reauthorize certain programs relating to nonpoint source
management, and for other purposes.
Senate - 5/22/19
Referred to Committee
on Environment and
Public Works
Watch NYC
S. 1730 Sen. Kamala Harris (D-CA)
Living Shorelines Act of 2019. Directs the Administrator of the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to make grants to State and local
governments and nongovernmental organizations for purposes of carrying
out climate-resilient living shoreline projects that protect coastal
communities by supporting ecosystem functions and habitats with the use of
natural materials and systems, and for other purposes.
Senate - 6/5/19 Referred
to Committee on
Commerce, Science and
Transportation Watch NYC
H.R. 3226 Rep. Andy Kim (D-NJ)
Safe Water for Military Families Act. Directs the Secretary of Defense to
prohibit the use of firefighting foam containing perfuoroalkyl or
polyfluoroalkyl substances, and for other purposes.
House - 6/12/19
Referred to Committee
on Armed Services
Watch NYC
S. 1837 Sen. Kristen Gillibrand (D-NY)
A bill to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency
to establish a discretionary grant program for drinking water and
wastewater infrastructure projects, and for other purposes.
Senate - 6/13/19
Referred to Committee
on Environment and
Public Works
Watch NYC
H.R. 3254 Rep. Antonio Delgado (D-NY)
To require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to
establish a discretionary grant program for drinking water and wastewater
infrastructure projects, and for other purposes.
House - 6/14/19
Referred to
Subcommittee on Water
Resources and
Environment
Watch NYC
Updated October 2019
OCSD
Federal
Bills of Interest
BILL AUTHOR SUMMARY LATEST ACTION OCSD POSITION OTHER
POSITIONS
H.R. 3521 Rep. Greg Stanton (D-AZ)
Wastewater Infrastructure Workforce Investment Act. To amend the
Federal Water Pollution Control Act with respect to wastewater
infrastructure workforce development, and for other purposes.
House - 6/27/19
Referred to the
Subcommittee on Water
Resources and
Environment
Watch NYC
S. 2086 Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)
National Opportunity for Lead Exposure Accountability and Deterrence Act
of 2019. To amend the Safe Drinking Water Act to improve transparency
under the national primary drinking water regulations for lead and copper,
and for other purposes.
Senate - 7/11/19
Referred to Committee
on Environment and
Public Works
Watch NYC
S. 1932 Sen. Cory Gardner (R-CO)
Drought Resiliency and Water Supply Infrastructure Act. To support water
infrastructure in Reclamation States, and for other purposes.
Senate - 7/18/19
Subcommittee Hearings
Held
Watch
CASA, NACWA,
NWRA, ACWA -
SUPPORTS
H.R. 3115 Rep. Frank Pallone (D-NJ)
To direct the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration to make grants to State and local governments and
nongovernmental organizations for purposes of carrying out climate-
resilient living shoreline projects that protect coastal communities by
supporting ecosystem functions and habitats with the use of natural
materials and systems, and for other purposes.
House - 7/25/19
Subcommittee Hearings
held Watch NYC
H.R. 4044 Rep. Tom Malinowski (D-NJ)
Protect and Restore America's Estuaries Act. To amend the Federal Water
Pollution Control Act to reauthorize the National Estuary Program, and for
other purposes.
House - 9/20/19
Reported out of
Committee on
Transportation and
Infrastructure by voice
vote
Watch NYC
Updated October 2019
OCSD
Federal
Bills of Interest
BILL AUTHOR SUMMARY LATEST ACTION OCSD POSITION OTHER
POSITIONS
H.R. 3510 Rep. Josh Harder (D-CA)
Water Resources Research Amendments Act. To amend the Water
Resources Research Act of 1984 to reauthorize grants for and require
applied water supply research regarding the water resources research and
technology institutes established under that Act.
House - 7/25/19
Subcommittee on
Water, Oceans, and
Wildlife held
Watch NYC
H.R. 3723 Rep. Mike Levin (D-CA)
Desalination Development Act. To promote desalination project
development and drought resilience, and for other purposes.
House - 7/25/19
Subcommittee on
Water, Oceans, and
Wildlife hearing held
Watch NYC
H.R. 3677 Rep. Dan Kildee (D-MI)
National Opportunity for Lead Exposure Accountability and Deterrence Act
of 2017. To amend the Safe Drinking Water Act to improve transparency
under the national primary drinking water regulations for lead and copper,
and for other purposes.
House - 7/10/19
Referred to Committee
on Energy and
Commerce
Watch NYC
H.R. 3919 Rep. Seth Moulton (D-MA)
Creating Opportunity And Sustainability Through Science Act. To require
research in coastal sustainability and resilience, to ensure that the Federal
Government continues to implement and advance coastal resiliency efforts,
and for other purposes.
House - 8/7/19 Referred
to Subcommittee on
Water, Oceans, and
Wildlife
Watch NYC
S. 2236 Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ)
Environmental Justice Act of 2019. To require Federal agencies to address
environmental justice, to require consideration of cumulative impacts in
certain permitting decisions, and for other purposes.
Senate - 7/23/19
Referred to Committee
and Public Works
Watch NYC
H.R. 4033 Rep. Dan Kildee (D-MI)
Water Justice Act. To provide supplemental appropriations for safe and
secure water, and for other purposes.
House - 9/4/19 Referred
to Subcommittee on
Commodity Exchanges,
Energy, and Credit
Watch NYC
Updated October 2019
OCSD
Federal
Bills of Interest
BILL AUTHOR SUMMARY LATEST ACTION OCSD POSITION OTHER
POSITIONS
H.R. 3944 Rep. Kevin Hern (R-OK)
To amend the Water Resources Reform and Development Act of 2014 to
modify the procedure for communicating certain emergency risks, and for
other purposes.
House - 7/26/19
Referred to
Subcommittee on Water
Resources and
Environment
Watch NYC
H.R. 3923 Rep. Raul Ruiz (D-CA)
Environmental Justice Act of 2019. To require Federal agencies to address
environmental justice, to require consideration of cumulative impacts in
certain permitting decisions, and for other purposes.
House - 8/15/19
Referred to
Subcommittee on the
Constitution, Civil Rights,
and Civil Liberties
Watch NYC
S. 2456 Sen. Tom Udall (D-NM)
Clean Water Through Green Infrastructure Act. To establish centers of
excellence for innovative stormwater control infrastructure, and for other
purposes.
Senate - 9/10/19
Referred to Committee
on Environment and
Public Works
Watch NYC
H.R. 4266 Rep. Denny Heck (D-WA)
Clean Water Through Green Infrastructure Act. To establish centers of
excellence for innovative stormwater control infrastructure, and for other
purposes.
House - 9/10/19
Referred to
Subcommittee on Water
Resources and
Environment
Watch NYC
S. 2466 Sen. Kamala Harris (D-CA)
Water Justice Act. To provide supplemental appropriations for safe and
secure water, and for other purposes.
Senate - 9/11/19
Referred to Committee
on Environment and
Public Works
Watch NYC
Updated October 2019
OCSD
Federal
Bills of Interest
BILL AUTHOR SUMMARY LATEST ACTION OCSD POSITION OTHER
POSITIONS
S. 2470 Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-TN)
Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act,
2020. Provides FY2020 appropriations for U.S. Army Corps of Engineers civil
works projects, the Department of the Interior's Bureau of Reclamation, the
Department of Energy (DOE), and independent agencies such as the Nuclear
Regulatory Commission.
Senate - 9/12/19
Reported out of
Committee on
Appropriations 31-0.
Watch NYC
H.R. 4378 Rep. Nita Lowey (D-NY)
Continuing Appropriations Act, 2020, and Health Extenders Act of 2019 House - 9/18/19 Passed
House 301-123.
Received in Senate.
Watch NYC
S. 2525 Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH)
A bill to require the Director of the National Institute of Standards and
Technology to conduct a study of personal protective equipment worn by
firefighters to determine the prevalence and concentration of per- and
polyfluoroalkyl substances, and for other purposes.
Senate - 9/19/19
Referred to Committee
on Commerce, Science,
and Transportation
Watch NYC
H.R. 4347 Rep. Matt Cartwright (D-PA)
PREPARE Act of 2019. To enhance the Federal Government’s planning and
preparation for extreme weather and the Federal Government’s
dissemination of best practices to respond to extreme weather, thereby
increasing resilience, improving regional coordination, and mitigating the
financial risk to the Federal Government from such extreme weather, and
for other purposes.
House - 9/17/19
Reported out of
Committee on
Transportation and
Infrastructure by voice
vote
Watch NYC
Legend:
ACC-OC- Association of California Cities, Orange County
LOCC- League of California Cities
NYC- Not Yet Considered
CASA- California Association of Sanitation Agencies
NACWA - National Association of Clean Water Agencies
ACWA- Association of California Water Agencies
CSDA- California Special Districts Association
Updated October 2019
To: Orange County Sanitation District
From: Townsend Public Affairs, Inc.
Date: October 15, 2019
Subject: Legislative and Public Affairs Agenda Report
State Political Update
On October 13, the Governor considered the last of the 1,042 bills that were sent to his desk in
the first year of the two-year legislative session. In total, approximately 2,600 policy bills were
introduced in both the Assembly and the Senate. Any bill that did not pass the Legislature is now
a two-year bill and will be eligible for consideration when the Legislature returns on January 6 for
the second year of the two-year session.
Governor Newsom signed 870 bills into law in his first year in office, with a veto rate of 16.5
percent. This veto rate was very similar to Governor Brown’s last year and coincidentally his
highest veto rate year of his 16 years as Governor of California.
Although there were several major policy topics addressed this year including housing,
homelessness, and public safety, there are still several topics of interest to OCSD that did not
make it past the finish line. These topics include plastic bag bans, flushable wipes, and video
retention requirements for local agencies.
Priority Legislation – End of the Session Summary
Below is a list of all legislative positions that OCSD adopted during the first year of the legislative
session. This list does not include the several other bills that OCSD staff and TPA discussed,
provided comments, and worked with various author’s offices on throughout the year.
Bill OCSD Position OCSD Position Bill Status
AB 292 (Quirk) Changes the definition of potable reuse of recycled water by including raw water augmentation, treated drinking water augmentation, groundwater augmentation, or reservoir water augmentation within the definition of recycled water and deleting direct and indirect potable reuse.
Support Two-year bill
AB 405 (Rubio) Would exempt chemicals used by a city, county, public utility, and sanitation district to treat water, recycled water, or wastewater from sales tax
Support Two-year bill
AB 510 (Cooley) Would exempt a local agency from specific recording retention requirements if the agency adopts a records retention policy governing recordings of routine video monitoring and recordings of telephone and radio communications.
Support Two-year bill
October 2019 Report 2
AB 1184 (Gloria) Would require all public agencies to maintain and
archive all transmitted electronic communications for two years minimum.
Oppose Vetoed
AB 1672 (Bloom) Would prohibit manufacturers from labeling wipes
as “flushable” unless they meet objective standards
Support Two-year bill
SB 69 (Wiener) Provides $130 million per year for safe drinking water projects from the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund.
Oppose Unless Amended Two-year bill
SB 667 (Hueso) This bill would direct CalRecycle to create incentives and financing mechanisms for the development of organic waste infrastructure
Support Two-year bill
Additional Priority Legislation
SB 1 (Atkins) – California Environmental, Public Health, and Workers Defense Act of 2019
SB 1 seeks to freeze federal Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, Safe Drinking Water Act, Endangered Species Act, Fair Labor Standards Act, Occupational Safety and Health Act and Coal
Mine Health and Safety Act requirements to those in place as of January 19, 2017. SB 1 refers to
federal requirements existing as of this date, as “baseline federal standards.” SB 1 is intended to
“ensure continued protections for the environment, natural resources, and public health and
safety” in California, even if the noted federal laws are “undermined, amended or repealed” by making the baseline environmental standards the new floor for environmental and worker protections in California. SB 1 was passed by the Legislature and vetoed by the Governor, Legislative Platform Connection: Legislative and Regulatory Policies – 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.
SB 210 (Leyva) – Heavy-Duty Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance Program
SB 210 directs the Air Resources Board (ARB) to work in coordination with multiple state agencies in order to develop and implement a Heavy-Duty Inspection and Maintenance Program for non-gasoline, heavy-duty, on-road trucks. Specifically, SB 210 would develop a pilot program to measure and enforce new regulations on heavy duty on-road trucks and then require ARB to
adopt a full program within two years after the pilot program ends. SB 210 was signed into law. Legislative Platform Connection: Legislative and Regulatory Policies – Air Quality: Support
measures that maintain and enhance local decision-making authority, where appropriate, in the development and implementation of air quality attainment strategies
Looking Ahead to 2020
October 2019 Report 3
When the Legislature returns in January 2020, there will be several important and lingering issues that will need to be addressed. Based on conversations that were started this year and the general
political climate in Sacramento, TPA expects the following issues to be key topics for OCSD in 2020:
• Development Impact Fees – One of the leading thoughts on how to best encourage additional housing development is reducing development impact fees that local agencies charge new housing developments. These fees are generally charged by local agencies to better assess and prepare for the increased effect of the developments on their operations. Although this conversation has largely revolved around cities, counties, and
other land use authority agencies, TPA has been continuously involved in conversations with the relevant stakeholders to ensure that OCSD retains its right to charge new developments the appropriate connection and capacity fees to maintain its fiscal solvency. It is expected that this conversation will continue into 2020 and beyond as the Legislature looks to continue to address the State’s chronic housing problem.
• Potential Natural Resources/Climate Change Bond – Toward the end of the 2019 legislative session, Assembly Members Eduardo Garcia (D – Coachella) and Kevin Mullin
(D – South San Francisco) amended bills to introduce Natural Resources, Climate Change, and Wildfire Bonds for the November 2020 Ballot. The funding from the approximately $ 4 billion bond would go toward primarily for safe drinking water, clean
water revolving funds, climate resiliency, and wildfire prevention. The proposed Bond still needs to be adopted by both the Assembly and the Senate and signed into law in order to be eligible for the November 2020 ballot. TPA is continuing to work with the Author’s offices to ensure that OCSD will be eligible for funding included in the Bond.
• AB 1672 (Bloom) Flushable Wipes – The California Association of Sanitation Agencies (CASA) sponsored AB 1672 (Bloom) in 2019 to prohibit manufacturers of single-use wipes
from labeling their products as “flushable” unless they meet objective and scientific standards that are safe for wastewater systems. OCSD was a vocal supporter of this legislation, however it failed to pass out of the Assembly Appropriations Committee and is now a two-year bill. CASA is committed to this bill concept in 2020, and TPA will ensure that OCSD continues to be a leader in the wastewater industry for meaningful regulation of flushable wipes.
• SB 332 (Hertzberg) Ocean Discharge Reduction – Senator Hertzberg’s SB 332 would require wastewater agencies and their associated water suppliers to reduce their ocean outfall discharge volume by up to 95 percent by 2040. OCSD played a significant role in disputing the scientific and practical application of this mandate and worked with Senator
Hertzberg’s office, the bill sponsors, industry groups, and local partners to ensure that more discussion surrounding this concept would occur prior to the bill moving forward. As a result, SB 332 failed to move forward and is a two-year bill. TPA will continue to work
with OCSD staff and industry groups to ensure that OCSD is at the forefront of this conversation in 2020 as a statewide leader is wastewater management and recycling.
OCSD
State
Bills of Interest
BILL AUTHOR SUMMARY LATEST ACTION OCSD
POSITION LEGISLATIVE PLAN OTHER
POSITIONS
AB 11 Chiu [D]Community Redevelopment Law of 2019 Current law dissolved
redevelopment agencies as of February 1, 2012, and designates
successor agencies to act as successor entities to the dissolved
redevelopment agencies. This bill, the Community Redevelopment Law
of 2019, would authorize a city or county, or two or more cities acting
jointly, to propose the formation of an affordable housing and
infrastructure agency by adoption of a resolution of intention that meets
specified requirements, including that the resolution of intention include a
passthrough provision and an override passthrough provision, as
defined.
Two Year Bill Watch State Priorities: Continue to
monitor the state budget
process and actively protect
the allocation of local
property taxes to
special districts.
ACCOC - NYC
LOCC - Watch
CASA - NYC
ACWA - NYC
CSDA - Oppose
unless amended
AB 68 Ting [D]Land use: accessory dwelling units. The Planning and Zoning Law
authorizes a local agency to provide, by ordinance, for the creation of
accessory dwelling units in single-family and multifamily residential
zones and sets forth required ordinance standards, including, among
others, lot coverage. This bill would delete the provision authorizing the
imposition of standards on lot coverage and would prohibit an ordinance
from imposing requirements on minimum lot size.
Signed into law Watch Legislative and Regulatory
Policies: Special Districts -
Oppose further state
regulations that adversely
impact special district
financing, operations, and
administration.
ACCOC - NYC
LOCC - Watch
CASA - NYC
ACWA - NYC
CSDA - Watch
AB 69 Ting [D]Land use: accessory dwelling units. Current law requires the
Department of Housing and Community Development to propose
building standards to the California Building Standards Commission, and
to adopt, amend, or repeal rules and regulations governing, among other
things, apartment houses and dwellings, as specified. This bill would
require the department to propose small home building standards
governing accessory dwelling units smaller than 800 square feet, junior
accessory dwelling units, and detached dwelling units smaller than 800
square feet, as specified, and to submit the small home building
standards to the California Building Standards Commission for adoption
on or before January 1, 2021.
Two Year Bill Watch Legislative and Regulatory
Policies: Special Districts -
Oppose further state
regulations that adversely
impact special district
financing, operations, and
administration.
ACCOC - NYC
LOCC - Watch
CASA - NYC
ACWA - NYC
CSDA - Watch
AB 134 Bloom [D]Safe Drinking Water Restoration Would require the State Water
Resources Control Board to report to the Legislature by July 1, 2025, on
its progress in restoring safe drinking water to all California communities
and to create an internet website that provides data transparency for all
of the board’s activities described in this measure. The bill would require
the board to develop metrics to measure the efficacy of the fund in
ensuring safe and affordable drinking water for all Californians.
Two Year Bill Watch State Priorities: Support
legislation or regulations that
restrict the use of
microplastics in any product
that is disposed of through
the sewer system.
ACCOC - NYC
LOCC - Watch
CASA - NYC
ACWA - NYC
CSDA - Watch
Proposed Legislation 2019-2020
High Priority
OCSD
State
Bills of Interest
BILL AUTHOR SUMMARY LATEST ACTION OCSD
POSITION LEGISLATIVE PLAN OTHER
POSITIONS
AB 223 Stone [D]California Safe Drinking Water Act: microplastics The California Safe
Drinking Water Act requires the State Water Resources Control Board to
administer provisions relating to the regulation of drinking water to
protect public health. Current law requires the state board, on or before
July 1, 2020, to adopt a definition of microplastics in drinking water and,
on or before July 1, 2021, to adopt a standard methodology to be used in
the testing of drinking water for microplastics and requirements for 4
years of testing and reporting of microplastics in drinking water, including
public disclosure of those results. This bill would require the state board,
to the extent possible, and where feasible and cost effective, to work with
the State Department of Public Health in complying with those
requirements.
Two Year Bill Watch State Priorities: Support
legislation or regulations that
restrict the use of
microplastics in any product
that is disposed of through
the sewer system.
ACCOC - NYC
LOCC - Watch
CASA - NYC
ACWA - NYC
CSDA - Watch
AB 231 Mathis [R]California Environmental Quality Act: exemption: recycled water.
Would exempt from CEQA a project to construct or expand a recycled
water pipeline for the purpose of mitigating drought conditions for which
a state of emergency was proclaimed by the Governor if the project
meets specified criteria. Because a lead agency would be required to
determine if a project qualifies for this exemption, this bill would impose
a state-mandated local program. The bill would also exempt from CEQA
the development and approval of building standards by state agencies
for recycled water systems.
Two Year Bill Watch State Priorities: Support
efforts to reform the
California Environmental
Quality Act (CEQA)to
streamline current
procedures
and regulations for projects
to refurbish or replace
existing infrastructure
facilities.
ACCOC - NYC
LOCC - Watch
CASA - NYC
ACWA - NYC
CSDA - Support
AB 291 Chu Emergency preparedness Would establish a Local Emergency
Preparedness and Hazard Mitigation Fund to support staffing, planning,
and other emergency mitigation priorities to help local governments meet
emergency management, preparedness, readiness, and resilience goals.
The bill would, upon appropriation by the Legislature, require the
Controller to transfer $500,000,000 to the fund. The bill would require the
Office of Emergency Services to establish the Local Emergency
Preparedness and Hazard Mitigation Fund Committee under the
Standardized Emergency Management System Advisory Board.
Two Year Bill Watch State Priorities: Secure
funding through grants and
legislation for infrastructure,
collection improvements and
alternative renewable energy
at the Fountain Valley, Plant
No. 1 and Huntington Beach,
Plant No. 2.
ACCOC - NYC
LOCC - Watch
CASA - NYC
ACWA - NYC
CSDA - Watch
AB 292 Quirk [D]Recycled water: raw water and groundwater augmentation Current
law requires the State Water Resources Control Board, on or before
December 31, 2023, to adopt uniform water recycling criteria for direct
potable reuse through raw water augmentation, as specified. This bill
would eliminate the definition of “direct potable reuse” and instead would
substitute the term “groundwater augmentation” for “indirect potable
reuse for groundwater recharge” in these definitions. The bill would
require, on or before December 31, 2023, the state board to adopt
uniform water recycling criteria for raw water augmentation.
Two Year Bill Watch Legislative and Regulatory
Policies: Water Quality and
Supply - Support measures
that promote and provide for
the use of reclaimed water
ACCOC - NYC
LOCC - Watch
CASA - NYC
ACWA - NYC
CSDA - Support
OCSD
State
Bills of Interest
BILL AUTHOR SUMMARY LATEST ACTION OCSD
POSITION LEGISLATIVE PLAN OTHER
POSITIONS
AB 352 E. Garcia [D]Wildfire Prevention, Safe Drinking Water, Drought Preparation, and
Flood Protection Bond Act of 2020. Would enact the Wildfire
Prevention, Safe Drinking Water, Drought Preparation, and Flood
Protection Bond Act of 2020, which, if approved by the voters, would
authorize the issuance of bonds in the amount of $3,920,000,000
pursuant to the State General Obligation Bond Law to finance a wildlife
prevention, safe drinking water, drought preparation, and flood protection
program.The bill would provide for the submission of these provisions to
the voters at the November 3, 2020, statewide general election.
Two Year Bill Watch Legislative and Regulatory
Policies: Grant Funding -
Support 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,
wastewater recycling,
biosolids and organics
management, water quality
improvement, resource
recovery, or alternative
energy.
AB 405 Rubio [D]Sales and use taxes: exemption: water treatment. Would exempt
from Sales and Use Tax the gross receipts from the sale in this state of,
and the storage, use, or other consumption in this state of, chemicals
used to treat water, recycled water, or wastewater regardless of whether
those chemicals or other agents become a component part thereof and
regardless of whether the treatment takes place before or after the
delivery to consumers.
Two Year Bill Watch Guiding Principles: Seek
funds for OCSD projects
through grants,
appropriations, or other
ACCOC - NYC
LOCC - Watch
CASA - Support
ACWA - NYC
CSDA - Support
AB 510 Cooley [D]Local government records: destruction of records. Current law
authorizes the head of a department of a county or city, or the head of a
special district to destroy recordings of telephone and radio
communications maintained by that county, city, or special district after
100 days if that person receives approval from the legislative body and
the written consent of the agency attorney. This bill would exempt the
head of a department of a county or city, or the head of a special district
from these recording retention requirements if the county, city, or special
district adopts a records retention policy governing recordings of routine
video monitoring and recordings of telephone and radio communications.
Two Year Bill Support Legislative and Regulatory
Policies: Security - Support
legislation that would create
efficiencies around the
retention policy of
surveillance video for
innocuous recordings.
ACCOC - NYC
LOCC - Watch
CASA - NYC
ACWA - NYC
CSDA - Sponsor
OCSD
State
Bills of Interest
BILL AUTHOR SUMMARY LATEST ACTION OCSD
POSITION LEGISLATIVE PLAN OTHER
POSITIONS
AB 587 Friedman [D]Accessory dwelling units: sale or separate conveyance Current
property tax law establishes a welfare exemption under which property is
exempt from taxation if the property is owned and operated by a
nonprofit corporation that is organized and operated for the purpose of
building and rehabilitating single-family or multifamily residences for sale,
as provided, at cost to low-income families. This bill would authorize a
local agency to allow, by ordinance, an accessory dwelling unit that was
created pursuant to the process described above to be sold or conveyed
separately from the primary residence to a qualified buyer if certain
conditions are met.
Signed into law Watch Legislative and Regulatory
Policies: Special Districts -
Oppose further state
regulations that adversely
impact special district
financing, operations, and
administration.
ACCOC - NYC
LOCC - Watch
CASA - Work w/
author
ACWA - NYC
CSDA - Watch
AB 756 Garcia [D]Public water systems: perfluoroalkyl substances and
polyfluoroalkyl substances Would authorize the State Water
Resources Control Board to order a public water system to monitor for
perfluoroalkyl substances and polyfluoroalkyl substances. The bill would
require a community water system or a nontransient noncommunity
water system, upon a detection of these substances, to report that
detection, as specified. The bill would require a community water system
or a nontransient noncommunity water system where a detected level of
these substances exceeds the response level to take a water source
where the detected levels exceed the response level out of use or
provide a prescribed public notification.
Signed into law Watch Legislative and Regulatory
Policies: Source Control -
Support legislation and
funding mechanisms that
reduce the amount of trash,
waste, chemicals, and
harmful organic material that
enter the sewer system.
ACCOC - NYC
LOCC - Watch
CASA - Watch
ACWA - Watch
CSDA - Watch
AB 841 Ting [D]Drinking water: contaminants: perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl
substances. Would require the Office of Environmental Health Hazard
Assessment to adopt and complete a work plan within prescribed
timeframes to assess which substances in the class of perfluoroalkyl and
polyfluoroalkyl substances should be identified as a potential risk to
human health, as provided. The bill would require the office, as part of
those assessments, to determine which of the substances are
appropriate candidates for notification levels to be adopted by the state
board. The bill would require the Office of Environmental Health Hazard
Assessment, by January 1, 2022, to provide to the Legislature an update
on the assessment.
Two Year Bill Watch Legislative and Regulatory
Policies: Source Control -
Support legislation and
funding mechanisms that
reduce the amount of trash,
waste, chemicals, and
harmful organic material that
enter the sewer system.
ACCOC - NYC
LOCC - Watch
CASA - Watch
ACWA - Watch
CSDA - Watch
AB 992 Mullin [D]Open meetings: local agencies: social media Would provide that the
Ralph M. Brown Act does not apply to the posting, commenting, liking,
interaction with, or participation in, internet-based social media platforms
that are ephemeral, live, or static, by a majority of the members of a
legislative body, provided that a majority of the members do not discuss
among themselves business of a specific nature that is within the subject
matter jurisdiction of the legislative body of the local agency.
Two Year Bill Watch Legislative and Regulatory
Policies: Special Districts -
Oppose further state
regulations that adversely
impact special district
financing, operations, and
administration.
ACCOC - NYC
LOCC - Watch
CASA - Approve
ACWA - NYC
CSDA - Support
OCSD
State
Bills of Interest
BILL AUTHOR SUMMARY LATEST ACTION OCSD
POSITION LEGISLATIVE PLAN OTHER
POSITIONS
AB 1080 Gonzalez [D]California Circular Economy and Plastic Pollution Reduction Act
Would establish the California Circular Economy and Plastic Pollution
Reduction Act, which would require the Department of Resources
Recycling and Recovery, in consultation with the State Water Resources
Control Board and the Ocean Protection Council, to adopt, on or before
January 1, 2023, regulations to achieve, by 2030, a 75% reduction by
manufacturers and retailers of the waste generated from single-use
packaging and products offered for sale or sold in the state through
source reduction, recycling, or composting.
Two Year Bill Watch State Priorities: Support
legislation or regulations that
restrict the use of
microplastics in any product
that is disposed of through
ACCOC - NYC
LOCC - Support
CASA - NYC
ACWA - NYC
CSDA - NYC
AB 1180 Friedman [D]Water: recycled water The California Safe Drinking Water Act requires
the State Water Resources Control Board to administer provisions
relating to the regulation of drinking water to protect public health.
Current law requires, on or before January 1, 2020, the state board to
adopt standards for backflow protection and cross-connection control
through the adoption of a policy handbook, as specified. This bill would
require that handbook to include provisions for the use of a swivel or
changeover device to supply potable water to a dual-plumbed system
during an interruption in recycled water service.
Signed into law Watch Legislative and Regulatory
Policies: Recycled Water -
support measures that
promote and provide for the
use of reclaimed water.
ACCOC - NYC
LOCC - Watch
CASA - Support
ACWA - NYC
CSDA - Support
AB 1184 Gloria [D]Public records: writing transmitted by electronic mail: retention
Would, unless a longer retention period is required by statute or
regulation, require a public agency for purposes of the California Public
Records Act to retain and preserve for at least 2 years every writing
containing information relating to the conduct of the public’s business
prepared, owned, or used by any public agency that is transmitted by
electronic mail.
Vetoed Watch Legislative and Regulatory
Policies: Special Districts -
Oppose further state
regulations that adversely
impact special district
financing, operations, and
administration.
ACCOC - NYC
LOCC - Oppose
CASA - Watch
ACWA - NYC
CSDA - Oppose
AB 1588 Gloria [D]Drinking water and wastewater operator certification programs
Current law requires a person who operates a nonexempt wastewater
treatment plant to possess a valid, unexpired wastewater certificate or
water treatment operator certificate of the appropriate grade. This bill,
when applying for certification by the board as a water treatment
operator, distribution system operator, or wastewater operator, would
require operators of complex industrial facilities, including members of
the military and military service veterans, to receive appropriate
equivalent experience credit and education credit for work and tasks
performed that are directly related to the operation of water or
wastewater facilities, as specified.
Signed into law Watch Legislative and Regulatory
Policies: Special Districts -
Oppose further state
regulations that adversely
impact special district
financing, operations, and
administration.
ACCOC - NYC
LOCC - Watch
CASA - Support
ACWA - NYC
CSDA - Support
OCSD
State
Bills of Interest
BILL AUTHOR SUMMARY LATEST ACTION OCSD
POSITION LEGISLATIVE PLAN OTHER
POSITIONS
AB 1672 Bloom [D]Solid waste: flushable products The California Integrated Waste
Management Act of 1989, administered by the Department of Resources
Recycling and Recovery, generally regulates the disposal, management,
and recycling of solid waste. This bill would, among other things, on or
after January 1, 2021, prohibit a covered entity, as defined, from labeling
a covered product as safe to flush, safe for sewer systems, or safe for
septic systems, unless the product is a flushable wipe that meets certain
performance standards. The bill would require nonflushable products to
be labeled clearly and conspicuously to communicate that they should
not be flushed, as specified.
Two Year Bill Support Legislative and Regulatory
Policies: Source Control -
Support legislation that
regulates the disposal of
flushable wipes.
ACCOC - NYC
LOCC - Watch
CASA - Sponsor
ACWA - Support
CSDA - Support
ACA 1 Aguiar-Curry [D]Local government financing: affordable housing and public
infrastructure: voter approval. The California Constitution prohibits the
ad valorem tax rate on real property from exceeding 1% of the full cash
value of the property, subject to certain exceptions. This measure would
create an additional exception to the 1% limit that would authorize a city,
county, city and county, or special district to levy an ad valorem tax to
service bonded indebtedness incurred to fund the construction,
reconstruction, rehabilitation, or replacement of public infrastructure,
affordable housing, or permanent supportive housing, or the acquisition
or lease of real property for those purposes, if the proposition proposing
that tax is approved by 55% of the voters of the city, county, or city and
county, as applicable, and the proposition includes specified
accountability requirements.
Currently on the
Assembly Floor
Watch Guiding Principles: Seek
funds for OCSD projects
through grants,
appropriations, or other
means;
ACCOC - NYC
LOCC - Support
CASA - Support
ACWA - NYC
CSDA - Support
SB 1 Atkins [D]California Environmental, Public Health, and Workers Defense Act
of 2019. This bill seeks to freeze federal Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act,
Safe Drinking Water Act, Endangered Species Act, Fair Labor Standards
Act, Occupational Safety and Health Act and Coal Mine Health and
Safety Act requirements to those in place as of January 19, 2017. SB 1
refers to federal requirements existing as of this date, as “baseline
federal standards.” SB 1 is intended to “ensure continued protections for
the environment, natural resources, and public health and safety” in
California, even if the noted federal laws are “undermined, amended or
repealed” by making the baseline environmental standards the new floor
for environmental and worker protections in California
Vetoed Watch Legislative and Regulatory
Policies: 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.
ACCOC - NYC
LOCC - Watch
CASA - NYC
ACWA - Oppose
CSDA - NYC
OCSD
State
Bills of Interest
BILL AUTHOR SUMMARY LATEST ACTION OCSD
POSITION LEGISLATIVE PLAN OTHER
POSITIONS
SB 5 Beall [D]Local-State Sustainable Investment Incentive Program Would
establish in state government the Affordable Housing and Community
Development Investment Program, which would be administered by the
Affordable Housing and Community Development Investment
Committee. The bill would authorize a city, county, city and county, joint
powers agency, enhanced infrastructure financing district, affordable
housing authority, community revitalization and investment authority,
transit village development district, or a combination of those entities, to
apply to the Affordable Housing and Community Development
Investment Committee to participate in the program and would authorize
the committee to approve or deny plans for projects meeting specific
criteria.
Vetoed Watch State Priorities: Continue to
monitor the state budget
process and actively protect
the allocation of local
property taxes to
special districts.
ACCOC - NYC
LOCC - Support
CASA - Watch
ACWA - NYC
CSDA - Watch
SB 13 Weickowski [D]Accessory dwelling units Would authorize the creation of accessory
dwelling units in areas zoned to allow single-family or multifamily
dwelling use. The bill would also revise the requirements for an
accessory dwelling unit by providing that the accessory dwelling unit may
be attached to, or located within, an attached garage, storage area, or
other structure, and that it does not exceed a specified amount of total
floor area. Bill was amended to remove the cap on capacity and
connection fees that agencies can charge new ADUs.
Signed into law Watch Legislative and Regulatory
Policies: Special Districts -
Oppose further state
regulations that adversely
impact special district
financing, operations, and
administration.
ACCOC - NYC
LOCC - Oppose
unless amended
CASA - Work w/
author
ACWA - NYC
CSDA - Oppose
SB 33 Skinner Solid waste: reduction and recycling. The California Integrated Waste
Management Act of 1989, administered by the Department of Resources
Recycling and Recovery, generally regulates the disposal, management,
and recycling of solid waste.This bill would state the intent of the
Legislature to enact legislation that would address the collapse of foreign
recycling markets by reducing solid waste generation, encouraging
transition to compostable or recyclable materials, and fostering domestic
recycling markets.
Two Year Bill Watch Legislative and Regulatory
Policies: Biosolids and
Biogas - Limit redundant
reporting requirements on
organics, recyclable material,
and solid waste as mandated
by AB 901.
ACCOC - NYC
LOCC - Watch
CASA - NYC
ACWA - NYC
CSDA - Watch
OCSD
State
Bills of Interest
BILL AUTHOR SUMMARY LATEST ACTION OCSD
POSITION LEGISLATIVE PLAN OTHER
POSITIONS
SB 134 Hertzberg [D]Water conservation: water loss performance standards:
enforcement. Current law requires the State Water Resources Control
Board, no earlier than January 1, 2019, and no later than July 1, 2020, to
adopt rules requiring urban retail water suppliers to meet performance
standards for the volume of water losses. This bill would prohibit the
board from issuing an information order, written notice, or conservation
order to an urban retail water supplier that does not meet its urban water
use objective if the board determines the urban retail water supplier is
not meeting its urban water use objective solely because the volume of
water loss exceeds the urban retail water supplier’s standard for water
loss and the board is taking enforcement action against the urban retail
water supplier for not meeting the performance standards for the volume
of water losses.
Signed into law Watch Legislative and Regulatory
Policies: Water Supply -
Support legislation and
regulation that necessitate
the responsible use of water
in residential, commercial,
and industrial areas
ACCOC - NYC
LOCC - Watch
CASA - NYC
ACWA - NYC
CSDA - Support
SB 200 Safe and Affordable Drinking Water Fund. Would establish the Safe
and Affordable Drinking Water Fund in the State Treasury to help water
systems provide an adequate and affordable supply of safe drinking
water in both the near and the long term. The bill would authorize the
board to provide for the deposit into the fund of federal contributions,
voluntary contributions, gifts, grants, and bequests and would provide
that moneys in the fund are available, upon appropriation by the
Legislature, to the board to fund grants, loans, contracts, or services to
assist eligible recipients.
Signed into law Watch State Tactics: Support tax
reform that
protects public agencies
ACCOC - NYC
LOCC - Watch
CASA - NYC
ACWA - NYC
CSDA - Watch
SB 210 Leyva [D]Heavy-Duty Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance Program. Current
law requires the State Air Resources Board, in consultation with the
Bureau of Automotive Repair and a specified review committee, to adopt
regulations requiring owners or operators of heavy-duty diesel motor
vehicles to perform regular inspections of their vehicles for excessive
emissions of smoke. Current law requires the state board, in consultation
with the State Energy Resources Conservation and Development
Commission, to adopt regulations requiring heavy-duty diesel motor
vehicles to use emission control equipment and alternative fuels. This bill
would require the state board, in consultation with the bureau and other
specified entities, to implement a pilot program that develops and
demonstrates technologies that show potential for readily bringing heavy-
duty vehicles into an inspection and maintenance program.
Signed into law Recommen
d Oppose
Legislative and Regulatory
Policies: Air Quality -
Support measures that
maintain and enhance local
decision-making authority,
where appropriate, in the
development and
implementation of air quality
attainment strategies
ACCOC - NYC
LOCC - Watch
CASA - Watch
ACWA - Watch
CSDA - Watch
OCSD
State
Bills of Interest
BILL AUTHOR SUMMARY LATEST ACTION OCSD
POSITION LEGISLATIVE PLAN OTHER
POSITIONS
SB 332 Hertzberg [D]Wastewater treatment: recycled water. Would declare, except in
compliance with the bill’s provisions, that the discharge of treated
wastewater from ocean outfalls is a waste and unreasonable use of
water. The bill would require each wastewater treatment facility that
discharges through an ocean outfall and affiliated water suppliers to
reduce the facility’s annual flow as compared to the average annual
wastewater discharge baseline volume, as prescribed, by at least 50%
on or before January 1, 2030, and by at least 95% on or before January
1, 2040. The bill would subject the owner or operator of a wastewater
treatment facility, as well as the affiliated water suppliers, to a civil
penalty of $2,000 per acre-foot of water above the required reduction in
overall volume discharge for the failure to meet these deadlines.
Two Year Bill Watch State Legislation: Work with
legislators who introduced
legislation such as SB 163
(Hertzberg, 2015) in order to
ensure that no unrealistic
regulations are placed on
wastewater treatment
facilities, including OCSD
ACCOC - NYC
LOCC - Oppose
CASA - Oppose
ACWA - NYC
CSDA - Oppose
SB 457 Hueso [D]Biomethane: gas corporations Under existing law, the Public Utilities
Commission has regulatory authority over public utilities, including gas
corporations. Existing law authorizes the commission to fix the rates and
charges for every public utility and requires that those rates and charges
be just and reasonable. Existing law requires the commission to adopt
policies and programs that promote the in-state production and
distribution of biomethane, as defined, and that facilitate the
development of a variety of sources of in-state biomethane. This bill
would require the Public Utilites Commission to extend the program until
December 31, 2026. This bill contains other related provisions and other
existing laws.
Signed into law Watch Legislative and Regulatory
Polciies: Biosolids and
Biogas - Support
streamlined legislation,
regulations and policies that
encourage the procurement
of biogas, biosolids, and
compost.
ACCOC - NYC
LOCC - Watch
CASA - Refer to
Committee
ACWA - NYC
CSDA - NYC
SB 667 Hueso [D]Greenhouse gases: recycling infrastructure and facilities. Would
require the Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery to
develop, on or before January 1, 2021, and would authorize the
department to amend, a 5-year investment strategy to drive innovation
and support technological development and infrastructure, in order to
meet specified organic waste reduction and recycling targets, as
provided. The bill would require, on or before June 1, 2021, the
department, in coordination with the Treasurer, to develop financial
incentive mechanisms, including, but not limited to, loans and incentive
payments, to fund organic waste diversion and recycling infrastructure.
Two Year Bill Watch Legislative and Regulatory
Polciies: Biosolids and
Biogas - Support the
promotion and funding of
local pilot programs, studies,
and research for the
beneficial use of biosolids.
ACCOC - NYC
LOCC - Support
CASA - Support
ACWA - NYC
CSDA - NYC
OCSD
State
Bills of Interest
BILL AUTHOR SUMMARY LATEST ACTION OCSD
POSITION LEGISLATIVE PLAN OTHER
POSITIONS
SB 732 Allen [D]Transactions and use tax. Current law establishes the South Coast Air
Quality Management District vested with the authority to regulate air
emissions from stationary sources located in the South Coast Air Basin
and establishes a district board to govern the district. This bill would
authorize the south coast district board to impose a transactions and use
tax within the boundaries of the south coast district, as specified, with the
moneys generated from the transactions and use tax to be used to
supplement existing revenues being used for south coast district
purposes, as specified.
Two Year Bill Watch Legislative and Regulatory
Polciies: Air Quality -
Support air quality
legislations, regulations,
rules, and policies that
emphasize the use of
advanced technologies and
promote greater flexibility and
financial incentives to reduce
air emission.
ACCOC - NYC
LOCC - Watch
CASA - NYC
ACWA - NYC
CSDA - No
position
Legend:
ACC-OC - Association of California Cities, Orange County
LOCC - League of California Cities
NYC - Not Yet Considered
CASA - California Association of Sanitation Agencies
ACWA - Association of California Water Agencies
CSDA - California Special Districts Association
Name of Grant/Loan Synopsis of Grant/Loan Amount of Grant/Loan Amount
Applying for Applying Y/N Project/Program Reason Match Deadline Category Rcvd Grant/
Financing Y/N
Organics Grant Program
The Organics Grant Program is part of California Climate
Investments, a statewide program that puts billions of cap-
and-trade dollars to work reducing greenhouse gas
emissions, strengthening the economy, and improving
public health and the environment - particularly in
disadvantaged and/or low-income communities. The Cap-
and-Trade program also creates a financial incentive for
industries to invest in clean technologies and develop
innovative ways to reduce pollution. California Climate
Investments projects include affordable housing,
renewable energy, public transportation, zero-emission
vehicles, environmental restoration, more sustainable
agriculture, recycling, and much more. At least 35 percent
of these investments are made in disadvantaged and low-
income communities.
$16,112,753 ($13,312,753 is available for fiscal
year (FY) 2018–19, and $3 million is available
for fiscal year (FY) 2019–20)
TBD Yes if we qualify.
Food-Waste Co-Digestion
facility at Plant No.2 in
Huntington Beach to accept up
to 150 wet tons per day (wtpd)
of pre-processed source
separated organics.
We will review the possible funding
opportunity to determine if it is a fit for
the Sanitation District.
TBD 11/21/2019 Energy/Recycling TBD
Integrated Regional Water
Management (IRWM) Grant Program
The Proposition 1 IRWM Grant Program, administered by
DWR, provides funding for projects that help meet the
long term water needs of the state, including:
Assisting water infrastructure systems adapt to climate
change;
Providing incentives throughout each watershed to
collaborate in managing the region's water resources and
setting regional priorities for water infrastructure
$3,000,000.00 per grant award NA TBD (Round 2)NA
TPA and OCSD are monitoring the
grant program development from the
Santa Ana Watershed Project
Authority (SAWPA). The solicitation
for bids was announced by SAWPA
and staff determined that an
application for funding was not
warranted due to a lack of eligible
and competitive projects.
50%NA. Will return in 2021
for Round 2 Water No
The Water Infrastructure
Improvements Act (WIIN)
The Title XVI Water Reclamation and Reuse Projects
funding opportunity allows for sponsors of water
reclamation and reuse projects that are congressionally
authorized or are eligible under section 4009(c) of the
WIIN Act to request cost-shared funding for planning,
design and/or construction of those Projects. Water
reclamation and reuse projects provide improved
efficiency, flexibility during water shortages and
diversifies the water supply.
Reclamation is making up to $20 million
available for those projects authorized under
the WIIN Act and $34 million for the
congressionally authorized Title XVI projects.
$550,000 Yes Final Expansion of GWRS
Headworks (P2-122)
The Sanitation District is applying for
Headworks Segregation project that
will help to bring more water to the
GWRS.
Title 16 will pay up to
25 percent of the
available money
7/27/2018 Water/ Infrastructure No
The Water Infrastructure
Improvements Act (WIIN)
The Title XVI Water Reclamation and Reuse Projects
funding opportunity allows for sponsors of water
reclamation and reuse projects that are congressionally
authorized or are eligible under section 4009(c) of the
WIIN Act to request cost-shared funding for planning,
design and/or construction of those Projects. Water
reclamation and reuse projects provide improved
efficiency, flexibility during water shortages and
diversifies the water supply.
Reclamation is making up to $20 million
available for those projects authorized under
the WIIN Act.
$3 million Yes Final Expansion of GWRS
Headworks (P2-122)
The Sanitation District applied for
Headworks Segregation project that
will help to bring more water to the
GWRS.
Title 16 will pay up to
25 percent of the
available money
6/28/2019 Water/ Infrastructure TBD
Stormwater and CSO Grant Program USEPA is authorized to provide grants assistance of
public agencies to control stormwater flows and CSO's Funding cost-share is not identified in the law TBD TBD. We will monitor for possible
funding opportunities/A TBD Funding must be appropriated as part
of current FY 2019 budget impasse TBD TBD Water/ Infrastructure TBD
OCSD's Grant and Loan Funding Tracker 2018-2019
STATE
FEDERAL
Updated 10/14/2019
Name of Grant/Loan Synopsis of Grant/Loan Amount of Grant/Loan Amount
Applying for Applying Y/N Project/Program Reason Match Deadline Category Rcvd Grant/
Financing Y/N
OCSD's Grant and Loan Funding Tracker 2018-2019
The Department of Energy (DOE),
USBR and USEPA
The DOE’s Office of Energy Efficiency is likely to
continue to be funded by Congress to support such
efforts as biogas, biosolids and green energy.
A minimum of $20 million to as much as $100
million based upon prior years’ budgets.
USBR could receive as much as $130 million
in support of the WaterSmart (due to
increased funding under WIIN) during the
next several years. USBR will issue
solicitations for innovative approaches to
managing water and water treatment through
technology and processes.
TBD TBD. We will monitor for possible
funding opportunities
Project Funding Opportunity:
Energy production to reduce
costs of recycled water through
innovative technologies like
Aquacritox, Innovative water
monitoring technology that can
produce efficient real time
monitoring and data analysis,
Biogas Management and Use
Improvements.
We will review the possible funding
opportunity to determine if it is a fit for
the Sanitation District.
N/A TBD Energy TBD
Community Partnering Program Grant Metropolitan Water District
The primary focus of the Community Partnering
Program (CPP) is sponsorship of water
conservation and water-use efficiency
programs and activities. Applications must be
submitted 30 days prior to the start date of the
event or program.
Requests for a maximum $2,000 award will be
reviewed year-round and funds are awarded
throughout the year. Funds are limited,
however, and may be depleted prior to the
ending of this fiscal year (June 30).
$2,000 Yes For Plant No. 1 Signage Applied Match ongoing Education Yes
Mass Timber Competition CalGovOps
The California Government Operations Agency
(GovOps) will award $500,000 in grants as part
of the statewide California Mass Timber
Building Competition. Grants will be awarded to
selected proponent teams presenting viable
and repeatable mass timber solutions for
commercial and multi-family projects in
California. The competition is being hosted by
GovOps and administered by WoodWorks –
Wood Products Council.
$40,000 Yes Headquarters Building Applied No 03/18/19 Environment Yes
Other
Updated 10/14/2019
Orange County Sanitation District
LEGISLATIVE AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS
COMMITTEE
Agenda Report
Administration Building
10844 Ellis Avenue
Fountain Valley, CA 92708
(714) 593-7433
File #:2019-549 Agenda Date:11/4/2019 Agenda Item No:4.
FROM:James D. Herberg, General Manager
SUBJECT:
CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF SANITATION AGENCIES AND ASSOCIATION OF CALIFORNIA
CITIES-ORANGE COUNTY
GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION
RECOMMENDATION:
Information Item.
BACKGROUND
The Orange County Sanitation District (Sanitation District)asked Jessica Gauger,Director of
Legislative Advocacy from the California Association of Sanitation Agencies (CASA),and Bruce
Channing,Executive Director from the Association of California Cities-Orange County (ACC-OC),to
make informational presentations to the Legislative and Public Affairs Committee.Ms.Gauger and
Mr.Channing will present a general overview of CASA’s and ACC-OC’s legislative activities/platform
and highlight the upcoming goals for next year.
RELEVANT STANDARDS
·Maintain influential legislative advocacy and a public outreach program
·Maintain collaborative and cooperative relationships with regulators,stakeholders,and
neighboring communities
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The Public Affairs Office works closely on legislative issues with both associations to ensure that the
Sanitation District is properly represented on issues that could influence the Sanitation District or the
wastewater industry.
ATTACHMENT
The following attachment(s)are included in hard copy and may also be viewed on-line at the OCSD website
(www.ocsd.com) with the complete agenda package:
N/A
Orange County Sanitation District Printed on 10/23/2019Page 1 of 1
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Orange County Sanitation District
LEGISLATIVE AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS
COMMITTEE
Agenda Report
Administration Building
10844 Ellis Avenue
Fountain Valley, CA 92708
(714) 593-7433
File #:2019-550 Agenda Date:11/4/2019 Agenda Item No:5.
FROM:James D. Herberg, General Manager
SUBJECT:
DRAFT 2020 LEGISLATIVE/REGULATORY PLAN
GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION
RECOMMENDATION:
Information Item.
BACKGROUND
Each year,the Board of Directors adopts a legislative and regulatory plan,which is a summary of the
Orange County Sanitation District’s (Sanitation District)goals,key issues,and policy positions.The
legislative and regulatory policies in this document were developed taking into consideration the
Sanitation District’s priorities,the wastewater industry,and the Sanitation District’s member agencies
and policy needs.
These Board-approved policies serve as the Sanitation District’s official positions of support or
opposition on issues of importance to the agency.The legislative and regulatory plan is a dynamic
document,adopted annually,and is modified to meet the needs of the Sanitation District as Federal,
State, and local policymaking agendas change throughout the year.
RELEVANT STANDARDS
·Maintain influential legislative advocacy and a public outreach program
·Build brand, trust, and support with policy makers and community leaders
·Maintain collaborative and cooperative relationships with regulators,stakeholders,and
neighboring communities
·Listen to and seriously consider community input on environmental concerns
·Use all practical and effective means for resource recovery
PROBLEM
Local and Federal legislation and regulations can have significant impacts on the Sanitation District’s
ability to accomplish our mission.Impacts from legislative action can affect the Sanitation District
and our customers either positively or negatively.Also,the Sanitation District and other public
agencies are sometimes precluded from pursuing innovations and solutions to problems without new
legislation or changes to existing laws and regulations.
Orange County Sanitation District Printed on 10/24/2019Page 1 of 2
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File #:2019-550 Agenda Date:11/4/2019 Agenda Item No:5.
PROPOSED SOLUTION
The draft 2020 Legislative and Regulatory Plan,which will go to the full Board in December,includes
our platform and approach to engaging with Federal,State,and local governments to inform and
advocate for the Sanitation District’s legislative interests.This program includes sponsoring and
monitoring legislation and grants that would benefit the Sanitation District’s customers and the
wastewater industry,in addition to advancing our mission.The program also incudes relationship
building activities and outreach to our elected officials by providing facility tours,one-on-one
meetings, and trips to D.C. and Sacramento.
TIMING CONCERNS
The final 2020 Legislative and Regulatory Plan is scheduled to go the Legislative and Public Affairs
Committee and Board in December for approval and adoption.It is important that the draft plan be
reviewed in November, prior to the final version submitted in December.
RAMIFICATIONS OF NOT TAKING ACTION
If we do not effectively work with the local,State,and Federal elected officials,legislation could be
passed that negatively affects the Sanitation District and the wastewater industry as a whole.
Additionally, the Sanitation District could miss out on of grant funding opportunities.
ATTACHMENT
The following attachment(s)are included in hard copy and may also be viewed on-line at the OCSD website
(www.ocsd.com) with the complete agenda package:
·Draft 2020 Legislative/Regulatory Plan
Orange County Sanitation District Printed on 10/24/2019Page 2 of 2
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ORANGE COUNTY SANITATION DISTRICT
2020 Legislative and
Regulatory Plan
Orange County Sanitation District 2020 Legislative & Regulatory Plan
2
January 2020
Legislative & Regulatory Affairs Team
OCSD Staff
Rebecca Long
Senior Public Affairs Specialist
(714) 593-7444 rlong@ocsd.com
Jennifer Cabral
Administration Manager
(714) 593-7581 jcabral@ocsd.com
Jim Herberg
General Manager
(714) 593-7110 jherberg@ocsd.com
Federal Lobbying Team
Eric Sapirstein
ENS Resources
(202) 466-3755 esap@ensresources.com
Sarah Sapirstein
ENS Resources
(202) 466-3755 ssap@ensresources.com
David French
ENS Resources
(202) 466-3755 dfrench@ensresources.com
State Lobbying Team
Cori Williams
Townsend Public Affairs
(949) 399-9050 cwilliams@TownsendPA.com
Eric O’Donnell
Townsend Public Affairs
(949) 399-9050 eodonnell@TownsendPA.com
Christopher Townsend
Townsend Public Affairs
(949) 399-9050 ctownsend@TownsendPA.com
Regulatory Advocacy Team
Tom Meregillano, Senior Regulatory Specialist (714) 593-7457 tmeregillano@ocsd.com
Lan Wiborg, Director of Environmental
Services
(714) 593-7450 lwiborg@ocsd.com
Orange County Sanitation District 2020 Legislative & Regulatory Plan
3
January 2020
Introduction
The Orange County Sanitation District (OCSD) recognizes the need for an active local, state and federal legislative
and regulatory advocacy program to ensure that the interests of the ratepayers and the Board of Directors
(Board) are protected and supported. Towards that end, the legislative and regulatory team actively engages,
pursues, and monitors activities in California and Washington, D.C. and takes appropriate action in support of or
opposition to legislative and regulatory initiatives.
Each year, the Board of Directors adopts a legislative and regulatory plan, which is a summary of OCSD’s goals, key
issues, and policy positions. The legislative and regulatory policies in this document were developed taking into
consideration OCSD’s priorities, the wastewater industry, and 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 and regulatory plan is a dynamic document, adopted annually and is modified to meet the
needs of OCSD as federal, state, and local policymaking agendas change throughout the year.
The legislative and regulatory team, in conjunction with the Board, may take appropriate action consistent with the
legislative and regulatory plan, including, but not limited to, drafting letters, lobbying legislators, regulators, and
staff, and crafting bills and proposing legislation and regulations.
Procedure for Taking Positions
1. Staff will track bills and proposed regulations of greatest interest to OCSD, particularly those that fall within
the goals and objectives identified by the Board and included in this plan. Staff will monitor bills and
proposed regulations 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), Southern California Alliance of Publicly Owned Treatment Works (SCAP), California Special
Districts Association (CSDA), Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA), Association of California
Cities Orange County (ACC-OC), League of California Cities (LOCC), and National Association of Clean Water
Agencies (NACWA).
2. For those bills and proposed regulations that are being tracked and where there is clear policy direction
stated in the Board-adopted legislative and regulatory plan or adopted goals, Public Affairs and Regulatory
staff can send letters to legislators and regulators and give direction to the lobbyists to advocate that
position.
3. Where an 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 and the
General Manager or Designee approves the letter.
4. When a bill does not fall within the scope of the legislative and regulatory plan or is a 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 Association of California Cities Orange
County (ACCOC), California Association of Sanitation 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.
Orange County Sanitation District 2020 Legislative & Regulatory Plan
4
January 2020
Guiding Priorities
• Seek funds for OCSD projects through grants, appropriations, or other means;
• Maintain local control over governance of special districts and other local entities;
• Oppose redundant regulatory and legislative requirements that cause undue constraints on efficient
operations;
• Support legislative regulatory streamlining that promotes public health and the environment.
Federal Priorities
• Advocate for robust federal water infrastructure funding including State Revolving Fund and the Water
Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act including water infrastructure provisions.
Additionally, federal support in the form of assistance for disadvantaged communities should be provided.
• Identify and work to secure general and direct federal grants assistance, Water Infrastructure Finance and
Innovation (WIFIA) Act assistance, green infrastructure, renewable energy, and water and organic
management recycling project assistance.
• Work with Congress and United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to advance implementation
of the WaterSense Program to increase the use of energy and water use efficient technologies at OCSD
while protecting against treatment cost increases related to program rulemaking.
• Monitor federal agency grants for funding of traditional wastewater treatment needs, alternative
renewable energy, bioenergy, water recycling, biosolids beneficial use, and beach protection.
• Work with Administration and Congress to advance commonsense permitting processes including ten-year
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits and programmatic permits issued by
United States EPA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to promote reduced costs to ratepayers. Any
authority to issue efficient permitting solutions should not impose new requirements or burdens on
permittees.
• Work with Congress to address concerns stemming from Mobile Persistent Bioaccumulative Toxic
substances (MPBTs) for example: Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFAS). Support federal assistance, including
grants to local agencies to support clean-up costs.
• Provide that any funding regime be derived from the manufacturers of PFAS/PFOA chemicals to provide
federal grants and low-interest loans to agencies impacted.
• Oppose designation of PFAS as a hazardous waste under Comprehensive Environmental Response,
Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA).
• Clarify that if PFAS is defined as a hazardous waste under CERCLA that water and wastewater agencies are not
subject to any liability clean-up costs, if such agencies are not actively involved in the production of the
chemicals and are simply receivers of such chemicals due to the discharge of wastewaters from industry and
domestic sewage.
• Work with OCSD’s congressional delegation and administration officials to advance resiliency and
infrastructure policies that promote the funding of OCSD’s water recycling and other conservation projects.
Seek to secure adequate funding of programs authorized in drought relief legislation to facilitate funding of
OCSD’s project priorities.
• Support legislation, policies and regulations that offer to provide below market bonding rate assistance to
construct treatment facilities, including credit assistance and infrastructure banks. Focus should be on
energy recovery technologies, core infrastructure assistance related wastewater treatment, funding of final
stage of water recycling needs, and related demonstration of evolving technologies to address brine line
needs.
• Oppose legislation to label wipes as flushable.
Orange County Sanitation District 2020 Legislative & Regulatory Plan
5
January 2020
• During the fiscal year 2021 appropriations, identify opportunities to secure federal support of OCSD’s capital
project needs as part of any budget decision making process for the coming fiscal year.
• Promote restoration of federal deductibility of state and local tax payments and oppose elimination or
restriction on the use or availability of tax-exempt financing for public infrastructure.
• Support at least $3 billion in annual federal appropriations for the Clean Water Act State Revolving Fund
(CWSRF). Work with Congress and the United States Environmental Protection Agency to streamline the
Clean Water Act permitting processes. Provide assurances that CWSRF appropriations are not transferred
to State Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (SRF) needs.
• Support legislation to revise the SRF allocation formula to allow for appropriate and fair share of funding to
California consistent with United States EPA study (20% increase in share).
• Support removal of private activity Bond State Volume Cap on water and wastewater facilities to allow for
innovative financing options such as public private partnerships.
• Work with the EPA on emerging regulatory issues of concern including integrated plans, method
development, monitoring effluent limitations and guidelines, and compounds of emerging concern
including but not limited to PFAS and microplastics.
• OCSD will continue to advocate for federal policies that minimize regulatory burdens imposed upon
communities and public agencies that seek to adopt programs for the giveback of pharmaceuticals that will
result in the reduction of disposal of pharmaceuticals through wastewater treatment facilities. Additionally,
OCSD will advocate for federal funding of programs currently authorized that support the development of
pharmaceutical management programs including education.
• Support development of infrastructure policies and legislation that will close funding gaps and encourage
direct grants assistance in support of projects and programs addressing resiliency needs that protect OCSD
investments from natural disasters.
• Work with U.S. Department of Energy and EPA to identify and support efforts to secure funding assistance
for OCSD energy-water nexus project demonstrations.
• Oppose EPA’s reform to change the cellulosic biofuel value of the co-digestion of organics, which will lower
Renewable Identification Number (RIN) credit.
State Priorities
• Secure funding through grants and legislation for infrastructure, collection improvements and alternative
renewable energy at the Fountain Valley, Plant No. 1 and Huntington Beach, Plant No. 2.
• Promote a regional distribution/statewide equity approach to the disbursement of State Revolving Fund
monies.
• Oppose legislation or any regulations that would mandate volumetric pricing of wastewater.
• Continue to monitor the state budget process and actively protect the allocation of local property taxes to
special districts.
• Monitor state legislation as well as State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) regulatory activity related
to PFAS.
• Work with legislators to address concerns stemming from Mobile Persistent Bioaccumulative Toxic
substances (MPBTs) for example PFAS. Support funding opportunities for clean-up costs from the
manufacturers of PFAS and through state grants and low-interest loans.
Orange County Sanitation District 2020 Legislative & Regulatory Plan
6
January 2020
• Work with legislators who introduced legislation such as SB 163 (Hertzberg, 2015) and SB 332 (Hertzberg,
2019) to ensure that no unrealistic, one size fits all, regulations are placed on wastewater treatment facilities
requirements for discharging, including OCSD.
• Oppose state mandates, regulations, or legislation such as AB 1217 (Daly, 2015) that set, alter, or otherwise
modify the governance structure of special districts, joint powers authorities, or other local government
entities.
• Support efforts to competitively seek funding for projects that meet the State’s goals of expanded water
supply and energy reduction.
• Where appropriate, pursue State funding for critical aging infrastructure, through funding sources made
available through any agency including but not limited to the SWRCB and the Department of Water Resources.
• Support and participate in Integrated Regional Water Management planning efforts in the Santa Ana River
watershed.
• Oppose restrictive and redundant regulatory requirements for biosolids.
• Support the creation of a Statewide Organics Management Plan that includes the beneficial use of biosolids,
education, market expansion activities, and mandates to buy-back compost and other organics diverted from
landfills.
• Support funding through grants and legislation for a Food Waste/Organic Co-Digestion facility at OCSD.
• Monitor pension reform legislation for clean-up bills and relevant proposed regulations.
• Support the State’s efforts to increase the effectiveness and efficiencies of Local Agency Formation
Commissions.
• Support efforts to reform the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) to streamline current procedures
and regulations for projects to refurbish or replace existing infrastructure facilities.
• Actively monitor the Little Hoover Commission hearings and reports related to climate change adaptation,
special districts and other topics as it relates to OCSD.
• Support the inclusion of recycled water credits during the development of long-term water conservation
legislation and regulations.
• Support legislation or regulations that restrict the use of microplastics and chemicals of emerging concern
in any product that is disposed of through the sewer system.
• Support legislation, such as AB 1672 (Bloom), or regulations that discourage the flushing of wipes through the
sewer system, unless they meet certain performance standards.
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Appendix
a. Federal Tactics
b. State Tactics
c. Legislative and Regulatory Policies
Federal Tactics
Initiative Action
1. Identify and advise on federal
funding opportunities for OCSD
infrastructure projects
• Schedule meetings with federal agency stakeholders and senior
officials in Washington D.C. and district offices to build support for
OCSD priority projects;
• Work with congressional delegation to update priority needs; and
• Develop white papers to justify requested assistance through direct
grants.
2. Seek funding assistance to
advance recovery of energy and
other resources from biosolids
and other organics such as food
waste
• Meet with federal agency officials to discuss funding opportunities
and options related to the energy water nexus; and
• Work with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and other
agencies to advance energy and water efficient technologies
related to WaterSense grant program.
3. Seek Infrastructure assistance
A. Robust funding of State
Revolving Fund (SRF) and
revise SRF Allocation
Formula
B. Innovative Financing
C. Project Streamlining
• Meet with congressional delegation;
• Develop priorities and disseminate to OCSD congressional
delegation;
• Advocate before congressional infrastructure committees and
applicable Executive Branch officials to secure adoption of
alternative water infrastructure financing including credit, loans,
public-private-partnerships and grants in addition to direct
grants assistance;
• Work to secure legislation and policies that expedite the National
Environmental Policy Act and related reviews and approvals; and
Appendices
Appendix A
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• Work with Congress and U.S. Bureau of Reclamation on proposals
to provide enhanced alternative water infrastructure financing
tools.
4. Support tax reform that
protects public agencies • Work with NACWA and CASA in support of unrestricted use of
tax- exempt financing and feasible innovative financing
approaches such as infrastructure banks to supplement
traditional funding approaches;
• Work with state and local government stakeholders to restore
state and local tax deductibility and advocate before
congressional delegation; and
• Submit testimony and transmit communications on tax-exempt
financing and where possible present testimony.
5. Support resiliency legislation,
regulations, and policies that
support protection of OCSD
investments and promote
water and biosolids recycling
assistance
• Work with delegation and regulators to ensure incorporation of
new programs for water and biosolids recycling assistance;
• Work with NACWA, CASA and ACWA to support resiliency water
and biosolids recycling legislation and regulations; and
• Work with congressional infrastructure committees to secure
assistance for resiliency projects.
6. Work with federal agencies on
permitting issues
• 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 such as incidental take permits under ESA;
• Advocate to authorize U.S. EPA to provide National Pollutant
Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits terms for a
period of up to 10- years.
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State Tactics
Initiative Action
1. Develop a proactive legislative
and regulatory advocacy
agenda
• Identify legislation that has the potential to benefit or impact
OCSD, as legislation is introduced and amended;
• Identify proposed state and local regulations that are
introduced that have the potential to benefit or impact OCSD;
• Recommend positions on identified legislation and proposed
regulation to align with OCSD’s legislative and regulatory plan;
• Create and continually update a legislative and regulatory matrix to
track identified pieces of priority legislation and proposed
regulations; and
• Schedule advocacy days in Sacramento with legislators and
committee staff and regulators;
• Continue an active letter writing campaign to support or oppose
priority legislation and proposed regulations;
• Schedule meetings with legislators, regulators, stakeholders, and
senior officials in Sacramento and district offices to build support for
OCSD priority projects; and
• Participate in CASA’s legislative committees and Regulatory
Workgroup and SCAP’s air quality, water issues, collection systems,
biosolids, and wastewater pretreatment committees.
2. Compile a comprehensive list
of Capital Improvement
projects
• Meet with OCSD’s Executive Management Team to discuss future
capital projects and priorities, and
• Match capital improvements with funding opportunities based on
project eligibility.
3. Monitor and advise on possible
funding opportunities, including
but not limited to funding
through Statewide bonds
• Proactively engage in the drafting of grant funding guidelines and
provide input to drafting agency or committee to ensure eligibility
and competitiveness of OCSD projects and priorities;
• Proactively engage on proposed legislation and regulations that
would have an impact on the implementation of funding
programs; and
• Identify funding opportunities and provide recommendations for
eligible projects. Create an advocacy and outreach schedule on the
planning and execution of efforts to seek funds.
Appendix B
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4. Monitor and advise on funding
available through Cap and
Trade
• Monitor the rollout of the Cap and Trade Expenditure Plan for
waste diversion projects. Continue to advocate for additional
funding in future Cap and Trade Expenditure Plans that OCSD is
eligible for;
• Identify eligible and competitive projects and programs; and
• Create a schedule on planning and execution of efforts to seek funds,
including outreach and advocacy strategy.
5. Monitor and advise on energy
or other resource recovery
related funding opportunities
• Track energy related grant opportunities;
• Identify potential projects for funding, including, but not limited to
alternative renewable energy, biosolids to energy conversion,
organic waste (high strength food waste and fats, oils, and grease)
to energy conversion, and greenhouse gas reduction projects;
• Ensure wastewater interests are protected as significant decisions
are made related to renewable energy production financing,
mandates, climate change goals, programs and continued efforts to
extend the state’s emissions reduction target;
• Schedule meetings with local delegation as well as key members to
discuss project benefits and funding opportunity;
• Support initiatives that help OCSD strive for energy independence
by minimizing energy utilization and maximizing useful energy
recovery from the sewage it receives;
• Support fair and reasonable regulations for the pipeline injection
of biomethane produced from anaerobic digestion; and
• Support renewable energy initiatives that are reasonable and fair.
6. Schedule and attend advocacy
and outreach meetings to
provide OCSD project updates
• Educate current administration, key staff and agencies on priority
projects and advocate for funding allocations that align with OCSD
priorities;
• 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; and
• Provide full briefings and updates to Orange County legislative
delegation and relevant members on OCSD priority projects.
7. Regulatory relief to allow for
water recycling and expansion
of GWRS
• Outreach with the California Environmental Protection Agency,
Department of Toxic Substances, State Water Resources Control
Board, Regional Water Quality Control Board, the governor's office,
legislative leadership and other appropriate stakeholders.
8. Development and advocacy for
design-build legislation targeted
at OCSD projects
• Support and advocate for legislation that will expand the approved
uses of design-build for OCSD specific projects; and
• Schedule briefings and updates with Orange County legislative
delegation to discuss potential design build legislation.
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9. Development and
implementation of a statewide
biosolids land application
management policy
• Work in conjunction with CASA and SCAP to outreach and educate
legislators and regulators to develop an advocacy strategy for
regulatory framework that will support statewide objectives to
manage biosolids land application.
10. Development and
implementation of a strategy to
relieve OCSD of cumbersome
and outdated bid advertising
costs
• Work with relevant legislators and committees to draft legislation
that will lessen the cost burden on OCSD of complying with
outdated bid advertising requirements; and
• Conduct outreach with various other Sanitation Districts across the
State to form a coalition to support any efforts.
11. Development and advocacy for
legislation to raise the
contracting and bid threshold
for Sanitation Districts
• Meet with local labor groups to initially present the issue;
• Brainstorm proposed solutions that will give OCSD and other
Sanitation District’s more flexibility to complete small scale public
works projects in house;
• Work in conjunction with CASA to outreach, educate, and develop
an advocacy strategy that will target all Sanitation Districts affected
by the current threshold limitations; and
• Develop and advocate for legislation that will raise the threshold for
work that can be performed in house as well as work that is
required to be bid.
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Legislative and Regulatory Policies
1. Air Quality: OCSD is committed to complying with federal, state, and local air quality laws, rules,
regulations, and policies.
a. Support air quality legislations, regulations, rules, and policies that emphasize the use
of advanced technologies and promote greater flexibility and financial incentives to
reduce air emission.
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 and regulations to ensure greater consistency between the
California and Federal Clean Air Acts.
d. Support strategies that clearly demonstrate and provide for the most cost-effective
means for meeting air quality goals.
e. Continue to commit to adhere to OCSD’s odor policy to assure that OCSD is a good
neighbor to the surrounding communities.
f. Monitor legislation and regulations that would mandate OCSD to act as an air quality
regulator and enforcer.
g. Support legislation that would facilitate emission reduction credits for wastewater
treatment plants.
h. Monitor State’s proposed Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) Regulation especially CARB’s
plans to accelerate zero- emissions heavy duty vehicle fleets and oppose regulation
that would mandate fuel type restrictions.
i. Monitor SCAQMD’s development of regulations and guidelines associated with AB 617
in the following areas: (1) implementation of best available retrofit control technology
(BARCT) requirements for existing stationary sources; (2) deployment of air monitoring
systems in selected communities; and (3) implementation of emissions reduction plans
in selected communities.
j. Participate in CASA ACE and SCAP’s effort to work with California Air Resources Board
in development of new default emission factors for air toxics.
k. Monitor regulatory development in response to State’s goal of achieving Carbon
Neutrality.
Appendix C
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l. Support streamlined legislation, funding, regulations and policies that promote the
beneficial use of the digester gas.
m. Oppose redundant and unreasonable requirements, such as double reporting
requirements, with respect to criteria pollutants, air toxics, or greenhouse gas
emissions, including but not limited to reporting requirements associated with AB 617
(Garcia).
2. Biosolids and Biogas: OCSD strives to beneficially use biosolids through multiple management options
performed at reasonable costs that are protective of public health and the environment.
a. Support legislation, regulations and policies that support the beneficial use of biosolids on
agricultural lands, landscape, horticulture, California Healthy Soils Initiatives, mine reclamation,
fire ravaged lands, superfund sites, brownfields, overgrazed lands, carbon sequestration and
wetland restoration.
b. Support the promotion and funding of local pilot programs, studies, and research for the
beneficial use of biosolids.
c. Oppose legislation, regulations, and policies that imposes bans or restrictions on use of biosolids
for land application in any region, county, or state.
d. Support alternative energy legislation, regulation and policies that encourage use of biosolids as a
renewable energy resource.
e. Support streamlined legislation, regulations and policies that encourage the procurement of biogas,
biosolids, and compost.
f. Support CalRecycle, California Air Resources Board (CARB), California Public Utilities Commission,
(CPUC), California Energy Commission (CEC), California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA),
and State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) accepting quality standards that allow wastewater
treatment plants to inject biogas production into existing pipelines for renewable use.
g. Support composter associations and local cities and agencies in education, market expansion
activities, and meeting mandates to buy-back compost and other organics diverted from landfills.
h. Limit redundant reporting requirements on organics, recyclable material, and solid waste.
3. Source Control: OCSD supports legislative that reduces pollutants and harmful materials that could enter
the sewer system.
a. Support statewide or targeted public education programs and initiatives that teach appropriate
“What To Flush” practices and fats, oils, and grease management.
b. Support legislation and funding opportunities that aim to decrease the amount of microplastics
and compounds of emerging concern deposited through the sewer system.
c. Support legislation that regulates the disposal of flushable wipes.
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d. Support legislation and funding mechanisms that reduce the amount of trash, waste, chemicals,
and harmful organic material that enter the sewer system.
4. 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, special projects and capital improvement
projects.
a. Support 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, wastewater
recycling, biosolids and organics management, water quality improvement, resource recovery, or
alternative energy.
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.
d. Support regional collaboration and funding for public agencies for food waste co digestion and
recycling projects.
5. Innovative Funding: OCSD is committed to supporting programs that provide the highest quality services
to its ratepayers.
a. Support programs to leverage federal assistance such as credit assistance and highly subsidized
loan assistance.
b. Support Public-Private-Partnerships, Public to Public and other financing approaches that can
reduce costs only if such projects do not impose costs on OCSD ratepayers.
c. Support the full funding of the Clean Water Act- State Revolving Fund Program at $3 billion
annually.
d. Seek federal assistance to support water conservation projects such as water recycling, green
infrastructure through the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) and direct
grants to reduce project costs.
6. Labor Relations: OCSD is committed to 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 that rely on a proportionate
exposure formula.
b. Support health insurance reform that does not create additional financial burdens on special
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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.
h. Oppose a new mandatory Social Security tax for public employers and public employees.
7. Security: OCSD is committed to the safety of all personnel, facilities, and the entire sewer system.
a. Support legislation that would create efficiencies around the retention policy of surveillance video for
innocuous recordings.
b. Support funding for the hardening of essential regional facilities such as water recycling and sewer
collection and recycling sites.
c. Support legislation and funding for regional emergency management collaboration to protect critical
infrastructure.
8. 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.
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.
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9. 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 and environment through the construction and
implementation of advanced wastewater treatment technology.
d. Support sharing critical information and data from state and county agencies in the interest of
protecting the public health and saving taxpayer dollars.
e. Monitor legislation that provides additional occupational safety and health standard requirements for
employees, contractors, or subcontractors.
10. 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
sewage collection systems.
b. Support legislation and regulation that allow public agencies to procure goods and services in
manners similar to private industry, thereby reducing overall costs of delivery.
c. Support legislation and regulation that improve 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 and regulation that allow 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.
g. Monitor legislation that would require the inspection and possible repair of sewer laterals at the
time of sale in residential, commercial, and industrial areas
h. Support legislation that allows OCSD to utilize Job Order Contracting to more efficiently contract
for routine projects
i. Monitor legislation connected with government claims against special districts regarding risk and
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wrap-up insurance
11. Tax Reform/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 that 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 shift existing local revenue sources back to the state, 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.
f. Oppose elimination or restriction of state and local tax deduction from federal tax liability of local
taxpayers.
g. Oppose elimination or restriction on the availability of municipal tax-exempt financing for public
infrastructure projects.
12. 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, operations, and
administration.
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
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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.
h. Support alternate methods of public meetings notices that maintain transparency but are more cost
efficient and technologically advanced
13. 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 (generally) measures to increase water supply and improve water quality in the region,
including drought relief legislations and regulations.
b. 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 wastewater recycling.
c. Support measures that promote and provide for the use of reclaimed water.
d. Support policy development, funding, and research for addressing urban runoff, stormwater, and
beach closures, including funding for studies that identify the sources of bacterial, viral and other
microbial contaminants and human pathogens.
e. Support measures to evaluate water quality standards, as needed, to ensure the objectives are
appropriately protecting the designated use.
f. Support legislation and regulation that would direct U.S. EPA levied fines to remain in the region.
g. 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.
h. Support national infrastructure policies that contain aspirational goal that promotes
improved water use efficiency in construction of water efficient buildings and
communities.
i. Support legislation and regulation that promote improved water use efficiency through state
assistance in evaluating and implementing new programs and technologies and increasing public
awareness of water use efficiency.
j. Support legislation and regulation that provide for the development of the watershed approach,
including watershed management plans and watershed-based permitting.
k. Support legislation and regulation that necessitate the responsible use of water in residential,
commercial, and industrial areas.
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l. Support environmental guidelines on government agencies that would safeguard the region while
providing increased protections.
m. Oppose the imposition of statewide fees for environmental cleanup that is caused through private
sector actions or are 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).
n. Support approaches to reduce compliance costs associated with stormwater controls including
the use of integrated plans.
o. Monitor state and federal legislation and regulations related to PFAS substances.