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Home My WebLink About02-07-2022 LaPA Committee Meeting Complete Agenda Packet ORANGE COUNTY SANITATION DISTRICT SPECIAL NOTICE REGARDING CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) AND ATTENDANCE AT PUBLIC MEETINGS Governor Newsom signed Assembly Bill (AB) 361 on September 16, 2021, which, in part, addresses the conduct of public meetings in light of the continued State of Emergency order. Effective October 1, 2021, AB 361 suspends the requirements located in California Government Code, Section 54953, Subdivision (b), Paragraph (3) specifically pertaining to the conduct of public meetings. As such, the Orange County Sanitation District (OC San) Board of Directors has determined that due to the size of OC San’s Board of Directors (25), and the health and safety of the members, the Board of Directors will be participating in meetings of the Board telephonically and via Internet accessibility. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION Your participation is always welcome. OC San offers several ways in which to interact during meetings. You will find information as to these opportunities below. ONLINE MEETING PARTICIPATION You may join the meeting live via Teams on your computer or similar device or web browser by using the link below: Click here to join the meeting We suggest testing joining a Teams meeting on your device prior to the commencement of the meeting. For recommendations, general guidance on using Teams, and instructions on joining a Teams meeting, please click here. Please mute yourself upon entry to the meeting. Please raise your hand if you wish to speak during the public comment section of the meeting. The Clerk of the Board will call upon you by using the name you joined with. Meeting attendees are not provided the ability to make a presentation during the meeting. Please contact the Clerk of the Board at least 48 hours prior to the meeting if you wish to present any items. Additionally, camera feeds may be controlled by the meeting moderator to avoid inappropriate content. OC ~SAN ORANGE COUNTY SANITATION DISTRICT HOW TO PARTICIPATE IN THE MEETING BY TELEPHONE To join the meeting from your phone: Dial (213) 279-1455 When prompted, enter the Phone Conference ID: 201 238 708# All meeting participants may be muted during the meeting to alleviate background noise. If you are muted, please use *6 to unmute. You may also mute yourself on your device. Please raise your hand to speak by use *5, during the public comment section of the meeting. The Clerk of the Board will call upon you by using the last 4 digits of your phone number as identification. NOTE: All attendees will be disconnected from the meeting at the beginning of Closed Session. If you would like to return to the Open Session portion of the meeting, please login or dial-in to the Teams meeting again and wait in the Lobby for admittance. VIEW THE MEETING ONLINE ONLY The meeting will be available for online viewing only at: https://ocsd.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx HOW TO SUBMIT A COMMENT You may provide verbal comment in real time during the meeting. In order to provide a verbal comment, please raise your hand as described above or alert the Clerk of the Board before or during the public comment period. You may also submit your comments and questions in writing for consideration in advance of the meeting by using the eComment feature available online at: https://ocsd.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx or sending them to OCSanClerk@ocsan.gov with the subject line “PUBLIC COMMENT ITEM # (insert the item number relevant to your comment)” or “PUBLIC COMMENT NON-AGENDA ITEM”. You may also submit comments and questions for consideration during the meeting by using the eComment feature available online at: https://ocsd.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx. The eComment feature will be available for the duration of the meeting. All written public comments will be provided to the legislative body and may be read into the record or compiled as part of the record. TECHNICAL SUPPORT PRIOR TO AND DURING MEETINGS For technical assistance before and during the meeting, please call 714-593-7431. For any other questions and/or concerns, please contact the Clerk of the Board’s office at 714-593-7433. Thank you, in advance, for your patience in working with these technologies. We appreciate your interest in OC San! January 31, 2022 NOTICE OF REGULAR MEETING LEGISLATIVE AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS COMMITTEE ORANGE COUNTY SANITATION DISTRICT Monday, February 7, 2022 – 4:30 P.M. ACCESSIBILITY FOR THE GENERAL PUBLIC Your participation is always welcome. Specific information as to how to participate in this meeting is detailed in the Special Notice attached to this agenda. In general, OC San offers several ways in which to interact during meetings: you may join the meeting live via Teams on your computer or similar device or web browser, join the meeting live via telephone, view the meeting online, and/or submit comments for consideration before or during the meeting. The Regular Meeting of the Legislative and Public Affairs Committee of the Orange County Sanitation District will be held at the above location and in the manner indicated on Monday, February 7, 2022 at 4:30 p.m. 0 ~SAN 10844 Ellis Avenue Fountain Valley, CA 92708 714.962.2411 ORANGE COUNTY SANITATION DISTRICT www.ocsan.gov Our Mission: To protect public health and the environment by providing effective wastewater collection, treatment, and recycling. Serving: Anaheim Brea Buena Park Cypress Fountain Valley Fullerton Garden Grove Huntington Beach Irvine La Habra La Palma Los Alamitos Newport Beach Orange Placentia Santa Ana Seal Beach Stanton Tustin Villa Park County of Orange Costa Mesa Sanitary District Midway City Sanitary District Irvine Ranch Water District Yorba Linda Water District LEGISLATIVE & PUBLIC AFFAIRS COMMITTEE MEETING DATE BOARD MEETING DATE Monday, 02/07/22, 4:30 p.m. * 02/23/22 Monday, 03/14/22, 4:30 p.m. 03/23/22 Monday, 04/11/22, 4:00 p.m. 04/27/22 Monday, 05/09/22, 4:30 p.m. 05/25/22 JUNE DARK 06/22/22 Monday, 07/11/22, 4:00 p.m. 07/27/22 AUGUST DARK 08/24/22 Monday, 09/12/22, 4:30 p.m. 09/28/22 OCTOBER DARK 10/26/22 Monday, 11/14/22, 4:30 p.m. 11/16/22 ** DECEMBER DARK 12/21/22 ** JANUARY DARK 01/25/23 * Meeting will be held on the first Monday of the month ** Meeting will be held on the third Wednesday of the month ROLL CALL LEGISLATIVE & PUBLIC AFFAIRS COMMITTEE Meeting Date: February 7, 2022 Time: 4:30 p.m. Adjourn: COMMITTEE MEMBERS (7) Jesus J. Silva, Chair Marshall Goodman, Vice-Chair Kim Carr, Member-At-Large Anthony Kuo, Member-At-Large Andrew Nguyen, Member-At-Large John Withers, Board Chair Chad Wanke, Board Vice-Chair OTHERS Brad Hogin, General Counsel STAFF Jim Herberg, General Manager Rob Thompson, Assistant General Manager Lorenzo Tyner, Assistant General Manager Celia Chandler, Director of Human Resources Kathy Millea, Director of Engineering Lan Wiborg, Director of Environmental Services Kelly Lore, Clerk of the Board ORANGE COUNTY SANITATION DISTRICT Effective 1/25/2022 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Complete Roster AGENCY/CITIES ACTIVE DIRECTOR ALTERNATE DIRECTOR Anaheim Stephen Faessel Gloria Ma’ae Brea Glenn Parker Cecilia Hupp Buena Park Art Brown Connor Traut Cypress Paulo Morales Anne Hertz Fountain Valley Patrick Harper Ted Bui Fullerton Jesus J. Silva Nick Dunlap Garden Grove Steve Jones John O’Neill Huntington Beach Kim Carr Dan Kalmick Irvine Anthony Kuo Farrah N. Khan La Habra Rose Espinoza Steve Simonian La Palma Marshall Goodman Nitesh Patel Los Alamitos Ron Bates NONE Newport Beach Brad Avery Joy Brenner Orange Kim Nichols Chip Monaco Placentia Chad Wanke Ward Smith Santa Ana Johnathan Ryan Hernandez Nelida Mendoza Seal Beach Sandra Massa-Lavitt Schelly Sustarsic Stanton David Shawver Carol Warren Tustin Ryan Gallagher Austin Lumbard Villa Park Chad Zimmerman Robert Collacott Sanitary/Water Districts Costa Mesa Sanitary District Bob Ooten Art Perry Midway City Sanitary District Andrew Nguyen Mark Nguyen Irvine Ranch Water District John Withers Douglas Reinhart Yorba Linda Water District Brooke Jones Ted Lindsey County Areas Board of Supervisors Donald P. Wagner Doug Chaffee LEGISLATIVE AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS COMMITTEE Regular Meeting Agenda Monday, February 7, 2022 - 4:30 PM Board Room Administration Building 10844 Ellis Avenue Fountain Valley, CA 92708 (714) 593-7433 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 Orange County Sanitation District’s Administration Building located at 10844 Ellis Avenue, Fountain Valley, California, and on the Orange County Sanitation District’s website at www.ocsan.gov 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 at https://ocsd.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx or by contacting the Clerk of the Board at (714) 593-7433. 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@ocsan.gov at least 14 days before the meeting. FOR ANY QUESTIONS ON THE AGENDA, BOARD MEMBERS MAY CONTACT STAFF AT: General Manager: Jim Herberg, jherberg@ocsan.gov / (714) 593-7300 Asst. General Manager: Lorenzo Tyner, ltyner@ocsan.gov / (714) 593-7550 Asst. General Manager: Rob Thompson, rthompson@ocsan.gov / (714) 593-7310 Director of Human Resources: Celia Chandler, cchandler@ocsan.gov / (714) 593-7202 Director of Engineering: Kathy Millea, kmillea@ocsan.gov / (714) 593-7365 Director of Environmental Services: Lan Wiborg, lwiborg@ocsan.gov / (714) 593-7450 OC ~SAN ORANGE COUNTY SANITATION DISTRICT LEGISLATIVE AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS COMMITTEE Regular Meeting Agenda Monday, February 7, 2022 CALL TO ORDER PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE ROLL CALL AND DECLARATION OF QUORUM: Clerk of the Board PUBLIC COMMENTS: Your participation is always welcome. Specific information as to how to participate in a meeting is detailed in the Special Notice attached to this agenda. In general, OC San offers several ways in which to interact during meetings: you may join the meeting live via Teams on your computer or similar device or web browser, join the meeting live via telephone, view the meeting online, and/or submit comments for consideration before or during the meeting. You may provide verbal comment in real time during the meeting. In order to provide a verbal comment, please raise your hand (directions provided in the Special Notice attached to this agenda) or alert the Clerk of the Board before or during the public comment period. You may submit your comments and questions in writing for consideration in advance of the meeting by using the eComment feature available online at: https://ocsd.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx or sending them to OCSanClerk@ocsan.gov with the subject line “PUBLIC COMMENT ITEM # (insert the item number relevant to your comment)” or “PUBLIC COMMENT NON-AGENDA ITEM”. You may also submit comments and questions for consideration during the meeting by using the eComment feature available online at: https://ocsd.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx. The eComment feature will be available for the duration of the meeting. All written public comments will be provided to the legislative body and may be read into the record or compiled as part of the record. 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. 1.2021-2004APPROVAL OF MINUTES RECOMMENDATION: Approve Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Legislative and Public Affairs Committee held November 8, 2021. Originator:Kelly Lore Page 1 of 3 LEGISLATIVE AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS COMMITTEE Regular Meeting Agenda Monday, February 7, 2022 Agenda Report 11-08-2021 LaPA Committee Minutes Attachments: NON-CONSENT: 2.2022-2108PUBLIC AFFAIRS STRATEGIC PLAN FOR FISCAL YEARS 2020-2022 MIDYEAR UPDATE RECOMMENDATION: Recommend to the Board of Directors to: Receive and file the Public Affairs Strategic Plan for Fiscal Years 2020 - 2022 Midyear Update. Originator:Jim Herberg Agenda Report Public Affairs Strategic Plan FY 2020-2022 Communications Audit Report Executive Summary, February 2020 Presentation - PAO StratPlan MidYr Report Attachments: 3.2022-2073PUBLIC AFFAIRS UPDATE FOR THE MONTHS OF NOVEMBER & DECEMBER 2021 AND JANUARY 2022 RECOMMENDATION: Recommend to the Board of Directors to: Receive and file the Public Affairs Update for the months of November & December 2021 and January 2022. Originator:Jim Herberg Agenda Report Outreach and Media Report - November & December 2021 and January 2022 Presentation - PAO Update Attachments: 4.2022-2104LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS UPDATE FOR THE MONTHS OF NOVEMBER & DECEMBER 2021 AND JANUARY 2022 RECOMMENDATION: Recommend to the Board of Directors to: Receive and file the Legislative Affairs Update for the months of November & December 2021 and January 2022. Originator:Jim Herberg Page 2 of 3 LEGISLATIVE AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS COMMITTEE Regular Meeting Agenda Monday, February 7, 2022 Agenda Report Federal Update - ENS Resources Federal Legislative Matrix - ENS Resources State Update - TPA Grant Matrix Attachments: INFORMATION ITEMS: None. DEPARTMENT HEAD REPORTS: 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 Directors may request staff to place an item on a future agenda. ADJOURNMENT: Adjourn the meeting until the Regular Meeting of the Legislative and Public Affairs Committee on March 14, 2022 at 4:30 p.m. Page 3 of 3 LEGISLATIVE AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS COMMITTEE Agenda Report Administration Building 10844 Ellis Avenue Fountain Valley, CA 92708 (714) 593-7433 File #:2021-2004 Agenda Date:2/7/2022 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 November 8, 2021. 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. OC SAN 21-04 ATTACHMENT The following attachment(s) may be viewed on-line at the OC San website (www.ocsan.gov) with the complete agenda package: ·Minutes of the LaPA Committee meeting held November 8, 2021 Orange County Sanitation District Printed on 1/27/2022Page 1 of 1 powered by Legistar™ OC6SAN ORANGE COUNTY SANITATION DISTRICT Orange County Sanitation District Minutes for the LEGISLATIVE AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS COMMITTEE Monday, November 8, 2021 4:30 PM Board Room Administration Building 10844 Ellis Avenue Fountain Valley, CA 92708 (714) 593-7433 CALL TO ORDER A regular meeting of the Legislative and Public Affairs Committee was called to order by Committee Chair Jesus J. Silva on Monday, November 8, 2021 at 4:33 p.m. in the Administration Building of the Orange County Sanitation District. Chair Silva stated that the meeting was being held telephonically and via audio/video teleconferencing in accordance with Government Code Section 54953 and Resolution OC SAN 21-15, due to the Coronavirus Pandemic (COVID-19), and announced the meeting guidelines. Director Anthony Kuo led the Flag Salute. ROLL CALL AND DECLARATION OF QUORUM: Roll call was taken and a quorum was declared present, as follows: PRESENT:Jesus Silva, Marshall Goodman, Anthony Kuo, Andrew Nguyen, Chad Wanke and John Withers ABSENT:Kim Carr STAFF PRESENT: Josh Martinez was present in the Board Room. Jim Herberg, General Manager; Rob Thompson, Assistant General Manager; Lorenzo Tyner, Assistant General Manager; Celia Chandler, Director of Human Resources; Lan Wiborg, Director of Environmental Services; Kelly Lore, Clerk of the Board; Jennifer Cabral; Tanya Chong; Daisy Covarrubias; Brian Engeln; Tina Knapp; Rebecca Long; Kelly Newell; Wally Ritchie; and Ruth Zintzun were in attendance telephonically. OTHERS PRESENT: Brad Hogin, General Counsel; Eric Sapirstein, ENS Resources; Eric O’Donnell, Townsend Public Affairs (TPA); and Cori Takkinen, Townsend Public Affairs (TPA) were in attendance telephonically. PUBLIC COMMENTS: None. REPORTS: Chair Silva did not provide a report. General Manager Jim Herberg announced that OC San's Administrative offices will be closed on November 11th in observance of Veterans Day and on November 24th and 25th in observance of Thanksgiving. Page 1 of 4 OC ~SAN ORANGE COUNTY SANITATION DISTRICT LEGISLATIVE AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS COMMITTEE Minutes November 8, 2021 CONSENT CALENDAR: 1.APPROVAL OF MINUTES 2021-1938 Originator: Kelly Lore MOVED, SECONDED, AND DULY CARRIED TO: Approve Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Legislative and Public Affairs Committee held September 13, 2021. AYES:Jesus Silva, Marshall Goodman, Anthony Kuo, Andrew Nguyen, Chad Wanke and John Withers NOES:None ABSENT:Kim Carr ABSTENTIONS:None NON-CONSENT: 2.DRAFT 2022 LEGISLATIVE AND REGULATORY PLAN 2021-1885 Originator: Jim Herberg Administration Manager Jennifer Cabral introduced the item and Senior Public Affairs Specialist Rebecca Long who provided a PowerPoint presentation highlighting the Legislative and Regulatory Plan. MOVED, SECONDED, AND DULY CARRIED TO: Recommend to the Board of Directors to: Receive and file the draft Orange County Sanitation District 2022 Legislative and Regulatory Plan. AYES:Jesus Silva, Marshall Goodman, Anthony Kuo, Andrew Nguyen, Chad Wanke and John Withers NOES:None ABSENT:Kim Carr ABSTENTIONS:None Board Chair Withers departed the meeting at 5:02 p.m. and Board Vice-Chair Wanke departed the meeting at 5:15 p.m. during the presentation for Item No. 3. 3.LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS UPDATE FOR THE MONTHS OF SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2021 2021-1899 Originator: Jim Herberg Page 2 of 4 LEGISLATIVE AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS COMMITTEE Minutes November 8, 2021 Eric Sapirstein provided a presentation providing the Federal Legislative update regarding three main topics: infrastructure funding, FY 2022 appropriations, and PFAS/PFOA. Eric O'Donnell provided a presentation regarding the current State legislative calendar, key State issues in 2021, and a look ahead at potential issues and information for 2022. MOVED, SECONDED, AND DULY CARRIED TO: Recommend to the Board of Directors to: Receive and file the Legislative Affairs Update for the months of September and October 2021. AYES:Jesus Silva, Marshall Goodman, Anthony Kuo and Andrew Nguyen NOES:None ABSENT:Kim Carr, Chad Wanke and John Withers ABSTENTIONS:None 4.PUBLIC AFFAIRS UPDATE FOR THE MONTHS OF SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER 2021 2021-1935 Originator: Jim Herberg Principal Public Affairs Specialist Daisy Covarrubias provided a PowerPoint presentation highlighting the public outreach for the months of September and October . MOVED, SECONDED, AND DULY CARRIED TO: Recommend to the Board of Directors to: Receive and file the Public Affairs Update for the months of September and October 2021. AYES:Jesus Silva, Marshall Goodman, Anthony Kuo and Andrew Nguyen NOES:None ABSENT:Kim Carr, Chad Wanke and John Withers ABSTENTIONS:None INFORMATION ITEMS: None. DEPARTMENT HEAD REPORTS: None. Page 3 of 4 LEGISLATIVE AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS COMMITTEE Minutes November 8, 2021 CLOSED SESSION: None. OTHER BUSINESS AND COMMUNICATIONS OR SUPPLEMENTAL AGENDA ITEMS, IF ANY: None. BOARD OF DIRECTORS INITIATED ITEMS FOR A FUTURE MEETING: None. ADJOURNMENT: Chair Silva declared the meeting adjourned at 5:25 p.m. to the next Regular Legislative and Public Affairs Committee meeting to be held on Monday, February 7, 2022 at 4:30 p.m. Submitted by: __________________ Kelly A. Lore, MMC Clerk of the Board Page 4 of 4 LEGISLATIVE AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS COMMITTEE Agenda Report Administration Building 10844 Ellis Avenue Fountain Valley, CA 92708 (714) 593-7433 File #:2022-2108 Agenda Date:2/7/2022 Agenda Item No:2. FROM:James D. Herberg, General Manager SUBJECT: PUBLIC AFFAIRS STRATEGIC PLAN FOR FISCAL YEARS 2020-2022 MIDYEAR UPDATE GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION RECOMMENDATION: Recommend to the Board of Directors to: Receive and file the Public Affairs Strategic Plan for Fiscal Years 2020 - 2022 Midyear Update. BACKGROUND The Orange County Sanitation District’s (OC San) Public Affairs Office is responsible for creating, organizing, and disseminating all internal and external communication. The primary objective of the Public Affairs team is to deliver messages that are accurate, transparent, and designed to foster trust and confidence. Results from the Communications Audit presented in March 2020 were used in the development of the Strategic Plan. The Communications Audit helped clarify the path moving forward and identify opportunities for the Public Affairs Office to explore. An integrated Public Affairs Strategic Plan is essential to effectively manage the variety of audiences served. RELEVANT STANDARDS ·Build brand, trust, and support with policy makers and community leaders ·Maintain collaborative and cooperative relationships with regulators, stakeholders, and neighboring communities ·Make it easy for people to understand OC San’s roles and value to the community ·Maintain influential legislative advocacy and a public outreach program PROBLEM There are various initiatives and messages that the Public Affairs Office must share with internal and external stakeholders for continued operation and efficiency of OC San. The messaging must be consistent, concise, and thoroughly planned to be efficient and effective. PROPOSED SOLUTION The current Public Affairs Strategic Plan includes goals, objectives, strategies, and tactics to execute the various messages and efforts set forth by OC San. The two-year plan will be in place until June 2022, with updates provided to the Legislative and Public Affairs Committee every six months. Orange County Sanitation District Printed on 1/27/2022Page 1 of 2 powered by Legistar™ OC6SAN ORANGE COUNTY SANITATION DISTRICT File #:2022-2108 Agenda Date:2/7/2022 Agenda Item No:2. PRIOR COMMITTEE/BOARD ACTIONS July 2021 -Received and filed the Public Affairs Strategic Plan for Fiscal Years 2020-2022 Year End Update. February 2021 -Received and filed the Public Affairs Strategic Plan for Fiscal Years 2020-2022 Midyear Update. July 2020 - Approved the Public Affairs Strategic Plan for Fiscal Years 2020-2022. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Six-Month Public Affairs Highlights: ·Launched the OC San Connection Newsletter - OC San’s electronic newsletter. ·Partnered with the Heritage Museum of Orange County to develop virtual content for local schools. ·Developed and distributed summer and fall issues of the Neighborhood Connection newsletter to OC San Plant Nos. 1 and 2 neighbors. ·Developed the Organizational Advocacy and Outreach Policy for inclusion in OC San’s 2021 Strategic Plan. ·Over 400 internal posts on The San Box. ·Hosted 14 virtual tours. ·49 website posts. ·Received four awards. ·Over 350 posts on multiple social media platforms with an average reach of over 3,000 people. ·Distributed Outreach Toolkits to OC San’s Member Agencies to help with OC San messaging. ·Distributed 11 construction notifications reaching nearly 60,000 people. ·Updated the 2022 Legislative & Regulatory Plan. FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS All items included in the Public Affairs Strategic Plan FY 2020-2022 are budgeted in the FY 2020- 2022 Budget. ATTACHMENT The following attachment(s)may be viewed on-line at the OC San website (www.ocsan.gov)with the complete agenda package: ·Public Affairs Strategic Plan FY 2020-2022 ·Communications Audit Report Executive Summary, February 2020 ·Presentation Orange County Sanitation District Printed on 1/27/2022Page 2 of 2 powered by Legistar™ Fiscal Years 2020-21 and 2021-2022 STRATEGICPLAN PUBLIC AFFAIRS 1 Introduction The Orange County Sanitation District’s (OCSD) Public Affairs Office (PAO) is responsible for creating, organizing, and disseminating all internal and external communication. The primary objective of our Public Affairs team is to deliver messages that are accurate, transparent, and designed to foster public trust and confidence. An integrated Public Affairs Strategic Plan is essential to deal effectively with the variety of audiences we serve. The Public Affairs staff provides services and tools and implements programs to meet the communication needs of several audiences for OCSD. This includes planning and implementing media relations; website and intranet site content; construction outreach; elected officials, and government relations; internal communications, education, and outreach; and graphic development. The Public Affairs Office has created a Strategic Plan for Fiscal Years 2020 - 2022. This Plan is developed based upon the principles of OCSD’s Mission of protecting public health and the environment and will support the implementation of OCSD’s Strategic Plan. This Plan offers a vision to unify our communication efforts and focus resources to achieve the greatest impact and greatest results. This plan was created amidst the COVID-19 pandemic thus resulting in modifications to the goals and objectives. Much of what is planned and created by this group is based on external factors and therefore outside of our control. The Public Affairs Office will follow the guidance set forth by Management and the Board of Directors to carry out OCSD’s messaging and support our member agencies. Background Information The Orange County Sanitation District represents 20 cities, 4 special districts and a portion of the unincorporated County of Orange. This area represents a community of 2.6 million people with approximately 550,000 customer accounts. Unlike most public agencies where there is direct contact with customers, at the Orange County Sanitation District, billing occurs through the County of Orange property tax bills. Therefore, the Sanitation District, must work through other means to communicate with the public and the rate payers. We have a 25-member Board of Directors, and over 600 employees within six departments with various goals and objectives. While these groups work independently on a variety of projects, the goal of the Public Affairs Office is to provide support and messaging that is consistent throughout the agency so that we are one voice, representing the same overall goals, and portraying the same brand. 2 While there are many challenges with serving such a large and diverse customer base, there are also great opportunities working through the strategies laid out in this Plan. Public Affairs Team The division is staffed with six full-time employees and overseen by the Manager. Jennifer Cabral, Administration Manager Daisy Covarrubias, Principal Public Affairs Specialist Rebecca Long, Senior Public Affairs Specialist Kelly Newell, Public Affairs Specialist Belen Carrillo, Public Affairs Specialist Gregg Deterding, Graphics Designer Cheryl Scott, Administrative Assistant Each of these staff members carry out specific functions to meet the communication goals and objectives laid out in this Plan. Situation Analysis • There is a global pandemic occurring which has shifted the way we operate and perform our mission of protecting public health and the environment. As we learn to navigate the recovery phase and move into new social distancing norms, our communication efforts will be modified accordingly to meet the needs of the agency, community, and workforce. • Due to COVID-19, close to 50 percent of staff is working remotely. The uncertainty of the pandemic creates unknown future work conditions for staff. These circumstances impact the ability and method of communicating and reaching employees, thus alternative communication techniques must be explored and implemented. • OCSD is in the third year of a five-year rate program, with a scheduled 1.2 percent increase in fees to take effect July 1. Due to the economic impacts of COVID-19 the rate increase for Fiscal Year 2020-2021 will be delayed with no significant financial impacts to OCSD operations. • There could potentially be a significant turnover of board members in 2020. Succession management and onboarding for the board members is critical for the success of this agency. 3 • During the COVID-19 pandemic, OCSD has sustained its operational, planning, and preparation efforts to ensure there is no lapse in service today or in the future. As an essential service, OCSD has continued to execute the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) to keep the regional projects on schedule that are enhancing our entire service area. In Fiscal Year 2020-2021 OCSD is on track to bid and issue $500 million of construction contracts for over 35 projects. Mission The Public Affairs Office is committed to communicating information about OCSD in a timely, accurate and accessible way to the employees, the Board of Directors, our member agencies, the public, and the news media. • We are committed to open, honest, clear, and respectful two-way communication with our audiences. • We are dedicated to informing others about how OCSD serves the public and protects the environment. • We are committed to outstanding customer service by responding to requests quickly and efficiently. • We are dedicated to teamwork and collaboration as well as being creative and taking the initiative to be out in front of issues. Audiences This Public Affairs Plan focuses largely on four primary audiences. • Internal o Board of Directors o Executive Management Team o Employees o Retirees • The Public o Ratepayers o Member Agencies o Residents, Businesses, Commuters Impacted by OCSD Construction o OCSD Neighbors in Fountain Valley and Huntington Beach o Schools and Students o Tour Groups 4 • Industry o Water/Wastewater Agencies o Trade Organizations o Trade Media • Influential Public o Local, State, and Federal Elected Officials o Environmental Groups o Local Media Agency Key Messages • OCSD is committed to protecting public health and the environment by providing effective wastewater collection, treatment, and recycling. • OCSD is more than a wastewater treatment facility, we are a resource recovery facility making use of all our byproducts. • OCSD is dedicated to exceeding wastewater quality standards used for resource recovery. • OCSD is committed to proper planning to ensure that the public’s money is wisely spent. • OCSD’s assets are monitored and evaluated regularly to ensure top performance and timely replacement. • OCSD values communicating our mission and strategies with those we serve and all other stakeholders. • OCSD will provide reliable, responsive, and affordable services in line with our customer needs and expectations is a top priority for OCSD. • OCSD focuses on creating the best possible workforce where safety, productivity, customer service, and training are a top priority. • OCSD has worked very hard to create an integrated planning environment which begins with the expectations of its Board of Directors and flows down to the work product of each employee. We have worked hard to assure our staff members are communicating and providing transparent services to each other in support of the plan. 5 • OCSD has developed an integrated Planning/Asset Management system that allows for intentional, thoughtful decision making to maintain current operations while adding resilience and meeting new challenges. • OCSD has an organizational structure with informal relationships between employees that allow for collaboration toward common goals. Public Affairs’ Goals for Fiscal Year 2020/21 and 2021/22 1. Optimize communication with our internal audience including those operating in the field with limited time to access online communication. 2. Continue to build OCSD’s reputation as infrastructure leaders in the wastewater and resource recovery industry. 3. Cultivate relationships with traditional and social media journalists and influencers to promote OCSD’s programs and initiatives. 4. Enhance OCSD’s image and branding by utilizing proper messaging in external communication pieces such as OCSD’s website, presentation, digital media, and advertising. Maintain a positive experience and image for our visitors. 5. Identify and implement avenues for education and outreach within OCSD’s service area to further promote OCSD as a resource recovery agency, promote OCSD’s mission and promote career opportunities within the wastewater industry. 6. Develop and implement outreach programs that will engage the communities affected by OCSD construction projects. 7. Participate in proactive engagement in legislative advocacy efforts that could impact OCSD and the wastewater industry. 8. Monitor, track, and apply for grants available and that make business sense to OCSD. 9. Ensure that local elected officials, member agencies, stakeholders, and OCSD Board Members are actively engaged in the work of OCSD. 10. Ensure the Public Affairs Office serves as the primary spokesperson for OCSD during normal business and crisis scenarios and facilitates the dissemination of information. 11. Ensure the General Manager and Assistant General Managers are supported with information necessary to communicate to the varied OCSD audiences. To achieve these goals, the Public Affairs Office presents the following strategies and tactics, along with the primary staff assigned to that area. While individual staff members are the key contacts for each of the goals, the team works collectively and collaboratively, reflecting our core values. Our staff recognizes the key role we play at OCSD, not only communicating 6 information, but also teaching and consulting others and serving as a resource to our Board of Directors, employees, the wastewater industry, and our member agencies. As we navigate through the pandemic recovery efforts, the team will follow this plan, and make necessary modifications to effectively communicate OCSD’s strategic direction. Flexibility is implemented into this plan to deal with the dynamic situation we are all in. Public Affairs Strategies and Tactics 1. Category: Employee Communications Program Manager: Rebecca Long, Program Coordinator/Support: Kelly Newell, Belen Carrillo, Gregg Deterding, and Cheryl Scott Goal (what): Optimize communication with our internal audience including those operating in the field with limited time to access online communication. Objective (measure): Create employee engagement by utilizing the identified communication methods to share agency wide messages. Increase the availability of employee communications by five percent based on previous plan’s goals. Strategy (why): We value open and honest communication with our employees. PAO is committed to various efforts aimed at keeping OCSD employees informed about important topics, increasing the overall quality of communications to our employees while tying the business aspects of the agency with the human-interest side. Tactics (how): • Keep information on MyOCSD homepage current, relevant, and useful for OCSD employees by working with the various Departments to gather information that should be shared. • On a regular basis, staff will continue to support various departments with their communication and outreach needs. • PAO will produce six Pipeline newsletters per year with a goal of circulation by the third week of the publication month. • PAO will track Volunteer Incentive Program (VIP) points for all participating employees and coordinate the VIP appreciation celebration. • Create employee recognition and celebratory events throughout the year that comply with new social distancing guidelines, may include small in-person gatherings and virtual events. To include but not limited to the Annual Holiday Lunch, the Harvest Festival, and VIP Celebration, etc. 7 • Continue with the Honor Walk program which acknowledges retired staff and past Board Members for their contribution to OCSD. The recognition event will be hosted every other year starting in 2021. • Write and coordinate the 3 Things to Know email blast to be distributed to all staff each Monday. • Produce monthly Digester bulletin. • Coordinate and produce two Town Hall meetings (live and/or pre-recorded) to keep employees informed and engaged. • Host organizational awareness lunch-n-learns monthly to keep staff informed about agency programs and initiatives. • Research and identify an agency-wide digital message system to provide messages in staff areas across both plants and the Mt. Langley office space. Implementation to occur in Fiscal Year 2021-2022. 2. Category: Industry Experts Program Manager: Daisy Covarrubias Program Coordinator/Support: Kelly Newell, Gregg Deterding, and Cheryl Scott Goal (what): Establish and solidify OCSD’s reputation as infrastructure leaders in the wastewater and resource recovery industry. Objective (measurable): Increase participation in strategic organizations through conferences, networking activities and awards by five percent. Strategy (why): To build positive public perception and confidence among our various audiences. Tactics (how): • Encourage participation and presentation in conferences. • Encourage and support award application submittals. • Publicize and coordinate award acceptance logistics. • Track all awards won by OCSD by keeping a master list. • Track and promote staff abstract’s and publications. 3. Category: Media Relations Program Managers: Daisy Covarrubias and Rebecca Long Program Coordinators: Kelly Newell, Belen Carrillo, Gregg Deterding, and Cheryl Scott 8 Goal (what): Cultivate relationships with traditional and social media journalists and influencers. Objective (measurement): Increase media coverage with positive stories about OCSD. Strategy (why): While a presence in the community is important to putting a face on our agency, media (traditional and social) is equally important with a broader reach and a more direct line of communication. Tactics (how): • Annually update media list to stay current and fresh. • Develop a press kit to be online and interactive. • Build a calendar of news release topics of interest to the public and stakeholders. • Invite media for a facility tour (virtual or small group). • Develop media strategies for important events, decisions, or actions. e.g. CIP Campaign (see details in Category 6: Capital and Maintenance Outreach) • Conduct media training for Board leadership, EMT and key staff members. • Generate weekly (3-5 times) social media posts about the good things happening at OCSD with focus on OCSD’s accomplishments and mission. • Continue with social media campaigns #OCSDatWork, #What2Flush, and those currently supporting ongoing efforts. 4. Category: Agency Branding and Messaging Program Manager: Daisy Covarrubias Program Coordinators/Support: Gregg Deterding, Kelly Newell, and Cheryl Scott Goal (what): Enhance OCSD’s image and branding by utilizing proper messaging in external communication pieces such as OCSD’s website, presentations, digital media and advertising, which includes maintaining a positive experience for OCSD visitors. Objective (measure): Launch a rebranding campaign for a new logo and a modified name over the next two fiscal years. Update collateral material, signage, website, social media accounts, and promotional material as appropriate and as it is used. Include in messaging that OCSD’s official name remains Orange County Sanitation District. Maintain the lobby(s) current and informative with relevant information, i.e. displays, awards case, etc. Strategy (why): A cohesive voice, message, look, and feel are critical to the public perception that an organization holds with its community. A positive and pleasant in-person experience reinforces OCSD’s culture and Core Values as well as showcasing OCSD as industry leaders, and a well-run organization, leaving behind the stigma of typical government agencies. 9 Tactics (how): • Update and maintain the corporate identity manual to provide guidance on use of the logo, name, use of fonts, and graphics. • Keep website current with informative news stories posted weekly. • Provide presentations, consultation, and advice on the branding and image of OCSD. • Develop new key messages focused on new branding logo and name. • Develop new collateral materials around the key messages. • Incorporate OCSD’s messaging and branding into all external presentations. • Explore advertising options to inform public of agency efforts and role in economic development. • Fulfill all requests for graphics, photos, and logos. • Conduct second phase of community poll to determine name recognition and reach. • Develop an online community newsletter for digital distribution within our service area to increase awareness of OCSD, our programs, and initiatives. • Develop a branding plan for the new Headquarters Building. • Maintain the lobby wall in the Administration Building at Plant No. 1 and the Operations Center at Plant No. 2 with OCSD’s current branding and messaging. • Rotate flags on light poles along Street Parkway on a biennial basis. • Keep the award display cabinet up to date by rotating awards. • Keep the retiree display in the Administration Building hallway up to date. On an annual basis collect the names of the retirees and update the display board. • Maintain and coordinate the installation of Honor Walk bricks on a biennial basis. • Display collateral material in a neatly and organized manner displayed with current and relevant information. 5. Category: Educational Outreach Program Manager: Rebecca Long Program Coordinators/Support: Kelly Newell, Belen Carrillo, Gregg Deterding, and Cheryl Scott Goal (what): Identify and implement avenues for education and outreach within OCSD’s service area to promote OCSD’s mission and vision. Objective (measurement): Create and identify new educational opportunities including virtual events and webinars to promote and educate the community on OCSD’s work and the essential service provided. Strategies (why): To further promote OCSD as a resource recovery agency, promote OCSD’s mission and promote career opportunities within the wastewater industry. 10 Tactics (how): • Execute the Inside the Outdoors contract for Fiscal Year 2020-2021 to continue OCSD’s educational program including the Sewer Science program to 500 students within Orange County and introduce them to OCSD’s pilot virtual tour program. • Implement virtual tour program in lieu of physical tours of the plant which are temporarily suspended due to COVID-19. An estimated 1,000 participants will take part in the virtual tour program per year. • Evaluate the participation of community events due to COVID-19 restrictions. Once events are rescheduled within OCSD’s service area, participation will be evaluated to determine safety for staff, and overall impact and reach. • Continue to encourage and promote the Volunteer Incentive Program to have a pool of staff that volunteer for events and speaking engagements that OCSD participates in. • Expand OCSD’s speaker’s bureau to provide a wider set of speakers available. • Create a Public Service Announcement (PSA) Contest – work with local colleges and high schools in our service area to create a promotional PSA for OCSD on a biennial basis. Obtain a minimum of 20 individual and/or group entries. • Implement a Wastewater 101 Academy for our ratepayers, fellow agencies, and influential public to showcase OCSD operations and initiatives. Host a minimum of four (4) sessions per cycle. • Research and obtain a Mobile Educational Unit utilize at public events that helps generate greater understanding of the wastewater process and OCSD’s messaging. 6. Category: Capital and Maintenance Outreach Program Managers: Daisy Covarrubias and Tanya Chong from Engineering, Program Coordinators/Support: Belen Carrillo, Kelly Newell, Gregg Deterding, and Cheryl Scott Goal (what): Develop and implement outreach programs that will engage the communities affected by OCSD construction projects. Objective (measurement): Develop, implement, and provide outreach support for over 20 capital projects scheduled to break ground in fiscal years 2020/2021 and 2021/2022 within 12 cities. Strategy (why): Form a positive presence in the community prior to the start of construction projects or maintenance activities that is personal and proactive. Provide impacted community with information ahead of construction activities. Inform them of the benefits and need for the project to gain support and understanding of the necessary construction. 11 Tactics (how): • Proactively offer briefings and community meetings to impacted neighborhoods, civic groups, businesses, schools, churches, and other institutions within the project area on an as needed basis. • Launch CIP Campaign to highlight the efforts of the program and the financial contributions to the local economy. • Explore the option of placing advertising pieces in communities/areas impacted by construction. • Respond to inquiries within a 24-hour period. • Provide project description and notifications to impacted residents at least two weeks before construction begins. • Update collateral materials, fact sheets and website with current construction information on an as needed basis. • Maintain ongoing communications with city staff and Board Members on current and upcoming construction outreach projects in affected cities. • Maintain ongoing communications with impacted residents within the project area through collateral material (e.g., flyers, door hangers, emails, text alerts, social media posts, etc.). • Measure customer satisfaction through a construction outreach survey to be distributed at the close of construction programs. 7. Category: Legislative Affairs Program Manager: Rebecca Long Program Coordinator/Support: Kelly Newell, Gregg Deterding, and Cheryl Scott Goal (what): Proactive engagement in legislative advocacy efforts that could impact OCSD and the wastewater industry. Objective (measure): Continue positive relationships with local, state, and federal officials through facility tours, meetings, and bill tracking as stated in the Legislative Plan. Strategy (why): Legislative advocacy is an important aspect of our business. Having relationships and being actively involved, providing input and OCSD’s perspective on potential legislature can and does directly affect OCSD and our business. The Public Affairs Office is responsible for executing the Board approved Legislative Plan, which is updated on an annual basis. In addition, staff is responsible for tracking state and federal legislation, managing the Sanitation District’s legislative advocates, and seeking appropriations and grants. 12 Tactics (how): • Develop and implement Annual Legislative Plan in the second quarter of each fiscal year. • Track bills and maintain a priority list of key legislation. • Provide regular updates to the Legislative and Public Affairs Committee on state and federal matters. • Host legislative tours. • Engage in Advocacy Days in Sacramento and Washington DC twice a year. • Take positions on bills that could affect OCSD or the industry. • Work with industry organizations on state and federal issues to ensure OCSD’s positions are communicated. • Partner with industry organizations to co-host virtual events and activities. • Manage the legislative advocates’ contracts and facilitate regular communication between lobbyists, staff, and the Board of Directors. 8. Category: Grants Coordination Program Manager: Rebecca Long Program Coordinator/Support: Kelly Newell, Gregg Deterding, and Cheryl Scott Goal (what): Monitor, track, and apply for grants available to OCSD. Objective (measure): Apply and obtain grants for qualified OCSD projects and programs. Strategy (why): Outside funding is important in moving OCSD projects and programs forward. With ongoing attention to government spending, it is vital for OCSD to apply for and secure grants to offset costs when available. Tactics (how): • Apply for two grants a year based on availability. • Develop Grant Policy during fiscal year 2020-2021. • Research grant opportunities and report out to the Legislative and Public Affairs Committee. • Seek appropriations and grants and provide support to other divisions seeking grant funding. • Secure letters of support. • Publicize grant awards received. • Create and measure outcomes. 13 9. Category: Local Government Affairs Program Manager: Daisy Covarrubias Program Coordinators/Support: All PAO staff Goal (what): Ensure that local elected officials, member agencies, stakeholders, and OCSD Board Members are actively engaged in the work of OCSD. Objective (measure): Provide at least two communication tools per month. Strategy (why): Keeping OCSD’s influential public engaged in OCSD’s projects and accomplishments are critical to the support and success of our agency. Tactics (how): • Provide Board of Director’s with speaking points following every OCSD board meeting that can be used when reporting back to their respective councils and community groups. • Facilitate an orientation for new Board members. • Develop and keep a current list of monthly informational presentations. • Maintain an informational presentation video library for the Board of Directors on key agency topics. • Provide regular reports to the Legislative and Public Affairs Committee. • Develop OCSD’s Annual Report. • Publish a Five Minutes Per Month, each month. • Coordinate presentations to each member agency. • Participate in government affairs committees. • Invite new council members within OCSD’s service area to take a tour of OCSD. • Create and distribute quarterly outreach tool kits for member agency PIOs to help them easily share and disseminate information about OCSD. • Host a “State of the District” event for influential leaders throughout the infrastructure and water/wastewater industry, including virtual option. 10. Category: Crisis Management Program Manager: Rebecca Long Program Coordinators/Support: All PAO Staff Goal: Ensure the Public Affairs Office serves as the primary spokesperson for OCSD during normal business and crisis scenarios and facilitates the dissemination of information. 14 Objective: Ensure that the PIOs in the PAO can respond in a crisis. Provide a crisis communication training course every two years by an outside consultant and an annual refresher course by staff. Strategy: It is imperative during a crisis that OCSD be proactive and provide clear and effective messaging to employees, public, and the media. Tactics (how): • Maintain an updated crisis communication plan including regular briefings with staff to identify possible issues and responses. • Maintain and update PAO’s Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP). • Work with Risk and Safety Management on Public Affair’s role in an emergency, including our role via the Integrated Emergency Response Plan. • Ensure proper procedures are in place for Board, employees, and public notification. • Maintain updated contact lists for resource, member, and partnering agencies to coordinate and assist during crisis. • Develop protocols on everyday PAO tasks to facilitate the operations of the group in a time of crisis. 11. Category: General Manager Support Program Manager: Daisy Covarrubias Program Coordinators/Support: All PAO Staff Goal: Ensure the General Manager and Assistant General Managers are supported with information necessary to communicate to the varied OCSD audiences. Objective: Develop monthly communication pieces on behalf of the General Manager. Ensure General Manager (or designee) is participating and involved in promoting OCSD’s initiatives. Strategy: Collaborate with the General Manager to prepare communication and messaging that reflects the mission and vision of OCSD. Tactics (how): • Assist the General Manager and the Assistant General Managers with keeping the Board Members informed and up to date with OCSD activities. • Assist in the development of the General Manager’s Monthly Report. • Develop talking points for Board and Committee meetings. • Develop material and speaking points for presentations and speaking engagements. • Support the development of the OCSD Strategic Plan. • Assist in the development of the General Managers Annual Work Plan. 15 •Manage Ask the GM questions submitted. •Coordinate and support VIP tours guided by General Manager and Assistant General Managers. Closing Comments This plan is a broad outline of the Public Affairs Office program. As new issues arise, new functions and duties will evolve as well. The role of the Public Affairs Office is to stay ahead of issues, be responsive and flexible to meet the needs of the agency. We will adjust our program accordingly. Appendix A. Highlights of Performance Results from Fiscal Years 2018/2019 -2019/2020 B. Public Affairs Portfolio Fiscal Year 2019/2020 16 Appendix A: Highlights of Performance Results from FY 2018/2019 and 2019/2020 • Over 75 construction outreach pieces distributed regarding specific CIP projects reaching over 155,0000 people • 800 internal communications publications: 3 Things to know email, Digester, Pipeline and MyOCSD • 11 internal events • 18 published news releases • Over 30 articles mentioning and/or focusing on OCSD • 1,350 Social Media posts reaching over 400,000 people • 85 Website posts • 17 Community Events reaching nearly 12,000 people • 54 Speaking Engagements (8 career days) • 283 Tours reaching approximately 4,534 guests • 1,700 students reached via Sewer Science Program • 22 Agency Awards Received • 2 State of the District events reaching 215 guests • 2 grants were successfully applied for and received totaling $42,000 for Headquarters Project and Tour Signage • 40 legislative bills monitored and tracked • 4 Federal Position letters and 12 State Position letters issued • Governor agreed with 2 of our bills/positions: o SB 212: Jackson. Solid waste: pharmaceutical and sharps waste stewardship. o SB 1440: Hueso. Energy: biomethane: biomethane procurement New Tactics Introduced • Member Agency Outreach Toolkit • Board Member Speaking Points • Virtual Town Hall • Orange County Polling • Communications Audit • Paid Advertisement – OC Register Water Insert • Regional Outreach Program (CIP) • Tour signage Public Affairs Division10844 Ellis AvenueFountain Valley, CA 92708 Communications Audit Report Executive Summary February 2020 Submitted by Ryder Todd Smith Jon Barilone Bria Balliet Karen Villaseñor 2 ORANGE COUNTY SANITATION DISTRICT – COMMUNICATIONS AUDIT REPORT Executive Summary The Orange County Sanitation District engaged Tripepi Smith to objectively review OCSD’s internal and external Communications tactics prior to forming the Public Affairs Strategic Plan for FY 2020-2022. Tripepi Smith made these determinations through a combination of methods, such as: interviewing key stakeholders, weighing OCSD’s practices against local government communication best practices, and quantitative data analysis of message Reach and Engagement. Compared to other California public agencies Tripepi Smith has assessed, the Orange County Sanitation District has one of the most centralized and organized Communications processes. A single team, with defined roles, produces and/or approves all internal and external communication content. OCSD also has clear policies that outline expectations for staff when it comes to producing communication content and interacting with both internal and external audiences. The OCSD Brand/Style Guide is a particularly advanced best practice. Tripepi Smith’s recommendations generally center on: • Technical optimizations for the District’s website and social media sites; • Expanding the reach of external communications and targeting public agency audience; • Producing more engaging content for external audiences; • Consistently measuring content reach and engagement to inform future strategy. Overall, OCSD’s internal communication efforts are solid in terms of quantity, quality and readership. A key question for OCSD’s leadership to consider now is: how much do you want to ‘publicize’ the District’s services and programs through external communication efforts? There appears to be tension between wanting to remain ‘out of sight, out of mind’ and producing more modern, innovative content that will engage various stakeholders in OCSD’s service area. 3 ORANGE COUNTY SANITATION DISTRICT – COMMUNICATIONS AUDIT REPORT Communications Observations General • OCSD splits its communications efforts between its internal audiences (employees, Board of Directors, executive management team) and external audiences (ratepayers, elected officials, community leaders, etc.). • Several Public Affairs Office (PAO) staff centrally control execution of all internal and external communications. Anecdotally speaking, staff feels they allocate equal time to internal and external communications. • Staff does not archive all external or internal communications in a single, central location, though the MyOCSD SharePoint intranet houses many internal pieces. • Tripepi Smith perceived a gap in effective communications from Plant No. 1 to Plant No. 2. Some Plant No. 2 employees expressed they do not feel they receive the same communication level as employees at Plant No. 1. Part of the difference is due to Plant 2 employees’ ability to check their work computers as often as office-based employees at Plant 1. o OCSD is constructing a new headquarters across the street from the current Administration Building. This could exacerbate the perceived issue of lack of communication between operations and management staff. • In the world of social media, public agencies have to compete for attention with the world’s largest brands. The PAO would like to focus on producing more content (especially video) that is fun and inventive to capture external audiences better. Strategy & Policy • OCSD had an established Public Affairs Strategic Plan from July 2016 to June 2018 but did not produce a plan for 2018-2020. Staff intends to develop the next Strategic Plan for July 2020 to June 2022. • OCSD directs the majority of external communications toward elected officials and specific neighborhood groups that are close to CIP projects. As of this writing, there is no emphasis or strategy on how to consistently reach all 2.6 million residents in OCSD’s service area. o As a result, OCSD does not advertise on any social media platforms, regularly write Press Releases, or pitch stories to local media. • OCSD has three communications-related policies: the OCSD Policies and Procedures Unified Communications Policy, the OCSD Social Media Policy, and the OCSD Personnel Policies Wireless/Electronic Communications (WEC) Policy. • OCSD has a Brand/Style Guide, which is a best practice for public agencies. The PAO ensures all branding is consistent on all OCSD collateral. Website (ocsd.com) • OCSD has an external-facing website at ocsd.com. Granicus hosts the website, which operates on the Vision Content Management System. 4 ORANGE COUNTY SANITATION DISTRICT – COMMUNICATIONS AUDIT REPORT • OCSD does not have an established Website Governance Policy that dictates who is responsible for what content and technical features of the site. However, all staff who have Editing privileges understand that the PAO must approve all content. • The website has an SSL certificate, which is a best practice. It does not have an American with Disabilities Act (ADA) Notice. • The IT Department has installed Google Analytics on the site, but staff does not regularly view these analytics for reporting or strategic planning purposes. Social Media • Public Affairs Specialist Kelly Newell is OCSD’s primary social media manager. • Graphics Designer Gregg Deterding and OCSD interns assist with developing photo and video content for social media. • OCSD’s LinkedIn Page has the largest audience of all OCSD social media platforms (2,578 Followers), but the Page is not active. • Staff provides a brief social media report to the Legislative & Public Affairs Committee every month. Data includes number of posts, reach and impressions for each platform. • Anecdotally speaking, few OCSD employees like/follow or engage with OCSD on social media. There is an untapped opportunity for staff to share content with their friends and family that highlights OCSD’s mission, vision and values. Media/Press • OCSD’s Unified Communications Policy spells out that all media inquiries should flow to/through the Public Affairs Office; employees know and follow this directive. • OCSD does not regularly write Press Releases or pitch stories to local media. • OCSD has a media list with contact information for several media outlets including radio, television, print and Vietnamese/Spanish outlets. Interns maintain and update this list, though the frequency is unclear. • OCSD uses Meltwater to monitor media mentions. Administration Manager Jennifer Cabral receives all reports. Direct Communications • OCSD uses Constant Contact for email marketing (Five Minutes Per Month, and a Biosolids Newsletter). As of this writing, there are 2,139 subscribers for Five Minutes Per Month while the Biosolids Newsletter purposely has under 500 subscribers. • OCSD does not email all internal publications directly to employees. 3 Things to Know is currently the only publication PAO delivers to all employee inboxes. Others may route through supervisors/managers or be on display at OCSD facilities. • OCSD prints many internal communication pieces onsite, such as Digester, SafetyGrams, Safe Bulletins, and Pipeline. • Employees receive emergency notifications via email, office phones and OCSD-issued mobile phones through the Send Word Now system. - 5 ORANGE COUNTY SANITATION DISTRICT – COMMUNICATIONS AUDIT REPORT Summarized Recommendations NOTE: Tripepi Smith offers specific Action Items for each of these Recommendations in the full version of the Communications Audit Report. 1 – Establish Relationships with Public Information Officers in Orange County City and county public information officers (PIOs) are responsible for providing information to a city’s and/or county’s constituents. PIOs typically have established processes for effectively communicating with their constituents. Considering OCSD’s external audience includes approximately 2.6 million Orange County residents, OCSD would benefit substantially from forming relationships with PIOs in Orange County who could assist in disseminating OCSD information to their shared audience. 2 - Leverage Additional Communications Platforms OCSD’s LinkedIn Page has the largest audience (2,578 Followers) of all OCSD-managed social media accounts, but the Page is not currently active. Additionally, 659 LinkedIn Users list OCSD as their employer. OCSD should consider leveraging LinkedIn in their social media strategy. Additionally, OCSD should take advantage of digital screens/signage throughout the OCSD facilities to reach staff and visitors to campus. 3 – Consistently Analyze Available Metrics OCSD should consider regularly analyzing and reporting on available website and social media data. Staff currently provides a social media metrics report to the Legislative & Public Affairs Committee but could expand this report. By consistently analyzing OCSD’s website and social media data, OCSD staff can gather insights to use in improving its communications efforts. 4 – Increase Video Content Across all digital platforms, video tends to be the most engaging content. OCSD should consider increasing production of video content that resonates with its audiences and helps disseminate information in an eye-catching way. 5 – Improve the ocsd.com Website Search engine optimization on ocsd.com can help OCSD better reach its audience through the ocsd.com website. There are also multiple Vision Content Management System features to enable to improve website administration and user experience. OCSD should consider completing the steps below to improve the website. 6 ORANGE COUNTY SANITATION DISTRICT – COMMUNICATIONS AUDIT REPORT 6 – Optimize Internal Communications The Public Affairs Office creates several internal communications pieces to keep employees updated. OCSD should consider combining, rescheduling and updating content on certain communications to ensure they reach employees effectively and efficiently. 7 – Improve Communications with Field Level Employees The Public Affairs Office’s internal communications pieces may not always reach field level employees as consistently as they reach office staff. 8 – Optimize External Communications The Public Affairs Office has several opportunities to enhance its external communications strategy. However, these recommendations operate under the assumption that OCSD is comfortable with drawing more attention to itself, its services, its infrastructure, and its staff. 9 – Take Inventory of Communications Collateral Old communications collateral may spread outdated information about OCSD. The Public Affairs Office should consider taking inventory of all internal and external collateral to ensure all communications are up to date. Conclusion Compared to other California public agencies Tripepi Smith has assessed, the Orange County Sanitation District has one of the most centralized and organized Communications processes. A single team, with defined roles, produces and/or approves all internal and external communication content. OCSD also has clear policies that outline expectations for staff when it comes to producing communication content and interacting with both internal and external audiences. The OCSD Brand/Style Guide is a particularly advanced best practice. Overall, OCSD’s internal communication efforts are solid in terms of quantity, quality and readership. A key question for OCSD’s leadership to consider now is: how much do you want to ‘publicize’ the District’s services and programs through external communication efforts? There appears to be tension between wanting to remain ‘out of sight, out of mind’ and producing more modern, innovative content that will engage various stakeholders in OCSD’s service area. Thank you again for this opportunity to provide the Orange County Sanitation District with an objective third-party assessment of its communication efforts. Should you wish to further engage Tripepi Smith to execute on recommendations in this report, we are ready to assist. 1/27/2022 1 Public Affairs Mid‐Year Report July – December 2021 Presented by: Jennifer Cabral, Administration Manager Legislative and Public Affairs Committee February 7, 2022 Public Affairs Office 2 1 2 What People Think We Do What We Actually Do 1/27/2022 2 Jennifer Cabral, Administration Manager •Daisy Covarrubias, Principal Public Affairs Specialist •Rebecca Long, Senior Public Affairs Specialist •Kelly Newell, Public Affairs Specialist •Belen Carrillo, Public Affairs Specialist •Gregg Deterding, Graphic Designer •Cheryl Scott, Administrative Assistant Extension of Our Team •Tanya Chong, Principal Staff Analyst (Engineering) •Jennifer Wein, Staff Analyst (Engineering) •VIPs Public Affairs Staff 3 PAO Strategic Plan 4 3 4 EMPLOYEES • Internal Communication • Employee Events EXPERTS MEDIA • Speaking • Media Training engagements • Press Releases • Awards l BRANDING EDUCATION New Logo • Virtual Tour Headquarter • wastewater 101 Branding Plan Academy • Community Mobile Education Newsletter Unit 1/27/2022 3 PAO Strategic Plan 447 communication pieces 4 speaking engagements 4 awards 1 press release 23 articles 371 social media posts OC San logo –cont. 49 website post P1/P2 Newsletter & Community Newsletter Video Library 14 virtual tours Heritage Museum Mid‐Year Update (July‐December 2021) 5 PAO Strategic Plan 6 5 6 EMPLOYEES EXPERTS MEDIA BRANDING EDUCATION CONSTRUCTION LEGISLATIVE GRANTS GOVT AFFAIRS CRISIS GM SUPPORT • GIP Campaign • Legislative Plan • Develop Policy • State of the • Response Plan • GM Monthly Report • Paid Advertisement • Track & monitor • Apply District • Virtual • Develop Protocols • GM Work Plan • Letters of • New Council • Strategic Plan supporVoppose Member(s) Tour 1/27/2022 4 PAO Strategic Plan 11 Printed Notifications 58,000 people reached 15 web updates 5 Federal Letter 2 State Letters Monitoring 7 COVID Response 6 GM Monthly Memo GM Work Plan Strategic Plan Update Annual Report 2 Outreach Toolkits 6 Board Member Speaking Points Mid‐Year Update (July‐December 2021) 8 Vendor Outreach Headquarters Building Branding Wastewater 101 Citizen Academy Supercritical Water Oxidation Construction Outreach Educational Outreach Up Next 7 8 CONSTRUCTION LEGISLATIVE GRANTS GOVT AFFAIRS CRISIS GM SUPPORT 1/27/2022 5 For more information Visit us at: OCSan.gov Follow us: @OCSanDistrict Also on… 9 9 11 r.J m Im a LEGISLATIVE AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS COMMITTEE Agenda Report Administration Building 10844 Ellis Avenue Fountain Valley, CA 92708 (714) 593-7433 File #:2022-2073 Agenda Date:2/7/2022 Agenda Item No:3. FROM:James D. Herberg, General Manager SUBJECT: PUBLIC AFFAIRS UPDATE FOR THE MONTHS OF NOVEMBER & DECEMBER 2021 AND JANUARY 2022 GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION RECOMMENDATION: Recommend to the Board of Directors to: Receive and file the Public Affairs Update for the months of November & December 2021 and January 2022. 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 The Orange County Sanitation District (OC San) is well-recognized within the water/wastewater industry; however, within our service area there is limited knowledge by our customers of the important work we do to protect public health and the environment. In general, the customers we serve do not realize that when they improperly dispose of waste into the sanitation system, it can negatively affect our sewer lines, our treatment plants, and the quality of water we supply to the Groundwater Replenishment System. PROPOSED SOLUTION By providing tours, community outreach, education, and general communication via OC San’s website, social media outlets, and direct mailings, we can educate the community, local agencies, and businesses on our messaging such as the What2Flush program, energy production, water recycling, biosolids, and our source control program. This, in turn, helps improve the quality ofOrange County Sanitation District Printed on 1/27/2022Page 1 of 3 powered by Legistar™ OC6SAN ORANGE COUNTY SANITATION DISTRICT File #:2022-2073 Agenda Date:2/7/2022 Agenda Item No:3. recycling,biosolids,and our source control program.This,in turn,helps improve the quality of wastewater that is recycled or released to the ocean. RAMIFICATIONS OF NOT TAKING ACTION If we do not educate the community,local agencies,and area businesses about OC San,we may not have the support necessary to deliver our mission. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Activities for the months of November & December 2021 and January 2022: Outreach Report An outreach report that includes tours,website postings,social media postings,construction notifications, speaker engagements, and more is included as an attachment to this Agenda Report. Virtual Tours To continue engaging with the community and our stakeholders,staff conducts virtual tours of the Plant which has allowed participants an opportunity to remotely visit OC San and learn how we protect public health and the environment.For this reporting period,we held five virtual tours reaching 81 people. Social Media Over the last three months,OC San has been very active on our social media accounts.This is a quick snapshot of what we did: ·Facebook: 46 posts and reached 9.7k people ·Twitter: 44 posts and reached 9.3k people ·Instagram: 38 posts and 625 likes ·LinkedIn: 8 posts and 161 likes Presentations During this reporting period,OC San had four speaking engagements.Staff gave a presentation to the H2OC Sub-Committee on our rebranding efforts,to the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA)for Women in Wastewater,presented during a webinar for California Association of Sanitation Agencies (CASA),and to the Seal Beach City Council on the Los Alamitos Trunk Sewer Project. Wastewater 101 Citizens Academy OC San is launching a Wastewater 101 Citizens Academy for our customers,fellow agencies,and influential public to showcase OC San operations and initiatives.The academy consists of four informational sessions and a Plant tour (tentative based on COVID-19 restrictions).The academy is free to attend,and completion of all four courses will result in a certificate of completion.The first session will begin in May. Member Agency Outreach Toolkit - Education On a quarterly basis,OC San prepares and distributes outreach toolkits to our member agencies with messaging to be shared with the community.The most recent toolkit was just distributed and focused on our educational efforts including our virtual tours and our partnership with the Heritage Orange County Sanitation District Printed on 1/27/2022Page 2 of 3 powered by Legistar™ File #:2022-2073 Agenda Date:2/7/2022 Agenda Item No:3. focused on our educational efforts including our virtual tours and our partnership with the Heritage Museum of Orange County.The toolkit includes messaging for websites,newsletters,and social media that our member agencies can share with their communities to encourage people to participate in the academy. Construction Outreach Construction has started on the Orange-Western Trunk Sewer Project in the cities of Buena Park, Anaheim,and Cypress.Outreach efforts are underway to keep the community informed of the project activities as well as the benefits.Construction notifications,text alerts,email alerts,web updates,social media posts,city newsletters updates,etc.are all components of the outreach program developed for this project.Further details on the project can be found at www.ocsan.gov/OrangeWestern. Community Engagement The OC San Connection is an electronic newsletter that we first launched in fall 2021 to share with our customers that OC San is more than just a wastewater treatment facility.The winter 2022 issue was just released and featured articles on construction projects,our source control efforts,and the statewide,No Wipes in the Pipe campaign.The newsletter was shared with our member agencies, our influential public,across our social media platforms,and via email to those who have signed up for receive the newsletter directly in their inbox. The newsletter can be found at www.ocsan.gov. Vendor Outreach Program OC San is relaunching the Vendor Outreach Program with a focus on Orange County businesses to enhance the competitive bidding opportunities for OC San.The intent is to increase the number of vendor and contractors soliciting OC San projects thus expanding the pool and providing a greater variety of partners.Staff is currently preparing to host a vendor workshop to take place in March 2022. Awards OC San’s Plant No.1 was selected as the Santa Ana River Basin Section (SARBS)winner for Large Plant Safety.OC San now advances to the California Water Environment Association (CWEA)state level.CWEA’s Large Plant Safety of the Year award evaluates nominees on number of injuries,lost- time accidents,recordkeeping,in-house training,emergency response,and program implementation. The Local SARBS Safety Award will be given to OC San at the March 2022 SARBS Banquet. ATTACHMENT The following attachment(s)may be viewed on-line at the OC San website (www.ocsan.gov)with the complete agenda package: ·Outreach and Media Summary Report - November & December 2021 and January 2022 ·Presentation Orange County Sanitation District Printed on 1/27/2022Page 3 of 3 powered by Legistar™ Outreach and Media Summary November & December 2021 and January 2022 O C SAN P u b l i c A f f a i r s O f f i c e OC ~SAN ORANGE COUNTY SANITATION DISTRICT Table of Contents OUTREACH REPORT…………………………………………………………PAGE 1 FACEBOOK POSTINGS ……………………………………………...............PAGE 3 TWITTER POSTINGS …………………………………………………………PAGE 9 INSTAGRAM POSTINGS………………………………………………………PAGE 12 LINKEDIN POSTINGS………………………………………………………....PAGE 15 NEWS ARTICLES……………………………………………………………………………. PAGE 20 Outreach Report November and December 2021 and January 2022 Date Tours Attendees Tour Guide 11/09/2021 OC San/OCWD Joint Tour 40 Jim Herberg 11/16/2021 Cal State Long Beach Nursing 7 Mike Zedek 11/29/2021 USC Tour 11 Andrew Brown 12/1/2021 Cal State Long Beach Nursing 13 Cortney Light 01/28/2022 General Public Tour 10* Sam Choi *These events have not occurred at time of this report, therefore # of attendees is estimated. Date Speaking Engagements/Events Attendees Presenter 11/02/2021 H2OC Subcommittee Presentation on OC San Rebranding 24 Daisy Covarrubias 12/6/2021 CASA Webinar 139 Jim Herberg 12/15/2021 NACWA Women in Water 12 Jennifer Cabral 01/10/2022 Seal Beach City Council 20 Kathy Millea /Raul Cuellar 01/26/2022 Huntington Beach Southeast Area Council Committee Meeting 25* Daisy Covarrubias Project Area Construction Outreach Notifications # of People Reached Website Posts and Text Alerts Anaheim/Buena Park/Cypress One printed notification 8,500 1 website posts Fountain Valley One printed notification 200 1 website post Los Alamitos/ Seal Beach/ Rossmoor Two printed notifications 15,500 4 website posts/ 4 text alerts Westminster Two Printed notifications 8,930 2 website posts / 3 text alerts External Communications Distribution # of People Reached 5 Minutes Per Month Three 651 Board Member Talking Points Three 50 Community Newsletter Service Area 4,500 Website Posts 16 Posts 240 views Facebook 46 posts 9.7k reached Twitter 44 tweets 9.3k reached Instagram 38 posts 625 likes LinkedIn 8 posts 161 people Facebook Posts Nov/Dec 2021 and Jan 2022 3 Page Overview Discovery 0 Post reach ••• Post engagement ,., fj New Page Followers Interactions • Reactions " Comments ,. Shares ,~ Photo Views ~ Link Clicks I I 1,946 392 3 113 9 12 47 15 4 Posts Last 90 Days Date v Sam the Scientist returns this month as the QC San Virtual Post Reach Engagement Tour Guide. If you haven't had the chance to join, nows the 98 1 time. Register for FREE at ocsan.gov/tours Tue, Jan 11 Join us in welcoming our new members of the QC San Board Post Reach Engagement of Directors. Gloria Ma'ae from the City of Anaheim-69 36 I Municipal Government ,Ted Bui from the Fountain Valley c ... '"1:1 Mon, Jan 10 When you ask around the house who flushed the wipes Post Reach Engagement down the pipes. Remember that all wipes belong in the trash, 153 9 not the toilet. #W2F #3Ps #Spiderman Fri, Jan 7 A Special Board of Directors meeting is happening next Post Reach Engagement week on Wednesday, Jan. 12 at 5 pm. Click here to view the 179 23 agenda: https://ocsd.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx Wed, Jan 5 Today, we're highlighting QC San's service area. Can you Post Reach Engagement find your city on this map? If so, you live within our 479 sq. 312 24 mile service area. We have almost 400 miles of sewer ... Wed, Jan 5 New year, new me, but not new pipes. To avoid getting Post Reach Engagement #FQGclogs in your pipes, throw fats, oils, and grease in the 414 12 trash not down the drain. This helps your pipes, your city's ... Mon, Jan 3 Happy New Year from our family to yours. Happy 2022. As we Post Reach Engagement close the year we want to thank our staff for another 176 11 successful year and send a shoutout to those working ove ... Sat, Jan 1 5 It's #WastewaterWednesday! To celebrate here's a fun fact Post Reach Engagement about OC San: About 2% of the people who apply to the 134 4 Guinness World Records actually make it in. Yours truly is ... Dec 29, 2021 Before the year ends, make sure to apply to our most recent Post Reach Engagement job openings here at OC San! For more info visit 258 12 ocsan.gov/jobs Dec 27, 2021 ", Happy Holidays from OC San • Post Reach Engagement . _ ..... ·~. '';i. . Dec 25, 2021 168 11 t' i ,. -·---.. ,. . . '\,. After months of hard work, the 2020-21 OC San Asset Post Reach Engagement Management Plan is now available! The plan includes an 260 13 inventory of critical assets, an evaluation of their condition ... Dec 23, 2021 II Just a reminder that OC San's admin offices will be closed Post Reach Engagement Dec. 23-24th for the holidays! But even we we're off, we're 285 28 not off. A team of OC San operators and lab staff will be ... Dec 22, 2021 ~-· 2"" Thank you @ocbiz_council for shining a light on OC San's Post Reach Engagement ..... $58 Capital Improvement Program which is not only focused on 147 3 enhancing Orange County's infrastructure but also ... Dec 21, 2021 ~ Presents belong under the tree.just like fats, oils, and Post Reach Engagement -grease belong in the trash. No need to wrap the gift of FOG, 823 36 just can it, cool it, & trash it . Visit what2flush.com to lea ... Dec 20, 2021 The walls are changing. Construction is starting at Plant No. Post Reach Engagement 1 on Ward St. You will see the chain link fence being 212 20 removed and replaced with a block wall. This work is being ... Dec 17, 2021 OC San is at it again. We are so excited to share with you Post Reach Engagement .. ,,_ that we were recently awarded the District Transparency 103 10 ...... <HHCY Certificate of Excellence by the Special District Leadership ... CHTMCATI Oil ..aw.a Dec 16, 2021 One of the good things that comes out of construction are Post Reach Engagement super cool pictures. Like this one of an oc San contractor 436 41 lowering the chemical grout injection packer into a manhol ... Dec 13, 2021 As your kitchens fill with fun, family, and food,remember to Post Reach Engagement avoid dumping Fats, Oils, & Grease down your pipes this 137 6 holiday season! #FOG Dec 11, 2021 6 1istrict AUFOl!MA istrict AUFOl!MA -~ = = - istrict ALIFOIINIA ... "Ill ~ ,, ~a L ~~ .. f J H \ 8 - Thlnk~vm,, •-. --,,... The Steering Committee Meeting (5 p.m.} and Board Meeting ru~, ""'a~11 c:11\Ja\J"'"'"'"' (6 p.m.) are happe·ning on Dec. 15. Click here to view the 76 2 agenda: Dec 9, 2021 Don't miss out on the opportunity to work at OC San! To learn more about our recent job openings, visit ocsan.gov Dec 9, 2021 OC San Tip: Use the Happy Birthday song as a time reference when washing your hands. Dec 7, 2021 We immediately saw a resemblance between the 3 Ps and Squid Games. Wipes clog pipes. Even if the they say "Flushable," wipes don't belong down the toilet . They ... Dec 6, 2021 The Administration Committee Meeting is happening on Wed., Dec. 8 @5 p.m. Click here to view the agenda: Dec 1, 2021 Today is the day. Construction is officially moving into Los Alamitos Blvd. To find out more about the work being done as part of the Los Alamitos Trunk Sewer Project visit ... Dec 1, 2021 Want to start 2022 off with a career at a wastewater treatment plant? Don't miss out on that chance and apply today at ocsan.gov/jobs Nov 29, 2021 The Operations Committee Meeting is this Wednesday, Dec 1 at 5 pm. Click here to view the agenda: Nov 29, 2021 Just a Friendly reminder from us to not invite FOG into your home. The proper way to dispose of Fats, Oils and Grease is to pour them in a can, let them cool, and throw them in the ... Nov 26, 2021 Happy Thanksgiving from us to you. • Nov 25, 2021 After all the holiday cooking, remember to put all your fats, oils, and grease in a disposable container, let it cool, and throw it in the trash. #FOGClogs Nov 24, 2021 Make sure you stay fully informed on the Los Alamitos Construction Project by visiting ocsan.gov/LosAlamitos and sign up for email and text alerts. #LosAlamitosConstructio ... Post Reach Engagement 268 15 Post Reach Engagement 129 4 Post Reach Engagement 152 5 Post Reach Engagement 60 1 Post Reach Engagement 310 11 Post Reach Engagement 203 16 Post Reach Engagement 68 2 Post Reach Engagement 84 19 Post Reach Engagement 113 3 Post Reach Engagement 852 36 Post Reach Engagement 386 21 7 m Curious about current construction projects? By visiting our Post Reach Engagement construction page, you can read the latest on our 75 11 infrastructure projects. Visit: ocsan.gov/construction for ... Nov 21, 2021 II Ever wondered how sewage sludge helps our environment? Post Reach Engagement Vist ocsan.gov/biosolids to learn more. 89 4 Nov 20, 2021 Westminster, we have a neighborhood bulletin you'll want to Post Reach Engagement •···· check. Learn the latest details of the Westminster Blvd. 733 52 Sewer Project including what to expect in the weeks ahead ... Nov 17, 2021 ~ All things OC San. Your favorite agency, OC San, just Post Reach Engagement released your new favorite read. The first issue of The OC 119 6 San Connection newsletter is now available on ocsan.gov .... - Nov 16, 2021 All happening on Nov. 17. The Steering Committe will meet at Post Reach Engagement istrict 5 pm and the Board Meeting at 7 pm. Click here to view the 82 4 AUFOANIA agenda: Nov 15, 2021 At OC San nothing gets wasted. We recycle the water, the Post Reach Engagement solids, the gas, and the heat. Just doing our part for 136 4 #AmericaRecyclesDay today and everyday. To learn more ... Nov 15, 2021 Baked goods, homemade meals, and family are what the Post Reach Engagement holidays are made of. To get there we use products like 137 6 butter, oil, and dairy that make up FOG. To avoid #FOGclog ... Nov 13, 2021 Thank you to all the Veterans who served our Country. We Post Reach Engagement want to take this moment and highlight the Veterans that are 151 16 part of the OC San Family. #ThankYou #VeteransDay Nov 11, 2021 8 [X istrict ~AUFORNIA 'istrict e':AUFORNIA Just a reminder that our offices will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 11 in observance of Veterans Day. Nov 10, 2021 About to put "Flushable" wipes down the toilet ...1. • RED LIGHT! Throws it in the trash instead. GREEN LIGHT! Wipes clog pipes. Even if they say "Flushable," wipes, the ... Nov 8, 2021 Tour Time. The OC San and OCWD General Managers come together for a joint special virtual tour on Tuesday, November 9 at 10 a.m. Visit ocsan.gov/tours to register. Nov 6, 2021 The numbers are in and so is OC San's 2020-21 Annual Report and Video. Visit ocsan.gov to view them both. Nov 4, 2021 The Administration Committee Meeting will be happening on Wed, Nov. 10 at 5 p.m. Click here to view the agenda: Nov 3, 2021 Congratulations to Anthony and Matt -our Plant No.1 and Plant No.2 Operators of the Year. They were selected by their peers and management as the top operators and we are so ... Nov 2, 2021 The Legislative & Public Affairs Committee Meeting is happening on Nov. 8 at 4:30 p.m. Click here to view the agenda: Nov 2, 2021 Ghosts and ghouls came out to play. We were ready! Our collections team suited up and attacked the scary things that hide at night and in the pipes. What scary things did you ... Nov 1, 2021 Post Reach Engagement 105 3 Post Reach Engagement 196 14 Post Reach Engagement 161 9 Post Reach Engagement 108 3 Post Reach Engagement 55 1 Post Reach Engagement 218 24 Post Reach Engagement 52 1 Post Reach Engagement 271 65 Twitter Posts Nov/Dec 2021 and Jan 2022 9 I Orange County Sanitation District@ocsano,su.et 28 day summary with change over previous period Tweets Tweet 1mpress1ons 17 1'30.8% 4 ,142 1'81.7% Jan 2022 , 12 days so far. .. TWEET HIGHLIGHTS Top Tweet earned 339 impressions When you ask around the house who flushed the wipes down the pipes. Remember that all wipes belong in the trash, not the toilet. #W2F #3Ps #Spiderman pic.twitter.com/wThsNhQAsl View TWeet activity View all Tweet activity Top Follower followed by 103 people Blue Collar Christian @Blue __ Collar _22 FOLLOW'SYou The only Twitter account for hard working, family loving, common sense thinking, al'-Nays helping, whiskey drinking, God fearing people! #BlueCollar #GetDirty View profile Prnfile visits Mentions 294 + 19.2% 3 Top mention earned 3 engagements r. Jerry Thom @JerryDThoml Jan 7 @OCSanDistrict pic.twitter.com/WLAB6Yf07U View Tweet Top media Tweet earned 223 impressions Join us in welcoming our new members of the oc San Board of Directors. Gloria Ma'ae from the @City of Anaheim , Ted Bui from the @Iv cityhall , Steve Simonian from @LaHabraCA and Ron Bates from @CityOflosAI pic.twitter.com/Bju08Twqxq ... View Tweet activity View all Tweet activity Page updated daity Followers 1,733 1'7 Get your Tweets in front of more people Promoted TWeets and content open up your reach on Twiner to more people. E@H@N-1 JAN 2022 SUMMARY Tweets Tweet 1mpress1ons 6 1,730 Profile visits Menoons 109 1 New followers 3 I 10 Dec 2021 • 31 days TWEET HIGHLIGHTS Top Tweet earned 690 ,mpreSSIOns Happy Holidays from OC San & pic.twitter.com/bSbQRfxxYM • ANO A HAPPY NEW VEAR t.'l Wl View 1weet activity Vrew all Tweet ac1iv1ty Top Follower followed by 1.719 people Marie Y. Lemelle, MBA @Plut,numSI kr F-Ou.O.'IS vou Playwr1ghl • Kwanza~ A Celebra11on of Unity Journalist/Columnist @LA WaveNews @thecomptonhernld Storytelhng 1s my h1e! https://t.co/XVOrEb7AUH Vtewprohle Top mention earned 21 engagements John Withers on the massive jobs and water infrastructure he's coordinating as Chair of @OCSanDistrict. $200M in construction contracts for sewer projects throughout orange County targeted to local vendors, contractors, and consultants in the next year. tinyurl,com/mr26jcmz View Tweet Top media Tweet earned 3911mp,ess1ons One of the good things that comes out of construction are super cool pictures. Like this one of an OC San contractor lowering the chemical grout injection packer into a manhole. And clean and maintained OC San sewer lines of course ... @CityOfLosAI pic.twitter.com/x48pac6C6o View Tweet activity View all Twee1 actrvity OEC 2011 SUMMARY TWfl!ets Tweet lmpR!S-'t!OnS 18 3,748 Ptolire~ 270 3 Newloftowet~ 2 11 Nov 2021 , 30 days TWCET HIGHLIGHTS Top Tweet earned 577 rmpress,ons Ghosts and ghouls came out to play. We were ready! Our collections team suited up and attacked the scary things that hide at night and in the pipes. What scary things did you encounter? pic.twitter.com/OfmkncUmKi View 1\tveet activity View all Tweet activ.ty Top l=ollower 1011owe<1 by 231 people Steven Elie @steve cliel3 rouows<vov Papa Bear to two wonderful human beings; Director, Inland Empire Utilities Agency: Lawyer and Partner Musick Peeler & Garrett. View profile Top mention earned 135 engagements ra Larry Tenney iii Make ~ #GoodTrouble @LarryTenoey Nov 12 In April @OCSanDistrict requested funding support from #CA48 Michelle Steel for a clean water project. She turned them down Instead, she requested $15.5M worth of sand to be dumped on her own backyard beach Steel always puts party & self above community ocsan .gov/homelshowpubli ... t..,.27 • 29 View Tweet Top media Tweet earned 560 impressions About to put "Flushable" wipe down the toilet . RED LIGHT! Throw it In the trash instead. GREEN LIGHT! Wipes clog pipes. Even if they say "Flushable," wipes don't belong down the toilet. They belong in the trash. #NoWipesDownThePipes #W2F #What2Flush pic.twitter.com/cGUpnrLUut View TWeet activity View all Tweet ac:t,vity NOV 2021 SUMMARY Tweet 1mpress1ons 20 3,846 Ment.ons 454 14 NewlOlloWer~ 0 Instagram Posts Nov/Dec. 2021 and Jan 2022 12 1111 POSTS CJ'IZE -P?ZIIITT?IIIZ::Z:r::■ I ocsandistrict EditPrnfile O 741 posts 1,240 followers 83 following oc Sanitation District The oc Sanitation District provides wastewater collection, treatment, and recycling for approx 2.6 million people in central & north Orange County. www.ocsan.gov (; VIDEOS (;:I SAVED J ·"· CJn'OflAHA!lllA 'U:,J Ill TAGGED ~ 6-IAPPY oc San's -~SA~ Future Investments $5.8 ft-- I 13 ll-llAPPY ll-llOli.IlllllA Y§ ,tllTIO,tll&. 11,tl>IJIISHl,tG UEEIC! Thanksgiving DC San Salutes Our Veterans Past and Present I , TRANSPARENCY CERTIFICATE OF EXCEUENCE 14 _ _6SJlli OPERATOR OF THE YEAR NOMINEES ANTHONY CHANG PLANT N0.2: MATT CONNER LinkedIn Posts Nov/Dec. 2021 and Jan 2022 15 I I Analytics Last 30 day activity 474 ,,. 0.4% Search appearances Last 7 days 182 ,,. 26% Unique visitors Share trending articles 19 ,,. 51 % New followers Invite connections to follow 3.SK &130% Post impressions 14 & 180% Custom button cl icks 16 Orange County Sanitation District ~ 3.473 followers 3d•\S) Join us in welcoming our new members of the OC San Board of Directors. Gloria Ma'ae from the City of Anaheim , Ted Bui from the City of Fountain Valley, Steve Simonian from see more ~cyrl ,. I =- Orange County Sanitation District ~ 3.473 follo\wrs 3w •\S> ... \tllfY ...... ~~ ·• .... .Ji> • ••• --- After months of hard work, the 2020-21 OC San Asset Management Plan is now available! The plan includes an inventory of crilical assets, an evaluation of their condition and perfonnance, and so much more. Visit ocsan.gov to learn more. 2021 Asset Management Plan 17 Orange County Sanitation District ~~ 3.-173 foHowE"rs 3w•«l Thank you Orange County Business Council for shining a light on OC San's Capital Improvement Program which is not only focused on enhancing Orange County's infrastructure but also supporting the local economy. Read al .. see more OC San's Future Investments $5.8 k- BILLION To continue to provide relloble service for OC residents ... Orange County Sanitation District ._,:.'.~ 3473 followt-1') lmo•~ 6SAN OC San is at it again. We are so excited to share with you that we were recently awarded the District Transparency Certificate of Excellence by the Specoal District leadership Foundation. We received this honor for our transparency a1 see more OC SAN RECE I VES THE TRANSPARENCY CERTIFICATE OF EXCELLENCE 18 Orange County Sanitation District ~ 3,413 follo~rs 2mo·~ At OC San nothing gets wasted. We recycle the water, the solids, the gas, and the heat. Just doing our part for #AmericaRecyclesDay today and everyday. To learn more sign up for a free OC San Virtual Tour with one of our Tour guide .see more ocsan.gov/tours Os 1 share Orange County Sanitation District ~ 3 J73 followe,s 2mo ·® Tour Time. The OC San and OCWD General Managers come together for a joint special virtual tour on Tuesday, November 9 at 10 a.m. Visit http://ocsan.gov/tours to register. 19 Orange County Sanitation District ~ 3473followers 2mo •(S) Congratulations to Anthony and Matt· our Plant No. l and Plant No.2 Operators of the Year. They were selected by their peers and management as the top operators and we are so excited for them. Visit ocsan.gov to learn mor .. see more 6SAN ORANGI! COUNTY SANrT.-TK>N ~ICT OPERATOR OF THE VEAR NOMINEES PLANT N0.1: ANTHONY CHANG PLANT NO. 2: MATT CONNER ; ccmmom • l ihar"' Orange County Sanitation District -----~ 3 .173 followt"1S 2mo • (S) All the right moves in all the right places. OC San partnered up with the Heritage Museum of OC to share a wastewater treatment focused educational kit to the OC San service area. The kit is free to access and is aimed towards a youn~ see more d lE/tIT Gf:rM ;n~• '!l'l(1 ORI<, cc ,11 ~ EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS WASTEWATER TREATMENT 0 Prceu Ghuman PE_ MPA and iS olhers '} comm11>nt~ Article Date Resource Link Los Angeles receives $224M WIFIA loan 26-Oct-21 WaterWorld https://www.waterworld.com/drinking- water/infrastructure-funding/press- release/14212909/los-angeles-receives-224m- epa-water-infrastructure-loan Los Alamitos Trunk Sewer Construction Project 28-Oct-21 Los Al Weekly newsletter https://www.ocsan.gov/residents/construction- program-projects/current-construction/los- alamitos-trunk-sewer-project Los Alamitos weekly e-mail 5-Nov-21 Los Al Weekly newsletter https://www.ocsan.gov/home/showdocument?id =32476&t=637782804876596441 Los Alamitos weekly e-mail 12-Nov-21 Los Al Weekly newsletter https://www.ocsan.gov/home/showdocument?id =32470&t=637782804831752582 Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant to Conduct 1-Mile Outfall Tests This Week 17-Nov-21 City News Service https://kfiam640.iheart.com/content/2021-11-17- hyperion-water-reclamation-plant-to-conduct-1- mile-outfall-tests-this-week/ State addresses urgency to prepare roads, water systems for rising sea 18-Nov-21 World Nation News https://worldnationnews.com/state-addresses- urgent-need-to-prepare-roads-water-systems-for- rising-seas/ Months after massive sewage spill, Hyperion plant tests are successful on 1-mile outfall 18-Nov-21 LA Times https://www.dailybreeze.com/2021/11/17/mont hs-after-massive-sewage-spill-hyperion-plant-to- test-1-mile-outfall/ Los Alamitos weekly e-mail 19-Nov-21 Los Al Weekly newsletter https://www.ocsan.gov/home/showdocument?id =32472&t=637782804847689740 Los Alamitos weekly e-mail 26-Nov-21 Los Al Weekly newsletter https://www.ocsan.gov/home/showdocument?id =32474&t=637782804861127460 OC San adopts 2021 Strategic Plan 2-Dec-21 OCBC https://ocbc.org/newsroom/ocbc-indicator- enewsletter/ 3-Dec-21 Los Al Weekly newsletter https://www.ocsan.gov/home/showdocument?id =32460&t=637782801196263860 States Cut ‘Forever Chemicals’ in Biosolids as They Await EPA 8-Dec-21 Bloomberg Law https://news.bloomberglaw.com/product-liability- and-toxics-law/states-cut-forever-chemicals-in- biosolids-as-they-await-epa Traces of omicron found in Southern California sewage, scientists say 8-Dec-21 ABC 7 https://abc7.com/omicron-in-southern-california- covid-variant-wastewater/11313692/ Los Alamitos weekly e-mail 10-Dec-21 Los Al Weekly newsletter https://www.ocsan.gov/home/showdocument?id =32462&t=637782801723808294 Los Alamitos weekly e-mail 17-Dec-21 Los Al Weekly newsletter https://www.ocsan.gov/home/showdocument?id =32464&t=637782801749745662 West Coast Sanitation District Concludes Pension Trust Services Search 21-Dec-21 Financial News https://www.ocsan.gov/home/showdocument?id =32500&t=637787995372345555 Los Alamitos weekly e-mail 24-Dec-21 Los Al Weekly newsletter https://www.ocsan.gov/home/showdocument?id =32466&t=637782801770058475 Los Alamitos weekly e-mail 31-Dec-21 Los Al Weekly newsletter https://www.ocsan.gov/home/showdocument?id =32468&t=637782801785371057 Los Alamitos weekly e-mail 7-Jan-22 Los Al Weekly newsletter https://www.ocsan.gov/home/showdocument?id =32488&t=637782811218219245 Moody's assigns Aaa to Orange County Sanitation District, CA's Wastewater Revenue Obligations; outlook stable 10-Jan-22 Yahoo Finance https://finance.yahoo.com/news/orange-county- sanitation-district-ca-205906637.html Los Alamitos weekly e-mail 14-Jan-22 Los Al Weekly newsletter https://www.ocsan.gov/home/showdocument?id =32486&t=637782811201812689 Los Alamitos weekly e-mail 1/27/2022 1 Public Affairs Update November & December 2021 and January 2022 Presented by: Daisy Covarrubias, Pr. Public Affairs Spec. Legislative and Public Affairs Committee February 7, 2022 • OC San Connection Newsletter • Member Agency Outreach Toolkit • Employee Communication • Construction Outreach • Westminster Blvd. • Los Alamitos Trunk • Orange-Western Trunk • Security Improvements What We Did Tours 5 tours / 81 guests 5 speaking engagements Social Media Twitter: 44 tweets / 9.3k reached Facebook: 46 posts / 9.7k reach Instagram: 38 posts / 625 likes LinkedIn: 8 posts/ 161 reached 2 1 2 ?i:€ .:;-7.;a: ~~ C rJ ~fffl 1/27/2022 2 What We Are Doing 3 • Vendor Outreach Program • Construction Outreach • Wastewater 101 Academy • Virtual Tours Plant No. 1 Large Plant Safety Award Awards 4 3 4 C OC ~SAN ORANGE COUNTY SANITATION DISTRICT Do Business With OC San The Orange County Sanitation District (OC San) Is the regional sewer provider !Of appro:,,,:lmately 2.6 million people In central and northwest Orange County, CA. and we want to partner with you! Vendor Information Workshop March 1, 2022 at 10 a.m. JO.n this virtual workshop to learn aboUt our cootract opportunllles, how to become an OC San LEGISLATIVE AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS COMMITTEE Agenda Report Administration Building 10844 Ellis Avenue Fountain Valley, CA 92708 (714) 593-7433 File #:2022-2104 Agenda Date:2/7/2022 Agenda Item No:4. FROM:James D. Herberg, General Manager SUBJECT: LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS UPDATE FOR THE MONTHS OF NOVEMBER & DECEMBER 2021 AND JANUARY 2022 GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION RECOMMENDATION: Recommend to the Board of Directors to: Receive and file the Legislative Affairs Update for the months of November & December 2021 and January 2022. BACKGROUND The Orange County Sanitation District’s (OC San) legislative affairs program includes advocating OC San’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 of OC San’s mission, programs, and projects and how they could be impacted by proposed legislation. PROPOSED SOLUTION Continue to work with Local, State, and Federal officials to advocate OC San’s legislative interests. Help to create/monitor legislation and grants that would benefit OC San, 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 Washington D.C. and Sacramento. Orange County Sanitation District Printed on 1/27/2022Page 1 of 2 powered by Legistar™ OC6SAN ORANGE COUNTY SANITATION DISTRICT File #:2022-2104 Agenda Date:2/7/2022 Agenda Item No:4. RAMIFICATIONS OF NOT TAKING ACTION If we do not work with Local,State,and Federal elected officials,legislation could be passed that negatively affects OC San and the wastewater industry as a whole.Additionally,a lack of engagement may result in missed funding opportunities. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION The Build Back Better bill is of interest to OC San and our fellow clean water agencies.The bill has been of great debate in the Senate and an agreement does not appear to be coming soon.The bill currently includes a new water ratepayer assistance program as well as funding to support the transition to renewable energy supplies,including reducing costs associated with water supply reliability.OC San staff and the lobbying team will continue to monitor this legislation and possible funding opportunities, along with other pieces of legislation that many have an effect on OC San. ATTACHMENT The following attachment(s)may be viewed on-line at the OC San website (www.ocsan.gov)with the complete agenda package: ·Federal Update - ENS Resources ·Federal Legislative Matrix - ENS Resources ·State Update - Townsend Public Affairs ·Grant Matrix Orange County Sanitation District Printed on 1/27/2022Page 2 of 2 powered by Legistar™ Page 1 TO: Rebecca Long FROM: Eric Sapirstein DATE: January 14, 2022 SUBJECT: Washington Update The House and Senate convened for the second and final session of the current Congress this month. Upon convening, it returned to unfinished business from the past session as it focused its attention onto four legislative matters of interest to OC San. These were: 1) consideration of approaches to address Per-and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) contamination with potential impacts upon biosolids and general pretreatment mandates, 2) developing a final Fiscal Year 2022 spending bill, 3) developing the Fiscal Year 2023 budget, and 4) seeking to reach a Senate Build Back Better compromise. Given the fact that this session will be influenced by the upcoming mid-term elections, we anticipate that final action on many of these matters (with exception of completion Fiscal Year 2022 spending decisions) could be delayed until late fall or early winter during a lame-duck session. Within the administration, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) continues to implement its PFAS Roadmap priorities. Most notable are two recent announcements from the agency. First, it has provided the Office of Management and Budget a proposed regulatory approach to designate PFAS as a hazardous substance under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) that could if issued increase the costs of managing biosolids as well as requiring wastewater agencies to revise pretreatment and source control programs. • Infrastructure Law Priority for Implementation With the enactment of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (Public Law 117-58) the implementation of the $1.2 trillion package becomes the priority. Federal agencies are expected to detail how the funding will be committed as required by the law. Funding of the clean water State Revolving Loan Fund (SRF) program will be the first substantive outcome of the law as California is slated to receive $600 million for its SRF (clean water and drinking water). ----------------------= .• =. :a ' ------------------., i,i:,------------------ .1,.,JJ.. .. ..., ~ Page 2 Additionally, grants to support pretreatment program related to PFAS should become available to clean water agencies in the coming months. Of notable importance, a priority to support disadvantaged/underserved communities’ needs will guide the distribution of assistance. The definition of these communities will be based upon the state definition. It is assumed that OC San could be eligible for grants assistance to support project needs in its communities that meet the state definition. • PFAS Legislation to Address Cleanups and Liability The House-passed PFAS Action Act (H.R. 2467) remains in the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works. According to Republican and Democratic committee staff, efforts to draft a Senate bill are anticipated in the coming year. In anticipation of this prospect, we are working with a coalition of water association stakeholders to design a coordinated PFAS advocacy approach, including CASA and National Association of Clean Water Agencies. The goal is to work with the Senate committee to address the unreasonable costs and liabilities created by the House-passed PFAS Action Act. We have developed draft policy to secure an exemption from CERCLA liability. This language is under review by a broader group of water association stakeholders with the goal of agreeing on final language that can be advocated by these stakeholders and their member agencies, as the Senate and Congress deliberate over PFAS legislative language that could impose liability and new treatment standards. The prospect of passage of legislation imposing CERCLA liability currently remains slim. However, USEPA efforts to define the chemicals through regulation remain a strong possibility given its PFAS Action Roadmap. Therefore, the effort to seek legislative clarifications remains relevant and a priority for stakeholders. • Fiscal Year 2022 Spending Bill Pending and Fiscal Year 2023 Budget Imminent Senate and House Committee on Appropriations disagreements over “top line” spending levels for each of the twelve appropriations bills prevented the development of an omnibus spending bill. This required enactment of a second stop gap spending bill extending funding until February 18, 2022. Appropriations committee staff have reportedly developed spending bill recommendations that the House and Senate Committee on Appropriations leadership will consider in January into early February. At this writing, funding of water infrastructure programs is robust. The House and Senate spending bills also provide language to encourage USEPA to continue its efforts to designate PFAS chemicals as hazardous substances. Funding to support PFAS cleanups could also become part of a final spending agreement, supplementing the grants assistance to assist in capital costs provided under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Page 3 The Administration is finalizing its Fiscal Year 2023 spending plan. The budget request will be transmitted to Congress in March. The request is expected to call for increased funding of traditional water and natural resources programs. We anticipate congressional offices will again request submissions from public agencies for project assistance. The request will follow the community projects process otherwise known as earmarks that guided funding requests for the Fiscal Year 2022 spending bills. • Build Back Better Legislation Continued disagreements over the spending level and program funding priorities continue as obstacles to reach a Senate agreement on the Build Back Better bill. The legislation currently includes a new water ratepayer assistance program as well as funding to support the transition to renewable energy supplies, including to reduce costs associated with water supply reliability. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) has restated his opposition to the current framework, citing the $1.9 trillion price tag, among other matters. His preferred funding level is $1.5 trillion, provided that a formal “scoring” of the bill’s costs is available prior to any Senate vote. Manchin’s public opposition, along with that of Senator Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ), deprives Senate Democrats of the fifty votes required to pass a bill. At the time of this writing, it appears that any progress on a final agreement remains a distant goal. It appears any prospect of salvaging legislation requires a significant paring back of provisions and the overall costs of the bill to meet Manchin and Sinema’s priorities to spend no more than $1.5 trillion and to ensure that approved programs are not temporary in nature. Manchin, on this point, has made it clear he is unable to support a bill that relies on budgetary gimmicks that rely on short-term funding with the hope that Congress would simply extend funding in future years and thereby effectively increase any bill’s costs beyond the $1.5 trillion ceiling. Title Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act Description Investing in a New Vision for the Environment and Surface Transportation in America Act or the INVEST in America Act This bill addresses provisions related to federal-aid highway, transit, highway safety, motor carrier, research, hazardous materials, and rail programs of the Department of Transportation (DOT). Among other provisions, the bill * extends FY2021 enacted levels through FY2022 for federal-aid highway, transit, and safety programs; * reauthorizes for FY2023-FY2026 several surface transportation programs, including the federal-aid highway program, transit programs, highway safety, motor carrier safety, and rail programs; * addresses climate change, including strategies to reduce the climate change impacts of the surface transportation system and a vulnerability assessment to identify opportunities to enhance the resilience of the surface transportation system and ensure the efficient use of federal resources; * revises Buy America procurement requirements for highways, mass transit, and rail; * establishes a rebuild rural bridges program to improve the safety and state of good repair of bridges in rural communities; * implements new safety requirements across all transportation modes; and * directs DOT to establish a pilot program to demonstrate a national motor vehicle per-mile user fee to restore and maintain the long-term solvency of the Highway Trust Fund and achieve and maintain a state of good repair in the surface transportation system. Primary Sponsors Peter DeFazio Bill Summary: Last edited by Sarah Sapirstein at Jan 13, 2022, 3:02 PM Comprehensive infrastructure investment package that provides the biggest infusion of U.S. federal spending on infrastructure in decades, including $55 billion for water infrastructure. The bill also includes a Western Water Infrastructure Title to address U.S. Bureau of Reclamation water infrastructure funding programs. Enacted into law on November 15, 2021. Became Public Law No: 117-58. Introduction Date: 2021-06-04 Federal Legislative Report - January 14, 2022 Last Updated: January 13, 2022 Bills by Issue Priority: High (8) State US Bill Number HR 3684 Last Action Became Public Law No 117 58 2021 11 15 Status Enacted Position Monitor Priority High 0 ~SAN ORANGE COUNTY SANITATION DISTRICT Title WIPPES Act Primary Sponsors Alan Lowenthal Bill Summary: Last edited by Sarah Sapirstein at Aug 23, 2021, 5:53 PM Pulled out of the Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act. Not later than 2 years after enactment, directs FTC, with consultation from U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), to require manufacturers of single-use wet wipes print a "Do Not Flush" label notice on wipes product packaging. Below is a summary of the WIPPES Act's key provisions: - Not later than 2 years after date of enactment, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), in consultation with USEPA, will issue regulations to require wipes manufacturers to print clear and visible "Do Not Flush" label notices on non-flushable wet wipes product packaging. - Prohibition on the representation or marketing of flushable attributes, performance, or efficacy benefits for non-flushable wipes products. - FTC may bring penalty fines of not more than $2,500 for each day a manufacturer fails to comply with labeling requirements. Total fine amount may not exceed $100,000 for a single violation. - FTC will develop guidance for manufacturers to conduct education and outreach campaigns on new labeling requirements and provide consumers with the following information: presence of the new label notice on product packaging, what products have the new label notice, intended effects of label notice on consumer behavior regarding the disposal of the products, and outreach may not promote, advocate, or depict wipes other than the wipes products defined by legislation. Introduction Date: 2021-07-21 State US Bill Number HR 4602 Last Action Referred To The Subcommittee On Consumer Protection And Commerce 2021 07 22 Status In House Position Support Priority High Title PFAS Action Act of 2021 Description PFAS Action Act of 2021 This bill establishes requirements and incentives to limit the use of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly referred to as PFAS, and remediate PFAS in the environment. PFAS are man-made and may have adverse human health effects. A variety of products contain PFAS, such as nonstick cookware or weatherproof clothing. The bill directs the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to designate the PFAS perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) as a hazardous substances under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980, thereby requiring remediation of releases of those PFAS into the environment. Within five years, the EPA must determine whether the remaining PFAS should be designated as hazardous substances. The EPA must also determine whether PFAS should be designated as toxic pollutants under the Clean Water Act. If PFAS are designated as toxic, then the EPA must establish standards to limit discharges of PFAS from industrial sources into waters of the United States. In addition, the EPA must issue a national primary drinking water regulation for PFAS that, at a minimum, includes standards for PFOA and PFOS. Among other requirements, the EPA must also issue a final rule adding PFOA and PFOS to the list of hazardous air pollutants, test all PFAS for toxicity to human health, and regulate the disposal of materials containing PFAS. Finally, the bill provides incentives to address PFAS, such as grants to help community water systems treat water contaminated by PFAS. Primary Sponsors Debbie Dingell Bill Summary: Last edited by Sarah Sapirstein at Apr 19, 2021, 4:54 PM Addresses the public health and environmental risks posed by PFAS contamination, including addressing, monitoring, and treating for PFAS contamination in water supplies. Includes directive for USEPA to designate PFOA and PFOS as hazardous substances under CERCLA, also known as Superfund law, within one year after enactment of the bill and within five years determine whether to designate all PFAS substances as hazardous under CERCLA. Also includes other regulatory measures to detect, monitor, and treat for PFAS in water supplies. Introduction Date: 2021-04-13 State US Bill Number HR 2467 Last Action Received In The Senate And Read Twice And Referred To The Committee On Environment And Public Works 2021 07 22 Status In Senate Position Monitor Priority High Title Clean Water Standards for PFAS Act of 2021 Description Clean Water Standards for PFAS Act of 2021 This bill directs the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to develop requirements and incentives to limit the discharge of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) into certain waters of the United States. PFAS are man-made and may have adverse human health effects. A variety of products contain the compounds, such as nonstick cookware or weatherproof clothing. Within two years, the EPA must publish water quality criteria for each measurable perfluoroalkyl substance, polyfluoroalkyl substance, and class of PFAS. The water quality criteria must determine how much of these substances can be present in water before it is likely to harm human health. Within four years, the EPA must publish a final rule that establishes, for each priority industry category specified in the bill, effluent limitations guidelines and standards for the discharge of each measurable perfluoroalkyl substance, polyfluoroalkyl substance, and class of PFAS. Under the Clean Water Act, effluent limitations restrict the quantities, rates, and concentrations of chemical, physical, biological, and other constituents which are discharged from point sources (e.g., a discernible source such as a pipe) into navigable waters, the ocean, or other specified waters. In addition, the EPA must award grants to owners and operators of publicly owned treatment works for implementing the effluent limitations guidelines and standards. Primary Sponsors Chris Pappas Bill Summary: Last edited by Sarah Sapirstein at Aug 23, 2021, 6:01 PM Require the U.S.Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) to develop effluent limitations guidelines and standards and water quality criteria for PFAS under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act and authorize $200 million in Federal grants to publicly owned treatment works to implement such guidelines and standards. Specifically, the Clean Water Standards for PFAS Act would do the following: • Require USEPA to develop water quality criteria under the Clean Water Act for all measurable PFAS chemicals within two years of bill’s enactment and develop effluent limitations guidelines and standards for all measurable PFAS chemicals within four years, including establishing pretreatment standards to prevent introduction of PFAS into POTWs and stopping PFAS at the source prior to contaminating municipal water systems. • Identifies nine priority industry categories of industries that USEPA must establish standards for. • Authorizes $200 million in grants per year through fiscal years 2022-2026 to assist POTWs with implementation of developed limitations and standards. Introduction Date: 2021-05-28 State US Bill Number HR 3622 Last Action Referred To The Subcommittee On Water Resources And Environment 2021 06 01 Status In House Position Monitor Priority High Title Clean Water Standards for PFAS Act of 2021 Description Clean Water Standards for PFAS Act of 2021 This bill directs the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to develop requirements and incentives to limit the discharge of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) into certain waters of the United States. PFAS are man-made and may have adverse human health effects. A variety of products contain the compounds, such as nonstick cookware or weatherproof clothing. Within two years, the EPA must publish water quality criteria for each measurable perfluoroalkyl substance, polyfluoroalkyl substance, and class of PFAS. The water quality criteria must determine how much of these substances can be present in water before it is likely to harm human health. Within four years, the EPA must publish a final rule that establishes, for each priority industry category specified in the bill, effluent limitations guidelines and standards for the discharge of each measurable perfluoroalkyl substance, polyfluoroalkyl substance, and class of PFAS. Under the Clean Water Act, effluent limitations restrict the quantities, rates, and concentrations of chemical, physical, biological, and other constituents which are discharged from point sources (e.g., a discernible source such as a pipe) into navigable waters, the ocean, or other specified waters. In addition, the EPA must award grants to owners and operators of publicly owned treatment works for implementing the effluent limitations guidelines and standards. Primary Sponsors Kirsten Gillibrand Bill Summary: Last edited by Sarah Sapirstein at Aug 23, 2021, 5:59 PM Companion bill to H.R. 3622. The bill would require the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) to develop effluent limitations guidelines and standards and water quality criteria for PFAS under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act and provide Federal grants to publicly owned treatment works to implement such guidelines and standards. Specifically, the Clean Water Standards for PFAS Act would do the following: • Require USEPA to develop water quality criteria under the Clean Water Act for all measurable PFAS chemicals within two years of bill’s enactment and develop effluent limitations guidelines and standards for all measurable PFAS chemicals within four years, including establishing pretreatment standards to prevent introduction of PFAS into POTWs and stopping PFAS at the source prior to contaminating municipal water systems. • Identifies nine priority industry categories of industries that USEPA must establish standards for. • Authorizes $200 million in grants per year through fiscal years 2022-2026 to assist POTWs with implementation of developed limitations and standards. Introduction Date: 2021-05-27 State US Bill Number S 1907 Last Action Read Twice And Referred To The Committee On Environment And Public Works 2021 05 27 Status In Senate Position Monitor Priority High Title Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act of 2021 Description Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act of 2021 This bill sets forth requirements and incentives to reduce the production of a variety of products and materials, including plastics, and increase efforts to collect, recycle, or compost products and materials. The bill makes certain producers of products (e.g., packaging, paper, single- use products, beverage containers, or food service products) fiscally responsible for collecting, managing, and recycling or composting the products after consumer use. In addition, the bill establishes (1) minimum percentages of products that must be reused, recycled, or composted; and (2) an increasing percentage of recycled content that must be contained in beverage containers. Beginning on January 1, 2023, the bill phases out a variety of single- use products, such as plastic utensils. The bill also sets forth provisions to encourage the reduction of single-use products, including by establishing programs to refund consumers for returning beverage containers and by establishing a tax on carryout bags. The bill creates a temporary moratorium on new or expanded permits for certain facilities that manufacture plastics until regulations are updated to address pollution from the facilities. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) must publish guidelines for a national standardized labeling system for recycling and composting receptacles. Producers must include labels on their products that are easy to read and indicate whether the products are recyclable, compostable, or reusable. The EPA must also ensure that certain clothes washers have filtration units as required by this bill. Finally, the bill establishes limitations on the export of plastic waste to other countries. Primary Sponsors Alan Lowenthal Bill Summary: Last edited by Sarah Sapirstein at Aug 23, 2021, 6:03 PM Would reduce plastic production, increase recycling, and protect frontline and fenceline communities from the burden of toxic emissions from plastic waste by changing the incentives of the industry. The bill shifts the burden of cleanup to the corporations that produced the plastics. Would direct the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) to establish regulations to require covered manufacturers, as defined by the bill, to print clear and visible “Do Not Flush” labeling notice on product packaging. Eligible labeling protocol mirrors the protocols outlined in the state bill. As with the state bill, the “Do Not Flush” symbol is defined by the INDA and EDANA Guidelines for Assessing the Flushability of Disposable Nonwoven Products (Edition 4; May 2018). BFFPPA addresses pollution caused by microfibers from textiles and general microplastics through the water waste stream. The bill would establish a new grants program to support projects that reduce microfiber pollution through either improving industry and manufacturing best practices to reduce the generation of textile-based microfiber pollution or improve the filtration technology for textile- based microfiber pollution in washing machines and at wastewater treatment plants. The bill does not define an authorization amount for the program. The legislation would also create a separate USEPA pilot program to study the efficacy and cost effectiveness of tools, technologies, and techniques used to remove and prevent the release of microplastics into the environment. Under the program, studies will be conducted to test natural and green infrastructure, and mechanical removal systems and filtration technologies. The bill identifies eligible locations to carry out testing studies to include wastewater treatment facilities, stormwater systems, and drinking water systems. The bill does not define an authorization amount for this new pilot program. Introduction Date: 2021-03-26 State US Bill Number HR 2238 Last Action Referred To The Subcommittee On Environment And Climate Change 2021 03 29 Status In House Position Support Priority High Title Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act of 2021 Description Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act of 2021 This bill sets forth requirements and incentives to reduce the production of a variety of products and materials, including plastics, and increase efforts to collect, recycle, or compost products and materials. The bill makes certain producers of products (e.g., packaging, paper, single- use products, beverage containers, or food service products) fiscally responsible for collecting, managing, and recycling or composting the products after consumer use. In addition, the bill establishes (1) minimum percentages of products that must be reused, recycled, or composted; and (2) an increasing percentage of recycled content that must be contained in beverage containers. Beginning on January 1, 2023, the bill phases out a variety of single- use products, such as plastic utensils. The bill also sets forth provisions to encourage the reduction of single-use products, including by establishing programs to refund consumers for returning beverage containers and by establishing a tax on carryout bags. The bill creates a temporary moratorium on new or expanded permits for certain facilities that manufacture plastics until regulations are updated to address pollution from the facilities. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) must publish guidelines for a national standardized labeling system for recycling and composting receptacles. Producers must include labels on their products that are easy to read and indicate whether the products are recyclable, compostable, or reusable. The EPA must also ensure that certain clothes washers have filtration units as required by this bill. Finally, the bill establishes limitations on the export of plastic waste to other countries. Primary Sponsors Jeff Merkley Bill Summary: Last edited by Sarah Sapirstein at Aug 23, 2021, 6:03 PM Would reduce plastic production, increase recycling, and protect frontline and fenceline communities from the burden of toxic emissions from plastic waste by changing the incentives of the industry. The bill shifts the burden of cleanup to the corporations that produced the plastics. Would direct the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) to establish regulations to require covered manufacturers, as defined by the bill, to print clear and visible “Do Not Flush” labeling notice on product packaging. Eligible labeling protocol mirrors the protocols outlined in the state bill. As with the state bill, the “Do Not Flush” symbol is defined by the INDA and EDANA Guidelines for Assessing the Flushability of Disposable Nonwoven Products (Edition 4; May 2018). BFFPPA addresses pollution caused by microfibers from textiles and general microplastics through the water waste stream. The bill would establish a new grants program to support projects that reduce microfiber pollution through either improving industry and manufacturing best practices to reduce the generation of textile-based microfiber pollution or improve the filtration technology for textile- based microfiber pollution in washing machines and at wastewater treatment plants. The bill does not define an authorization amount for the program. The legislation would also create a separate USEPA pilot program to study the efficacy and cost effectiveness of tools, technologies, and techniques used to remove and prevent the release of microplastics into the environment. Under the program, studies will be conducted to test natural and green infrastructure, and mechanical removal systems and filtration technologies. The bill identifies eligible locations to carry out testing studies to include wastewater treatment facilities, stormwater systems, and drinking water systems. The bill does not define an authorization amount for this new pilot program. Introduction Date: 2021-03-25 Title To amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act with respect to permitting terms, and for other purposes. Description This bill revises the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program. Under the program, the Environmental Protection Agency issues permits to discharge pollutants into waters of the United States. The bill extends the maximum term for NPDES permits issued to states or municipalities from 5 to 10 years. Primary Sponsors John Garamendi Bill Summary: Last edited by Sarah Sapirstein at Mar 22, 2021, 9:20 PM Extends the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit to up to, but not exceeding, 10 years from the current 5 years, for a municipality. Introduction Date: 2021-03-12 State US Bill Number S 984 Last Action Read Twice And Referred To The Committee On Finance 2021 03 25 Status In Senate Position Support Priority High State US Bill Number HR 1881 Last Action Referred To The Subcommittee On Water Resources And Environment 2021 03 15 Status In House Position Monitor Priority High Title Water Affordability, Transparency, Equity, and Reliability Act of 2021 Description Water Affordability, Transparency, Equity, and Reliability Act of 2021 This bill increases funding for water infrastructure, including funding for several programs related to controlling water pollution or protecting drinking water. Specifically, it establishes a Water Affordability, Transparency, Equity, and Reliability Trust Fund. The fund may be used for specified grant programs. The bill increases the corporate income tax rate to 24.5% to provide revenues for the fund. In addition, the bill revises requirements concerning the clean water state revolving fund (SRF) and the drinking water SRF. It also creates or reauthorizes several grant programs for water infrastructure. Primary Sponsors Brenda Lawrence Bill Summary: Last edited by Sarah Sapirstein at Mar 22, 2021, 9:43 PM The Water Affordability, Transparency, Equity, and Reliability (WATER) Act of 2021 is a comprehensive solution that creates a WATER Trust Fund, which dedicates nearly $35 billion towards water infrastructure improvements across the United States. Introduction Date: 2021-02-25 Title Water Infrastructure Modernization Act of 2021 Primary Sponsors Mark Kelly Bill Summary: Last edited by Sarah Sapirstein at Jan 13, 2022, 3:08 PM Authorizes a five-year, $50 million EPA grant program to help municipal water systems and publicly owned wastewater treatments systems make investments in smart water technologies to upgrade and modernize the water infrastructure systems address new emerging contaminants, maintain reliable and affordable water quality infrastructure, maintain reliable, resilient, and affordable drinking water infrastructure, and encourage the use of water-efficient technologies to address drought and prepare for population growth and climate change impacts. Introduction Date: 2021-11-30 Priority: Medium (1) State US Bill Number HR 1352 Last Action Referred To The Subcommittee On Conservation And Forestry 2021 04 05 Status In House Position Monitor Priority Medium Priority: None (3) State US Bill Number S 3282 Last Action Read Twice And Referred To The Committee On Environment And Public Works 2021 11 30 Status In Senate Position None Priority None Title Water Infrastructure Modernization Act Primary Sponsors Ruben Gallego Bill Summary: Last edited by Sarah Sapirstein at Jan 13, 2022, 3:08 PM Authorizes a five-year, $50 million EPA grant program to help municipal water systems and publicly owned wastewater treatments systems make investments in smart water technologies to upgrade and modernize the water infrastructure systems address new emerging contaminants, maintain reliable and affordable water quality infrastructure, maintain reliable, resilient, and affordable drinking water infrastructure, and encourage the use of water-efficient technologies to address drought and prepare for population growth and climate change impacts. Introduction Date: 2021-11-30 Title COMPOST Act Primary Sponsors Julia Brownley Bill Summary: Last edited by Sarah Sapirstein at Aug 23, 2021, 6:07 PM Creates a new Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) administered grant program for state, local, tribal, and territorial governments and for nonprofits, which would offer three types of grants: planning grants, measurement grants, and reduction grants. Program would be authorized at $200 million for each of the fiscal years 2021-2031. Introduction Date: 2021-07-16 State US Bill Number HR 6088 Last Action Referred To The House Committee On Energy And Commerce 2021 11 30 Status In House Position None Priority None State US Bill Number HR 4443 Last Action Referred To The Subcommittee On Conservation And Forestry 2021 08 11 Status In House Position Monitor Priority None Powered by FiscalNote M E M O R A N D U M To: Orange County Sanitation District From: Townsend Public Affairs Date: January 14, 2022 Subject: Monthly Legislative Report State Legislative Update The Legislature returned to Sacramento on January 3 to start the second year of their current two-year session. Although Legislators are eager to get to work on advancing several important policy initiatives in 2022, reemerging concerns of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations threaten to dominate the Legislatures attention in early 2022. With COVID-19 cases surging, the Legislature is expected to maintain a hybrid virtual/in-person approach during the 2022 legislative session. COVID-19 is not the only disruption that legislators are experiencing, as all members of the Legislature and their staff are conducting this session from a new office building deemed the “Swing Space” as the Capitol undergoes renovations. This change comes with a host of new protocols for in-person meetings, visitors, and office layouts. Furthermore, now that redistricting maps have been finalized in California, legislators who are up for re-election in 2022 must decide if and in what district they will run, adding to the challenges they are facing in 2022. The second year of the two-year session is typically shorter than the first and has quicker deadlines for bills to pass their appropriation committees. All bills that did not pass their house of origin last year must pass their respective house of origin by January 31 or the bill will be unable to move forward this year. This creates a rush in January, as legislators hustle to move their bills that are subject to this tight deadline. Below is a list of upcoming deadlines in the Legislature: January 31, 2022 – Last day for each house to pass bills introduced in that house last year February 18, 2022 – Last day to introduce new bills for 2022 Governor’s January Budget Framework On January 10, Governor Newsom released his budget proposal framework for the 2022-2023 fiscal year, referred to by the Newsom Administration as the California Blueprint. The proposed framework incudes $286 billion in total spending through General Fund and Special Fund accounts, reflecting a 9.1 percent increase from last year’s final budget. The budget framework also includes a proposed $34.6 billion deposit into the State’s reserves accounts, which includes approximately $20 billion into the rainy-day fund and investments in the school stabilization reserve and the safety net reserve, which would be the largest investment in reserves in State history. T WNSEND PUBL C AFFAIRS EST TPA 19 8 Page 2 Included in the Governor’s financial projections is a $45.7 billion operating surplus, of which $20.6 billion will be available for discretionary use. These numbers are likely to change over the next few months pending tax revenue information that will materialize during tax return season before the June 30 budget deadline. The proposed breakdown of the surplus funds and expenditures suggested by the Governor include: • Total surplus = $45.7 billion o $16.1 billion in Proposition 98 school funding obligations o $3.9 billion to pay down unfunded retirement liabilities o $5.1 billion for other reserves • Remaining discretionary total = $20.6 billion The proposed budget framework is largely focused on addressing what Governor Newsom referred to as “California’s five existential threats” which include addressing the COVID-19 crisis and investments in climate resiliency, the rising cost of living, homelessness, and public safety. Below is a high-level overview of some of the proposed expenditures, organized by issue area: • COVID-19 Relief ($2.7 billion total, appropriated over 2 years) o $1.2 billion: bolster testing o $583 million: expand vaccine distribution o $614 million: support frontline healthcare workers o $200 million support state response operations o $110 million: support vulnerable populations and expand contact tracing • Combatting the Climate Crisis o Forest Health: $1.2 billion ▪ $582 million: forest maintenance ▪ $382 million: fuel breaks ▪ $110 million: regional investments o Wildfires: $648 million ▪ $400 million: CAL FIRE firefighter support ▪ $248 million: new firefighter equipment o Drought: $750 million ▪ $500 million: immediate drought support ▪ $250 million: drought contingency support o Nature Based solutions: $2.1 billion ▪ $400 million: Coastal and ocean protection ▪ $325 community resiliency (catalytic projects, regional collaboration) ▪ $175 million: extreme heat (urban greening) Page 3 • Transportation o Zero Emissions Vehicles: $6.1 billion (appropriated over 5 years) o Transportation projects: $9.1 billion ($4.9 billion General Fund and $4.2 billion Proposition 1A bond funds) ▪ $4.9 billion: • $2 billion: transit and rail projects • $1.25 billion: local projects • $750 million: Bicycle/pedestrian safety/connecting communities projects • $400 million: climate adaptation ▪ $4.2 billion: High Speed Rail • Supply Chain Resiliency ($2.3 billion) o $1.2 billion: investments in port, freight, and goods movement infrastructure o $875 million: ZEV equipment o $110 million: Workforce training o $40 million: more licensed truckdrivers cut red tape at DMV o $30 million: process improvements at port facilities • Small Business Investments o $3 billion: Paying down UI debt o $1 billion: Loan guarantees o $500 million: Small business tax relief: venues and restaurants o $150 million: Small business COVID-19 grant program Beginning as soon as next week, the Legislature will conduct Budget Committee hearings to receive a broad overview of the Governor’s proposals. Additionally, the Newsom Administration will continue to develop trailer bill language, which will detail how the various budget proposals would be implemented, which will be released over the coming weeks. COVID-19 Regulations The onset of the Omicron variant has sparked quick reactions from California leaders to mitigate its spread. In December, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) issued statewide indoor masking mandate, beginning December 15 and ending February 15 in order to temper the spread of the Omicron variant during the holiday season. The mandate applies to all public indoor settings and all people, irrespective of vaccination status. This mandate ultimately brings all California counties into mandatory compliance with indoor masking rules. Before, many counties had existing indoor mask mandates that have been in effect since the summer. However, roughly half of the state’s population, in areas such as San Diego County, the Inland Empire, and the Central Valley, had no existing masking mandate and are now mandated to comply with this new rule until mid-February, unless it is extended further. In addition to the new masking mandate, there have been updates to Cal/OSHA COVID-19 workplace standards. In mid-December, the Cal/OSHA Standards Board voted to readopt the COVID-19 Emergency Temporary Standard (“ETS”) with changes that will take effect January 14, 2022. This readoption includes many changes to the current ETS, including an elimination of many of the current distinctions between vaccinated and unvaccinated workers. Page 4 California administrative procedure allows an emergency regulation to be readopted up to two times. The Cal/OSHA ETS was first readopted (and revised) on June 17, 2021. The recent December 16, 2021 readoption represents the second of two re-adoptions. However, also on December 16, 2021, the Governor issued an Executive Order permitting a third readoption of the ETS, so long as it does not extend beyond December 31, 2022. It is likely that Cal/OSHA will consider adopting permanent standards in 2022 instead of reconfiguring temporary standards. The newly revised ETS includes restrictive changes, some of which are summarized below. • A new COVID-19 test definition: When testing is required under the ETS, it cannot be both self-administered and self-read unless observed by the employer or an authorized telehealth proctor. Which means that employees won’t be able to simply report results of a home-test to their employer. • Permissible types of face coverings: Despite harsh opposition from commenters, Cal/OSHA’s new standard says that permissible face coverings include surgical masks, a medical procedure mask, a respirator worn voluntarily, or a tightly woven fabric or non-woven material of at least two layers that does not let light pass through when held up to a light source (except for clear face coverings worn for accommodations purposes). This means that many of the cloth masks that have been used by employees will no longer be acceptable under this new standard. • A new definition of “worksite”: The revised ETS clarifies that a “worksite” does not include locations where the worker worked by themselves without exposure to other employees, or to a worker’s personal residence or alternative work location chosen by the worker when working remotely. This new definition may, in some circumstances, enable employers to forego employee notification that it would have otherwise been obligated to provide under the previous version of the ETS. • Testing must be provided to all close-contact employees, vaccinated or not: It used to be that employers only needed to offer COVID-19 testing to unvaccinated workplace close-contacts. But now, because of the rapidly evolving virus and breakthrough cases in the workplace, Cal/OSHA will require employers to offer testing to employees, vaccinated or not, who had a workplace close contact. The only exception for close-contact testing are employees who recovered from COVID-19 in the past 90 days and are asymptomatic. AB 1434 (Friedman) - Urban water use objectives: indoor residential water use In 2021, Assembly Member Friedman introduced AB 1434 which enacts indoor residential water use standards that are stricter than what the State set through SB 606/AB 1668 in 2018. The bills in 2018 required the Department of Water Resources to conduct a study that looked at the current standards and recommend new goals based on stakeholder feedback, technology, and current conditions. DWR’s Final Report on the indoor residential water use standard was submitted to the Legislature on November 30, 2021. AB 1434 was amended to reflect the recommended standard in DWR’s Final Report and would establish, beginning January 1, 2025, the standard as 47 gallons per capita daily and, beginning January 1, 2030, 42 gallons per capita daily, representing a significant decrease. Page 5 When water and wastewater agencies agreed to DWR conducting a study in 2018, they expected the report to be crafted using an evidence-based approach. Water and wastewater agencies have expressed concerns about the way the DWR study was conducted and the conclusions that were reached. Ultimately, a key factor in the reduced per capita daily standard is the reduced flow that would be sent to regional wastewater treatment facilities, especially those that do advanced water treatment such as the Groundwater Replenishment System. In order for AB 1434 to move forward, it must pass out of Assembly Appropriations and be sent to the floor for consideration by January 21, 2022. OC San's Grant and Loan Funding Tracker 2022 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 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 Pending Final Expansion of GWRS Headworks (P2-122) The Sanitation District developed a proposal in 2019 that could be used as a basis for a new submittal. $20 million or 25% of project costs whichever is less. 6/28/2019 Water/ Infrastructure Pending FOA 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 (CalRecycle) The grant program is to lower overall greenhouse gas emissions by expanding existing capacity or establishing new facilities in California to reduce the amount of California- generated green materials, food materials, and/or Alternative Daily Cover being sent to landfills. TBD if FY 2022 Grant Applications will be available. It is possible that other organics related applications will also be available. TBD TBD 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 TBD Energy/Recycling Pending NOFA Proposition 1 IRWM Grant 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; and Improving regional water self-reliance, while reducing reliance on Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. Due to negotiations between OC stakeholders and the Santa Ana Watershed Project Authority (SAWPA), $7.18 Million from the Santa Ana IRWM Project Funding Area designated for North and Central Orange County. TBD TBD TBD No Projects Currently Identified We will review the possible funding opportunity to determine if it is a fit for the Sanitation District. TBD TBD Water TBD FEDERAL STATE Updated 1/18/2022 ORANGE COUNTY SANITATION DISTRICT COMMON ACRONYMS ACWA Association of California Water Agencies LOS Level Of Service RFP Request For Proposal APWA American Public Works Association MGD Million Gallons Per Day RWQCB Regional Water Quality Control Board AQMD Air Quality Management District MOU Memorandum of Understanding SARFPA Santa Ana River Flood Protection Agency ASCE American Society of Civil Engineers NACWA National Association of Clean Water Agencies SARI Santa Ana River Interceptor BOD Biochemical Oxygen Demand NEPA National Environmental Policy Act SARWQCB Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board CARB California Air Resources Board NGOs Non-Governmental Organizations SAWPA Santa Ana Watershed Project Authority CASA California Association of Sanitation Agencies NPDES National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System SCADA Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition CCTV Closed Circuit Television NWRI National Water Research Institute SCAP Southern California Alliance of Publicly Owned Treatment Works CEQA California Environmental Quality Act O & M Operations & Maintenance SCAQMD South Coast Air Quality Management District CIP Capital Improvement Program OCCOG Orange County Council of Governments SOCWA South Orange County Wastewater Authority CRWQCB California Regional Water Quality Control Board OCHCA Orange County Health Care Agency SRF Clean Water State Revolving Fund CWA Clean Water Act OCSD Orange County Sanitation District SSMP Sewer System Management Plan CWEA California Water Environment Association OCWD Orange County Water District SSO Sanitary Sewer Overflow EIR Environmental Impact Report OOBS Ocean Outfall Booster Station SWRCB State Water Resources Control Board EMT Executive Management Team OSHA Occupational Safety and Health Administration TDS Total Dissolved Solids EPA US Environmental Protection Agency PCSA Professional Consultant/Construction Services Agreement TMDL Total Maximum Daily Load FOG Fats, Oils, and Grease PDSA Professional Design Services Agreement TSS Total Suspended Solids gpd gallons per day PFAS Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances WDR Waste Discharge Requirements GWRS Groundwater Replenishment System PFOA Perfluorooctanoic Acid WEF Water Environment Federation ICS Incident Command System PFOS Perfluorooctanesulfonic Acid WERF Water Environment & Reuse Foundation IERP Integrated Emergency Response Plan POTW Publicly Owned Treatment Works WIFIA Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act JPA Joint Powers Authority ppm parts per million WIIN Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act LAFCO Local Agency Formation Commission PSA Professional Services Agreement WRDA Water Resources Development Act ORANGE COUNTY SANITATION DISTRICT GLOSSARY OF TERMS ACTIVATED SLUDGE PROCESS – A secondary biological wastewater treatment process where bacteria reproduce at a high rate with the introduction of excess air or oxygen and consume dissolved nutrients in the wastewater. BENTHOS – The community of organisms, such as sea stars, worms, and shrimp, which live on, in, or near the seabed, also known as the benthic zone. BIOCHEMICAL OXYGEN DEMAND (BOD) – The amount of oxygen used when organic matter undergoes decomposition by microorganisms. Testing for BOD is done to assess the amount of organic matter in water. BIOGAS – A gas that is produced by the action of anaerobic bacteria on organic waste matter in a digester tank that can be used as a fuel. BIOSOLIDS – Biosolids are nutrient rich organic and highly treated solid materials produced by the wastewater treatment process. This high-quality product can be recycled as a soil amendment on farmland or further processed as an earth-like product for commercial and home gardens to improve and maintain fertile soil and stimulate plant growth. CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (CIP) – Projects for repair, rehabilitation, and replacement of assets. Also includes treatment improvements, additional capacity, and projects for the support facilities. COLIFORM BACTERIA – A group of bacteria found in the intestines of humans and other animals, but also occasionally found elsewhere, used as indicators of sewage pollution. E. coli are the most common bacteria in wastewater. COLLECTIONS SYSTEM – In wastewater, it is the system of typically underground pipes that receive and convey sanitary wastewater or storm water. CERTIFICATE OF PARTICIPATION (COP) – A type of financing where an investor purchases a share of the lease revenues of a program rather than the bond being secured by those revenues. CONTAMINANTS OF POTENTIAL CONCERN (CPC) – Pharmaceuticals, hormones, and other organic wastewater contaminants. DILUTION TO THRESHOLD (D/T) – The dilution at which the majority of people detect the odor becomes the D/T for that air sample. GREENHOUSE GASES (GHG) – In the order of relative abundance water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and ozone gases that are considered the cause of global warming (“greenhouse effect”). GROUNDWATER REPLENISHMENT SYSTEM (GWRS) – A joint water reclamation project that proactively responds to Southern California’s current and future water needs. This joint project between the Orange County Water District and OCSD provides 70 million gallons per day of drinking quality water to replenish the local groundwater supply. LEVEL OF SERVICE (LOS) – Goals to support environmental and public expectations for performance. N-NITROSODIMETHYLAMINE (NDMA) – A N-nitrosamine suspected cancer-causing agent. It has been found in the GWRS process and is eliminated using hydrogen peroxide with extra ultra-violet treatment. NATIONAL BIOSOLIDS PARTNERSHIP (NBP) – An alliance of the NACWA and WEF, with advisory support from the EPA. NBP is committed to developing and advancing environmentally sound and sustainable biosolids management practices that go beyond regulatory compliance and promote public participation to enhance the credibility of local agency biosolids programs and improved communications that lead to public acceptance. PER- AND POLYFLUOROALKYL SUBSTANCES (PFAS) – A large group (over 6,000) of human-made compounds that are resistant to heat, water, and oil and used for a variety of applications including firefighting foam, stain and water-resistant clothing, cosmetics, and food packaging. Two PFAS compounds, perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) have been the focus of increasing regulatory scrutiny in drinking water and may result in adverse health effects including developmental effects to fetuses during pregnancy, cancer, liver damage, immunosuppression, thyroid effects, and other effects. PERFLUOROOCTANOIC ACID (PFOA) – An ingredient for several industrial applications including carpeting, upholstery, apparel, floor wax, textiles, sealants, food packaging, and cookware (Teflon). PERFLUOROOCTANESULFONIC ACID (PFOS) – A key ingredient in Scotchgard, a fabric protector made by 3M, and used in numerous stain repellents. PLUME – A visible or measurable concentration of discharge from a stationary source or fixed facility. PUBLICLY OWNED TREATMENT WORKS (POTW) – A municipal wastewater treatment plant. SANTA ANA RIVER INTERCEPTOR (SARI) LINE – A regional brine line designed to convey 30 million gallons per day of non-reclaimable wastewater from the upper Santa Ana River basin to the ocean for disposal, after treatment. SANITARY SEWER – Separate sewer systems specifically for the carrying of domestic and industrial wastewater. SOUTH COAST AIR QUALITY MANAGEMENT DISTRICT (SCAQMD) – Regional regulatory agency that develops plans and regulations designed to achieve public health standards by reducing emissions from business and industry. SECONDARY TREATMENT – Biological wastewater treatment, particularly the activated sludge process, where bacteria and other microorganisms consume dissolved nutrients in wastewater. SLUDGE – Untreated solid material created by the treatment of wastewater. TOTAL SUSPENDED SOLIDS (TSS) – The amount of solids floating and in suspension in wastewater. ORANGE COUNTY SANITATION DISTRICT GLOSSARY OF TERMS TRICKLING FILTER – A biological secondary treatment process in which bacteria and other microorganisms, growing as slime on the surface of rocks or plastic media, consume nutrients in wastewater as it trickles over them. URBAN RUNOFF – Water from city streets and domestic properties that carry pollutants into the storm drains, rivers, lakes, and oceans. WASTEWATER – Any water that enters the sanitary sewer. WATERSHED – A land area from which water drains to a particular water body. OCSD’s service area is in the Santa Ana River Watershed.