HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-09-2020 Legislative Committee Meeting Complete Agenda Packet
March 3, 2020
NOTICE OF MEETING
LEGISLATIVE AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS
COMMITTEE
ORANGE COUNTY SANITATION DISTRICT
Monday, March 9, 2020 – 12:00 p.m.
Administration Building
10844 Ellis Avenue
Fountain Valley, California 92708
WWW.OCSD.COM
A meeting of the Legislative and Public Affairs Committee of the Orange County
Sanitation District will be held at the above location, date, and time.
LEGISLATIVE AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS COMMITTEE MEETING DATES
BOARD MEETING DATES
Monday 03/09/20 12:00 p.m. 03/25/20
Monday 04/13/20 3:30 p.m. 04/22/20
Monday 05/11/20 12:00 p.m. 05/27/20
JUNE – DARK 06/24/20
Monday 07/13/20 3:30 p.m. 07/22/20
AUGUST – DARK 08/26/20
Monday 09/14/20 12:00 p.m. 09/23/30
OCTOBER – DARK 10/28/20
Monday 11/09/20 12:00 p.m. 11/18/20 *
DECEMBER – DARK 12/16/20 *
JANUARY – DARK 01/27/21
Monday 02/08/21 12:00 p.m. 02/24/21
* Meeting will be held on the third Wednesday of the month
ROLL CALL LEGISLATIVE & PUBLIC AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
Meeting Date: March 9, 2020 Time: 12:00 p.m. Adjourn: COMMITTEE MEMBERS (7) Peter Kim, Chair
Allan Bernstein, Vice-Chair
Lucille Kring, Member-At-Large
Erik Peterson, Member-At-Large
Christina Shea, Member-At-Large
David Shawver, Board Chair John Withers, 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
Jennifer Cabral, Administration Manager
Daisy Covarrubias, Pr. Public Affairs Specialist
Rebecca Long, Senior Public Affairs Specialist
ORANGE COUNTY SANITATION DISTRICT Effective 02/19/2020 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Complete Roster AGENCY/CITIES
ACTIVE DIRECTOR
ALTERNATE DIRECTOR
Anaheim
Lucille Kring
Denise Barnes Brea Glenn Parker Cecilia Hupp Buena Park Fred Smith Connor Traut Cypress Mariellen Yarc Stacy Berry Fountain Valley Steve Nagel Patrick Harper Fullerton Jesus J. Silva Jan Flory Garden Grove Steve Jones John O’Neill Huntington Beach Erik Peterson Lyn Semeta Irvine Christina Shea Anthony Kuo
La Habra Tim Shaw Rose Espinoza La Palma Peter Kim Nitesh Patel Los Alamitos Richard Murphy Dean Grose Newport Beach Brad Avery Joy Brenner Orange Mark Murphy Kim Nichols Placentia Chad Wanke Ward Smith Santa Ana Cecilia Iglesias David Penaloza Seal Beach Sandra Massa-Lavitt Schelly Sustarsic Stanton David Shawver Carol Warren Tustin Allan Bernstein Chuck Puckett Villa Park Robert Collacott Chad Zimmerman Sanitary/Water Districts
Costa Mesa Sanitary District
James M. Ferryman
Bob Ooten Midway City Sanitary District Andrew Nguyen Margie L. Rice Irvine Ranch Water District John Withers
Douglas Reinhart
Yorba Linda Water District Brooke Jones Phil Hawkins County Areas
Board of Supervisors Doug Chaffee Donald P. Wagner
Orange County Sanitation District
LEGISLATIVE AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
Regular Meeting Agenda
Monday, March 9, 2020 - 12:00 PM
Board Room
Administration Building
10844 Ellis Avenue
Fountain Valley, CA 92708
(714) 593-7433
ACCOMMODATIONS FOR THE DISABLED: Meeting Rooms are wheelchair accessible. If you require any
special disability related accommodations, please contact the Orange County Sanitation District Clerk of the
Board’s office at (714) 593-7433 at least 72 hours prior to the scheduled meeting. Requests must specify the
nature of the disability and the type of accommodation requested.
AGENDA POSTING: In accordance with the requirements of California Government Code Section 54954.2, this
agenda has been posted outside the main gate of the Sanitation District’s Administration Building located at
10844 Ellis Avenue, Fountain Valley, California, and on the Sanitation District’s website at www.ocsd.com not
less than 72 hours prior to the meeting date and time above. All public records relating to each agenda item,
including any public records distributed less than 72 hours prior to the meeting to all, or a majority of the
Board of Directors, are available for public inspection in the office of the Clerk of the Board.
AGENDA DESCRIPTION: The agenda provides a brief general description of each item of business to be
considered or discussed. The recommended action does not indicate what action will be taken. The Board of
Directors may take any action which is deemed appropriate.
MEETING AUDIO: An audio recording of this meeting is available within 24 hours after adjournment of the
meeting. Please contact the Clerk of the Board's office at (714) 593-7433 to request the audio file.
NOTICE TO DIRECTORS: To place items on the agenda for a Committee or Board Meeting, the item must be
submitted in writing to the Clerk of the Board: Kelly A. Lore, MMC, (714) 593-7433 / klore@ocsd.com at least 14
days before the meeting.
FOR ANY QUESTIONS ON THE AGENDA, BOARD MEMBERS MAY CONTACT STAFF AT:
General Manager: Jim Herberg, jherberg@ocsd.com / (714) 593-7300
Asst. General Manager: Lorenzo Tyner, ltyner@ocsd.com / (714) 593-7550
Asst. General Manager: Rob Thompson, rthompson@ocsd.com / (714) 593-7310
Director of Human Resources: Celia Chandler, cchandler@ocsd.com / (714) 593-7202
Director of Engineering: Kathy Millea, kmillea@ocsd.com / (714) 593-7365
Director of Environmental Services: Lan Wiborg, lwiborg@ocsd.com / (714) 593-7450
LEGISLATIVE AND PUBLIC
AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
Regular Meeting Agenda Monday, March 9, 2020
CALL TO ORDER
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
DECLARATION OF QUORUM:
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
If you wish to address the Committee on any item, please complete a Speaker’s Form (located at the table outside
of the Board Room) and submit it to the Clerk of the Board or notify the Clerk of the Board the item number on
which you wish to speak. Speakers will be recognized by the Chairperson and are requested to limit comments to
three minutes.
REPORTS:
The Committee Chairperson and the General Manager may present verbal reports on miscellaneous matters of
general interest to the Directors. These reports are for information only and require no action by the Directors.
CONSENT CALENDAR:
Consent Calendar Items are considered to be routine and will be enacted, by the Committee, after one motion,
without discussion. Any items withdrawn from the Consent Calendar for separate discussion will be considered in
the regular order of business.
1.2020-895APPROVAL OF MINUTES
RECOMMENDATION:
Approve Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Legislative and Public Affairs
Committee held February 10, 2020.
Originator:Kelly Lore
Agenda Report
02-10-2020 Legislative Committee Minutes
Attachments:
NON-CONSENT:
2.2019-784ORANGE COUNTY SANITATION DISTRICT’S MEMBERSHIPS
RECOMMENDATION:
Receive and file the report.
Originator:Jim Herberg
Agenda Report
Agency Memberships
Attachments:
Page 1 of 3
LEGISLATIVE AND PUBLIC
AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
Regular Meeting Agenda Monday, March 9, 2020
3.2020-936PUBLIC AFFAIRS UPDATE FOR THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY 2020
RECOMMENDATION: Recommend to the Board of Directors to:
Receive and file the Public Affairs Update for the month of February 2020.
Originator:Jim Herberg
Agenda Report
Outreach and Media Summary Report February 2020
Attachments:
4.2020-940LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS UPDATE FOR THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY
2020
RECOMMENDATION: Recommend to the Board of Directors to:
Receive and file the Legislative Affairs Update for the month of February 2020.
Originator:Jim Herberg
Agenda Report
Federal Update - ENS Resources
Federal Legislative Matrix - ENS Resources
State Update Townsend Public Affairs
State Legislative Matrix Townsend
Grant Matrix
Attachments:
5.2020-941OPPOSE ASSEMBLY BILL 2093
RECOMMENDATION:
Approve letter opposing Assembly Bill (AB) 2093 - Public Records: Writing Transmitted
by Electronic Mail: Retention (Gloria).
Originator:Jim Herberg
Agenda Report
AB 2093 (Gloria) - Oppose Final
AB 2093
Attachments:
6.2020-942LETTER OF SUPPORT FOR THE WATER INFRASTRUCTURE
IMPROVEMENTS FOR THE NATION ACT
RECOMMENDATION:
Approve the Letter of Support for Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act
(WIIN).
Originator:Jim Herberg
Page 2 of 3
LEGISLATIVE AND PUBLIC
AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
Regular Meeting Agenda Monday, March 9, 2020
Agenda Report
WIIN Support Letter
Attachments:
7.2020-949COMMUNICATIONS AUDIT REPORT
RECOMMENDATION: Recommend to the Board of Directors to:
Receive and file the Communications Audit Report.
Originator:Jim Herberg
Agenda Report
Communications Audit Executive Summary
Employee Survey Summary
Attachments:
INFORMATION ITEMS:
DEPARTMENT HEAD REPORTS:
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:
The next Legislative and Public Affairs Committee meeting is scheduled for April 13, 2020 at
3:30 p.m.
Page 3 of 3
Orange County Sanitation District
LEGISLATIVE AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS
COMMITTEE
Agenda Report
Administration Building
10844 Ellis Avenue
Fountain Valley, CA 92708
(714) 593-7433
File #:2020-895 Agenda Date:3/9/2020 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
February 10, 2020.
BACKGROUND
In accordance with the Board of Directors Rules of Procedure,an accurate record of each meeting
will be provided to the Directors for subsequent approval at the following meeting.
RELEVANT STANDARDS
·Resolution No. OCSD 19-19
ATTACHMENT
The following attachment(s)are included in hard copy and may also be viewed on-line at the OCSD website
(www.ocsd.com) with the complete agenda package:
·Minutes of the Legislative and Public Affairs Committee meeting held February 10, 2020
Orange County Sanitation District Printed on 2/25/2020Page 1 of 1
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Orange County Sanitation District
Minutes for the
LEGISLATIVE AND PUBLIC
AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
Monday, February 10, 2020
12:00 PM
Board Room
Administration Building
10844 Ellis Avenue
Fountain Valley, CA 92708
(714) 593-7433
CALL TO ORDER
A meeting of the Legislative and Public Affairs Committee was called to order by Committee
Chair Peter Kim on Monday, February 10, 2020 at 12:02 p.m. in the Administration Building of
the Orange County Sanitation District. Chair Kim led the pledge of allegiance.
DECLARATION OF QUORUM:
A quorum was declared present, as follows:
PRESENT:Peter Kim, Allan Bernstein, Lucille Kring, Erik Peterson, Christina
Shea, David Shawver and John Withers
ABSENT:None
STAFF PRESENT:
Jim Herberg, General Manager; Robert 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; Tina Knapp, Assistant Clerk of the
Board; Belen Carrillo; Tanya Chong; Daisy Covarrubias; Brian Engeln; Lisa Frigo; Al Garcia; Josh
Martinez; Wally Ritchie; and Ruth Zintzun.
OTHERS PRESENT:
Brad Hogin, General Counsel; Eric Sapirstein, ENS Resources (via teleconference); and Eric
O’Donnell, Townsend Public Affairs (TPA).
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
None.
REPORTS:
None.
CONSENT CALENDAR:
1.APPROVAL OF MINUTES 2019-830
Originator: Kelly Lore
MOVED, SECONDED, AND DULY CARRIED TO:
Page 1 of 3
LEGISLATIVE AND PUBLIC
AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
Minutes February 10, 2020
Approve Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Legislative and Public Affairs
Committee held December 9, 2019.
AYES:Peter Kim, Allan Bernstein, Lucille Kring, Erik Peterson, Christina
Shea, David Shawver and John Withers
NOES:None
ABSENT:None
ABSTENTIONS:None
NON-CONSENT:
2.PUBLIC AFFAIRS UPDATE FOR THE MONTHS OF DECEMBER 2019
AND JANUARY 2020
2020-884
Originator: Jim Herberg
Daisy Covarrubias, Principal Public Affairs Specialist, provided a PowerPoint
presentation that reviewed Public Affairs activities and tours in December 2019 and
January 2020, in addition to social media outreach in these same months. Ms.
Covarrubias also highlighted upcoming activities.
MOVED, SECONDED, AND DULY CARRIED TO: Recommend to the Board of
Directors to:
Receive and file the Public Affairs Update for the months of December 2019 and
January 2020.
AYES:Peter Kim, Allan Bernstein, Lucille Kring, Erik Peterson, Christina
Shea, David Shawver and John Withers
NOES:None
ABSENT:None
ABSTENTIONS:None
3.LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS UPDATE FOR THE MONTH OF JANUARY
2020
2020-886
Originator: Jim Herberg
Eric Sapirstein, ENS Resources, provided a PowerPoint presentation on Key
Legislative Activities that included PFAS (PFAS Action Act: H.R. 535), FY 2021 budget
and appropriations, and permit terms and infrastructure.
Eric O'Donnell, TPA, provided a PowerPoint presentation that included an overview of
the legislative schedule, the Governor's January budget, proposed 2020
resources/climate bond, and impact fee legislation. Pertaining to the Governor's
January budget, Mr. O'Donnell's presentation referenced the top priorities in the budget
which include education, housing/homelessness, and natural resources/climate change
bond. Mr. O'Donnell's presentation reviewed the climate resilience bond, including
Page 2 of 3
LEGISLATIVE AND PUBLIC
AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
Minutes February 10, 2020
proposed funding categories, and organics infrastructure funding. Mr. O'Donnell
indicated that advocacy day in Sacramento is scheduled for March 31, 2020.
MOVED, SECONDED, AND DULY CARRIED TO: Recommend to the Board of
Directors to:
Receive and file the Legislative Affairs Update for the month of January 2020.
AYES:Peter Kim, Allan Bernstein, Lucille Kring, Erik Peterson, Christina
Shea, David Shawver and John Withers
NOES:None
ABSENT:None
ABSTENTIONS:None
INFORMATION ITEMS:
None.
DEPARTMENT HEAD REPORTS:
None.
OTHER BUSINESS AND COMMUNICATIONS OR SUPPLEMENTAL AGENDA ITEMS, IF
ANY:
Ms. Covarrubias reported that OCSD recently signed onto the WateReuse Title XVI funding
support letter, indicated the 2020 Key Legislative Priorities Message Cards were distributed to
the Committeee, and introduced Belen Carrillo who was recently hired as a Public Affairs
Specialist.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS INITIATED ITEMS FOR A FUTURE MEETING:
None.
ADJOURNMENT:
Committee Chair Kim declared the meeting adjourned at 12:41 p.m. to the next Legislative
and Public Affairs Committee meeting, Monday, March 9, 2020 at 12:00 p.m.
Submitted by:
_____________________
Tina Knapp, MMC
Assistant Clerk of the Board
Page 3 of 3
Orange County Sanitation District
LEGISLATIVE AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS
COMMITTEE
Agenda Report
Administration Building
10844 Ellis Avenue
Fountain Valley, CA 92708
(714) 593-7433
File #:2019-784 Agenda Date:3/9/2020 Agenda Item No:2.
FROM:James D. Herberg, General Manager
SUBJECT:
ORANGE COUNTY SANITATION DISTRICT’S MEMBERSHIPS
GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION
RECOMMENDATION:
Receive and file the report.
BACKGROUND
The Orange County Sanitation District (Sanitation District)has memberships with various
associations and professional organizations.Some of the memberships are for the agency,while
others are for individual staff members.The attached document provides a list of approximately 30
agencies,associations,and organizations of which the Sanitation District and staff are currently
members.
RELEVANT STANDARDS
·Build brand, trust, and support with policy makers and community leaders
·Maintain collaborative and cooperative relationships with regulators,stakeholders,and
neighboring communities
·Provide professional growth and development
PROBLEM
The Sanitation District is a leader in the water/wastewater industry and to maintain that status it is
important that staff participate and share our experiences;and are up to date on trends,current and
upcoming technology, and the future of the industry.
PROPOSED SOLUTION
By allowing staff to continue participation in associations and organizations that support the mission
and vision of the Sanitation District,as well as the goals and objectives of the Strategic Plan,staff will
continue to develop skills,learning about improvements in the industry,and share proven successes
with other agencies.
Orange County Sanitation District Printed on 3/2/2020Page 1 of 2
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File #:2019-784 Agenda Date:3/9/2020 Agenda Item No:2.
TIMING CONCERNS
The budgeting process for FY 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 must be concluded in April to take effect on
July 1.
RAMIFICATIONS OF NOT TAKING ACTION
If action is not taken,the adopted budget may not reflect the Sanitation District’s priorities for
memberships.
PRIOR COMMITTEE/BOARD ACTIONS
December 2018 -Informational presentation to the Legislative and Public Affairs Committee that
included agency memberships, induvial memberships, and sponsorships.
September 2017 -Informational presentation to the Legislative and Public Affairs Committee that
included agency memberships, individual memberships, and sponsorships.
FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS
These memberships have been budgeted in FY 2019-2020 and 2019-2020 (within each relevant
division budget) and will be budgeted in FY 2020-2021 and 2021-2022.
The total cost for the Sanitation District’s membership in the joint powers authorities,cooperative
agreements,and professional/industry organizations on the attached list is approximately $1.1
million.
ATTACHMENT
The following attachment(s)are included in hard copy and may also be viewed on-line at the OCSD website
(www.ocsd.com) with the complete agenda package:
·General OCSD Agency Memberships
Orange County Sanitation District Printed on 3/2/2020Page 2 of 2
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2020
General OCSD Agency Memberships
Organization Purpose Level of Participation Liaison
National Water Research
Institute (NWRI)
JOINT POWERS AUTHORITY
NWRI sponsors projects and programs focused on ensuring
safe, reliable sources of water now and for future
generations.
Chair of Board of Directors Dir. Jim Ferryman/
Lan Wiborg
Orange County Council of
Governments (OCCOG) Seat on Board of Directors Dir. Jim Ferryman/
Jim Herberg
Santa Ana River Flood
Protection Agency (SARFPA)
OCCOG convenes jurisdictions throughout Orange County to
address land use, energy, mobility, air quality, and water
issues facing our residents, and ensures our County is
represented in regional decision‐making.
SARFPA is designed to provide flood protection conservation
and control of flood waters, protection of health, safety,
welfare, and property within Orange County.
Chair of Executive
Committee
Dir. Jim Ferryman/
Jim Herberg
Southern California Coastal
Water Research Project
(SCCWRP)
SCCWRP is a leading U.S. environmental research institute
that works to develop a scientific foundation for informed
water‐quality management in Southern California and
beyond.
Seat on Commission Jim Herberg /
Lan Wiborg
Water Emergency Response
Orange County (WEROC)
MUTUAL AID ORGANIZATIONS
WEROC is administered by the Municipal Water District of
Orange County, it supports and manages countywide
emergency preparedness, planning, response, and recovery
efforts among Orange County water and wastewater utilities.
Celia Chandler
CSUF Center for
Demographic Research (CDR)
OTHER
CDR is a nonprofit research center dedicated to the
development and support of demographic research. The
mission of CDR is to provide accurate and timely information
regarding population, housing, and employment
characteristics in an efficient and cost‐effective manner.
Kathy Millea
1
Agreement
Memo of Understanding
2020
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS / INDUSTRY ORGANIZATIONS
American Academy of
Environmental Engineering and
Science (AAEES)
AGENCY MEMBERSHIPS
AAEES is a nonprofit serving the Environmental Engineering
and Environmental Science professions by providing Board
Certification to those who qualify through experience and
testing.
Agency
Membership/Committee
Member
Lan Wiborg
American Public Works
Association (APWA)
APWA is a nonprofit, professional association of public works
agencies, private companies, and individuals dedicated to
promoting professional excellence and public awareness
through education, advocacy and the exchange of
knowledge.
Agency Membership Rob Thompson
Association of California
Cities‐Orange County
(ACC‐OC)
The ACC‐OC represents the interests of Orange County cities
on regional public policy issues.
Agency Membership/
Committee Member
Rob Thompson
California Association of Public
Procurement Officials (CAPPO)
CAPPO is a nonprofit organization dedicated to maintaining
the highest standards of professional behavior and ethical
conduct in public procurement. CAPPO works to provide
tools to buyers in the public sector that will help them
develop their professional skills for their benefit and the
benefit of their agencies.
Agency Membership Lorenzo Tyner
California Association of
Sanitation Agencies (CASA)
CASA provides leadership, advocacy and information to
members, legislators and the public, and promotes
partnerships on clean water and beneficial reuse issues that
protect public health and the environment.
Agency Membership /
Committee Chair / Board
Member
Jim Herberg
2
2020
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS / INDUSTRY ORGANIZATIONS CONTINUED
California Coastal Coalition Non-profit advocacy group comprised of cities, counties,
associations, private sector partners, and non-
governmental organizations (NGOs), committed to
protecting and restoring California's coastline through
beach sand restoration, increasing the flow of natural
sediment to the coast, wetlands recovery, improved water
quality, watershed management and the reduction of
marine debris and plastic pollution.
Agency Membership Lan Wiborg
California Special Districts
Association (CSDA)
CSDA provides education and training, insurance programs,
legal advice, industry‐wide litigation and public relations
support, legislative advocacy, capital improvement and
equipment funding, collateral design services, and, most
importantly, current information that is crucial to a special
districts management and operational effectiveness.
Agency Membership Jim Herberg
International Technology
Approval Group (ITAG)
Agency Membership/ Host Kathy Millea
National Association of Clean
Water Agencies (NACWA)
ITAG is a technology and innovation consultancy that brings
together technical and commercial specialist. ITAG has a
proven track record in accelerating the development and
commercialization of emerging technologies through their
Technology Approval Group “TAG” – the industry forum that
drives innovation.
NACWA is a nationally‐recognized leader in environmental
policy and a sought‐after technical resource on water quality
and ecosystem protection issues. Through a Committee
structure, NACWA is active in the areas of collections,
treatment, re‐use and also stormwater issues.
Agency Membership Jim Herberg
3
AGENCY MEMBERSHIPS
2020
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS / INDUSTRY ORGANIZATIONS CONTINUED
Orange County Business Council
(OCBC)
AGENCY MEMBERSHIPS
OCBC is the leading voice of business on important issues
locally, regionally, and nationally. The organization works
to enhance Orange County’s economic development and
prosperity to preserve a high quality of life.
Agency Membership Jim Herberg
Southern California Alliance
of Publicly Owned Treatment
Works (POTWs) (SCAP)
SCAP is a nonprofit organization ensuring that regulations
affecting wastewater treatment plants and collection systems
are reasonable and in the public’s best interest. They also
provide low cost training to members and California Water
Environment Association (CWEA) contact hours.
Agency Membership/ Seat
on Board of Directors and
Committees
Lan Wiborg
Southern California Salinity
Coalition (SCSC) c/o NWRI
SCSC is a coalition of water and wastewater agencies in
Southern California dedicated to managing salinity in our
water supplies.
Agency Membership/ Seat
on Board of Directors
Lan Wiborg
University of California Irvine
Civil & Environmental
Engineering Affiliates (CEE)
UCI‐CEE offers a means through which Senior executives
representing leading civil, environmental engineering firms,
and public agencies can offer support and guidance to the
University's Engineering Department, its programs and
students, and to act as an interface between the professional
civil and environmental engineering community in Southern
California, particularly in Orange County, and the University.
Helps students develop knowledge, skills and abilities needed
in the workplace through externship and internship and
informal mentoring programs. Also helps coordinate the
Infrastructure Report Card effort in Orange County and
Statewide in conjunction with American Society of Civil
Engineering (ASCE).
Agency Membership Kathy Millea
4
2020
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS / INDUSTRY ORGANIZATIONS CONTINUED
Water Environment Research
Foundation (WERF)
AGENCY MEMBERSHIPS
WERF is America's leading independent scientific research
organization dedicated to wastewater and stormwater
issues. Membership provides oppurtunities to propose
Target Collaborative Research Project which OCSD utilitizes.
Agency Membership Kathy Millea
WateReuse Association The WateReuse Association serves to advance the beneficial
and efficient uses of high‐quality, locally produced,
sustainable water sources for the betterment of society and
the environment through advocacy, education and outreach,
research, and membership.
Agency Membership Rob Thompson
WateReuse Foundation The WateReuse Foundation is an educational, nonprofit
public benefit corporation that serves as a centralized
organization for the water and wastewater community to
advance the science of water reuse, recycling, reclamation,
and desalination.
Agency Membership Rob Thompson
Water Information Sharing &
Analysis Center (WaterISAC)
The U.S. water and wastewater sector’s leading national
associations and research foundations established WaterISAC
in coordination with the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency. WaterISAC is the designated information sharing and
operations arm of the Water Sector Coordinating Council.
Agency Membership Lorenzo Tyner
5
2020
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS / INDUSTRY ORGANIZATIONS CONTINUED
INDIVIDUAL MEMBERSHIPS
American Society of Civil
Engineers (ASCE)
ASCE is the oldest engineering society and represents more
than 150,000 members of the civil engineering profession in
177 countries.
Individual Memberships Kathy Millea
American Society of Safety
Engineers (ASSE)
ASCE supports occupational safety and health (OSH)
professionals in their efforts to prevent workplace injuries,
illnesses and fatalities. ASCE provides education, advocacy,
standards development and a professional community to
members in order to advance careers and the OSH profession
as a whole. ASCE has 38,000 members in 80 countries around
the world.
Individual Memberships Kathy Millea
American WaterWorks
Association (AWWA)
AWWA is an international non‐profit, scientific and
educational association founded to improve water quality
and supply. AWWA has a membership of around 50,000
members worldwide.
Individual Memberships Rob Thompson
Construction Management
Association of America (CMAA)
CMAA is an industry association dedicated to the practice of
professional construction management. CMAA represents
more than 16,000 members including federal/state/local
government and private sector owners, construction
consultants, technology suppliers, academia, and legal
organizations all with a common goal/to improve our nation's
infrastructure.
Individual Memberships Kathy Millea
California Water Environment
Association (CWEA)
CWEA a nonprofit public benefit association of 10,000‐plus
water quality professionals who work for public agencies and
collection systems, engineering firms, and equipment and
service suppliers.
Individual Memberships Rob Thompson
6
2020
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS / INDUSTRY ORGANIZATIONS CONTINUED
INDIVIDUAL MEMBERSHIPS
Government Financial Officers
Association (GFOA)
GFOA represents public finance officials throughout the
United States and Canada. The association's more than
19,400 members are federal, state/provincial, and local
finance officials deeply involved in planning, financing, and
implementing thousands of governmental operations in each
of their jurisdictions.
Individual Memberships Lorenzo Tyner
Municipal Information System
Association of California
(MISAC)
MISAC membership includes IT professionals from cities,
towns, public safety, special districts and other local
governmental agencies/districts. MISAC’s members benefit
from collaboration, data sharing, and networking
opportunities at both regional and state‐wide gatherings.
Individual Memberships Lorenzo Tyner
National Safety Council (NSC) NSC is a nonprofit organization, chartered by Congress, with
local Chapters, global networks and more than 50,000
members, NSC is committed to helping keep people safe
wherever they are.
Individual Memberships Celia Chandler
Water Environment Federation
(WEF)
WEF is a non‐profit technical and educational
organization of 35,000 individual members and 75
affiliated member associations representing water quality
professionals around the world.
Individual Memberships Kathy Millea
7
Orange County Sanitation District
LEGISLATIVE AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS
COMMITTEE
Agenda Report
Administration Building
10844 Ellis Avenue
Fountain Valley, CA 92708
(714) 593-7433
File #:2020-936 Agenda Date:3/9/2020 Agenda Item No:3.
FROM:James D. Herberg, General Manager
SUBJECT:
PUBLIC AFFAIRS UPDATE FOR THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY 2020
GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION
RECOMMENDATION: Recommend to the Board of Directors to:
Receive and file the Public Affairs Update for the month of February 2020.
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 (Sanitation District)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 for the Groundwater Replenishment System.
PROPOSED SOLUTION
By providing tours,community outreach,education,and general communication via the Sanitation
District’s website,social media outlets,and direct mailings,we have the ability to 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 of wastewater that is recycled or released to the ocean.
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TIMING CONCERNS
N/A
RAMIFICATIONS OF NOT TAKING ACTION
If we do not educate the community,local agencies,and area businesses about the Sanitation
District, we may not have the support necessary to deliver our mission.
PRIOR COMMITTEE/BOARD ACTIONS
N/A
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
February 2020
Activity ## of Guests
OCSD/OCWD Tours 7 230
OCSD Tours 5 82
Speaking Engagements 2 60
Current Activities - February 2020
State College Sewer Construction Project Community Meetings
In the month of February,the Sanitation District hosted two community meetings in the City of
Anaheim to discuss the sewer construction project along State College Blvd.The meetings were
held to give the public an opportunity to hear directly from the project team and learn about the
current and upcoming activities.For the latest information on the project please visit our website at
www.ocsd.com/StateCollege.
Honor Walk Nomination Time is Here
The annual Honor Walk nomination period is currently underway.Any retired/former employee,as
well as former Board Member,who has made a significant contribution to the Sanitation District in the
past can be nominated.Nominations must be submitted by March 13.The Honor Walk celebration
will take place on June 24 prior to the Steering Committee meeting.
Connecting with our Neighbors
As part of our community outreach efforts,quarterly newsletters are distributed to the Plant No.2
neighbors in Huntington Beach,Costa Mesa and Newport Beach.The purpose of the newsletter is to
keep them informed of the activities taking place at the plant.The winter issue was distributed last
month to 1,400 residents.
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File #:2020-936 Agenda Date:3/9/2020 Agenda Item No:3.
Upcoming Activities
Children’s Water Festival
The 24th Annual Children's Water Education Festival will be held March 25-26,2020 at the University
of California,Irvine.The Sanitation District will once again participate by hosting a booth at the
Festival to give kids the opportunity to learn about the wastewater process.Since its inception,more
than 135,000 Orange County students have experienced the Festival and learned about the water
world.
Santa Ana River Basin Section Awards Banquet (SARBS)
In March,Sanitation District employees will attend the SARBS awards banquet,which will be held at
the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim.Several staff members will be recognized amongst their peers for
their contributions to the wastewater field.SARBS is the local chapter of the California Water
Environment Association (CWEA).
CEQA
N/A
FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS
N/A
ATTACHMENTS
The following attachment(s)are included in hard copy and may also be viewed on-line at the OCSD website
(www.ocsd.com) with the complete agenda package:
·Outreach and Media Summary Report February 2020
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Outreach and Media
Summary
February 2020
O C S D P u b l i c A f f a i r s O f f i c e
Table of Contents
OUTREACH REPORT…………………………………………………………PAGE 1
FACEBOOK POSTINGS ……………………………………………...............PAGE 2
TWITTER POSTINGS …………………………………………………………PAGE 5
INSTAGRAM POSTINGS………………………………………………………PAGE 6
ARTICLE SUMMARY………………………………………………………….PAGE 7
Outreach Report February 2020
Date Event Attendees
1/28/20 New Employee/Open Tour 7
1/28/20 Construction Network Event 200
1/29/20 Japan Delegation Tour 11
1/30/20 International Exec. Council Tour 17
2/4/20 Home School Group Tour 23
2/4/20 MWD/City of Fullerton Staff Tour 8
2/6/20 Mc Pherson Magnet School Sciece Fair 50
2/6/20 Operator Class Tour 15
2/8/20 Nelson Academy tour P2 9
2/18/20 WEROC Tour 8
2/19/20 CSUF Nursing Tour 13
2/20/20 McBride Career Day 30
2/21/20 HBHS Tour 30
2/25/20 Santiago HS Tours 60
2/27/20 CSUF Nursing Tour 26
2/28/20 HBHS Tour 30
2/28/20 P2 Neighbor Tour 8
Facebook Posts
February 2020
Twitter Posts
February 2020
Instagram Posts
February 2020
Article Date Resource Link
Public Officials are
Obligated to be
Transparent
Jan. 24, 2020 Surf City Voice https://www.surfcityvoice.com/2020/01/24/public-officials-are-
obligated-to-be-transparent/
Does the Wet Suit You Jan. 31, 2020 Laguna Beach Independent https://www.lagunabeachindy.com/does-the-wet-suit-you-94/
Poseidon was Delaying
its Own Desal Project
in 2008: Looking Back
Feb. 6, 2020 Surf City Voice https://www.surfcityvoice.com/?s=Poseidon+was+Delaying+its+
Own+Desal+Project+in+2008%3A+Looking+Back
Garbage In + Gospel
Out = Poseidon’s Desal
Price Predictions:
Looking Back to 2018
Feb. 16, 2020 Surf City Voice https://www.surfcityvoice.com/2020/02/16/garbage-in-gospel-
out-poseidons-desal-price-predictions-looking-back-to-2018/
Orange County Sanitation District
LEGISLATIVE AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS
COMMITTEE
Agenda Report
Administration Building
10844 Ellis Avenue
Fountain Valley, CA 92708
(714) 593-7433
File #:2020-940 Agenda Date:3/9/2020 Agenda Item No:4.
FROM:James D. Herberg, General Manager
SUBJECT:
LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS UPDATE FOR THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY 2020
GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION
RECOMMENDATION: Recommend to the Board of Directors to:
Receive and file the Legislative Affairs Update for the month of February 2020.
BACKGROUND
The Orange County Sanitation District’s (Sanitation District)legislative affairs program includes
advocating the Sanitation District’s legislative interests;sponsoring legislation (where appropriate);
and seeking Local,State,and Federal funding for projects and programs.Staff will provide an
update on recent legislative and grant activities.
RELEVANT STANDARDS
·Maintain influential legislative advocacy and a public outreach program
·Build brand, trust, and support with policy makers and community leaders
·Maintain collaborative and cooperative relationships with regulators,stakeholders,and
neighboring communities
PROBLEM
Without a strong advocacy program,elected officials may not be aware of the Sanitation District’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 the Sanitation District’s
legislative interests.Help to create/monitor legislation and grants that would benefit the Sanitation
District,the wastewater industry,and the community as a whole.To assist in our relationship building
activities,we will continue to reach out to our elected officials providing facility tours,one-on-one
meetings, and trips to D.C. and Sacramento.
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TIMING CONCERNS
N/A
RAMIFICATIONS OF NOT TAKING ACTION
If we do not work with Local,State,and Federal elected officials,legislation could be passed that
negatively affects the Sanitation District and the wastewater industry as a whole.Additionally,a lack
of engagement may result in missing out on funding opportunities.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The Sanitation District signed onto a joint coalition letter with WateReuse California,along with other
agencies,to request funding through California’s Climate Bond(s).The ask is between $750 million
and $1 billion for water recycling funding in whichever bond moves forward.Additionally,the letter
requests that the funding be administered by the State Water Resources Control Board.
As part of our legislative outreach program,the Board Chairman and Vice-Chair,along with TPA and
staff,will be conducting an advocacy day in Sacramento.The advocacy day will take place on
Tuesday,March 31.Staff is also working to coordinate the Federal advocacy days in Washington
D.C. for late spring.
FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS
N/A
ATTACHMENT
The following attachment(s)are included in hard copy and may also be viewed on-line at the OCSD website
(www.ocsd.com) with the complete agenda package:
·Federal Update - ENS Resources
·Federal Legislative Matrix - ENS Resources
·State Update - Townsend Public Affairs
·State Legislative Matrix - Townsend Public Affairs
·Grant Matrix
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M E M O R A N D U M
TO: Rebecca Long
FROM: Eric Sapirstein
DATE: February 17, 2020
SUBJECT: Washington Update
Over the past month, congressional activity centered upon drafting Water Resources
Development Act proposals, receiving the Administration’s fiscal year 2021 budget
request, introducing plastic pollution legislation, and reviewing legislative options
for the development of innovative water supply and drought legislation. The
following summarizes the status of these, and other matters Congress is working on
prior to the Easter Recess in April.
Fiscal Year 2021 Budget Seeks to Reduce Domestic Spending, Congressional
Views Indicate Bipartisan Opposition
The White House sent its proposed spending priorities for fiscal year 2021 that
begins October 1, 2020 to Congress on February 10. Despite the fact that Congress
and the White House reached a two-year budget agreement last year, which
established top-line spending for domestic and national security programs, the
proposed budget effectively rejected the agreement. Instead, the budget seeks to
rollback spending on domestic programs like as water infrastructure assistance,
including the State Revolving Fund (SRF) program. Not surprisingly, the request
was met with congressional leadership comments that it is dead on arrival in
Congress. In fact, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) stated that his
intention is to abide by the budget agreement, providing for continued strong
support for water infrastructure assistance as well as other domestic and national
security program spending.
2 | P a g e
In general, the budget request seeks to fund programs at levels requested for fiscal
year 2020. For example, instead of seeking $1.6 billion for the clean water SRF, as
provided under the current budget, the request seeks $1.1 billion. Similarly, funding
of water recycling programs under the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation’s (USBR) Water
Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act (WIIN) Title XVI program would be
effectively eliminated. Only $3 million is requested. In fiscal year 2020, Congress
and the White House agreed to a $60 million funding commitment.
One program that seems to enjoy Administration support is Water Infrastructure
Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA), but even this program would be supported at a
reduced rate of $25 million, compared with a current year level of $60 million. One
program that enjoys strong U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) support
is the new combined sewer overflows (CSO)/sanitary sewer overflows
(SSO)/Stormwater grants program that supports projects to control such
discharges. The budget seeks $61 million, an incremental bump-up of $1 million
from the fiscal year 2020 request. Congress only provided $28 million in fiscal year
2020.
Generally, the budget request summary indicates that funding levels do not mean a
lack of support of the programs. Rather, the significant increases secured in fiscal
year 2020 argues for the reduced spending.
One important matter in the budget request is how the Administration intends to
address Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) regulation. Under the budget
request, USEPA, working the Defense Department, will continue to develop
standards to advance the knowledge of the public health threats and how best to
address the threats. There is no significant funding of cleanups of contaminated
groundwater sites under the USEPA request.
PFAS Legislation and USEPA Actions to Define Needs Still Under Scrutiny
It remains highly unlikely that Congress will use the remaining months of the
session to pass legislation to address PFAS contamination, beyond the compromise
passed as part of the National Defense Authorization Act last December. Senators,
however, continue to develop legislative approaches to control the management and
cleanup of PFAS contaminated sites. As of this writing, key Senate Committee on
Environment and Public Works Senators, where PFAS legislation must be
considered, have signaled that no further legislative action is likely this year. This
position means that concerns that PFAS might be designated as hazardous under
Superfund should not be a concern. Instead, the Senators cite a desire to allow
USEPA the time to develop a scientifically valid approach to address PFAS controls
through the Safe Drinking Water Act, as well as issue guidance on the management
and disposal of PFAS contaminated materials, like biosolids.
3 | P a g e
USEPA staff continue to review the underlying science of PFAS. In meetings with
USEPA staff involved in the development of federal PFAS policy, we learned that
staff appear keenly aware of the potential disruption that could occur for biosolids
management should a hazardous substance designation be made. To this end, the
agency seems to be pursuing a two-pronged approach. First, it plans to develop a
simple and expedient test to determine if PFAS even exists in the wastewater
stream. It also intends to develop standards for specific PFAS compounds that are
deemed to be a significant public health. The logic of this approach is to allow for
the detection of PFAS, before requiring testing of tens of hundreds of compounds.
The second approach involves biosolids. In an effort to develop an appropriate
testing protocol for biosolids and methods to manage biosolids, the agency is
planning convene a working group during the upcoming WEF biosolids/residuals
conference in March. At this meeting, the agency hopes that it can begin the process
of developing recommendations on how to manage and dispose of biosolids if PFAS
are found in biosolids.
Plastics Pollution Legislation Targets Flushable Wipes
Representative Alan Lowenthal, joined by OCSD’s Representative Harley Rouda
along with neighboring Member Mike Levin, introduced the Break Free From Plastic
Pollution Act of 2020. The measure provides for a comprehensive approach to
reduce plastic pollution through incentives to recycle, eliminate single use, and
other methods to reverse the impacts of the growing plastic pollution related
impacts upon coastal and land resources.
In an important recognition of the efforts of OCSD, and other California wastewater
agencies, Lowenthal included a provision to require the proper labeling of flushable
wipes and to mandate compliance with international standards to ensure that wipes
deemed to be flushable and that degrade are properly identified. The legislation
was introduced in the Senate also where Senators Dianne Feinstein and Kamala
Harris are original cosponsors with the bill’s sponsor, Tom Udall (D-NM). The
legislation is a comprehensive approach that may have challenges being passed this
year, because of the limited time remaining in the session, but elements of the
measure, like the wipes provision, could be considered separate from the overall
measure should progress stall.
Water Recycling Priority Gains Traction in House and Senate Water Legislation
Both the Senate and House continue to grapple with finding a mutually acceptable
approach to support western water supply needs. In the Senate, Senator Dianne
Feinstein has scaled back an earlier initiative to renew the WIIN to avoid opposition
that the non-governmental organization (NGO) community has voiced over
provisions deemed to lessen protections of natural resources in an attempt to
construct storage facilities.
4 | P a g e
At the same time, in the House, Representative Jared Huffman is finalizing a
proposal that seeks to allow for storage projects, provided that projects receive
authorization and that ecosystem benefits exceed baseline minimums. At core, the
Huffman proposal seeks to enhance water innovation through support of water
recycling infrastructure assistance. Senator Feinstein’s proposal also provides
funding for such projects.
NEPA Rewrite Underway
The White House has released its proposed rewrite of the National Environmental
Policy Act (NEPA), the nation’s rules governing environmental impacts of a project.
The rewrite targets a priority to expedite environmental impact reviews of large
infrastructure projects like transportation and water projects in order to reduce
delays in projects becoming operational. Under the proposed update, the NEPA
process would be redesigned to impose project review timelines of two years and
identify a single agency as the point of contact and manager of a NEPA review
process. The rule revision is currently undergoing public comment. We anticipate
that a final recommendation could be developed and published later this summer.
As reported last month, we anticipate that any proposed rewrite will be subject to
litigation by the NGO community.
OCSD
Federal
Bills of Interest
BILL AUTHOR SUMMARY LATEST ACTION OCSD POSITION OTHER
POSITIONS
H.R. 1162 Rep. Grace Napolitano (D-CA)
Water Recycling Investment and Improvement Act. Establishes a grant
program for the funding of water recycling and reuse projects, and for other
purposes.
House - 6/13/19
Subcommittees Hearings
held
Watch CASA SUPPORTS
H.R. 1497 Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-OR)
Water Quality Protection and Job Creation Act of 2019. Provides nearly
$23.5 billion in direct infrastructure investment over the next five years to
address wastewater infrastructure and local water quality challenges. This
bill allocates $20 billion in grants for the Clean Water State Revolving Fund.
House - 10/29/19
Ordered to be Reported
Out as amended by
voice vote Watch CASA SUPPORTS
H.R. 535 Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-MI)R
PFAS Action Act of 2019. To require the Administrator of the Environmental
Protection Agency to shall designate per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances as
hazardous substances under the Comprehensive Environmental Response,
Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980.
House - 1/13/20 Passed
House and reported to
the Senate Committee
on Environment and
Public Works
Watch NYC
H.R. 876 Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-OR)
Pacific Northwest Earthquake Preparedness Act of 2019. Requires the
FEMA to develop a plan for the purchase and installation of an earthquake
early warning system for the Cascadia Subduction Zone. The term "Cascadia
Subduction Zone".
House - 2/6/19 Passed
House by voice vote,
received in Senate and
referred to Committee
on Homeland Security
and Governmental
Affairs
Watch NYC
H.R. 667 Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-WA)
Regulatory Certainty for Navigable Waters Act. Repeals the Waters of the
United States rule and amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act
definition of navigable waters, and for other purposes.
House - 2/7/19 Referred
to Subcommittee on
Water Resources and
Environment
Watch NYC
Federal Legislation 2019 - 2020
Priority
Updated February 2020
OCSD
Federal
Bills of Interest
BILL AUTHOR SUMMARY LATEST ACTION OCSD POSITION OTHER
POSITIONS
S. 403 Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI)
IMAGINE Act. A bill to encourage the research and use of innovative
materials and associated techniques in the construction and preservation of
the domestic transportation and water infrastructure system, and for other
purposes.
Senate - 2/7/19 Referred
to Committee on
Environment and Public
Works
Watch NYC
H.R. 977 Rep. Brian Mast (R-FL)
Toxic Health Threat Warning Act of 2019. To require the Corps of Engineers
to notify affected communities before releasing water contaminated with
cyanobacteria from flood risk management projects, and for other purposes.
House - 2/7/19 Referred
to Subcommittee on
Water Resources and
Environment
Watch NYC
H.R. 358 Rep. Juan Vargas (D-CA)
California New River Restoration Act of 2019. Requires the USEPA to
establish a California New River restoration program for the New River.
USEPA must (1) implement projects, plans, and initiatives for the New River
supported by the California-Mexico Border Relations Council; and (2)
provide grants and technical assistance for coordinating restoration and
protection activities.
House - 2/7/19 Referred
to Subcommittee on
Water Resources and
Environment Watch NYC
S. 376 Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY)
Defense Environment and Property Act of 2019. A bill to amend the
Federal Water Pollution Control Act to clarify the definition of navigable
waters, and for other purposes.
Senate - 2/7/19 Referred
to Committee on
Environment and Public
Works
Watch NYC
H.R. 658 Rep. Rosa DeLauro
National Infrastructure Development Bank Act. Facilitates efficient
investments and financing of infrastructure projects and new job creation
through the establishment of a National Infrastructure Development Bank,
and for other purposes.
House - 2/7/19 Referred
to Subcommittee on
Economic Development,
Public Buildings, and
Emergency Management Watch NYC
Updated February 2020
OCSD
Federal
Bills of Interest
BILL AUTHOR SUMMARY LATEST ACTION OCSD POSITION OTHER
POSITIONS
H.R. 1137 Rep. John Garamendi (D-CA)
To amend the Water Resources Development Act of 1986 to repeal the
authority relating to reprogramming during national emergencies.
House - 2/12/19
Referred to the
Subcommittee on Water
Resources and
Environment
Watch NYC
H.R. 1317 Rep. Harley Rouda (D-CA)
Coastal Communities Adaption Act. Improves the resilience of the built and
natural environment to natural disasters and climate change using, among
other measures, natural and nature-based features, and for other purposes.
House - 3/6/19 Referred
to Subcommittee on
Water Resources and
Environment
Watch NYC
S. 638 Sen. Tom Carper (D-DE)
PFAS Action Act. A bill to require the Administrator of the Environmental
Protection Agency to designate per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances as
hazardous substances under the Comprehensive Environmental Response,
Compensation, Liability Act of 1980, and for other purposes.
Senate - 2/28/19
Referred to Committee
on Environment and
Public Works
Watch NYC
S. 611 Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT)
Water Affordability, Transparency, Equity, and Reliability Act of 2019. A
bill to provide adequate funding for water and sewer infrastructure, and for
other purposes.
Senate - 2/28/19
Referred to Committee
on Environment and
Public Works
Watch NYC
H.R. 1331 Rep. Angie Craig (D-MN)
Local Water Protection Act. To amend the Federal Water Pollution Control
Act to reauthorize certain programs relating to nonpoint source
management, and for other purposes.
House - 4/9/19 Passed
House 329-56. Received
in Senate, referred to
Committee on
Environment and Public
Works
Watch NYC
H.R. 1764 Rep. John Garamendi (D-CA)
To amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act with respect to
permitting terms, and for other purposes.
House - 3/15/19
Referred to
Subcommittee on Water
Resources and
Environment
Watch CASA, NACWA,
ACWA - SUPPORTS
Updated February 2020
OCSD
Federal
Bills of Interest
BILL AUTHOR SUMMARY LATEST ACTION OCSD POSITION OTHER
POSITIONS
S. 950 Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-MI)
PFAS Detection Act of 2019. Requires the Director of the United States
Geological Survey to perform a nationwide survey of perfluorinated
compounds, and for other purposes.
Senate - 3/28/19
Referred to Committee
on Environment and
Public Works
Watch NYC
S. 933 Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI)
BLUE GLOBE Act. Improves data collection and monitoring of the Great
Lakes, oceans, bays, estuaries, and coasts, and for other purposes.
Senate - 3/28/19
Referred to Committee
on Commerce, Science,
and Transportation
Watch NYC
S. 914 Sen. Roger Wicker (R-MS)
Coordinated Ocean Observations and Research Act of 2019. Reauthorizes
the Integrated Coastal and Ocean Observation System Act of 2009, to clarify
the authority of the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration with respect to post-storm assessments, and to require the
establishment of a National Water Center, and for other purposes.
Senate - 12/5/19 Placed
on Senate Legislative
Calendar Watch NYC
H.R. 2019 Rep. Jerry McNerney (D-CA)
Smart Energy and Water Efficiency Act of 2019. Provides for a smart water
resource management pilot program.
House - 4/9/19 Referred
to Committee on
Science, Space, and
Technology
Watch NYC
H.R. 1904 Rep. Raul Grijalva (D-CA)
Indian Water Rights Settlement Extension Act. Amends the Omnibus Public
Land Management Act of 2009 to make the Reclamation Water Settlements
Fund permanent.
House - 4/4/19
Committee on Natural
Resources Hearings Held Watch NYC
H.R. 2205 Rep. David McKinley (R-WV)
Water Quality Certification Improvement Act of 2019. Amends the Federal
Water Pollution Control Act to make changes with respect to water quality
certification, and for other purposes.
House - 4/11/19
Referred to
Subcommittee on Water
Resources and
Environment
Watch NYC
Updated February 2020
OCSD
Federal
Bills of Interest
BILL AUTHOR SUMMARY LATEST ACTION OCSD POSITION OTHER
POSITIONS
H.R. 2189 Rep. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD)
Digital Coast Act. Requires the Secretary of Commerce, acting through the
Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, to
establish a constituent-driven program to provide a digital information
platform capable of efficiently integrating coastal data with decision-support
tools, training, and best practices and to support collection of priority
coastal geospatial data to inform and improve local, State, regional, and
Federal capacities to manage the coastal region, and for other purposes.
House -11/26/19 Placed
on Union Calendar
Watch NYC
S. 1069 Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI)
Digital Coast Act. A bill to require the Secretary of Commerce, acting
through the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, to establish a constituent-driven program to provide a
digital information platform capable of efficiently integrating coastal data
with decision-support tools, training, and best practices and to support
collection of priority coastal geospatial data to inform and improve local,
State, regional, and Federal capacities to manage the coastal region, and for
other purposes.
Senate - 11/13/19
Ordered to be Reported
out of Committee on
Commerce, Science, and
Transportation favorably Watch NYC
S. 1087 Sen. John Barrasso (R-WY)
Water Quality Certification Improvement Act of 2019. A bill to amend the
Federal Water Pollution Control Act to make changes with respect to water
quality certification, and for other purposes.
Senate - 11/19/19
Committee on
Environment and Public
Works hearings held
Watch NYC
H.R. 2473 Rep. Josh Harder (D-CA)
S.A.V.E. Water Resources Act. Promotes water supply reliability and
improved water management for rural communities, the State of
California, and the Nation, and for other purposes.
House - 6/13/19
Subcommittees Hearings
held
Watch NYC
S. 1251 Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH)
Safe Drinking Water Assistance Act of 2019. Improves and coordinate
interagency Federal actions and provide assistance to States for responding
to public health challenges posed by emerging contaminants, and for other
purposes.
Senate - 4/30/19
Referred to Committee
on Environment and
Public Works
Watch NYC
Updated February 2020
OCSD
Federal
Bills of Interest
BILL AUTHOR SUMMARY LATEST ACTION OCSD POSITION OTHER
POSITIONS
H.R. 2458 Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell (D-FL)
WISE Act. Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to require a
certain percentage of funds appropriated for revolving fund capitalization
grants be used for green projects, and for other purposes.
House - 5/2/19 Referred
to Subcomittee of Water
Resrources and
Environment
Watch NYC
H.R. 2377 Rep. Brendan Boyle (D-PA)
Protect Drinking Water from PFAS Act of 2019. Requires the Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) to address the level of perfluoroalkyl and
polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water. Specifically, the EPA
must publish a maximum contaminant level goal and promulgate a national
primary drinking water regulation for total PFAS. PFAS are man-made
chemicals that may lead to adverse human health effects.
House - 9/26/19
Forwarded to Full
Committee by voice vote
Watch NYC
H.R. 2533 Rep. Frank Pallone (D-NJ)
Providing Financial Assistance for Safe Drinking Water Act. To assist
community water systems affected by PFAS contamination, and for other
purposes.
House - 9/26/19
Forwarded to Full
Committee by voice vote Watch NYC
H.R. 2566 Rep. Darren Soto (D-FL)
To require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to
revise the Safer Choice Standard to provide for a Safer Choice label for
pots, pans, and cooking utensils that do not contain PFAS, and for other
purposes.
House - 9/26/19
Forwarded to Full
Committee by voice vote Watch NYC
H.R. 2577 Rep. Antonio Delgado (D-NY)
PFAS Right-To-Know Act. Amends the Emergency Planning and Community
Right-To-Know Act of 1986 to include per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances on
the Toxics Release Inventory, and for other purposes.
House - 9/26/19
Forwarded to Full
Committee by voice vote Watch NYC
S. 1372 Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-MI)
PFAS Accountability Act of 2019. A bill to encourage Federal agencies to
expeditiously enter into or amend cooperative agreements with States for
removal and remedial actions to address PFAS contamination in drinking,
surface, and ground water and land surface and subsurface strata, and for
other purposes.
Senate - 5/8/19 Referred
to Committee on
Environment and Public
Works
Watch NYC
Updated February 2020
OCSD
Federal
Bills of Interest
BILL AUTHOR SUMMARY LATEST ACTION OCSD POSITION OTHER
POSITIONS
H.R. 2705 Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR)
Water Infrastructure Trust Fund Act of 2019. To establish a Water
Infrastructure Trust Fund, and for other purposes.
House - 5/15/19
Referred to
Subcommittee on Water
Resources and
Environment
Watch NYC
H.R. 2755 Rep. Brendan Boyle (D-PA)
Buy America 2.0 Act. To standardize and extend certain Buy America
Provisions.
House - 5/16/19
Referred to
Subcommittee on
Aviation
Watch NYC
S. 1473 Sen. Kristen Gillibrand (D-NY)
Protect Drinking Water from PFAS Act of 2019. A bill to amend the Safe
Drinking Water Act to require the Administrator of the Environmental
Protection Agency to set maximum contaminant levels for certain chemicals,
and for other purposes.
House - 5/15/19
Referred to Committee
on Environment and
Public Works
Watch NYC
S. 1535 Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA)
Reinventing Economic Partnerships and Infrastructure Redevelopment Act.
A bill to facilitate efficient investments and financing of infrastructure
projects and new, long-term job creation through the establishment of an
Infrastructure Financing Authority, and for other purposes.
Senate - 5/16/19
Referred to Committee
on Finance Watch NYC
H.R. 2776 Rep. Lori Trahan (D-MA)
Stop Sewage Overflow Act. To make certain municipalities eligible for
grants under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, and for other
purposes.
House - 5/16/19
Referred to
Subcommittee on Water
Resources and
Environment
Watch NYC
H.R. 2800 Rep. Elissa Slotkin (D-MI)
PFAS Monitoring Act of 2019. To amend the Safe Drinking Water Act to
require continued and expanded monitoring of perfluoroalkyl and
polyfluoroalkyl substances in drinking water, and for other purposes.
House - 5/16/19
Referred to Committee
on Energy and
Commerce
Watch NYC
Updated February 2020
OCSD
Federal
Bills of Interest
BILL AUTHOR SUMMARY LATEST ACTION OCSD POSITION OTHER
POSITIONS
S. 1507 Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (D-WV)
A bill to include certain perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances in
the toxics release inventory, and for other purposes.
Senate - 6/27/19 Passed
as an amendment to
National Defense
Authorization Act (S.
1790)
Watch NYC
S. 1613 Sen. Ed Markey (D-MA)
Contaminant and Lead Electronic Accounting and Reporting Requirements
for (CLEARR) Drinking Water Act of 2019. Amends the Safe Drinking Water
Act to update and modernize the reporting requirements for contaminants,
including lead, in drinking water, and for other purposes.
Senate - 5/22/19
Referred to Committee
on Environment and
Public Works
Watch NYC
S. 1570 Sen. James Risch (R-ID)
Aquifer Recharge Flexibility Act. Provides flexibility to allow greater aquifer
recharge, and for other purposes.
Senate - 10/29/19
Placed on Senate
Legislative Calendar
Watch NYC
H.R. 2871 Rep. Russ Fulcher (R-ID)
Aquifer Recharge Flexibility Act. Provides flexibility to allow greater aquifer
recharge, and for other purposes.
House - 6/10/19
Referred to
Subcommittee on Water
Resources and
Environment
Watch NYC
S. 1604 Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN)
Local Water Protection Act. Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control
Act to reauthorize certain programs relating to nonpoint source
management, and for other purposes.
Senate - 5/22/19
Referred to Committee
on Environment and
Public Works
Watch NYC
S. 1730 Sen. Kamala Harris (D-CA)
Living Shorelines Act of 2019. Directs the Administrator of the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to make grants to State and local
governments and nongovernmental organizations for purposes of carrying
out climate-resilient living shoreline projects that protect coastal
communities by supporting ecosystem functions and habitats with the use of
natural materials and systems, and for other purposes.
Senate - 6/5/19 Referred
to Committee on
Commerce, Science and
Transportation Watch NYC
Updated February 2020
OCSD
Federal
Bills of Interest
BILL AUTHOR SUMMARY LATEST ACTION OCSD POSITION OTHER
POSITIONS
S. 1837 Sen. Kristen Gillibrand (D-NY)
PIPE Act. A bill to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection
Agency to establish a discretionary grant program for drinking water and
wastewater infrastructure projects, and for other purposes.
Senate - 6/13/19
Referred to Committee
on Environment and
Public Works
Watch NYC
H.R. 3254 Rep. Antonio Delgado (D-NY)
PIPE Act. To require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection
Agency to establish a discretionary grant program for drinking water and
wastewater infrastructure projects, and for other purposes.
House - 6/14/19
Referred to
Subcommittee on Water
Resources and
Environment
Watch NYC
H.R. 3521 Rep. Greg Stanton (D-AZ)
Wastewater Infrastructure Workforce Investment Act. To amend the
Federal Water Pollution Control Act with respect to wastewater
infrastructure workforce development, and for other purposes.
House - 6/27/19
Referred to the
Subcommittee on Water
Resources and
Environment
Watch NYC
H.R. 3541 Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-CA)
Coastal State Climate Preparedness Act of 2019. To amend the Coastal
Zone Management Act of 1972 to require the Secretary of Commerce to
establish a coastal climate change adaptation preparedness and response
program, and for other purposes.
House - 11/15/19 Placed
on Union Calendar Watch NYC
S. 2086 Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)
National Opportunity for Lead Exposure Accountability and Deterrence Act
of 2019. To amend the Safe Drinking Water Act to improve transparency
under the national primary drinking water regulations for lead and copper,
and for other purposes.
Senate - 7/11/19
Referred to Committee
on Environment and
Public Works
Watch NYC
S. 1932 Sen. Cory Gardner (R-CO)
Drought Resiliency and Water Supply Infrastructure Act. To support water
infrastructure in Reclamation States, and for other purposes.
Senate - 7/18/19
Subcommittee Hearings
Held
Watch
CASA, NACWA,
NWRA, ACWA -
SUPPORTS
H.R. 3115 Rep. Frank Pallone (D-NJ)
Living Shorelines Act of 2019. To direct the Administrator of the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to make grants to State and local
governments and nongovernmental organizations for purposes of carrying
out climate-resilient living shoreline projects that protect coastal
communities by supporting ecosystem functions and habitats with the use of
natural materials and systems, and for other purposes.
House - 11/26/19 Placed
on the Union Calendar
Watch NYC
Updated February 2020
OCSD
Federal
Bills of Interest
BILL AUTHOR SUMMARY LATEST ACTION OCSD POSITION OTHER
POSITIONS
H.R. 3510 Rep. Josh Harder (D-CA)
Water Resources Research Amendments Act. To amend the Water
Resources Research Act of 1984 to reauthorize grants for and require
applied water supply research regarding the water resources research and
technology institutes established under that Act.
House - 7/25/19
Subcommittee on
Water, Oceans, and
Wildlife held
Watch NYC
H.R. 3723 Rep. Mike Levin (D-CA)
Desalination Development Act. To promote desalination project
development and drought resilience, and for other purposes.
House - 7/25/19
Subcommittee on
Water, Oceans, and
Wildlife hearing held
Watch NYC
H.R. 3677 Rep. Dan Kildee (D-MI)
National Opportunity for Lead Exposure Accountability and Deterrence Act
of 2017. To amend the Safe Drinking Water Act to improve transparency
under the national primary drinking water regulations for lead and copper,
and for other purposes.
House - 7/11/19
Referred to
Subcommittee on
Environment and
Climate Change
Watch NYC
H.R. 3919 Rep. Seth Moulton (D-MA)
Creating Opportunity And Sustainability Through Science Act. To require
research in coastal sustainability and resilience, to ensure that the Federal
Government continues to implement and advance coastal resiliency efforts,
and for other purposes.
House - 8/7/19 Referred
to Subcommittee on
Water, Oceans, and
Wildlife
Watch NYC
S. 2236 Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ)
Environmental Justice Act of 2019. To require Federal agencies to address
environmental justice, to require consideration of cumulative impacts in
certain permitting decisions, and for other purposes.
Senate - 7/23/19
Referred to Committee
and Public Works
Watch NYC
H.R. 4033 Rep. Dan Kildee (D-MI)
Water Justice Act. To provide supplemental appropriations for safe and
secure water, and for other purposes.
House - 9/4/19 Referred
to Subcommittee on
Commodity Exchanges,
Energy, and Credit
Watch NYC
Updated February 2020
OCSD
Federal
Bills of Interest
BILL AUTHOR SUMMARY LATEST ACTION OCSD POSITION OTHER
POSITIONS
H.R. 3944 Rep. Kevin Hern (R-OK)
To amend the Water Resources Reform and Development Act of 2014 to
modify the procedure for communicating certain emergency risks, and for
other purposes.
House - 7/25/19
Referred to
Subcommittee on Water
Resources and
Environment
Watch NYC
H.R. 3923 Rep. Raul Ruiz (D-CA)
Environmental Justice Act of 2019. To require Federal agencies to address
environmental justice, to require consideration of cumulative impacts in
certain permitting decisions, and for other purposes.
House - 8/15/19
Referred to
Subcommittee on the
Constitution, Civil Rights,
and Civil Liberties
Watch NYC
S. 2456 Sen. Tom Udall (D-NM)
Clean Water Through Green Infrastructure Act. To establish centers of
excellence for innovative stormwater control infrastructure, and for other
purposes.
Senate - 9/10/19
Referred to Committee
on Environment and
Public Works
Watch NYC
H.R. 4266 Rep. Denny Heck (D-WA)
Clean Water Through Green Infrastructure Act. To establish centers of
excellence for innovative stormwater control infrastructure, and for other
purposes.
House - 9/11/19
Referred to
Subcommittee on Water
Resources and
Environment
Watch NYC
S. 2466 Sen. Kamala Harris (D-CA)
Water Justice Act. To provide supplemental appropriations for safe and
secure water, and for other purposes.
Senate - 9/11/19
Referred to Committee
on Environment and
Public Works
Watch NYC
H.R. 4347 Rep. Matt Cartwright (D-PA)
PREPARE Act of 2019. To enhance the Federal Government’s planning and
preparation for extreme weather and the Federal Government’s
dissemination of best practices to respond to extreme weather, thereby
increasing resilience, improving regional coordination, and mitigating the
financial risk to the Federal Government from such extreme weather, and
for other purposes.
House - 9/19/19
Ordered to be reported
out of Committee by
Voice Vote Watch NYC
Updated February 2020
OCSD
Federal
Bills of Interest
BILL AUTHOR SUMMARY LATEST ACTION OCSD POSITION OTHER
POSITIONS
S. 2596 Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)
Voluntary Water Partnership for Distressed Communities Act of 2019. To
amend the Safe Drinking Water Act to authorize certain community water
systems to enter into partnerships to improve the water systems, and for
other purposes.
Senate - 10/15/19
Referred to Committee
on Environment and
Public Works
Watch NYC
S. 2636 Sen. Ben Cardin (D-MD)
Clean Water Infrastructure Resilience and Sustainability Act. To amend the
Federal Water Pollution Control Act to establish a program to make grants
to eligible entities to increase the resilience of publicly owned treatment
works to natural hazards, and for other purposes.
Senate - 10/17/19
Referred to Committee
on Environment and
Public Works
Watch NYC
H.R. 4687 Rep. Harley Rouda (D-CA)
SMART Infrastructure Act. To waive certain procurement provisions for a
project that receives funds from certain Federal agencies.
House - 10/17/19
Referred to Committees
on Transportation and
Infrastructure, Science,
Space, and Technology,
Agriculture, and Energy
and Commerce
Watch NYC
H.R. 4780 Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-CA)
National Infrastructure Investment Corporation Act of 2019. To establish a
Government corporation to provide loans and loan guarantees for
infrastructure projects, and for other purposes.
House - 10/23/19
Referred to
Subcommitee on
Highways and Transit
Watch NYC
S. 2687 Sen. Ben Cardin (D-MD)
Low-Income Water Customer Assistance Programs Act of 2019. To amend
the Safe Drinking Water Act and the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to
establish pilot programs to assist low-income households in maintaining
access to sanitation services and drinking water, and for other purposes.
Senate - 10/23/19
Referred to Committee
on Environment and
Public Works
Watch NYC
S. 2674 Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (D-WV)
Assuring Quality Water Infrastructure Act. To amend the Safe Drinking
Water Act to establish a grant program for improving infrastructure asset
management by small public water systems, and for other purposes.
Senate - 10/23/19
Referred to Committee
on Environment and
Public Works
Watch NYC
Updated February 2020
OCSD
Federal
Bills of Interest
BILL AUTHOR SUMMARY LATEST ACTION OCSD POSITION OTHER
POSITIONS
S. 2767 Sen. Doug Jones (D-AL)
A bill to amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to establish a pilot
competitive grant program for improving the sharing of water quality data,
and for other purposes.
Senate - 10/31/19
Referred to Committee
on Environment and
Public Works
Watch NYC
H.R. 5347 Rep. TJ Cox (D-CA)
Disadvantaged Community Drinking Water Assistance Act. To require the
Secretary of the Interior to establish a grant program to close gaps in access
to safe drinking water in disadvantaged communities, and for other
purposes.
House - 1/28/20
Subcommittee hearings
held Watch NYC
H.R. 5341 Rep. Tom Rice (R-SC)
Discouraging Frivolous Lawsuits Act. To amend the Federal Water Pollution
Control Act with respect to citizen suits and the specification of disposal
sites, and for other purposes.
House - 12/9/19
Referred to
Subcommittee on Water
Resources and
Envrionment
Watch NYC
S. 3160 Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA)
Affordable Safe Drinking Water Act of 2020. To amend the Federal Water
Pollution Control Act and the Safe Drinking Water Act to modify the
payment periods of loans from State revolving funds under those Acts, and
for other purposes.
Senate - 1/8/20 Referred
to Committee on
Environment and Public
Works
Watch NYC
Updated February 2020
OCSD
Federal
Bills of Interest
BILL AUTHOR SUMMARY LATEST ACTION OCSD POSITION OTHER
POSITIONS
S. 3171 Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI)
A bill to amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to reauthorize the
National Estuary Program, and for other purposes.
Senate - 1/9/20 Referred
to Committee on
Environment and Public
Works
Watch NYC
H.R. 5589 Rep. Suzzane Bonamici (D-OR)
Blue Carbon for Our Planet Act. To establish an Interagency Working Group
on Coastal Blue Carbon, and for other purposes.
House - 1/13/20
Referred to Committee
on Natural Resources
Watch NYC
H. Res. 797 Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-MI)
Encouraging the Environmental Protection Agency to maintain and
strengthen requirements under the Clean Water Act and reverse ongoing
administrative actions to weaken this landmark law and protections for
United States waters.
House - 1/14/20
Referred to
Subcommittee on Water
Resources and
Environment
Watch NYC
S. 3227 Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT)
Prevent Future American Sickness Act of 2020.
To require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to
designate per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances as hazardous substances
under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and
Liability Act of 1980, and for other purposes.
Senate - 1/28/20
Referred to Committee
on Environment and
Public Works
Watch NYC
H.R. 5694 Rep. Tom McClintock (R-CA)
Endangered Species Tranparency and Reasonableness Act of 2020. To
amend the Endangered Species Act of 1973 to require publication on the
internet of the basis for determinations that species are endangered species
or threatened species, and for other purposes.
House - 1/28/20
Referred to Committee
on Natural Resources Watch NYC
S. 3306 Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-MA)
A bill to establish a microplastics pilot program, and for other purposes. Senate - 2/13/20
Referred to Committee
on Environment and
Public Works
Watch NYC
H.R. 5902 Rep. Brian Mast (R-FL)
To establish a microplastics pilot program, and for other pruposes. House - 2/14/20
Referred to
Subcommittee on Water
Resouces and
Environment
Watch NYC
Updated February 2020
OCSD
Federal
Bills of Interest
BILL AUTHOR SUMMARY LATEST ACTION OCSD POSITION OTHER
POSITIONS
H.R. 5845 Rep. Alan Lowenthal (D-CA)
Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act of 2020. To amend the Solid Waste
Disposal Act to reduce the production and use of certain single-use plastic
products and packaging, to improve the responsibility of producers in the
design, collection, reuse, recycling, and disposal of their consumer products
and packaging, to prevent pollution from consumer products and packaging
from entering into animal and human food chains and waterways, and for
other purposes.
House - 2/12/20
Referred to
Subcommittee on Water
Resources and
Environment
Watch CASA supports
S. 3263 Sen. Tom Udall (D-NM)
Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act of 2020. To amend the Solid Waste
Disposal Act to reduce the production and use of certain single-use plastic
products and packaging, to improve the responsibility of producers in the
design, collection, reuse, recycling, and disposal of their consumer products
and packaging, to prevent pollution from consumer products and packaging
from entering into animal and human food chains and waterways, and for
other purposes.
Senate - 2/11/20
Referred to Committee
on Finance
Watch CASA supports
H.R. 5856 Rep. Terri Sewell (D-AL)
To amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to establish a
decentralized wastewater grant program, and for other purposes.
House - 2/12/20
Referred to
Subcommittee on Water
Resources and
Environment
Watch NYC
S.3274 Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ)
A bill to amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to establish a
decentralized wastewater grant program, and for other purposes.
Senate - 2/11/20
Referred to Environment
and Public Works Watch NYC
Legend:
ACC-OC- Association of California Cities, Orange County
LOCC- League of California Cities
NYC- Not Yet Considered
CASA- California Association of Sanitation Agencies
NACWA - National Association of Clean Water Agencies
ACWA- Association of California Water Agencies
CSDA- California Special Districts Association
Updated February 2020
To: Orange County Sanitation District
From: Townsend Public Affairs, Inc.
Date: February 18, 2020
Subject: Legislative and Public Affairs Agenda Report
State Political Update
In February, Legislators have been focused on introducing new legislation before the deadline on
February 21. Based off of previous year bill introduction totals, we can assume that over 2,000
new bills will be introduced in 2020, the vast majority in the few days leading up to February 21.
Once bills are introduced, they must sit for 30 days before they can be heard in any committee.
After the deadline we should have the full list and perspective of all bills that will be considered in
2020.
Legislators have also slowly started budget subcommittee hearings on legislative proposals
introduced in the Governor’s January Budget Proposal. These subcommittee hearings will
continue into May to ensure the timely adopted of the Budget before the deadline on June 15.
Below is a list of key upcoming deadlines in the Legislature:
February 21 – Last day for new bills to be introduced
April 2 – Spring Recess begins upon adjournment
Governor Newsom State of the State
On February 19, Governor Newsom delivered his second annual State of the State Address to a
joint session of the Legislature. The beginning of the speech was focused on the opportunity that
California has to continue to be a leader in the nation. Governor Newsom stated that California is
the rocket fuel powering America’s resurgence, and made it clear that he believes that resurgence
began under President Obama.
The remainder of the Governor’s speech focused on one topic: homelessness. The Governor’s
remarks highlighted the current and new efforts that his Administration is making to replace the
existing scattered approach to homelessness and mental health with a coordinated crisis level
approach. He touched on funding that he announced in his January budget as well as policies
included in his January Executive Order to secure temporary trailers and tents for emergency
shelters for homeless individuals. Finally, he highlighted new measures that he and his Homeless
Task Force would be focused on, including holding local governments accountable to take action
and a new “do-it-or-lose-it” policy to hold local governments responsible for results.
February 2020 Report 2
The key points included:
• Trailers have been sent to Oakland and Los Angeles and are currently on the way to the
Santa Clara, Riverside, Contra Costa and Sonoma Counties and the City of Stockton.
• Is making 286 state properties, vacant lots, fairgrounds and armories available now to be
used by local governments, for free, for homeless solutions. Lease templates are ready to
be executed.
• Focused on working with the Legislature to pass and sign legislation that will expand
exemptions to the permitting process for all homeless shelters and supportive housing
statewide.
• Revisiting mental health programs like Laura’s Law and other conservatorships to ensure
that are structured in an updated and viable manner, including lowering the threshold for
those with mental illnesses, particularly those experiencing homelessness who turn down
medical aid.
• Focused on integrating care, boosting preventative healthcare, and expanding the Whole
Person Care Pilot programs statewide.
• Will be working on reforming Proposition 63, the Mental Health Services Act. The
Governor stated that he was not currently proposing changing the funding programs for
how much funding Counties receive, but rather updating the criteria to ensure that the
funding can used on necessary uses, like addiction treatment.
o The Governor specifically stated that there is $160 million in unspent Proposition
63 money that counties have not spent, and if those dollars were not spent by June
30, the State would be stepping in to spend the money.
• Lowering the legal bar for providing forced treatment to the mentally ill.
• Establishing a unified homelessness data system.
• Committed to working with the Legislature on passing laws that will increase housing
production, eliminate red tape, eliminate delays for building affordable, multifamily homes,
and focus on building high-density housing near transit.
o Focused on increasing density in a way that promotes equity, affordability and
inclusion.
Throughout his speech, the Governor highlighted his focus on consequence and accountability.
He stated that the State was taking a close look at all of the available resources and monies that
local governments have access to, would be conducting comprehensive audits, and that he would
be working to ensure that available funding was being spent and was being spent in an effective
manner to help solve homelessness.
PFAS/PFOA Response Levels
Addressing Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) has been a priority of local water and
wastewater agencies for the majority of 2019 and into 2020. The issue is growing in severity and
is bolstered by the announcement of notification and response levels in 2019 from the State Water
Resources Control Board’s Division of Drinking Water, who have the authority to set the amounts
Statewide.
February 2020 Report 3
In February 2020, the Division of Drinking Water adjusted the response levels to be 10 parts per
trillion (ppt) for perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and 40 ppt for perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS)
based on a running four-quarter average. Meaning, water districts with supplies that test for higher
than those amounts are required to take that particular water source out of use, treat the water
delivered, or provide public notification.
Wastewater treatment agencies have recently found PFAS related chemicals in certain types of
both effluent and influent, catapulting them into the policy discussion surrounding PFAS
regulations. Many stakeholders including CASA are assuming that a much larger action on
maximum contaminant levels (MCL) will be addressed in the coming year. TPA will keep OCSD
informed of any actions by the State regarding PFAS.
Bills of Interest
Although the bill introduction deadline is not until February 21 and there are more than 1,000 bills
expected to be introduced before then, below is a snapshot of some bills of potential interest to
OCSD:
AB 1672 (Bloom) – Solid waste: nonwoven disposable products. (OCSD Supports)
AB 1672 requires labels indicating that a product should not be flushed on specified nonwoven
disposable products. CASA has worked for over a year on this legislation to prevent the flushing
of wipes down the drain that do not break down during the normal sanitary system cycle and end
up causing problems in collection and treatment. CASA has been negotiating with the nonwoven
disposable product industry for the past year and hopes to come to an agreement during this
legislative year. AB 1672 recently passed the Assembly Floor and is now in the Senate
waiting to be assigned to policy committee.
AB 1924 (Grayson) – Housing development: fees
AB 1924 would require that a fee levied or imposed on a housing development project by a local
agency be proportionate to the square footage of the proposed unit or units. This bill only applies
to fees that are authorized under the Mitigation Fee Act. Additional legislative clarification is
needed from Assembly Member Grayson’s office to understand if it is his intention to leave off
connection and capacity charges like the ones OCSD charges. AB 1924 was introduced on
January 14, 2020 and has been referred to the Assembly Local Government Committee.
February 2020 Report 4
AB 2093 (Gloria) – Public records: writing transmitted by electronic mail: retention
AB 2093 is a revival of AB 1184 (Gloria) from last year that was vetoed by the Governor. AB 2093
would require a public agency, for purposes of the California Public Records Act, to retain and
preserve for at least 2 years every public record that is transmitted by electronic mail. This bill
received significant opposition last year, as public agencies argued that this would effectively
require local agencies to store innocuous, redundant, or irrelevant material that could cost them
hundreds of thousands of dollars per year in additional data storage capacity. AB 2093 was
introduced on February 5, 2020 and may be heard in Committee after March 7.
SB 1052 (Hertzberg) – Water quality: municipal wastewater agencies.
SB 1052 authorizes municipal wastewater agencies to enter into voluntary agreements with
entities responsible for stormwater management – including municipal, industrial, and commercial
stormwater dischargers – to more appropriately manage stormwater and dry weather runoff.
Current law grants explicit stormwater capture authority to a just few specific municipal
wastewater agencies that have sought the explicit ability to do so through piecemeal legislation.
OCSD is one of those wastewater agencies that has the explicit authority. SB 1052 was
introduced on February 18 and is waiting to be assigned to policy committees.
OCSD
State
Bills of Interest
BILL AUTHOR SUMMARY LATEST ACTION OCSD
POSITION LEGISLATIVE PLAN OTHER
POSITIONS
AB 69 Ting [D]Land use: accessory dwelling units. Current law requires the
Department of Housing and Community Development to propose
building standards to the California Building Standards Commission, and
to adopt, amend, or repeal rules and regulations governing, among other
things, apartment houses and dwellings, as specified. This bill would
require the department to propose small home building standards
governing accessory dwelling units smaller than 800 square feet, junior
accessory dwelling units, and detached dwelling units smaller than 800
square feet, as specified, and to submit the small home building
standards to the California Building Standards Commission for adoption
on or before January 1, 2021.
Two Year Bill Watch Legislative and Regulatory
Policies: Special Districts -
Oppose further state
regulations that adversely
impact special district
financing, operations, and
administration.
ACCOC - NYC
LOCC - Watch
CASA - NYC
ACWA - NYC
CSDA - Watch
AB 134 Bloom [D]Safe Drinking Water Restoration Would require the State Water
Resources Control Board to report to the Legislature by July 1, 2025, on
its progress in restoring safe drinking water to all California communities
and to create an internet website that provides data transparency for all
of the board’s activities described in this measure. The bill would require
the board to develop metrics to measure the efficacy of the fund in
ensuring safe and affordable drinking water for all Californians.
Two Year Bill Watch State Priorities: Support
legislation or regulations that
restrict the use of
microplastics in any product
that is disposed of through
the sewer system.
ACCOC - NYC
LOCC - Watch
CASA - NYC
ACWA - NYC
CSDA - Watch
AB 291 Chu Emergency preparedness Would establish a Local Emergency
Preparedness and Hazard Mitigation Fund to support staffing, planning,
and other emergency mitigation priorities to help local governments meet
emergency management, preparedness, readiness, and resilience goals.
The bill would, upon appropriation by the Legislature, require the
Controller to transfer $500,000,000 to the fund. The bill would require the
Office of Emergency Services to establish the Local Emergency
Preparedness and Hazard Mitigation Fund Committee under the
Standardized Emergency Management System Advisory Board.
Currently in the Senate Watch State Priorities: Secure
funding through grants and
legislation for infrastructure,
collection improvements and
alternative renewable energy
at the Fountain Valley, Plant
No. 1 and Huntington Beach,
Plant No. 2.
ACCOC - NYC
LOCC - Watch
CASA - NYC
ACWA - NYC
CSDA - Watch
Proposed Legislation 2020-2021
High Priority
OCSD
State
Bills of Interest
BILL AUTHOR SUMMARY LATEST ACTION OCSD
POSITION LEGISLATIVE PLAN OTHER
POSITIONS
AB 292 Quirk [D]Recycled water: raw water and groundwater augmentation Current
law requires the State Water Resources Control Board, on or before
December 31, 2023, to adopt uniform water recycling criteria for direct
potable reuse through raw water augmentation, as specified. This bill
would eliminate the definition of “direct potable reuse” and instead would
substitute the term “groundwater augmentation” for “indirect potable
reuse for groundwater recharge” in these definitions. The bill would
require, on or before December 31, 2023, the state board to adopt
uniform water recycling criteria for raw water augmentation.
Two Year Bill Watch Legislative and Regulatory
Policies: Water Quality and
Supply - Support measures
that promote and provide for
the use of reclaimed water
ACCOC - NYC
LOCC - Watch
CASA - NYC
ACWA - NYC
CSDA - Support
AB 352 E. Garcia [D]Wildfire Prevention, Safe Drinking Water, Drought Preparation, and
Flood Protection Bond Act of 2020. Would enact the Wildfire
Prevention, Safe Drinking Water, Drought Preparation, and Flood
Protection Bond Act of 2020, which, if approved by the voters, would
authorize the issuance of bonds in the amount of $3,920,000,000
pursuant to the State General Obligation Bond Law to finance a wildlife
prevention, safe drinking water, drought preparation, and flood protection
program.The bill would provide for the submission of these provisions to
the voters at the November 3, 2020, statewide general election.
Two Year Bill Watch Legislative and Regulatory
Policies: Grant Funding -
Support legislation, bonds,
programs and projects that
provide funding for:
infrastructure construction
and rehabilitation, special
studies and research or
projects relating to security,
environmental education,
water quality, wastewater
processing, urban runoff,
wastewater recycling,
biosolids and organics
management, water quality
improvement, resource
recovery, or alternative
energy.
AB 841 Ting [D]Drinking water: contaminants: perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl
substances. Would require the Office of Environmental Health Hazard
Assessment to adopt and complete a work plan within prescribed
timeframes to assess which substances in the class of perfluoroalkyl and
polyfluoroalkyl substances should be identified as a potential risk to
human health, as provided. The bill would require the office, as part of
those assessments, to determine which of the substances are
appropriate candidates for notification levels to be adopted by the state
board. The bill would require the Office of Environmental Health Hazard
Assessment, by January 1, 2022, to provide to the Legislature an update
on the assessment.
Two Year Bill Watch Legislative and Regulatory
Policies: Source Control -
Support legislation and
funding mechanisms that
reduce the amount of trash,
waste, chemicals, and
harmful organic material that
enter the sewer system.
ACCOC - NYC
LOCC - Watch
CASA - Watch
ACWA - Watch
CSDA - Watch
OCSD
State
Bills of Interest
BILL AUTHOR SUMMARY LATEST ACTION OCSD
POSITION LEGISLATIVE PLAN OTHER
POSITIONS
AB 992 Mullin [D]Open meetings: local agencies: social media Would provide that the
Ralph M. Brown Act does not apply to the posting, commenting, liking,
interaction with, or participation in, internet-based social media platforms
that are ephemeral, live, or static, by a majority of the members of a
legislative body, provided that a majority of the members do not discuss
among themselves business of a specific nature that is within the subject
matter jurisdiction of the legislative body of the local agency.
Currently in the Senate Watch Legislative and Regulatory
Policies: Special Districts -
Oppose further state
regulations that adversely
impact special district
financing, operations, and
administration.
ACCOC - NYC
LOCC - Watch
CASA - Approve
ACWA - NYC
CSDA - Support
AB 1080 Gonzalez [D]California Circular Economy and Plastic Pollution Reduction Act
Would establish the California Circular Economy and Plastic Pollution
Reduction Act, which would require the Department of Resources
Recycling and Recovery, in consultation with the State Water Resources
Control Board and the Ocean Protection Council, to adopt, on or before
January 1, 2023, regulations to achieve, by 2030, a 75% reduction by
manufacturers and retailers of the waste generated from single-use
packaging and products offered for sale or sold in the state through
source reduction, recycling, or composting.
Two Year Bill Watch State Priorities: Support
legislation or regulations that
restrict the use of
microplastics in any product
that is disposed of through
ACCOC - NYC
LOCC - Support
CASA - NYC
ACWA - NYC
CSDA - NYC
AB 1672 Bloom [D]Solid waste: flushable products The California Integrated Waste
Management Act of 1989, administered by the Department of Resources
Recycling and Recovery, generally regulates the disposal, management,
and recycling of solid waste. This bill would, among other things, on or
after January 1, 2021, prohibit a covered entity, as defined, from labeling
a covered product as safe to flush, safe for sewer systems, or safe for
septic systems, unless the product is a flushable wipe that meets certain
performance standards. The bill would require nonflushable products to
be labeled clearly and conspicuously to communicate that they should
not be flushed, as specified.
Currently in the Senate Support Legislative and Regulatory
Policies: Source Control -
Support legislation that
regulates the disposal of
flushable wipes.
ACCOC - NYC
LOCC - Watch
CASA - Sponsor
ACWA - Support
CSDA - Support
AB 1751 Chiu [D]Water and sewer system corporations: consolidation of service.
This bill, the Consolidation for Safe Drinking Water Act of 2019, would
authorize a water or sewer system corporation to file an application and
obtain approval from the commission through an order authorizing the
water or sewer system corporation to consolidate with a public water
system or state small water system that has fewer than 3,300 service
connections and serves a disadvantaged community, or to implement
rates for the subsumed water system.
Two Year Bill Watch Legislative and Regulatory
Policies: Special Districts -
Oppose further state
regulations that adversely
impact special district
financing, operations, and
administration.
ACCOC - NYC
LOCC - NYC
CASA - NYC
ACWA - NYC
CSDA - NYC
OCSD
State
Bills of Interest
BILL AUTHOR SUMMARY LATEST ACTION OCSD
POSITION LEGISLATIVE PLAN OTHER
POSITIONS
AB 1924 Grayson [D]Housing development: fees Would require that a fee levied or imposed
on a housing development project by a local agency be proportionate to
the square footage of the proposed unit or units.
Introduced Watch Legislative and Regulatory
Policies: Special Districts -
Oppose further state
regulations that adversely
impact special district
financing, operations, and
administration.
ACCOC - NYC
LOCC - NYC
CASA - NYC
ACWA - NYC
CSDA - NYC
AB 2093 Gloria [D]Public records: writing transmitted by electronic mail: retention
Would, unless a longer retention period is required by statute or
regulation, require a public agency for purposes of the California Public
Records Act to retain and preserve for at least 2 years every writing
containing information relating to the conduct of the public’s business
prepared, owned, or used by any public agency that is transmitted by
electronic mail.
Introduced Watch Legislative and Regulatory
Policies: Special Districts -
Oppose further state
regulations that adversely
impact special district
financing, operations, and
administration.
ACCOC - NYC
LOCC - Oppose
CASA - Watch
ACWA - NYC
CSDA - Oppose
ACA 1 Aguiar-Curry [D]Local government financing: affordable housing and public
infrastructure: voter approval. The California Constitution prohibits the
ad valorem tax rate on real property from exceeding 1% of the full cash
value of the property, subject to certain exceptions. This measure would
create an additional exception to the 1% limit that would authorize a city,
county, city and county, or special district to levy an ad valorem tax to
service bonded indebtedness incurred to fund the construction,
reconstruction, rehabilitation, or replacement of public infrastructure,
affordable housing, or permanent supportive housing, or the acquisition
or lease of real property for those purposes, if the proposition proposing
that tax is approved by 55% of the voters of the city, county, or city and
county, as applicable, and the proposition includes specified
accountability requirements.
Currently on the
Assembly Floor
Watch Guiding Principles: Seek
funds for OCSD projects
through grants,
appropriations, or other
means;
ACCOC - NYC
LOCC - Support
CASA - Support
ACWA - NYC
CSDA - Support
SB 667 Hueso [D]Greenhouse gases: recycling infrastructure and facilities. Would
require the Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery to
develop, on or before January 1, 2021, and would authorize the
department to amend, a 5-year investment strategy to drive innovation
and support technological development and infrastructure, in order to
meet specified organic waste reduction and recycling targets, as
provided. The bill would require, on or before June 1, 2021, the
department, in coordination with the Treasurer, to develop financial
incentive mechanisms, including, but not limited to, loans and incentive
payments, to fund organic waste diversion and recycling infrastructure.
Two Year Bill Watch Legislative and Regulatory
Polciies: Biosolids and
Biogas - Support the
promotion and funding of
local pilot programs, studies,
and research for the
beneficial use of biosolids.
ACCOC - NYC
LOCC - Support
CASA - Support
ACWA - NYC
CSDA - NYC
OCSD
State
Bills of Interest
BILL AUTHOR SUMMARY LATEST ACTION OCSD
POSITION LEGISLATIVE PLAN OTHER
POSITIONS
SB 1052 Hertzberg [D]Water quality: municipal wastewater agencies Would establish
municipal wastewater agencies and would authorize a municipal
wastewater agency, among other things, to enter into agreements with
entities responsible for stormwater management for the purpose of
managing stormwater and dry weather runoff, to acquire, construct,
expand, operate, maintain, and provide facilities for specified purposes
relating to managing stormwater and dry weather runoff, and to levy
taxes, fees, and charges consistent with the municipal wastewater
agency’s existing authority in order to fund projects undertaken pursuant
to the bill.
Introduced Watch Legislative and Regulatory
Policies: Water Quality and
Supply - Support measures
that promote and provide for
the use of reclaimed water
ACCOC - NYC
LOCC - NYC
CASA - NYC
ACWA - NYC
CSDA - NYC
Legend:
ACC-OC - Association of California Cities, Orange County
LOCC - League of California Cities
NYC - Not Yet Considered
CASA - California Association of Sanitation Agencies
ACWA - Association of California Water Agencies
CSDA - California Special Districts Association
Name of Grant/Loan Synopsis of Grant/Loan Amount of Grant/Loan Amount
Applying for Applying Y/N Project/Program Reason Match Deadline Category Rcvd Grant/
Financing Y/N
Organics Grant Program
The Organics Grant Program is part of California Climate
Investments, a statewide program that puts billions of cap-
and-trade dollars to work reducing greenhouse gas
emissions, strengthening the economy, and improving
public health and the environment - particularly in
disadvantaged and/or low-income communities. The Cap-
and-Trade program also creates a financial incentive for
industries to invest in clean technologies and develop
innovative ways to reduce pollution. California Climate
Investments projects include affordable housing, renewable
energy, public transportation, zero-emission vehicles,
environmental restoration, more sustainable agriculture,
recycling, and much more. At least 35 percent of these
investments are made in disadvantaged and low-income
communities.
$16,112,753 ($13,312,753 is available for fiscal
year (FY) 2018–19, and $3 million is available
for fiscal year (FY) 2019–20)
$ 3 million Yes
Food-Waste Co-Digestion facility
at Plant No.2 in Huntington
Beach to accept up to 150 wet
tons per day (wtpd) of pre-
processed source separated
organics.
We will review the possible funding
opportunity to determine if it is a fit for
the Sanitation District.
TBD 11/21/2019 Energy/Recycling TBD
Integrated Regional Water Management
(IRWM) Grant Program
The Proposition 1 IRWM Grant Program, administered by
DWR, provides funding for projects that help meet the long
term water needs of the state, including:
Assisting water infrastructure systems adapt to climate
change;
Providing incentives throughout each watershed to
collaborate in managing the region's water resources and
setting regional priorities for water infrastructure
$3,000,000.00 per grant award NA TBD (Round 2)NA
TPA and OCSD are monitoring the
grant program development from the
Santa Ana Watershed Project
Authority (SAWPA). The solicitation
for bids was announced by SAWPA
and staff determined that an
application for funding was not
warranted due to a lack of eligible and
competitive projects.
50%NA. Will return in 2021
for Round 2 Water No
The Water Infrastructure Improvements
Act (WIIN)
The Title XVI Water Reclamation and Reuse Projects
funding opportunity allows for sponsors of water
reclamation and reuse projects that are congressionally
authorized or are eligible under section 4009(c) of the
WIIN Act to request cost-shared funding for planning,
design and/or construction of those Projects. Water
reclamation and reuse projects provide improved
efficiency, flexibility during water shortages and diversifies
the water supply.
Reclamation is making up to $20 million
available for those projects authorized under
the WIIN Act.
$3 million Yes Final Expansion of GWRS
Headworks (P2-122)
The Sanitation District applied for
Headworks Segregation project that
will help to bring more water to the
GWRS.
$20mm or 25% of
project costs
whichever is less.
6/28/2019 Water/ Infrastructure TBD
Stormwater and CSO Grant Program
USEPA is authorized to provide grants assistance of public
agencies to control stormwater flows and CSO's. Funding
through state awards.
Funding cost-share is not identified in the law TBD TBD. We will monitor for possible
funding opportunities/A TBD FY 2020 - $28 million Yes Anticipate by July 2020 Water/ Infrastructure TBD
The Department of Energy (DOE),
USBR and USEPA
The DOE’s Office of Energy Efficiency is likely to continue
to be funded by Congress to support such efforts as
biogas, biosolids and green energy.
Through the WaterSmart program, USBR will
issue solicitations for innovative approaches to
managing water and water treatment through
technology and processes for FY 2020 - $60
million
TBD TBD. We will monitor for possible
funding opportunities
Project Funding Opportunity:
Energy production to reduce
costs of recycled water through
innovative technologies.
Innovative water monitoring
technology that can produce
efficient real time monitoring
and data analysis, Biogas
Management and Use
Improvements.
We will review the possible funding
opportunity to determine if it is a fit for
the Sanitation District.
N/A TBD Energy/Water/Infrastructure TBD
OCSD's Grant and Loan Funding Tracker 2019- 2020
STATE
FEDERAL
Updated 2/19/2020
Name of Grant/Loan Synopsis of Grant/Loan Amount of Grant/Loan Amount
Applying for Applying Y/N Project/Program Reason Match Deadline Category Rcvd Grant/
Financing Y/N
OCSD's Grant and Loan Funding Tracker 2019- 2020
Community Partnering Program Grant Metropolitan Water District
The primary focus of the Community Partnering
Program (CPP) is sponsorship of water
conservation and water-use efficiency programs
and activities. Applications must be submitted
30 days prior to the start date of the event or
program.
Requests for a maximum $2,000 award will be
reviewed year-round and funds are awarded
throughout the year. Funds are limited, however,
and may be depleted prior to the ending of this
fiscal year (June 30).
$2,000 Yes For Plant No. 1 Signage Applied Match ongoing Education Yes
Mass Timber Competition CalGovOps
The California Government Operations Agency
(GovOps) will award $500,000 in grants as part
of the statewide California Mass Timber Building
Competition. Grants will be awarded to selected
proponent teams presenting viable and
repeatable mass timber solutions for commercial
and multi-family projects in California. The
competition is being hosted by GovOps and
administered by WoodWorks – Wood Products
Council.
$40,000 Yes Headquarters Building Applied No 03/18/19 Environment Yes
Other
Updated 2/19/2020
Orange County Sanitation District
LEGISLATIVE AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS
COMMITTEE
Agenda Report
Administration Building
10844 Ellis Avenue
Fountain Valley, CA 92708
(714) 593-7433
File #:2020-941 Agenda Date:3/9/2020 Agenda Item No:5.
FROM:James D. Herberg, General Manager
SUBJECT:
OPPOSE ASSEMBLY BILL 2093
GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION
RECOMMENDATION:
Approve letter opposing Assembly Bill (AB) 2093 - Public Records: Writing Transmitted by Electronic
Mail: Retention (Gloria).
BACKGROUND
Assembly Bill (AB)2093 mandates that public agencies retain all emails related to agency business
for two years.This is not a transparency bill;it is a data storage bill.AB 2093 requires public
agencies to retain masses of routine emails and imposes significant burdens on all concerned for
minimal public benefit.Public agencies will be forced to pay for additional data storage space as well
as possibly hire additional staff to comply with AB 2093.Additionally,AB 2093 is identical to AB 1184
that was vetoed last year by Governor Newsom.
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, bills such as AB 2093 could pass and negatively affect the
Sanitation District and the industry as a whole.
PROPOSED SOLUTION
Staff has drafted an opposition letter for AB 2093 for the Committee’s consideration.
Orange County Sanitation District Printed on 3/2/2020Page 1 of 2
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File #:2020-941 Agenda Date:3/9/2020 Agenda Item No:5.
TIMING CONCERNS
It is important that the Sanitation District has a voice on this issue and submit the letter as soon as
possible to ensure that the Sanitation District’s position is considered when reviewing the bill.
RAMIFICATIONS OF NOT TAKING ACTION
The bill may be signed into law and could have a negative financial impact on the Sanitation District.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
N/A
FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS
N/A
ATTACHMENT
The following attachment(s)are included in hard copy and may also be viewed on-line at the OCSD website
(www.ocsd.com) with the complete agenda package:
·Letter of Opposition for Assembly Bill 2093
·Assembly Bill 2093
Orange County Sanitation District Printed on 3/2/2020Page 2 of 2
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March 9, 2020
The Honorable Todd Gloria
California State Assembly
State Capitol
Sacramento, CA 95814
RE: Oppose As introduced Assembly Bill (AB) 2093 – Public records: writing transmitted by
electronic mail: retention
Dear Assembly Member Gloria:
The Orange County Sanitation District (OCSD) is respectfully opposed to your Assembly Bill (AB) 2093, which will require all public agencies to maintain all transmitted emails related to agency business for at least two years. OCSD is a public agency that provides wastewater collection, treatment, and recycling for approximately 2.6 million people in central and northwest Orange County. OCSD is a special district that is governed by a 25 member Board of Directors comprised of 20 cities, four special districts, and one representative from the Orange County Board of Supervisors. OCSD has two operating facilities that treat wastewater from residential, commercial, and industrial sources.
To be clear, this is not a transparency bill, it is a data storage bill. The public will have no greater
access to public records under AB 2093, nor will they have less. This bill creates no new disclosures or
exemptions of records. This bill only mandates that public agencies retain all emails related to agency
business for two years and avoids the constitutionally required mandate subvention process declaring
that the provisions of the bill are in furtherance of the California Public Records Act (CPRA).
AB 2093 will add millions of dollars in costs annually to state and local agencies, including OCSD.
Public agencies will be forced to pay for additional data storage space, as well as hire additional staff,
to sort through the millions of emails that are exempt from disclosure under the CPRA, but mandated to
be retained under AB 2093 in order to respond to public records act requests. Without the ability to be
reimbursed for this costly unfunded mandate, public agencies such as OCSD will be forced to either
raise fees and taxes or cut services to the communities they serve.
It is for these reasons that the Orange County Sanitation District must respectfully oppose AB 2093.
Please contact Jennifer Cabral, Administration Manager, at 714.593.7581 or via email at
jcabral@ocsd.com should you have any questions.
Sincerely,
David John Shawver
Board Chairman
CC:
Orange County Legislative Delegation
Dillon Gibbons, Senior Legislative Representative, California Special Districts Association
california legislature—2019–20 regular session
ASSEMBLY BILL No. 2093
Introduced by Assembly Member Gloria
February 5, 2020
An act to add Section 6253.32 to the Government Code, relating to
public records.
legislative counsel’s digest
AB 2093, as introduced, Gloria. Public records: writing transmitted
by electronic mail: retention.
Existing law, the California Public Records Act, requires a public
agency, defined to mean any state or local agency, to make public
records available for inspection, subject to certain exceptions. Existing
law specifies that public records include any writing containing
information relating to the conduct of the public’s business, including
writing transmitted by electronic mail. Existing law requires any agency
that has any information that constitutes a public record not exempt
from disclosure to make that public record available in accordance with
certain provisions, and authorizes every agency to adopt regulations
stating the procedures to be followed when making its records available,
if the regulations are consistent with those provisions. Existing law
authorizes cities, counties, and special districts to destroy or to dispose
of duplicate records that are less than two years old when they are no
longer required by the city, county, or special district, as specified.
This bill would, unless a longer retention period is required by statute
or regulation, or established by the Secretary of State pursuant to the
State Records Management Act, require a public agency, for purposes
of the California Public Records Act, to retain and preserve for at least
2 years every public record, as defined, that is transmitted by electronic
mail.
The California Constitution requires local agencies, for the purpose
of ensuring public access to the meetings of public bodies and the
writings of public officials and agencies, to comply with a statutory
enactment that amends or enacts laws relating to public records or open
meetings and contains findings demonstrating that the enactment furthers
the constitutional requirements relating to this purpose.
This bill would make legislative findings to that effect.
The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local
agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state.
Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.
This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act
for a specified reason.
Vote: majority. Appropriation: no. Fiscal committee: yes.
State-mandated local program: yes.
The people of the State of California do enact as follows:
line 1 SECTION 1. Section 6253.32 is added to the Government
line 2 Code, immediately following Section 6253.31, to read:
line 3 6253.32. Unless a longer retention period is required by statute
line 4 or regulation, or established by the Secretary of State pursuant to
line 5 the State Records Management Act (Article 7 (commencing with
line 6 Section 12270) of Chapter 3 of Part 2 of Division 3 of Title 2), a
line 7 public agency shall, for the purpose of this chapter, retain and
line 8 preserve for at least two years every public record, as defined in
line 9 subdivision (e) of Section 6252, that is transmitted by electronic
line 10 mail.
line 11 SEC. 2. The Legislature finds and declares that Section 1 of
line 12 this act, which adds Section 6253.32 to the Government Code,
line 13 furthers, within the meaning of paragraph (7) of subdivision (b)
line 14 of Section 3 of Article I of the California Constitution, the purposes
line 15 of that constitutional section as it relates to the right of public
line 16 access to the meetings of local public bodies or the writings of
line 17 local public officials and local agencies. Pursuant to paragraph (7)
line 18 of subdivision (b) of Section 3 of Article I of the California
line 19 Constitution, the Legislature makes the following findings:
line 20 This act furthers the right of public access to the writings of local
line 21 public officials and local agencies by requiring that public agencies
— 2 — AB 2093
line 1 preserve for at least two years every public record that is
line 2 transmitted by electronic mail.
line 3 SEC. 3. No reimbursement is required by this act pursuant to
line 4 Section 6 of Article XIIIB of the California Constitution because
line 5 the only costs that may be incurred by a local agency or school
line 6 district under this act would result from a legislative mandate that
line 7 is within the scope of paragraph (7) of subdivision (b) of Section
line 8 3 of Article I of the California Constitution.
AB 2093 — 3 —
Orange County Sanitation District
LEGISLATIVE AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS
COMMITTEE
Agenda Report
Administration Building
10844 Ellis Avenue
Fountain Valley, CA 92708
(714) 593-7433
File #:2020-942 Agenda Date:3/9/2020 Agenda Item No:6.
FROM:James D. Herberg, General Manager
SUBJECT:
LETTER OF SUPPORT FOR THE WATER INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS FOR THE
NATION ACT
GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION
RECOMMENDATION:
Approve the Letter of Support for Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act (WIIN).
BACKGROUND
Federal funding for resource recovery projects is very important for the Orange County Sanitation
District (Sanitation District).Recently,we have been successful in applying for and receiving federal
funding including:$450,000 for the Effluent Reuse Feasibility Study and $1.325 million for the
Groundwater Replenishment System Final Expansion.Funding from grants helps to offset our cost,
which is then passed down to our ratepayers.
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 appropriate federal funding,water recycling projects like the Groundwater Replenishment
System may be delayed until funding is available or may not happen at all.
PROPOSED SOLUTION
Staff has drafted a letter of support for WIIN funding opportunities.
Orange County Sanitation District Printed on 3/2/2020Page 1 of 2
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File #:2020-942 Agenda Date:3/9/2020 Agenda Item No:6.
TIMING CONCERNS
It is important that the Sanitation District take a position on the letter as soon as possible to ensure
that the Sanitation District is in a good position to apply for any upcoming grant opportunities.
RAMIFICATIONS OF NOT TAKING ACTION
If we do not support funding opportunities, we may lose out on potential grants in the future.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
N/A
FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS
Possible grant opportunities in the future.
ATTACHMENT
The following attachment(s)are included in hard copy and may also be viewed on-line at the OCSD website
(www.ocsd.com) with the complete agenda package:
·Letter of Support for WIIN
Orange County Sanitation District Printed on 3/2/2020Page 2 of 2
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March 9, 2020
Dear Members of the Orange County Congressional Delegation:
The Orange County Sanitation District (Sanitation District) writes to request your continued
support of an important water infrastructure assistance program. Since enactment of the Water
Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act (WIIN), California has leveraged this program to
increase the state’s water supply reliability. In our own region, the Groundwater
Replenishment System (GWRS) is in the process of its final expansion that will deliver 130
million gallons of highly treated water daily and help to drought proof a region of more than 1
million residents in north and central Orange County, CA.
Your support of this program and specifically the GWRS is deeply appreciated. With the
continuing demand for federal water infrastructure assistance, we request that you work with
your colleagues to provide at least $60 million in Fiscal Year 2021 to support WIIN and Title XVI
programs.
There are currently 55 Title XVI-WIIN eligible projects awaiting assistance, with a total of more
than $550 million in eligible federal cost-share. This list will only grow as more projects become
eligible. Title XVI-WIIN is an integral part of the federal funding partnership with local
communities throughout the West to ensure they have safe and sustainable water supplies to
meet demand. This is especially true in California, which has received the vast majority of Title
XVI funding.
Thank you for considering our request. Please contact Jennifer Cabral, OCSD’s Administration Manager at 714.593.7581 or via email at jcabral@ocsd.com should you have any
questions.
Sincerely,
David John Shawver
Board Chairman
Orange County Sanitation District
LEGISLATIVE AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS
COMMITTEE
Agenda Report
Administration Building
10844 Ellis Avenue
Fountain Valley, CA 92708
(714) 593-7433
File #:2020-949 Agenda Date:3/9/2020 Agenda Item No:7.
FROM:James D. Herberg, General Manager
SUBJECT:
COMMUNICATIONS AUDIT REPORT
GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION
RECOMMENDATION: Recommend to the Board of Directors to:
Receive and file the Communications Audit Report.
BACKGROUND
As part of the General Manager’s Work Plan,a Communications Audit was conducted to assess the
various programs,tools,and methods used to communicate with the Sanitation District’s internal and
external audiences.The audit consisted of interviews,employee surveys,and review of existing
communication material. Attached is the executive summary of the report and survey.
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 OCSD’s roles and value to the community
PROBLEM
Over time,outreach programs can become stagnant and lose their effectiveness.Periodic
assessments are necessary to determine the relevance and value of the various programs and
techniques used to communicate to determine where efforts should be placed.
PROPOSED SOLUTION
Conduct an audit to assess the value,relevance,and need of the various communication programs,
methods, and tools currently used by the Sanitation District’s Public Affairs Office.
Orange County Sanitation District Printed on 3/2/2020Page 1 of 2
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File #:2020-949 Agenda Date:3/9/2020 Agenda Item No:7.
PRIOR COMMITTEE/BOARD ACTIONS
January 2020 -Received and Filed the General Manager’s Fiscal Year 2019-2020 Work Plan Mid-
Year Update.
December 2019 -Received and Filed the November 2019 Public Affairs Update with the
Communications Audit status.
October 2019 -Received and Filed the Public Affairs Year End Report with the Communications Audit
as a 2020 goal.
September 2019 - Approval of the General Manager’s Fiscal Year 2019-2020 Work Plan.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
A consultant was hired to conduct the audit which consisted of interviews with Sanitation District staff,
Orange County Water District staff, a community member, and five Board Members.
FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS
All items included in the General Manager’s Work Plan are budgeted in the FY 2019-2020 Budget.
ATTACHMENT
The following attachment(s)is included in hard copy and may also be viewed on-line at the OCSD website
(www.ocsd.com) with the complete agenda package:
·Communications Audit Report Executive Summary
·Employee Survey Summary
Orange County Sanitation District Printed on 3/2/2020Page 2 of 2
powered by Legistar™
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.
2019 Communications Audit Employee Survey SurveyMonkey
1 / 22
73.00%73
20.00%20
5.00%5
1.00%1
1.00%1
Q1 I visit MyOCSD...
Answered: 100 Skipped: 0
TOTAL 100
More than once
a day
At least once
a day
A few times a
week
Once a week
Rarely
0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100%
ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES
More than once a day
At least once a day
A few times a week
Once a week
Rarely
2019 Communications Audit Employee Survey SurveyMonkey
2 / 22
29.00%29
55.00%55
14.00%14
0.00%0
2.00%2
Q2 MyOCSD keeps me up to date with OCSD news...
Answered: 100 Skipped: 0
TOTAL 100
#OTHER (PLEASE SPECIFY)DATE
There are no responses.
Always
Most of the
time
Sometimes
Rarely
Never
0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100%
ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES
Always
Most of the time
Sometimes
Rarely
Never
2019 Communications Audit Employee Survey SurveyMonkey
3 / 22
31.00%31
52.00%52
15.00%15
1.00%1
1.00%1
Q3 I would rate the overall content of MyOCSD...
Answered: 100 Skipped: 0
TOTAL 100
#OTHER (PLEASE SPECIFY)DATE
1 could be better. MyOCSD should show HOW employees "provide effective wastewater
collection, treatment, recycling." Most days I don't this reflected in the content.
12/2/2019 10:34 AM
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Other (please
specify)
0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100%
ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Other (please specify)
2019 Communications Audit Employee Survey SurveyMonkey
4 / 22
Q4 Do you feel MyOCSD maintains a balance of information regarding...
Answered: 97 Skipped: 3
Yes/No
85.57%
83
14.43%
14
97
69.57%
64
30.43%
28
92
Yes/No
Yes No
Business
Specific
Human Interest
0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100%
YES NO TOTAL
Business Specific
Human Interest
2019 Communications Audit Employee Survey SurveyMonkey
5 / 22
32.32%32
52.53%52
11.11%11
4.04%4
Q5 Rate the overall content of the Pipeline...
Answered: 99 Skipped: 1
TOTAL 99
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100%
ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
2019 Communications Audit Employee Survey SurveyMonkey
6 / 22
13.00%13
54.00%54
25.00%25
7.00%7
1.00%1
Q6 The Pipeline keeps me up to date with OCSD news...
Answered: 100 Skipped: 0
TOTAL 100
Always
Most of the
time
Sometimes
Rarely
Never
0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100%
ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES
Always
Most of the time
Sometimes
Rarely
Never
2019 Communications Audit Employee Survey SurveyMonkey
7 / 22
Q7 Do you feel the Pipeline maintains a balance of information
regarding...
Answered: 98 Skipped: 2
Yes/No
85.42%
82
14.58%
14
96
81.25%
78
18.75%
18
96
Yes/No
Yes No
Human Interest
Business
Specific
0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100%
YES NO TOTAL
Human Interest
Business Specific
2019 Communications Audit Employee Survey SurveyMonkey
8 / 22
43.88%43
56.12%55
Q8 In the future, how would you like to receive the Pipeline?
Answered: 98 Skipped: 2
TOTAL 98
Hardcopy
Electronic
0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100%
ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES
Hardcopy
Electronic
2019 Communications Audit Employee Survey SurveyMonkey
9 / 22
49.00%49
31.00%31
12.00%12
5.00%5
3.00%3
Q9 I read the monthly Digester...
Answered: 100 Skipped: 0
TOTAL 100
Always
Most of the
time
Sometimes
Rarely
Never
0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100%
ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES
Always
Most of the time
Sometimes
Rarely
Never
2019 Communications Audit Employee Survey SurveyMonkey
10 / 22
54.00%54
31.00%31
11.00%11
3.00%3
1.00%1
Q10 I read the weekly 3 Things to Know email.....
Answered: 100 Skipped: 0
TOTAL 100
Always
Most of the
time
Sometimes
Rarely
Never
0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100%
ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES
Always
Most of the time
Sometimes
Rarely
Never
2019 Communications Audit Employee Survey SurveyMonkey
11 / 22
27.27%27
72.73%72
Q11 Do you follow us on social media?
Answered: 99 Skipped: 1
TOTAL 99
Yes
No
0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100%
ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES
Yes
No
2019 Communications Audit Employee Survey SurveyMonkey
12 / 22
34.38%33
25.00%24
40.63%39
Q12 If you don’t follow us on social media, why not?
Answered: 96 Skipped: 4
TOTAL 96
I don't have
social media
I'm not
interested
N/A
0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100%
ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES
I don't have social media
I'm not interested
N/A
2019 Communications Audit Employee Survey SurveyMonkey
13 / 22
27.00%27
13.00%13
2.00%2
58.00%58
Q13 What platform do you follow primarily?
Answered: 100 Skipped: 0
TOTAL 100
Facebook
Instagram
Twitter
None
0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100%
ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES
Facebook
Instagram
Twitter
None
2019 Communications Audit Employee Survey SurveyMonkey
14 / 22
27.00%27
6.00%6
65.00%65
Q14 Do you feel social media content is a good balance of technical
information and lighthearted post?
Answered: 100 Skipped: 0
TOTAL 100
#OTHER (PLEASE SPECIFY)DATE
1 I'm not too happy with social media lately, Will probably close my account after the first of the
year.
12/19/2019 7:12 PM
2 Often times, the awards and recognitions posted on social media inadvertently excluded the
core people that truly worked on the projects, and actually made the project successful. We
should be more sensitive when it comes to posting pictures/descriptions on social media, and
what it may mean to OCSD staff that should have been recognized and yet not even been
considered to be part of the recognition.
12/17/2019 4:48 PM
3 Can't use social media at work; can't get friends or family to use it to learn about my agency.
Too many other platforms.
12/13/2019 12:29 PM
4 Pipeline, SMRs, Effluent Meter Reading and filing.12/9/2019 11:10 AM
5 Can't use during work hours.12/5/2019 7:45 AM
Yes
No
N/A
0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100%
ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES
Yes
No
N/A
2019 Communications Audit Employee Survey SurveyMonkey
15 / 22
65.00%65
7.00%7
25.00%25
3.00%3
Q15 How do you feel about the organizational communications you
receive regarding OCSD in general?
Answered: 100 Skipped: 0
TOTAL 100
#OTHER (PLEASE SPECIFY)DATE
1 The more communications the better 12/16/2019 12:57 PM
2 Different types for different balances. myOCSD more business, Pipeline mixed business and
personal, Digester for upcoming events-activities business related.
12/13/2019 12:29 PM
Satisfied
Not Satisfied
I want more
I'm not
interested
0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100%
ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES
Satisfied
Not Satisfied
I want more
I'm not interested
2019 Communications Audit Employee Survey SurveyMonkey
16 / 22
49.00%49
10.00%10
34.00%34
6.00%6
Q16 I am satisfied with the information I receive about news regarding
other departments/divisions...
Answered: 100 Skipped: 0
TOTAL 100
#OTHER (PLEASE SPECIFY)DATE
1 Love the BLAST organizational awareness presentations and the links to what the Board is
presented with. Would like my supervisors to know who/which to contact for different items
such as source control, contract contacts, etc.
12/13/2019 12:29 PM
2 sometimes 12/11/2019 10:44 AM
Yes
No
I want more
I'm not
interested
0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100%
ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES
Yes
No
I want more
I'm not interested
2019 Communications Audit Employee Survey SurveyMonkey
17 / 22
69.39%68
8.16%8
16.33%16
6.12%6
Q17 I am satisfied with the information I receive about OCSD's community
involvement.
Answered: 98 Skipped: 2
TOTAL 98
Yes
No
I want more
I'm not
interested
0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100%
ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES
Yes
No
I want more
I'm not interested
2019 Communications Audit Employee Survey SurveyMonkey
18 / 22
54.55%54
6.06%6
35.35%35
4.04%4
Q18 I am satisfied with the information I receive about OCSD's future
plans.
Answered: 99 Skipped: 1
TOTAL 99
Yes
No
I want more
I'm not
interested
0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100%
ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES
Yes
No
I want more
I'm not interested
2019 Communications Audit Employee Survey SurveyMonkey
19 / 22
76.77%76
7.07%7
13.13%13
2.02%2
1.01%1
Q19 What best describes your online/internet computer access?
Answered: 99 Skipped: 1
TOTAL 99
All day
Once a day
Twice a day
Weekly
Never
0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100%
ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES
All day
Once a day
Twice a day
Weekly
Never
2019 Communications Audit Employee Survey SurveyMonkey
20 / 22
7.00%7
31.00%31
14.00%14
19.00%19
11.00%11
18.00%18
Q20 How long have you been with OCSD?
Answered: 100 Skipped: 0
TOTAL 100
Less than one
year
1 - 5 years
6 - 10 years
11 - 15 years
16 - 20 years
21+ years
0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100%
ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES
Less than one year
1 - 5 years
6 - 10 years
11 - 15 years
16 - 20 years
21+ years
2019 Communications Audit Employee Survey SurveyMonkey
21 / 22
19.00%19
9.00%9
7.00%7
10.00%10
40.00%40
15.00%15
Q21 Which of the following describes your job classification?
Answered: 100 Skipped: 0
TOTAL 100
Administrative
Technical
Operator
Maintenance
Professional
Supervisor/Mana
ger/EMT
0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100%
ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES
Administrative
Technical
Operator
Maintenance
Professional
Supervisor/Manager/EMT
2019 Communications Audit Employee Survey SurveyMonkey
22 / 22
Q22 Do you have any additional feedback?
Answered: 17 Skipped: 83
#RESPONSES DATE
1 Nope 12/18/2019 11:52 AM
2 Can we NOT have turkey and gravy and for our holiday (December) employee lunch? We
usually just had that menu a month before (Nov) in Thanksgiving. Perhaps a different food
theme --like Italian, Mexican, something besides turkey and traditional trimmings. Just a
suggestion since we've ALWAYS had that menu for more than 20 yrs now. Thank you.
12/17/2019 10:35 AM
3 Departments should be more transparent about future plans and why they make decisions
about staffing
12/17/2019 7:15 AM
4 In general, communication is great! Formal reports, like for the multi-year Capital Improvement
Program, are exceptional!
12/16/2019 4:27 PM
5 The pipeline should be monthly . It used to be monthly why did they change it to the digester?12/16/2019 8:44 AM
6 myocsd is getting better in announcing move/promotion information. More information about
longterm goals and organizational changes can be added to the SharePoint. Occasional short
video messages from the GM, on his goals or motivational messages is also good to be added
since many staff do not get to interact with him.
12/16/2019 7:18 AM
7 The amount of OCSD communication and channels is the best of all the organizations I've been
part of. Great job!
12/13/2019 3:30 PM
8 Curious why folks who are close to retirement are used for input on design of facilities when
they won't be here to use them. Maybe some info on how facilities are designed and how
training for the trades is provided.
12/13/2019 12:29 PM
9 I feel involved and interested in OCSD with the information made available to me. Knowing
more about OCSD's activities and news and fellow employees makes me even more proud to
work here. Please keep up the good work!
12/13/2019 8:09 AM
10 Overall, the communications we receive are excellent - well designed, well thought out and
much appreciated. Keep it up !
12/10/2019 8:58 AM
11 Keep up the good job.12/10/2019 2:46 AM
12 I think it would be nice to reduce paper and send out the Pipeline as an email when available or
at least an email with a link to where it is located on MyOCSD. I know that I can get it via
MyOCSD but am unaware that the new edition is out until I see the paper version.
12/9/2019 4:14 PM
13 No 12/9/2019 11:10 AM
14 I prefer the Digester not be in the bathroom stalls.12/9/2019 10:26 AM
15 Would love it if leaders and planners of training would use communication info in scheduling
those activities to allow people to attend things like the health fair as well as work-related
training and meetings.
12/5/2019 7:45 AM
16 no 12/3/2019 3:12 PM
17 The PAO team does an excellent job!!12/3/2019 10:19 AM
ORANGE COUNTY SANITATION DISTRICT
COMMON ACRONYMS
ACWA Association of California
Water Agencies LAFCO Local Agency Formation
Commission RWQCB Regional Water Quality
Control Board
APWA American Public Works
Association LOS Level Of Service SARFPA Santa Ana River Flood
Protection Agency
AQMD Air Quality Management
District MGD Million Gallons Per Day SARI Santa Ana River
Interceptor
ASCE American Society of Civil
Engineers MOU Memorandum of
Understanding SARWQCB Santa Ana Regional Water
Quality Control Board
BOD Biochemical Oxygen Demand NACWA National Association of Clean
Water Agencies SAWPA Santa Ana Watershed
Project Authority
CARB California Air Resources
Board NEPA National Environmental
Policy Act SCADA Supervisory Control And
Data Acquisition
CASA California Association of
Sanitation Agencies NGOs Non-Governmental
Organizations SCAP
Southern California
Alliance of Publicly Owned
Treatment Works
CCTV Closed Circuit Television NPDES National Pollutant Discharge
Elimination System SCAQMD South Coast Air Quality
Management District
CEQA California Environmental
Quality Act NWRI National Water Research
Institute SOCWA South Orange County
Wastewater Authority
CIP Capital Improvement
Program O & M Operations & Maintenance SRF Clean Water State
Revolving Fund
CRWQCB California Regional Water
Quality Control Board OCCOG Orange County Council of
Governments SSMP Sewer System
Management Plan
CWA Clean Water Act OCHCA Orange County Health Care
Agency SSO Sanitary Sewer Overflow
CWEA California Water Environment
Association OCSD Orange County Sanitation
District SWRCB State Water Resources
Control Board
EIR Environmental Impact Report OCWD Orange County Water District TDS Total Dissolved Solids
EMT Executive Management Team OOBS Ocean Outfall Booster Station TMDL Total Maximum Daily Load
EPA US Environmental Protection
Agency OSHA Occupational Safety and
Health Administration TSS Total Suspended Solids
FOG Fats, Oils, and Grease PCSA
Professional
Consultant/Construction
Services Agreement
WDR Waste Discharge
Requirements
gpd gallons per day PDSA Professional Design Services
Agreement WEF Water Environment
Federation
GWRS Groundwater Replenishment
System POTW Publicly Owned Treatment
Works WERF Water Environment &
Reuse Foundation
ICS Incident Command System ppm parts per million WIFIA Water Infrastructure
Finance and Innovation Act
IERP Integrated Emergency
Response Plan PSA Professional Services
Agreement WIIN
Water Infrastructure
Improvements for the
Nation Act
JPA Joint Powers Authority RFP Request For Proposal WRDA Water Resources
Development Act
ORANGE COUNTY SANITATION DISTRICT
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
ACTIVATED SLUDGE PROCESS – A secondary biological wastewater treatment process where bacteria reproduce at a high
rate with the introduction of excess air or oxygen and consume dissolved nutrients in the wastewater.
BENTHOS – The community of organisms, such as sea stars, worms, and shrimp, which live on, in, or near the seabed, also
known as the benthic zone.
BIOCHEMICAL OXYGEN DEMAND (BOD) – The amount of oxygen used when organic matter undergoes decomposition by
microorganisms. Testing for BOD is done to assess the amount of organic matter in water.
BIOGAS – A gas that is produced by the action of anaerobic bacteria on organic waste matter in a digester tank that can be used
as a fuel.
BIOSOLIDS – Biosolids are nutrient rich organic and highly treated solid materials produced by the wastewater treatment process.
This high-quality product can be recycled as a soil amendment on farmland or further processed as an earth-like product for
commercial and home gardens to improve and maintain fertile soil and stimulate plant growth.
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (CIP) – Projects for repair, rehabilitation, and replacement of assets. Also includes
treatment improvements, additional capacity, and projects for the support facilities.
COLIFORM BACTERIA – A group of bacteria found in the intestines of humans and other animals, but also occasionally found
elsewhere, used as indicators of sewage pollution. E. coli are the most common bacteria in wastewater.
COLLECTIONS SYSTEM – In wastewater, it is the system of typically underground pipes that receive and convey sanitary
wastewater or storm water.
CERTIFICATE OF PARTICIPATION (COP) – A type of financing where an investor purchases a share of the lease revenues of
a program rather than the bond being secured by those revenues.
CONTAMINANTS OF POTENTIAL CONCERN (CPC) – Pharmaceuticals, hormones, and other organic wastewater
contaminants.
DILUTION TO THRESHOLD (D/T) – The dilution at which the majority of people detect the odor becomes the D/T for that air
sample.
GREENHOUSE GASES (GHG) – In the order of relative abundance water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and
ozone gases that are considered the cause of global warming (“greenhouse effect”).
GROUNDWATER REPLENISHMENT SYSTEM (GWRS) – A joint water reclamation project that proactively responds to Southern
California’s current and future water needs. This joint project between the Orange County Water District and the Orange County
Sanitation District provides 70 million gallons per day of drinking quality water to replenish the local groundwater supply.
LEVEL OF SERVICE (LOS) – Goals to support environmental and public expectations for performance.
N-NITROSODIMETHYLAMINE (NDMA) – A N-nitrosamine suspected cancer-causing agent. It has been found in the
Groundwater Replenishment System process and is eliminated using hydrogen peroxide with extra ultra-violet treatment.
NATIONAL BIOSOLIDS PARTNERSHIP (NBP) – An alliance of the National Association of Clean Water Agencies and Water
Environment Federation, with advisory support from the US Environmental Protection Agency. NBP is committed to developing
and advancing environmentally sound and sustainable biosolids management practices that go beyond regulatory compliance
and promote public participation to enhance the credibility of local agency biosolids programs and improved communications that
lead to public acceptance.
PLUME – A visible or measurable concentration of discharge from a stationary source or fixed facility.
PUBLICLY OWNED TREATMENT WORKS (POTW) – A municipal wastewater treatment plant.
SANTA ANA RIVER INTERCEPTOR (SARI) LINE – A regional brine line designed to convey 30 million gallons per day of non-
reclaimable wastewater from the upper Santa Ana River basin to the ocean for disposal, after treatment.
SANITARY SEWER – Separate sewer systems specifically for the carrying of domestic and industrial wastewater. Combined
sewers carry both wastewater and urban runoff.
SOUTH COAST AIR QUALITY MANAGEMENT DISTRICT (SCAQMD) – Regional regulatory agency that develops plans and
regulations designed to achieve public health standards by reducing emissions from business and industry.
SECONDARY TREATMENT – Biological wastewater treatment, particularly the activated sludge process, where bacteria and
other microorganisms consume dissolved nutrients in wastewater.
SLUDGE – Untreated solid material created by the treatment of wastewater.
TOTAL SUSPENDED SOLIDS (TSS) – The amount of solids floating and in suspension in wastewater.
TRICKLING FILTER – A biological secondary treatment process in which bacteria and other microorganisms, growing as slime
on the surface of rocks or plastic media, consume nutrients in wastewater as it trickles over them.
URBAN RUNOFF – Water from city streets and domestic properties that carry pollutants into the storm drains, rivers, lakes, and
oceans.
WASTEWATER – Any water that enters the sanitary sewer.
WATERSHED – A land area from which water drains to a particular water body. The Orange County Sanitation District’s service
area is in the Santa Ana River Watershed.