HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-08-2019 LaPA Committee Agenda Packet07/08/2019 Legislative and Public Affairs Committee Page 1 of 2
Orange County Sanitation District
Meeting of the LEGISLATIVE AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
Monday, July 8, 2019 3:30 P.M. Administration Building Board Room
10844 Ellis Avenue Fountain Valley, CA (714) 593-7433
UAGENDA
UPLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: UDECLARATION OF QUORUM:
UPUBLIC COMMENTS:U 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 Chairman
and are requested to limit comments to three minutes. UREPORTS:U The Committee Chair and the General Manager may present verbal reports on miscellaneous
matters of general interest to the Committee Members. These reports are for information only and require no action by the Committee. UCONSENT CALENDAR:U Consent Calendar Items are considered to be routine and will be enacted, by
the Committee, after one motion, without discussion. Any items withdrawn from the Consent Calendar for
separate discussion will be considered in the regular order of business.
1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES (Clerk of the Board)
RECOMMENDATION: Approve minutes for the Committee meeting held on June 10, 2019.
NON-CONSENT:
2. LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS UPDATE FOR THE MONTH OF JUNE 2019 (Jim Herberg)
RECOMMENDATION: Recommend to the Board of Directors to: Receive and file
the Legislative Affairs Update for the month of June 2019. 3. PUBLIC AFFAIRS UPDATE FOR THE MONTH OF JUNE 2019 (Jim Herberg)
RECOMMENDATION: Recommend to the Board of Directors to: Receive and file the Public Affairs Update for the month of June 2019.
07/08/2019 Legislative and Public Affairs Committee Page 2 of 2 UINFORMATION ITEMS: None. UOTHER BUSINESS AND COMMUNICATIONS OR SUPPLEMENTAL AGENDA ITEMS, IF ANY:U BOARD OF DIRECTORS INITIATED ITEMS FOR A FUTURE MEETING:
At this time Board members may request staff to place an item on a future agenda. UADJOURNMENT:
The next Legislative and Public Affairs Committee meeting is scheduled for Monday, September 9, 2019 at 12:00 p.m.
Accommodations for the Disabled: Meeting Rooms are wheelchair accessible. If you require any special disability related accommodations, please contact the Orange County Sanitation District Clerk of the Board’s 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. NOTICE TO DIRECTORS: To place items on the agenda for the Committee Meeting, items must be submitted to the Clerk of the Board 14 days before the meeting. Kelly A. Lore, MMC Clerk of the Board (714) 593-7433 Klore@ocsd.com
For any questions on the agenda, Committee members may contact staff at: General Manager James D. Herberg (714) 593-7300 30T30T30T30T30TU30TU30Tjherberg@ocsd.comUU30T30T30T Assistant General Manager Rob Thompson (714) 593-7310 30Trthompson@ocsd.com30T
Assistant General Manager Lorenzo Tyner (714) 593-7550 30Tltyner@ocsd.com30T Director of Environmental Services Lan Wiborg (714) 593-7450 lwiborg@ocsd.com Public Affairs Supervisor Jennifer Cabral (714) 593-7581 30T30T30Tjjcabral@ocsd.com30T30T30T Senior Public Affairs Specialist Rebecca Long (714) 593-7444 30T30T30Trlong@ocsd.com30T30T30T
06/10/2019 Legislative and Public Affairs Committee Minutes Page 1 of 4
MINUTES OF THE LEGISLATIVE AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
Orange County Sanitation District Monday, June 10, 2019 at 12:00 p.m.
A meeting of the Legislative and Public Affairs Committee was called to order by Committee Chair Peter Kim on Monday, June 10, 2019 at 12:01 p.m. in the Administration Building of the Orange County Sanitation District. Chair Kim led the pledge of allegiance. A quorum was declared present, as follows:
COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT: Peter Kim, Chair Allan Bernstein, Vice-Chair Lucille Kring, Member-At-Large
Christina Shea, Member-At-Large
David Shawver, Board Chair John Withers, Board Vice-Chair
COMMITTEE MEMBERS ABSENT:
Erik Peterson, Member-At-Large
STAFF PRESENT: Jim Herberg, General Manager Lorenzo Tyner, Assistant General Manager Kathy Millea, Director of Engineering
Lan Wiborg, Director of Environmental Services
Tina Knapp, Assistant Clerk of the Board Jennifer Cabral Tanya Chong Daisy Covarrubias
Lisa Frigo
Rebecca Long Kelly Lore Tyler Ramirez Wally Ritchie
OTHERS PRESENT: Brad Hogin, General Counsel Eric Sapirstein, ENS Resources (via teleconference)
Eric O’Donnell, Townsend Public Affairs (TPA) Cori Williams, Townsend Public Affairs (TPA)
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
None.
REPORT OF COMMITTEE CHAIR:
Committee Chair Kim indicated that Board Vice-Chair John Withers, Committee Vice-Chair Bernstein, and he will be traveling to Washington, D.C. the week of June 17 for advocacy days.
REPORT OF GENERAL MANAGER:
General Manager Jim Herberg indicated that Item No. 2 is interpreted by the Sanitation District as being storage related.
ITEM NO. 1
06/10/2019 Legislative and Public Affairs Committee Minutes Page 2 of 4
CONSENT CALENDAR:
1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES (Clerk of the Board) MOVED, SECONDED, and DULY CARRIED TO: Approve minutes for the Committee meeting held on May 13, 2019.
AYES: Bernstein, Kim, Kring, Shawver, Shea, and Withers
NOES: None
ABSTENTIONS: None ABSENT: Peterson 2. POSITION LETTER: ASSEMBLY BILL 1184 (Jim Herberg)
MOVED, SECONDED, AND DULY CARRIED TO: Approve letter of Oppose for
Assembly Bill 1184 - Public records: writing transmitted by electronic mail: retention (Gloria).
AYES: Bernstein, Kim, Kring, Shawver, Shea, and Withers
NOES: None
ABSTENTIONS: None ABSENT: Peterson
NON-CONSENT: 3. TITLE XVI BUREAU OF RECLAMATION FUNDING OPPORTUNITY FOR EFFLUENT REUSE PROJECT UNDER THE WATER INFRASTRUCTURE
IMPROVEMENTS FOR THE NATION (WIIN) ACT (Jim Herberg)
Senior Public Affairs Specialist Rebecca Long provided an overview of this item. Mr. Herberg and Ms. Long responded to questions from the Committee regarding the amount of funding being applied for.
MOVED, SECONDED, AND DULY CARRIED TO: Recommend to the Board of Directors to: Adopt Resolution No. OCSD 19-XX entitled, “A Resolution of the Board of Directors of the Orange County Sanitation District approving and authorizing the grant application for the third round of the Title XVI Water
Recycling Projects under the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation
(WIIN) Act including Orange County Sanitation District’s Effluent Reuse Project; and the Execution of Grant Documents with the United States Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation”.
AYES: Bernstein, Kim, Kring, Shawver, Shea, and Withers
NOES: None
ABSTENTIONS: None
ABSENT: Peterson
06/10/2019 Legislative and Public Affairs Committee Minutes Page 3 of 4
4. LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS UPDATE FOR THE MONTH OF MAY 2019
(Jim Herberg)
Ms. Long indicated that October 25 is the tentative date for this year’s State of the District event, which will be held at the Mile Square Golf Course.
Eric Sapirstein, ENS Resources, provided a PowerPoint presentation and a brief
overview of his monthly report which included: infrastructure funding and policymaking, permit terms legislation, and PFAS/PFOAS update. Board Vice-Chair John Withers inquired about the possibility of classifying the finalization of the GWRS project as stormwater related. In response to a question
from Mr. Herberg, Mr. Sapirstein indicated that the Orange County Water District
is the lead agency on the delegation letter being drafted to the USEPA pertaining to PFAS. Director Shea inquired about her participation at the US Conference of Mayors and what items might be of focus for her. Staff will work with Mr. Sapirstein to provide talking points and general information to Director Shea. Mr.
Herberg indicated that staff is monitoring the PFAS issue.
Eric O’Donnell, TPA, provided a PowerPoint presentation that included information on the current legislative schedule and deadlines, FY 2019-2020 budget, water tax update, and 2019 legislation. Mr. O’Donnell also reviewed the
current status of AB 1672 (Bloom) – Flushable Wipes and SB 332 (Hertzberg) –
Ocean Discharge. Committee Chair Kim deemed the Legislative Affairs Update for the month of May 2019 received and filed.
5. PUBLIC AFFAIRS UPDATE FOR THE MONTH OF MAY 2019 (Jim Herberg) Jennifer Cabral, Public Affairs Supervisor, provided a PowerPoint presentation
which reviewed outreach efforts made and meetings attended over the last month,
highlighting OCSD’s participation in the Crisis/Risk Communications Strategy. Ms. Cabral thanked the Board Chair and Board Vice-Chair for their participation in the Honor Walk in May. Ms. Cabral provided a definition of what impressions means as it pertains to social media. Board Chair Shawver indicated that an
online contest offering the winner a tour of OCSD might garner an increase in
interaction with our public. Ms. Cabral welcomed Kelly Newell, Public Affairs Specialist, back from maternity leave and thanked Daisy Covarrubias, Senior Staff Analyst, for assisting Public Affairs while Kelly was on leave. Ms. Cabral also provided a brief description of upcoming events including information on the
centrifuge facility ribbon cutting being held on July 27. In response to a comment
made by Board Vice-Chair Withers, Ms. Cabral assured the Committee that staff is sensitive to project activity in Huntington Beach, near Plant No. 2, and is collaborating with city staff and the city of Huntington Beach Director appointed to the OCSD Board as appropriate.
06/10/2019 Legislative and Public Affairs Committee Minutes Page 4 of 4
Committee Chair Kim deemed the Public Affairs Update for the month of
May 2019 received and filed.
INFORMATION ITEMS: None.
OTHER BUSINESS AND COMMUNICATIONS OR SUPPLEMENTAL AGENDA ITEMS, IF ANY: None.
UBOARD OF DIRECTORS INITIATED ITEMS FOR A FUTURE MEETING: None.
ADJOURNMENT:
Committee Chair Kim declared the meeting adjourned at 12:49 p.m. to the next Legislative and Public Affairs Committee meeting, Monday, July 8, 2019 at 3:30 p.m.
Submitted by:
_____________________ Tina Knapp, MMC
Assistant Clerk of the Board
Page 1 of 2
LEGISLATIVE AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS COMMITTEE Meeting Date 07/08/19 To Bd. of Dir. 07/24/19
AGENDA REPORT Item Number 2 Item Number
Orange County Sanitation District FROM: James D. Herberg, General Manager SUBJECT: LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS UPDATE FOR THE MONTH OF JUNE 2019
GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION Receive and file the Legislative Affairs Update for the month of June 2019. BACKGROUND
The Orange County Sanitation District’s (Sanitation District) legislative affairs program includes advocating the Sanitation District’s legislative interests, sponsoring legislation (where appropriate), and seeking Local, State, and Federal funding for projects and programs.
Staff will provide an update on recent legislative and grant activities. RELEVANT STANDARDS
• Maintain influential legislative advocacy and a public outreach program
• Build brand, trust, and support with policy makers and community leaders
• Maintain collaborative and cooperative relationships with regulators, stakeholders, and neighboring communities PROBLEM
Without a strong advocacy program, elected officials may not be aware that the Sanitation
District is more than a wastewater treatment plant – treating and sending water to the ocean. The Sanitation District is an environmentally engaged organization which recycles more
than 50 percent of its wastewater. Additionally, to help meet the goal of 100 percent
recycling, the Sanitation District uses the byproducts from the wastewater treatment process to produce biosolids to fertilize crops and energy used to help power the two plants in Fountain Valley and Huntington Beach.
PROPOSED SOLUTION
Continue to work with Local, State, and Federal officials to advocate the Sanitation District’s legislative interests. Help to create/monitor legislation and grants that would benefit the Sanitation District, the wastewater industry, and the community as a whole.
Page 2 of 2
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.
RAMIFICATIONS OF NOT TAKING ACTION
If we do not work with Local, State, and Federal elected officials, legislation could be passed that negatively affects the Sanitation District and the wastewater industry as a whole. Additionally, this could affect our chances of receiving grant funding.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Sanitation District Board Vice-Chair John Withers, Committee Chair Peter Kim, Committee Vice-Chairman Allan Bernstein, and General Manager Jim Herberg attended
the Washington D.C. Advocacy Days, which took place June 17-19, during which current
legislation, regulatory affairs, and possible funding opportunities were discussed. Meetings took place with Congressman Lowenthal; staff from the offices of Congressman Cisneros, Congresswoman Porter, Congressman Correa, and Congressman Rouda; and the National Association of Clean Water Agencies CEO Adam Krantz.
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 & Legislative Matrix - ENS Resources
• State Update & Legislative Matrix - Townsend Public Affairs
• Grant Matrix
• D.C. Lobby Day Report
M E M O R A N D U M TO: Rebecca Long FROM: Eric Sapirstein DATE: June 17, 2019 SUBJECT: Washington Update During the past month, congressional efforts to develop fiscal year 2020 spending bills continued in the House. The Senate leadership continued to work with the Administration to develop a consensus understanding on how to reach an overall spending limit to avoid sequestration that would mean at least 10 percent across-the-board program cuts. On policy issues, several House committees continued to develop a legislative record on the need for infrastructure assistance with a focus on water, despite the apparent collapse of a comprehensive infrastructure package. Concern over Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances - PFAS/PFOA contamination of drinking water supplies continued to command congressional attention through the budget, and policy making process. The following summarizes the status of these and other issues of interest to OCSD.
Washington Meetings In Place for Board Members and District Representatives Over the past month, the annual Washington federal advocacy visit was arranged. Meetings are in place for OCSD to meet with its congressional delegation to identify and advocate on behalf of its priorities for infrastructure assistance, advancing support for food waste to energy programs, addressing biosolids management, and water recycling assistance.
2 | Page
Fiscal Year 2020 Spending Decisions Maintain Strong Support for Water Needs The House Committee on Appropriations approved both the Interior and Environment Appropriations Bill, which funds the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) programs, and the Energy and Water Development Appropriations Bill, which funds water recycling and water efficiency programs at the United States Bureau of Reclamation (USBR). The House will debate and pass the measures before it recesses for the Independence Day week. Passage of the min-busses is all but assured. Assuming this occurs, the Senate will then have adequate time to develop and pass its versions of these bills. In theory, this would mean that the two chambers could then meet in a conference committee to fashion a final measure in September, before the new fiscal year begins on October 1. However, the Administration has signaled that the increased spending in the House bills and the packaging of several bills into a minibus would result in a veto. It is too early to conclude that the Administration would follow through on the veto. Instead, it would appear highly likely that a stopgap spending measure will be required as Congress and the Administration seek to address contentious issues including the ongoing debate to fund the border wall, increase the debt ceiling limit and reconcile spending priorities in September and October. At USEPA, the State and Tribal Assistance Grants (STAG) program that includes the State Revolving Loan Fund would be funded at a total of $4.6 billion, an increase of $1 billion. Of this amount, the Clean Water SRF would be allocated $1.8 billion and the Drinking Water SRF would receive a record $1.3 billion. Grants to support sustainability projects would be funded at $4 million; a small amount, but the first time such grants have been appropriated. Additionally, for the first time, funding would be provided at $90 million to support direct grants to agencies for addressing stormwater capture for recycling. The Energy and Water Development Appropriations Bill seeks to provide significant funding for water recycling projects with Title XVI receiving $63 million. The Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act (WIIN) water recycling program would receive $10 million, but has been boosted with $13 million of Title XVI funding directed to be transferred. The small appropriation for WIIN water recycling projects is attributable to the fact that only $10 million in program authorization remains. Assuming the full $63 million is ultimately signed into law, it will offer OCSD a continued source of federal assistance to compete for in the year ahead. The important WaterSmart program that has benefited wastewater agencies implement innovative technologies in the past is appropriated $60 million, providing robust funding for technology assistance.
3 | Page
ENS Resources, Inc. 1901 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. Suite 1005 Washington, D.C. 20006 Phone 202.466.3755/Telefax 202.466.3787
Regulation and Remediation of PFAS/PFOA The continuing escalating concern over the health impacts connected to PFAS/PFOA contamination of drinking water sources has generated dozens of bills to require either the listing of the chemicals for regulation under the Safe Drinking Water Act or developing grants assistance to communities for the cleanup of water supplies. The Senate is expected to vote on this comprehensive approach that would be attached to the National Defense Authorization Act, all but guaranteeing passage if the amendment is agreed to by the House during conference later this year. As drafted, USEPA would be required to impose monitoring requirements on water agencies. The key issue for OCSD is language that requires USEPA to issue interim guidance on the destruction and disposal of PFAS from, among other sources, biosolids, spent membranes, and filters. In addition, another approach that draws serious consideration is to impose compliance with treatment mandates upon manufacturers of products that contain PFAS/PFOA through effluent limitations. As Congress considers legislation, USEPA continues to study the extent of PFAS/PFOA in the drinking water supply and what the science deems appropriate to develop an enforceable human health protection standard. Recently, California’s Attorney General sent a letter (on behalf of several state Attorneys Generals) to USEPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler demanding that a standard, known as an MCL, be established without delay. The standard if adopted would create an exceptionally low level of detection that could impose new monitoring and treatment mandates on water agencies.
Infrastructure Initiative Collapses Due to Inability to Identify Funding Source The conventional wisdom that the White House and Congress would come together and work on a massive infrastructure program evaporated this past month when the president rejected the effort until such time as congressional investigations end. However, it seems that irrespective of the politics surrounding the infrastructure debate, the key challenge involves finding a source of revenue to support a dramatic funding demand in excess of a trillion dollars. While legislative time remains to develop an infrastructure package, it seems more likely that the House and Senate will develop individual infrastructure packages that will be finalized no earlier than next session. To this end, the Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure is expected to approve H.R. 1497 by the end of June or early July. H.R. 1497 would authorize $4 billion annually for five years to support the Clean Water SRF program along with provisions to support disadvantaged communities and other needs including green infrastructure. The priority to address resiliency and alternative water supply needs like water recycling continues to be a focus for the House Committee on Natural Resources and the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
4 | Page In the House, Representative Josh Harder (D-CA) introduced the S.A.V.E Our Water Ac (H.R. 2473) that would, among other matters, fund individual water recycling projects at a maximum amount of $30 million. The bill would commit $500 million to the overall program for a period of five years. The bill’s water recycling provisions mirror an earlier introduced bill, H.R. 1162, sponsored by Representative Grace Napolitano (D-CA). Both bills received a hearing before the House Subcommittee on Water, Oceans and Wildlife this month. The hearing now allows the bills to be redrafted into one measure, approved by the committee, and sent to the House floor for debate and a vote this summer, at the earliest. In the Senate, Senator Feinstein has just about completed a draft drought resiliency bill that she is collaborating with Senator Cory Gardner (R-CO). The bipartisan bill would likely become the key Senate water bill to address water needs in the western U.S. Staff for Senator Feinstein and the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources continue to work on provisions to address renewal of WIIN provisions related to Bay-Delta issues. Central to the draft are provisions providing $100 million to support water recycling projects, raising the project assistance cap to $30 million, deauthorizing water recycling projects that have not received federal assistance over the past ten years, and creating a low interest loan program - Reclamation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (RIFIA) to stimulate billions in new water infrastructure project funding.
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 - 3/4/19
Referred to
Subcommittee on
Water, Oceans, and
Wildlife
Watch CASA SUPPORTS
H.R. 1497 Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-OR)
Water Quality Protection and Job Creation Act of 2019. Provides
nearly $23.5 billion in direct infrastructure investment over the next
five years to address wastewater infrastructure and local water
quality challenges. This bill allocates $20 billion in grants for the
Clean Water State Revolving Fund.
House - 03/06/2019
Referred to the
Subcommittee on
Water Resources and
Environment
Watch CASA SUPPORTS
H.R. 535 Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-MI)R
To require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection
Agency to shall designate per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances as
hazardous substances under the Comprehensive Environmental
Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980.
House - 2/7/19
Referred tp
Subcommittee on
Railroads, Pipelines,
and Hazardous
Materials
Watch NYC
H.R. 876 Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-OR)
Pacific Northwest Earthquake Preparedness Act of 2019. Requires
the FEMA to develop a plan for the purchase and installation of an
earthquake early warning system for the Cascadia Subduction Zone.
The term "Cascadia Subduction Zone"
House - 2/6/19 Passed
House by voice vote,
received in Senate
and referred to
Committee on
Homeland Security
and Governmental
Affairs
Watch NYC
Federal Legislation 2019 - 2020
Priority
Updated June 2019
OCSD
Federal
Bills of Interest
BILL AUTHOR SUMMARY LATEST ACTION OCSD POSITION OTHER
POSITIONS
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
S. 403 Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI)
A bill to encourage the research and use of innovative materials
and associated techniques in the construction and preservation of
the domestic transportation and water infrastructure system, and
for other purposes.
Senate - 2/7/19
Referred to
Committee on
Environment and
Public Works
Watch NYC
H.R. 977 Rep. Brian Mast (R-FL)
To require the Corps of Engineers to notify affected communities
before releasing water contaminated with cyanobacteria from
flood risk management projects, and for other purposes.
House - 2/7/19
Referred to
Subcommittee on
Water Resources and
Environment
Watch NYC
H.R. 892 Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-CA)
To amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to limit attorney
fees and penalties in citizen suits, and for other purposes.
House - 2/7/19
Referred to
Subcommittee on
Water Resources and
Environment
Watch NYC
H.R. 358 Rep. Juan Vargas (D-CA)
California New River Restoration Act of 2019. Requires the USEPA to
establish a California New River restoration program for the New
River. USEPA must (1) implement projects, plans, and initiatives for
the New River supported by the California-Mexico Border Relations
Council; and (2) provide grants and technical assistance for
coordinating restoration and protection activities.
House - 2/7/19
Referred to
Subcommittee on
Water Resources and
Environment
Watch NYC
S. 376 Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY)
A bill to amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to clarify
the definition of navigable waters, and for other purposes.
Senate - 2/7/19
Referred to
Committee on
Environment and
Public Works
Watch NYC
Updated June 2019
OCSD
Federal
Bills of Interest
BILL AUTHOR SUMMARY LATEST ACTION OCSD POSITION OTHER
POSITIONS
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
H.R. 1137 Rep. John Garamendi (D-CA)
To amend the Water Resources Development Act of 1986 to repeal
the authority relating to reprogramming during national
emergencies.
House - 2/12/19
Referred to the
Subcommittee on
Water Resources and
Environment
Watch NYC
H.R. 1317 Rep. Harley Rouda (D-CA)
Coastal Communities Adaption Act. Improves the resilience of the
built and natural environment to natural disasters and climate
change using, among other measures, natural and nature-based
features, and for other purposes.
House - 3/619
Referred to
Subcommittee on
Water Resources and
Environment
Watch NYC
S. 638 Sen. Tom Carper (D-DE)
A bill to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection
Agency to designate per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances as
hazardous substances under the Comprehensive Environmental
Response, Compensation, Liability Act of 1980, and for other
purposes.
Senate - 2/28/19
Referred to
Committee on
Environment and
Public Works
Watch NYC
S. 611 Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT)
A bill to provide adequate funding for water and sewer
infrastructure, and for other purposes.
Senate - 2/28/19
Referred to
Committee on
Environment and
Public Works
Watch NYC
H.R. 1331 Rep. Angie Craig (D-MN)
To amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to reauthorize
certain programs relating to nonpoint source management, and for
other purposes.
House - 4/9/19 Passed
House 329-56.
Received in Senate,
referred to
Committee on
Environment and
Public Works
Watch NYC
Updated June 2019
OCSD
Federal
Bills of Interest
BILL AUTHOR SUMMARY LATEST ACTION OCSD POSITION OTHER
POSITIONS
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 - Support
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 - 4/3/19
Referred to
Committee on
Commerce, Science,
and Transportation
Watch NYC
H.R. 2019 Rep. Jerry McNerney (D-CA)
Smart Energy and Water Effeciency 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 June 2019
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 - 4/9/19
Referred to
Committee on Natural
Resources
Watch NYC
S. 1069 Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI)
A bill to require the Secretary of Commerce, acting through the
Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, to establish a constituent-driven program to
provide a digital information platform capable of efficiently
integrating coastal data with decision-support tools, training, and
best practices and to support collection of priority coastal
geospatial data to inform and improve local, State, regional, and
Federal capacities to manage the coastal region, and for other
purposes.
Senate - 4/9/19
Referred to
Committee on
Commerce, Science,
and Transportation Watch NYC
S. 1087 Sen. John Barrasso (R-WY)
A bill to amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to make
changes with respect to water quality certification, and for other
purposes.
Senate - 4/9/19
Referred to
Committee on
Environment and
Public Works
Watch NYC
H.R. 2473 Rep. Josh Harder (D-CA)
S.A.V.E. Water Resourcs Act. Promotes water supply reliability and
improved water management for rural communities, the State of
California, and the Nation, and for other purposes.
House - 5/14/19
Referred to
Subcommittee on
Water, Oceans and
Wildlife
Watch NYC
S. 1251 Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH)
Safe Drinking Water Assistance Act of 2019. Improves and
coordinate interagency Federal actions and provide assistance to
States for responding to public health challenges posed by emerging
contaminants, and for other purposes.
Senate - 4/30/19
Referred to
Committee on
Environment and
Public Works
Watch NYC
H.R. 2458 Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell (D-
FL)
WISE Act. Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to require
a certain percentage of funds appropriated for revolving fund
capitalization grants be used for green projects, and for other
purposes.
House - 5/1/19
Referred to
Subcomittee of Water
Resrources and
Environment
Watch NYC
Updated June 2019
OCSD
Federal
Bills of Interest
BILL AUTHOR SUMMARY LATEST ACTION OCSD POSITION OTHER
POSITIONS
H.R. 2377 Rep. Brendan Boyle (D-PA)
Protect Drinking Water from PFAS Act of 2019. Requires the
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to address the level of
perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking
water. Specifically, the EPA must publish a maximum contaminant
level goal and promulgate a national primary drinking water
regulation for total PFAS. PFAS are man-made chemicals that may
lead to adverse human health effects.
House - 4/29/19
Referred to
Committee on Energy
and Commerce Watch NYC
H.R. 2533 Rep. Frank Pallone (D-NJ)
To assist community water systems affected by PFAS
contamination, and for other purposes.
House - 5/7/19
Referred to
Committee on Energy
and Commerce
Watch NYC
H.R. 2566 Rep. Darren Soto (D-FL)
To require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection
Agency to revise the Safer Choice Standard to provide for a Safer
Choice label for pots, pans, and cooking utensils that do not contain
PFAS, and for other purposes.
House - 5/7/19
Referred to
Committee on Energy
and Commerce
Watch NYC
H.R. 2577 Rep. Antonio Delgado (D-NY)
PFAS Right-To-Know Act. Amends the Emergency Planning and
Community Right-To-Know Act of 1986 to include per- and
polyfluoroalkyl substances on the Toxics Release Inventory, and for
other purposes.
House - 5/8/19
Referred to
Committee on Energy
and Commerce
Watch NYC
S. 1372 Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-MI)
A bill to encourage Federal agencies to expeditiously enter into or
amend cooperative agreements with States for removal and
remedial actions to address PFAS contamination in drinking,
surface, and ground water and land surface and subsurface strata,
and for other purposes.
Senate - 5/8/19
Referred to
Committee on
Environment and
Public Works
Watch NYC
H.R. 2740 Rep. Kaptur, Marcy (D-OH)
Making appropriations for energy and water development and
related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2020, and
for other purposes.
House - 6/17/19
Debating
amendments on the
floor
Watch NYC
H.R. 3055 Rep. McCollum, Betty (D-MN)
Making appropriations for the Department of the Interior,
environment, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending
September 30, 2020, and for other purposes
House - 6/17/19
Amendments filed
with Committee on
Rules
Watch NYC
Updated June 2019
OCSD
Federal
Bills of Interest
BILL AUTHOR SUMMARY LATEST ACTION OCSD POSITION OTHER
POSITIONS
H.R. 2705 Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR)
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)
To standardize and extend certain Buy America Provisions.House - 5/15/19
Referred to
Committees on
Transportation and
Infrastructure, Energy
and Commerce
Watch NYC
S. 1473 Sen. Kristen Gillibrand (D-NY)
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)
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)
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)
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
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 - 5/16/19
Referred to
Committee on
Environment and
Public Works
Watch NYC
Updated June 2019
OCSD
Federal
Bills of Interest
BILL AUTHOR SUMMARY LATEST ACTION OCSD POSITION OTHER
POSITIONS
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 - 5/21/19
Referred to the
Committee on Energy
and Natural Resources
Watch NYC
H.R. 2871 Rep. Russ Fulcher (R-ID)
Aquifer Recharge Flexibility Act. Provides flexibility to allow greater
aquifer recharge, and for other purposes.
House - 5/21/19
Referred to
Committee on Natural
Resources
Watch NYC
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
Updated June 2019
OCSD
Federal
Bills of Interest
BILL AUTHOR SUMMARY LATEST ACTION OCSD POSITION OTHER
POSITIONS
S. 1730 Sen. Kamala Harris (D-CA)
Living Shorelines Act of 2019. Directs the Administrator of the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to make grants to
State and local governments and nongovernmental organizations for
purposes of carrying out climate-resilient living shoreline projects
that protect coastal communities by supporting ecosystem functions
and habitats with the use of natural materials and systems, and for
other purposes.
Senate - 6/5/19
Referred to
Committee on
Commerce, Science
and Transportation
Watch NYC
H.R. 3115 Rep. Frank Pallone (D-NJ)
To direct the Administrator of the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration to make grants to State and local
governments and nongovernmental organizations for purposes of
carrying out climate-resilient living shoreline projects that protect
coastal communities by supporting ecosystem functions and
habitats with the use of natural materials and systems, and for
other purposes.
House - 6/5/19
Referred to
Committee on Natural
Resources Watch NYC
H.R. 3226 Rep. Andy Kim (D-NJ)
Safe Water for Military Families Act. Directs the Secretary of
Defense to prohibit the use of firefighting foam containing
perfuoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substances, and for other purposes.
House - 6/12/19
Referred to
Committee on Armed
Services
Watch NYC
S. 1837 Sen. Kristen Gillibrand (D-NY)
A bill to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection
Agency to establish a discretionary grant program for drinking
water and wastewater infrastructure projects, and for other
purposes.
Senate - 6/13/19
Referred to
Committee on
Environment and
Public Works
Watch NYC
H.R. 3254 Rep. Antonio Delgado (D-NY)
To require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection
Agency to establish a discretionary grant program for drinking
water and wastewater infrastructure projects, and for other
purposes.
House - 6/14/19
Referred to
Subcommittee on
Water Resources and
Environment
Watch NYC
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 June 2019
To: Orange County Sanitation District
From: Townsend Public Affairs, Inc.
Date: June 18, 2019
Subject: Legislative and Public Affairs Agenda Report
State Political Update
After the Appropriations Committee deadline on May 17, the focus of the Legislature was shifted
primarily toward the Budget deadline of June 15. The Assembly and the Senate convened a series
of budget subcommittee hearings to negotiate and adopt specific funding priorities and positions.
Once these various budget subcommittees finalized their work, the Senate, and Assembly
introduced their own Budget proposals to fund their priority policy areas and projects. Differences
between the Senate and Assembly versions of the Budget were consolidated by a Budget
Conference Committee before the final Budget was approved by both houses on June 13.
In addition to focusing on the budget process, the Legislature also worked to pass all bills out of their first house by June 1. Any bills that did not pass before June 1 are now two-year bills and can be heard again in January 2020. The Legislature’s focus will now shift toward passing bills out of their second-house policy committees before their Summer Recess.
Below is a list of key upcoming deadlines in the Legislature:
July 10 – Last day for policy committees to hear and report fiscal bills in their second house to
fiscal committees.
July 12 – Summer Recess begins upon adjournment
Fiscal Year 2019-2020 State Budget On June 13, the Assembly voted 60-15 to pass a $214.8 billion FY 19-20 State Budget. Shortly after, the Senate voted 29-11 to pass the same Budget bill. The Budget is currently on Governor Newsom’s desk for his consideration and signature. When the Budget deal was announced earlier in June, Governor Newsom called it balanced and praised its fiscal responsibility and resiliency. As a reminder, the Governor of California has line-item veto authority of the State Budget. This record-setting Budget includes $150.7 billion in General Fund expenditures, as well as contains the largest reserves in California history of over $19 billion.
The Budget includes a sweeping compromise on a sustainable funding source for safe and affordable drinking water projects for disadvantaged communities, as well as the highest per pupil education funding in State history and over $2 billion in one-time funding for programs to combat
homelessness, promote housing-related infrastructure, and expand the State’s Low Income Housing Tax Credit Program.
June 2019 Report 2
Safe Drinking Water Proposals
The Budget that the Assembly and the Senate passed on June 13 included a safe and affordable drinking water compromise. Included in the Budget for Fiscal Year 19-20 is $100 million from the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF) as well as $30 million from the General Fund for safe drinking water projects in communities that do not have access to safe drinking water.
Additionally, a trailer bill will be introduced and considered in the next couple of weeks, which will have a 5 percent GGRF continuous appropriation beginning 2020-21 with a total cap of $130 million toward safe and affordable drinking water programs. It will also provide a General Fund
backstop to fill the Safe Drinking Water Fund should the 5 percent of the GGRF be lower than $130 million beginning 2023-24, with a sunset in 2030.
As a reminder, the GGRF generates money as a key component of the State’s Cap and Trade program, which sells emissions credits through quarterly auctions to large polluters in the State. The California constitution limits the use of GGRF to only projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions or sequester carbon in the atmosphere. The nexus the Legislature is using to authorize GGRF appropriations is the reduction of vehicle emissions from trucking in water to several communities that do not have clean drinking water. The deal struck by legislators to provide a sustainable source of funding for clean drinking water projects means that the concept of a water tax is likely dead for the year. AB 217 (Garcia), which previously included a $0.50 per month charge to urban water system customers has been gut and amended to now deal with income tax credits. TPA will continue to monitor the Budget situation, policy bills, and trailer bills for language that institutes a water tax. Cap and Trade Auction
In May, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) conducted their second Cap and Trade auction of the calendar year. The Cap and Trade program is a greenhouse gas emission reduction
strategy that places a statewide cap on emissions and auctions off emission allowances on a quarterly basis. Major carbon emitters must bid on allowances in order to report their total emissions to the state each year. Once again, all available emission credits were sold, and the
state expects to receive over $740 million from the May 2019 auction. Revenues generated from the Cap and Trade program currently fund various transportation projects, affordable housing, and sustainable community programs. 40 percent of the revenue is available through the discretion of the Legislature for future appropriations for projects that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The adopted Budget highlights the State’s continued commitment to achieving a carbon-neutral economy and transitioning away from fossil fuels by investing $1.4 billion in new and continuing programs. The next Cap and Trade auction will take place in August 2019.
Additional Priority Legislation AB 1184 (Gloria) – 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
June 2019 Report 3
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. AB 1184 passed the Assembly Floor and is now in the Senate Judiciary Committee.
SB 210 (Leyva) – Heavy-Duty Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance Program
SB 210 directs the Air Resources Board (ARB) to work in coordination with multiple state agencies
in order to develop and implement a Heavy-Duty Inspection and Maintenance Program for non-
gasoline, heavy-duty, on-road trucks. Specifically, SB 210 would develop a pilot program to
measure and enforce new regulations on heavy duty on-road trucks and then require ARB to
adopt a full program within two years after the pilot program ends. SB 210 is currently in the
Assembly Transportation Committee and will be heard on July 1, 2019.
SB 667 (Hueso) – Greenhouse gases: recycling infrastructure and facilities.
SB 667 would require CalRecycle 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. This bill also requires CalRecycle to develop and amend a
5-year investment strategy to drive innovation and support technological development and
infrastructure. SB 667 passed the Senate Floor and is currently in the Assembly Natural
Resources Committee.
OCSD
State
Bills of Interest
BILL AUTHOR SUMMARY LATEST ACTION OCSD POSITION LEGISLATIVE
PLAN
OTHER
POSITIONS
AB 11 Chiu [D]Community Redevelopment Law of 2019 Current law dissolved
redevelopment agencies as of February 1, 2012, and designates
successor agencies to act as successor entities to the dissolved
redevelopment agencies. This bill, the Community Redevelopment Law of
2019, would authorize a city or county, or two or more cities acting jointly,
to propose the formation of an affordable housing and infrastructure
agency by adoption of a resolution of intention that meets specified
requirements, including that the resolution of intention include a
passthrough provision and an override passthrough provision, as defined.
Failed to pass the Assembly
Appropriations Committee and
is now a two-year bill
Watch State Priorities:
Continue to monitor
the state budget
process and
actively protect the
allocation of local
property taxes to
special districts.
ACCOC - NYC
LOCC - Watch
CASA - NYC
ACWA - NYC
CSDA - Oppose
unless amended
AB 68 Ting [D]Land use: accessory dwelling units. The Planning and Zoning Law
authorizes a local agency to provide, by ordinance, for the creation of
accessory dwelling units in single-family and multifamily residential zones
and sets forth required ordinance standards, including, among others, lot
coverage. This bill would delete the provision authorizing the imposition of
standards on lot coverage and would prohibit an ordinance from imposing
requirements on minimum lot size.
Currently in the Senate
Housing Committee
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
Proposed Legislation 2019-2020
High Priority
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.
Currenlty in the Senate
Housing Committee
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.
Passed the Assembly
Appropriations Committee.
Will be heard next on the
Assembly Floor
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
OCSD
State
Bills of Interest
BILL AUTHOR SUMMARY LATEST ACTION OCSD POSITION LEGISLATIVE
PLAN
OTHER
POSITIONS
AB 217 Garcia [D]
Burke [D]
Income taxation: credits: exclusions: federal conformity The Personal
Income Tax Law, beginning on or after January 1, 2015, in modified
conformity with federal income tax laws, allows an earned income tax
credit against personal income tax, and a payment from the Tax Relief
and Refund Account for an allowable credit in excess of tax liability, to an
eligible individual that is equal to that portion of the earned income tax
credit allowed by federal law as determined by the earned income tax
credit adjustment factor, as specified. The law provides that the amount of
the credit is calculated as a percentage of the eligible individual’s earned
income and is phased out above a specified amount as income
increases. The law deems, for each taxable year beginning on or after
January 1, 2018, and before January 1, 2019, the California Consumer
Price Index as the greater of 3.1% or the percentage change in the
California Consumer Price Index for the recomputation of specified
earned income amounts, phaseout amounts, and the amount of
disqualified income that would disallow this credit. This bill, for taxable
years beginning on or after January 1, 2019, and before January 1, 2020,
would deem the California Consumer Price Index as the greater of 3.5%
or the percentage change in the California Consumer Price Index for the
recomputation of those specified amounts.
Bill was gut and amended.
Previously addressed safe and
affordable drinking water. No
longer of utmost importance to
OCSD
Watch State Tactics: N/A ACCOC - NYC
LOCC - NYC
CASA - NYC
ACWA - NYC
CSDA - NYC
AB 223 Stone [D]California Safe Drinking Water Act: microplastics The California Safe
Drinking Water Act requires the State Water Resources Control Board to
administer provisions relating to the regulation of drinking water to protect
public health. Current law requires the state board, on or before July 1,
2020, to adopt a definition of microplastics in drinking water and, on or
before July 1, 2021, to adopt a standard methodology to be used in the
testing of drinking water for microplastics and requirements for 4 years of
testing and reporting of microplastics in drinking water, including public
disclosure of those results. This bill would require the state board, to the
extent possible, and where feasible and cost effective, to work with the
State Department of Public Health in complying with those requirements.
Two Year Bill Watch State Priorities:
Support legislation
or regulations that
restrict the use of
microplastics in any
product that is
disposed of
through the sewer
system.
ACCOC - NYC
LOCC - Watch
CASA - NYC
ACWA - NYC
CSDA - Watch
OCSD
State
Bills of Interest
BILL AUTHOR SUMMARY LATEST ACTION OCSD POSITION LEGISLATIVE
PLAN
OTHER
POSITIONS
AB 231 Mathis [R]California Environmental Quality Act: exemption: recycled water.
Would exempt from CEQA a project to construct or expand a recycled
water pipeline for the purpose of mitigating drought conditions for which a
state of emergency was proclaimed by the Governor if the project meets
specified criteria. Because a lead agency would be required to determine
if a project qualifies for this exemption, this bill would impose a state-
mandated local program. The bill would also exempt from CEQA the
development and approval of building standards by state agencies for
recycled water systems.
Two Year Bill Watch State Priorities:
Support efforts to
reform the
California
Environmental
Quality Act
(CEQA)to
streamline current
procedures
and regulations for
projects to
refurbish or replace
existing
infrastructure
facilities.
ACCOC - NYC
LOCC - Watch
CASA - NYC
ACWA - NYC
CSDA - Support
AB 291 Chu Emergency preparedness Would establish a Local Emergency
Preparedness and Hazard Mitigation Fund to support staffing, planning,
and other emergency mitigation priorities to help local governments meet
emergency management, preparedness, readiness, and resilience goals.
The bill would, upon appropriation by the Legislature, require the
Controller to transfer $500,000,000 to the fund. The bill would require the
Office of Emergency Services to establish the Local Emergency
Preparedness and Hazard Mitigation Fund Committee under the
Standardized Emergency Management System Advisory Board.
Two Year Bill Watch State Priorities:
Secure funding
through grants and
legislation for
infrastructure,
collection
improvements and
alternative
renewable energy
at the Fountain
Valley, Plant No. 1
and Huntington
Beach, Plant No.
ACCOC - NYC
LOCC - Watch
CASA - NYC
ACWA - NYC
CSDA - Watch
OCSD
State
Bills of Interest
BILL AUTHOR SUMMARY LATEST ACTION OCSD POSITION LEGISLATIVE
PLAN
OTHER
POSITIONS
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.
Currently in the Senate
Environmental Quality
Committee and will be heard
on June 19
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 405 Rubio [D]Sales and use taxes: exemption: water treatment. Would exempt from
Sales and Use Tax the gross receipts from the sale in this state of, and
the storage, use, or other consumption in this state of, chemicals used to
treat water, recycled water, or wastewater regardless of whether those
chemicals or other agents become a component part thereof and
regardless of whether the treatment takes place before or after the
delivery to consumers.
Two Year Bill Watch Guiding
Principles: Seek
funds for OCSD
projects through
grants,
appropriations, or
ACCOC - NYC
LOCC - Watch
CASA - Support
ACWA - NYC
CSDA - Support
AB 510 Cooley [D]Local government records: destruction of records. Current law
authorizes the head of a department of a county or city, or the head of a
special district to destroy recordings of telephone and radio
communications maintained by that county, city, or special district after
100 days if that person receives approval from the legislative body and
the written consent of the agency attorney. This bill would exempt the
head of a department of a county or city, or the head of a special district
from these recording retention requirements if the county, city, or special
district adopts a records retention policy governing recordings of routine
video monitoring and recordings of telephone and radio communications.
Two Year Bill Watch Legislative and
Regulatory
Policies: Security -
Support legislation
that would create
efficiencies around
the retention policy
of surveillance
video for
innocuous
recordings.
ACCOC - NYC
LOCC - Watch
CASA - NYC
ACWA - NYC
CSDA - Sponsor
OCSD
State
Bills of Interest
BILL AUTHOR SUMMARY LATEST ACTION OCSD POSITION LEGISLATIVE
PLAN
OTHER
POSITIONS
AB 587 Friedman [D]Accessory dwelling units: sale or separate conveyance Current
property tax law establishes a welfare exemption under which property is
exempt from taxation if the property is owned and operated by a nonprofit
corporation that is organized and operated for the purpose of building and
rehabilitating single-family or multifamily residences for sale, as provided,
at cost to low-income families. This bill would authorize a local agency to
allow, by ordinance, an accessory dwelling unit that was created pursuant
to the process described above to be sold or conveyed separately from
the primary residence to a qualified buyer if certain conditions are met.
Currently in the Senate
Governance and Finance
Committee and will be heard
June 19.
Watch Legislative and
Regulatory
Policies: Special
Districts - Oppose
further state
regulations that
adversely impact
special district
financing,
operations, and
administration.
ACCOC - NYC
LOCC - Watch
CASA - Work w/
author
ACWA - NYC
CSDA - Watch
AB 756 Garcia [D]Public water systems: perfluoroalkyl substances and polyfluoroalkyl
substances Would authorize the State Water Resources Control Board
to order a public water system to monitor for perfluoroalkyl substances
and polyfluoroalkyl substances. The bill would require a community water
system or a nontransient noncommunity water system, upon a detection
of these substances, to report that detection, as specified. The bill would
require a community water system or a nontransient noncommunity water
system where a detected level of these substances exceeds the response
level to take a water source where the detected levels exceed the
response level out of use or provide a prescribed public notification.
Currently in the Senate
Environmental Quality
Committee and will be heard
on June 19
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 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.
Currently in the Senate
Environmental Quality
Committee and will be heard
on June 19
Watch Legislative and
Regulatory
Policies: Source
Control - Support
legislation and
funding
mechanisms that
reduce the amount
of trash, waste,
chemicals, and
harmful organic
material that enter
the sewer system.
ACCOC - NYC
LOCC - Watch
CASA - Watch
ACWA - Watch
CSDA - Watch
AB 992 Mullin [D]Open meetings: local agencies: social media Would provide that the
Ralph M. Brown Act does not apply to the posting, commenting, liking,
interaction with, or participation in, internet-based social media platforms
that are ephemeral, live, or static, by a majority of the members of a
legislative body, provided that a majority of the members do not discuss
among themselves business of a specific nature that is within the subject
matter jurisdiction of the legislative body of the local agency.
Two Year Bill Watch Legislative and
Regulatory
Policies: Special
Districts - Oppose
further state
regulations that
adversely impact
special district
financing,
operations, and
administration.
ACCOC - NYC
LOCC - Watch
CASA - Approve
ACWA - NYC
CSDA - Support
OCSD
State
Bills of Interest
BILL AUTHOR SUMMARY LATEST ACTION OCSD POSITION LEGISLATIVE
PLAN
OTHER
POSITIONS
AB 1080 Gonzalez [D]California Circular Economy and Plastic Pollution Reduction Act
Would establish the California Circular Economy and Plastic Pollution
Reduction Act, which would require the Department of Resources
Recycling and Recovery, in consultation with the State Water Resources
Control Board and the Ocean Protection Council, to adopt, on or before
January 1, 2023, regulations to achieve, by 2030, a 75% reduction by
manufacturers and retailers of the waste generated from single-use
packaging and products offered for sale or sold in the state through
source reduction, recycling, or composting.
Currently in the Senate
Environmental Quality
Committee and will be heard
on July 3.
Watch State Priorities:
Support legislation
or regulations that
restrict the use of
microplastics in any
product that is
disposed of
through the sewer
ACCOC - NYC
LOCC - Support
CASA - NYC
ACWA - NYC
CSDA - NYC
AB 1180 Friedman [D]Water: recycled water The California Safe Drinking Water Act requires
the State Water Resources Control Board to administer provisions
relating to the regulation of drinking water to protect public health. Current
law requires, on or before January 1, 2020, the state board to adopt
standards for backflow protection and cross-connection control through
the adoption of a policy handbook, as specified. This bill would require
that handbook to include provisions for the use of a swivel or changeover
device to supply potable water to a dual-plumbed system during an
interruption in recycled water service.
Currently in the Senate
Appropriations Committee and
will be heard on June 24.
Watch Legislative and
Regulatory
Policies: Recycled
Water - support
measures that
promote and
provide for the use
of reclaimed water.
ACCOC - NYC
LOCC - Watch
CASA - Support
ACWA - NYC
CSDA - Support
OCSD
State
Bills of Interest
BILL AUTHOR SUMMARY LATEST ACTION OCSD POSITION LEGISLATIVE
PLAN
OTHER
POSITIONS
AB 1184 Gloria [D]Public records: writing transmitted by electronic mail: retention
Would, unless a longer retention period is required by statute or
regulation, require a public agency for purposes of the California Public
Records Act to retain and preserve for at least 2 years every writing
containing information relating to the conduct of the public’s business
prepared, owned, or used by any public agency that is transmitted by
electronic mail.
Currently in the Senate
Judiciary Committee and will
be heard on July 9.
Watch Legislative and
Regulatory
Policies: Special
Districts - Oppose
further state
regulations that
adversely impact
special district
financing,
operations, and
administration.
ACCOC - NYC
LOCC - Oppose
CASA - Watch
ACWA - NYC
CSDA - Oppose
AB 1588 Gloria [D]Drinking water and wastewater operator certification programs
Current law requires a person who operates a nonexempt wastewater
treatment plant to possess a valid, unexpired wastewater certificate or
water treatment operator certificate of the appropriate grade. This bill,
when applying for certification by the board as a water treatment operator,
distribution system operator, or wastewater operator, would require
operators of complex industrial facilities, including members of the military
and military service veterans, to receive appropriate equivalent
experience credit and education credit for work and tasks performed that
are directly related to the operation of water or wastewater facilities, as
specified.
Currently in the Senate
Environmental Quality
Committee and will be heard
on June 19
Watch Legislative and
Regulatory
Policies: Special
Districts - Oppose
further state
regulations that
adversely impact
special district
financing,
operations, and
administration.
ACCOC - NYC
LOCC - Watch
CASA - Support
ACWA - NYC
CSDA - Support
OCSD
State
Bills of Interest
BILL AUTHOR SUMMARY LATEST ACTION OCSD POSITION LEGISLATIVE
PLAN
OTHER
POSITIONS
AB 1672 Bloom [D]Solid waste: flushable products The California Integrated Waste
Management Act of 1989, administered by the Department of Resources
Recycling and Recovery, generally regulates the disposal, management,
and recycling of solid waste. This bill would, among other things, on or
after January 1, 2021, prohibit a covered entity, as defined, from labeling
a covered product as safe to flush, safe for sewer systems, or safe for
septic systems, unless the product is a flushable wipe that meets certain
performance standards. The bill would require nonflushable products to
be labeled clearly and conspicuously to communicate that they should not
be flushed, as specified.
Two Year Bill Support Legislative and
Regulatory
Policies: Source
Control - Support
legislation that
regulates the
disposal of
flushable wipes.
ACCOC - NYC
LOCC - Watch
CASA - Sponsor
ACWA - Support
CSDA - Support
ACA 1 Aguiar-Curry [D]Local government financing: affordable housing and public
infrastructure: voter approval. The California Constitution prohibits the
ad valorem tax rate on real property from exceeding 1% of the full cash
value of the property, subject to certain exceptions. This measure would
create an additional exception to the 1% limit that would authorize a city,
county, city and county, or special district to levy an ad valorem tax to
service bonded indebtedness incurred to fund the construction,
reconstruction, rehabilitation, or replacement of public infrastructure,
affordable housing, or permanent supportive housing, or the acquisition or
lease of real property for those purposes, if the proposition proposing that
tax is approved by 55% of the voters of the city, county, or city and county,
as applicable, and the proposition includes specified accountability
requirements.
Currently on the Assembly
Floor
Watch Guiding
Principles: Seek
funds for OCSD
projects through
grants,
appropriations, or
ACCOC - NYC
LOCC - Support
CASA - Support
ACWA - NYC
CSDA - Support
SB 5 Beall [D]Local-State Sustainable Investment Incentive Program Would
establish in state government the Affordable Housing and Community
Development Investment Program, which would be administered by the
Affordable Housing and Community Development Investment Committee.
The bill would authorize a city, county, city and county, joint powers
agency, enhanced infrastructure financing district, affordable housing
authority, community revitalization and investment authority, transit village
development district, or a combination of those entities, to apply to the
Affordable Housing and Community Development Investment Committee
to participate in the program and would authorize the committee to
approve or deny plans for projects meeting specific criteria.
Currently in the Assembly
Housing and Community
Development Committee and
the Assembly Local
Government Committee.
Watch State Priorities:
Continue to monitor
the state budget
process and
actively protect the
allocation of local
property taxes to
special districts.
ACCOC - NYC
LOCC - Support
CASA - Watch
ACWA - NYC
CSDA - Watch
OCSD
State
Bills of Interest
BILL AUTHOR SUMMARY LATEST ACTION OCSD POSITION LEGISLATIVE
PLAN
OTHER
POSITIONS
SB 13 Weickowski [D]Accessory dwelling units Would authorize the creation of accessory
dwelling units in areas zoned to allow single-family or multifamily dwelling
use. The bill would also revise the requirements for an accessory dwelling
unit by providing that the accessory dwelling unit may be attached to, or
located within, an attached garage, storage area, or other structure, and
that it does not exceed a specified amount of total floor area.
Currently in the Assembly
Housing and Community
Development Committee and
the Assembly Local
Government Committee.
Watch Legislative and
Regulatory
Policies: Special
Districts - Oppose
further state
regulations that
adversely impact
special district
financing,
operations, and
administration.
ACCOC - NYC
LOCC - Oppose
unless amended
CASA - Work w/
author
ACWA - NYC
CSDA - Oppose
SB 33 Skinner Solid waste: reduction and recycling. The California Integrated Waste
Management Act of 1989, administered by the Department of Resources
Recycling and Recovery, generally regulates the disposal, management,
and recycling of solid waste.This bill would state the intent of the
Legislature to enact legislation that would address the collapse of foreign
recycling markets by reducing solid waste generation, encouraging
transition to compostable or recyclable materials, and fostering domestic
recycling markets.
Currently in the Senate Rules
Committee
Watch Legislative and
Regulatory
Policies:
Biosolids and
Biogas - Limit
redundant reporting
requirements on
organics,
recyclable material,
and solid waste as
mandated by AB
901.
ACCOC - NYC
LOCC - Watch
CASA - NYC
ACWA - NYC
CSDA - Watch
SB 134 Hertzberg [D]Water conservation: water loss performance standards:
enforcement. Current law requires the State Water Resources Control
Board, no earlier than January 1, 2019, and no later than July 1, 2020, to
adopt rules requiring urban retail water suppliers to meet performance
standards for the volume of water losses. This bill would prohibit the
board from issuing an information order, written notice, or conservation
order to an urban retail water supplier that does not meet its urban water
use objective if the board determines the urban retail water supplier is not
meeting its urban water use objective solely because the volume of water
loss exceeds the urban retail water supplier’s standard for water loss and
the board is taking enforcement action against the urban retail water
supplier for not meeting the performance standards for the volume of
water losses.
Currently in the Assembly
Water, Parks, and Wildlife
Committee and will be heard
on June 18.
Watch Legislative and
Regulatory
Policies: Water
Supply - Support
legislation and
regulation that
necessitate the
responsible use of
water in residential,
commercial, and
industrial areas
ACCOC - NYC
LOCC - Watch
CASA - NYC
ACWA - NYC
CSDA - Support
OCSD
State
Bills of Interest
BILL AUTHOR SUMMARY LATEST ACTION OCSD POSITION LEGISLATIVE
PLAN
OTHER
POSITIONS
SB 200 Safe and Affordable Drinking Water Fund. Would establish the Safe
and Affordable Drinking Water Fund in the State Treasury to help water
systems provide an adequate and affordable supply of safe drinking water
in both the near and the long term. The bill would authorize the board to
provide for the deposit into the fund of federal contributions, voluntary
contributions, gifts, grants, and bequests and would provide that moneys
in the fund are available, upon appropriation by the Legislature, to the
board to fund grants, loans, contracts, or services to assist eligible
recipients.
Currently in the Assembly
Environmental Quality and
Toxic Materials Committee.
Watch State Tactics:
Support tax reform
that
protects public
agencies
ACCOC - NYC
LOCC - Watch
CASA - NYC
ACWA - NYC
CSDA - Watch
SB 210 Leyva [D]Heavy-Duty Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance Program. Current law
requires the State Air Resources Board, in consultation with the Bureau of
Automotive Repair and a specified review committee, to adopt regulations
requiring owners or operators of heavy-duty diesel motor vehicles to perform
regular inspections of their vehicles for excessive emissions of smoke. Current law
requires the state board, in consultation with the State Energy Resources
Conservation and Development Commission, to adopt regulations requiring heavy-
duty diesel motor vehicles to use emission control equipment and alternative fuels.
This bill would require the state board, in consultation with the bureau and other
specified entities, to implement a pilot program that develops and demonstrates
technologies that show potential for readily bringing heavy-duty vehicles into an
inspection and maintenance program.
Currently in the Assembly
Transportation Committee and
the Assembly Natural
Resources Committee
Recommend
Oppose
Legislative and
Regulatory
Policies: Air
Quality - Support
measures that
maintain and
enhance local
decision-making
authority, where
appropriate, in the
development and
implementation of
air quality
attainment
ACCOC - NYC
LOCC - Watch
CASA - Watch
ACWA - Watch
CSDA - Watch
SB 332 Hertzberg [D]Wastewater treatment: recycled water. Would declare, except in
compliance with the bill’s provisions, that the discharge of treated
wastewater from ocean outfalls is a waste and unreasonable use of
water. The bill would require each wastewater treatment facility that
discharges through an ocean outfall and affiliated water suppliers to
reduce the facility’s annual flow as compared to the average annual
wastewater discharge baseline volume, as prescribed, by at least 50% on
or before January 1, 2030, and by at least 95% on or before January 1,
2040. The bill would subject the owner or operator of a wastewater
treatment facility, as well as the affiliated water suppliers, to a civil penalty
of $2,000 per acre-foot of water above the required reduction in overall
volume discharge for the failure to meet these deadlines.
Two Year Bill Watch State Legislation:
Work with
legislators who
introduced
legislation such as
SB 163 (Hertzberg,
2015) in order to
ensure that no
unrealistic
regulations are
placed on
wastewater
treatment facilities,
including OCSD
ACCOC - NYC
LOCC - Oppose
CASA - Oppose
ACWA - NYC
CSDA - Oppose
OCSD
State
Bills of Interest
BILL AUTHOR SUMMARY LATEST ACTION OCSD POSITION LEGISLATIVE
PLAN
OTHER
POSITIONS
SB 457 Hueso [D]Biomethane: gas corporations Under existing law, the Public Utilities
Commission has regulatory authority over public utilities, including gas
corporations. Existing law authorizes the commission to fix the rates and
charges for every public utility and requires that those rates and charges
be just and reasonable. Existing law requires the commission to adopt
policies and programs that promote the in-state production and
distribution of biomethane, as defined, and that facilitate the development
of a variety of sources of in-state biomethane. This bill would require the
Public Utilites Commission to extend the program until December 31,
2026. This bill contains other related provisions and other existing laws.
Currently in the Assembly
Appropriations Committee
Watch Legislative and
Regulatory
Polciies:
Biosolids and
Biogas - Support
streamlined
legislation,
regulations and
policies that
encourage the
procurement of
biogas, biosolids,
and compost.
ACCOC - NYC
LOCC - Watch
CASA - Refer to
Committee
ACWA - NYC
CSDA - NYC
SB 667 Hueso [D]Greenhouse gases: recycling infrastructure and facilities. Would
require the Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery to develop,
on or before January 1, 2021, and would authorize the department to
amend, a 5-year investment strategy to drive innovation and support
technological development and infrastructure, in order to meet specified
organic waste reduction and recycling targets, as provided. The bill would
require, on or before June 1, 2021, the department, in coordination with
the Treasurer, to develop financial incentive mechanisms, including, but
not limited to, loans and incentive payments, to fund organic waste
diversion and recycling infrastructure.
Currently in the Assembly
Natural Resources Committee
and will be heard on June 24.
Watch Legislative and
Regulatory
Polciies:
Biosolids and
Biogas - Support
the promotion and
funding of local
pilot programs,
studies, and
research for the
beneficial use of
biosolids.
ACCOC - NYC
LOCC - Support
CASA - Support
ACWA - NYC
CSDA - NYC
OCSD
State
Bills of Interest
BILL AUTHOR SUMMARY LATEST ACTION OCSD POSITION LEGISLATIVE
PLAN
OTHER
POSITIONS
SB 732 Allen [D]Transactions and use tax. Current law establishes the South Coast Air
Quality Management District vested with the authority to regulate air
emissions from stationary sources located in the South Coast Air Basin
and establishes a district board to govern the district. This bill would
authorize the south coast district board to impose a transactions and use
tax within the boundaries of the south coast district, as specified, with the
moneys generated from the transactions and use tax to be used to
supplement existing revenues being used for south coast district
purposes, as specified.
Two Year Bill Watch Legislative and
Regulatory
Polciies: Air
Quality - Support
air quality
legislations,
regulations, rules,
and policies that
emphasize the use
of advanced
technologies and
promote greater
flexibility and
financial incentives
to reduce air
emission.
ACCOC - NYC
LOCC - Watch
CASA - NYC
ACWA - NYC
CSDA - No position
Legend:
ACC-OC - Association of California Cities, Orange County
LOCC - League of California Cities
NYC - Not Yet Considered
CASA - California Association of Sanitation Agencies
ACWA - Association of California Water Agencies
CSDA - California Special Districts Association
Name of Grant/Loan Synopsis of Grant/Loan Amount of Grant/Loan Amount
Applying for Applying Y/N Project/Program Reason Match Deadline Category Rcvd Grant/
Financing Y/N
Cap and Trade Funding
$1 billion from the Cap and Trade program (Greenhouse
Gas Reduction Fund) was proposed to be appropriated in
the Governor's January Budget. A Cap and Trade
Expenditure plan will be considered later this legislative
session.
$25 million - Waste Diversion Projects. Specifics
TBD TBD TBD TBD
The Cap and Trade Expenditure Plan
will need to go through the legislative
process. It is uncertain how much
funding will be available for the
District's projects, or what the funding
will be used for.
TBD Unknown at this
time 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
NA NA No 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 TBD
The Water Infrastructure Improvements
Act (WIIN)
The Title XVI Water Reclamation and Reuse Projects
funding opportunity allows for sponsors of water
reclamation and reuse projects that are congressionally
authorized or are eligible under section 4009(c) of the
WIIN Act to request cost-shared funding for planning,
design and/or construction of those Projects. Water
reclamation and reuse projects provide improved
efficiency, flexibility during water shortages and diversifies
the water supply.
Reclamation is making up to $20 million
available for those projects authorized under
the WIIN Act and $34 million for the
congressionally authorized Title XVI projects.
$550,000 Yes Final Expansion of GWRS
Headworks (P2-122)
The Sanitation District is applying for
Headworks Segregation project that
will help to bring more water to the
GWRS.
Title 16 will pay up to
25 percent of the
available money
7/27/2018 Water/ Infrastructure No
The Water Infrastructure Improvements
Act (WIIN)
The Title XVI Water Reclamation and Reuse Projects
funding opportunity allows for sponsors of water
reclamation and reuse projects that are congressionally
authorized or are eligible under section 4009(c) of the
WIIN Act to request cost-shared funding for planning,
design and/or construction of those Projects. Water
reclamation and reuse projects provide improved
efficiency, flexibility during water shortages and diversifies
the water supply.
Reclamation is making up to $20 million
available for those projects authorized under
the WIIN Act.
TBD TBD Final Expansion of GWRS
Headworks (P2-122)
We are evaluating if it is beneficial to
apply for the third round of the WIIN
grant for the Headworks Segregation
Project.
Title 16 will pay up to
25 percent of the
available money
6/28/2019 Water/ Infrastructure No
Stormwater and CSO Grant Program USEPA is authorized to provide grants assistance of public
agencies to control stormwater flows and CSO's Funding cost-share is not identified in the law TBD TBD. We will monitor for possible
funding opportunities/A TBD Funding must be appropriated as part of
current FY 2019 budget impasse TBD TBD Water/ Infrastructure TBD
OCSD's Grant and Loan Funding Tracker 2018-2019
STATE
FEDERAL
Updated 6/21/2019
Name of Grant/Loan Synopsis of Grant/Loan Amount of Grant/Loan Amount
Applying for Applying Y/N Project/Program Reason Match Deadline Category Rcvd Grant/
Financing Y/N
OCSD's Grant and Loan Funding Tracker 2018-2019
The Department of Energy (DOE),
USBR and USEPA
The DOE’s Office of Energy Efficiency is likely to continue
to be funded by Congress to support such efforts as
biogas, biosolids and green energy.
A minimum of $20 million to as much as $100
million based upon prior years’ budgets. USBR
could receive as much as $130 million in
support of the WaterSmart (due to increased
funding under WIIN) during the next several
years. USBR will issue solicitations for
innovative approaches to managing water and
water treatment through technology and
processes.
TBD TBD. We will monitor for possible
funding opportunities
Project Funding Opportunity:
Energy production to reduce
costs of recycled water through
innovative technologies like
Aquacritox, Innovative water
monitoring technology that can
produce efficient real time
monitoring and data analysis,
Biogas Management and Use
Improvements.
We will review the possible funding
opportunity to determine if it is a fit for
the Sanitation District.
TBD Energy TBD
Community Partnering Program Grant Metropolitan Water District
The primary focus of the Community Partnering
Program (CPP) is sponsorship of water conservation
and water-use efficiency programs and activities.
Applications must be submitted 30 days prior to the
start date of the event or program.
Requests for a maximum $2,000 award will be
reviewed year-round and funds are awarded
throughout the year. Funds are limited, however,
and may be depleted prior to the ending of this fiscal
year (June 30).
$2,000 Yes For Plant No. 1 Signage We are applying 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.
$250,000 Yes Headquarters Building We are applying No 18-Mar-19 Environment TBD
Other
Updated 6/21/2019
M E M O R A N D U M TO: Rebecca Long FROM: Eric Sapirstein DATE: June 21, 2019 SUBJECT: Washington Trip Summary On June 18-19, 2019, OCSD Vice Chair, John Withers and Board Members Peter Kim and Alan Bernstein, accompanied by General Manager Jim Herberg, met with OCSD’s congressional delegation Members and staff to discuss federal policy issues of interest. Additional meetings with senior officials in the USEPA Office of Water and National Association of Clean Water Agencies were held. Because of the legislative schedule a number of Members were unable to attend the meetings due to travel schedules and/or committee meetings.
Summary and Outcome of Meetings The meeting discussions revealed a continuing support of OCSD federal priorities. In each discussion with congressional offices, there was a desire to ensure that OCSD’s needs are advanced. To this end, the delegation expressed a willingness to endorse OCSD initiatives related to water recycling, delivering effective alternative energy production, and providing flexibility in developing permit terms.
I. Congressional Meetings Summary
A. Sheresh Khan, Legislative Assistant, Office of Representative Lou Correa was provided an overview of OCSD’s current activities. In the discussion on PFAS/PFOA, appreciation for Rep. Correa’s leadership in seeking a national drinking water health standard was noted. The priority expressed by OCSD to ensure that the underlying research and science is developed to establish an appropriate health standard was understood and accepted. Khan was informed that current legislative approaches should not impose new regulations on biosolids management absent definitive science because it could lead to decisions that would preclude effective and safe management of biosolids. Khan understood this issue and requested that any recommendations on how to address the issue be provided.
2 | Page On water recycling issues, Khan indicated that Rep. Correa was strongly supportive of OCSD’s efforts to advance the science and technology to advance GWRS ability to allow for 100% recycling of available effluent. She offered to coordinate a joint delegation letter of support for the pending WaterSmart grant application that OCSD plans to submit to USBR. A review of the priority to advance the development of alternative energy production at OCSD by introducing food wastes into the treatment process to “supercharge” the digester process and create higher value methane was explained. Khan indicated a willingness to provide support as appropriate. She was informed that federal programs to support such efforts is important. Finally, Khan was provided an overview of the effort to allow for ten-year NPDES permit terms and was asked that Rep. Correa cosponsor the bill, H.R. 1764. Khan indicated that she would review the issue with Rep. Correa. B. Beth Hammon, Legislative Assistant, Office of Representative Harley
Rouda was provided a similar update. However, as the Member whose congressional district includes OCSD facilities, the focus of the discussion was on PFAS /PFOA and its impact upon the treatment process, the priority for alternative energy production and NPDES permit terms. OCSD Board Members expressed support for Rep. Rouda’s efforts to provide resources to cleanup PFAS/PFOA contamination. At the same time, Hammon was informed that premature mandates on destruction and disposal options could impose costs and approaches that could create new challenges for OCSD. Instead, she was told that OCSD would like to work with Rep. Rouda and her to ensure that any legislative response is grounded in sound science. On the matter of permit terms, Rouda’s co-sponsorship of H.R. 1764 was noted and appreciation expressed. Finally, Hammon agreed that a letter of support on behalf of OCSD’s water recycling grant application was something the congressman would endorse.
C. Brieana Marticorena, Legislative Director, Office of Representative
Katie Porter was provided an overview of OCSD’s mission and priorities. Marticorena was enthusiastic about supporting OCSD’s needs, endorsing the notion of a joint delegation letter of support for the water recycling grant application. On PFAS/PFOA she indicated an interest in being kept up to date on any concerns as Congress considers legislative approaches to the health threats. In the discussion, she also noted that Rep. Porter expressly requested the opportunity to tour OCSD during the upcoming congressional recess. D. The Honorable Alan Lowenthal and Chris Gorud, Legislative Director were provided an update on OCSD’s legislative priorities which were positively received. In a review of the ongoing priority to allow for extended NPDES permit terms, Lowenthal staff noted that the commitment to allow for extended terms for good actors remained a priority. The request for a support letter on behalf of OCSD’s water recycling project grant application to USBR was positively received and the idea of the joint delegation letter was agreed as a good approach. Finally, support for alternative energy such as OCSD’s food waste project was expressed.
3 | Page E. John Watts, Environmental Counsel, Office of Senator Dianne Feinstein was provided an overview of the continued progress in advancing water recycling technologies at GWRS. An explanation of how OCSD is seeking to wring the last drop of recyclable water was provided and followed up with a request for a letter of support. Watts requested that a copy be provided to the Senator’s Deputy State Director. On a related matter, Watts informed OCSD that the Senator’s drought legislation would be introduced and would support new funding opportunities for water recycling projects like OCSD’s. F. Alexis Segal, Legislative Assistant, Office of Senator Dianne Feinstein was provided an overview of the PFAS/PFOA challenges created for organizations like OCSD. She was requested that any legislative recommendations that are considered impose public health mandates that are grounded in adequate research as well as documented science. It was pointed out that mandates should consider the implications for management of biosolids since the possibility of classifying PFAS/PFOA as subject to CERCLA (Superfund) could jeopardize the safe and effective management of biosolids irrespective of the level of any constituents in highly treated biosolids. She was also provided a summary of OCSD’s efforts to advance energy production from food wastes to allow OCSD to become 100% energy independent. G. Emma Norville, Legislative Director, Office of Representative Gil Cisneros was provided an overview of OCSD operations and priorities. In the course of reviewing GWRS and the ongoing effort to capture and treat the remaining water supply and the technical challenges, she indicated a willingness to have Rep. Cisneros sign a joint letter of support to USBR. A detailed discussion on the challenges created from PFAS/PFOA to the wastewater treatment process was provided with a focus on the fact that the introduction of the chemical compounds cannot be controlled by clean water agencies and this creates a need to ensure that the compounds are controlled at the source. In response to this and other comments, Norvell requested that OCSD provide her with any recommendations that should be considered as they consider legislative options to control and manage the destruction and disposal of PFAS/PFOA contaminated environments. H. The Honorable Linda Sanchez and Cody Willing, Legislative Assistant were provided an overview of OCSD. Rep. Sanchez noted that she is a strong supporter of water infrastructure. Given her role on the tax writing committee (Ways & Means), she was asked to work to ensure that renewable energy tax credits be available to public private partnerships that seek to advance food waste to energy projects at clean water agencies like OCSD. Last, Willing endorsed signing on to a joint letter in support of the OCSD grant application. This decision meant that the entire delegation will urge support for funding of the project application.
4 | Page
II. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency A meeting with senior Office of Water, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency officials was convened. Attending the meeting were representatives from the Office of Science and Technology, Office of Drinking Water, Office of Wastewater Management, Office of Intergovernmental Affairs, and Region IX. The meeting was convened to review the status of the agency’s efforts to address PFAS/PFOA and potential impacts upon OCSD. The discussion also addressed food waste energy production and biosolids availability to generate energy. In the discussion on PFAS/PFOA, EPA staff agreed that it is vital to ensure that the underlying science supports any standard. To that end, they indicated that the ongoing strategy is to use the next year to collect data and evaluate what a national drinking water standard should be set at to ensure public health. At the same time, staff indicated that biosolids and the impact of PFAS/PFOA on the management of biosolids is significant policy matter. They stated that they would like OCSD input, given its role in developing innovative solutions to complex water quality challenges. They also noted that on November 18, 2019 a meeting of key clean water stakeholders (NACWA, CASA and WEF among others) will convene to discuss how best to address biosolids management within the PFAS/PFOA debate. EPA staff also noted that should Congress legislate PFAS/PFOA policies that require guidance to be issued on the destruction and disposal of biosolids, as well as membranes and other spent filters, then the challenges will increase dramatically with no real understanding on how such guidance might be developed. On the issue of food waste and creating alternative energy supplies, the staff suggested that such endeavors are supported by the agency. At the same time, staff were unable to clarify why the agency would have rescinded the renewable energy standard for biosolids. Last, a brief discussion on water recycling and EPA’s Water Recycling Action Plan occurred. EPA staff requested OCSD to provide input if appropriate on the Plan with a focus on how EPA might address technical challenges like those OCSD is currently researching to enhance opportunities to recycle all available effluents.
National Association of Clean Water Agencies In a meeting with the leadership of NACWA, a discussion on how best to address PFAS/PFOA to protect the public without jeopardizing clean water programs occurred. NACWA officials indicated that the priority is to develop the science upon which a national standard can be based upon, ensure that clean water agencies are not tasked with the responsibility and costs to address a problem they did not create and, last, protect the continued beneficial use of biosolids from unjustified and unreasonable regulation.
5 | Page
III. Action Items A number of action items from the meetings deserve review and, if deemed appropriate, follow-up.
• Draft and transmit thanks letters (Eric and Rebecca)
• Work with Rep. Rouda staff to ensure grant application letter of support is signed by delegation and transmitted to USBR Commissioner Brenda Burman (Eric and Rebecca)
• Review House PFAS/PFOA Defense Authorization Amendment and provide comments on any concerns to Rep. Cisneros (Jim and OCSD staff/Support by Eric and Rebecca)
• Extend invitation to Rep. Katie Porter to tour OCSD in August (Rebecca)
• Provide follow-up information to USEPA on technical challenges presented by PFAS/PFOA as it relates to biosolids (Jim and OCSD technical staff)
• Review USEPA Water Recycling Action Plan and provide any recommendations by July 1, 2019 (public comment period closes https://www.epa.gov/waterreuse/water-reuse-action-plan) (Jim and technical staff)
• Contact CASA biosolids staff to discuss issues of concern in anticipation of November 18 biosolids meeting with USEPA (Eric—Done)
• Transmit letter of request to Senator Feinstein Deputy State Director to support grant application (Eric-Done)
Page 1 of 2
LEGISLATIVE AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS COMMITTEE Meeting Date 07/08/19 To Bd. of Dir. 07/24/19
AGENDA REPORT Item Number 3 Item Number
Orange County Sanitation District FROM: James D. Herberg, General Manager SUBJECT: PUBLIC AFFAIRS UPDATE FOR THE MONTH OF JUNE 2019
GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION Receive and file the Public Affairs Update for the month of June 2019. BACKGROUND
Staff will provide an update on recent public affairs activities. RELEVANT STANDARDS
• Maintain influential legislative advocacy and a public outreach program
• Build brand, trust, and support with policy makers and community leaders
• Maintain collaborative and cooperative relationships with regulators, stakeholders, and neighboring communities
• Listen to and seriously consider community input on environmental concerns
PROBLEM
Many Californians are not aware of the Orange County Sanitation District (Sanitation District) and the important work we do to keep the environment clean by using the wastewater byproducts to create energy, water recycling, and the use of biosolids.
In general, the community and businesses do not realize that when they improperly dispose of waste into the sanitation system, it can negatively affect the work we do and the quality of water we supply for the Groundwater Replenishment System.
PROPOSED SOLUTION
By providing tours, community outreach education, and general communication via the Sanitation District’s website, social media outlets, and mainstream media, we have the ability to educate the community, local agencies, and businesses on the What2Flush
program, energy production, water recycling, biosolids, and our source control program.
This, in turn, results in a better quality of wastewater.
Page 2 of 2
RAMIFICATIONS OF NOT TAKING ACTION If we do not educate the community, local agencies, and area businesses about the
Sanitation District, we lose an opportunity to educate thousands of people about our
plants, source control, and the wastewater industry as a whole. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
June 2019
Activity # # of Guests
OCSD/OCWD Tours 5 105
OCSD Tours 6 84
Speaking Engagements 3 110
Events 1 500
Current Activities - June 2019
• 65th Anniversary Coordination
• Director Doug Chaffee Tour
• Cal State Fullerton Speaking Engagement • Anaheim OC Green Expo on June 22 • Anaheim District Meeting Upcoming Activities – July 2019 65th Anniversary Open House Join us as we celebrate our 65th Anniversary on Saturday, July 27 from 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
There will be booths, games, tours, and more. If you want to take a tour, please sign up
as soon as possible at www.ocsd.com/tours (time slots are filling fast). Ribbon Cutting for OCSD Centrifuge Celebrate the unveiling of the Sanitation District’s newest centrifuges, among the largest
in the world on Saturday, July 27 at 9 a.m.
Communications Audit The Communications Audit has been finalized and an RFP will be issued by June 30, 2019 to select a firm to conduct the audit.
ATTACHMENTS
The following attachments are attached in hard copy and may also be viewed on-line at the OCSD website
(www.ocsd.com) with the complete agenda package:
• Outreach Report June 2019
• Media Clips June 2019
Outreach Report June 2019
Date Event Attendees
5/28/19 New Employee/Open Tour 25
5/30/19 Vanguard Nursing Tour 19
5/31/19 UCI Tour 30
6/4/19 UC Riverside Tour 22
6/5/19 CSUF Nursing tour 12
6/6/19 Lab Tour 2
6/6/19 Cub Scout Tour 15
6/7/19 USFCA Nursing Tour 21
6/12/19 Anaheim District Meeting ‐ Speaking 45
6/12/19 Girl Scout Troop tour 25
6/13/19 Perceiver School Tour 12
6/13/19 Anaheim District Meeting ‐ Speaking 40
6/19/19 Baldy View Nursing Tour 23
6/22/19 OC Green Expo 500
6/25/19 OCHCA Tour 25
6/26/19 CSUF Nursing tour 24
6/26/19 CSUF Speaking Engagement 25
6/27/19 Director Chafee tour 8
OCSD Public Affairs Office
Monthly News Clippings
June 2019
Table of Contents
GWRS…………………………………………… ................................ PAGE 1
May 17, 2019
From Toilet to Tap: What Cities need to Overcome to make that
happen
By: Sasha Harris-Lovett and David Sedlak
The Wall Street Journal
HUMAN INTEREST…………………………………………… ................. PAGE 4
May 24, 2019
Orange County Sanitation District selects new environmental
director
By: Daily Pilot Staff
Daily Pilot
May 24, 2019
Nguyen joins field for appointment to water board seat
By: Brooke Staggs
OC Register
June 11, 2019
OCSD Selects New Leadership
By: Association of California Cities Staff
Association of California Cities Orange County
June 13, 2019
As Californians save more water, their sewers get less and that’s a
problem
By: Gary Pitzer
Western Water
June 15, 2019
Special districts stress focused services, prudent planning
By: Neil McCormick
Voice of OC - Opinion
SOCIAL MEDIA POSTINGS …………………………………………… ..... PAGE 20
1
From Toilet to Tap: What Cities Need to Overcome to Make That Happen
Recycled sewage will be a part of more cities’ water supplies in the future. But how do you get past the yuck
factor?
The city of Los Angeles aims to upgrade the Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant, seen above, as part of a plan to
recycle 100% of its wastewater by 2035.
By Sasha Harris-Lovett and David Sedlak
May 17, 2019 11:05 a.m. ET
Would you drink recycled sewage? It’s a question you may need to think about someday.
The Wall Street Journal
May 17, 2019
2
In recent years, the idea of creating a circular economy—in which all of the resources coming into our cities are
recycled after they are used—has taken hold. We now routinely recycle paper, glass and food scraps, as well as
parts of demolished buildings and crumbling highways. Widespread sewage recycling could be the next frontier.
Productively reusing sewage is nothing new. For centuries, people have used their wastes for irrigation. Then,
about 50 years ago, engineers developed technologies that allowed them to turn sewage back into drinking water.
Since then, water-stressed cities across the country have quietly begun to close the loop on their water systems.
Today more than four million Americans in Atlanta, Northern Virginia, Phoenix, Southern California, Dallas, and
El Paso, Texas, get some or all of their drinking water from treated sewage.
Many more cities are likely to follow that same path. Their current water supplies aren’t likely to be adequate in
the future, given the many continuing stresses they face—in particular, droughts, the shifting and uncertain
precipitation patterns due to climate change, increasing urban populations, more-stringent regulations to protect
endangered fish or other wildlife, and the water needs of agriculture and industry.
One of its greatest benefits is that sewage keeps flowing even during droughts. And once it’s purified to drinking-
water quality, it doesn’t require the installation of any new pipes to carry it to people’s homes.
But cities interested in taking the toilet-to-tap plunge must overcome several hurdles.
Overcoming reluctance
First, of course, the sewage needs to be made clean enough to drink. Fortunately, modern technologies can
produce recycled water that is even cleaner than much of the drinking water we get from rivers, lakes and
groundwater wells. Reverse-osmosis membranes remove bacteria, viruses, pharmaceuticals and other chemicals
in sewage. Follow that with exposure to ultraviolet light and hydrogen peroxide to mop up anything that gets
through the membranes, and you have water that meets all drinking-water standards. In fact, recycled water can
be so clean that, just like the popular brands of bottled water produced by the reverse-osmosis process, minerals
have to be added back in to make it taste like the water we’re familiar with.
The next hurdle is surmounting the disgust associated with drinking recycled water. In other words, the yuck
factor. Treated sewage has long been widely used to water lawns and golf courses, without much fuss. But it’s
obviously an entirely different story to ingest it, even if people know it’s clean.
The yuck factor can seem like an insurmountable barrier, especially in an era when public confidence in the
safety of tap water has been shaken by reports of lead and fluorinated chemicals in water supplies. But it has
proved not to be.
Through decades of experience with sewage recycling—also known as potable water reuse—in different locales,
water utilities have learned that communities support potable water reuse when it meets a perceived need and is
managed by trusted and competent institutions.
To overcome the queasiness, utilities planning recycling projects conduct extensive outreach programs to address
community concerns. That can include community meetings, public tours of the utility’s facilities that end with
an opportunity to drink recycled water, and bottles of recycled water being given away at public events. The
Orange County Water District in Southern California held thousands of tours and community meetings on its
potable reuse project.
Beyond sharing their story, water utilities cultivate public trust by demonstrating a commitment to transparency
and competency. The utilities that have overcome the yuck factor are the ones that include physicians and public-
health specialists on their oversight boards, invest in state-of-the-art treatment and monitoring technologies, make
their water-quality data public and otherwise go the extra mile when it comes to ensuring their process is safe and
reliable.
3
Retaining trust
Once the public is on board and utilities start recycling sewage, they need to be vigilant to ensure that the water
remains safe to drink. Treatment plants should continuously monitor for contaminants of all kinds, not just those
they are required to watch for by the federal Environmental Protection Agency and local regulatory agencies.
When a new contaminant is discovered or when an unexpected hiccup happens in the treatment process, the
utility has to respond before public health and/or confidence are compromised.
That requires investment in the people and equipment needed to stay ahead of the curve. For example, in the late
1990s, N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA)—a potent carcinogen—was detected in recycled water by the Orange
County Water District. The utility surmised that local industries were discharging chemicals into the sewer that
its water-treatment processes were converting into NDMA. Rather than falling back on the excuse that there
wasn’t an established drinking-water standard for the chemical, the utility suspended recycling operations until it
developed ways to reduce these industrial NDMA-precursor discharges to the sewer, as well as minimize NDMA
formation during treatment by acquiring new approaches for destroying the chemical in its treatment processes.
This response wasn’t cheap: It required investing millions of dollars in research and development despite the
absence of a government mandate to do so. Considering the cash-strapped state of utilities in many of the nation’s
cities, it is worth considering how the vigilance of the early adopters can be replicated by the next set of water-
recycling utilities.
Let it flow
Another concern looms as potable water reuse becomes more common: In arid regions, treated wastewater is all
that keeps some rivers flowing in the dry season. Parts of the Los Angeles River, where canoeing is becoming
more popular, would no longer flow if the city expanded its potable water reuse program. If Dallas recycled more
sewage, Houston’s water supplies could suffer: The Trinity River, which consists primarily of Dallas’s treated
sewage during periods when it hasn’t been raining, would no longer help refill one of Houston’s main reservoirs.
(The water from the river is made
acceptable for drinking by natural purification during the long trip downstream and Houston’s drinking-water
treatment plants.) Some of these issues can be circumvented with agreements with downstream users before
potable reuse systems are built, but this issue is likely to grow in importance as more cities turn to water
recycling.
Finally, it’s important to note that potable water reuse is expensive, so it’s unlikely that a city would consider it in
the absence of significant concerns about its water supply.
Ultimately, in cities that can make a case for recycled water, the future of potable water reuse depends upon the
willingness of water providers to do what it takes to make sure that the public can be confident about the quality
of water coming out of their tap.
Dr. Harris-Lovett is a postdoctoral fellow at the Berkeley Water Center, at the University of California, Berkeley.
Dr. Sedlak is co-director of the Berkeley Water Center and deputy director of the National Science Foundation’s
Engineering Research Center for Reinventing the Nation’s Urban Water Infrastructure. They can be reached at
reports@wsj.com.
4
Orange County Sanitation District selects new environmental
director
Daily Pilot staff – May 24, 2019
The Fountain Valley-based Orange County Sanitation District has chosen Lan
Wiborg as its new director of environmental services.
Wiborg has served in the water industry for about two decades, with roles including
San Diego’s deputy public utilities director of long-range planning and water
resources.
“Lan was selected from a talented pool of candidates,” Orange County Sanitation
District General Manager Jim Herberg said in a statement. “Her longstanding
relationships within the regulatory community and within the water and
wastewater industry will be extremely valuable when it comes to managing OCSD’s
environmental and regulatory programs.”
Daily Pilot
May 24, 2019
5
Nguyen joins field for appointment to water board
seat; she faces 6 rivals
Unprecedented interest in Municipal Water District of Orange County after tunnel project
affecting SoCal is killed
By Brooke Staggs
bstaggs@scng.com @JournoBrooke on Twitter
May 24, 2019
After much speculation about whether Janet Nguyen might run for one of Orange County’s
hotly contested congressional seats in 2020, the Republican former state senator has
thrown her hat in a surprising ring.
And she’s not alone. Nguyen is one of seven people vying to fill a board of directors seat
with the Municipal Water District of Orange County. The seat was left vacant after director
Wayne Osborne, who was elected to a four-year term in 2016, retired in late April.
“I was really heartened to see someone from that level interested in serving on our board,”
district board President Brett Barbre said of Nguyen.
With an applicant roster that also includes former city councilmen and a current school
board member, Barbre — who’s been on the water board since 2000 — called the level of
interest in working on the water board “unprecedented.”
He attributes part of that spike in interest to decisions recently handed down from the state,
including Gov. Gavin Newsom’s May 2 move to kill a controversial 30-year plan to build
twin tunnels under the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta to help move water to the
south.
Orange County Register
May 24, 2019
6
Indeed, several candidates — including Nguyen — mentioned the twin tunnels project in
their water board applications.
“That’s really heightened interest in water issues,” Barbre said. “I think that irresponsibility
across the state is driving a lot of this.”
Metropolitan Water is a wholesale water supplier. It buys water imported from the Colorado
River and the State Water Project and sells it to 28 city water departments and private
water districts. Those agencies supply water to more than two-thirds of Orange County,
including every city except Anaheim, Fullerton and Santa Ana.
A seven-member board oversees the district’s $10.8 million operating budget and nearly
$250 million in annual water sales.
Board members can take home more than $30,000 a year in pay and are eligible for
benefits that can amount to another $20,000 a year. That includes nearly $300 for every
meeting attended, at up to 10 meetings per month, along with optional health insurance
coverage, a retirement plan, transportation reimbursement and more.
Directors are elected every four years to represent different areas of the county. Osborne’s
vacant seat is for Division 3, which includes Cypress, Fountain Valley, Los Alamitos,
Stanton and Westminster plus portions of Garden Grove and unincorporated Orange
County.
Nguyen now lives in Fountain Valley. She pointed out that she’s represented more than 90
percent of the water district’s Division 3 over the last decade in her elected roles on the
Garden Grove City Council, county Board of Supervisors and state Senate.
There were originally nine candidates for the MWDOC seat. Los Alamitos Councilman
Richard Murphy applied for the vacancy and was backed by several local leaders, including
First District Supervisor Andrew Do. But once Murphy discovered he couldn’t
simultaneously sit on the water board and keep his seat on the Los Alamitos City Council,
he withdrew his name from consideration.
At least two other candidates might face similar decisions if appointed to the water district
seat. Khanh Nguyen is a civil engineer who already serves on the Westminster School
District board, and Betty Burnett, an attorney from Fountain Valley, serves as general
manager at South Orange County Wastewater Authority.
Other candidates include former Fountain Valley Mayor Larry Crandall, former Garden
Grove mayor pro tem Kris Beard, former Fountain Valley planning commissioner Robert
McVicker, construction marketing manager Mathew Forester and former Los Alamitos
school board member Jeffrey Barke.
Barke, a physician who helps with regional disaster preparedness, received an
endorsement from County Supervisor Michelle Steel, who recently announced that she is
running against Rep. Harley Rouda, D-Laguna Beach, for the 48th Congressional District.
7
Nguyen was rumored to also be eyeing that CA-48 seat. She declined to elaborate
Thursday on her future plans, saying only that if appointed to the water board she’ll run for
re-election in 2020.
The water district board is expected to appoint a candidate to fill Osborne’s vacant seat at
Wednesday’s meeting.
Barbre said he’d prefer to have residents vote on who’ll hold the seat for the next 19
months, but he couldn’t get support from the rest of the board to hold a special election that
might cost $1 million.
8
Association of California Cities, Orange County <events@accoc.org>
June 11, 2019
OCSD SELECTS NEW LEADERSHIP
Fountain Valley, California -The Orange County Sanitation District (OCSD) recently
selected Ms. Lan Wiborg, to serve as the new Director of Environmental Services
.
Ms. Wiborg comes to OCSD with more than 20 years of water and wastewater utility
experience. She served as the City of San Diego's Deputy Public Utilities Director of Long-
Range Planning and Water Resources, where she oversaw water resource development and
planning, watershed protection, water conservation, climate change adaptation, and grid-
scale pumped hydropower energy storage programs.
Association of California Cities
June 11, 2019
9
Wiborg is the inaugural recipient of the San Diego State University (SDSU) Graduate School
of Public Health a Distinguished Alumni Award and is a member of Delta Omega, the
Honorary Society of Public Health. She also held a faculty appointment at SDSU in the areas
of water quality and environmental health from 2014-2016.
As the Director of Environmental Services, Ms. Wiborg will manage the Environmental
Services Department with responsibility over environmental compliance, regulatory affairs,
the environmental laboratory, ocean monitoring program, and source control operations.
"Lan was selected from a talented pool of candidates. Her longstanding relationships within
the regulatory community and within the water and wastewater industry will be extremely
valuable when it comes to managing OCSD's environmental and regulatory programs,"
stated Jim Herberg, OCSD General Manager. "She is an excellent choice and I look forward
to working with her as part of OCSD's Executive Management Team."
Wiborg holds a Bachelor's in Mathematical Psychology and Exercise Physiology, and a
Master of Public Health in Environmental Health.
In her spare time, Ms. Wiborg enjoys volunteering with watershed protection groups, crafting
with natural materials, outdoor adventures and traveling.
About OCSD
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.
10
Western Water June 13, 2019 Gary Pitzer
AS CALIFORNIANS SAVE MORE WATER, THEIR
SEWERS GET LESS AND THAT’S A PROBLEM
WESTERN WATER NOTEBOOK: LOWER FLOWS DAMAGE EQUIPMENT,
CONCENTRATE WASTE AND STINK UP NEIGHBORHOODS; SHOULD
WATER CONSERVATION FOCUS SHIFT OUTDOORS?
Corrosion is evident in this wastewater pipe from Los Angeles County.
(Image: Los Angeles County Public Works Department)
Californians have been doing an exceptional job reducing their indoor water use, helping the
state survive the most recent drought when water districts were required to meet
conservation targets. With more droughts inevitable, Californians are likely to face even
greater calls to save water in the future.
However, less water used in the home for showers, clothes washing and toilet flushing
means less water flowing out and pushing waste through the sewers. That has resulted in
corroded wastewater pipes and damaged equipment, and left sewage stagnating and
neighborhoods stinking. Less wastewater, and thus more concentrated waste, also means
higher costs to treat the sewage and less recycled water for such things as irrigating parks,
Western Water
June 13, 2019
11
replenishing groundwater or discharging treated flows to rivers to keep them vibrant for fish
and wildlife.
It’s a complex problem with no easy answers. Some water agencies even have suggested
the state needs to push more conservation efforts to outdoor water use rather than indoor
use to keep wastewater flowing. For now, local sanitation agencies are beginning to assess
how best to respond with changes in how they operate – and how they plan for a future that
will inevitably include more droughts.
“Indoor water savings are good, but the flip side is, as you get lower [use] … at what point are
you causing more harm than the benefit you are getting from saving those drops of water?”
said Adam Link, director of operations with the California Association of Sanitation Agencies.
Adam Link, director of operations with the California Association of Sanitation
Agencies (Image: California Association of Sanitation Agencies)
Link said his organization had heard anecdotal accounts of problems, but that they varied
depending on location. Wastewater agencies generally handled problems through operational
changes such as increased chemical treatment.
A recent report by the Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) quantified the problem,
finding in a survey of wastewater agencies, that one-fifth of respondents indicated increased
corrosion of collection systems due to declining influent quality.
The PPIC’s report released in April, Managing Wastewater in a Changing Climate, said the
wastewater treatment sector “is at a turning point,” with drought posing the biggest challenge.
The report suggested action is needed to improve coordination between water suppliers and
wastewater agencies to ensure that water conservation efforts in the urban sector can be
accounted for as part of the short- and long-term planning on the treatment side.
“Wastewater managers would benefit from knowing which demand management strategies
are deployed, when and where the strategies are being implemented, and how much indoor
12
water savings are expected over time,” according to the report. It noted that the California
Department of Water Resources and the State Water Resources Control Board could help
facilitate better exchange of information and provide guidance for integrating water supply
and wastewater planning.
“Indoor water savings are good, but the flip side is, as you get lower [use] … at what point are
you causing more harm than the benefit you are getting from saving those drops of water?”
~Adam Link, director of operations with the California Association of Sanitation Agencies
Link agreed that as wastewater agencies plan for future treatment capacity and the projected
demand for recycled water, they should be included in discussions about further reductions in
water use — and how reduced flows affect the planning and sizing of recycled water projects.
The state has set a goal of developing at least 2.5 million acre-feet a year of recycled water
by 2030.
Rob Thompson, assistant general manager of the Orange County Sanitation District, said his
agency has planned for changing flow patterns based on factors such as economic activity
and the amount of rain received.
“When people talk about low flow, it’s really one of a plethora of items which are really about
resilience,” he said. “We are consistently planning … with our operations, maintenance and
engineering to deal with those changes.”
This schematic from Sacramento Regional County Sanitation District is an
example of how wastewater systems work. (Image: Sacramento Regional County Sanitation District)
The district receives about 185 million gallons of sewage each day from more than 2 million
people in north central Orange County (185 million gallons would fill a football field 515 feet
13
deep). One hundred million gallons of that treated wastewater is put back to work to irrigate
parks, schools and golf courses and help combat seawater intrusion.
The district’s collection system and manholes have been protected from corrosion since the
1960s and for the last decade, chemical treatment has been used to block formation of
odorous and corrosion-causing compounds, said Thompson, noting that the district has been
granted patents for its processes.
Re-evaluating Water Conservation Strategies
The 2012-2016 drought was the driest in recorded state history. The extent of the impacts
from reduced sewage flows – corrosion, odor problems as sewage pools in neighborhood
pipes and increased salinity – surprised some people. The episode highlights what’s needed
in the future.
“We know the next drought is coming. This is our reality to manage and adapt to,” said Jelena
Hartman, senior scientist with the State Water Board, at PPIC’s April panel presentation on
the report.
“California policy on long-term water use efficiency should prioritize outdoor water use
restrictions, which will have a lower impact on interconnected water systems, to achieve
statewide demand management goals.”
~ 2017 California Urban Water Agencies white paper, Adapting to Change: Utility Systems
and Declining Flows
Because many rivers rely on treated wastewater for water quality and flow, reductions in
discharges can add to the environmental impacts on rivers when drought strikes, Hartman
said. Less water flowing to rivers — whether from treatment plants, street runoff or
stormwater flows — affects overall environmental quality.
“It’s not just water recycling,” she said. “We are talking about low-impact development,
capturing storm flows and reducing urban runoff.”
Meanwhile, the drive to ratchet down water use in California begs the question of whether
conservation efforts could eventually shift because of the impacts to the wastewater sector. A
2018 law sets indoor consumption goals at 55 gallons per person per day, with the figure
dropping to 52.5 gallons in 2025 and 50 gallons in 2030. It’s up to water agencies to work
with users to meet the goals.
14
In a 2017 white paper, Adapting to Change: Utility Systems and Declining Flows, California
Urban Water Agencies (CUWA) noted that while saving water indoors is an important
element of water management programs, more must be done to manage all future water
demands. CUWA is an association of 11 major California urban water agencies.
“California policy on long-term water use efficiency should prioritize outdoor water use
restrictions, which will have a lower impact on interconnected water systems, to achieve
statewide demand management goals,” the white paper said.
Outdoor water use varies greatly in the state, accounting for as little as 25 percent of a
household’s use in coastal areas and as much as 80 percent in the hotter inland regions.
Treated wastewater flows into the Los Angeles River. These types of
wastewater discharges are important sources of water to help maintain river vitality. (Image: Southern California Coastal
Water Research Project)
On the environmental side, work is underway to quantify the impact of reduced discharges to
surface waters. In Los Angeles, a coalition of state and local agencies are collaborating with
the Southern California Coastal Water Research Project on a two-year study launched last
fall to determine what happens when treated wastewater effluent and runoff usually sent to
the Los Angeles River is diverted for recycling.
Researchers are looking at how vulnerable species and habitats along a 45-mile stretch of
the lower reach of the river respond to flow reductions with an eye toward developing
recommended flow targets by season and section of the river.
What’s Next
When drought returns to California and people do their part to conserve water, use levels will
again drop, perhaps even to record-low levels. Wastewater treatment agencies will again be
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faced with even less flows. Thompson, with the Orange County Sanitation District, said
agencies should use their regular retrofit and upgrade schedule to measure their resilience.
Part of a wastewater treatment plant in Contra Costa County.
(Image: File)
“You don’t design for one little problem,” he said. “You look at the overall condition of your
treatment plant and look at opportunities to replace outdated infrastructure with more focused
infrastructure that meets the new needs you are facing.”
The state, PPIC said, should help the wastewater sector and direct its funding assistance
toward regional approaches to planning and research.
“The state also has a responsibility to evaluate its own policies for areas of conflict between
water use efficiency, recycled water production and environmental flows,” the report said.
“The state needs to be clear about the inevitable tradeoffs associated with these goals and
help set priorities.”
There also needs to be better delineation between what’s happening with the long-term trend
of reduced indoor water use and the impact drought has on that use.
“That is one of the unanswered questions,” Link said. “Is there going to be a bounce back [in
water use after a drought] or is there where we are and what we have to plan for?”
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OPINION
McCormick: Special Districts Stress
Focused Services, Prudent Planning
By NEIL MCCORMICK June 15, 2019
Special districts often don’t receive as much attention as other types of government.
Unfortunately, when they do, it is sometimes inaccurate or even misleading. In fact,
some news reports have published without even contacting us to ask questions. The
truth is that we welcome the opportunity to share facts about how special districts
operate and manage their fiscal health as they provide essential local services and
infrastructure to millions of Californians.
Voice of OC
June 13, 2019
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In Orange County, special districts provide utilities to some of the area’s best
planned communities. They provide sanitation and water services throughout the
region, park and recreation services, mosquito and vector control, and even maintain
cemeteries. The award-winning Placentia Library District exists because voters
created this special district that has become a community treasure.
Recently, a few critics have opined that special districts save unnecessarily large
amounts of reserves, citing a seriously flawed Little Hoover Commission report from
nearly 20 years ago. It’s unusual to hear people complain that government is being
too prudent and not spending enough money, but there’s always room for
improvement. Fortunately, the more recent Commission study of 2017 drew more
balanced conclusions and used more relevant, accurate information and
methodology. It stated that special districts are the “workhorses” of public service
delivery, but that they could do a better job of telling their story. We agree.
Yet still, those who hope to find fault will find it. One recent Orange County media
report on special districts prominently cited a quote from Howard Jarvis Taxpayers
Association President Jon Coupal, who said that it was his opinion that “government
entities” were “hoarding” money. The problem is that Coupal’s predictable stance
was in reference to government generally, not just special districts as portrayed by
the article. In his full testimony, Coupal went on to stress that he does not see special
districts as inherently “good or bad.”
The same article that misinterpreted Coupal’s quote, sought to demonstrate the
alleged “hoarding” of money by adding up the total assets and savings of every
special district, joint powers authority, and even some corporations and calling it all
special district reserves. This was also problematic, considering the largest entity
they included was not a special district. It was the Inland Empire Health Plan, which
is a not-for-profit Medi-Cal and Medicare health plan with nearly $2 billion in assets.
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The article also failed to recognize the difference between investments in
infrastructure and cash on hand—big difference.
When analyzing local governance, it’s important to gather the right data. It’s also
necessary to correctly interpret the data. Asking the local agencies themselves is a
good start to an accurate assessment.
For example, most special districts provide services using highly specialized
infrastructure that make it difficult to compare their financial needs with general
purpose governments, such as cities and counties. While general purpose
governments typically spend a large portion of their general fund on personnel and
day-to-day programs, most special districts are different. For instance, a small water
district may employ relatively few people but must budget for developing and
maintaining a complex and highly-engineered delivery system and facilities.
Planning and saving for the eventual replacement of that infrastructure is responsible
management.
But again, we do agree with critics on that one key point: special districts can do
more to tell their story. Because special district services aren’t typically
controversial, like most of the issues dominating today’s media, they get less
coverage. Very few struggling newspapers are going to send a reporter to cover dry,
technical meetings, despite our pleas that they do so and our efforts to offer
interesting public happenings. But lack of controversy does not mean special district
services are insignificant. That is why the California Special Districts Association
and our members work so hard to get media coverage of our issues and we are
grateful for the few opportunities we get to speak out, such as the Voice of OC has
provided us.
Special districts focus on providing a single, specialized service or small suite of
services as requested and approved by the voters. They are formed to meet a local
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need with local control. And, they are able to be efficient and effective because they
are experts specializing in local service. Virtually all special districts want their
communities to better understand their services and issues, and we will continue to
shout out their stories at every opportunity.
Interested readers can learn more about special districts at Districts Make The
Difference. Now through September 30, high school and college students may visit
this site to compete for a scholarship by submitting a short video about special
districts serving their community.
Neil McCormick is the chief executive officer of the California Special Districts
Association, which promotes good governance and improved local services through
professional development, advocacy, and other services for all types of independent
special districts.
Opinions expressed in editorials belong to the authors and not Voice of OC.
Voice of OC is interested in hearing different perspectives and voices. If you want to
weigh in on this issue or others please contact Voice of OC Involvement Editor
Theresa Sears at TSears@voiceofoc.org
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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.