HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-08-2021 Legislative Committee Meeting Complete Agenda PacketORANGE COUNTY SANITATION DISTRICT
SPECIAL NOTICE REGARDING CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) AND ATTENDANCE AT PUBLIC MEETINGS
Governor Newsom signed Assembly Bill (AB) 361 on September 16, 2021, which, in part, addresses the conduct of public meetings in light of the continued State of Emergency order.
Effective October 1, 2021, AB 361 suspends the requirements located in California Government Code, Section 54953, Subdivision (b), Paragraph (3) specifically pertaining to the conduct of public meetings. As such, the Orange County Sanitation District (OC San) Board of Directors has determined that due to the size of OC San’s Board of Directors (25), and the health and safety of the members, the Board of Directors will be participating
in meetings of the Board telephonically and via Internet accessibility.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Your participation is always welcome. OC San offers several ways in which to interact during meetings. You will find information as to these opportunities below.
ONLINE MEETING PARTICIPATION
You may join the meeting live via Teams on your computer or similar device or web browser by using the link below:
Click here to join the meeting
We suggest testing joining a Teams meeting on your device prior to the commencement of the meeting. For recommendations, general guidance on using Teams, and instructions on joining a Teams meeting, please click here.
Please mute yourself upon entry to the meeting. Please raise your hand if you wish to speak during the public comment section of the meeting. The Clerk of the Board will call upon you by using the name you joined with.
Meeting attendees are not provided the ability to make a presentation during the meeting.
Please contact the Clerk of the Board at least 48 hours prior to the meeting if you wish to present any items. Additionally, camera feeds may be controlled by the meeting moderator to avoid inappropriate content.
OC ~SAN
ORANGE COUNTY SANITATION DISTRICT
HOW TO PARTICIPATE IN THE MEETING BY TELEPHONE To join the meeting from your phone: Dial (213) 279-1455 When prompted, enter the Phone Conference ID: 728 002 095#
All meeting participants may be muted during the meeting to alleviate background noise. If you are muted, please use *6 to unmute. You may also mute yourself on your device. Please raise your hand to speak by use *5, during the public comment section of the meeting. The Clerk of the Board will call upon you by using the last 4 digits of your phone
number as identification. NOTE: All attendees will be disconnected from the meeting at the beginning of Closed Session. If you would like to return to the Open Session portion of the meeting, please login or dial-in to the Teams meeting again and wait in the Lobby for admittance. VIEW THE MEETING ONLINE ONLY The meeting will be available for online viewing only at:
https://ocsd.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx HOW TO SUBMIT A COMMENT
You may provide verbal comment in real time during the meeting. In order to provide a verbal comment, please raise your hand as described above or alert the Clerk of the Board before or during the public comment period. You may also submit your comments and questions in writing for consideration in advance
of the meeting by using the eComment feature available online at: https://ocsd.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx or sending them to OCSanClerk@ocsan.gov with the subject line “PUBLIC COMMENT ITEM # (insert the item number relevant to your comment)” or “PUBLIC COMMENT NON-AGENDA ITEM”.
You may also submit comments and questions for consideration during the meeting by using the eComment feature available online at: https://ocsd.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx. The eComment feature will be available for the duration of the meeting. All written public comments will be provided to the legislative body and may be read into
the record or compiled as part of the record. TECHNICAL SUPPORT PRIOR TO AND DURING MEETINGS
For technical assistance before and during the meeting, please call 714-593-7431. For
any other questions and/or concerns, please contact the Clerk of the Board’s office at 714-593-7433. Thank you, in advance, for your patience in working with these technologies. We appreciate your interest in OC San!
November 1, 2021
NOTICE OF MEETING
LEGISLATIVE AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
ORANGE COUNTY SANITATION DISTRICT
Monday, November 8, 2021 – 4:30 P.M.
ACCESSIBILITY FOR THE GENERAL PUBLIC
Your participation is always welcome. Specific information as to how to
participate in this meeting is detailed in the Special Notice attached to
this agenda. In general, OC San offers several ways in which to interact
during meetings: you may join the meeting live via Teams on your
computer or similar device or web browser, join the meeting live via
telephone, view the meeting online, and/or submit comments for
consideration before or during the meeting.
A regular meeting of the Legislative and Public Affairs Committee of the
Orange County Sanitation District will be held in the manner indicated herein
on Monday, November 8, 2021 at 4:30 p.m.
0 ~SAN 10844 Ellis Avenue
Fountain Valley, CA 92708
714.962.2411
ORANGE COUNTY SANITATION DISTRICT www.ocsan.gov
Our Mission: To protect public health and the environment by
providing effective wastewater collection, treatment, and recycling.
Serving:
Anaheim
Brea
Buena Park
Cypress
Fountain Valley
Fullerton
Garden Grove
Huntington Beach
Irvine
La Habra
La Palma
Los Alamitos
Newport Beach
Orange
Placentia
Santa Ana
Seal Beach
Stanton
Tustin
Villa Park
County of Orange
Costa Mesa
Sanitary District
Midway City
Sanitary District
Irvine Ranch
Water District
Yorba Linda
Water District
LEGISLATIVE AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS COMMITTEE MEETING DATES
BOARD MEETING DATES
Monday 11/08/21 4:30 p.m. 11/17/21 *
DECEMBER – DARK 12/15/21 *
JANUARY – DARK 01/26/22
Monday 02/07/22 4:30 p.m. 02/23/22
Monday 03/14/22 4:30 p.m. 03/23/22
Monday 04/11/22 4:00 p.m. 04/27/22
Monday 05/09/22 4:30 p.m. 05/25/22
JUNE – DARK 06/22/22
Monday 07/11/22 4:00 p.m. 07/27/22
AUGUST – DARK 08/24/22
Monday 09/12/22 4:30 p.m. 09/21/22
OCTOBER – DARK 10/26/22
* Meeting will be held on the third Wednesday of the month
ROLL CALL
LEGISLATIVE & PUBLIC AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
Meeting Date: November 8, 2021 Time: 4:30 p.m.
Adjourn: COMMITTEE MEMBERS (7)
Jesus J. Silva, Chair
Marshall Goodman, Vice-Chair
Kim Carr, Member-At-Large
Anthony Kuo, Member-At-Large
Andrew Nguyen, Member-At-Large
John Withers, Board Chair Chad Wanke, Board Vice-Chair
OTHERS
Brad Hogin, General Counsel
STAFF
Jim Herberg, General Manager
Rob Thompson, Assistant General Manager Lorenzo Tyner, Assistant General Manager
Celia Chandler, Director of Human Resources
Kathy Millea, Director of Engineering Lan Wiborg, Director of Environmental Services
Kelly Lore, Clerk of the Board
ORANGE COUNTY SANITATION DISTRICT Effective 7/13/2021
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Complete Roster
AGENCY/CITIES ACTIVE DIRECTOR
ALTERNATE
DIRECTOR
Anaheim Stephen Faessel Jose Diaz
Brea Glenn Parker Steven Vargas
Buena Park Art Brown Connor Traut
Cypress Paulo Morales Anne Hertz
Fountain Valley Patrick Harper Glenn Grandis
Fullerton Jesus J. Silva Nick Dunlap
Garden Grove Steve Jones John O’Neill
Huntington Beach Kim Carr Dan Kalmick
Irvine Anthony Kuo Farrah N. Khan
La Habra Rose Espinoza Jose Medrano
La Palma Marshall Goodman Nitesh Patel
Los Alamitos Mark A. Chirco Ron Bates
Newport Beach Brad Avery Joy Brenner
Orange Kim Nichols Chip Monaco
Placentia Chad Wanke Ward Smith
Santa Ana Johnathan Ryan Hernandez Nelida Mendoza
Seal Beach Sandra Massa-Lavitt Schelly Sustarsic
Stanton David Shawver Carol Warren
Tustin Ryan Gallagher Austin Lumbard
Villa Park Chad Zimmerman Robert Collacott
Sanitary/Water Districts
Costa Mesa Sanitary District Bob Ooten Art Perry
Midway City Sanitary District Andrew Nguyen Sergio Contreras
Irvine Ranch Water District John Withers Douglas Reinhart
Yorba Linda Water District Brooke Jones Phil Hawkins
County Areas
Board of Supervisors Doug Chaffee Donald P. Wagner
LEGISLATIVE AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
Regular Meeting Agenda
Monday, November 8, 2021 - 4:30 PM
Board Room
Administration Building
10844 Ellis Avenue
Fountain Valley, CA 92708
(714) 593-7433
AGENDA POSTING: In accordance with the requirements of California Government Code Section 54954.2, this
agenda has been posted outside the main gate of the Sanitation District’s Administration Building located
at 10844 Ellis Avenue, Fountain Valley, California, and on the Sanitation District’s website at www.ocsan.gov
not less than 72 hours prior to the meeting date and time above. All public records relating to each agenda
item, including any public records distributed less than 72 hours prior to the meeting to all, or a majority
of the Board of Directors, are available for public inspection in the office of the Clerk of the Board.
AGENDA DESCRIPTION: The agenda provides a brief general description of each item of business to
be considered or discussed. The recommended action does not indicate what action will be taken. The Board
of Directors may take any action which is deemed appropriate.
MEETING AUDIO: An audio recording of this meeting is available within 24 hours after adjournment of
the meeting. Please contact the Clerk of the Board's office at (714) 593-7433 to request the audio file.
NOTICE TO DIRECTORS: To place items on the agenda for a Committee or Board Meeting, the item must
be submitted in writing to the Clerk of the Board: Kelly A. Lore, MMC, (714) 593-7433 / klore@ocsan.gov at least
14 days before the meeting.
FOR ANY QUESTIONS ON THE AGENDA, BOARD MEMBERS MAY CONTACT STAFF AT:
General Manager: Jim Herberg, jherberg@ocsan.gov / (714) 593-7300
Asst. General Manager: Lorenzo Tyner, ltyner@ocsan.gov / (714) 593-7550
Asst. General Manager: Rob Thompson, rthompson@ocsan.gov / (714) 593-7310
Director of Human Resources: Celia Chandler, cchandler@ocsan.gov / (714) 593-7202
Director of Engineering: Kathy Millea, kmillea@ocsan.gov / (714) 593-7365
Director of Environmental Services: Lan Wiborg, lwiborg@ocsan.gov / (714) 593-7450
OC ~SAN
ORANGE COUNTY SANITATION DISTRICT
LEGISLATIVE AND PUBLIC
AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
Regular Meeting Agenda Monday, November 8, 2021
CALL TO ORDER
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL AND DECLARATION OF QUORUM:
Clerk of the Board
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Your participation is always welcome. Specific information as to how to participate in a meeting is detailed in the
Special Notice attached to this agenda. In general, OC San offers several ways in which to interact during
meetings: you may join the meeting live via Teams on your computer or similar device or web browser, join the
meeting live via telephone, view the meeting online, and/or submit comments for consideration before or during
the meeting.
You may provide verbal comment in real time during the meeting. In order to provide a verbal comment, please
raise your hand (directions provided in the Special Notice attached to this agenda) or alert the Clerk of the Board
before or during the public comment period.
You may submit your comments and questions in writing for consideration in advance of the meeting by using the
eComment feature available online at: https://ocsd.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx or sending them to
OCSanClerk@ocsan.gov with the subject line “PUBLIC COMMENT ITEM # (insert the item number relevant to
your comment)” or “PUBLIC COMMENT NON-AGENDA ITEM”.
You may also submit comments and questions for consideration during the meeting by using the eComment
feature available online at: https://ocsd.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx. The eComment feature will be available for
the duration of the meeting.
All written public comments will be provided to the legislative body and may be read into the record or compiled as
part of the record.
REPORTS:
The Committee Chairperson and the General Manager may present verbal reports on miscellaneous matters of
general interest to the Directors. These reports are for information only and require no action by the Directors.
CONSENT CALENDAR:
Consent Calendar Items are considered to be routine and will be enacted, by the Committee, after one motion,
without discussion. Any items withdrawn from the Consent Calendar for separate discussion will be considered in
the regular order of business.
1.2021-1938APPROVAL OF MINUTES
RECOMMENDATION:
Approve Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Legislative and Public Affairs
Committee held September 13, 2021.
Originator:Kelly Lore
Page 1 of 3
LEGISLATIVE AND PUBLIC
AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
Regular Meeting Agenda Monday, November 8, 2021
Agenda Report
09-13-2021 LaPA Committee Minutes
Attachments:
NON-CONSENT:
2.2021-1885DRAFT 2022 LEGISLATIVE AND REGULATORY PLAN
RECOMMENDATION: Recommend to the Board of Directors to:
Receive and file the draft Orange County Sanitation District 2022 Legislative and
Regulatory Plan.
Originator:Jim Herberg
Agenda Report
2022 Draft Legislative & Regulatory Plan
Presentation - Legislative & Regulatory Plan
Attachments:
3.2021-1899LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS UPDATE FOR THE MONTHS OF
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2021
RECOMMENDATION: Recommend to the Board of Directors to:
Receive and file the Legislative Affairs Update for the months of September and
October 2021.
Originator:Jim Herberg
Agenda Report
ENS Legislative Update
Federal Legislative Matrix - ENS
TPA Legislative Update
State Legislative Matrix - TPA
Grant Matrix 2021-2022
Presentation - ENS Update
Presentation - TPA Update
Attachments:
4.2021-1935PUBLIC AFFAIRS UPDATE FOR THE MONTHS OF SEPTEMBER AND
OCTOBER 2021
RECOMMENDATION: Recommend to the Board of Directors to:
Receive and file the Public Affairs Update for the months of September and October
2021.
Originator:Jim Herberg
Page 2 of 3
LEGISLATIVE AND PUBLIC
AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
Regular Meeting Agenda Monday, November 8, 2021
Agenda Report
Outreach Report September and October 2021
Presentation - Public Affairs Update
Attachments:
INFORMATION ITEMS:
None.
DEPARTMENT HEAD REPORTS:
CLOSED SESSION:
None.
OTHER BUSINESS AND COMMUNICATIONS OR SUPPLEMENTAL AGENDA ITEMS, IF
ANY:
BOARD OF DIRECTORS INITIATED ITEMS FOR A FUTURE MEETING:
At this time Directors may request staff to place an item on a future agenda.
ADJOURNMENT:
Adjourn the meeting until the Regular Meeting of the Legislative and Public Affairs Committee
on February 7, 2022 at 4:30p.m.
Page 3 of 3
LEGISLATIVE AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS
COMMITTEE
Agenda Report
Administration Building
10844 Ellis Avenue
Fountain Valley, CA 92708
(714) 593-7433
File #:2021-1938 Agenda Date:11/8/2021 Agenda Item No:1.
FROM:James D. Herberg, General Manager
Originator: Kelly A. Lore, Clerk of the Board
SUBJECT:
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION
RECOMMENDATION:
Approve Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Legislative and Public Affairs Committee held
September 13, 2021.
BACKGROUND
In accordance with the Board of Directors Rules of Procedure, an accurate record of each meeting
will be provided to the Directors for subsequent approval at the following meeting.
RELEVANT STANDARDS
·Resolution No. OC SAN 21-04
ATTACHMENT
The following attachment(s) may be viewed on-line at the OC San website (www.ocsan.gov) with the complete agenda
package:
·Minutes of the LaPA Committee meeting held September 13, 2021
Orange County Sanitation District Printed on 11/1/2021Page 1 of 1
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OC6SAN
ORANGE COUNTY SANITATION DISTRICT
Orange County Sanitation District
Minutes for the
LEGISLATIVE AND PUBLIC
AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
Monday, September 13, 2021
4:30 PM
Board Room
Administration Building
10844 Ellis Avenue
Fountain Valley, CA 92708
(714) 593-7433
CALL TO ORDER
A regular meeting of the Legislative and Public Affairs Committee of the Orange County
Sanitation District was called to order by Committee Chair Jesus J. Silva on Monday,
September 13, 2021 at 4:31 p.m. in the Administration Building of the Orange County
Sanitation District. Chair Silva stated that the meeting was being held telephonically and via
audio/video teleconferencing in accordance with the Governor's Executive Order No. N-29-20,
due to the Coronavirus Pandemic (COVID-19). Chair Silva led the Flag Salute and
announced the teleconference meeting guidelines.
ROLL CALL AND DECLARATION OF QUORUM:
Roll call was taken and a quorum was declared present, as follows:
PRESENT:Jesus Silva, Marshall Goodman, Anthony Kuo, Andrew Nguyen,
Chad Wanke and John Withers
ABSENT:Kim Carr
STAFF PRESENT: Brian Engeln was present in the Board Room. Jim Herberg, General
Manager; Rob Thompson, Assistant General Manager; Lorenzo Tyner, Assistant General
Manager; Celia Chandler, Director of Human Resources; Lan Wiborg, Director of
Environmental Services; Kelly Lore, Clerk of the Board; Jennifer Cabral; Mortimer Caparas;
Tanya Chong; Daisy Covarrubias; Tina Knapp; Rebecca Long; Tom Meregillano; Kelly
Newell; and Thomas Vu were in attendance telephonically.
OTHERS PRESENT: Brad Hogin, General Counsel; Eric Sapirstein, ENS Resources (ENS);
Cori Takkinen,Townsend Public Affairs (TPA); Yarib Dheming and Erin Foster, Inside the
Outdoors were in attendance telephonically.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
None.
REPORTS:
Chair Silva did not provide a report.
General Manager Jim Herberg provided an update on the status of the Interim Food Waste
Receiving Facility project, providing a brief overview of the project and progress made to date
on the project and recap of related legislation.
Page 1 of 4
OC ~SAN
ORANGE COUNTY SANITATION DISTRICT
LEGISLATIVE AND PUBLIC
AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
Minutes September 13, 2021
CONSENT CALENDAR:
1.APPROVAL OF MINUTES 2021-1835
Originator: Kelly Lore
MOVED, SECONDED, AND DULY CARRIED TO:
Approve Minutes of the Special Meeting of the Legislative and Public Affairs Committee
held July 12, 2021.
AYES:Jesus Silva, Marshall Goodman, Anthony Kuo, Andrew Nguyen and
John Withers
NOES:None
ABSENT:Kim Carr and Chad Wanke
ABSTENTIONS:None
INFORMATION ITEMS:
2.INSIDE THE OUTDOORS YEAR END RECAP 2021-1797
Originator: Jim Herberg
Administration Manager Jennifer Cabral introduced Yarib Dheming and Erin Foster
from Inside the Outdoors who provided an overview of the OC San Inside the Outdoors
program for fiscal year 2020-2021.
ITEM RECEIVED AS:
Information Only.
NON-CONSENT:
3.STRATEGIC PLAN ORGANIZATIONAL ADVOCACY AND OUTREACH
POLICY
2021-1824
Originator: Jim Herberg
Ms. Cabral provided a PowerPoint presentation that provided information about the
policy, initiatives of the policy, and next steps.
ITEM RECEIVED AS:
Information Only.
Board Vice-Chair Wanke arrived at the meeting at approximately 5:15 p.m.
Board Chair Withers departed the meeting at approximately 5:20 p.m.
Page 2 of 4
LEGISLATIVE AND PUBLIC
AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
Minutes September 13, 2021
4.PUBLIC AFFAIRS UPDATE FOR THE MONTHS OF JULY AND
AUGUST 2021
2021-1827
Originator: Jim Herberg
Principal Public Affairs Specialist Daisy Covarrubias provided a PowerPoint
presentation that reviewed Public Affairs activity in July and August 2021 including an
overview of what was done, what is being worked on, and awards received.
MOVED, SECONDED, AND DULY CARRIED TO: Recommend to the Board of
Directors to:
Receive and file the Public Affairs Update for the months of July and August 2021.
AYES:Jesus Silva, Marshall Goodman, Anthony Kuo, Andrew Nguyen and
Chad Wanke
NOES:None
ABSENT:Kim Carr and John Withers
ABSTENTIONS:None
5.LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS UPDATE FOR THE MONTHS OF
JULY/AUGUST 2021
2021-1798
Originator: Jim Herberg
Senior Public Affairs Specialist Rebecca Long introduced Eric Sapirstein, ENS, who
provided a presentation reviewing current issues including the Senate Infrastructure
Bill, "Soft" Infrastructure Bill, FY 2022 appropriations, and an update on legislation
pertaining to PFAS/PFOA.
Cori Takkinen, TPA, provided a PowerPoint presentation that provided information on
the legislative calendar; 2021-2022 trailer bill status and State budget update - water
and sanitation; AB 361 (Rivas); AB 818 (Bloom); and a review of bill status for AB 59
(Gabriel), AB 339 (Lee), AB 622 (Friedman), and AB 1434 (Friedman).
MOVED, SECONDED, AND DULY CARRIED TO: Recommend to the Board of
Directors to:
Receive and file the Legislative Affairs Update for the month of July and August 2021.
AYES:Jesus Silva, Marshall Goodman, Anthony Kuo, Andrew Nguyen and
Chad Wanke
NOES:None
ABSENT:Kim Carr and John Withers
ABSTENTIONS:None
DEPARTMENT HEAD REPORTS:
None.
Page 3 of 4
LEGISLATIVE AND PUBLIC
AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
Minutes September 13, 2021
CLOSED SESSION:
None.
OTHER BUSINESS AND COMMUNICATIONS OR SUPPLEMENTAL AGENDA ITEMS, IF
ANY:
None.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS INITIATED ITEMS FOR A FUTURE MEETING:
None.
ADJOURNMENT:
Chair Silva declared the meeting adjourned at 5:54 p.m. to the next Regular Legislative and
Public Affairs Committee meeting to be held on Monday, November 8, 2021 at 4:30 p.m.
Submitted by:
__________________
Kelly A. Lore, MMC
Clerk of the Board
Page 4 of 4
LEGISLATIVE AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS
COMMITTEE
Agenda Report
Administration Building
10844 Ellis Avenue
Fountain Valley, CA 92708
(714) 593-7433
File #:2021-1885 Agenda Date:11/8/2021 Agenda Item No:2.
FROM:James D. Herberg, General Manager
SUBJECT:
DRAFT 2022 LEGISLATIVE AND REGULATORY PLAN
GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION
RECOMMENDATION: Recommend to the Board of Directors to:
Receive and file the draft Orange County Sanitation District 2022 Legislative and Regulatory Plan.
BACKGROUND
Each year, the Board of Directors adopts a legislative and regulatory plan, which is a summary of the
Orange County Sanitation District’s (OC San) goals, key issues, and policy positions. The legislative
and regulatory policies in this document were developed taking into consideration agency priorities,
the wastewater industry, OC San’s member agencies, and policy needs.
These Board-approved policies serve as OC San’s official positions of support or opposition on
issues of importance to the agency. The legislative and regulatory plan is a dynamic document,
adopted annually and is modified to meet the needs of OC San as federal, state, and local
policymaking agendas change throughout the year.
RELEVANT STANDARDS
·Maintain influential legislative advocacy and a public outreach program
·Build brand, trust, and support with policy makers and community leaders
·Maintain collaborative and cooperative relationships with regulators, stakeholders, and
neighboring communities
PROBLEM
Without a strong advocacy program, elected officials may not be aware of OC San’s mission,
programs, and projects and how they could be impacted by proposed legislation.
PROPOSED SOLUTION
Review the draft 2022 Legislative and Regulatory Plan, which will go to the Board of Directors in
December. Advise staff to work with Local, State, and Federal officials to advocate OC San’s
legislative interests. Help to create/monitor legislation and grants that would benefit OC San, the
wastewater industry, and the community as a whole. To assist in our relationship building activities,Orange County Sanitation District Printed on 11/1/2021Page 1 of 2
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OC6SAN
ORANGE COUNTY SANITATION DISTRICT
File #:2021-1885 Agenda Date:11/8/2021 Agenda Item No:2.
wastewater industry,and the community as a whole.To assist in our relationship building activities,
we will continue to reach out to our elected officials providing facility tours,one-on-one meetings,and
meetings/lobby trips with D.C. and Sacramento representatives.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
N/A
ATTACHMENT
The following attachment(s)may be viewed on-line at the OC San website (www.ocsan.gov)with the complete agenda
package:
·Draft OC San 2022 Legislative and Regulatory Plan
·Presentation
Orange County Sanitation District Printed on 11/1/2021Page 2 of 2
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2022 Legislative and Regulatory Plan
OC ~SAN
ORANGE COUNTY SANITATION DISTRICT
OC San 2022 Legislative &
Regulatory Plan
2
January 2022
Table of Contents
Legislative and Regulatory Team
Introduction
Procedure for Taking Positions
Guiding Priorities
Federal and State Priorities
Appendix
Legislative & Regulatory Affairs Team
OC San Legislative Advocacy Team
Rebecca Long
Senior Public Affairs Specialist
(714) 593-7444 rlong@ocsan.gov
Kelly Newell
Public Affairs Specialist
(714) 593-7102 knewell@ocsan.gov
Jennifer Cabral
Administration Manager
(714) 593-7581 jcabral@ocsan.gov
Jim Herberg
General Manager
(714) 593-7110 jherberg@ocsan.gov
Federal Advocacy Team
Eric Sapirstein
ENS Resources
(202) 466-3755 esap@ensresources.com
Sarah Sapirstein
ENS Resources
(202) 466-3755 ssap@ensresources.com
David French
ENS Resources
(202) 466-3755 dfrench@ensresources.com
State Advocacy Team
Cori Takkinen
Townsend Public Affairs
(949) 399-9050 ctakkinen@TownsendPA.com
Eric O’Donnell
Townsend Public Affairs
(949) 399-9050 eodonnell@TownsendPA.com
Christopher Townsend
Townsend Public Affairs
(949) 399-9050 ctownsend@TownsendPA.com
OC San Regulatory Advocacy Team
Tom Meregillano, Environmental Compliance
Supervisor
(714) 593-7457 tmeregillano@ocsan.gov
Lan Wiborg, Director of Environmental
Services
(714) 593-7450 lwiborg@ocsan.gov
OC San 2022 Legislative &
Regulatory Plan
3
January 2022
Legislative Public Affairs Committee
Jesus Silva Chairman
Marshall Goodman Vice-Chairman
Kim Carr Member-At-Large
Anthony Kuo Member-At-Large
Andrew Nguyen Member-At-Large
John Withers Board Chairman
Chad Wanke Board Vice-Chairman
Introduction
The Orange County Sanitation District (OC San) recognizes the need for an active local, state and federal legislative
and regulatory advocacy program to ensure that the interests of the ratepayers and the Board of Directors (Board)
are protected and supported. The legislative and regulatory team actively engages, pursues, and monitors
activities in California and Washington, D.C. and takes appropriate action in support of or opposition to legislative
and regulatory initiatives.
Each year, the Board of Directors adopts a Legislative and Regulatory Plan , which is a summary of OC San’s goals,
key issues, and policy positions. The legislative and regulatory policies in this document were developed taking into
consideration OC San’s priorities, the wastewater industry and policy needs. These Board-approved policies serve
as OC San’s official positions of support or opposition on issues of importance to the agency. The Legislative and
Regulatory Plan is a dynamic document, adopted annually and is modified to meet the needs of OC San as federal,
state, and local policymaking agendas change throughout the year.
The legislative and regulatory team, in conjunction with the Board, may take appropriate action consistent with the
Legislative and Regulatory Plan , including, but not limited to, drafting position letters, advocating to legislators and
their staff, and proposing and/or commenting on legislation and regulations.
Procedure for Taking Positions
1. Staff will track bills and proposed regulations of greatest interest to OC San, particularly those that fall within
the goals and objectives identified by the Board and included in this plan. Staff will monitor bills and
proposed regulations being watched by similar agencies within our region (Los Angeles County Sanitation
Districts, South Orange County Water Authority, Orange County Water District, Irvine Ranch Water District,
Municipal Water District of Orange County, etc.) as well as state, federal and national associations such as
California Association of Sanitation Agencies (CASA), Southern California Alliance of Publicly Owned
Treatment Works (SCAP), California Special Districts Association (CSDA), Association of California Water
Agencies (ACWA), Association of California Cities Orange County (ACC-OC), League of California Cities
(LOCC), and National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA).
2. For those bills and proposed regulations that are being tracked and where there is clear policy direction
stated in the Board-adopted Legislative and Regulatory Plan , Public Affairs and Regulatory staff can send
letters to legislators and regulators and give direction to the lobbyists to advocate that position.
OC San 2022 Legislative &
Regulatory Plan
4
January 2022
3. When Regulatory Affairs is deciding to issue a comment letter on proposed regulations, they first review
the Board approved criteria established in the Legislative and Regulatory plan. If the proposed position
meets the established criteria, then the Regulatory Affairs team will work with OC San’s member
associations including but not limited to Southern California Alliance of Publicly Owned Treatment Works
(SCAP), California Association of Sanitation Agencies (CASA), and National Association of Clean Water
Agencies (NACWA). When appropriate, the member association(s) will take the lead and advocate on our
behalf. Otherwise, a comment letter will be submitted from OC San directly. This will be decided by both
the Regulatory Affairs team with input from the Public Affairs Office. Additionally, the Regulatory Affairs
team will work directly with OC San’s Administration Manager and other manager’s as appropriate when
crafting an official comment letter.
4. When an issue is not urgent, all legislative letters will be hand-signed by the Board Chairman or Vice-
Chairman. If a matter is urgent, staff may use the electronic signature, so long as a clear policy direction
exists, and the General Manager or Designee approves the letter.
5. When a bill does not fall within the scope of the Legislative and Regulatory Plan or is a controversial issue,
staff will seek direction from the Legislative and Public Affairs Committee.
6. If a bill does not fall within the scope of the Legislative and Regulatory Plan , but the Association of California
Cities Orange County (ACCOC), the California Association of Sanitation Agencies (CASA), the California
Special Districts Association (CSDA) or the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA) has
adopted a position, staff may follow this position but must inform the Legislative and Public Affairs
Committee of such action at the next regularly scheduled meeting.
Guiding Priorities
Oppose redundant regulatory and legislative requirements that cause undue constraints on efficient
operations;
Support legislative regulatory streamlining that promotes affordability, public health, and the environment;
Maintain local control over governance of special districts and other local entities; and
Obtain financial assistance for OC San projects through grants, loans, and legislative directed funding.
Federal Priorities
Funding/Finance
o Advocate for national infrastructure program that includes wastewater infrastructure needs.
o Advocate for robust federal water infrastructure funding of existing programs in addition to
national infrastructure initiative, including State Revolving Fund, Water Infrastructure Finance
and Innovation Act (WIFIA), Smart Water Infrastructure Grants, and Water Recycling.
Additionally, advocate for federal support assistance for workforce training.
o Secure competitive and direct federal grants assistance in support of green infrastructure,
renewable energy, biosolids management, and water and organic management recycling
projects assistance.
o Monitor and obtain federal grants for funding of traditional wastewater treatment needs,
alternative renewable energy, bioenergy, water recycling, biosolids beneficial use, and beach
protection.
o Support development of infrastructure policies and legislation that will close funding gaps and
encourage direct grants assistance in support of projects and programs addressing resiliency
needs that protect the OC San investments from natural disasters.
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January 2022
o Work with U.S. Department of Energy and EPA to identify and support efforts to secure funding
assistance for the OC San’s energy-water nexus project demonstrations such as super critical
water oxidation and/or future biosolids/biogas projects.
o Support legislation, policies and regulations that offer to provide below market bonding rate
assistance to construct treatment facilities, including credit assistance, Build America Bonds,
Municipal Facility Assistance and infrastructure banks. Focus should include modernizing
wastewater treatment facilities including energy and water use efficiency as well as sustainable
energy recovery technologies, core infrastructure assistance related wastewater treatment,
funding of final stage of water recycling needs, and related demonstration of evolving
technologies to address brine line needs.
o Secure federal support of OC San’s capital project needs to aid in the budget decision making
process for the coming fiscal year.
o Promote restoration of federal deductibility of state and local tax payments and oppose
elimination or restriction on the use or availability of tax-exempt financing for public
infrastructure.
o Support maximum funding in annual federal appropriations for the Clean Water Act State
Revolving Fund (CWSRF).
o Support legislation to revise the SRF allocation formula to allow for appropriate and fair share of
funding to California consistent with United States EPA study (20 percent increase in share).
o Support removal of private activity Bond State Volume Cap as part of national infrastructure
initiative on water and wastewater facilities to allow for innovative financing approaches.
Innovative Technology
o Work with Congress and United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to enhance the
WaterSense Program to increase the use of energy and water use efficient technologies at OC
San while protecting against treatment cost increases related to program rulemaking.
o Work with Congress to authorize and fund direct assistance to support innovative technology
adoption.
Contaminants of Emerging Concern
o Work with Congress to advance federal assistance to support the treatment of forever chemicals
and to protect public agencies from liability for per- and polylfluoroalkyl acids (PFAS) presence
in biosolids and wastewater.
o Provide that any funding regime be derived from the manufacturers of PFAS chemicals to
provide federal grants and low-interest loans to agencies impacted.
o Oppose regulations or legislation that would address PFAS as a class of constituents.
o Oppose designation of PFAS as hazardous substances under Comprehensive Environmental
Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA).
o Secure liability exemption for wastewater agencies if PFAS or other “forever” chemicals defined
as a hazardous substance under CERCLA or are regulated as a class.Work with the EPA on
emerging regulatory issues of concern including integrated planning, method development,
monitoring effluent limitations and guidelines, and contaminants of emerging concern including,
but not limited to, PFAS and microplastics.
NPDES/Permitting
o Work with Administration and Congress to advance commonsense permitting processes
including ten-year National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits and
programmatic permits issued by USEPA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to reduce
ratepayer costs. Any authority to issue efficient permitting solutions should not impose new
requirements or burdens on permittees.
o Support streamlining the Clean Water Act permitting processes.
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January 2022
Environment/Climate Resiliency
o Work with OC San’s congressional delegation and administration officials to advance funding of
resiliency needs, including impacts associated with sea level rise, climate change, natural
disasters such as wild fires that could affect our utility grid and cause power outages. Also,
seismic events, drought and general resiliency planning that would support OC San’s water
recycling, conservation, and other resiliency projects.
Source Control
o Support legislation to label wipes as non-flushable/non-dispersible.
o Advocate for federal policies that minimize regulatory burdens imposed upon communities and
public agencies that seek to adopt programs for the giveback of pharmaceuticals that will result
in the reduction of disposal of pharmaceuticals through wastewater treatment facilities.
Additionally, OC San will advocate for federal funding of programs currently authorized that
support the development of pharmaceutical management programs including education.
State Priorities
Funding/Finance
o Secure funding through grants and legislation for infrastructure, collection improvements, and
alternative renewable energy at the Fountain Valley, Plant No. 1 and Huntington Beach, Plant No. 2.
o Promote a regional distribution/statewide equity approach to the disbursement of State Revolving
Fund monies.
o Oppose legislation or any regulations that would mandate volumetric pricing of wastewater.
o Actively protect the allocation of local property taxes to special districts in the state budget process.
o Monitor legislation that affects capacity and connection fees for accessory dwelling units or single
family residences.
o Support legislation that would encourage or develop bulk energy storage facilities as well as
legislation that would provide funding for long-term energy storage.
o Obtain funding for projects that meet the State’s goals of expanded water supply, energy reduction,
and renewable energy implementation.
o Where appropriate, obtain State funding for critical aging infrastructure, through funding sources
made available through any agency including but not limited to the SWRCB and the Department of
Water Resources.
o Support funding through grants and legislation for a Food Waste/Organic Co-Digestion facility.
o Monitor pension reform legislation for clean-up bills and relevant proposed regulations.
o Support legislation that would supersede the Kaanana decision by limiting prevailing wage requirements
for utilities to construction contracts.
Contaminants of Emerging Concern
o Oppose regulations or legislation that would address PFAS as a class of constituents.
o Monitor state legislation as well as State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) and California Air
Resources Control Board on regulatory activity related to PFAS.
o Work with legislators to address concerns stemming from Mobile Persistent Bioaccumulative Toxic
substances (MPBTs) such as PFAS. Support funding opportunities for clean-up costs from the
manufacturers of PFAS and through state grants and low-interest loans.
Environment/Climate Resiliency
o Support and participate in Integrated Regional Water Management planning efforts in the Santa Ana
River watershed.
o Oppose restrictive and redundant regulatory requirements for biosolids.
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January 2022
o Support the creation of a Statewide Organics Management Plan that includes the beneficial use of
biosolids, education, market expansion activities, and mandates to buy-back compost and other
organics diverted from landfills.
o 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.
o Actively monitor the Little Hoover Commission hearings and reports related to climate change
adaptation, special districts, and other topics as it relates to OC San.
Water Reuse
o Work with legislators who introduced legislation such as SB 163 (Hertzberg, 2015) and SB 332
(Hertzberg, 2019) to ensure that no unrealistic, one size fits all, regulations are placed on wastewater
treatment facilities.
o Support the inclusion of recycled water credits during the continued development and
implementation of long-term water conservation legislation and regulations.
Source Control
o Support legislation or regulations that restrict the use of microplastics and chemicals of emerging
concern in any product that is disposed of through the sewer system.
o Support legislation, such as AB 1672 (Bloom), or regulations that discourage the flushing of wipes
through the sewer system, unless they meet certain performance standards.
Local Government
o Support the State’s efforts to increase the effectiveness and efficiencies of Local Agency Formation
Commissions.
o Oppose state mandates, regulations, or legislation such as AB 1217 (Daly, 2015) that set, alter, or
otherwise modify the governance structure of special districts, joint powers authorities, or other
local government entities.
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Appendix
A. Federal Tactics
B. State Tactics
C. Legislative and Regulatory Policies
D. State, Federal and Regulatory Processes
Federal Tactics
Initiative Action
1. Identify and advise on federal
funding opportunities for the
OC San infrastructure projects
Schedule meetings with federal agency stakeholders and senior
officials in Washington D.C. and district offices to build support for
Orange County OC San priority projects;
Work with congressional delegation to update priority needs; and
Develop white papers to justify requested assistance through direct
grants.
2. Seek funding assistance to
advance recovery of energy and
other resources from biosolids
and other organics such as food
waste
Meet with federal agency officials to review OC San’s needs and
to discuss funding opportunities and options related to the energy
water nexus;
Work with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and other
agencies to advance energy and water efficient technologies
related to smart water technologies and WaterSense grant
program.
Appendices
Appendix A
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Regulatory Plan
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January 2022
3. Seek Infrastructure assistance
A. Robust funding of State
Revolving Fund (SRF) and
revise SRF Allocation
Formula
B. Innovative Financing
Regulatory Streamlining
Meet with congressional delegation and key
congressional committees;
Develop priorities and disseminate to OC San’s
congressional delegation;
Advocate before congressional infrastructure committees and
applicable Executive Branch officials to secure adoption of
alternative water infrastructure financing including credit, loans,
public-private-partnerships and grants in addition to direct
grants assistance;
Work to ensure expedited National Environmental Policy Act and
related reviews and approvals;
Work with Congress and U.S. Bureau of Reclamation on proposals
to provide enhanced alternative water infrastructure financing
tools; and
Seek opportunities to testify before Congress.
C. 4. Support tax reform that
protects public agencies
Work with NACWA and CASA in support of unrestricted use of
tax- exempt financing and feasible innovative financing
approaches such as infrastructure banks to supplement
traditional funding approaches;
Work with state and local government stakeholders to restore
state and local tax deductibility and advocate before
congressional delegation;
Present or submit testimony; and Transmit communications on tax-exempt financing.
5. Support resiliency
legislation, regulations,
and policies that
support protection of
OC San’s investments
and promote water and
biosolids recycling
assistance
Work with delegation and regulators to ensure incorporation of
new programs for water and biosolids recycling assistance;
Work with NACWA, CASA and ACWA to support resiliency water
and biosolids recycling legislation and regulations; and
Work with congressional infrastructure committees to secure
assistance for resiliency projects.
6. Work with federal agencies
on permitting issues
Work with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on environmental site
assessment issues such as incidental take permits under
Endangered Species Act (ESA); and
Advocate to authorize U.S. EPA to provide National Pollutant
Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits terms for a
period of up to 10- years and to retain five-year administrative
extension authority.
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January 2022
State Tactics
Initiative Action
1. Develop a proactive legislative
and regulatory advocacy
agenda
Identify legislation that has the potential to benefit or impact OC
San, as legislation is introduced and amended;
Identify proposed state and local regulations that are
introduced that have the potential to benefit or impact OC
San;
Recommend positions on identified legislation and proposed
regulation to align with OC San’s Legislative and Regulatory Plan ;
Create and continually update a legislative and regulatory matrix to
track identified pieces of priority legislation and proposed
regulations;
Schedule advocacy days in Sacramento with legislators and
committee staff and regulators;
Continue an active letter writing campaign to support or oppose
priority legislation and proposed regulations;
Schedule meetings with legislators, regulators, stakeholders, and
senior officials in Sacramento and district offices to build support for
OC San priority projects;
Participate in CASA’s legislative committees and Regulatory
Workgroup and SCAP’s air quality, water issues, collection systems,
biosolids, and wastewater pretreatment committees.
2. Compile a comprehensive list
of Capital Improvement
projects
Meet with management to discuss future capital projects and
priorities;
Match capital improvements with funding opportunities based on
project eligibility.
3. Monitor and advise on possible
funding opportunities, including
but not limited to funding
through Statewide bonds
Proactively engage in the drafting of grant funding guidelines and
provide input to drafting agency or committee to ensure eligibility
and competitiveness of OC San’s projects and priorities;
Proactively engage on proposed legislation and regulations that
would have an impact on the implementation of funding
programs;
Identify funding opportunities and provide recommendations for
eligible projects. Create an advocacy and outreach schedule on the
planning and execution of efforts to seek funds.
Appendix B
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4. Monitor and advise on funding
available through Cap and
Trade
Monitor the rollout of the Cap and Trade Expenditure Plan for
waste diversion projects. Continue to advocate for additional
funding in future Cap and Trade Expenditure Plans that OC San is
eligible for;
Identify eligible and competitive projects and programs;
Create a schedule on planning and execution of efforts to seek funds,
including outreach and advocacy strategy.
5. Monitor and advise on energy
or other resource recovery
related funding opportunities
Track energy related grant opportunities;
Identify potential projects for funding, including, but not limited to
alternative renewable energy, biosolids to energy conversion,
organic waste (high strength food waste and fats, oils, and grease)
to energy conversion, and greenhouse gas reduction projects;
Ensure wastewater interests are protected as significant decisions
are made related to renewable energy production financing,
mandates, climate change goals, programs and continued efforts to
extend the state’s emissions reduction target;
Schedule meetings with local delegation as well as key members to
discuss project benefits and funding opportunity;
Support initiatives that help OC San strive for energy
independence by minimizing energy utilization and maximizing
useful energy recovery from the sewage it receives;
Support fair and reasonable regulations for the pipeline injection
of biomethane produced from anaerobic digestion;
Support renewable energy initiatives that are reasonable and fair.
6. Schedule and attend advocacy
and outreach meetings to
provide OC San project updates
Educate current administration, key staff and agencies on priority
projects and advocate for funding allocations that align with the OC
San’s priorities;
Schedule stakeholder meetings to build support for projects;
Hold advocacy meetings in coordination with funding opportunities
and project timelines;
Work with relevant budget committees, budget sub-committees,
policy committees and their staff to advocate for funding allocations
that align with OC San’s priorities;
Provide full briefings and updates to Orange County legislative
delegation and relevant members on OC San’s priority projects.
7. As the State is encouraging
more recycling, we want to
ensure that there is regulatory
support in place to allow for
non-reclaimable discharge such
as brine
Outreach with the California Environmental Protection Agency,
Department of Toxic Substances, State Water Resources Control
Board, Regional Water Quality Control Board, the governor's office,
legislative leadership and other appropriate stakeholders.
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8. Development and
implementation of a statewide
biosolids land application
management policy
Work in conjunction with CASA and SCAP to outreach and educate
legislators and regulators to develop an advocacy strategy for
regulatory framework that will support statewide objectives to
manage biosolids land application.
9. Development and
implementation of a strategy to
relieve the OC San of
cumbersome and outdated bid
advertising costs
Work with relevant legislators and committees to draft legislation
that will lessen the cost burden on OC San rate payers of
complying with outdated bid advertising requirements;
Conduct outreach with various other sanitation districts/POTW’s
across the State to form a coalition to support any efforts.
10. Development and advocacy for
legislation to raise the
contracting and bid threshold
for the OC San
Meet with local labor groups to initially present the issue;
Brainstorm proposed solutions that will give OC San and other
sanitation district’s/POTW’s more flexibility to complete small
scale public works projects in house;
Work in conjunction with CASA to outreach, educate, and develop
an advocacy strategy that will target all sanitation districts/POTW’s
affected by the current threshold limitations;
Develop and advocate for legislation that will raise the threshold for
work that can be performed in house as well as work that is
required to be bid.
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January 2022
Legislative and Regulatory Policies
a. Air Quality: OC San is committed to complying with federal, state, and local air quality laws, rules,
regulations, and policies.
a. Support air quality legislations, regulations, rules, and policies that minimize
permitting barriers and encourage the use of advanced air emission control
technologies through greater flexibility and financial incentives.
b. Support measures that maintain and enhance local decision-making authority, where
appropriate, in the development and implementation of air quality attainment
strategies.
c. Support legislation and regulations to ensure greater consistency between the
California and Federal Clean Air Acts.
d. Support strategies that clearly demonstrate and provide for the most cost-effective
means for meeting air quality goals.
e. Continue to follow OC San’s odor policy to assure that OC San is a good neighbor to
the surrounding communities.
f. Monitor California Air Resources Board’s (CARB’s) plans to accelerate zero- emission
medium and heavy-duty vehicle fleets and equipment, and oppose regulation that
would mandate specific fuel types or neglect the significant benefits of renewable
fuels. Obtain grant funding for zero-emitting vehicles and equipment and any
necessary infrastructure to support those technologies.
g. Monitor South Coast Air Quality Management District’s (SCAQMD’s) development of
regulations and guidelines associated with AB 617 in the following areas: (1)
implementation of best available retrofit control technology (BARCT) requirements for
existing stationary sources; (2) deployment of air monitoring systems in selected
communities; and (3) implementation of emissions reduction plans in selected
communities.
h. Participate in associations efforts to work with CARB in implementation of the
updated AB 617 Criteria Pollutants & Toxics Reporting and AB 2588 Air Toxics “Hot
Spots” Programs.
i. Monitor legislative and regulatory development in response to State’s goal of
achieving Carbon Neutrality including the electrification of engine-driven equipment
and fleet. Watch for measures that would require special districts and local
governments to be first adopters of this unproven technology.
Appendix C
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Regulatory Plan
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January 2022
j. Oppose redundant and unreasonable requirements, such as potentially double
reporting requirements, with respect to emissions reporting requirements associated
with AB 617.
k. Monitor and support any legislative development which would provide a relief
on the use of diesel emergency power generators during State of Emergency
events impacting the local electrical utility.
b. Biosolids, Organics and Biogas: OC San strives to beneficially use biosolids through multiple management
options performed at reasonable costs that are protective of public health and the environment.
a. Support legislation, regulations and policies that support the beneficial use of biosolids on
agricultural lands, landscape, horticulture, California Healthy Soils Initiatives, mine
reclamation, fire ravaged lands, superfund sites, brownfields, overgrazed lands, carbon
sequestration and wetland restoration.
b. Support the promotion and funding of local pilot programs, studies, and research for the
beneficial use of biosolids.
c. Oppose legislation, regulations, and policies that imposes unreasonable new rules, guidance
or bans that restrict use of biosolids for land application in any region, county, or state
without scientific basis.
d. Support alternative energy legislation, regulation and policies that encourage use of biosolids
as a renewable energy resource.
e. Support streamlined legislation, regulations and policies that encourage the procurement of biogas,
biosolids, and compost.
f. Support CalRecycle, CARB, California Public Utilities Commission, (CPUC), California Energy
Commission (CEC), California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), and State Water
Resources Control Board (SWRCB) accepting quality standards that allow wastewater treatment
plants to inject biogas production into existing pipelines for renewable use.
g. Support compost associations and local cities and agencies in education, market expansion
activities, and meeting mandates to buy-back compost and other organics diverted from landfills.
h. Limit redundant reporting requirements on organics, recyclable material, and solid waste.
i. Support organic co-digestion and recycling projects.
c. Source Control: OC San supports legislation that reduces pollutants and harmful materials that could enter
the sewer system.
a. Support statewide or targeted public education programs and initiatives that teach
appropriate “What To Flush” practices and fats, oils, and grease management.
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January 2022
b. Support federal policies and legislation that regulates the disposal of flushable wipes to ensure
clarity on the definition of “flushable”.
c. Support legislation, regulations, and funding assistance would lead to decreased introduction
of microplastics and other chemicals of concern discharged into the sewer system.
d. Support legislation and funding mechanisms that reduce the amount of trash, waste,
chemicals, and harmful organic material that enter the sewer system.
e. Support legislation that would create forever homes for forever chemicals.
f. Oppose regulations that would address PFAS as a class of constituents.
g. Support the reduction/elimination of Contaminants of Emerging Concern (e.g., PFAS) within
consumer and commercial products.
d. Grant Funding: OC San is committed to advancing the state of knowledge in the treatment and
management of wastewater through the application of innovative and alternative technologies. To this
end, OC San supports grants assistance to offset its research, special projects, and capital improvement
projects.
a. Support legislation, bonds, programs, and projects that provide funding for: infrastructure
construction and rehabilitation, special studies and research or projects relating to security,
environmental education, water quality, wastewater processing, urban runoff, wastewater
recycling, biosolids and organics management, water quality improvement, resource recovery,
or alternative energy.
b. Support projects that provide for public benefit over projects that are primarily intended
for private benefit or gain.
c. Oppose proposals placing further requirements on grant recipients that return low value for
high administrative costs.
d. Support regional collaboration and funding for public agencies for food waste co digestion and
recycling projects.
e. Innovative Funding: OC San is committed to supporting programs that provide the highest quality
services to its ratepayers.
a. Support programs to leverage federal assistance such as credit assistance and highly
subsidized loan assistance.
b. Support Public-Private-Partnerships, Public to Public and other financing approaches that
can reduce costs only if such projects do not impose costs on OC San ratepayers.
c. Support the full funding of the Clean Water Act- State Revolving Fund Program at $4
billion annually.
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January 2022
d. Seek federal assistance to support water conservation projects such as water recycling,
green infrastructure through the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA)
and direct grants to reduce project costs.
f. Labor Relations/Human Resources: OC San is committed to employer-employee relations including, but
not limited to meeting and conferring in good faith with recognized employee organizations regarding the
wages, hours of work and other terms and conditions of employment. As Congress considers reforming
the federal tax code, many of the provisions subject to reform may impact labor relations.
a. Support measures to reform current workers compensation formulas that rely on a
proportionate exposure formula.
b. Support health insurance reform that does not create additional financial burdens on
special districts.
c. Support measures to ease applicability of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) on public agencies.
d. Oppose any measure imposing compulsory and binding arbitration with respect to
public employees.
e. Oppose any measure that imposes upon local government mandated employee benefits that
are more properly decided at the local bargaining table.
f. Oppose efforts reducing local control over public employee disputes and imposing regulations
on an outside agency.
g. Oppose any measure granting essential public employees the right to strike.
h. Oppose a new mandatory Social Security tax for public employers and public employees.
i. Oppose overreaching and costly mandates that require non-necessary disclosures to employees
j. Oppose legislation and regulations that force OC San to adjust paid and unpaid leave time
parameters.
g. Security: OC San is committed to the safety of all personnel, facilities, and the entire sewer system.
a. Support legislation that would create efficiencies around the retention policy of surveillance video
for innocuous recordings.
b. Support funding assistance to implement COVID type employee protection needs.
c. Support funding for the hardening of essential regional facilities such as water recycling and sewer
collection and recycling sites.
d. Support legislation and funding for regional emergency management collaboration to protect
critical infrastructure.
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January 2022
h. Planning: OC San ensures the long-range planning of capital improvement programs in order to deliver
the highest quality facilities.
a. Support reform of existing state, regional and local planning processes only if directly
linked to reforms in the current revenue and tax structure of state and local governments.
b. Support measures that provide new revenues for growth management and the public
facilities necessary to support expected growth.
c. Support proposals encouraging regional, sub-regional or countywide cooperation in planning
urban development strategies, especially those that provide funding for effective
implementation of agreed upon goals.
d. Oppose legislation consolidating special districts that fail to address the concerns of cities
affected by the proposed consolidation.
e. Oppose measures that prevent or restrict the ability of cities or special districts to participate in
the Southern California Association of Governments’ (SCAG) sub-regional process.
i. Public Health: Protection of public health is OC San’s core mission. OC San will work cooperatively
with county and state health officers to assure local health protection.
a. Support hazard mitigation, emergency response, planning, and recovery through direct
legislation, policy directives, and funding toward floodplain security within the Santa Ana
River watershed.
b. Support funding assistance to implement COVID-19 and other viral type employee protection
needs.
c. Support (generally) measures that provide for improved public health through regulation.
d. Support the protection of public health and environment through the construction
and implementation of advanced wastewater treatment technology.
e. Support sharing critical information and data from state and county agencies in the interest
of protecting the public health and saving taxpayer dollars.
f. Monitor legislation that provides additional occupational safety and health standard requirements
for employees, contractors, or subcontractors.
j. Public Works: OC San is committed to the achievement of effective and efficient projects that
provide wastewater treatment services that benefit its ratepayers.
a. Support measures that provide funding and support to publicly owned treatment works
and sewage collection systems.
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b. Support legislation and regulation that allow public agencies to procure goods and
services in manners similar to private industry, thereby reducing overall costs of delivery.
c. Support legislation and regulation that improve the Utility Underground Service Alert
Program in order to improve coordination, identification, minimize damage, minimize
environmental risks, and minimize cost exposure to publicly owned facilities when contractors
are performing sub- surface work.
d. Support a comprehensive response to the state’s electricity and natural gas shortages that
provide a stable energy supply, respects the ability of municipalities to provide power,
recognizes that infrastructure (i.e. emergency and standby generators) exists that could be
employed temporarily during periods with minimal air quality impact and protects ratepayers
(including cities and special districts) against dramatic rate increases and statewide power
outages.
e. Support legislation and regulation that allows OC San to utilize the Best Value Design/Build
option for the construction of public works projects.
f. Oppose Buy American mandates legislation that would increase project costs or prevent the
use of the most innovative technologies.
g. Monitor legislation that would require the inspection and possible repair of sewer laterals at
the time of sale in residential, commercial, and industrial areas.
h. Monitor legislation connected with government claims against special districts regarding risk and
wrap-up insurance.
i. Support legislation that increases the thresholds for bid work and force account work.
k. Tax Reform/Revenue and Taxation: Track pending legislation to ensure OC San remains in compliance
with the government code as it pertains to wastewater system user fees and property tax revenues and
the investment of public funds.
a. Support measures leading to a greater financial independence from the state that would result
in greater stability and predictability in local government budgeting.
b. Oppose measures that impose mandated costs for which there is no guarantee of
local reimbursement or offsetting benefits.
c. Oppose legislation that shifts tax revenues away from local governments without the
adequate provision of a constitutionally guaranteed backfill to offset the lost revenues of
those local governments.
d. Oppose measures that shift existing local revenue sources back to the state, including the
special district share of property tax, sales tax, vehicle license fees, and rate payer fees.
e. Oppose the use of revenues traditionally used to fund the delivery of municipal services to fund
programs for which the state is responsible, particularly the courts, health, and welfare
programs.
f. Oppose elimination or restriction of state and local tax deduction from federal tax liability of
local taxpayers.
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January 2022
g. Oppose elimination or restriction on the availability of municipal tax-exempt financing for
public infrastructure projects.
h. Monitor legislation regarding changes in law that influence the fees and charges that OC San
facilitates.
l. Special Districts: OC San supports the maintenance of special districts to provide specific services, in
response to citizen’s demands, in a cost-effective manner.
a. Support efforts to provide equitable treatment of special districts in emergency funding
assistance.
b. Support outreach to local, regional, and state elected officials to foster a greater
understanding regarding the critical relationship between adequate reserves and the
successful short-and-long- term operation of water and wastewater agencies.
c. Support the work of the Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA), California
Association of Sanitation Agencies (CASA), and California Special Districts Association (CSDA)
in any future discussions or negotiations pertaining to the legislative and budget issues
relative to preserving control of members’ reserves.
d. Oppose further state regulations that adversely impact special district financing, operations, and
administration.
e. Oppose measures that create or grant powers to sub-regional or regional bodies that would
result in an infringement on clearly local concerns.
f. Oppose any administrative or legislative efforts to access or transfer any reserve funds held
by water and wastewater districts.
g. Oppose the imposition of unfunded, mandated programs on local governments.
h. Oppose efforts that diminish OC San’s ability to govern efficiently and effectively, including
expanding the size of the Board of Directors.
i. Support alternate methods of public meetings notices that maintain transparency but are more cost
efficient and technologically advanced.
j. Support legislation that gives local control on video retention guidelines to special districts to
maintain maximum flexibility and cost control.
m. Water Quality and Supply: OC San is committed to participating collaboratively in the protection
of regional water resources for the benefit of the people we serve.
a. Support (generally) measures to increase water supply and improve water quality in the
region, including drought relief legislations and regulations.
OC San 2022 Legislative &
Regulatory Plan
20
January 2022
b. Support measures that would increase funding for water reuse technologies, including support
for the Groundwater Replenishment System project by the Orange County Water District and
the OC San to create new water supplies through wastewater recycling.
c. Support measures that promote and provide for the use of reclaimed water.
d. Support policy development, funding, and research for addressing urban runoff, stormwater, and
beach closures, including funding for studies that identify the sources of bacterial, viral, and
other microbial contaminants and human pathogens.
e. Support measures to evaluate water quality standards, as needed, to ensure the objectives
are appropriately protecting the designated use.
f. Support legislation and regulation that would direct U.S. EPA levied fines to remain in the region.
g. Support measures addressing non-point source pollution in order to protect our ocean
water quality and provide funding to mitigate its effects, including integrated permitting
approaches that can reduce costs and achieve water quality improvements while allowing
permits to be tailored to the needs of Orange County and its watershed.
h. Support national infrastructure policies that contain aspirational goal that promotes
improved water use efficiency in construction of water efficient buildings and
communities.
i. Support legislation and regulation that promote improved water use efficiency through state
assistance in evaluating and implementing new programs and technologies and increasing public
awareness of water use efficiency.
j. Support legislation and regulation that provide for the development of the watershed
approach, including watershed management plans and watershed-based permitting.
k. Support legislation and regulation that necessitate the responsible use of water in
residential, commercial, and industrial areas.
l. Support streamlined environmental guidelines and regulations that would safeguard the region,
providing increased protections and lesser costs to ratepayers.
m. Oppose the imposition of statewide fees for environmental cleanup that is caused through
private sector actions or are regional in nature (e.g., when the nexus between those responsible
for environmental abuse and those required to pay for cleanup or mitigation is absent).
n. Support approaches to reduce compliance costs associated with stormwater controls
including the use of integrated plans.
o. Monitor state and federal legislation and regulations related to PFAS substances.
OC San 2022 Legislative &
Regulatory Plan
21
January 2022
Legislative and Regulatory Process Flow Chart
State
Graphic Obtained from Leginfo.ca.gov
Federal
Appendix D
.. How a Bill Becomes a Law
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OC San 2022 Legislative &
Regulatory Plan
22
January 2022
-◄
Stakeholder Engagement Prior to Formal
Rulemaking
• Fact F1nd1ng through series of multiple
meetings
• Address concerns
• Initial stage of shaping proposed language
Legislature Grants Authority to Adopt
Regulations to State Agency
• L
PUBLICATION AND ISSUANCE OF NOTICE OPENS RULEMAKNG RECORD
,.
Stakeholder Engagement
■ .
-
' ,.
Substantial and Sufficiently Related:
15-Day Comment Penod-
Agency Marls Notice and Text of
Proposed Changes
RELEVANT STATE AGENCY INTERACTIONS WITH OCSD
• CalEPA
• Department of Pesticides
Minimum 45-Day Public Comment Period
I '
J
l Approve
Office of Administrative Law
Frie proposed regulation with
the Secretary of state
Agency Adopts Regulations
• Cal Recycle (Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery
Disapprove--
• Department of Toxic Substance Control
• Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (~ ____ R_u_L_E_M_A_K_IN_G_R_Ec_o_R_D_c_L_o_s_E_D ____ ~)
y
• State Water Resources Control Board including Regional Boards
1-9
11/1/2021
1
2022 Draft Legislative and
Regulatory Plan
Legislative And
Public Affairs
Committee Meeting
November 8, 2021
By: Rebecca Long
Sr. Public Affairs
Specialist
•Oppose redundant regulatory and legislative requirements
that cause undue constraints on efficient operations;
•Support legislative regulatory streamlining that promotes
affordability, public health, and the environment;
•Maintain local control over governance of special districts
and other local entities;
•Obtain financial assistance for OC San projects through
grants, loans, and legislative directed funding.
Guiding Priorities
2
1
2
11/1/2021
2
•Cori Takkinen – Townsend Public Affairs
•Eric O’Donnell– Townsend Public Affairs
•Eric Sapirstein– ENS Resources
•Sarah Sapirstein– ENS Resources
•David French– ENS Resources
•Jim Herberg– OC San
•Jennifer Cabral– OC San
•Rebecca Long– OC San
•Lan Wiborg– OC San
•Tom Meregillano– OC San
Legislative ‐Regulatory Team
3
Procedure For Taking a Position
4
3
4
11/1/2021
3
How the Plan is Developed…
•Development of Plan
•LaPA Committee Feedback Throughout the Year
•Work with OC San Staff/Subject Matter Experts
•Work with State and Federal Lobbyists
•Share with Various Organizations:
•California Association of Sanitation Agencies
•California Special Districts Association
•Orange County Water District
•Municipal Water District of Orange County
•Irvine Ranch Water District
•LaPA Committee Review and Input
•Board Adoption
5
•Table of contents
•Additional procedure
for taking a (regulatory)
position
•Reorganization of the
priorities by categories
•Appendix D with process flow charts
What’s Changed This Year…
6
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11/1/2021
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Questions
7
7
LEGISLATIVE AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS
COMMITTEE
Agenda Report
Administration Building
10844 Ellis Avenue
Fountain Valley, CA 92708
(714) 593-7433
File #:2021-1899 Agenda Date:11/8/2021 Agenda Item No:3.
FROM:James D. Herberg, General Manager
SUBJECT:
LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS UPDATE FOR THE MONTHS OF SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2021
GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION
RECOMMENDATION: Recommend to the Board of Directors to:
Receive and file the Legislative Affairs Update for the months of September and October 2021.
BACKGROUND
The Orange County Sanitation District’s (OC San) legislative affairs program includes advocating OC
San’s legislative interests; sponsoring legislation (where appropriate); and seeking Local, State, and
Federal funding for projects and programs. Staff will provide an update on recent legislative and
grant activities.
RELEVANT STANDARDS
·Maintain influential legislative advocacy and a public outreach program
·Build brand, trust, and support with policy makers and community leaders
·Maintain collaborative and cooperative relationships with regulators, stakeholders, and
neighboring communities
PROBLEM
Without a strong advocacy program, elected officials may not be aware of OC San’s mission,
programs, and projects and how they could be impacted by proposed legislation.
PROPOSED SOLUTION
Continue to work with Local, State, and Federal officials to advocate OC San’s legislative interests.
Help to create/monitor legislation and grants that would benefit OC San, the wastewater industry, and
the community as a whole. To assist in our relationship building activities, we will continue to reach
out to our elected officials providing facility tours, one-on-one meetings, and trips to Washington D.C.
and Sacramento.
Orange County Sanitation District Printed on 11/1/2021Page 1 of 2
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OC6SAN
ORANGE COUNTY SANITATION DISTRICT
File #:2021-1899 Agenda Date:11/8/2021 Agenda Item No:3.
RAMIFICATIONS OF NOT TAKING ACTION
If we do not work with Local,State,and Federal elected officials,legislation could be passed that
negatively affects OC San and the wastewater industry as a whole.Additionally,a lack of
engagement may result in missed funding opportunities.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The United States Environmental Protection Agency issued the PFAS Strategic Roadmap and it is a
multi-year agenda to regulate per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)and creates a roadmap to
address other “forever”chemicals.The plan identifies a number of priorities and actions that will
directly or indirectly impact wastewater agencies.The legislative team will continue to monitor this
issue and keep the Board of Directors apprised of any significant changes as they relate to PFAS and
contaminants of emerging concern in wastewater.
After many years of hard work,wipes will finally be properly labeled.Recently,Governor Newsom
signed Assembly Bill 818 by Assemblymember Richard Bloom into law.This bill requires all
packaging for diaper wipes,cleaning wipes,and cosmetic wipes to clearly display “Do Not Flush”
warnings by July 2022.
This bill is the result of a three-year effort between representatives from wastewater industries
including OC San,the California Association of Sanitation Agencies,product stewardship groups,and
wipes manufacturers.
ATTACHMENT
The following attachment(s)may be viewed on-line at the OC San website (www.ocsan.gov)with the complete agenda
package:
·Federal Update - ENS Resources
·Federal Legislative Matrix - ENS Resources
·State Update - Townsend Public Affairs
·State Legislative Matrix - Townsend Public Affairs
·Grant Matrix
·Presentations
Orange County Sanitation District Printed on 11/1/2021Page 2 of 2
powered by Legistar™
1 | P a g e
TO: Rebecca Long
FROM: Eric Sapirstein
DATE: October 18, 2021
SUBJECT: Washington Update
Over the past month, Congress and the White House continued to work on
developing a consensus to pass a final reconciliation agreement that would allow for
final passage of the traditional “hard” infrastructure bill, H.R. 3684. This bill has
remained stalled in the House as progressive and moderate Democrats debate how
much spending should be committed to the reconciliation bill and the breadth of any
final measure. Additionally, the Senate Committee on Appropriations continued its
work to develop final fiscal year 2022 spending bills that could then be reconciled
with the House-passed versions by December 3 when the stop gap spending bill
expires. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) took the formal step of
releasing its PFAS Action Plan that sets the stage for regulatory actions to control
the widespread use of these forever chemicals and to establish drinking water and
industrial discharge standards to protect human health.
The following summarizes the outlook for congressional activities in the coming
months.
Infrastructure Legislation Deadline Extended
As widely reported, the self-imposed September 27 deadline for a House vote on
H.R. 3684 was extended to the end of October as Speaker Pelosi’s deadline ran into a
wall of opposition from progressives in the House that threatened to vote against
the bill, unless the reconciliation bill’s provisions and costs was agreed-upon with
the Senate. With only a three-vote majority, and as many as 30 Progressives
threatening to take down the bill, the Speaker agreed to delay a vote while efforts to
deliver a reconciliation framework continued for another month.
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2 | P a g e
At this time, it appears that the House will indeed vote on H.R. 3684 within the next
few weeks given what appears to be an emerging consensus to reduce the
reconciliation bill from $3.5 trillion to somewhere around $2 trillion. Such a
consensus could potentially remove one of the key obstacles to securing Senators
Manchin and Sinema’s support and deliver the fifty Democratic Senate votes needed
to allow for passage of the measure with the Vice President’s tie breaking vote.
However, a handful of demands related work requirements for childcare assistance,
means testing for other assistance and the creation of a climate clean energy
mandate that would reduce dependence on coal and natural gas remain to be
resolved and could further delay an agreement until late December.
USEPA Releases PFAS Action Plan
USEPA issued the much anticipated PFAS Strategic Roadmap, and it is an ambitious
multi-year agenda to regulate per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and
create a roadmap to address other “forever” chemicals. For OC San, the plan
identifies a number of priorities and actions that will impact directly or indirectly
wastewater agencies. A copy of the roadmap can be accessed here.
USEPA will engage with stakeholders to identify collaborative solutions and will
hold two national webinars on October 26 and November 2 that are open to the
public. OC San staff will attendg one of the webinars to gain an enhanced
understanding of USEPA’s effort and it impacts.
The roadmap is notable for its approach to regulating PFAS. There continues to be a
commitment to rely upon science and data to make informed decisions. At the same
time, it appears that while the agency endorses the polluter pays principle for PFAS
contamination, the roadmap identifies a priority to consider listing PFAS as a
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act
(CERCLA) hazardous substance. This seems to throw into question whether public
agencies could face unreasonable liability exposure under CERCLA simply because
they are passive receivers of these chemicals. Of special note is biosolids. The
agency is conducting a series of research studies to determine the nature and extent
of PFAS chemicals in biosolids. These studies would presumably guide any new
biosolids standards development.
Under the roadmap, the following wastewater related activities would be initiated
by the agency:
Office of Water:
• Publish final recommended ambient water quality criteria for PFAS for
aquatic life and human health to help Tribes and states develop standards,
write permits, and assess cumulative impacts (expected winter 2022 and fall
2024)
• Finalize risk assessment for Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and
Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) in biosolids that will serve as the basis
for determining whether regulation of PFOA and PFOS in biosolids is
appropriate (expected winter 2024)
3 | P a g e
• Leverage National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES)
permitting to reduce PFAS discharges to waterways to reduce discharges of
PFAS at the source and obtain more comprehensive information through
monitoring on the sources of PFAS and quantity of PFAS discharged by these
sources (expected winter 2022)
• Restrict PFAS discharges from industrial sources through a multi-faceted
Effluent Limitations Guidelines program to proactively establish national
technology-based regulatory limits, including progress on the nine industrial
categories in the proposed PFAS Action Act of 2021 (expected 2022 and
ongoing)
Office of Land and Emergency Management (CERCLA):
• Propose to designate certain PFAS as CERCLA hazardous substances to
require reporting of PFOA and PFAS releases, enhance the availability of
data, and ensure agencies can recover cleanup costs (proposed rule expected
spring 2022, final rule expected summer 2023)
• Issue advance notice of proposed rule-making on various PFAS under
CERCLA to seek public input on whether to similarly seek CERCLA
designation of other PFAS (expected spring 2022)
• Issue updated guidance on destroying and disposing PFAS to reflect public
comments on interim guidance and to reflect newly published research
results (expected fall 2023)
Office of Research and Development:
• Develop and validate methods to detect and measure PFAS in the
environment, including additional targeted methods for detecting and
measuring specific PFAS, non-targeted methods for identifying unknown
PFAS in the environment, and exploring “total PFAS” methods (ongoing)
• Advance the science to assess human health and environmental risks from
PFAS by developing human health toxicity assessments under EPA’s
Integrated Risk Information System program; by compiling and summarizing
available and relevant scientific information; by identifying PFAS sources,
transport, and exposure pathways; and by characterizing how exposure to
PFAS may contribute to cumulative impacts on communities (ongoing)
• Evaluate and develop technologies for reducing PFAS in the environment to
inform decisions on drinking water and wastewater treatment, contaminated
site cleanup and remediation, air emission controls, and end-of-life materials
management (ongoing)
Cross-cutting programs:
• Use enforcement tools to better identify and address PFAS releases at
facilities, as appropriate, to require actions by responsible parties, to limit
future releases, and to address existing contamination (ongoing)
• Establish a PFAS Voluntary Stewardship Program to challenge industry to go
above and beyond regulatory or compliance requirements to reduce overall
releases of PFAS into the environment (expected spring 2022)
4 | P a g e
• Issue an annual public report on progress towards PFAS commitments
included in this roadmap, as well as future actions the Agency may
take (winter 2022 and ongoing)
Fiscal Year 2022 Appropriations
Pressure to meet the December 3 deadline to pass annual spending bills continues
to increase to avoid the need for another stop gap spending bill and to decouple the
spending bills from the ongoing infrastructure debates and the debt ceiling increase.
As of this writing, the Senate is moving forward on its spending bills. It is possible
that the bills as approved by the Senate Committee on Appropriations will not be
passed by the Senate. Rather, in the limited time that remains before December 3,
the committee will use the bills to negotiate with the House on its passed bills.
While the specifics remain unknown at this writing, the Senate appears to mirror
the House funding levels of many water programs, including the State Revolving
Loan Fund (SRF). At the same time, the Senate may include increased funding for
PFAS related program to ensure the agency has the resources to carry out cleanups
and set drinking water standards.
Title
Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act
Description
Investing in a New Vision for the Environment and Surface
Transportation in America Act or the INVEST in America Act This bill
addresses provisions related to federal-aid highway, transit,
highway safety, motor carrier, research, hazardous materials, and
rail programs of the Department of Transportation (DOT). Among
other provisions, the bill * extends FY2021 enacted levels through
FY2022 for federal-aid highway, transit, and safety programs; *
reauthorizes for FY2023-FY2026 several surface transportation
programs, including the federal-aid highway program, transit
programs, highway safety, motor carrier safety, and rail programs;
* addresses climate change, including strategies to reduce the
climate change impacts of the surface transportation system and a
vulnerability assessment to identify opportunities to enhance the
resilience of the surface transportation system and ensure the
efficient use of federal resources; * revises Buy America
procurement requirements for highways, mass transit, and rail; *
establishes a rebuild rural bridges program to improve the safety
and state of good repair of bridges in rural communities; *
implements new safety requirements across all transportation
modes; and * directs DOT to establish a pilot program to
demonstrate a national motor vehicle per-mile user fee to restore
and maintain the long-term solvency of the Highway Trust Fund
and achieve and maintain a state of good repair in the surface
transportation system.
Bill Summary: Last edited by Sarah Sapirstein at Aug 23, 2021, 4:13 PM
Comprehensive infrastructure investment package that provides the
biggest infusion of U.S. federal spending on infrastructure in decades,
including $55 billion for water infrastructure. The bill also includes a
Western Water Infrastructure Title to address U.S. Bureau of
Reclamation water infrastructure funding programs.
Introduction Date: 2021-06-04
Federal Legislative Report - October 2021
Last Updated: October 18, 2021
Bills by Issue
Priority: High (13)
Bill Number
HR 3684
Last Action
Postponed Proceedings Pursuant To Clause 1
C Of Rule Xix Further Consideration Of The
Motion To Concur In The Senate Amendment
To H R 3684 Is Postponed 2021 10 01
Status
Passed Senate
Position
Monitor
Priority
High
OC ~SAN
ORANGE COUNTY SANITATION DISTRICT
Title
PFAS Action Act of 2021
Description
PFAS Action Act of 2021 This bill establishes requirements and
incentives to limit the use of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl
substances, commonly referred to as PFAS, and remediate PFAS in
the environment. PFAS are man-made and may have adverse
human health effects. A variety of products contain PFAS, such as
nonstick cookware or weatherproof clothing. The bill directs the
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to designate the PFAS
perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid
(PFOS) as a hazardous substances under the Comprehensive
Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980,
thereby requiring remediation of releases of those PFAS into the
environment. Within five years, the EPA must determine whether
the remaining PFAS should be designated as hazardous
substances. The EPA must also determine whether PFAS should be
designated as toxic pollutants under the Clean Water Act. If PFAS
are designated as toxic, then the EPA must establish standards to
limit discharges of PFAS from industrial sources into waters of the
United States. In addition, the EPA must issue a national primary
drinking water regulation for PFAS that, at a minimum, includes
standards for PFOA and PFOS. Among other requirements, the EPA
must also issue a final rule adding PFOA and PFOS to the list of
hazardous air pollutants, test all PFAS for toxicity to human health,
and regulate the disposal of materials containing PFAS. Finally, the
bill provides incentives to address PFAS, such as grants to help
community water systems treat water contaminated by PFAS.
Bill Summary: Last edited by Sarah Sapirstein at Apr 19, 2021, 4:54 PM
Addresses the public health and environmental risks posed by PFAS
contamination, including addressing, monitoring, and treating for PFAS
contamination in water supplies. Includes directive for USEPA to
designate PFOA and PFOS as hazardous substances under CERCLA, also
known as Superfund law, within one year after enactment of the bill and
within five years determine whether to designate all PFAS substances as
hazardous under CERCLA. Also includes other regulatory measures to
detect, monitor, and treat for PFAS in water supplies.
Introduction Date: 2021-04-13
Bill Number
HR 2467
Last Action
Received In The Senate And Read Twice And
Referred To The Committee On Environment
And Public Works 2021 07 22
Status
In Senate
Position
Monitor
Priority
High
Title
WIPPES Act
Bill Summary: Last edited by Sarah Sapirstein at Aug 23, 2021, 5:53 PM
Pulled out of the Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act. Not later than 2
years after enactment, directs FTC, with consultation from U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), to require manufacturers of
single-use wet wipes print a "Do Not Flush" label notice on wipes
product packaging. Below is a summary of the WIPPES Act's key
provisions: - Not later than 2 years after date of enactment, the Federal
Trade Commission (FTC), in consultation with USEPA, will issue
regulations to require wipes manufacturers to print clear and visible "Do
Not Flush" label notices on non-flushable wet wipes product packaging. -
Prohibition on the representation or marketing of flushable attributes,
performance, or efficacy benefits for non-flushable wipes products. - FTC
may bring penalty fines of not more than $2,500 for each day a
manufacturer fails to comply with labeling requirements. Total fine
amount may not exceed $100,000 for a single violation. - FTC will
develop guidance for manufacturers to conduct education and outreach
campaigns on new labeling requirements and provide consumers with
the following information: presence of the new label notice on product
packaging, what products have the new label notice, intended effects of
label notice on consumer behavior regarding the disposal of the
products, and outreach may not promote, advocate, or depict wipes
other than the wipes products defined by legislation.
Introduction Date: 2021-07-21
Title
Water Quality Protection and Job Creation Act of 2021
Description
Water Quality Protection and Job Creation Act of 2021 This bill
creates, reauthorizes, and revises several grant programs for
infrastructure to treat water pollution, such as wastewater or
stormwater. Specifically, the bill reauthorizes through FY2026 and
revises the Clean Water State Revolving Fund program, which
provides communities low-cost financing for water quality
infrastructure projects. It also reauthorizes through FY2026 grants
for * programs to control water pollution; * pilot projects related to
watershed management of wastewater discharges (e.g., sewer
overflows or stormwater discharges) during wet weather; *
alternative water source projects, including projects to reclaim
stormwater; or * measures to manage, reduce, treat or recapture
stormwater, such as sewer overflows. In addition, the
Environmental Protection Agency must award grants to owners of
publicly owned treatment works (i.e., sewage treatment plants) for
the treatment of contaminants of emerging concern, such as
perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly referred to
as PFAS. These substances are man-made and may have adverse
human health effects. A variety of products contain the
compounds, such as nonstick cookware or weatherproof clothing.
Bill Summary: Last edited by Sarah Sapirstein at Jun 21, 2021, 3:52 PM
Bipartisan legislation would authorize $50 billion in direct infrastructure
investment over the next five years to address America’s crumbling
wastewater infrastructure and local water quality challenges. It would
also significantly increase the amount of Federal assistance made
available to States and communities through the successful Clean Water
State Revolving Fund (SRF) program.
Introduction Date: 2021-03-16
Bill Number
HR 4602
Last Action
Referred To The House Committee On Energy
And Commerce 2021 07 21
Status
In House
Position
Support
Priority
High
Bill Number
HR 1915
Last Action
Placed On The Union Calendar Calendar No 48
2021 06 22
Status
In House
Position
Support
Priority
High
Title
Made in America Act of 2021
Description
Made in America Act of 2021 This bill requires that materials used
in carrying out federal infrastructure aid programs are made in the
United States. The term produced in the United States means, in
the case of * iron or steel products, that all manufacturing
processes for the iron or steel product, from the initial melting
stage through the application of coatings, occurred in the United
States; * manufactured products, that the product was
manufactured in the United States and that the cost of the
components of the manufactured product that are mined,
produced, or manufactured in the United States is greater than
50% of the total cost of all components of the manufactured
product; and * construction materials, that all manufacturing
processes for the construction material occurred in the United
States. The Department of Commerce must (1) issue uniform
standards that define the term all manufacturing processes for
purposes of this bill, and (2) take into consideration and seek to
maximize the jobs benefited or created in the production of the
construction material. The bill requires that all steel, iron,
manufactured products, non-ferrous metals, plastic, concrete and
aggregates, glass (including optical glass), lumber, and drywall used
in these programs be produced in the United States. Includes
within infrastructure addressed by this bill federal-aid highways,
railroads, public transportation, civil aviation, drinking water, and
stormwater.
Bill Summary: Last edited by Sarah Sapirstein at Apr 19, 2021, 4:44 PM
Bill strengthens Buy American provisions for tax-payer funded
infrastructure projects by requiring federal funding programs to require
Buy America provisions for construction materials.
Introduction Date: 2021-04-13
Title
Clean Water Standards for PFAS Act of 2021
Bill Summary: Last edited by Sarah Sapirstein at Aug 23, 2021, 6:01 PM
Require the U.S.Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) to develop
effluent limitations guidelines and standards and water quality criteria
for PFAS under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act and authorize
$200 million in Federal grants to publicly owned treatment works to
implement such guidelines and standards. Specifically, the Clean Water
Standards for PFAS Act would do the following: • Require USEPA to
develop water quality criteria under the Clean Water Act for all
measurable PFAS chemicals within two years of bill’s enactment and
develop effluent limitations guidelines and standards for all measurable
PFAS chemicals within four years, including establishing pretreatment
standards to prevent introduction of PFAS into POTWs and stopping
PFAS at the source prior to contaminating municipal water systems. •
Identifies nine priority industry categories of industries that USEPA must
establish standards for. • Authorizes $200 million in grants per year
through fiscal years 2022-2026 to assist POTWs with implementation of
developed limitations and standards.
Introduction Date: 2021-05-28
Bill Number
HR 2468
Last Action
Referred To The Subcommittee On
Commodity Exchanges Energy And Credit 2021
06 07
Status
In House
Position
Monitor
Priority
High
Bill Number
HR 3622
Last Action
Referred To The Subcommittee On Water
Resources And Environment 2021 06 01
Status
In House
Position
Monitor
Priority
High
Title
Clean Water Standards for PFAS Act of 2021
Bill Summary: Last edited by Sarah Sapirstein at Aug 23, 2021, 5:59 PM
Companion bill to H.R. 3622. The bill would require the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) to develop effluent limitations
guidelines and standards and water quality criteria for PFAS under the
Federal Water Pollution Control Act and provide Federal grants to
publicly owned treatment works to implement such guidelines and
standards. Specifically, the Clean Water Standards for PFAS Act would do
the following: • Require USEPA to develop water quality criteria under
the Clean Water Act for all measurable PFAS chemicals within two years
of bill’s enactment and develop effluent limitations guidelines and
standards for all measurable PFAS chemicals within four years, including
establishing pretreatment standards to prevent introduction of PFAS
into POTWs and stopping PFAS at the source prior to contaminating
municipal water systems. • Identifies nine priority industry categories of
industries that USEPA must establish standards for. • Authorizes $200
million in grants per year through fiscal years 2022-2026 to assist POTWs
with implementation of developed limitations and standards.
Introduction Date: 2021-05-27
Bill Number
S 1907
Last Action
Read Twice And Referred To The Committee
On Environment And Public Works 2021 05 27
Status
In Senate
Position
Monitor
Priority
High
Title
FUTURE Western Water Infrastructure and Drought Resiliency Act
Bill Summary: Last edited by Sarah Sapirstein at Aug 23, 2021, 5:56 PM
The FUTURE Western Water Act is a comprehensive package that aims to
address western water infrastructure and drought response needs,
including: infrastructure development, improved technology and data,
water job training and education, and ecosystem protection and
restoration. Among the provisions, the legislation includes provisions
from Water Recycling Investment and Improvement Act (H.R. 1015),
which increases the authorization level for the Title XVI program to $500
million from the current $50 million. CASA supports H.R. 1015. The bill's
the four major policy components. - Infrastructure Development:
authorizes $750 million for sustainable, multi-benefit water storage
projects, authorizes $500 million for water recycling and reuse projects,
authorizes $260 million for innovative water desalination projects, and
establishes process to authorize new major water storage projects
owned or supported by USDOI. - Improved Technology and Data: invests
in water data and technology to improve water management and
reducing energy and water waste - types of investments include
expanded water technology "X-Prize" to support new stream gages and
the development and deployment of emerging technologies to help
manage and improve water supply availability. - Water Job Training and
Education: Federal support for water education activities, collaborative
water management efforts and training, and professional development
support for water sector workforce. - Ecosystem Protection and
Restoration: To reverse fish and wildlife species decline, eligible
measures include new voluntary incentives for farmers to provide
waterbird habitats, expanded watershed health project funding, support
wildlife refuges, multi-benefit water storage projects that provide
benefits for water supply and wildlife, and improved drought planning
efforts to protect biodiversity.
Introduction Date: 2021-05-20
Title
Drinking Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Act of 2021
Description
Drinking Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Act of 2021 This bill
reauthorizes through FY2026 or establishes a variety of programs
for water infrastructure. Specifically, it supports programs to
provide safe drinking water or treat wastewater, such as sewer
overflows or stormwater. For example, the bill reauthorizes and
revises the clean water state revolving fund (SRF) and the drinking
water SRF.
Bill Summary: Last edited by Sarah Sapirstein at Jun 21, 2021, 4:29 PM
A comprehensive bill that contains Senate clean water and drinking
water provisions that were dropped out of Water Resources
Development Act (WRDA) 2020 during conference negotiations. S. 914
would invest more than $35 billion in water resource development
projects across the country, of which, more than 40% can be directly
used to benefit small, disadvantaged, rural, and tribal communities
through additional subsidization from the State Revolving Loan Funds or
direct grant programs.
Introduction Date: 2021-03-23
Bill Number
HR 3404
Last Action
Referred To The Subcommittee On Water
Resources And Environment 2021 05 21
Status
In House
Position
Support
Priority
High
Bill Number
S 914
Last Action
By Senator Carper From Committee On
Environment And Public Works Filed Written
Report Report No 117 20 2021 05 10
Status
In House
Position
Monitor
Priority
High
Title
Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act of 2021
Description
Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act of 2021 This bill sets forth
requirements and incentives to reduce the production of a variety
of products and materials, including plastics, and increase efforts
to collect, recycle, or compost products and materials. The bill
makes certain producers of products (e.g., packaging, paper, single-
use products, beverage containers, or food service products)
fiscally responsible for collecting, managing, and recycling or
composting the products after consumer use. In addition, the bill
establishes (1) minimum percentages of products that must be
reused, recycled, or composted; and (2) an increasing percentage
of recycled content that must be contained in beverage containers.
Beginning on January 1, 2023, the bill phases out a variety of single-
use products, such as plastic utensils. The bill also sets forth
provisions to encourage the reduction of single-use products,
including by establishing programs to refund consumers for
returning beverage containers and by establishing a tax on
carryout bags. The bill creates a temporary moratorium on new or
expanded permits for certain facilities that manufacture plastics
until regulations are updated to address pollution from the
facilities. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) must publish
guidelines for a national standardized labeling system for recycling
and composting receptacles. Producers must include labels on
their products that are easy to read and indicate whether the
products are recyclable, compostable, or reusable. The EPA must
also ensure that certain clothes washers have filtration units as
required by this bill. Finally, the bill establishes limitations on the
export of plastic waste to other countries.
Bill Summary: Last edited by Sarah Sapirstein at Aug 23, 2021, 6:03 PM
Would reduce plastic production, increase recycling, and protect
frontline and fenceline communities from the burden of toxic emissions
from plastic waste by changing the incentives of the industry. The bill
shifts the burden of cleanup to the corporations that produced the
plastics. Would direct the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA)
to establish regulations to require covered manufacturers, as defined by
the bill, to print clear and visible “Do Not Flush” labeling notice on
product packaging. Eligible labeling protocol mirrors the protocols
outlined in the state bill. As with the state bill, the “Do Not Flush” symbol
is defined by the INDA and EDANA Guidelines for Assessing the
Flushability of Disposable Nonwoven Products (Edition 4; May 2018).
BFFPPA addresses pollution caused by microfibers from textiles and
general microplastics through the water waste stream. The bill would
establish a new grants program to support projects that reduce
microfiber pollution through either improving industry and
manufacturing best practices to reduce the generation of textile-based
microfiber pollution or improve the filtration technology for textile-
based microfiber pollution in washing machines and at wastewater
treatment plants. The bill does not define an authorization amount for
the program. The legislation would also create a separate USEPA pilot
program to study the efficacy and cost effectiveness of tools,
technologies, and techniques used to remove and prevent the release of
microplastics into the environment. Under the program, studies will be
conducted to test natural and green infrastructure, and mechanical
removal systems and filtration technologies. The bill identifies eligible
locations to carry out testing studies to include wastewater treatment
facilities, stormwater systems, and drinking water systems. The bill does
not define an authorization amount for this new pilot program.
Introduction Date: 2021-03-26
Bill Number
HR 2238
Last Action
Referred To The Subcommittee On
Environment And Climate Change 2021 03 29
Status
In House
Position
Support
Priority
High
Title
Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act of 2021
Description
Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act of 2021 This bill sets forth
requirements and incentives to reduce the production of a variety
of products and materials, including plastics, and increase efforts
to collect, recycle, or compost products and materials. The bill
makes certain producers of products (e.g., packaging, paper, single-
use products, beverage containers, or food service products)
fiscally responsible for collecting, managing, and recycling or
composting the products after consumer use. In addition, the bill
establishes (1) minimum percentages of products that must be
reused, recycled, or composted; and (2) an increasing percentage
of recycled content that must be contained in beverage containers.
Beginning on January 1, 2023, the bill phases out a variety of single-
use products, such as plastic utensils. The bill also sets forth
provisions to encourage the reduction of single-use products,
including by establishing programs to refund consumers for
returning beverage containers and by establishing a tax on
carryout bags. The bill creates a temporary moratorium on new or
expanded permits for certain facilities that manufacture plastics
until regulations are updated to address pollution from the
facilities. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) must publish
guidelines for a national standardized labeling system for recycling
and composting receptacles. Producers must include labels on
their products that are easy to read and indicate whether the
products are recyclable, compostable, or reusable. The EPA must
also ensure that certain clothes washers have filtration units as
required by this bill. Finally, the bill establishes limitations on the
export of plastic waste to other countries.
Bill Summary: Last edited by Sarah Sapirstein at Aug 23, 2021, 6:03 PM
Would reduce plastic production, increase recycling, and protect
frontline and fenceline communities from the burden of toxic emissions
from plastic waste by changing the incentives of the industry. The bill
shifts the burden of cleanup to the corporations that produced the
plastics. Would direct the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA)
to establish regulations to require covered manufacturers, as defined by
the bill, to print clear and visible “Do Not Flush” labeling notice on
product packaging. Eligible labeling protocol mirrors the protocols
outlined in the state bill. As with the state bill, the “Do Not Flush” symbol
is defined by the INDA and EDANA Guidelines for Assessing the
Flushability of Disposable Nonwoven Products (Edition 4; May 2018).
BFFPPA addresses pollution caused by microfibers from textiles and
general microplastics through the water waste stream. The bill would
establish a new grants program to support projects that reduce
microfiber pollution through either improving industry and
manufacturing best practices to reduce the generation of textile-based
microfiber pollution or improve the filtration technology for textile-
based microfiber pollution in washing machines and at wastewater
treatment plants. The bill does not define an authorization amount for
the program. The legislation would also create a separate USEPA pilot
program to study the efficacy and cost effectiveness of tools,
technologies, and techniques used to remove and prevent the release of
microplastics into the environment. Under the program, studies will be
conducted to test natural and green infrastructure, and mechanical
removal systems and filtration technologies. The bill identifies eligible
locations to carry out testing studies to include wastewater treatment
facilities, stormwater systems, and drinking water systems. The bill does
not define an authorization amount for this new pilot program.
Introduction Date: 2021-03-25
Title
To amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act with respect to
permitting terms, and for other purposes.
Description
This bill revises the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination
System (NPDES) program. Under the program, the Environmental
Protection Agency issues permits to discharge pollutants into
waters of the United States. The bill extends the maximum term for
NPDES permits issued to states or municipalities from 5 to 10
years.
Bill Summary: Last edited by Sarah Sapirstein at Mar 22, 2021, 9:20 PM
Extends the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES)
permit to up to, but not exceeding, 10 years from the current 5 years, for
a municipality.
Introduction Date: 2021-03-12
Bill Number
S 984
Last Action
Read Twice And Referred To The Committee
On Finance 2021 03 25
Status
In Senate
Position
Support
Priority
High
Bill Number
HR 1881
Last Action
Referred To The Subcommittee On Water
Resources And Environment 2021 03 15
Status
In House
Position
Monitor
Priority
High
Title
Water Recycling Investment and Improvement Act
Description
Water Recycling Investment and Improvement Act This bill makes
permanent, and otherwise revises, the Bureau of
Reclamation's grant program for the funding of water recycling and
reuse projects. Specifically, the bill removes priority under the
program for projects in areas that, in the preceding four-year
period, have been (1) identified as experiencing severe, extreme, or
exceptional drought; or (2) designated as a disaster area by a state.
Additionally, the bill increases through FY2025 the authorization of
appropriations for the program and otherwise revises provisions
related to program funding.
Bill Summary: Last edited by Sarah Sapirstein at Feb 16, 2021, 3:28 PM
Increases the authorization level for the Title XVI Program to $500
million from the current $50 million and makes it a permanent program.
The bill strikes requirement that projects must be in drought or disaster
areas and strikes the requirement that the projects need to be
designated in an appropriations legislation.
Introduction Date: 2021-02-11
Title
Water Affordability, Transparency, Equity, and Reliability Act of
2021
Description
Water Affordability, Transparency, Equity, and Reliability Act of
2021 This bill increases funding for water infrastructure, including
funding for several programs related to controlling water pollution
or protecting drinking water. Specifically, it establishes a Water
Affordability, Transparency, Equity, and Reliability Trust Fund. The
fund may be used for specified grant programs. The bill increases
the corporate income tax rate to 24.5% to provide revenues for the
fund. In addition, the bill revises requirements concerning the
clean water state revolving fund (SRF) and the drinking water SRF. It
also creates or reauthorizes several grant programs for water
infrastructure.
Bill Summary: Last edited by Sarah Sapirstein at Mar 22, 2021, 9:43 PM
The Water Affordability, Transparency, Equity, and Reliability (WATER) Act
of 2021 is a comprehensive solution that creates a WATER Trust Fund,
which dedicates nearly $35 billion towards water infrastructure
improvements across the United States.
Introduction Date: 2021-02-25
Bill Number
HR 1015
Last Action
Referred To The Subcommittee On Water
Oceans And Wildlife 2021 03 15
Status
In House
Position
Support
Priority
High
Priority: Medium (1)
Bill Number
HR 1352
Last Action
Referred To The Subcommittee On
Conservation And Forestry 2021 04 05
Status
In House
Position
Monitor
Priority
Medium
Priority: None (2)
Title
COMPOST Act
Bill Summary: Last edited by Sarah Sapirstein at Aug 23, 2021, 6:07 PM
Creates a new Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) administered
grant program for state, local, tribal, and territorial governments and for
nonprofits, which would offer three types of grants: planning grants,
measurement grants, and reduction grants. Program would be
authorized at $200 million for each of the fiscal years 2021-2031.
Introduction Date: 2021-07-16
Title
CLEAN Future Act
Description
Climate Leadership and Environmental Action for our Nation’s
Future Act or the CLEAN Future Act This bill creates requirements
and incentives to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases. The bill
establishes an interim goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to
at least 50% below 2005 levels by 2030 as well as a national goal to
achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Each federal
agency must develop a plan to achieve the goals. Beginning in
2023, retail electricity suppliers must provide an increasing
percentage of electricity that is generated without the release of
greenhouse gases into the atmosphere (zero-emission electricity).
By 2035, the suppliers must provide 100% zero-emission electricity
or demonstrate alternative means of compliance. For example, the
suppliers may buy credits under a trading program that allows
entities to buy, sell, and trade credits to demonstrate compliance.
The bill also establishes a variety of requirements, programs, and
incentives to reduce or eliminate greenhouse gas emissions by *
modernizing the electric grid and supporting clean energy
microgrids; * increasing the use of renewable energy and advanced
nuclear power technologies; * increasing energy efficiency in
buildings, homes, and appliances; * supporting clean
transportation, including electric vehicles and related charging
infrastructure; * issuing greenhouse gas standards for certain
vehicles, engines, and aircraft; * promoting manufacturing and
industrial decarbonization, including through buy-clean programs;
* supporting environmental justice efforts; and * reducing
methane, plastics, and super pollutants.
Bill Summary: Last edited by Sarah Sapirstein at Mar 22, 2021, 8:54 PM
H.R. 1512 is a comprehensive legislative package with the goal of
achieving net zero greenhouse gas pollution, combating the climate
crisis, putting Americans back to work,and rebuilding our economy. It
includes limited drinking water provisions, including establishing PFAS
grants program for affected community water systems, authorized at
$500 million. The legislation also includes an extensive environmental
justice title that supports the policy directives from the Administration
that 40% of all future federal funding be delivered to disadvantage and
environmental justice communities.
Introduction Date: 2021-03-02
Bill Number
HR 4443
Last Action
Referred To The Subcommittee On
Conservation And Forestry 2021 08 11
Status
In House
Position
None
Priority
None
Bill Number
HR 1512
Last Action
Referred To The Subcommittee On
Environment And Climate Change 2021 03 03
Status
In House
Position
None
Priority
None
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1 | P a g e
M E M O R A N D U M
To: Orange County Sanitation District
From: Townsend Public Affairs
Date: October 18, 2021
Subject: Monthly Legislative Report
State Legislative Update
September 10 marked the final night of the 2021 legislative session. This year’s final night starkly
contrasted with previous sessions. Instead of chambers marred by disruptive protests and
partisan-fueled drama, the Legislature adjourned hours before midnight after a day of frequent
pauses, as both chambers took numerous recesses. Most major issues had been decided and
passed with the weekly waves of budget bills and budget trailer bills over the summer and in the
month since summer recess. Nevertheless, the Legislature decided the fate of a number of bills
important to local governments in its final days of session. Of the 2,776 bills introduced this year,
1,104 made it to the Governor’s desk. Before the deadline of October 10, the Governor signed
1038 bills and vetoed 66 bills.
The Newsom Administration has been focused on the implementation of the California Comeback
Plan through significant budget allocations to both accelerate the State’s recovery from the
pandemic and tacking persistent challenges. Part of the $100 billion plan has included over $20
billion in housing and homelessness investments, with the goal of producing 84,000 homes. Other
investments include a climate resiliency package and stimulus payments to the State’s vulnerable
residents. Below is an overview of a few of the bills the Governor has signed into law, organized
by issue area:
The 31-Bill Housing Production and Accountability Package
Just shy of a week after the Legislature’s adjournment, Governor Newsom signed the first round
of housing and land use reform bills, which included SB 8 (Skinner), which extends the Housing
Crisis Act of 2019, SB 9 (Atkins), which requires the ministerial approval of urban lot splits and
two-unit developments on single-family zoned parcels, and SB 10 (Wiener), which authorizes
local governments to zone any parcel up to 10 units via ordinance.
After the enactment of the first round of housing and land use bills, the Governor signed a 27-bill
package to further address the state’s housing crisis, with more focus on accountability and
enforcement as it pertains to development goals.
The bills included in this package include AB 215 (Chiu), which increases enforcement within The
Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) and housing element transparency
standards, AB 602 (Grayson), which increases the transparency of impact fees through revised
nexus study requirements, and SB 478 (Wiener), which prohibits local governments from
imposing certain floor area ratio standards on specified housing projects.
T WNSEND
PUBL C AFFAIRS
EST TPA 19 8
2
These highly contentious bills mark significant, top-down changes to the state’s housing
production, accountability, and land use standards, with each of these bills representing renditions
of bills that have attempted to pass the policy committee process for years but have previously
failed.
Climate Resiliency Investments and Legislation Package
In addition to the Administration’s investments in housing production and the Governor’s signing
of the housing package, Governor Newsom announced his signing of a climate resiliency
package, outlining investments in wildfire and forest resilience, drought response, and combatting
sea level rise. Bills a part of this package include SB 170 (Skinner) and SB 155 (Committee on
Budget and Fiscal Review), which provide a combined $14.5 billion for climate resiliency and
environmental quality related issues. SB 155 contains $200 million in continuously appropriated
funds to CalFire for fire prevention programs. SB 170 includes significant funding to bolster the
state’s organic waste infrastructure, which includes grants to help local governments implement
upcoming SB 1383 organic waste regulations. In addition to these investment bills, the Governor
also signed wildfire and forest resiliency legislation like Senator Dodd’s SB 109, which creates
the Office of Wildfire Technology Research and Development at CAL FIRE to evaluate emerging
firefighting technology. Additionally, the funding package includes $3.7 billion for climate resiliency
to combat issues such as extreme heat and sea level rise, which will be complimented by
legislation like Senate Pro Tem Atkins’ SB 1, which establishes the California Sea Level Rise
Mitigation and Adaptation Act to help coordinate and fund state efforts to prepare for sea level
rise.
Labor and Pensions
Governor Newsom also implemented a major change to public agency responsibilities to
CalPERS by signing SB 278 (Leyva) into law. SB 278 requires public agencies and schools to
directly pay retirees and/or their beneficiaries disallowed retirement benefits using general fund
and Proposition 98 dollars. The bill places 100% of the total liability for overpayments on public
agencies, abdicating all responsibility previously held by CalPERS. Despite any existing
memoranda of understanding between employers and employees on what guides pensionable
compensation, this new law significantly alters public agency contributions by shifting liability
away from the retirement system administration and onto public agencies.
Modified Brown Act Requirements In Place
During the pandemic, Governor Newsom issued an executive order temporarily permitting local
agencies to meet remotely and bypass the Brown Act’s various requirements regarding the
public’s access to meetings’ physical locations. The executive order’s provisions were set to
expire September 30, until the Legislature passed, and the Governor signed, AB 361 (R. Rivas),
which allows exemptions to some of the requirements related to Brown Act meetings held by
teleconference during a state of emergency that makes it unsafe to meet in person. AB 361 went
into effect October 1, 2021 and will last until its sunset in 2024. Due to the legislation’s potential
to last longer than previously enacted executive orders, key differences between the two include
the new requirement that local agencies reassess and recertify the conditions constituting an
emergency every 30 days while meeting remotely to be in compliance. The enactment of this
critical Brown Act flexibility legislation will ensure that local agencies can continue to meet
remotely and will serve as precedent for future emergencies.
3
COVID-19 Regulations
Cal/OSHA Releases New Draft Requirements
Until January 14, 2022, California employers are beholden to state and local COVID-19
requirements, as well as Cal/OSHA’s COVID Emergency Temporary Standards (ETS). However,
in September, Cal/OSHA released a draft of semi-permanent COVID-19 standards that are set to
guide future pandemic emergencies. The draft proposal would create new standards that would
be subject to either renewal or expiration after two years. Key differences between the current
ETS and new draft standards include requiring employers to address COVID-19 through their
Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP), requiring employers to adopt more stringent testing
protocols in the event of employee infection, and eliminating the requirement of exclusion pay for
employees who are excluded from the worksite to quarantine, among other procedural changes.
The draft regulations will likely have numerous administrative hurdles to clear before replacing
the existing ETS.
Vaccine Mandate for Healthcare and State Employees
With regard to the implementation of the Department of Public Health’s vaccine mandate for
healthcare and state workers, September 30 marked the final day for all facilities to be in
compliance. This comes after nearly a month and a half of lead time for the identified employees
to receive their first dose of a one-dose regimen or their second dose of a two-dose regimen.
Upcoming Vaccine Mandate For Students and School Employees
In addition to the above workplace and vaccine regulations, the Governor recently announced his
plans require all school employees and students be vaccinated, following full FDA approval of
existing vaccines. The requirements are set to be established by forthcoming regulations from the
California Department of Public Health. Students will be required to be vaccinated for in-person
learning starting the school term following FDA full approval (meaning either January 1st or July
1st) of the vaccine for their grade span. Given that the vaccine is now only eligible to be
administered to individuals aged 12 and older, the mandate will first apply to students within the
applicable age range and will later apply to younger students once the vaccine becomes available
to younger age ranges. In addition to students, all school staff will be required to be vaccinated
no later than when the requirement takes effect for students aged 12 and older. The mandate will
be a condition of in-person attendance and employment for all pupils and employees of any
private or public elementary or secondary school.
OC San
State
Bills of Interest
BILL AUTHOR SUMMARY LATEST ACTION OC SAN
POSITION LEGISLATIVE PLAN OTHER
POSITIONS
AB 59 Gabriel [D]This bill would increase, for fees and service charges and for fees for
specified public facilities, the time for mailing the notice of the time and
place of the meeting to at least 45 days before the meeting. This bill would
also require that all fees collected in excess of the cost of the service
provided be refunded to the ratepayer. This bill would also change the
statute of limitations for protests filed for disputes of rates, potentially
allowing rate disputes to be filed months or years after adoption.
Two-Year Bill Oppose Legislative and Regulatory
Policies: Special Districts -
Oppose further state
regulations that adversely
impact special district
financing, operations, and
administration.
ACC-OC - Oppose
LOCC - Watch
CASA - Watch
CSDA - Oppose
ACWA - Oppose
AB 322 Salas [D]Current law requires the Energy Commission, in administering moneys in
the Electric Program Investment Charge Fund for research, development,
and demonstration programs, to develop and implement the EPIC program
for the purpose of awarding funds to projects that may lead to technological
advancement and breakthroughs to overcome barriers that prevent the
achievement of the state’s statutory energy goals and that may result in a
portfolio of projects that are strategically focused and sufficiently narrow to
make advancement on the most significant technological challenges.
Current law, until January 1, 2023, requires the Energy Commission to
expend certain percentages of the moneys appropriated from the fund for
technology demonstration and deployment at sites that benefit certain
communities. This bill would require the Energy Commission to allocate not
less than 20% of the funds appropriated for the EPIC program to bioenergy
projects for biomass conversion, as specified.
Signed into law Watch Legislative and Regulatory
Policies: Biosolids and
Biogas - Support streamlined
legislation, regulations and
policies that encourage the
procurement of biogas,
biosolids, and compost.
ACC-OC - NYC
LOCC - Watch
CASA - Support
CSDA - NYC
ACWA - Favor
AB 339 Lee [D]Would, until December 31, 2023, require all open and public meetings of a
city council or a county board of supervisors that governs a jurisdiction
containing least 250,000 people to include an opportunity for members of
the public to attend via a telephonic option or an internet-based service
option. The bill would require all open and public meetings to include an in-
person public comment opportunity, except in specified circumstances
during a declared state or local emergency. The bill would require all
meetings to provide the public with an opportunity to comment on proposed
legislation in person and remotely via a telephonic or an internet-based
service option, as provided.
Vetoed Watch Legislative and Regulatory
Policies: Special Districts -
Oppose further state
regulations that adversely
impact special district
financing, operations, and
administration.
ACC-OC - Oppose
LOCC - Oppose
CASA - Watch
CSDA - Oppose
ACWA - Oppose
Proposed Legislation 2021-2022
High Priority
OC San
State
Bills of Interest
BILL AUTHOR SUMMARY LATEST ACTION OC SAN
POSITION LEGISLATIVE PLAN OTHER
POSITIONS
AB 361 Rivas [D]Would authorize a local agency to use teleconferencing without complying
with the teleconferencing requirements imposed by the Ralph M. Brown Act
when a legislative body of a local agency holds a meeting for the purpose
of declaring or ratifying a local emergency, during a declared state of
emergency or local emergency, as those terms are defined, when state or
local health officials have imposed or recommended measures to promote
social distancing, and during a declared local emergency provided the
legislative body determines, by majority vote, that meeting in person would
present imminent risks to the health or safety of attendees.
Signed into law Support Legislative and Regulatory
Policies: Special Districts -
Oppose further state
regulations that adversely
impact special district
financing, operations, and
administration.
ACC-OC - NYC
LOCC - Watch
CASA - Watch
CSDA - Sponsor
ACWA - Favor
AB 377 Rivas [D]Would require, by January 1, 2023, the State Water Resources Control
Board and regional boards to prioritize enforcement of all water quality
standard violations that are causing or contributing to an exceedance of a
water quality standard in a surface water of the state. The bill would require
the state board and regional boards, by January 1, 2025, to evaluate
impaired state surface waters and report to the Legislature a plan to bring
all water segments into attainment by January 1, 2050. The bill would
require the state board and regional boards to update the report with a
progress summary to the Legislature every 5 years. The bill would create
the Waterway Recovery Account in the Waste Discharge Permit Fund and
would make moneys in the Waterway Recovery Account available for the
state board to expend, upon appropriation by the Legislature, to bring
impaired water segments into attainment in accordance with the plan.
Two-Year Bill Watch Guiding Principles: Oppose
redundant regulatory and
legislative requirements that
cause undue constraints on
efficient operations.
ACC-OC - Oppose
LOCC - Oppose
CASA - Oppose
CSDA - Oppose
ACWA - Concerns
AB 564 Gonzalez [D]Would establish the Biodiversity Protection and Restoration Act and would
provide that it is the policy of the state that all state agencies, boards, and
commissions shall utilize their authorities in furtherance of the biodiversity
conservation purposes and goals of certain executive orders. The bill would
require all state agencies, boards, and commissions to consider and
prioritize the protection of biodiversity in carrying out their statutory
mandates. The bill would require strategies related to the goal of the state
to conserve at least 30% of California’s land and coastal waters by 2030 to
be made available to the public and provided to certain legislative
committees by no later than June 30, 2022.
Two-Year Bill Watch Guiding Principles: Oppose
redundant regulatory and
legislative requirements that
cause undue constraints on
efficient operations.
ACC-OC - NYC
LOCC - Watch
CASA - Watch
CSDA - Watch
ACWA - NYC
OC San
State
Bills of Interest
BILL AUTHOR SUMMARY LATEST ACTION OC SAN
POSITION LEGISLATIVE PLAN OTHER
POSITIONS
AB 602 Grayson [D]Current law requires a city, county, or special district that has an internet
website to make available on its internet website certain information, as
applicable, including its current schedule of fees and exactions. This bill,
among other things, would require, on and after January 1, 2022, a city,
county, or special district that conducts an impact fee nexus study to follow
specific standards and practices, including, but not limited to, (1) that prior
to the adoption of an associated development fee, an impact fee nexus
study be adopted, (2) that the study identify the existing level of service for
each public facility, identify the proposed new level of service, and include
an explanation of why the new level of service is necessary, and (3) if the
study is adopted after July 1, 2022, either calculate a fee levied or imposed
on a housing development project proportionately to the square footage of
the proposed units, or make specified findings explaining why square
footage is not an appropriate metric to calculate the fees.
Signed into law Watch Legislative and Regulatory
Policies: Special Districts -
Oppose further state
regulations that adversely
impact special district
financing, operations, and
administration.
ACC-OC - NYC
LOCC - Watch
CASA - Watch
CSDA - Watch
ACWA - NYC
AB 622 Friedman [D]Current law, to protect public health and water quality, regulates a broad
range of consumer products and processes, including water softeners,
water treatment devices, and backflow prevention devices, among others.
This bill would require, on or before January 1, 2024, that all washing
machines sold as new in California contain a microfiber filtration system
with a mesh size of 100 microns or smaller.
Two-Year Bill Support State Priorities: Support
legislation or regulations that
restrict the use of
microplastics and chemicals
of emerging concern in any
product that is disposed of
through the sewer system.
ACC-OC - NYC
LOCC - Watch
CASA - Watch
CSDA - NYC
ACWA - NYC
AB 652 Friedman [D]Would, on and after July 1, 2023, prohibit a person, including a
manufacturer, from selling or distributing in commerce in this state any
new, not previously owned, juvenile product, as defined, that contains
perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) at a detectable level
above an unspecified amount. The bill would establish requirements for
manufacturers when replacing PFAS in juvenile products.
Signed into law Watch State Priorities: Monitor
state legislation as well as
State Water Resources
Control Board (SWRCB)
regulatory activity related to
PFAS.
ACC-OC - NYC
LOCC - Watch
CASA - Watch
CSDA - NYC
ACWA - NYC
OC San
State
Bills of Interest
BILL AUTHOR SUMMARY LATEST ACTION OC SAN
POSITION LEGISLATIVE PLAN OTHER
POSITIONS
AB 703 Rubio [D]Current law, by Executive Order N-29-20, suspends the Ralph M. Brown
Act’s requirements for teleconferencing during the COVID-19 pandemic,
provided that notice requirements are met, the ability of the public to
observe and comment is preserved, as specified, and that a local agency
permitting teleconferencing have a procedure for receiving and swiftly
resolving requests for reasonable accommodation for individuals with
disabilities, as specified. This bill would remove the requirements of the act
particular to teleconferencing and allow for teleconferencing subject to
existing provisions regarding the posting of notice of an agenda and the
ability of the public to observe the meeting and provide public comment.
The bill would require that, in each instance in which notice of the time of
the teleconferenced meeting is otherwise given or the agenda for the
meeting is otherwise posted, the local agency also give notice of the means
by which members of the public may observe the meeting and offer public
comment and that the legislative body have and implement a procedure for
receiving and swiftly resolving requests for reasonable accommodation for
individuals with disabilities, consistent with the federal Americans with
Disabilities Act, as provided.
Two-Year Bill Watch Legislative and Regulatory
Policies: Special Districts -
Oppose further state
regulations that adversely
impact special district
financing, operations, and
administration.
ACC-OC - NYC
LOCC - Watch
CASA - Watch
CSDA - Watch
ACWA - Support
AB 802 Bloom [D]Would require the Water Resources Control Board to identify the best
available control technology for filtering microfibers from an industrial,
institutional, or commercial laundry facility on or before an unspecified date,
and would require the state board to consult with owners and operators of
laundry facilities on the types of filtration systems currently in use and with
universities, scientific organizations, and experts on plastic pollution in
identifying the best available control technology. The bill would also require,
on or before an unspecified date, any entity that operates an industrial,
institutional, or commercial laundry facility to adopt the use of the best
available control technology to capture microfibers that are shed during
washing.
Two-Year Bill Watch State Priorities: Support
legislation or regulations that
restrict the use of
microplastics and chemicals
of emerging concern in any
product that is disposed of
through the sewer system.
ACC-OC - NYC
LOCC - Watch
CASA - Watch
CSDA - NYC
ACWA - Favor
AB 818 Bloom [D]Would require, except as provided, certain premoistened nonwoven
disposable wipes manufactured on or after July 1, 2022, to be labeled
clearly and conspicuously with the phrase “Do Not Flush” and a related
symbol, as specified. The bill would prohibit a covered entity, as defined,
from making a representation about the flushable attributes, benefits,
performance, or efficacy of those premoistened nonwoven disposable
wipes, as provided. The bill would establish enforcement provisions,
including authorizing a civil penalty not to exceed $2,500 per day, up to a
maximum of $100,000 per violation, to be imposed on a covered entity who
violates those provisions.
Signed into law Support Legislative and Regulatory
Policies: Source Control -
Support legislation that
regulates the disposal of
flushable wipes.
ACC-OC - NYC
LOCC - Support
CASA - Sponsor
CSDA - Support
ACWA - Support
OC San
State
Bills of Interest
BILL AUTHOR SUMMARY LATEST ACTION OC SAN
POSITION LEGISLATIVE PLAN OTHER
POSITIONS
AB 1001 C. Garcia [D]Would require the California Environmental Protection Agency, on or before
May 1, 2022, to publish, maintain, and update a list of overburdened
communities, as defined. The bill would, on or after July 1, 2022, require a
permitting agency to take certain actions for an application for a new
environmental permit, as defined, or the renewal of an environmental
permit for a facility located in an overburdened community. The bill would
require a permit applicant to prepare an environmental justice impact
statement, to conduct a public hearing in the overburdened community, and
to transmit the environmental justice impact statement to the permitting
agency.
Two-Year Bill Watch Legislative and Regulatory
Policies: Air Quality -
Support measures that
maintain and enhance local
decision-making authority,
where appropriate, in the
development and
implementation of air quality
attainment strategies.
ACC-OC - NYC
LOCC - Watch
CASA - Concerns
CSDA - NYC
ACWA - NYC
AB 1200 Ting [D]Would prohibit, beginning January 1, 2023, any person from distributing,
selling, or offering for sale in the state any food packaging that contains
intentionally added perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances or PFAS,
as defined. The bill would require a manufacturer to use the least toxic
alternative when replacing PFAS chemicals. The bill would define “food
packaging,” in part, to mean a nondurable package, packaging component,
or food service ware that is comprised, in substantial part, of paper,
paperboard, or other materials originally derived from plant fibers.
Signed into law Watch State Priorities: Monitor
state legislation as well as
State Water Resources
Control Board (SWRCB)
regulatory activity related to
PFAS.
ACC-OC - NYC
LOCC - Watch
CASA - Support
CSDA - Watch
ACWA - NYC
AB 1271 Ting [D]Current law, beginning January 1, 2021, imposes a penalty for violation of
specified surplus land provisions after a local agency receives the
notification from the Department of Housing and Community Development
and a penalty for subsequent violations. Current law authorizes specified
entities or persons to bring an action against a local agency to enforce the
provisions related to surplus land and allows a local agency 60 days to cure
or correct an alleged violation before the action may be brought, except as
specified. This bill would provide that these surplus land provisions do not
preclude a local agency that purchases surplus land from a disposing
agency from reconveying the surplus land to a nonprofit or for-profit
housing developer for development of low- and moderate-income housing
as authorized under other provisions of law.
Two-Year Bill Watch Legislative and Regulatory
Policies: Special Districts -
Oppose further state
regulations that adversely
impact special district
financing, operations, and
administration.
ACC-OC - NYC
LOCC - Watch
CASA - Oppose
CSDA - Watch
ACWA - NYC
AB 1296 Kamlager [D]Current law establishes the South Coast Air Quality Management District
as the district with the responsibility for controlling air pollution from sources
other than vehicular sources in the South Coast Air Basin. Current law
establishes a district board consisting of 13 members to govern the south
coast district. Current law requires one member of the district board to be
appointed by the Senate Committee on Rules and one member to be
appointed by the Speaker of the Assembly. This bill would increase the
number of members of the district board of the south coast district to 15
members by adding 2 environmental justice appointees, one appointed by
the Senate Committee on Rules and one appointed by the Speaker of the
Assembly.
Two-Year Bill Watch Legislative and Regulatory
Policies: Air Quality -
Support measures that
maintain and enhance local
decision-making authority,
where appropriate, in the
development and
implementation of air quality
attainment strategies.
ACC-OC - NYC
LOCC - Watch
CASA - NYC
CSDA - Watch
ACWA - NYC
OC San
State
Bills of Interest
BILL AUTHOR SUMMARY LATEST ACTION OC SAN
POSITION LEGISLATIVE PLAN OTHER
POSITIONS
AB 1434 Friedman [D]Would establish, beginning January 1, 2023, until January 1, 2025, the
standard for indoor residential water use as 48 gallons per capita daily. The
bill would establish, beginning January 1, 2025, the standard as 44 gallons
per capita daily and, beginning January 1, 2030, 40 gallons per capita daily.
The bill would eliminate the requirement that the department, in
coordination with the state board, conduct necessary studies and
investigations and jointly recommend to the Legislature a standard for
indoor residential water use.
Two-Year Bill Oppose Legislative and Regulatory
Policies: Water Quality and
Supply - Support legislation
and regulation that promote
improved water use efficiency
through state assistance in
evaluating and implementing
new programs and
technologies and increasing
public awareness of water
use efficiency.
ACC-OC - NYC
LOCC - Watch
CASA - Watch
CSDA - No
Position
ACWA - Oppose
AB 1500 E. Garcia [D]Would enact the Safe Drinking Water, Wildfire Prevention, Drought
Preparation, Flood Protection, Extreme Heat Mitigation, and Workforce
Development Bond Act of 2022, which, if approved by the voters, would
authorize the issuance of bonds in the amount of $6,700,000,000 pursuant
to the State General Obligation Bond Law to finance projects for safe
drinking water, wildfire prevention, drought preparation, flood protection,
extreme heat mitigation, and workforce development programs.
Did not move forward in
2021
Watch Guiding Principles: Seek
funds for OCSD projects
through grants,
appropriations, or other
means.
ACC-OC - NYC
LOCC - Watch
CASA - Watch
CSDA - Support if
Amended
ACWA - Support if
Amended
SB 45 Portantino [D]Would enact the Wildfire Prevention, Safe Drinking Water, Drought
Preparation, and Flood Protection Bond Act of 2022, which, if approved by
the voters, would authorize the issuance of bonds in the amount of
$5,510,000,000 pursuant to the State General Obligation Bond Law to
finance projects for a wildfire prevention, safe drinking water, drought
preparation, and flood protection program. Includes $100 million.
Did not move forward in
2021
Watch Guiding Principles: Seek
funds for OCSD projects
through grants,
appropriations, or other
means.
ACC-OC - NYC
LOCC - Watch
CASA - Watch
CSDA - Support if
Amended
ACWA - Support if
Amended
SB 54 Allen [D]Would establish the Plastic Pollution Producer Responsibility Act, which
would prohibit producers of single-use, disposable packaging or single-use,
disposable food service ware products from offering for sale, selling,
distributing, or importing in or into the state such packaging or products that
are manufactured on or after January 1, 2032, unless they are recyclable or
compostable.
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.
ACC-OC - NYC
LOCC - Watch
CASA - Watch
CSDA - Watch
ACWA - NYC
OC San
State
Bills of Interest
BILL AUTHOR SUMMARY LATEST ACTION OC SAN
POSITION LEGISLATIVE PLAN OTHER
POSITIONS
SB 95 Skinner Would provide for COVID-19 supplemental paid sick leave for covered
employees, as defined, who are unable to work or telework due to certain
reasons related to COVID-19, including that the employee has been
advised by a health care provider to self-quarantine due to concerns related
to COVID-19. The bill would entitle a covered employee to 80 hours of
COVID-19 supplemental paid sick leave if that employee either works full
time or was scheduled to work, on average, at least 40 hours per week for
the employer in the 2 weeks preceding the date the covered employee took
COVID-19 supplemental paid sick leave. The bill would provide a different
calculation for supplemental paid sick leave for a covered employee who is
a firefighter subject to certain work schedule requirements and for a
covered employee working fewer or variable hours, as specified.
Signed into law Watch Legislative and Regulatory
Policies: Special Districts -
Oppose further state
regulations that adversely
impact special district
financing, operations, and
administration.
ACC-OC - NYC
LOCC - Watch
CASA - Watch
CSDA - Oppose
ACWA - NYC
SB 230 Portantino [D]Would require the State Water Resources Control Board to establish,
maintain, and direct an ongoing, dedicated program called the Constituents
of Emerging Concern Program to assess the state of information and
recommend areas for further study on, among other things, the occurrence
of constituents of emerging concern (CEC) in drinking water sources and
treated drinking water. The bill would require the state board to convene, by
an unspecified date, the Science Advisory Panel to review and provide
recommendations to the state board on CEC for further action, among
other duties. The bill would require the state board to provide an annual
report to the Legislature on the ongoing work conducted by the panel.
Two-Year Bill Watch State Priorities: Monitor
state legislation as well as
State Water Resources
Control Board (SWRCB)
regulatory activity related to
PFAS.
ACC-OC - NYC
LOCC - Watch
CASA - Watch
CSDA - Support
ACWA - Favor
SB 273 Hertzberg [D]Would authorize a municipal wastewater agency, as defined, to enter into
agreements with entities responsible for stormwater management for the
purpose of managing stormwater and dry weather runoff, to acquire,
construct, expand, operate, maintain, and provide facilities for specified
purposes relating to managing stormwater and dry weather runoff, and to
levy taxes, fees, and charges consistent with the municipal wastewater
agency’s existing authority in order to fund projects undertaken pursuant to
the bill. The bill would require the exercise of any new authority granted
under the bill to comply with the Cortese-Knox-Hertzberg Local Government
Reorganization Act of 2000. The bill would require a municipal wastewater
agency that enters into or amends one of these agreements after January
1, 2022, to file a copy of the agreement or amendment with the local
agency formation commission in each county where any part of the
municipal wastewater agency’s territory is located, but would exempt those
agreements and amendments from local agency formation commission
approval except as required by the Cortese-Knox-Hertzberg Local
Government Reorganization Act of 2000.
Signed into law Watch Legislative and Regulatory
Policies: Special Districts -
Oppose further state
regulations that adversely
impact special district
financing, operations, and
administration.
ACC-OC - NYC
LOCC - Watch
CASA - Co-
sponsor
CSDA - Support
ACWA - Favor
OC San
State
Bills of Interest
BILL AUTHOR SUMMARY LATEST ACTION OC SAN
POSITION LEGISLATIVE PLAN OTHER
POSITIONS
SB 274 Wieckowski [D]The Ralph M. Brown Act requires meetings of the legislative body of a local
agency to be open and public and also requires regular and special
meetings of the legislative body to be held within the boundaries of the
territory over which the local agency exercises jurisdiction, with specified
exceptions. Current law authorizes a person to request that a copy of an
agenda, or a copy of all the documents constituting the agenda packet, of
any meeting of a legislative body be mailed to that person. This bill would
require a local agency with an internet website, or its designee, to email a
copy of, or website link to, the agenda or a copy of all the documents
constituting the agenda packet if the person requests that the items be
delivered by email. If a local agency determines it to be technologically
infeasible to send a copy of the documents or a link to a website that
contains the documents by email or by other electronic means, the bill
would require the legislative body or its designee to send by mail a copy of
the agenda or a website link to the agenda and to mail a copy of all other
documents constituting the agenda packet, as specified.
Signed into law Watch Legislative and Regulatory
Policies: Special Districts -
Oppose further state
regulations that adversely
impact special district
financing, operations, and
administration.
ACC-OC - NYC
LOCC - Watch
CASA - Watch
CSDA - Watch
ACWA - Favor
SB 323 Caballero [D]Current law prohibits a local agency from imposing fees for specified
purposes, including fees for water or sewer connections, as defined, that
exceed the estimated reasonable cost of providing the service for which the
fee is charged, unless voter approval is obtained. Current law provides that
a local agency levying a new a water or sewer connection fee or increasing
a fee must do so by ordinance or resolution. Current law requires, for
specified fees, including water or sewer connection fees, any judicial action
or proceeding to attack, review, set aside, void, or annul an ordinance,
resolution, or motion adopting a new fee or service charge or modifying an
existing fee or service charge to be commenced within 120 days of the
effective date of the ordinance, resolution, or motion according to specified
procedures for validation proceedings. This bill would apply the same
judicial action procedure and timelines, as stated above, to ordinances,
resolutions, or motions adopting, modifying, or amending water or sewer
service fees or charges adopted after January 1, 2022, except as provided.
Signed into law Watch Legislative and Regulatory
Policies: Special Districts -
Oppose further state
regulations that adversely
impact special district
financing, operations, and
administration.
ACC-OC - NYC
LOCC - Support
CASA - Watch
CSDA - Support
ACWA - Sponsor
OC San
State
Bills of Interest
BILL AUTHOR SUMMARY LATEST ACTION OC SAN
POSITION LEGISLATIVE PLAN OTHER
POSITIONS
SB 342 Gonzalez [D]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,
consisting of 13 members. This bill would add 2 members to the district
board, appointed by the Senate Committee on Rules and the Speaker of
the Assembly. The bill would require the 2 additional members to reside in
and work directly with communities in the South Coast Air Basin that are
disproportionately burdened by and vulnerable to high levels of pollution
and issues of environmental justice.
Two-Year Bill Watch Legislative and Regulatory
Policies: Air Quality -
Monitor SCAQMD’s
development of regulations
and guidelines associated
with AB 617 in the following
areas: (1) implementation of
best available retrofit control
technology (BARCT)
requirements for existing
stationary sources; (2)
deployment of air monitoring
systems in selected
communities; and (3)
implementation of emissions
reduction plans in selected
communities.
ACC-OC - NYC
LOCC - Watch
CASA - Watch
CSDA - Watch
ACWA - Watch
SB 351 Caballero [D]Current law establishes the State Water Resources Control Board for the
purposes of providing for the orderly and efficient administration of the
water resources of the state. This bill, the Water Innovation Act of 2021,
would create the Office of Water Innovation at the California Water
Commission for the furtherance of new technologies and other innovative
approaches in the water sector. The bill would require the office, by
December 31, 2023, to take specified measures to advance innovation in
the water sector. The bill would make findings and declarations regarding
the need for water innovation.
Two-Year Bill Watch Legislative and Regulatory
Policies: Biosolids and
Biogas - Support streamlined
legislation, regulations and
policies that encourage the
procurement of biogas,
biosolids, and compost.
ACC-OC - NYC
LOCC - Watch
CASA - Watch
CSDA - Support
ACWA - Favor
SB 695 Ochoa Bogh [R]Would prohibit a local agency from imposing a housing impact requirement
adopted by the local agency on a housing development project, as defined,
unless specified requirements are satisfied by the local agency, including
that the local agency prepare and adopt a nexus study, as specified. The
bill, for purposes of these provisions, defines “housing impact requirement”
as a fee imposed under the Mitigation Fee Act, dedications of parkland or in-
lieu fees imposed under the Quimby Act, or a construction excise tax. This
bill would require a local agency to adopt a nexus study that is used to
demonstrate compliance with these provisions, subject to specified public
participation requirements. This bill would prohibit a housing impact
requirement from exceeding the amount necessary to maintain the existing
level of service identified in the nexus study for the type of capital facility for
which the housing impact requirement is imposed.
Two-Year Bill Watch Legislative and Regulatory
Policies: Special Districts -
Oppose further state
regulations that adversely
impact special district
financing, operations, and
administration.
ACC-OC - NYC
LOCC - Watch
CASA - Oppose
CSDA - Watch
ACWA - NYC
OC San
State
Bills of Interest
BILL AUTHOR SUMMARY LATEST ACTION OC SAN
POSITION LEGISLATIVE PLAN OTHER
POSITIONS
SB 791 Cortese [D]Would, upon appropriation by the Legislature, establish the California
Surplus Land Unit within the Department of Housing and Community
Development with the primary purpose of facilitating the development and
construction of residential housing on local surplus property, as defined. In
this regard, the bill would authorize the unit to, among other things, facilitate
agreements between housing developers and local agencies that seek to
dispose of surplus land; provide advice, technical assistance, and
consultative and technical service to local agencies with surplus land and
developers that seek to develop housing on the surplus land; and
collaborate with specified state agencies to assist housing developers and
local agencies with obtaining grants, loans, tax credits, credit
enhancements, and other types of financing that facilitate the construction
of housing on surplus land.
Two-Year Bill Watch Legislative and Regulatory
Policies: Special Districts -
Oppose further state
regulations that adversely
impact special district
financing, operations, and
administration.
ACC-OC - NYC
LOCC - Watch
CASA - Oppose
CSDA - No
Position
ACWA - NYC
Legend:
ACC-OC - Association of California Cities, Orange County
LOCC - League of California Cities
NYC - Not Yet Considered
CASA - California Association of Sanitation Agencies
ACWA - Association of California Water Agencies
CSDA - California Special Districts Association
OC San's Grant and Loan Funding Tracker 2021-2022
Name of Grant/Loan Synopsis of Grant/Loan Amount of Grant/Loan Amount
Applying for Applying Y/N Project/Program Reason Match Deadline Category Rcvd Grant/
Financing Y/N
Proposition 1 IRWM Grant
The Proposition 1 IRWM Grant Program, administered by DWR, provides funding for
projects that help meet the long-term water needs of the state, including: Assisting
water infrastructure systems adapt to climate change;
Providing incentives throughout each watershed to collaborate in managing the
region's water resources and setting regional priorities for water infrastructure; and
Improving regional water self-reliance, while reducing reliance on Sacramento-San
Joaquin Delta.
with $7.18 Million from this total designated for North
and Central Orange County.TBD TBD TBD No Projects Currently
Identified
We will review the possible funding
opportunity to determine if it is a fit for
the Sanitation District.
TBD
Notice will become
officially available
October 2021
Water TBD
Organics Grant Program (CalRecycle)
The grant program is to lower overall greenhouse gas emissions by expanding existing
capacity or establishing new facilities in California to reduce the amount of California-
generated green materials, food materials, and/or Alternative Daily Cover being sent to
landfills.
TBD if FY 2021 Grant Applications will be
available TBD TBD
Food-Waste Co-Digestion facility
at Plant No.2 in Huntington
Beach to accept up to 150 wet
tons per day (wtpd) of pre-
processed source separated
organics.
We will review the possible funding
opportunity to determine if it is a fit for
the Sanitation District.
TBD TBD Energy/Recycling No
Zero-Emission Freight and Marine
Program Solicitation California Air
Resources Board/Volkswagen
Environmental Mitigation Trust
Assisting water infrastructure systems adapt to climate change;Up to $423 million NA No Forklift Replacement We did not meet the requirements of
the grant.Yes 6/16/2021 Environment No
CalOES Grant- Community Power
Resiliency Allocation to Special
Districts Program
Providing incentives throughout each watershed to collaborate in managing the
region's water resources and setting regional priorities for water infrastructure; and $300,000 $300,000 No Portable Generators We did not meet the requirements of
the grant.NA 10/30/2020 Renewable energy No
Integrated Regional Water
Management (IRWM) Grant Program
Improving regional water self-reliance, while reducing reliance on Sacramento-San
Joaquin Delta.TBD NA No NA
TPA and OCSD are monitoring the
grant program development from the
Santa Ana Watershed Project Authority
(SAWPA). Currently, Round 2 has yet
to be announced. TPA and OCSD will
continue to watch this. OC IRWM
expected to receive $7.5 million total, in
2022.
50%NA. Will return in
2021/2022 for Round 2 Water No
STATE
Updated 10/12/2021
OC San's Grant and Loan Funding Tracker 2021-2022
Name of Grant/Loan Synopsis of Grant/Loan Amount of Grant/Loan Amount
Applying for Applying Y/N Project/Program Reason Match Deadline Category Rcvd Grant/
Financing Y/N
Economic Development Administration
Funding provided under the American Rescue Act of 2021. The available funding will
help communities and regions devise and implement long-term economic recovery
strategies through a variety of non-construction and construction projects to assist
communities and regions impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.
$5 million for construction and non-construction
related activities related to COVID-19.TBD TBD. We have not identified any
available projects at this time TBD We will apply if this grant comes to
fruition and if we meet the eligibility TBD 3/1/2022 COVID-19 TBD
Special District COVID-19 Relief
Funds. Department of Finance
The 2021 Budget Act appropriated $100 million one-time General Fund to provide
fiscal relief to independent special districts for revenue losses and or unanticipated
costs incurred due to the COVID-19 public health emergency. Funds are reserved for
districts that have not received other forms of COVID-19 fiscal relief directly from the
state or federal government. https://dof.ca.gov/budget/COVID-
19/Fiscal_Relief_for_Special_Districts/
$100 million one-time General Fund NA
No did not meet the requirements.
Must have a revenue loss and an
unintended loss.
COVID - 19 Funding for loss
related to the Pandemic.Did not meet the funding requirements NA 10/15/2021 Infrastructure No
FEMA Building Resilient Infrastructure
and Communities (BRIC)
For FY2021, the priorities for the program are to incentivize natural hazard risk
reduction activities that mitigate risk to public infrastructure and disadvantaged
communities
$500,000 NA No
P1-137 - Supports Buildings
Seismic Improvements at Plant
No. 1
Available projects did not meet the
criteria of the grant. Not shovel ready
The cost share for
this program is 75%
federal/25% non-
federal.
Jan. 28, 2022 Climate
Resiliency/Infrastructure No
Hazard Mitigation Grant Program
(HMGP)
Notice of Interests (NOIs) must be submitted prior to application, and can be submitted
anytime. Once a disaster is declared, a deadline will be set for that particular round of
funding. A new declaration is expected.
TBD TBD Yes
P1-137 - Supports Buildings
Seismic Improvements at Plant
No. 1
Will be submitting an NOI if we meet
the requirements N/A
Submitting
subapplications to
FEMA for DR-4482 is
August of 2022.
Climate
Resiliency/Infrastructure NA
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.
$20 million Pending FOA Final Expansion of GWRS
Headworks (P2-122)
The Sanitation District developed a
proposal for last year that could be
used as a basis for a new submittal.
$20mm or 25% of
project costs
whichever is less.
6/28/2019 Water/ Infrastructure Pending FOA
FEDERAL
Updated 10/12/2021
OC San's Grant and Loan Funding Tracker 2021-2022
Name of Grant/Loan Synopsis of Grant/Loan Amount of Grant/Loan Amount
Applying for Applying Y/N Project/Program Reason Match Deadline Category Rcvd Grant/
Financing Y/N
Department of Health and Human
Services
Department of Health and Human Services is in the process of allocating
approximately $116 million to the state to provide agencies with assistance to cover
arrearages.
$116 million TBD TBD COVID - 19 Funding We will apply if this grant comes to
fruition and if we meet the eligibility TBD TBD COVID-19 TBD
FEMA Funding
The President’s Memo changed the federal reimbursement amount for previously
approved projects from the beginning of the disaster to January 20, 2021. It did not
change the eligibility. All work eligible under FEMA’s existing COVID-19 policies,
including increasing medical capacity, non-congregate sheltering, and emergency
feeding distribution will be reimbursed at 100 percent federal share. For projects that
have already been approved, FEMA will amend the existing awards to adjust the
federal funding amounts. No action will be required by the applicants.
TBD $260,000 (at this
time)Yes COVID - 19 Funding We are working with the local agency
CAL OES on the funding eligibility.Match Cost Share TBD Infrastructure TBD
WaterSMART Grants: Small-Scale
Water Efficiency Projects
Purpose: To support projects that conserve and use water more efficiently; mitigate
conflict risk in areas at a high risk of future water conflict; and accomplish other
benefits that contribute to water supply reliability in the western United States.
Total Funding Available: $3 million NA No-not qualified Project Request - Planning Study
Plant and Reclaimed Water
They do not fund studies within the
parameters of the grant.
Cost-Share: 50% or
more of total project
costs.
3/15/2021 Water/ Infrastructure No
Stormwater and CSO Grant Program In addition, the President’s directive allows FEMA to expand the activities eligible for
reimbursement for work conducted after Jan. 21, 2021 and until Sept. 30, 2021. Funding cost-share is not identified in the law TBD TBD. We will monitor for possible
funding opportunities/A TBD FY 2020 - $28 million Yes Anticipate by July 2020 Water/ Infrastructure
USEPA published
allocation formula
with deadline for
public comments
9/3/2020. Expect
formal allocation to
State within next two
months.
The Department of Energy (DOE),
USBR and USEPA
The DOE’s Office of Energy Efficiency is likely to continue to be funded by Congress to
support such efforts as biogas, biosolids and green energy.
Through the WaterSmart program, USBR will
issue solicitations for innovative approaches to
managing water and water treatment through
technology and processes for FY 2020 - $60
million
TBD TBD. We will monitor for possible
funding opportunities
Project Funding Opportunity:
Energy production to reduce
costs of recycled water through
innovative technologies.
Innovative water monitoring
technology that can produce
efficient real time monitoring and
data analysis, Biogas
Management and Use
Improvements.
We will review the possible funding
opportunity to determine if it is a fit for
the Sanitation District.
N/A TBD Energy/Water/Infrastructure TBD
USEPA Climate Resiliency TBD TBD TBD
Anticipate that USEPA will issue
FOA's to promote studies and
plans to address resiliency
needs and strategies
We will review the possible funding
opportunity to determine if it is a fit for
the Sanitation District.
Unclear TBD Climate TBD
Updated 10/12/2021
OC San's Grant and Loan Funding Tracker 2021-2022
Name of Grant/Loan Synopsis of Grant/Loan Amount of Grant/Loan Amount
Applying for Applying Y/N Project/Program Reason Match Deadline Category Rcvd Grant/
Financing Y/N
Community Partnering Program Grant Metropolitan Water District
The primary focus of the Community Partnering
Program (CPP) is sponsorship of water
conservation and water-use efficiency programs
and activities. Applications must be submitted
30 days prior to the start date of the event or
program.
Requests for a maximum $2,000 award will be
reviewed year-round and funds are awarded
throughout the year. Funds are limited,
however, and may be depleted prior to the
ending of this fiscal year (June 30).
$2,000 Yes For Plant No. 1 Signage Applied Match ongoing Education Yes
Mass Timber Competition CalGovOps
The California Government Operations Agency
(GovOps) will award $500,000 in grants as part
of the statewide California Mass Timber
Building Competition. Grants will be awarded to
selected proponent teams presenting viable and
repeatable mass timber solutions for
commercial and multi-family projects in
California. The competition is being hosted by
GovOps and administered by WoodWorks –
Wood Products Council.
$40,000 Yes Headquarters Building Applied No 03/18/19 Environment Yes
Other
Updated 10/12/2021
11/1/2021
1
November 8, 2021
Page 1
Infrastructure Funding
FY 2022 appropriations
PFAS/PFOA
Page 2
1
2
11/1/2021
2
Vote on H.R. 3864 (hard infrastructure)
and H.R. 7356 (soft infrastructure)
Implementation
Funding Opportunities
Page 3
Senate Committee Releases Final Bills
Senate Funding Levels Lower
Negotiations on Omnibus Package
December 3rd Deadline
Page 4
3
4
11/1/2021
3
EPA
Releases Action Plan
Conducting Risk Assessment—Biosolids
Testing Protocols Likely in Months
Congress
Senate Testimony on PFAS
EPA Rejects Liability Concerns
Legislation Likely 2022
Page 5
Questions
Page 6
5
6
11/1/2021
1
WWW.TOWNSENDPA.COM
SACRAMENTO • WASHINGTON, DC
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA • CENTRAL CALIFORNIA • SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
TPA Presentation to:
Legislative and
Public Affairs
Committee
November 8, 2021
Slide 2
Legislative Calendar
•Legislative Session ended September 10
•Governor had until October 10 to sign or veto legislation
– 2,776 bills introduced
– 1,104 bills passed the Legislature
– Governor signed 1,038 bills and vetoed 66
•Legislature will return in January 2022
1
2
OC6 SAN
ORANGE COUNTY SANITATION DISTRICT
11/1/2021
2
Slide 3
Key State Issues in 2021
Housing
Brown Act/Local Governance Flexibility
Municipal Broadband
Wildfire Prevention and Intervention
Economic Recovery
Slide 4
State Look Ahead
Election Year
“Swing Space” Office Building
Redistricting
Vaccine Mandates
2022 Ballot Measures
3
4
11/1/2021
3
Slide 5
Cori Takkinen
Vice President
CTakkinen@townsendpa.com
www.townsendpa.com
Eric O’Donnell
Senior Associate
EODonnell@townsendpa.com
www.townsendpa.com
Thank You
5
OC ~SAN T
ORANGE COUNTY SANITATION DISTRICT
WNSEND
PUBLIC AFFAIRS
EST TPA 1 98
LEGISLATIVE AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS
COMMITTEE
Agenda Report
Administration Building
10844 Ellis Avenue
Fountain Valley, CA 92708
(714) 593-7433
File #:2021-1935 Agenda Date:11/8/2021 Agenda Item No:4.
FROM:James D. Herberg, General Manager
SUBJECT:
PUBLIC AFFAIRS UPDATE FOR THE MONTHS OF SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER 2021
GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION
RECOMMENDATION: Recommend to the Board of Directors to:
Receive and file the Public Affairs Update for the months of September and October 2021.
BACKGROUND
Staff will provide an update on recent public affairs activities.
RELEVANT STANDARDS
·Maintain influential legislative advocacy and a public outreach program
·Build brand, trust, and support with policy makers and community leaders
·Maintain collaborative and cooperative relationships with regulators, stakeholders, and
neighboring communities
·Listen to and seriously consider community input on environmental concerns
PROBLEM
The Orange County Sanitation District (OC San) is well-recognized within the water/wastewater
industry; however, within our service area there is limited knowledge by our customers of the
important work we do to protect public health and the environment. In general, the customers we
serve do not realize that when they improperly dispose of waste into the sanitation system, it can
negatively affect our sewer lines, our treatment plants, and the quality of water we supply to the
Groundwater Replenishment System.
PROPOSED SOLUTION
By providing tours, community outreach, education, and general communication via OC San’s
website, social media outlets, and direct mailings, we can educate the community, local agencies,
and businesses on our messaging such as the What2Flush program, energy production, water
recycling, biosolids, and our source control program. This, in turn, helps improve the quality of
wastewater that is recycled or released to the ocean.
Orange County Sanitation District Printed on 11/1/2021Page 1 of 3
powered by Legistar™
OC6SAN
ORANGE COUNTY SANITATION DISTRICT
File #:2021-1935 Agenda Date:11/8/2021 Agenda Item No:4.
RAMIFICATIONS OF NOT TAKING ACTION
If we do not educate the community,local agencies,and area businesses about OC San,we may not
have the support necessary to deliver our mission.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
ACTIVITIES FOR THE MONTHS OF SEPTEBMER AND OCTOBER 2021
Virtual Tours
To continue engaging with the community and our stakeholders,staff conducts virtual tours of the
Plant which has allowed participants an opportunity to remotely visit OC San and learn how we
protect public health and the environment.For this reporting period,we held five virtual tours
reaching 86 people.
Presentations
During this reporting period,OC San had six speaking engagements.Presentations were provided
to Orange County Business Council,California Alliance for Sewer System Excellence (CASSE)on
the Elements of a Successful Odor Control Program,Mentoring for Women in Water,UC Irvine on
Monitoring for Contaminants of Emerging Concern,US Green Building Council-LA on Reusing and
Rethinking Water,Rossmoor Community Services District on the Los Alamitos Trunk Sewer Project,
and OC San’s Board Chair provided remarks at OCWD’s PFAS event for elected officials.
Member Agency Outreach Toolkit - FOG
On a quarterly basis,OC San prepares and distributes outreach toolkits to our member agencies with
messaging to be shared with the community.Earlier this month,a toolkit featuring Fats,Oils,and
Grease (FOG)was shared to help inform our public about the proper disposal methods.FOG can
lead to serious plumbing and operational issues which makes it critical to inform the community on
the risks and how they can help avoid costly situations.The toolkit includes messaging for websites,
newsletters, and social media.
Construction Outreach Efforts
·Outreach efforts are underway for the Los Alamitos Trunk Sewer construction project taking
place in Los Alamitos, a small section of Cypress, and surrounding areas of Rossmoor. The
project is taking place on major arterials in the area and keeping the public informed is key to
a smooth project start-up. Construction notifications, text alerts, email alerts, web updates,
social media posts, city newsletters updates, and presentations, have all been done to alert
the public about the project and the value of the work being performed. Further details on the
project can be found at www.ocsan.gov/LosAlamitos <http://www.ocsan.gov/LosAlamitos>.
·The Westminster Blvd. Sewer project has been ongoing since spring 2020, replacing parallel
sewer pipe in the cities of Seal Beach and Westminster. To keep the community informed of
ongoing construction activities and schedule, a project specific neighborhood newsletter was
distributed. The newsletter and additional project details can be found at
www.ocsan.gov/Westminster <http://www.ocsan.gov/Westminster>.
Orange County Sanitation District Printed on 11/1/2021Page 2 of 3
powered by Legistar™
File #:2021-1935 Agenda Date:11/8/2021 Agenda Item No:4.
Community Engagement
·OC San is working with the Heritage Museum of Orange County for the 2021-22 school year
to provide virtual content that focuses on OC San messaging.The material is intended to be
used by teachers to discuss with the students the importance of the work performed by OC
San.Topics that will be highlighted are Who is OC San,What 2 Flush,the wastewater
treatment process,and a wastewater flow interactive activity.This will be a mixture of virtual
programming for the first year and an in-person program for the second year.Schools and the
community will be able to access the OC San content through the Heritage Museum
educational portal with an estimated reach of 6,000 students per year.
·The community newsletter that previously went to our neighboring cities of Huntington Beach,
Newport Beach, Costa Mesa, and Fountain Valley will be expanded to OC San’s entire service
area. The first service area community newsletter will be published in early November. The
electronic newsletter will be shared with our member agencies, influential public, and via our
social media platforms. The newsletter features articles on our Capital Improvement Program
(CIP), FOG, and our overall operations. The newsletter will be available at www.ocsan.gov
<http://www.ocsan.gov>.
Vendor Outreach Program
OC San is relaunching the Vendor Outreach Program with a focus on Orange County businesses to
enhance the competitive bidding opportunities for OC San.The intent is to increase the number of
vendors and contractors soliciting OC San projects,thus expanding the pool and providing a greater
variety of partners.To generate interest on OC San bidding opportunities,OC San presented at the
Orange County Business Council (OCBC)Infrastructure Committee,the Board Chair and Lucy Dunn
from OCBC have drafted a joint Op-Ed on OC San’s CIP,and several website and social media posts
have been made about OC San’s CIP projects.Staff is currently preparing to host vendor workshops
to take place in early 2022.
Awards
OC San's IT Department was selected by the Municipal Information Systems Association of California
(MISAC)for the Excellence in Information Technology Practices award.This award recognizes
outstanding practices in Information Technology that have met or surpassed local government
standards. This is the 14th year in a row our IT Team has won this award.
ATTACHMENT
The following attachment(s)may be viewed on-line at the OC San website (www.ocsan.gov)with the complete agenda
package:
·Outreach and Media Summary Report - September & October 2021
·Presentation
Orange County Sanitation District Printed on 11/1/2021Page 3 of 3
powered by Legistar™
Outreach and Media
Summary
September & October 2021
O C SAN P u b l i c A f f a i r s O f f i c e
OC ~SAN
ORANGE COUNTY SANITATION DISTRICT
Table of Contents
OUTREACH REPORT…………………………………………………………PAGE 1
FACEBOOK POSTINGS ……………………………………………...............PAGE 3
TWITTER POSTINGS …………………………………………………………PAGE 7
INSTAGRAM POSTINGS………………………………………………………PAGE 9
LINKEDIN POSTINGS………………………………………………………....PAGE 11
NEWS ARTICLES……………………………………………………………………………. PAGE 14
Outreach Report September and October 2021
Date Tours Attendees Tour Guide
09/09/2021 Cal State Fullerton Nursing 12 Cortney Light
09/09/2021 Cypress College 23 Justin Fenton
09/09/2021 Cypress College 16 Dickie Fernandez
10/13/2021 University of Irvine 35 Pegah Behravan
10/23/2021 New Employee Tour 30* Jim Herberg/ Rob
Thompson
*These events have not occurred at time of this
report, therefore # of attendees is estimated.
Date Speaking Engagements/Events Attendees Presenter
09/14/2021 Orange County Business Council 50 Jim Herberg
09/30/2021 US Green Building Council- LA
Thought Leadership Series 90 Rob Thompson
09/30/2021 CASSEE: Elements of a Successful
Odor Control Program 20 Brian Reed
10/12/2021 Rossmoor Community Services District 15 Kathy Millea
10/13/2021 Mentorship for Women in Water 150 Violet Renick
10/15/2021 University of Irvine 30 Violet Renick
Project Area Construction Outreach Notifications # of People
Reached
Website Posts and
Text Alerts
Anaheim printed notification 1,800 3 website posts
Los Alamitos/
Seal Beach/
Rossmoor
printed notification 11,000
2 website posts/
2 text alerts/
2 emails
Westminster Printed notification 1,500 3 website posts /
2 text alerts
External
Communications Distribution # of People
Reached
5 Minutes Per
Month 2 434
Board Member
Talking Points 2 100
Community
Newsletter Service Area 4500
Website Posts 12 posts 154 views
Facebook 19 posts 2.3k reached
1
Twitter 28 tweets 6.8k reached
Instagram 18 posts 3.6k likes
LinkedIn 4 posts 1,829 people
2
Facebook Posts
Sept. – Oct. 2021
3
I I
Page Overview
Discovery
0 Post Reach 1,251
••• Post Engagement 217 ·-·
ti New Page Followers 4
Interactions
• Reactions 80 .. Comments 5 ,. Shares 22 ,~ Photo Views 21
... Link Clicks 14
4
OCSan
t Did
You
Know?
"
-·-~
On Oct. 27 the Steering Committe Meeting {4:30 p.m.) and
Board Meeting (6 p.m) will take place. Click here to view the
calendar:
Wed, Oct 20
Here are some fun facts about OC San! Swipe through to
learn a litle more about us! To learn more visit
ocsan.gov/about-us
Wed, Oct 20
Its been awhile since we've done some #TuesdayTrivia .....
Did you get the answer right? ....................... About 70%
Tue, Oct 19
Reminder, construction starts tonight! City of Los Alamitos
Rossmoor Community Services District Rossmoor
Sun, Oct 17
We're proud of you too! Learn about all the other things that
shouldn't go down your sink at what2flush.com or
ocsan.gov
Sun, Oct 17
Construction Alert in City of Los Alamitos -work is starting
Sunday night at Lexington Dr. Stay in the know by signing
up for alerts at www.OCSan.gov/LosAlamitos ...
Thu, Oct 14
Great news for your pipes and ours. A new California law
just passed {AB 818 requiring all wet wipes packages to
include a "Do Not Flush" symbol (pictured above) and ...
Wed, Oct 13
Very excited to see this happen ... remember, only flush the 3
Ps. Pee, poop, and (toilet) paper!
Mon, Oct 11
Ever wanted to work at a wastewater treatment plant? Now's
your chance! Visit ocsan.gov/jobs to learn more about our
current open positions. #OCSanJobs #CareersinWastewater
Mon, Oct 11
Construction Alert @cityofwestminsterca -Work is starting
on the intersection of Westminster Blvd. and Rancho Road
on the week of October 11. Sign up for email and text alert ...
Sat, Oct 9
Did this week go by in a flash for you too? It sure did for us,
this is us taking a quick break to remind you that everything
you flush ends up with us. Make sure you're only putting ...
Fri, Oct 8
Post Reach Engagement
45 2
Post Reach Engagement
86 4
Post Reach Engagement
92 4
Post Reach Engagement
101 3
Post Reach Engagement
136 6
Post Reach Engagement
356 20
Post Reach Engagement
134 11
Post Reach Engagement
87 4
Post Reach Engagement
227 17
Post Reach Engagement
207 10
Post Reach Engagement
138 13
5
The Administration Committee Post Reach Engagement
Meeting is happening on 34 1
Wednesday, October 13 at 5 ...
Wed, Oct6
The OC San Board of Director Post Reach Engagement
Meeting is happening on Oct. 5 67 1
at 5 pm and the Operations ...
Tue, Oct 5
From operator, scientist, Post Reach Engagement
accountant, and so much more. 87 37
We are OC San Wastewater ...
Tue, Oct 5
We do our part and we ask you Post Reach Engagement
NOTO~ to do yours. By not dumping 127 6
fats, oils, or grease down you ...
Sat, Oct 2
Construction is set to begin in a Post Reach Engagement
couple of weeks in City of Los 128 8
Alamitos-get all the details a ...
Fri, Oct 1
The CIP Annual Report is ready Post Reach Engagement
for your eyes to see! Visit 109 9
~-=--=--:--ocsan.gov and be transporte ...
Thu, Sep 30
Construction Alert City of Post Reach Engagement
Anaheim-Municipal 141 5
Government -striping along ...
Wed, Sep 29
Theres still time! OC San has Post Reach Engagement
an opening for the 90 3
Environmental Protection ...
Tue, Sep 28
If you havent yet, we'd Post Reach Engagement
recommend heading over to 96 3
ocsan.gov/jobs right away to ...
Mon, Sep 27
Although we are all about the Post Reach Engagement
sewer system, some properties 504 19
in Orange County are still on ...
Thu, Sep 23
6
Construction a.lert for City of Post Reach Engagement
Anaheim-Municipal 130 5
Government and Cityof...
Wed, Sep22
Don't forget to join us on Post Reach Engagement
Wednesday, Sept. 29 for a 64 2
Special Steering Committee ...
Wed, Sep22
Today we'd like to show our Post Reach Engagement
gratitude to our amazing I.T. 151 11
Department, in recognition of ...
Tue , Sep 21
Happy National Beach Clean Up Post Reach Engagement
Day! Whether you're in 79 2
Huntington, Newport, Seal. ..
Sat. Sep 18
Construction alert for City of Post Reach Engagement
Anaheim-Municipal 69 1
Government. Heavy traffic on ...
Fri, Sep 17
Its been awhile since we shared Post Reach Engagement
a good #WaybackWednesday 200 18
photo. Here is this gem our ...
Wed, Sep 15
Its Post Reach Engagement
#ConstructionAppreciationWee 86 9
k so let's hi five our talented ...
Tue , Sep 14
--Construction alert for City of Post Reach Engagement
Anaheim-Municipal 80 1
Government-final paving on ...
Mon. Sep 13
9/11 is a day of remembrance Post Reach Engagement
and how hope, resilience and 97 7
unity lifted us up as a nation i. ..
Sat, Sep 11
Twitter Posts
Sept.- Oct. 2021
7
I
I ~SAi, l#M❖leiiiMi,i·-
---~ Orange County Sanitation District ,taes""'""'"'
28 day summary W1tl1cllangeoverpreV1oospenod -Tweet~
16 ,l,15.8% 5,221 1'46.7%
Oct 2021 • 20 days so , .....
T'W'EET HIGHL lVHTS
Top Tweet eamed 2.os2 ,mp<ess1ons
Great news for your pipes and ours. A new
California law just passed (AB 818 requiring
all wet wipes packages to include a ·oo Not
Flush" symbol & warning on each individual
package. This new symbol will make it clear
that wipes are not flushable. #3Ps
@CASA_CleanWater
pic.twrtter.com/DFlrNN03tV
View lweet activity View all Tweet actMty
Top Follower rollawed 11y 2.405 people
WAXIE Sanitary Supply, An Envoy
SdlutlohS C!~";"
we help busanesses keep their 1acat1t1es cleaner,
healthier. gceer,er & safer, WAXIE 5anitary Supply -The
Most Trusted Name In Clean. Since 1945.
Pfot.s.e vk."1.\ Menc1on-s
224 +69.2% 5 1'66.7%
Top mention earned 6 engagements
=r.!\ii Anthony Kuo N -mlhooykoo s..rr2
Congratulations to Aminah Rangwala, who
was recently recognized by the
@OCSanDistrict for producing a stop
motion Public Service Announcement about
the proper disposal of "FOG" or fats, oils,
and grease. youtube.com/watch?
v=M612RU ... #Irvine #fog #bacongrease
View Tweet
Top media Tweet earned 383 ,mp,essions
From operator, scientist, accountant, and so
much more. We are OC San Wastewater
Professionals. To join the team visit
ocsan.gov 1/WaterProfessionalsWeek
#CAWaterWeek 1/EssentialWorkers
#WeAreCAWater #ThankWaterPros
#WorkForWater #WatersWorthlt
poc.twitter.com/RwSiCTyGaB
Paqaupdatet:1 daity
·~,.,...,,
1 ,726 1'2
Get your Tweets in front of
more people
P,omol(?d Tweets and comcm open up your
reach on Twm.er to more people.
l&iiii'iii-1
OCT 2021 SUMMARY
T'M!et mpress,om
11 4,409
Prof YI~$
179 3
New IOlloWefl;
1
I
8
Sep 2021 • 30 days
TWEET MIC';H IGl-tTS
Top Tweet earned 220 1mpress,ons
Construction alert for @City of Anaheim .
Heavy traffic on southbound State College
Blvd. from La Palma to Lincoln, please use
alternate routes. Traffic will be impacted until
7pm tonight. Thank you for your patience.
Question call 657-208-7900.
View Tweet activity Vlf?W all Twee! actMty
Top Follower followed by 471 people
""GLOBAL NEWS
• · WATER
._ N. _WASTEWATER
H20Globa1News
:iH·l20GlotMINt...,.,~ FOLLOWS VOIJ
we delrver all the 1a1eS1 news from the world of water
covering the Drinking!Potable Wata and Was1ewa1er
industries.
View profile
Top mention earned g engagemonis
-JWC Environmental
-JWCmonsl~ r~ ~
Since many people seem to have forgotten
their 3 P's, here's a clever reminder from the
@OCSanDistrict .t.
#nomorewipes #wipesclogpipes
#muffinmonster #JWCEnvironmental
ow.ly/EQ4C50Ggucx
View TWect
Top media Tweet earned 166 1mpresso0ns
Happy Labor Day! Today is a day to
celebrate the contributions of evey hard
working individual near and far! We
recognize the hard work every single
member of the #OCSanFamily
#HappyLaborDay
In case of emergency call: (714)962-2411
pic.twiuer.com/XEkoj40m9R
View lWeet activity Vie.wall Tweet acttv,ty
SEP 2021 SUMMARY
20
Ptol~w.n.s M...-
741 5
Nt.-w IOlowcrr.
3
Instagram Posts
Sept. – Oct. 2021
9
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You
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MANAGER
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I
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693 postS 1,2.40 followers 83 follow ...
OC Sanitation District
The OC Sanrtanon Oislncl provides wastewater ~. treatment. aod recyciing tor
approx 2.6 m1n10n people 1n central & north Orange CounfY.
www.ocsan.gov
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ANNUAL REPORT
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LinkedIn Posts
Sept.- Oct. 2021
11
I
Analyt ics
Last 30 day activity
340
Unique visitors
72
New followers
1.7K
Post impressions
Start a post
15
Custom button clicks
Orange County Sanitation District
_•SAN 3,374 followers
ld·®
""63%
""89%
,.41%
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Great news for your pipes and ours. A new California law just passed (AB 818
requiring all wet wipes packages to include a "Do Not Flush" symbol (pictured
above) and warning on each individual package. This new symbol will 1 .see more
O s
I
12
Orange County Sanitation District ~ 3,374 to·lov-.crs
lv.•®
The CIP A1111uol Report is ready for your eyes to see! Visit ocsan.gov a11d be
transported into the world of the OC San Capital Improvement Program.
#OCSanConstruction #OC.SanCIP
We Can Do So Much
Capital Improvement Program
ANNUAL REPORT
Fiscal Year 2020/21
0 fl' s· I comrrem
Orange County Sanitation District ~ 3,374 fo IO\~('rs
2w•®
There's still time! OC San has an opening for the Environmental Protection
Manager -Source Control. The job posting closes on October 12. Head on over to
ocsan.gov to appty. #Waste-watMJobs #Car@-erlnWastewater #OCSanJobs
0 4 • 1 coo,rr,~nt
MANAGER
(SOURCE CONTROL)
Orange County Sanitation District
13
Orange County Sanitation District
--'~ 3,374 followers
1mo•®
Its #ConstructionAppreciationWeek so let's hi five our talented staff and
contractors who make our projects happen so we can provide you all with reliable
sewer service. Now check out some of our current construction projec1 ... see more
0 11 · 1 comment
Article Date Resource Link
State Report raises fresh alarms over sea-
level rise 28-Aug-21 Orange County Register
State report raises fresh alarms over sea-
level rise – Orange County Register
(ocregister.com)
Why Groundwater flooding is becoming a
serious threat to coastal cities as sea levels
rise 16-Sep Orange County Register
Why groundwater flooding is becoming a
threat to coastal cities as sea levels rise –
Orange County Register (ocregister.com)
Why groundwater flooding is becoming a
threat to coastal cities as sea levels rise 16-Sep-21 Press Telegram
Why groundwater flooding is becoming a
threat to coastal cities as sea levels rise –
Press Telegram
Nearby Sewer Construction will impact
traffic 14-Oct-21 Leisure World Weekly
https://www.lwweekly.com/eedition-
lwweekly/
Effect of OC Oil Spill, Oil Subisdies highlight
congressional hearing in Irvine 18-Oct-21 Orange County Register
Effects of OC oil spill, oil subsidies highlight
congressional hearing in Irvine – Orange
County Register (ocregister.com)
Portion of Huntington Harbous Closed
after sewage spill 19-Oct-21 Orange County Register
Portion of Huntington Harbour still closed
after sewage spill Wednesday – Orange
County Register (ocregister.com)
Gov. Newsom Declares Drought
Emergency 21-Oct-21 NBC 4
Gov. Newsom Declares Drought
Emergency – NBC Los Angeles
14
11/1/2021
1
Public Affairs Update
September & October 2021
Presented by:
Daisy Covarrubias,
Pr. Public Affairs Spec.
Legislative and
Public Affairs
Committee
November 8, 2021
•OC San Annual Report
•Member Agency
Outreach Toolkit
•Volunteer Incentive
Program (VIP) Recognition
•Construction Updates
•Heritage Museum
What We Did
Tours
5 tours / 86 guests
6 speaking engagements
Social Media
Twitter:
28 tweets / 6.8k reached
Facebook:
19 posts / 2.3k reach
Instagram:
18 posts / 3.6k likes
LinkedIn:
4posts/ 1.8k reached 2
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What We Are Doing
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•Community Newsletter
•Vendor Outreach Program
•Construction Outreach
•Westminster
•Los Alamitos
•Internal Communications
•Holiday Celebration
Excellence in Information
Technology Practices award from
Municipal Information Systems
Association of California
Awards
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ORANGE COUNTY SANITATION DISTRICT
COMMON ACRONYMS
ACWA Association of California
Water Agencies LOS Level Of Service RFP Request For Proposal
APWA American Public Works
Association MGD Million Gallons Per Day RWQCB Regional Water Quality
Control Board
AQMD Air Quality Management
District MOU Memorandum of
Understanding SARFPA Santa Ana River Flood
Protection Agency
ASCE American Society of Civil Engineers NACWA National Association of Clean Water Agencies SARI Santa Ana River Interceptor
BOD Biochemical Oxygen Demand NEPA National Environmental Policy
Act SARWQCB Santa Ana Regional Water
Quality Control Board
CARB California Air Resources
Board NGOs Non-Governmental
Organizations SAWPA Santa Ana Watershed
Project Authority
CASA California Association of
Sanitation Agencies NPDES National Pollutant Discharge
Elimination System SCADA Supervisory Control And
Data Acquisition
CCTV Closed Circuit Television NWRI National Water Research
Institute SCAP
Southern California
Alliance of Publicly Owned Treatment Works
CEQA California Environmental
Quality Act O & M Operations & Maintenance SCAQMD South Coast Air Quality
Management District
CIP Capital Improvement
Program OCCOG Orange County Council of
Governments SOCWA South Orange County
Wastewater Authority
CRWQCB California Regional Water
Quality Control Board OCHCA Orange County Health Care
Agency SRF Clean Water State
Revolving Fund
CWA Clean Water Act OCSD Orange County Sanitation District SSMP Sewer System Management Plan
CWEA California Water Environment Association OCWD Orange County Water District SSO Sanitary Sewer Overflow
EIR Environmental Impact Report OOBS Ocean Outfall Booster Station SWRCB State Water Resources
Control Board
EMT Executive Management Team OSHA Occupational Safety and
Health Administration TDS Total Dissolved Solids
EPA US Environmental Protection Agency PCSA
Professional
Consultant/Construction
Services Agreement
TMDL Total Maximum Daily Load
FOG Fats, Oils, and Grease PDSA Professional Design Services
Agreement TSS Total Suspended Solids
gpd gallons per day PFAS
Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl
Substances WDR Waste Discharge
Requirements
GWRS Groundwater Replenishment
System PFOA Perfluorooctanoic Acid WEF Water Environment
Federation
ICS Incident Command System PFOS Perfluorooctanesulfonic Acid WERF Water Environment & Reuse Foundation
IERP Integrated Emergency
Response Plan POTW Publicly Owned Treatment
Works WIFIA Water Infrastructure
Finance and Innovation Act
JPA Joint Powers Authority ppm parts per million WIIN Water Infrastructure Improvements for the
Nation Act
LAFCO Local Agency Formation
Commission PSA Professional Services
Agreement WRDA Water Resources
Development Act
ORANGE COUNTY SANITATION DISTRICT
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
ACTIVATED SLUDGE PROCESS – A secondary biological wastewater treatment process where bacteria reproduce at a high rate with the introduction of excess air or oxygen and consume dissolved nutrients in the wastewater.
BENTHOS – The community of organisms, such as sea stars, worms, and shrimp, which live on, in, or near the seabed, also known as the benthic zone.
BIOCHEMICAL OXYGEN DEMAND (BOD) – The amount of oxygen used when organic matter undergoes decomposition by microorganisms. Testing for BOD is done to assess the amount of organic matter in water.
BIOGAS – A gas that is produced by the action of anaerobic bacteria on organic waste matter in a digester tank that can be used
as a fuel.
BIOSOLIDS – Biosolids are nutrient rich organic and highly treated solid materials produced by the wastewater treatment process. This high-quality product can be recycled as a soil amendment on farmland or further processed as an earth-like product for
commercial and home gardens to improve and maintain fertile soil and stimulate plant growth.
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (CIP) – Projects for repair, rehabilitation, and replacement of assets. Also includes treatment improvements, additional capacity, and projects for the support facilities.
COLIFORM BACTERIA – A group of bacteria found in the intestines of humans and other animals, but also occasionally found elsewhere, used as indicators of sewage pollution. E. coli are the most common bacteria in wastewater.
COLLECTIONS SYSTEM – In wastewater, it is the system of typically underground pipes that receive and convey sanitary wastewater or storm water.
CERTIFICATE OF PARTICIPATION (COP) – A type of financing where an investor purchases a share of the lease revenues of a program rather than the bond being secured by those revenues.
CONTAMINANTS OF POTENTIAL CONCERN (CPC) – Pharmaceuticals, hormones, and other organic wastewater contaminants.
DILUTION TO THRESHOLD (D/T) – The dilution at which the majority of people detect the odor becomes the D/T for that air sample.
GREENHOUSE GASES (GHG) – In the order of relative abundance water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and ozone gases that are considered the cause of global warming (“greenhouse effect”).
GROUNDWATER REPLENISHMENT SYSTEM (GWRS) – A joint water reclamation project that proactively responds to Southern California’s current and future water needs. This joint project between the Orange County Water District and OCSD provides 70
million gallons per day of drinking quality water to replenish the local groundwater supply.
LEVEL OF SERVICE (LOS) – Goals to support environmental and public expectations for performance.
N-NITROSODIMETHYLAMINE (NDMA) – A N-nitrosamine suspected cancer-causing agent. It has been found in the GWRS
process and is eliminated using hydrogen peroxide with extra ultra-violet treatment.
NATIONAL BIOSOLIDS PARTNERSHIP (NBP) – An alliance of the NACWA and WEF, with advisory support from the EPA. NBP is committed to developing and advancing environmentally sound and sustainable biosolids management practices that go beyond regulatory compliance and promote public participation to enhance the credibility of local agency biosolids programs and improved communications that lead to public acceptance.
PER- AND POLYFLUOROALKYL SUBSTANCES (PFAS) – A large group (over 6,000) of human-made compounds that are resistant to heat, water, and oil and used for a variety of applications including firefighting foam, stain and water-resistant clothing, cosmetics, and food packaging. Two PFAS compounds, perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) have been the focus of increasing regulatory scrutiny in drinking water and may result in adverse health effects including developmental effects to fetuses during pregnancy, cancer, liver damage, immunosuppression, thyroid effects, and other effects.
PERFLUOROOCTANOIC ACID (PFOA) – An ingredient for several industrial applications including carpeting, upholstery, apparel, floor wax, textiles, sealants, food packaging, and cookware (Teflon).
PERFLUOROOCTANESULFONIC ACID (PFOS) – A key ingredient in Scotchgard, a fabric protector made by 3M, and used in numerous stain repellents.
PLUME – A visible or measurable concentration of discharge from a stationary source or fixed facility.
PUBLICLY OWNED TREATMENT WORKS (POTW) – A municipal wastewater treatment plant.
SANTA ANA RIVER INTERCEPTOR (SARI) LINE – A regional brine line designed to convey 30 million gallons per day of non-reclaimable wastewater from the upper Santa Ana River basin to the ocean for disposal, after treatment.
SANITARY SEWER – Separate sewer systems specifically for the carrying of domestic and industrial wastewater.
SOUTH COAST AIR QUALITY MANAGEMENT DISTRICT (SCAQMD) – Regional regulatory agency that develops plans and
regulations designed to achieve public health standards by reducing emissions from business and industry.
SECONDARY TREATMENT – Biological wastewater treatment, particularly the activated sludge process, where bacteria and other microorganisms consume dissolved nutrients in wastewater.
SLUDGE – Untreated solid material created by the treatment of wastewater.
TOTAL SUSPENDED SOLIDS (TSS) – The amount of solids floating and in suspension in wastewater.
ORANGE COUNTY SANITATION DISTRICT
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
TRICKLING FILTER – A biological secondary treatment process in which bacteria and other microorganisms, growing as slime on the surface of rocks or plastic media, consume nutrients in wastewater as it trickles over them.
URBAN RUNOFF – Water from city streets and domestic properties that carry pollutants into the storm drains, rivers, lakes, and oceans.
WASTEWATER – Any water that enters the sanitary sewer.
WATERSHED – A land area from which water drains to a particular water body. OCSD’s service area is in the Santa Ana River Watershed.