HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-27-2024 Steering Committee Meeting Complete Agenda Packet
SPECIAL NOTICE
PUBLIC ATTENDANCE & PARTICIPATION AT PUBLIC MEETINGS
Steering Committee Meeting
Wednesday, March 27, 2024
5:00 p.m.
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. IN-PERSON MEETING ATTENDANCE
You may attend the meeting in-person at the following location: Orange County Sanitation District Administration Building
10844 Ellis Avenue
Fountain Valley, CA 92708 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.
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: 816 216 462# 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. WATCH THE MEETING ONLINE
The meeting will be available for online viewing at:
https://ocsd.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx SUBMIT A COMMENT
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.
For any questions and/or concerns, please contact the Clerk of the Board’s office at
714-593-7433. Thank you for your interest in OC San!
March 20, 2024
NOTICE OF REGULAR MEETING
STEERING COMMITTEE
ORANGE COUNTY SANITATION DISTRICT
Wednesday, March 27, 2024 – 5:00 P.M.
Administration Building
10844 Ellis Avenue
Fountain Valley, CA 92708
ACCESSIBILITY FOR THE GENERAL PUBLIC
Your participation is always welcome. Specific information as to how to
participate in this meeting is detailed on the Special Notice attached to
this agenda. In general, OC San offers several ways in which to interact
during this meeting: you may participate in person, join the meeting live
via Teams on your computer or similar device or web browser, join the
meeting live via telephone, view the meeting online, and/or submit
comments for consideration before or during the meeting.
The Regular Meeting of the Steering Committee of the Orange County
Sanitation District will be held at the above location and in the manner
indicated on Wednesday, March 27, 2024 at 5:00 p.m.
STEERING COMMITTEE & BOARD MEETING DATES
April 24, 2024
May 22, 2024
June 26, 2024
July 24, 2024
August 28, 2024
September 25, 2024
October 23, 2024
November 20, 2024 *
December 18, 2024 *
January 22, 2025
February 26, 2025
March 26, 2025
* Meeting will be held on the third Wednesday of the month
ROLL CALL STEERING COMMITTEE
Meeting Date: March 27, 2024 Time: 5:00 p.m.
Adjourn: COMMITTEE MEMBERS (7)
Chad Wanke, Board Chair
Ryan Gallagher, Board Vice-Chair
Jon Dumitru, Operations Committee Chair
Christine Marick, Administration Committee Chair Pat Burns, Member-At-Large
Glenn Grandis, Member-At-Large
John Withers, Member-At-Large
OTHERS
Brad Hogin, General Counsel
STAFF Rob Thompson, General Manager
Lorenzo Tyner, Assistant General Manager
Mike Dorman, Director of Engineering
Laura Maravilla, Director of Human Resources
Riaz Moinuddin, Director of Operations & Maintenance
Wally Ritchie, Director of Finance
Lan Wiborg, Director of Environmental Services
Kelly Lore, Clerk of the Board
ORANGE COUNTY SANITATION DISTRICT Effective 01/23/2024 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Complete Roster
AGENCY/CITIES ACTIVE DIRECTOR ALTERNATE DIRECTOR
Anaheim
Stephen Faessel
Carlos A. Leon
Brea Christine Marick Cecilia Hupp
Buena Park Joyce Ahn Art Brown
Cypress Scott Minikus Bonnie Peat
Fountain Valley Glenn Grandis Ted Bui
Fullerton Bruce Whitaker Nick Dunlap
Garden Grove Stephanie Klopfenstein John O’Neill
Huntington Beach Pat Burns Gracey Van Der Mark
Irvine Farrah N. Khan Kathleen Treseder
La Habra Rose Espinoza Jose Medrano
La Palma Debbie Baker Mark I. Waldman
Los Alamitos Jordan Nefulda Shelley Hasselbrink
Newport Beach Brad Avery Erik Weigand
Orange Jon Dumitru John Gyllenhammer
Placentia Chad Wanke Ward Smith
Santa Ana Johnathan Ryan Hernandez Benjamin Vazquez
Seal Beach Schelly Sustarsic Lisa Landau
Stanton David Shawver Carol Warren
Tustin Ryan Gallagher Austin Lumbard
Villa Park Robbie Pitts Jordan Wu
Sanitary/Water Districts
Costa Mesa Sanitary District Bob Ooten
Art Perry
Midway City Sanitary District Andrew Nguyen Tyler Diep
Irvine Ranch Water District John Withers Douglas Reinhart
Yorba Linda Water District Phil Hawkins Tom Lindsey
County Areas
Board of Supervisors Doug Chaffee Donald P. Wagner
STEERING COMMITTEE
Regular Meeting Agenda
Wednesday, March 27, 2024 - 5:00 PM
Conference Room A
Administration Building
10844 Ellis Avenue
Fountain Valley, CA 92708
(714) 593-7433
ACCOMMODATIONS FOR THE DISABLED: If you require any special disability related accommodations,
please contact the Orange County Sanitation District (OC San) Clerk of the Board’s office at (714) 593-7433 at
least 72 hours prior to the scheduled meeting. Requests must specify the nature of the disability and the type
of accommodation requested.
AGENDA POSTING: In accordance with the requirements of California Government Code Section 54954.2, this
agenda has been posted outside the main gate of the OC San's Administration Building located at 10844 Ellis
Avenue, Fountain Valley, California, and on the OC San’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 RECORDING: A recording of this meeting is available within 24 hours after adjournment of the
meeting at https://ocsd.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx or by contacting the Clerk of the Board at (714) 593-7433.
NOTICE TO DIRECTORS: To place items on the agenda for a Committee or Board Meeting, the item must be
submitted in writing to the Clerk of the Board: Kelly A. Lore, MMC, (714) 593-7433 / klore@ocsan.gov at least 14
days before the meeting.
FOR ANY QUESTIONS ON THE AGENDA, BOARD MEMBERS MAY CONTACT STAFF AT:
General Manager: Rob Thompson, rthompson@ocsan.gov / (714) 593-7110
Asst. General Manager: Lorenzo Tyner, ltyner@ocsan.gov / (714) 593-7550
Director of Engineering: Mike Dorman, mdorman@ocsan.gov / (714) 593-7014
Director of Environmental Services: Lan Wiborg, lwiborg@ocsan.gov / (714) 593-7450
Director of Finance: Wally Ritchie, writchie@ocsan.gov / (714) 593-7570
Director of Human Resources: Laura Maravilla, lmaravilla@ocsan.gov / (714) 593-7007
Director of Operations & Maintenance: Riaz Moinuddin, rmoinuddin@ocsan.gov / (714) 593-7269
STEERING COMMITTEE Regular Meeting Agenda Wednesday, March 27, 2024
CALL TO ORDER
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 participate in person, 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.
REPORTS:
The Board 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.
1.2024-3515APPROVAL OF MINUTES
RECOMMENDATION:
Approve minutes of the Regular meeting of the Steering Committee held February 28,
2024.
Originator:Kelly Lore
Agenda Report
02-28-2024 Steering Committee Minutes
Attachments:
2.2024-3529PUBLIC AFFAIRS UPDATE FOR THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY 2024
RECOMMENDATION: Recommend to the Board of Directors to:
Receive and file the Public Affairs Update for the month of February 2024.
Originator:Rob Thompson
Agenda Report
Outreach and Media Report - February 2024
Attachments:
Page 1 of 4
STEERING COMMITTEE Regular Meeting Agenda Wednesday, March 27, 2024
3.2024-3530LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS UPDATE FOR THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY
2024
RECOMMENDATION: Recommend to the Board of Directors to:
Receive and file the Legislative Affairs Update for the month of February 2024.
Originator:Rob Thompson
Agenda Report
Federal Legislative Update
Federal Matrix
State Legislative Update
State Matrix
PFAS under CERCLA Letter of Concern
SB 1034 Support Letter
AB 3073 (Haney) Bill Text
Attachments:
NON-CONSENT:
None.
INFORMATION ITEMS:
None.
DEPARTMENT HEAD REPORTS:
CLOSED SESSION:
During the course of conducting the business set forth on this agenda as a regular meeting of the Board, the
Chairperson may convene the Board in closed session to consider matters of pending real estate negotiations,
pending or potential litigation, or personnel matters, pursuant to Government Code Sections 54956.8, 54956.9,
54957 or 54957.6, as noted.
Reports relating to (a) purchase and sale of real property; (b) matters of pending or potential litigation; (c)
employment actions or negotiations with employee representatives; or which are exempt from public disclosure
under the California Public Records Act, may be reviewed by the Board during a permitted closed session and are
not available for public inspection. At such time the Board takes final action on any of these subjects, the minutes
will reflect all required disclosures of information.
CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION.
Page 2 of 4
STEERING COMMITTEE Regular Meeting Agenda Wednesday, March 27, 2024
CS-1 2024-3513CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS - GOVERNMENT CODE
SECTION 54957.6
RECOMMENDATION: Convene in Closed Session:
Designated Representatives: General Manager Robert Thompson, Assistant General
Manager Lorenzo Tyner, Director of Human Resources Laura Maravilla, and Chief
Negotiator Laura Kalty.
Employee Organizations: (3)
International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 501; Orange County Employees
Association; and the Supervisory and Professional Management Group.
Agenda Report
Steering CS Memo re Labor Negotiations Litigation 3-27-24
Attachments:
CS-2 2024-3527CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL RE EXISTING LITIGATION -
GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54956.9(d)(1)
RECOMMENDATION: Convene in Closed Session:
Number of Cases: 1
Gina A. Tetsch, Workers’ Compensation Claim, Workers Compensation Appeals
Board, Case No. ADJ11373743.
Agenda Report
Steering CS Memo re Workers Compensation Claim 3-27-24
Attachments:
CS-3 2024-3514CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL RE EXISTING LITIGATION -
GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54956.9(d)(1)
RECOMMENDATION: Convene in Closed Session:
Number of Cases: 1
Orange County Sanitation District v. Robert M. Jackson, et al., Orange County Superior
Court Case No. 30-2024-01379706-CU-OR-CJC.
Agenda Report
Steering CS Memo re Robert Jackson 3-27-24
Attachments:
Page 3 of 4
STEERING COMMITTEE Regular Meeting Agenda Wednesday, March 27, 2024
CS-4 2024-3528PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION 54957(b)(1)
RECOMMENDATION: Convene in Closed Session:
Public Employee Performance Evaluation
Number of Employees: 1
·General Counsel
Agenda Report
Steering CS Memo re General Counsel Evaluation 3-27-24
Attachments:
RECONVENE IN REGULAR SESSION.
CONSIDERATION OF ACTION, IF ANY, ON MATTERS CONSIDERED IN CLOSED
SESSION:
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 Steering Committee on April 24, 2024 at
5:00 p.m.
Page 4 of 4
STEERING COMMITTEE
Agenda Report
Administration Building
10844 Ellis Avenue
Fountain Valley, CA 92708
(714) 593-7433
File #:2024-3515 Agenda Date:3/27/2024 Agenda Item No:1.
FROM:Robert Thompson, 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 Steering Committee held February 28, 2024.
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 22-37
ATTACHMENT
The following attachment(s)may be viewed on-line at the OC San website (www.ocsan.gov)with the complete agenda
package:
·February 28, 2024 Steering Committee meeting minutes
Orange County Sanitation District Printed on 3/18/2024Page 1 of 1
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Orange County Sanitation District
Minutes for the
STEERING COMMITTEE
Wednesday, February 28, 2024
5:00 PM
Conference Room A
Administration Building
10844 Ellis Avenue
Fountain Valley, CA 92708
(714) 593-7433
CALL TO ORDER
A regular meeting of the Steering Committee of the Orange County Sanitation District was
called to order by Board Chairman Chad Wanke on Wednesday, February 28, 2024 at 5:01
p.m. in the Administration Building of the Orange County Sanitation District.
ROLL CALL AND DECLARATION OF QUORUM:
The Clerk of the Board declared a quorum present as follows:
PRESENT:Chad Wanke, Ryan Gallagher, Pat Burns, Jon Dumitru, Glenn
Grandis and Christine Marick
ABSENT:John Withers
STAFF PRESENT: Rob Thompson, General Manager; Lorenzo Tyner, Assistant General
Manager; Mike Dorman, Director of Engineering; Laura Maravilla, Director of Human
Resources; Riaz Moinuddin, Director of Operations and Maintenance; Wally Ritchie, Director
of Finance; Lan Wiborg, Director of Environmental Services; Kelly Lore, Clerk of the Board;
Jennifer Cabral; Jackie Castro; Daisy Covarrubias; Raul Cuellar; Rob Michaels; Cindy Murra;
Perla Rodriguez; and Ruth Zintzun were present in Conference Room A. Mo Abiodun was
present telephonically.
OTHERS PRESENT: Brad Hogin, General Counsel; Gary Weisberg, Associate
Counsel; Lindsay Caro, Associate Counsel; Alex Ackerman, Special Counsel , Alston &
Bird LLP; and Matt Wickersham, Special Counsel, Alston & Bird LLP were present in
Conference Room A. Erik Sapirstein, ENS Resources; and Cori Takkinen, Townsend
Public Affairs, were present telephonically.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
None.
REPORTS:
Chair Wanke and General Manager Rob Thompson did not provide reports.
CONSENT CALENDAR:
1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 2024-3456
Originator: Kelly Lore
Page 1 of 4
STEERING COMMITTEE Minutes February 28, 2024
MOVED, SECONDED, AND DULY CARRIED TO:
Approve minutes of the Special meeting of the Steering Committee held January 17,
2024.
AYES:Chad Wanke, Ryan Gallagher, Pat Burns, Jon Dumitru, Glenn
Grandis and Christine Marick
NOES:None
ABSENT:John Withers
ABSTENTIONS:None
2. PUBLIC AFFAIRS UPDATE FOR THE MONTH OF JANUARY 2024 2024-3485
Originator: Rob Thompson
MOVED, SECONDED, AND DULY CARRIED TO: Recommend to the Board of
Directors to:
Receive and file the Public Affairs Update for the month of January 2024.
AYES:Chad Wanke, Ryan Gallagher, Pat Burns, Jon Dumitru, Glenn
Grandis and Christine Marick
NOES:None
ABSENT:John Withers
ABSTENTIONS:None
3. LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS UPDATE FOR THE MONTH OF JANUARY
2024
2024-3486
Originator: Rob Thompson
MOVED, SECONDED, AND DULY CARRIED TO: Recommend to the Board of
Directors to:
Receive and file the Legislative Affairs Update for the month of January 2024.
AYES:Chad Wanke, Ryan Gallagher, Pat Burns, Jon Dumitru, Glenn
Grandis and Christine Marick
NOES:None
ABSENT:John Withers
ABSTENTIONS:None
NON-CONSENT:
None.
Page 2 of 4
STEERING COMMITTEE Minutes February 28, 2024
INFORMATION ITEMS:
None.
DEPARTMENT HEAD REPORTS:
None.
CLOSED SESSION:
CONVENED IN CLOSED SESSION PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTIONS
54956.9(d)(1), 54956.9(d)(4), and 54957(b)(1).
The Committee convened in closed session at 5:02 p.m. Confidential minutes of the Closed
Sessions have been prepared in accordance with the above Government Code Sections and
are maintained by the Clerk of the Board in the Official Book of Confidential Minutes of Board
and Committee Closed Session meetings.
CS-1 CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL RE EXISTING LITIGATION -
GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54956.9(d)(1)
2024-3496
CONVENED IN CLOSED SESSION:
Number of Cases: 1
Thomas Solar Energy v. Orange County Sanitation District, Orange County Superior
Court Case No. 30-2023-01337224...body
CS-2 CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL RE EXISTING LITIGATION -
GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54956.9(d)(1)
2024-3495
CONVENED IN CLOSED SESSION:
Number of Cases: 1
Klean Waters, Inc., et al. v. Orange County Sanitation District, United States District
Court, Central District of California, Southern Division, Case No. 8:15-cv-00627...body
CS-3 CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL RE EXISTING LITIGATION -
GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54956.9(d)(1)
2024-3497
CONVENED IN CLOSED SESSION:
Number of Potential Cases: 1
Orange County Sanitation District v. Robert M. Jackson, et al., Orange County Superior
Court Case No. 30-2024-01379706-CU-OR-CJC.
Page 3 of 4
STEERING COMMITTEE Minutes February 28, 2024
CS-4 CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL RE ANTICIPATED
LITIGATION - GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54956.9(d)(4)
2024-3458
CONVENED IN CLOSED SESSION:
Number of Potential Cases: 1
Potential initiation of litigation regarding Miller-Holder Easement.
CS-5 PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION 54957(b)(1)2024-3457
DID NOT CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION:
Public Employee Performance Evaluation
Number of Employees: 1
·General Counsel
RECONVENED IN REGULAR SESSION.
The Committee reconvened in regular session at 5:55 p.m.
CONSIDERATION OF ACTION, IF ANY, ON MATTERS CONSIDERED IN CLOSED
SESSION:
General Counsel Brad Hogin did not provide a report.
OTHER BUSINESS AND COMMUNICATIONS OR SUPPLEMENTAL AGENDA ITEMS, IF
ANY:
None.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS INITIATED ITEMS FOR A FUTURE MEETING:
None.
ADJOURNMENT:
Chair Wanke declared the meeting adjourned at 5:56 p.m. to the next Regular Steering
Committee meeting to be held on Wednesday, March 27, 2024 at 5:00 p.m.
Submitted by:
__________________
Kelly A. Lore, MMC
Clerk of the Board
Page 4 of 4
STEERING COMMITTEE
Agenda Report
Administration Building
10844 Ellis Avenue
Fountain Valley, CA 92708
(714) 593-7433
File #:2024-3529 Agenda Date:3/27/2024 Agenda Item No:2.
FROM:Robert Thompson, General Manager
SUBJECT:
PUBLIC AFFAIRS UPDATE FOR THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY 2024
GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION
RECOMMENDATION: Recommend to the Board of Directors to:
Receive and file the Public Affairs Update for the month of February 2024.
BACKGROUND
Included in this report are recent activities of interest managed by the Public Affairs Office for the
month of February 2024.
RELEVANT STANDARDS
·Maintain influential legislative advocacy and a public outreach program
·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 a distinguished entity in the water/wastewater
industry.Despite our industry recognition,there is limited awareness among our customers
regarding the pivotal role we play in protecting public health and the environment.The absence of
direct communication through a billing method may contribute to this gap in knowledge.
It is our responsibility to ensure that our ratepayers comprehend the vital services we provide.Many
customers may not realize that improper waste disposal into the sanitation system can adversely
impact our sewer lines,treatment plants,and the quality of water supplied through GWRS.By
enhancing communication channels and fostering understanding,we aim to bridge the gap and
empower our ratepayers with the knowledge needed to support and appreciate the essential work we
undertake for the well-being of our community and the environment.
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File #:2024-3529 Agenda Date:3/27/2024 Agenda Item No:2.
PROPOSED SOLUTION
By providing tours,community outreach,education,and general communication via OC San’s
website,social media,and direct mailings,we can share information with 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 and the knowledge and understanding of
wastewater treatment.
RAMIFICATIONS OF NOT TAKING ACTION
Neglecting to inform the community,local agencies,and area businesses about OC San could lead
to insufficient support for our mission, hindering our ability to fulfill our responsibilities effectively.
PRIOR COMMITTEE/BOARD ACTIONS
July 2022 - Public Affairs Strategic Plan for Fiscal Years 2022-2024 approved.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Activities for the month of February 2024:
Outreach Report
An outreach report that includes tours,website,social media posts,construction notifications,
speaking engagements, and more is attached to this Agenda Report.
Social Media
OC San messaging,announcements,and program updates were posted across OC San’s social
media platforms. Our social media handle is @OCSanDistrict.
·Facebook: 17 posts reaching 2.5k people
·X: 9 posts reaching 557 people
·Instagram: 43 posts reaching 5.8k people
·LinkedIn: 2 posts and reaching 1.5k people
Presentations and Industry Coverage
In February,staff participated in eight tours which included Godinez High School,El Modena High
School,OCWD staff,new OC San employees,Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency,
Inside the Outdoors,and the Air and Waste Management Association.OC San had a strong
presence at the Pretreatment,Pollution,Prevention and Stormwater Conference in Anaheim where
our General Manager,Rob Thompson,presented on Building a Culture of Accomplishment at Your
Agency,staff presented on Source Control Success Stories and Regional Agency Perspectives,and
Administration Manager Jennifer Cabral facilitated a roundtable on Communications &Public
Outreach.Staff also presented to the Huntington Beach Christian Elementary School on What2Flush
and to the Bay Area Clean Water Agency.At the end of February,Mr.Thompson participated in
OCWD’s webinar series and spoke on the Supercritical Water Oxidation Project.In total,we reached
1.4k people for the month. Details can be found in the Outreach Report.
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File #:2024-3529 Agenda Date:3/27/2024 Agenda Item No:2.
Internal Communication
In February,there were 49 posts on the employee intranet -The San Box,four weekly emails
distributed on relevant topics for the week,and the bi-monthly newsletter,Pipeline,was distributed
with a new look resembling a multi-page magazine.
Construction Outreach Update
Outreach efforts continue for OC San construction activities throughout the service area.Projects
are ongoing in Fountain Valley,Costa Mesa,Buena Park,Anaheim,Newport Beach,and within both
of our treatment plants.Website updates,email text alerts,and direct notifications continue to be
distributed as the projects progress.Details on each project can be found at
www.ocsan.gov/construction.
OC San Celebrates 70 Years of Environmental Excellence with a Community Open House
2024 marks OC San’s 70th anniversary.To commemorate this milestone,OC San will celebrate
throughout the year by sharing historical information and achievements through online posts,videos,
and social media.We are hosting a Community Open House on Saturday,June 8 to celebrate our
history and achievements.Our member and sister agencies will be invited to participate in the event
to host a booth of their own.Additional details will be sent via email to our member agencies and
communicated with the public through our various communication channels.
OC San Launches Video Contest
OC San has launched the 2024 Video Contest for high school and college students in OC San’s
service area.The theme of the video is “Find Yourself at OC San”which is intended to promote
careers within the wastewater field.The videos will be featured on our social media platforms and
website with an opportunity to win one of five prizes.Full contest details can be found at
www.ocsan.gov/video.
Westminster TET Parade
In February,staff participated in the Westminster TET Parade.Staff walked in the parade with our
golf cart and handed out educational items to onlookers who were lining the streets.
OC San Wins Award
OC San and OCWD were awarded the National Environmental Achievement Community Leadership
award for the Final Expansion of the GWRS.Mr.Thompson attended the Winter Conference held in
Austin, Texas to accept the award on behalf of both agencies.
Inside the Outdoors
In February,OC San worked with Inside the Outdoors and the Anaheim School District to create a
video that will be played for middle and high school students.The video aims to showcase OC San,
what we do, and provide information on the various career opportunities.
OC San Community Newsletter
OC San’s quarterly newsletter,the OC San Connection,was distributed electronically in February to
our service area.The newsletter is intended to share news of interest to our public.The winter issue
included articles on our 70th Anniversary,upcoming construction projects,the video contest,and the
Wastewater 101 Citizens Academy.
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File #:2024-3529 Agenda Date:3/27/2024 Agenda Item No:2.
Upcoming Activities for March:
Employee Appreciation Day
On March 1,OC San celebrated employees by acknowledging their contributions and providing cards
of appreciation that could be shared with their colleagues.
March Retirement Celebration
On March 20,OC San will host a celebration for all retiring employees.This will give staff an
opportunity to share stories and send off our dedicated employees with a heartfelt goodbye.Retirees
from the last couple of years are also invited to attend.
Children’s Water Festival
OC San will be participating in OCWD’s Children’s Water Festival later this month.OC San will host
an informational booth along with a relay race game where kids learn about What2Flush.Over the
two-day period, OC San will engage with 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders throughout Orange County.
Wastewater 101 Citizens Academy
OC San’s Wastewater 101 Citizens Academy began on March 7 with 69 registered participants.The
virtual Academy features four workshops over the course of two months and is hosted and presented
by OC San staff.The four workshops focus on:Who We Are and What We Do,OC San-the Nuts
and Bolts,Capital Improvement Program,and Environmental Services.The program is free to
attend.
CEQA
N/A
FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS
All items mentioned are included in OC San’s FY 2022-2024 Budget.
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 Report - February 2024
Orange County Sanitation District Printed on 3/19/2024Page 4 of 4
powered by Legistar™
Outreach and Media
Summary
February 2024
OC San Public Affairs Off ice
Table of Contents
OUTREACH REPORT…………………………………………………………PAGE 1
FACEBOOK POSTINGS ……………………………………………...............PAGE 3
TWITTER POSTINGS …………………………………………………………PAGE 4
INSTAGRAM POSTINGS………………………………………………………PAGE 5
LINKEDIN POSTINGS………………………………………………………....PAGE 6
NEWS ARTICLES……………………………………………………………………………. PAGE 7
Outreach Report February 2024
Date Tours Attendees Tour Guide
2/2/24 Godinez High School/Coastkeepers 24 Randa AbuShaban
2/12/24 New Employee Tour 5 Rob Thompson
2/13/24 Orange County Water District Staff 28 Chris Cervellone
2/16/24 Air & Waste Management Association 1 Randa AbuShaban
2/22/24 El Modena High School 19 Eric Halverson
2/26/24 CISA Tour 8 Rob Thompson
2/27/24 Orange County Water District Staff 16 Cindy Murra
2/29/24 Orange County Water District Staff 25 Dickie Fernandez/ Chris Cervellone
Date Speaking Engagements/Events Attendees Presenter
2/5-2/7/24 California Water Environment Association P3S Conference 100 Rob Thompson
2/6/24 Enhanced Source Control Workshop 20
Jennifer Cabral, Rob Thompson, Jonathan Powell, Mark Kawamoto, Jerome Jovenal, Brian Finkelstein, Kira Kaur
2/10/24 Westminster TET Parade 1,000
Kelly Newell, Al Garcia, Enisha Matthews, Hy Oh, Giti Radvar, Lan Wiborg, Gino Villalobos
2/15/24 Bay Area Clean Water Agency 25 Brian Waite
2/21/24 Inside the Outdoors Filming 3 Rebecca Long
2/28/24 Huntington Beach Christian Elementary School on What 2 Flush 20 Eddie Baker
2/29/24 Orange County Water District Webinar on Supercritical Water Oxidation Project 130 Rob Thompson
Project Area Outreach Notifications # of People
Reached
Website Posts and
Text Alerts
Anaheim/ Buena Park Orange Western Sewer - project update 1 website posts
1
Costa Mesa Airway-Airport Loop Sewer Project – update
1 website posts
External
Communications Distribution # of People
Reached
5 Minutes Per Month OC San’s Wastewater 101 Citizen Academy Starts in March 216
Board Member Talking Points One 50
Website Posts 5 posts 1.1 k views Website
Facebook 17 posts 2.5 k reached Social Media
Twitter 9 tweets 557 reached Social Media
Instagram 43 posts 5.8 k reached Social Media
LinkedIn 2 posts 1.5 k reached Social Media
2
Post performance - Facebook Pages
Data from 01 Feb, 2024 to 29 Feb, 2024
Sources
Orange County Sanitation DistrictO
Orange County Sanitation
District
Feb 28, 19:28O The OC San Operations Committee Meeting is happening next week on 3/6/24 at
5 p.m. Click here to view the agenda:1.96%56 51
Orange County Sanitation
District
Feb 28, 18:43O #WaybackWednesday! Here is a photo of some of our employees out in the
ocean during a project on the Ocean Outfall 1964. Just some OC San history for
you.
11.25%254 240
Orange County Sanitation
District
Feb 26, 16:22O (Post with no description)2.48%127 121
Orange County SanitationDistrict
Feb 24, 16:01O Let's wrap up #EngineersWeek with a bang! Matt used to be an OC San intern,and now he is an OC San Engineer! For more info about our internships and openpositions visit ocsan.gov/jobs #CareersInWastewater #OCSanCareer 8.33%167 156
Orange County SanitationDistrict
Feb 23, 00:48O The OC San Steering Committee Meeting (5 pm) and Board of Directors Meeting
(6 pm) are happening next Wednesday, Feb. 28. Click here to view the agenda:2.63%49 38
Orange County SanitationDistrict
Feb 22, 20:02O When some cooking oil accidentally goes down the drain… Accidents happenbut if they continue to happen it may cause a clog in your pipe or ours. Fats, Oils,and Grease can harden around the pipe and overtime can create a blockage.…4.66%414 386
Orange County SanitationDistrict
Feb 20, 20:18O (Post with no description)12.59%157 143
Orange County SanitationDistrict
Feb 20, 20:17O 🎉 Let's give it up for our fantastic OC San engineers! 🌟 It's #EngineersWeek,and we're ready to shine a spotlight on these incredible minds who keep oursystems running smoothly. Stay tuned as we showcase their alma maters and…
🚀💡
7.09%136 127
Orange County SanitationDistrict
Feb 20, 16:07O (Post with no description)1.01%106 99
Orange County SanitationDistrict
Feb 15, 20:12O Our internship program dates back to the 60s. We've been sharing ourknowledge for many years and continue to do so, visit ocsan.gov to learn moreabout our current internship program. #ThrowbackThursday #OCSanCareers…8.93%189 168
Orange County SanitationDistrict
Feb 14, 17:36O (Post with no description)2.7%122 111
Orange County SanitationDistrict
Feb 10, 16:02O ATTENTION ALL HIGH SCHOOL AND COLLEGE STUDENTS! OC San is now takingvideo submissions for our video contest, submit a short video and be entered forthe chance to win a prize. Visit ocsan.gov/video for full details.6.15%157 130
Orange County Sanitation
District
Feb 09, 02:00O Stay Connected! We just released the latest issue of the OC San Connection
newsletter. visit ocsan.gov to read the full issue.8.04%134 112
Orange County Sanitation
District
Feb 07, 19:05O The OC San Administration Committee Meeting is happening on February 14 at 5
pm. Click here to view the agenda:1.67%75 60
Orange County Sanitation
District
Feb 07, 15:53O (Post with no description)2.75%123 109
Orange County Sanitation
District
Feb 06, 19:37O You heard it here first. Don't shower... until the rain has passed. Or at leastpostpone it to later in the day.8.86%368 350
Orange County Sanitation
District
Feb 06, 19:17O Don't forget, the OC San Operations Committee Meeting is happening tomorrow,Feb. 7 at 5 p.m. Click here to view the agenda:1.49%75 67
DATE POST ENGAGEMENT RATE IMPRESSIONS REACH
3
Post performance - Twitter
Data from 01 Feb, 2024 to 29 Feb, 2024
Sources
@OCSanDistrictO
@OCSanDistrict
Feb 28, 18:43O #WaybackWednesday! Here is a photo of some of our employees out in the
ocean during a project on the Ocean Outfall 1964. Just some OC San history for
you. https://twitter.com/OCSanDistrict/status/1762911363758747897/photo/1
1.92%1 52
@OCSanDistrict
Feb 24, 16:00O Let's wrap up #EngineersWeek with a bang! Matt used to be an OC San intern,
and now he is an OC San Engineer! For more info about our internships and open
positions visit http://ocsan.gov/jobs #CareersInWastewater #OCSanCareer htt…
6%3 50
@OCSanDistrict
Feb 22, 20:00O When some cooking oil accidentally goes down the drain… Accidents happen
but if they continue to happen it may cause a clog in your pipe or ours. Fats, Oils,
and Grease can harden around the pipe and overtime can create a blockage.…
1.41%1 71
@OCSanDistrict
Feb 20, 20:19O https://twitter.com/OCSanDistrict/status/1760036363573809608/video/1 12.96%7 54
@OCSanDistrict
Feb 20, 20:17O 🎉 Let's give it up for our fantastic OC San engineers! 🌟 It's #EngineersWeek, &we're ready to shine a spotlight on these incredible minds who keep oursystems running smoothly. Stay tuned as we showcase their alma maters & th…6.25%3 48
@OCSanDistrict
Feb 15, 20:12O Our internship program dates back to the 60s. We've been sharing ourknowledge for many years and continue to do so, visit http://ocsan.gov to learnmore about our current internship program. #ThrowbackThursday…6.76%5 74
@OCSanDistrict
Feb 10, 16:00O ATTENTION ALL HIGH SCHOOL AND COLLEGE STUDENTS! OC San is now takingvideo submissions for our video contest, submit a short video and be entered forthe chance to win a prize. Visit http://ocsan.gov/video for full details. https://t…3.28%2 61
@OCSanDistrict
Feb 09, 02:00O Stay Connected! We just released the latest issue of the OC San Connectionnewsletter. visit http://ocsan.gov to read the full issue. https://twitter.com/OCSanDistrict/status/1755773596079645003/photo/1 0%0 62
@OCSanDistrict
Feb 06, 19:37O You heard it here first. Don't shower... until the rain has passed. Or at leastpostpone it to later in the day. https://twitter.com/OCSanDistrict/status/1754952451973595594/photo/1 0%0 85
DATE POST ENGAGEMENT RATE ENGAGEMENTS IMPRESSIONS
4
Post performance - Instagram Business
Data from 01 Feb, 2024 to 29 Feb, 2024
Sources
ocsandistrictO
ocsandistrict
Feb 28, 18:43O #WaybackWednesday! Here is a photo of some of our employees out in the
ocean during a project on the Ocean Outfall 1964. Just some OC San history for
you.
2.11%147 3 142
ocsandistrict
Feb 27, 20:06O Our friends over at @ocwaterdistrict came to visit today! If you’re also
interested in joining a tour visit 0%0 0 165
ocsandistrict
Feb 24, 17:55O (No description)0%88 0 87
ocsandistrict
Feb 24, 16:01O Let's wrap up #EngineersWeek with a bang! Matt used to be an OC San intern,and now he is an OC San Engineer! For more info about our internships and openpositions visit ocsan.gov/jobs #CareersInWastewater #OCSanCareer 6.15%0 16 260
ocsandistrict
Feb 24, 15:40O (No description)0%76 0 76
ocsandistrict
Feb 24, 15:40O (No description)0%0 0 84
ocsandistrict
Feb 24, 15:37O (No description)0%0 0 96
ocsandistrict
Feb 23, 20:23O (No description)0%148 0 145
ocsandistrict
Feb 23, 20:20O (No description)0%0 0 152
ocsandistrict
Feb 22, 23:44O Thanks to @nacwa for the National Environmental Achievement CommunityLeadership award for the Final Expansion of the Groundwater ReplenishmentSystem.0%110 0 108
ocsandistrict
Feb 22, 23:00O (No description)0%0 0 105
ocsandistrict
Feb 22, 20:02O When some cooking oil accidentally goes down the drain… Accidents happenbut if they continue to happen it may cause a clog in your pipe or ours. Fats, Oils,and Grease can harden around the pipe and overtime can create a blockage.…3.1%315 8 290
ocsandistrict
Feb 22, 18:41O (No description)0%0 0 109
ocsandistrict
Feb 22, 18:39O (No description)0%0 0 113
ocsandistrict
Feb 22, 18:38O (No description)0%127 0 125
ocsandistrict
Feb 21, 17:06O (No description)0%98 0 96
ocsandistrict
Feb 21, 17:04O (No description)0%100 0 99
ocsandistrict
Feb 21, 17:02O (No description)0%107 0 107
ocsandistrict
Feb 20, 21:42O Sneak Peak of the New Building Lit Up 💡0%106 0 97
ocsandistrict
Feb 20, 20:20O (No description)0%135 0 129
ocsandistrict
Feb 20, 20:17O 🎉 Let's give it up for our fantastic OC San engineers! 🌟 It's #EngineersWeek,
and we're ready to shine a spotlight on these incredible minds who keep our
systems running smoothly. Stay tuned as we showcase their alma maters and…
🚀💡
10.81%366 27 296
ocsandistrict
Feb 15, 20:12O Our internship program dates back to the 60s. We've been sharing our
knowledge for many years and continue to do so, visit ocsan.gov to learn more
about our current internship program. #ThrowbackThursday #OCSanCareers…
3.97%283 9 252
ocsandistrict
Feb 14, 22:53O (No description)0%56 0 56
ocsandistrict
Feb 14, 22:52O Love when we hear these words 💕0%58 0 58
ocsandistrict
Feb 14, 22:51O (No description)0%59 0 59
ocsandistrict
Feb 14, 22:50O (No description)0%60 0 60
ocsandistrict
Feb 14, 17:34O Happy Valentines Day From OC San 0%71 0 71
ocsandistrict
Feb 13, 23:50O Submit your videos before the March deadline! Click post for full info.0%111 0 109
ocsandistrict
Feb 12, 19:37O (No description)0%148 0 146
ocsandistrict
Feb 12, 01:09O (No description)0%124 0 120
ocsandistrict
Feb 10, 18:24O Guess where we are today!0%201 0 198
ocsandistrict
Feb 10, 16:05O ATTENTION ALL HIGH SCHOOL AND COLLEGE STUDENTS! OC San is now takingvideo submissions for our video contest, submit a short video and be entered forthe chance to win a prize. Visit ocsan.gov/video for full details.5.45%269 5 220
ocsandistrict
Feb 09, 02:00O Stay Connected! We just released the latest issue of the OC San Connection
newsletter. visit ocsan.gov to read the full issue.4.12%185 7 170
ocsandistrict
Feb 08, 04:30O Welcome to the OC San Team!0%240 0 236
ocsandistrict
Feb 06, 22:51O (No description)0%80 0 80
ocsandistrict
Feb 06, 19:37O You heard it here first. Don't shower... until the rain has passed. Or at least
postpone it to later in the day.7.5%516 25 480
ocsandistrict
Feb 06, 00:08O (No description)0%119 0 115
ocsandistrict
Feb 05, 20:51O The OC San General Manager, Rob Thompson speaking at the @cweamembers
conference.0%140 0 137
ocsandistrict
Feb 04, 22:54O The rain is here. So make sure you follow these tips.0%121 0 118
ocsandistrict
Feb 01, 17:01O Ours is to prep for the higher level of wastewater flow we receive during the rain.0%73 0 73
ocsandistrict
Feb 01, 16:55O (No description)0%79 0 79
ocsandistrict
Feb 01, 16:46O (No description)0%89 0 89
ocsandistrict
Feb 01, 00:41O Spread the word! 📢0%73 0 73
DATE POST ENGAGEMENT RATE IMPRESSIONS LIKES REACH
5
Post performance - LinkedIn Pages
Data from 01 Feb, 2024 to 29 Feb, 2024
Sources
Orange County Sanitation District
Orange County Sanitation
District
Feb 10, 16:02
ATTENTION ALL HIGH SCHOOL AND COLLEGE STUDENTS! OC San is now taking
video submissions for our video contest, submit a short video and be entered for
the chance to win a prize. Visit ocsan.gov/video for full details.
8.42%891 5 1
Orange County Sanitation
District
Feb 09, 02:00
Stay Connected! We just released the latest issue of the OC San Connection
newsletter. visit ocsan.gov to read the full issue.5.24%573 8 0
DATE POST ENGAGEMENT RATE IMPRESSIONS REACTIONS SHARES
6
Article Date Source Link
Spark of Love Toy Drive grings joy and more to local
children 2/1/2024 Fountain Valley Living
https://www.ocsan.gov/home/showdocument
?id=34411&t=638430664527381167
How communities worldwide are working to solve the
water crisis 2/2/2024 NPR
https://www.wwno.org/2024-02-02/how-
communities-worldwide-are-working-to-solve-
the-water-crisis
Building Climate Resiliency Coast to Coast 2/2/2024 Hazen
https://www.hazenandsawyer.com/horizons/b
uilding-climate-resiliency-coast-to-coast
Sewage closes ocean in Seal Beach 2/7/2024 Press Telegram
https://www.presstelegram.com/2024/02/07/
sewage-spill-closes-ocean-in-seal-beach-rain-
advisory-across-the-coast/
Brea City Council Gets a Pay Raise 2/7/2024 Voice of OC
https://voiceofoc.org/2024/02/brea-city-
council-gets-a-pay-raise/
Long Beach, San Pedro sewage spills caused by recent
storms, LA sanitation says 2/9/2024 FOX 11
https://www.foxla.com/news/long-beach-san-
pedro-sewage-spills-la-sanitation
Orange County Sanitation District Wins
National Environmental Achievement Award 2/15/2024 OC San Press Release
https://ocsdgov.sharepoint.com/sites/External
/140%20%20PAO%20%20EXTERNAL/Forms/All
Items.aspx?ct=1708041319978&or=Teams%2D
HL&ga=1&LOF=1&id=%2Fsites%2FExternal%2F
140%20%20PAO%20%20EXTERNAL%2FCheryl
%20News%20Article%2FOC%20San%20Wins%
20NACWA%20Community%20Leadership%5F2
%2E14%2E2024%2Epdf&parent=%2Fsites%2FE
xternal%2F140%20%20PAO%20%20EXTERNAL
%2FCheryl%20News%20Article
Media News Articles
7
Beyond the Pipes of the Orange County Sanitation District
(OC San)2/15/2024 UCI Newsletter
https://ocsdgov.sharepoint.com/sites/External
/140%20%20PAO%20%20EXTERNAL/Forms/All
Items.aspx?ct=1708040523302&or=Teams%2D
HL&ga=1&LOF=1&id=%2Fsites%2FExternal%2F
140%20%20PAO%20%20EXTERNAL%2FCheryl
%20News%20Article%2FBeyond%20the%20Pip
es%20of%20the%20Orange%20County%20Sani
tation%20District%2Epdf&parent=%2Fsites%2F
External%2F140%20%20PAO%20%20EXTERNA
L%2FCheryl%20News%20Article
Orange County Sanitation District Wins National
Environmental Achievement Award 2/16/2024 Waste 360
https://www.waste360.com/industry-
insights/orange-county-sanitation-district-wins-
national-environmental-achievement-award
Southern California Achieves Unprecedented Wastewater
Recycling Milestone 2/16/2024 BNN
https://bnnbreaking.com/world/us/southern-
california-achieves-unprecedented-wastewater-
recycling-milestone
Why Policymakers Hold The Key To Catalyzing
Regenerative Wastewater Innovation And Adaptation 2/25/2024 City Biz
https://www.citybiz.co/article/524613/why-
policymakers-hold-the-key-to-catalyzing-
regenerative-wastewater-innovation-and-
adaptation/
Moulten Niguel Water Gets FEMA Grant 2/28/2024 OC Ragister
https://ocsdgov.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/External
/EXl7SwF_lZFKhVmq19C_oDIB39mIL5u_6-
7diTe4s-8jIg?e=uWGwI8
8
STEERING COMMITTEE
Agenda Report
Administration Building
10844 Ellis Avenue
Fountain Valley, CA 92708
(714) 593-7433
File #:2024-3530 Agenda Date:3/27/2024 Agenda Item No:3.
FROM:Robert Thompson, General Manager
SUBJECT:
LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS UPDATE FOR THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY 2024
GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION
RECOMMENDATION: Recommend to the Board of Directors to:
Receive and file the Legislative Affairs Update for the month of February 2024.
BACKGROUND
The Orange County Sanitation District’s (OC San)legislative affairs program includes advocating for
OC San’s legislative interests;sponsoring legislation (where appropriate);and seeking Local,State,
and Federal funding for projects and programs.
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 for OC San’s legislative
interests.Help to create/monitor legislation and grants that would benefit OC San,the wastewater
industry,and the community.To assist in relationship building efforts,OC San will continue to reach
out to elected officials through facility tours,one-on-one meetings,and trips to Washington D.C.and
Sacramento.
Orange County Sanitation District Printed on 3/19/2024Page 1 of 3
powered by Legistar™
File #:2024-3530 Agenda Date:3/27/2024 Agenda Item No:3.
RAMIFICATIONS OF NOT TAKING ACTION
If OC San does not work with Local,State,and Federal elected officials,legislation could be passed
that negatively affects OC San and the wastewater industry.Additionally,a lack of engagement may
result in missed funding opportunities.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Activities in February
·At the end of February,OC San staff,Rebecca Long,attended the CASA Washington DC
Policy Forum.During this conference,congressional staff,the EPA,and various agencies and
associations presented on bills of interest,current policy issues,and a political look ahead for
2024.
Activities in March
·Federal Update:
On March 12,OC San staff submitted the attached letter of concern regarding passive
receiver liability for PFAS cleanup under Comprehensive Environmental Response,
Compensation,and Liability Act (CERCLA).The letter was submitted to Senator Tom Carper,
Chairman,and Senator Shelley Moore Capito,Ranking Member,for the Committee on
Environment and Public Works.The letter requested the Committee to amend CERCLA to
ensure agencies such as ours receive protections from frivolous and unwarranted litigation.
·State Update:
On March 5,OC San took a support position on Senate Bill (SB)1034 (see attached letter).
This bill adds a clause to the “unusual circumstances”definition pertaining to a request of the
California Public Records Act.SB 1034 allows agencies to focus on keeping their
communities safe during a state of emergency.During a state of emergency,agencies may
face a surge in demand for their services while simultaneously experiencing resource
constraints.These constraints can include shortages in staffing,equipment,and supplies,and
immediate safety concerns,making it difficult to promptly respond to public record requests to
stay within the compliance period.SB 1034 allows agencies to focus on keeping their
communities safe in a state of emergency.
·On March 8,OC San staff and Townsend Affairs attended the CASA State Legislative
Committee meeting where current bills and positions were discussed.During the meeting,the
attached Assembly Bill 3073 (Haney):Wastewater testing for illicit substances was discussed.
OC San staff communicated that this is not a bill that OC San will be supporting and would
propose that CASA does not support it as it is not the responsibility of a wastewater treatment
plant to monitor drug use in the community.It was communicated that supporting the bill in its
current concept could be a slippery slope and lead to further regulations.CASA and its
membership took a vote and decided on a Support as Amended position.CASA is suggesting
to the author that the bill now becomes voluntary and to be a pilot project.
·Additionally,staff and Townsend Public Affairs are working collaboratively on support positions
Orange County Sanitation District Printed on 3/19/2024Page 2 of 3
powered by Legistar™
File #:2024-3530 Agenda Date:3/27/2024 Agenda Item No:3.
·Additionally,staff and Townsend Public Affairs are working collaboratively on support positions
for two bills:
o Senate Bill 903 by Senator Skinner.This is a CASA sponsored bill,which would
prohibit the distribution,selling,or offering for sale a product that contains intentionally
added PFAS unless the California Department of Toxic Substances Control has decided
that the use of PFAS in the product is a currently unavoidable use.
o Assembly Bill 2626 by Assemblymember Dixon will extend the compliance dates for
local governments set forth in the Advanced Clean Fleets Regulation by 10 years.This
would allow for zero-emission vehicle and battery manufacturers to advance
technologies to address issues specific to medium-and heavy-duty fleet vehicles.The
bill will also prohibit CARB from taking enforcement action against a local government
for violating the Advanced Clean Fleets Regulation if the alleged violation occurs before
January 1, 2025.
ATTACHMENT
The following attachment(s)may be viewed on-line at the OC San website (www.ocsan.gov)with the complete agenda
package:
·Federal Legislative Update
·Federal Matrix
·State Legislative Update
·State Matrix
·PFAS Cleanup Under CERCLA Letter of Concern
·SB 1034 Letter of Support
·AB 3073 (Haney) Bill Text
Orange County Sanitation District Printed on 3/19/2024Page 3 of 3
powered by Legistar™
1 | P a g e
TO: Rebecca Long
FROM: Eric Sapirstein
DATE: March 7, 2024
SUBJECT: Washington Update
Congress continued to finalize spending bills for the Fiscal Year 2024 with passage
of the twelve spending bills by the final deadline of March 22. The following
summarizes legislative and regulatory activities that directly or indirectly impact OC
San.
• Fiscal Year 2024 Appropriations
The House overwhelming approved the first six spending bills by a vote of 339-
83, sending the package to the Senate for final passage by Thursday evening,
March 7 to allow the president to sign the measure into law by the March 8
deadline. The House vote included approval of the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency’s (EPA) budget absent any policy riders. This means that the agency will
have year-long funding for all of its programs. But while the threat of a one
percent across-the-board spending reduction as mandated under the Fiscal
Responsibility Act on April 30 if a final spending bill will not occur, the budget
was cut by $1 billion. The cut was imposed on the Superfund program.
Additionally, because of the significant five-year funding of water infrastructure
funding in the infrastructure law, water project assistance continues with
significant federal spending. Following final votes in the Senate, Congress will
then turn its attention to the last six spending bills that must be passed by March
22. These spending bills cover national security funding and are expected to be
approved also.
Final Spending Agreements Impact OC San
The approval of spending legislation will not have an immediate direct impact
upon OC San. However, the approval of an agency funding bill means that
regulatory development efforts on PFAS and other matters will be adequately
funded. Additionally, while the agency budget was reduced by $1 billion, most of
the cuts fell on the Superfund program which means that OC San programs of
interest including biosolids rulemakings will not be impacted.
2 | P a g e
• Senate PFAS Liability Hearing Scheduled
The Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works has scheduled a
hearing March 20 that will examine the impacts of per- and polyfluoroalkyl
substances (PFAS) designation under the Comprehensive Emergency Response,
Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA). Central to the hearing will be the
consequences of liability on passive receivers. The hearing appears to have been
scheduled because committee staff believe the committee membership needs to
hear the diverse views of stakeholders. Staff indicate that the hearing will
format will be one panel. There will be five witnesses representing the water,
solid waste, environmental non-governmental organization (E-NGO), and State
stakeholders. A fifth witness will be a Congressional Research Service CERCLA
liability expert. This witness will serve as a neutral witness to clarify any
questions raised by other witnesses.
Impact of Hearing on OC San Interests
OC San has advocated for liability protections from any PFAS hazardous
substance designation under CERCLA. The hearing is expected to highlight the
concerns that OC San has communicated to the Orange County congressional
delegation related to liability should USEPA finalize the designation of PFAS as
hazardous substances under CERCLA. The hearing will likely include a focus on
biosolids and the need for funding assistance to develop technologies to better
treat and destroy PFAS such as the OC San pilot project. The hearing will
illustrate the worst kept secret; the committee is frozen in its effort to find
consensus on how to develop legislation to protect passive receivers, like OC San
from CERCLA liability. Because of the vocal opposition to any liability
exemptions from the E-NGO community, development of any legislation and
committee action is dubious before the November elections.
• USEPA Preparing to Issue Final PFAS Rules
USEPA’s finalization of rules establishing drinking water standards and
designating PFAS chemicals as hazardous substances under CERCLA continue.
The agency is under growing pressure from E-NGO’s to issue both rules without
further delays. The drinking water standard maximum contaminant level (MCL)
of 4 parts per thousand (PPT) is expected in April. Office of Management and
Budget review of CERCLA designation of PFAS rules continues with the
expectation that USEPA will also issue a final rule in April. Should this schedule
be met, it is all but certain that litigation challenging both rulemakings will be
pursued. Any challenge to the MCL will be based upon questionable science.
Any litigation against PFAS designation will likely target failure of the agency to
follow applicable standards and review of identifying a substance as a hazardous
substance.
3 | P a g e
• Low Income Household Water Assistance Program
Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA) introduced the Low-Income Household Water
Assistance Establishment Act (S.3830). The legislation would create a
permanent program of ratepayer assistance to help ratepayers that have
economic hardships pay for water services. The bill does not provide for a
specified funding authorization. Instead, the bill provides for “such sums as may
be appropriated”, avoiding a challenge of scoring the bill for budget impacts that
could preclude legislative debate without funding offsets.
Value to OC San Indirect
The legislation would not directly impact OC San. However, it would support the
needs of OC San’s cities.
1 of 9
OC San Policy Update- Mar 07, 2024
FEDERAL LEGISLATIVE UPDATE--SECOND SESSION, 118TH CONGRESS
A summary of key legislation pending before Congress
Support Position Policy 1 Bills, 0 Regulations, 0 Research Documents
US S 1430
Title: Water Systems PFAS Liability Protection Act
Current Status: In Senate
Introduction Date: 2023-05-03
Last Action Date: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public
Works.. 2023-05-03
Summary: S. 1430 would provide a limited CERCLA liability (section 107) exemption for PFAS
family of chemicals for water and wastewater agencies. S. 1430 would not exempt an agency
from liability in cases of gross negligence. The legislation is not expected to be approved by
the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works.
Description: Water Systems PFAS Liability Protection Act This bill exempts specified water
management entities from liability under the Comprehensive Environmental Response,
Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) for releases of certain perfluoroalkyl or
polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly referred to as PFAS. Specifically, the entities covered
under the bill are public water systems, publicly or privately owned or operated treatment
works, municipalities with a stormwater discharge permit, political subdivisions or special
districts of a state that act as a wholesale water agency, and contractors performing the
management or disposal activities for such entities. Under the bill, the exemption only applies
if a specified entity transports, treats, disposes of, or arranges for the transport, treatment or
disposal of PFAS consistent with applicable laws and during and following the conveyance or
treatment of water under federal or state law, such as through the management or disposal
of biosolids consistent with the Federal Water Pollution Control Act. Liability for damages or
costs associated with the release of certain PFAS must not be precluded if an entity acted
with gross negligence or willful misconduct.
Location: United States
Floor Forecast Scores
2 of 9
Senate
Pre-Floor Score
Senate
Floor Score
House
Pre-Floor Score
House
Floor Score
5.0%95.0%5.0%95.0%
Monitor Position Policy 5 Bills, 0 Regulations, 0 Research Documents
US HR 7194
Title: PFAS Accountability Act of 2024
Current Status: In House
Introduction Date: 2024-02-01
Last Action Date: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the
Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in
each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee
concerned.. 2024-02-01
Summary: H.R. 7194 would create a cause of action under the Toxics Substances Control Act
to allow a citizen or class of citizens to litigate against a manufacturer of PFAS that
improperly discharged PFAS into the environment and created a public health impact.
Companion legislation in the Senate: S. 3725. Sponsor: Rep. Madeline Dean (D-NH)
Location: United States
Floor Forecast Scores
US HR 2964
Title: WIPPES Act
Current Status: In House
Introduction Date: 2023-04-27
Last Action Date: Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 42 - 0.. 2023-12-
06
Summary: Directs the Federal Trade Commission, in consultation with the Environmental
Protection Agency, Commissioner of Food and Drugs, and the Consumer Product Safety
House
Pre-Floor Score
House
Floor Score
Senate
Pre-Floor Score
Senate
Floor Score
29.0%95.0%49.4%95.0%
3 of 9
Commission (as appropriate depending on the type of covered product involved) to issue “Do
Not Flush” labeling requirements for nonflushable wipes, including baby wipes, household
wipes, disinfecting wipes and personal care wipes. The requirements mirror California's
labeling law and has the support from the wipes industry, national clean water sector, civil
engineers, and environment advocates. Companion Senate bill: S. 1350.
Location: United States
Floor Forecast Scores
US S 1350
Title: WIPPES Act
Current Status: In Senate
Introduction Date: 2023-04-27
Last Action Date: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation.. 2023-04-27
Summary: Directs the Federal Trade Commission, in consultation with the Environmental
Protection Agency, Commissioner of Food and Drugs, and the Consumer Product Safety
Commission (as appropriate depending on the type of covered product involved) to issue “Do
Not Flush” labeling requirements for nonflushable wipes, including baby wipes, household
wipes, disinfecting wipes and personal care wipes. The requirements mirror California's
labeling law and has the support from the wipes industry, national clean water sector, civil
engineers, and environment advocates. Companion House bill: H.R. 2964.
Location: United States
Floor Forecast Scores
US HR 1181
House
Pre-Floor Score
House
Floor Score
Senate
Pre-Floor Score
Senate
Floor Score
12.2%95.0%5.0%90.4%
Senate
Pre-Floor Score
Senate
Floor Score
House
Pre-Floor Score
House
Floor Score
5.7%95.0%5.0%95.0%
4 of 9
Title: To amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act with respect to permitting terms, and
for other purposes.
Current Status: In House
Introduction Date: 2023-02-24
Last Action Date: Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment..
2023-02-27
Summary: H.R. 1181 would provide state permitting authorities to issue ten year NPDES
permits to publicly owned wastewater treatment agencies. The authority would not extend to
privately owned treatment facilities such as industrial dischargers.
Description: This bill extends the maximum term for certain permits issued under the
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program. Specifically, the bill
extends the maximum term for NPDES permits issued to states or municipalities from 5 to 10
years. Under the program, the Environmental Protection Agency issues permits to discharge
pollutants from point sources, such as pipes, into waters of the United States.
Location: United States
Floor Forecast Scores
US S 115
Title: Clean Water Allotment Modernization Act of 2023
Current Status: In Senate
Introduction Date: 2023-01-26
Last Action Date: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public
Works.. 2023-01-26
Summary: Provides for a set aside from Clean Water SRF appropriations to conduct Buy
America oversight compliance, establishes that each state's allotment must be at the same
level as FY 23 during FY 24-28 and additional allotments based on percent of state
population to the nation. FY 29 and beyond allotments to be determined by new formula
based upon Clean Water Needs Survey.
Description: Clean Water Allotment Modernization Act of 2023 This bill revises the formula
the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) uses to determine how to distribute funds from
the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (SRF) program. Under the program, the EPA allocates
funding to states for water quality infrastructure projects, such as wastewater systems and
stormwater management projects. In FY2024-FY2028, the EPA must provide an initial
allotment to each state that is equal to the amount the state received in FY2023. The EPA
must also provide an additional allotment to each state that is based on its share of the U.S.
House
Pre-Floor Score
House
Floor Score
Senate
Pre-Floor Score
Senate
Floor Score
5.0%95.0%5.0%95.0%
5 of 9
population. In FY2029 and each subsequent fiscal year, the EPA must use an updated
allotment formula, which is based on the needs of states as identified in the most recently
available clean watersheds needs survey. Beginning in FY2024, the formula must also
provide allotments for Indian tribes and territories. In addition, the formula must provide an
allotment for EPA's oversight of SRF projects to ensure they use American iron and steel.
Location: United States
Floor Forecast Scores
Senate
Pre-Floor Score
Senate
Floor Score
House
Pre-Floor Score
House
Floor Score
5.0%65.7%5.0%95.0%
Oppose Position Policy 0 Bills, 0 Regulations, 0 Research Documents
No Position Selected Policy 6 Bills, 0 Regulations, 0 Research Documents
US HR 7194
Title: PFAS Accountability Act of 2024
Current Status: In House
Introduction Date: 2024-02-01
Last Action Date: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the
Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in
each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee
concerned.. 2024-02-01
Summary: H.R. 7194 would create a cause of action under the Toxics Substances Control Act
to allow a citizen or class of citizens to litigate against a manufacturer of PFAS that
improperly discharged PFAS into the environment and created a public health impact.
Companion legislation in the Senate: S. 3725. Sponsor: Rep. Madeline Dean (D-NH)
Location: United States
Floor Forecast Scores
29.0%95.0%49.4%95.0%
6 of 9
US HR 2964
Title: WIPPES Act
Current Status: In House
Introduction Date: 2023-04-27
Last Action Date: Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 42 - 0.. 2023-12-
06
Summary: Directs the Federal Trade Commission, in consultation with the Environmental
Protection Agency, Commissioner of Food and Drugs, and the Consumer Product Safety
Commission (as appropriate depending on the type of covered product involved) to issue “Do
Not Flush” labeling requirements for nonflushable wipes, including baby wipes, household
wipes, disinfecting wipes and personal care wipes. The requirements mirror California's
labeling law and has the support from the wipes industry, national clean water sector, civil
engineers, and environment advocates. Companion Senate bill: S. 1350.
Location: United States
Floor Forecast Scores
US S 1430
Title: Water Systems PFAS Liability Protection Act
Current Status: In Senate
Introduction Date: 2023-05-03
Last Action Date: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public
Works.. 2023-05-03
Summary: S. 1430 would provide a limited CERCLA liability (section 107) exemption for PFAS
family of chemicals for water and wastewater agencies. S. 1430 would not exempt an agency
from liability in cases of gross negligence. The legislation is not expected to be approved by
the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works.
Description: Water Systems PFAS Liability Protection Act This bill exempts specified water
management entities from liability under the Comprehensive Environmental Response,
Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) for releases of certain perfluoroalkyl or
polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly referred to as PFAS. Specifically, the entities covered
House
Pre-Floor Score
House
Floor Score
Senate
Pre-Floor Score
Senate
Floor Score
House
Pre-Floor Score
House
Floor Score
Senate
Pre-Floor Score
Senate
Floor Score
12.2%95.0%5.0%90.4%
7 of 9
under the bill are public water systems, publicly or privately owned or operated treatment
works, municipalities with a stormwater discharge permit, political subdivisions or special
districts of a state that act as a wholesale water agency, and contractors performing the
management or disposal activities for such entities. Under the bill, the exemption only applies
if a specified entity transports, treats, disposes of, or arranges for the transport, treatment or
disposal of PFAS consistent with applicable laws and during and following the conveyance or
treatment of water under federal or state law, such as through the management or disposal
of biosolids consistent with the Federal Water Pollution Control Act. Liability for damages or
costs associated with the release of certain PFAS must not be precluded if an entity acted
with gross negligence or willful misconduct.
Location: United States
Floor Forecast Scores
US S 1350
Title: WIPPES Act
Current Status: In Senate
Introduction Date: 2023-04-27
Last Action Date: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation.. 2023-04-27
Summary: Directs the Federal Trade Commission, in consultation with the Environmental
Protection Agency, Commissioner of Food and Drugs, and the Consumer Product Safety
Commission (as appropriate depending on the type of covered product involved) to issue “Do
Not Flush” labeling requirements for nonflushable wipes, including baby wipes, household
wipes, disinfecting wipes and personal care wipes. The requirements mirror California's
labeling law and has the support from the wipes industry, national clean water sector, civil
engineers, and environment advocates. Companion House bill: H.R. 2964.
Location: United States
Floor Forecast Scores
Senate
Pre-Floor Score
Senate
Floor Score
House
Pre-Floor Score
House
Floor Score
5.0%95.0%5.0%95.0%
8 of 9
US HR 1181
Title: To amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act with respect to permitting terms, and
for other purposes.
Current Status: In House
Introduction Date: 2023-02-24
Last Action Date: Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment..
2023-02-27
Summary: H.R. 1181 would provide state permitting authorities to issue ten year NPDES
permits to publicly owned wastewater treatment agencies. The authority would not extend to
privately owned treatment facilities such as industrial dischargers.
Description: This bill extends the maximum term for certain permits issued under the
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program. Specifically, the bill
extends the maximum term for NPDES permits issued to states or municipalities from 5 to 10
years. Under the program, the Environmental Protection Agency issues permits to discharge
pollutants from point sources, such as pipes, into waters of the United States.
Location: United States
Floor Forecast Scores
US S 115
Title: Clean Water Allotment Modernization Act of 2023
Current Status: In Senate
Introduction Date: 2023-01-26
Last Action Date: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public
Works.. 2023-01-26
Summary: Provides for a set aside from Clean Water SRF appropriations to conduct Buy
America oversight compliance, establishes that each state's allotment must be at the same
Senate
Pre-Floor Score
Senate
Floor Score
House
Pre-Floor Score
House
Floor Score
5.7%95.0%5.0%95.0%
House
Pre-Floor Score
House
Floor Score
Senate
Pre-Floor Score
Senate
Floor Score
5.0%95.0%5.0%95.0%
9 of 9
level as FY 23 during FY 24-28 and additional allotments based on percent of state
population to the nation. FY 29 and beyond allotments to be determined by new formula
based upon Clean Water Needs Survey.
Description: Clean Water Allotment Modernization Act of 2023 This bill revises the formula
the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) uses to determine how to distribute funds from
the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (SRF) program. Under the program, the EPA allocates
funding to states for water quality infrastructure projects, such as wastewater systems and
stormwater management projects. In FY2024-FY2028, the EPA must provide an initial
allotment to each state that is equal to the amount the state received in FY2023. The EPA
must also provide an additional allotment to each state that is based on its share of the U.S.
population. In FY2029 and each subsequent fiscal year, the EPA must use an updated
allotment formula, which is based on the needs of states as identified in the most recently
available clean watersheds needs survey. Beginning in FY2024, the formula must also
provide allotments for Indian tribes and territories. In addition, the formula must provide an
allotment for EPA's oversight of SRF projects to ensure they use American iron and steel.
Location: United States
Floor Forecast Scores
Senate
Pre-Floor Score
Senate
Floor Score
House
Pre-Floor Score
House
Floor Score
5.0%65.7%5.0%95.0%
Page 1
M E M O R A N D U M
To: Orange County Sanitation District From: Townsend Public Affairs Date: March 6, 2024 Subject: State Legislative Monthly Report
STATE LEGISLATIVE UPDATES
The month of February included the Legislature’s bill introduction deadline on February 16, featuring the introduction of over 1,500 new bill vehicles, and gave new insight into legislative trends for the 2024 Legislative Session. The February bill introduction deadline also signaled a change in legislative action, with the beginning of legislative policy committee hearings to kickstart the bill deliberation process. It is anticipated that hundreds of bills will begin to be heard in their respective policy and fiscal committees in the next couple of weeks. Below is an overview of pertinent State actions from February. LAO Releases Revenue Update as Budget Deficit Grows
On February 20, the Legislative Analyst’s Office (LAO) released an update on State Revenues in relation to the State Budget. Previously, the LAO estimated that the State is facing a budget deficit
of about $58 billion, under the Governor’s Proposed Budget released on January 10. The LAO estimates that the deficit is about $24 billion below the Governor’s Budget across 2022-23 to 2024-25. Under the LAO’s estimates, this increases the previously estimated $58 billion deficit to $73 billion. Deficits in the State Budget directly impact OC San through the reduction of programs that OC San is eligible for, including funds for water recycling and infrastructure.
As a few possible solutions to the budget deficit the LAO recommends both revenue increases and spending reductions (on both a one-time and ongoing basis), as well as other tools, like utilizing reserves and cost shifts. Additionally, the LAO recommends that Legislators evaluate whether recent augmentations designated for one-time and temporary expenditures could be retracted or minimized, by using two rationales. Firstly, to consider that when the allocations for one-time and temporary expenditures were approved, it was under the understanding that they would serve as a buffer for future budgetary challenges. For instance, the Administration frequently projected "operating surpluses" in its multi-year forecasts, excluding such expenditures, indicating an acknowledgment that the State's resources could not cover all projected commitments. However, they could accommodate ongoing budgetary requirements. Secondly, as the Legislature diminishes one-time and temporary expenditures in 2024-25, it preserves a greater array of tools for addressing future budgetary challenges. The reduction of
such spending constitutes a "use or lose" mechanism in tackling budgetary issues—once funds are allocated to recipients, retracting them becomes exceedingly impractical.
Page 2
Looking forward, Legislators will be in ongoing negotiations with the Administration to pass the Budget Bill by the June 15 constitutional deadline to pass the State Budget.
Senate Leadership and Committee Changes
On February 5, Senator Mike McGuire was sworn in as Senate Pro Tem on the Senate Floor by California Supreme Court Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero. Later in the week, on February 8, Senate Pro Tem McGuire announced new Senate and Committee assignments. Leadership
changes include the appointment of Senator Lena Gonzalez as the Majority Leader, and Senators Angelique Ashby and Aisha Wahab as co-Assistant Majority Leaders. These members will be
instrumental in leading the House and the Democratic Caucus’ policy decisions and priorities for the next few years.
Notable committee changes include the following:
• Senator Scott Wiener replaces Senator Nancy Skinner as the new Budget Chair
• The Senate Governance and Finance Committee has returned to its pre-redevelopment dissolution roots and has split into two committees that mirror the Assembly: The Senate Local Government Committee, whose chair will be Senator Maria Elena Durazo, and the
Senate Revenue and Taxation Committee, whose chair will be Senator Steve Glazer.
A full list of leadership changes and committee membership changes can be found here. Committee memberships and Chairs are critical to the direction of the Committee. Of most interest to OC San is the appointment of Senator Maria Elena Durazo (D-Los Angeles) as the chair of the
Senate Local Government Committee, which will oversee certain legislation affecting OC San. Senator Durazo represents a highly urban and dense community in Los Angeles, giving her an understanding of large urban wastewater issues.
Cap-and-Trade Rulemaking Oversight Hearing On February 13 the Senate Environmental Quality Committee, the Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Subcommittee No. 2 On Resources, Environmental Protection, and Energy Committee held a joint oversight hearing on Cap-and-Trade rulemaking. Cap-and-Trade is a market-based emissions trading program administered by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) that covers roughly 80 percent of California’s Greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions and aims to reduce them. The program imposes a declining, aggregate cap on the amount of GHGs allowed to be emitted in the State each year and has been run by CARB for the past ten years. In running the program, CARB has held workshops and solicited feedback on the changes they are considering.
Cap-and-Trade is a sustainable funding source that funds programs that OC San has historically applied for, including the Organic Grant Program for co-digestion enhancements. It is likely that the Cap-and-Trade program continues to fund climate-based programs of interest to OC San.
The hearing gave legislators an opportunity to learn about how the changes being considered at
CARB will affect the nature of the State’s climate policy. Panelists included:
Page 3
• Liane Randolph, Chair, CARB
• Sarah Cornett, Fiscal and Policy Analyst, Legislative Analyst’s Office (LAO)
• Katelyn Roedner Sutter, Assembly Appointee, Independent Emissions Market Advisory
Committee
• Catherine Garoupa, Chair, CARB Environmental Justice Advisory Committee
• Danny Cullenward, Vice Chair and Senate Appointee, Independent Emissions Market Advisory Committee
• Matthew Botill, Chief, Industrial Strategies Division, CARB
The panelists discussed the current stake in the State’s Cap-and-Trade rulemaking and presented
what is next for the State’s program. The LAO had many legislative considerations, including discussing the State balancing pursuing emissions reductions with potential cost impacts, and
asking if the Legislature wants to expand the program beyond 2030. One major concern mentioned by the Committee and many panelists was regarding whether underserved communities are truly benefiting from the program dollars.
OC San
State
Bills of Interest
BILL AUTHOR SUMMARY LATEST ACTION OC SAN
POSITION LEGISLATIVE PLAN OTHER
POSITIONS
AB 234 Bauer-Kahan [D]The Microbeads Nuisance Prevention Law prohibits a person from selling
or offering for promotional purposes in the state any personal care products containing plastic microbeads that are used to exfoliate or cleanse in a rinse-off product, including, but not limited to, toothpaste. This bill would express the intent of the Legislature to enact subsequent legislation that would prohibit the sale in this state of rinse-off cosmetics,
detergents, waxes, and polishes that contain intentionally added synthetic
polymer microparticles, including products identified in the synthetic
polymer microparticle Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) restrictions adopted by the European Union (EU).
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 - NYCCASA - Support in ConceptCSDA - WatchACWA - NYC
AB 340 Fong [R]The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) prohibits an action or
proceeding from being brought in a court to challenge the approval of a
project by a public agency unless the alleged grounds for noncompliance are presented to the public agency orally or in writing by a person during the public comment period provided by CEQA or before the close of the public hearing on the project before the issuance of the notice of
determination. This bill would require the alleged grounds for
noncompliance with CEQA presented to the public agency in writing be
presented at least 10 days before the public hearing on the project before the issuance of the notice of determination. The bill would prohibit the inclusion of written comments presented to the public agency after that time period in the record of proceedings and would prohibit those documents from serving as basis on which an action or proceeding may be
brought.
Two Year Bill Watch Legislative and Regulatory Policies:
Environment/Climate
Resiliency - 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.
ACC-OC - NYC
LOCC - NYC
CASA - NYCCSDA - WatchACWA - NYC
AB 805 Arambula [D]Authorizes the State Water Resources Control Board (State Water Board)
to require a sewer service provider—for a sewer system that has the
reasonable potential to cause a violation of water quality objectives; impair present or future beneficial uses of water; or cause pollution, nuisance, or
contamination of waters of the state—to contract with an administrator designated or approved by the State Water Board.
Currently in the Senate
Rules Committee
Watch Legislative and Regulatory Policies: Special Districts -
Oppose further state regulations that adversely impact special district financing, operations, and
administration.
ACC-OC - NYC
LOCC - NYC
CASA - NYCCSDA - OpposeACWA - Not Favor
AB 1152 Patterson [R]Would exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) a project to construct or expand a recycled water pipeline for the purpose of mitigating drought conditions for which a state of emergency was proclaimed by the Governor if the project meets specified criteria. Because
a lead agency would be required to determine if a project qualifies for this
exemption, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program. The bill
would also exempt from CEQA the development and approval of building standards by state agencies for recycled water systems.
Two Year Bill Watch Legislative and Regulatory
Policies: Environment/Climate
Resiliency - Support efforts
to reform the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) to streamline currentprocedures and regulations for projects to refurbish or
replace existing infrastructure
facilities.
ACC-OC - NYCLOCC - NYCCASA - NYCCSDA - Watch
ACWA - NYC
Proposed Legislation 2024
High Priority
OC San
State
Bills of Interest
BILL AUTHOR SUMMARY LATEST ACTION OC SAN
POSITION LEGISLATIVE PLAN OTHER
POSITIONS
AB 1196 Villapadua [D]The Water Quality, Supply, and Infrastructure Improvement Act of 2014, a
bond act approved by the voters as Proposition 1 at the November 4, 2014, statewide general election, authorizes the issuance of general obligation bonds to finance a water quality, supply, and infrastructure improvement program, as specified. Under the bond act, $520,000,000 is available, upon
appropriation by the Legislature, for expenditures, grants, and loans for
projects that improve water quality or help provide clean, safe, and reliable
drinking water to all Californians. Current law requires projects eligible for this funding to help improve water quality for a beneficial use. This bill would make a nonsubstantive change to the latter provision.
Two Year Bill Watch Guiding Priorities: Obtain
financial assistance for OC
San projects through grants,
loans, and legislative
directed funding.
ACC-OC - NYC
LOCC - NYCCASA - Support if AmendedCSDA - Watch
ACWA - NYC
AB 1567 E. Garcia [D]Would enact the Safe Drinking Water, Wildfire Prevention, Drought Preparation, Flood Protection, Extreme Heat Mitigation, Clean Energy, and Workforce Development Bond Act of 2024, which, if approved by the
voters, would authorize the issuance of bonds in the amount of
$15,995,000,000 pursuant to the State General Obligation Bond Law to
finance projects for safe drinking water, wildfire prevention, drought preparation, flood protection, extreme heat mitigation, clean energy, and workforce development programs.
Referred to the Senate Natural Resources and Water Committee and
the Senate Governance
and Finance Committee
Watch Guiding Priorities: Obtain
financial assistance for OC
San projects through grants, loans, and legislative directed funding.
ACC-OC - NYCLOCC - Support if Amended
CASA - Support if
Amended
CSDA -Support if AmendedACWA - Support if Amended
AB 1660 Ta [R]Existing law requires the State Air Resources Board to adopt regulations to
achieve the maximum feasible reduction in volatile organic compounds
emitted by consumer products, as defined, if the state board determines adequate data exist to establish the regulations are necessary to attain state and federal ambient air quality standards and the regulations are commercially and technologically feasible and necessary. This bill would
authorize the state board to exempt an intentionally added PFAS from that
prohibition if the state board determines that the intentionally added PFAS
has characteristics that are beneficial for the environmental goals of the State of California and is not identified as persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic to the environment. This bill contains other existing laws.
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 - NYC
CASA - OpposeCSDA - WatchACWA - NYC
AB 2257 Wilson [D]This bill would prohibit, if a local agency complies with specified procedures, a person or entity from bringing a judicial action or proceeding alleging noncompliance with the constitutional provisions for any new, increased, or extended fee or assessment, as defined, unless that person
or entity has timely submitted to the local agency a written objection to that
fee or assessment that specifies the grounds for alleging noncompliance,
as specified. This bill would provide that local agency responses to the timely submitted written objections shall go to the weight of the evidence
supporting the agency’s compliance with the substantive limitations on fees and assessments imposed by the constitutional provisions.
Introduced Watch Legislative and Regulatory
Policies: Special Districts - Oppose further state regulations that adversely
impact special district
financing, operations, and
administration.
ACC-OC - NYCLOCC - NYCCASA - NYCCSDA - NYC
ACWA - Sponsor
OC San
State
Bills of Interest
BILL AUTHOR SUMMARY LATEST ACTION OC SAN
POSITION LEGISLATIVE PLAN OTHER
POSITIONS
AB 2515 Papan [D]This bill would similarly prohibit any person from selling in the state any
menstrual products that contain regulated PFAS, as defined. The bill would require, no later than January 1, 2027, the Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC), in consultation with the State Department of Public Health, to identify and assess the hazards of chemicals or chemical
classes that can provide the same or similar function in menstrual products
as regulated PFAS and that can impact vulnerable populations and to
make this information publicly available on the DTSC’s internet website.
Introduced Watch State Priorities: Monitor
state legislation as well as
State Water Resources
Control Board (SWRCB)
regulatory activity related to PFAS.
ACC-OC - NYC
LOCC - NYCCASA - NYCCSDA - WatchACWA - NYC
AB 2626 Dixon [D]This bill would extend the compliance dates for local government set forth in the Advanced Clean Fleets Regulation by 10 years. The bill would prohibit the state board from taking enforcement action against a local government for violating the Advanced Clean Fleets Regulation if the
alleged violation occurs before January 1, 2025.
Introduced Watch Legislative and Regulatory
Policies: Special Districts - Oppose further state
regulations that adversely
impact special district
financing, operations, and administration.
ACC-OC - NYCLOCC - NYCCASA - NYCCSDA - NYC
ACWA - NYC
AB 2735 Rubio [D]This bill would authorize a public utility, as defined, to enter into a joint powers agreement with a public agency for the purpose of jointly exercising
any power common to the contracting parties. The bill would also authorize
a public utility and one or more public agencies to provide insurance, as
specified, by a joint powers agreement. The bill would also authorize a public utility and one or more public agencies to enter into a joint powers agreement for the purposes of risk-pooling, as specified.
Introduced Watch Legislative and Regulatory
Policies: Special Districts -
Oppose further state
regulations that adversely impact special district financing, operations, and administration.
ACC-OC - NYCLOCC - NYC
CASA - NYC
CSDA - NYC
ACWA - NYC
AB 2761 Hart [D]This bill would enact the Reducing Toxics in Packaging Act, which would
prohibit, beginning January 1, 2026, a person from manufacturing, selling, offering for sale, or distributing in the state plastic packaging that contains certain chemicals, as specified. The bill would exclude from that prohibition packaging used for certain medical, drug, and federally regulated products. The bill would authorize the imposition of a civil penalty for a violation of
that prohibition, as specified.
Introduced 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 - NYCCASA - NYCCSDA - WatchACWA - NYC
OC San
State
Bills of Interest
BILL AUTHOR SUMMARY LATEST ACTION OC SAN
POSITION LEGISLATIVE PLAN OTHER
POSITIONS
AB 2894 Gallagher [D]Spot Bill related to Indoor Residential Water Use. More information to
come.
Introduced Watch Legislative and Regulatory
Policies: Special Districts - Oppose further state regulations that adversely impact special district
financing, operations, and
administration.
ACC-OC - NYC
LOCC - NYCCASA - NYCCSDA - NYCACWA - NYC
AB 3073 Haney [D]This bill would require the state board to create a program to test for illicit substances, including, but not limited to, cocaine, fentanyl, methamphetamine, and morphine, in wastewater, as provided. The bill
would require local sanitation agencies to collect wastewater sample for
testing by the state board. By imposing additional duties on local agencies,
this bill would impose a state-mandated local program. The bill would require the state board to transmit the results of its wastewater testing to the State Department of Public Health for the department to post on its internet website.
Introduced Watch Legislative and Regulatory
Policies: Special Districts -
Oppose further state
regulations that adversely
impact special district
financing, operations, and administration.
ACC-OC - NYCLOCC - NYCCASA - NYC
CSDA - Oppose
ACWA - NYC
ACA 2 Alanis [R]Would establish the Water and Wildfire Resiliency Fund within the State Treasury, and would require the Treasurer to annually transfer an amount equal to 3% of all state revenues that may be appropriated as described from the General Fund to the Water and Wildfire Resiliency Fund. The measure would require the moneys in the fund to be appropriated by the
Legislature and would require that 50% of the moneys in the fund be used
for water projects, as specified, and that the other 50% of the moneys in
the fund be used for forest maintenance and health projects, as specified.
Referred to the Assembly Water, Parks, and Wildlifre Committee and the Assembly Natural Resources Committee
Watch Guiding Priorities: Obtain
financial assistance for OC
San projects through grants,
loans, and legislative directed funding.
ACC-OC - NYCLOCC - NYCCASA - NYCCSDA - WatchACWA - NYC
SB 23 Caballero [D]This bill would require, if an applicant requests a preapplication
consultation, the state board or regional boards to adhere to specified
procedures and timelines in reviewing the application before issuing project
certification. The bill would authorize a project proponent to petition the state board to reconsider its determination of application completeness, or
to appeal to the state board any regional board’s determination of application completeness. This bill would authorize a state agency, defined to mean any agency, board, or commission, including the state board or
the regional boards, with the power to issue a permit that would authorize a
water supply project or authorize a flood risk reduction project, to take
specified actions in order to complete permit review and approval in an expeditious manner. The bill would make findings and declarations related to the need to expedite water supply projects and flood risk reduction projects to better address climate change impacts while protecting the
environment.
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 - NYC
CASA - NYC
CSDA - SupportACWA - Sponsor
OC San
State
Bills of Interest
BILL AUTHOR SUMMARY LATEST ACTION OC SAN
POSITION LEGISLATIVE PLAN OTHER
POSITIONS
SB 867 Allen [D]Would enact the Drought, Flood, and Water Resilience, Wildfire and Forest
Resilience, Coastal Resilience, Extreme Heat Mitigation, Biodiversity and Nature-Based Climate Solutions, Climate Smart Agriculture, Park Creation and Outdoor Access, and Clean Energy Bond Act of 2024, which, if approved by the voters, would authorize the issuance of bonds in the
amount of $15,500,000,000 pursuant to the State General Obligation Bond
Law to finance projects for drought, flood, and water resilience, wildfire and
forest resilience, coastal resilience, extreme heat mitigation, biodiversity and nature-based climate solutions, climate smart agriculture, park creation and outdoor access, and clean energy programs.
Currently in the
Assembly Natural Resources Committee
Watch Guiding Priorities: Obtain
financial assistance for OC
San projects through grants,
loans, and legislative
directed funding.
ACC-OC - NYC
LOCC - Support if AmendedCASA - Support if Amended
CSDA - Support if
Amended
ACWA - Support if Amended
SB 903 Skinner [D]This bill would, beginning January 1, 2030, prohibit a person from
distributing, selling, or offering for sale a product that contains intentionally
added PFAS, as defined, unless the Department of Toxic Substances Control has made a determination that the use of PFAS in the product is a currently unavoidable use, the prohibition is preempted by federal law, or the product is used. The bill would specify the criteria and procedures for
determining whether the use of PFAS in a product is a currently
unavoidable use, for renewing that determination, and for revoking that
determination. The bill would require the department to maintain on its internet website a list of each determination of currently unavoidable use, when each determination expires, and the products and uses that are exempt from the prohibition. The bill would impose a civil penalty for a
violation of the prohibition, as specified.
Introduced Support State Priorities: Monitor state legislation as well as State Water Resources
Control Board (SWRCB)
regulatory activity related to
PFAS.
ACC-OC - NYC
LOCC - NYC
CASA - SponsorCSDA - WatchACWA - NYC
SB 1034 Seyarto [R]This bill would revise the unusual circumstances under which the time limit may be extended to include the need to search for, collect, appropriately
examine, and copy records during a state of emergency proclaimed by the
Governor when the state of emergency has affected the agency’s ability to
timely respond to requests due to decreased staffing or closure of the
agency’s facilities.
Introduced Support Legislative and Regulatory
Policies: Special Districts -
Oppose further state
regulations that adversely
impact special district financing, operations, and administration.
ACC-OC - NYCLOCC - NYC
CASA - NYC
CSDA - NYC
ACWA - NYC
SB 1072 Padilla [D]This bill would require, if a property-related fee or charge creates revenues
in excess of the local government’s reasonable cost of providing the specific benefit or specific government service, that the excess revenues
be used only to reduce the subsequently adopted and following property-
related fee or charge. The bill would declare that this provision is
declaratory of existing law.
Introduced Watch Legislative and Regulatory
Policies: Special Districts -
Oppose further state
regulations that adversely
impact special district
financing, operations, and administration.
ACC-OC - NYCLOCC - NYCCASA - NYC
CSDA - Watch
ACWA - Favor
OC San
State
Bills of Interest
BILL AUTHOR SUMMARY LATEST ACTION OC SAN
POSITION LEGISLATIVE PLAN OTHER
POSITIONS
SB 1210 Skinner [D]This bill would, for new housing construction, prohibit a connection,
capacity, or other point of connection charge from a public utility, as defined, or a special district, as defined, for electrical, gas, sewer, or water service from exceeding 1% of the reported building permit value of that housing unit. The bill would require a public utility or special district to issue
an above-described charge over a period of at least 10 years commencing
on the date when the housing unit is first occupied, as specified. The bill
would require a public utility to publicly report on its internet website the amount of any charge issued each year pursuant the above-described
provision by the housing unit’s address. The bill would also require a public utility to prioritize the processing, approval, scheduling, and completion of electrical, gas, sewer, and water service connections to new housing
construction over the processing, approval, scheduling, and completion of
service connections to all other structures.
Introduced Watch Legislative and Regulatory
Policies: Special Districts - Oppose further state regulations that adversely impact special district
financing, operations, and
administration.
ACC-OC - NYC
LOCC - NYCCASA - NYCCSDA - OpposeACWA - Oppose
SB 1266 Limon [D]Existing law prohibits the manufacture, sale, or distribution in commerce of any bottle or cup that contains bisphenol A, as specified, if the bottle or cup
is designed or intended to be filled with any liquid, food, or beverage
intended primarily for consumption by children 3 years of age or younger.
This bill would apply the above prohibitions and requirements to all forms of bisphenol and to perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, as defined, unless they are temporarily essential chemicals, as defined. The
bill would authorize the department to establish standards for the children’s
products above that are more protective of public health, sensitive
populations, or the environment than the standards established by the bill.
Introduced Watch State Priorities: Monitor
state legislation as well as State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) regulatory activity related to
PFAS.
ACC-OC - NYCLOCC - NYC
CASA - NYC
CSDA - Watch
ACWA - NYC
SB 1393 Niello [R]This bill would require the state board to establish the Advanced Clean Fleets Regulation Appeals Advisory Committee by an unspecified date for purposes of reviewing appeals of denied requests for exemptions from the requirements of the Advanced Clean Fleets Regulation. The bill would require the committee to include representatives of specified state
agencies, other state and local government representatives, and
representatives of private fleet owners, the electric vehicle manufacturing
industry, and electrical corporations, as provided. The bill would require the committee to meet monthly and would require recordings of its meetings to
be made publicly available on the state board’s internet website. The bill would require the committee to consider, and make a recommendation on,
an appeal of an exemption request denial no later than 60 days after the
appeal is made.
Introduced Watch Legislative and Regulatory
Policies: Special Districts - Oppose further state regulations that adversely
impact special district
financing, operations, and
administration.
ACC-OC - NYCLOCC - NYCCASA - NYCCSDA - NYCACWA - NYC
OC San
State
Bills of Interest
BILL AUTHOR SUMMARY LATEST ACTION OC SAN
POSITION LEGISLATIVE PLAN OTHER
POSITIONS
Legend:
ACC-OC - Association of California Cities, Orange CountyLOCC - League of California CitiesNYC - Not Yet Considered
CASA - California Association of Sanitation Agencies
ACWA - Association of California Water Agencies
CSDA - California Special Districts Association
March 12, 2024
The Honorable Tom Carper, Chairman
The Honorable Shelley Moore Capito, Ranking Member
Committee on Environment and Public Works
United States Senate
Washington, DC 20510
Dear Chairman Carper and Ranking Member Capito:
As the Committee on Environment and Public Works considers the critical need to
address passive receiver liability for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) cleanup
under Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act
(CERCLA), the Orange County Sanitation District (OC San) believes the committee must
amend CERCLA. This will ensure clean water agencies like OC San are provided
protections from frivolous and unwarranted litigation. Our request is consistent with
past congressional actions that delivered such protections to preclude the use of
CERCLA liability to cast a net of liability over innocent, passive receivers.
We generally support USEPA’s efforts to eliminate and clean-up sites contaminated by
perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctane Sulfonate (PFOS), and other PFAS.
However, such efforts must recognize that utilities do not use, manufacture, or sell
these compounds. Rather, chemical and product manufacturers create and sell these
compounds that result in discharges to clean water systems. As part of our role in
protecting public health and the environment through treatment of wastewater
influent, PFAS and other constituents are concentrated, and then appropriately
disposed of via wastewater effluent and/or biosolids. This process is accomplished
consistent with all applicable laws, including the Clean Water Act.
The USEPA has signaled that it intends to employ “enforcement discretion” and not
pursue CERCLA cleanup liability against drinking water and wastewater systems related
to PFAS. However, this does not protect water and wastewater systems against CERCLA
claims filed by third parties, nor does it prevent polluters from entangling local
agencies in CERCLA litigation or actions by employing the “joint and several” CERCLA
liability regime to attempt to offload their cleanup responsibility onto our ratepayers.
Without guardrails to protect water and wastewater agencies (and by extension, the
public ratepayers we serve), the CERCLA hazardous substances designation would
divert limited public resources to defend against such litigation.
Page Two
Moreover, subjecting ratepayers to polluter and third-party initiated CERCLA litigation
directly conflicts with the “polluter pays” principle at the core of CERCLA. Ultimately,
without a passive receiver’s exemption, CERCLA designation will result in increased
water and wastewater rates nationwide, and financially burden local governments that
were not responsible for the manufacture and sale of these chemicals. Congress must
develop and pass liability protections to protect water systems and their ratepayers
against these claims.
On behalf of OC San, we urge you to protect water and wastewater system ratepayers
nationwide by providing clear and targeted liability protections for passive receivers
that appropriately handle and dispose of PFAS.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Jennifer Cabral, OC
San Administration Manager, at (714) 593-7581 or via mail at JCabral@ocsan.gov.
Sincerely,
Chad P. Wanke
Board Chairman
March 5, 2024
The Honorable Kelly Seyarto
California State Senate
1021 O Street, Suite 7120
Sacramento, CA 95814
RE: SB 1034 (Seyarto): California Public Records Act: State of Emergency
Orange County Sanitation District – Support
Dear Senator Seyarto,
On behalf of the Orange County Sanitation District (OC San), I am writing today to support
Senate Bill (SB) 1034. This bill adds a clause to the “unusual circumstances” definition pertaining
to a request of the California Public Records Act (CPRA). If the Governor proclaims a state of
emergency, this qualifies as an “unusual circumstance” as defined in SB 1034, which extends
the response time for a public records request to no more than 14 additional days.
A state of emergency can affect state and local agencies’ ability to timely respond to CPRA
requests due to decreased staffing or closure of the agency’s facilities. Additionally, difficulties
can include a combination of resource constraints, logistical hurdles, safety concerns, and the
need to prioritize immediate needs. SB 1034 allows for an extension to the existing law which
requires agencies to respond within 10 days of receiving the request, as the state of emergency
proclaimed by the Governor falls under an “unusual circumstance”. The agency would now have
an extension of not more than 14 days to respond. With an extension during a state of
emergency, this will allow agencies to prioritize urgent and life-threatening situations, instead
of allocating resources to stay within CPRA compliance.
SB 1034 allows agencies to focus on keeping their communities safe during a state of
emergency. During a state of emergency, agencies may face a surge in demand for their
services while simultaneously experiencing resource constraints. These constraints can include
shortages in staffing, equipment, and supplies, and immediate safety concerns, making it
difficult to promptly respond to public record requests to stay within the compliance period. SB
1034 allows agencies to focus on keeping their communities safe in a state of emergency.
OC San applauds your leadership on this issue and is honored to support SB 1034. If you have
any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Jennifer Cabral, Administration Manager,
at (714) 593-7581 or via mail at JCabral@ocsan.gov.
Sincerely,
Chad P. Wanke
Board Chairman
california legislature—2023–24 regular session
ASSEMBLY BILL No. 3073
Introduced by Assembly Member Haney
February 16, 2024
An act to add Section 13192 to the Water Code, relating to
wastewater.
legislative counsel’s digest
AB 3073, as introduced, Haney. Wastewater testing: illicit substances.
Existing law requires the State Water Resources Control Board to
classify types of wastewater treatment plants, as defined, for the purpose
of determining the levels of competence necessary to operate them.
Existing law requires a person who operates a nonexempt wastewater
treatment plant to possess a valid, unexpired wastewater certificate of
the appropriate grade.
This bill would require the state board to create a program to test for
illicit substances, including, but not limited to, cocaine, fentanyl,
methamphetamine, and morphine, in wastewater, as provided. The bill
would require local sanitation agencies to collect wastewater sample
for testing by the state board. By imposing additional duties on local
agencies, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program. The
bill would require the state board to transmit the results of its wastewater
testing to the State Department of Public Health for the department to
post on its internet website.
The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local
agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state.
Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.
This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates
determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state,
99
reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to the statutory
provisions noted above.
Vote: majority. Appropriation: no. Fiscal committee: yes.
State-mandated local program: yes.
The people of the State of California do enact as follows:
line 1 SECTION 1. Section 13192 is added to the Water Code, to
line 2 read:
line 3 13192. (a) (1) The state board shall create a program to test
line 4 for illicit substances in wastewater.
line 5 (2) The State Department of Public Health shall advise the state
line 6 board on what illicit substances to test for, including, but not
line 7 limited to, cocaine, fentanyl, methamphetamine, and morphine.
line 8 (b) The state board, in consultation with other jurisdictions
line 9 operating wastewater drug testing programs in the United States
line 10 and abroad, shall develop uniform standards for testing.
line 11 (c) Local sanitation agencies shall collect wastewater samples
line 12 for testing by the state board.
line 13 (d) Testing may include testing for the substances, their
line 14 metabolites, or other markers.
line 15 (e) Testing shall occur twice a week, with one test on a weekday
line 16 and one on a weekend, or more frequently, as determined by the
line 17 state board in consultation with the State Department of Public
line 18 Health.
line 19 (f) The state board shall transmit the results of its wastewater
line 20 testing to the State Department of Public Health which shall post
line 21 the results on its internet website.
line 22 SEC. 2. If the Commission on State Mandates determines that
line 23 this act contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement to
line 24 local agencies and school districts for those costs shall be made
line 25 pursuant to Part 7 (commencing with Section 17500) of Division
line 26 4 of Title 2 of the Government Code.
O
99
— 2 — AB 3073
STEERING COMMITTEE
Agenda Report
Administration Building
10844 Ellis Avenue
Fountain Valley, CA 92708
(714) 593-7433
File #:2024-3513 Agenda Date:3/27/2024 Agenda Item No:CS-1
FROM:Robert Thompson, General Manager
SUBJECT:
CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS - GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54957.6
RECOMMENDATION: Convene in Closed Session:
Designated Representatives:General Manager Robert Thompson,Assistant General Manager
Lorenzo Tyner, Director of Human Resources Laura Maravilla, and Chief Negotiator Laura Kalty.
Employee Organizations: (3)
International Union of Operating Engineers,Local 501;Orange County Employees Association;and
the Supervisory and Professional Management Group.
BACKGROUND
During the course of conducting the business set forth on this agenda as a regular meeting of the
Board,the Chairperson may convene the Board in closed session to consider matters of pending real
estate negotiations, pending or potential litigation, or personnel matters.
Reports relating to (a)purchase and sale of real property;(b)matters of pending or potential
litigation;(c)employment actions or negotiations with employee representatives;or which are exempt
from public disclosure under the California Public Records Act,may be reviewed by the Board during
a permitted closed session and are not available for public inspection.At such time the Board takes
final action on any of these subjects, the minutes will reflect all required disclosures of information.
RELEVANT STANDARDS
·Government Code Sections 54956.8, 54956.9, 54957, or 54957.6, as noted
ATTACHMENT
The following attachment(s)may be viewed on-line at the OC San website (www.ocsan.gov)with the complete agenda
package:
·Memorandum from General Counsel
Orange County Sanitation District Printed on 3/20/2024Page 1 of 1
powered by Legistar™
WOODRUFF & SMART, APC
555 ANTON BOULEVARD, SUITE 1200 | COSTA MESA, CA 92626-7670 | TELEPHONE (714) 558-7000 | FAX (714) 835-7787
WWW.WOODRUFF.LAW
M E M O R A N D U M
TO: Hon. Chair and Members of the Orange County Sanitation District Steering
Committee
FROM: Bradley R. Hogin, Esq.
General Counsel
DATE: March 19, 2024
RE: Closed Session Items
The Steering Committee will hold a closed session on March 27, 2024 for the purpose of
conferring with its labor negotiators to discuss negotiations with the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 501; Orange County Employees Association; and the Supervisory and Professional Management Group. The Agency Designated Representatives are Robert
Thompson, Lorenzo Tyner, Laura Maravilla and Chief Negotiator Laura Kalty. The closed
session will be held pursuant to authority of California Government Code Section 54957.6.
Respectfully submitted,
By_________________________________
Bradley R. Hogin, General Counsel
STEERING COMMITTEE
Agenda Report
Administration Building
10844 Ellis Avenue
Fountain Valley, CA 92708
(714) 593-7433
File #:2024-3527 Agenda Date:3/27/2024 Agenda Item No:CS-2
FROM:Robert Thompson, General Manager
SUBJECT:
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL RE EXISTING LITIGATION - GOVERNMENT CODE
SECTION 54956.9(D)(1)
RECOMMENDATION: Convene in Closed Session:
Number of Cases: 1
Gina A.Tetsch,Workers’Compensation Claim,Workers Compensation Appeals Board,Case No.
ADJ11373743.
BACKGROUND
During the course of conducting the business set forth on this agenda as a regular meeting of the
Board,the Chairperson may convene the Board in closed session to consider matters of pending real
estate negotiations, pending or potential litigation, or personnel matters.
Reports relating to (a)purchase and sale of real property;(b)matters of pending or potential
litigation;(c)employment actions or negotiations with employee representatives;or which are exempt
from public disclosure under the California Public Records Act,may be reviewed by the Board during
a permitted closed session and are not available for public inspection.At such time the Board takes
final action on any of these subjects, the minutes will reflect all required disclosures of information.
RELEVANT STANDARDS
·Government Code Sections 54956.8, 54956.9, 54957, or 54957.6, as noted
ATTACHMENT
The following attachment(s)may be viewed on-line at the OC San website (www.ocsan.gov)with the complete agenda
package:
·Memorandum from General Counsel
Orange County Sanitation District Printed on 3/19/2024Page 1 of 1
powered by Legistar™
WOODRUFF & SMART, APC
555 ANTON BOULEVARD, SUITE 1200 | COSTA MESA, CA 92626-7670 | TELEPHONE (714) 558-7000 | FAX (714) 835-7787
WWW.WOODRUFF.LAW
M E M O R A N D U M
TO: Hon. Chair and Members of the Orange County Sanitation District Steering
Committee
FROM: Bradley R. Hogin, Esq.
General Counsel
DATE: March 19, 2024
RE: Closed Session Items
The Steering Committee desires to hold a closed session on March 27, 2024 for the
purpose of conferring with its legal counsel regarding existing litigation to which the District is a
party. The title of the case is Gina A. Tetsch, Workers’ Compensation Claim, Workers
Compensation Appeals Board, Case No. ADJ11373743. The closed session will be held
pursuant to the authority of California Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1).
Respectfully submitted,
By_________________________________
Bradley R. Hogin, General Counsel
STEERING COMMITTEE
Agenda Report
Administration Building
10844 Ellis Avenue
Fountain Valley, CA 92708
(714) 593-7433
File #:2024-3514 Agenda Date:3/27/2024 Agenda Item No:CS-3
FROM:Robert Thompson, General Manager
SUBJECT:
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL RE EXISTING LITIGATION - GOVERNMENT CODE
SECTION 54956.9(d)(1)
GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION
RECOMMENDATION: Convene in Closed Session:
Number of Cases: 1
Orange County Sanitation District v. Robert M. Jackson, et al., Orange County Superior Court Case
No.30-2024-01379706-CU-OR-CJC.
BACKGROUND
During the course of conducting the business set forth on this agenda as a regular meeting of the
Board,the Chairperson may convene the Board in closed session to consider matters of pending real
estate negotiations, pending or potential litigation, or personnel matters.
Reports relating to (a)purchase and sale of real property;(b)matters of pending or potential
litigation;(c)employment actions or negotiations with employee representatives;or which are exempt
from public disclosure under the California Public Records Act,may be reviewed by the Board during
a permitted closed session and are not available for public inspection.At such time the Board takes
final action on any of these subjects, the minutes will reflect all required disclosures of information.
RELEVANT STANDARDS
·Government Code Sections 54956.8, 54956.9, 54957, or 54957.6, as noted
ATTACHMENT
The following attachment(s)may be viewed on-line at the OC San website (www.ocsan.gov)with the complete agenda
package:
·Memorandum from General Counsel
Orange County Sanitation District Printed on 3/20/2024Page 1 of 1
powered by Legistar™
WOODRUFF & SMART, APC
555 ANTON BOULEVARD, SUITE 1200 | COSTA MESA, CA 92626-7670 | TELEPHONE (714) 558-7000 | FAX (714) 835-7787
WWW.WOODRUFF.LAW
M E M O R A N D U M
TO: Hon. Chair and Members of the Orange County Sanitation District Steering
Committee
FROM: Bradley R. Hogin, Esq.
General Counsel
DATE: March 19, 2024
RE: Closed Session Items
The Steering Committee desires to hold a closed session on March 27, 2024 for the
purpose of conferring with its legal counsel regarding existing litigation to which the District is a
party. The title of the case is Orange County Sanitation District v. Robert M. Jackson, et. al.,
Orange County Superior Court Case No. 30-2024-01379706-CU-OR-CJC. The closed session
will be held pursuant to the authority of California Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1).
Respectfully submitted,
By_________________________________
Bradley R. Hogin, General Counsel
STEERING COMMITTEE
Agenda Report
Administration Building
10844 Ellis Avenue
Fountain Valley, CA 92708
(714) 593-7433
File #:2024-3528 Agenda Date:3/27/2024 Agenda Item No:CS-4
FROM:Robert Thompson, General Manager
SUBJECT:
PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION 54957(B)(1)
RECOMMENDATION: Convene in Closed Session:
Public Employee Performance Evaluation
Number of Employees: 1
·General Counsel
BACKGROUND
During the course of conducting the business set forth on this agenda as a regular meeting of the
Board,the Chairperson may convene the Board in closed session to consider matters of pending real
estate negotiations, pending or potential litigation, or personnel matters.
Reports relating to (a)purchase and sale of real property;(b)matters of pending or potential
litigation;(c)employment actions or negotiations with employee representatives;or which are exempt
from public disclosure under the California Public Records Act,may be reviewed by the Board during
a permitted closed session and are not available for public inspection.At such time the Board takes
final action on any of these subjects, the minutes will reflect all required disclosures of information.
RELEVANT STANDARDS
·Government Code Sections 54956.8, 54956.9, 54957, or 54957.6, as noted
ATTACHMENT
The following attachment(s)may be viewed on-line at the OC San website (www.ocsan.gov)with the complete agenda
package:
·Memorandum from General Counsel
Orange County Sanitation District Printed on 3/19/2024Page 1 of 1
powered by Legistar™
WOODRUFF & SMART, APC
555 ANTON BOULEVARD, SUITE 1200 | COSTA MESA, CA 92626-7670 | TELEPHONE (714) 558-7000 | FAX (714) 835-7787
WWW.WOODRUFF.LAW
M E M O R A N D U M
TO: Hon. Chair and Members of the Orange County Sanitation District Steering
Committee
FROM: Bradley R. Hogin, Esq.
General Counsel
DATE: March 19, 2024
RE: Closed Session Items
The Steering Committee desires to hold a closed session on March 27, 2024 for the purpose
of conferring for the evaluation of the District’s General Counsel. Said closed session will be held
pursuant to authority of California Government Code Section 54957(b)(1).
Respectfully submitted,
By_________________________________
Bradley R. Hogin, General Counsel
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.