HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-11-2026 Administration Committee Complete Agenda PacketNOTICE OF REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION NOTICE
ORANGE COUNTY SANITATION DISTRICT
ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE
MARCH 11, 2026 - 5:00 PM
ACCESSIBILITY FOR THE GENERAL PUBLIC
Your participation is always welcome. OC San offers several ways in which to interact during
this meeting.
MEETING PARTICIPATION INSTRUCTIONS
www.ocsan.gov
IN-PERSON MEETING ATTENDANCE
OC San Headquarters: 18480 Bandilier Circle, Fountain Valley, CA 92708
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PARTICIPATE BY TELEPHONE
Dial: (213) 279-1455
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SUBMIT A COMMENT
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ROLL CALL ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE Finance, Information Technology, Environmental Services
and Human Resources
Meeting Date: March 11, 2026 Time: 5:00 p.m.
COMMITTEE MEMBERS (14)
OTHERS
STAFF
ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE
Regular Meeting Agenda
Wednesday, March 11, 2026 - 5:00 PM
Headquarters - Board Room
18480 Bandilier Circle
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 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.
SUBMIT A COMMENT: You may submit your comments and questions in writing in advance of, or during the
meeting by using the eComment feature available online at: https://ocsd.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx or by
sending them to OCSanClerk@ocsan.gov with the subject line "PUBLIC COMMENT ITEM # [insert relevant item
number]" or "PUBLIC COMMENT NON-AGENDA ITEM". 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.
NOTICE TO DIRECTORS: To place items on the agenda for a Committee or Board Meeting, the item must be
submitted 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 Communications: Jennifer Cabral, jcabral@ocsan.gov / (714) 593 7581
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
View Current Board of Directors
ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE Regular Meeting Agenda Wednesday, March 11, 2026
CALL TO ORDER
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL AND DECLARATION OF QUORUM:
Clerk of the Board
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Your participation is always welcome. Specific information as to how to participate in a meeting is detailed in the
Special Notice attached to this agenda. In general, OC San offers several ways in which to interact during
meetings: you may 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 Committee Chairperson and the General Manager may present verbal reports on miscellaneous matters of
general interest to the Directors. These reports are for information only and require no action by the Directors.
CONSENT CALENDAR:
Consent Calendar Items are considered to be routine and will be enacted, by the Committee, after one motion,
without discussion. Any items withdrawn from the Consent Calendar for separate discussion will be considered in
the regular order of business.
1.2026-4730APPROVAL OF MINUTES
RECOMMENDATION:
Approve minutes of the Regular meeting of the Administration Committee held
February 11, 2026.
Originator:Kelly Lore
Attachments:
2.2026-4802FLEET MOBILE EQUIPMENT REPLACEMENT PURCHASES
RECOMMENDATION: Recommend to the Board of Directors to:
A. Approve the purchase of replacement mobile equipment for Orange County
Sanitation District’s fleet as initially approved in the adopted Fiscal Year 2025-26
Budget in the amount of $761,300; and
B. Delegate to the General Manager and Purchasing Manager the authority to
Page 2 of 6
ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE Regular Meeting Agenda Wednesday, March 11, 2026
purchase replacement mobile equipment during the fiscal year in the not to
exceed amount listed above, utilizing the method of procurement determined by
the General Manager to be in the best interest of OC San, to include cooperative
contract, competitive solicitation, or sole source.
Originator:Lorenzo Tyner
Attachments:
NON-CONSENT:
3.2026-4807LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS UPDATE FOR THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY
2026
RECOMMENDATION: Recommend to the Board of Directors to:
Receive and file the Legislative Affairs Update for the month of February 2026.
Originator:Jennifer Cabral
Attachments:
4.2026-4812PUBLIC AFFAIRS UPDATE FOR THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY 2026
RECOMMENDATION: Recommend to the Board of Directors to:
Receive and file the Public Affairs Update for the month of February 2026.
Originator:Jennifer Cabral
Attachments:
5.2026-4814PROPERTY MANAGEMENT SERVICES FOR 18350 MT. LANGLEY
STREET AND 18250 EUCLID STREET, FOUNTAIN VALLEY
RECOMMENDATION: Recommend to the Board of Directors to:
Ratify Amendment No. 7 to the sole source agreement with The Muller Company for
Property Management Services at 18350 Mt. Langley Street and 18250 Euclid Street in
Fountain Valley, on a month to month basis, for management fees of $5,241.90 per
month plus other incurred expenses; and an additional renewal period of twelve (12)
months.
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ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE Regular Meeting Agenda Wednesday, March 11, 2026
Originator:Lorenzo Tyner
Attachments:
6.2026-4769COMPREHENSIVE COST OF SERVICE RATE STUDY,
SPECIFICATION NO. CS-2025-711BD
RECOMMENDATION: Recommend to the Board of Directors to:
A. Approve a Professional Consultant Services Agreement with HDR Engineering,
Inc. to perform a Comprehensive Cost of Service Rate Study, Specification No.
CS-2025-711BD, for a total amount not to exceed $254,280; and
B. Approve a contingency of $25,428 (10%).
Originator:Wally Ritchie
Attachments:
7.2026-4819ORANGE COUNTY WASTE AND RECYCLING WASTE
INFRASTRUCTURE SYSTEM ENTERPRISE AGREEMENT AND
ORGANIC SERVICES AGREEMENT
RECOMMENDATION: Recommend to the Board of Directors to:
A. Approve the Waste Infrastructure System Enterprise (WISE) Agreement and the
Organic Services Agreement with Orange County Waste and Recycling to
receive and dispose of Orange County Sanitation District’s (OC San) solid waste
(grit, screenings, drying bed materials and any solids that cannot be beneficially
reused) at Orange County Waste and Recycling’s landfills for a term of 10 years
from July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2036 for a total amount not to exceed
$18,000,000 which includes the phased-in unit price per ton approach and the
associated escalation costs; and
B. Approve up to one (1) additional, 10-year renewal agreement.
Originator:Lan Wiborg
Attachments:
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ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE Regular Meeting Agenda Wednesday, March 11, 2026
INFORMATION ITEMS:
8.2026-4743INVESTMENT PERFORMANCE RESULTS
RECOMMENDATION:
Information Item.
Originator:Wally Ritchie
Attachments:
9.2026-4818PROCUREMENT PROCESS, BIDS VS RFPS, SOLE SOURCE
CONTRACTS VS COMPETITIVE CONTRACTS
RECOMMENDATION:
Information Item.
Originator:Wally Ritchie
Attachments:
10.2026-4745FY 2026-27 AND 2027-28 ORANGE COUNTY SANITATION DISTRICT
BUDGET REVENUES AND RESERVES OVERVIEW
RECOMMENDATION:
Information Item.
Originator:Wally Ritchie
Attachments:
DEPARTMENT HEAD REPORTS:
CLOSED SESSION:
None.
Page 5 of 6
ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE Regular Meeting Agenda Wednesday, March 11, 2026
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 Administration Committee on April 8,
2026 at 5:00 p.m.
AFFIDAVIT OF POSTING:
I hereby certify under penalty of perjury and as required by the State of California, Government Code §
54954.2(a), that the foregoing Agenda was posted online at www.ocsan.gov, in the lobby, and outside the main
door of Orange County Sanitation District Headquarters at 18480 Bandilier Cir. Fountain Valley, CA 92708 not
less than 72 hours prior to the meeting date and time above. All public records relating to each agenda item,
including those distributed less than 72 hours prior to the meeting to a majority of the Board of Directors, are
available for public inspection with the Clerk of the Board.
/s/ Kelly A. Lore, MMC
March 4, 2026
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ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE
Agenda Report
Headquarters
18480 Bandilier Circle
Fountain Valley, CA 92708
(714) 593-7433
File #:2026-4730 Agenda Date:3/11/2026 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 Administration Committee held February 11, 2026.
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 26-02
ATTACHMENT
The following attachment(s) may be viewed on-line at the OC San website (www.ocsan.gov) with the complete agenda
package:
·February 11, 2026 Administration Committee meeting minutes
Orange County Sanitation District Printed on 2/27/2026Page 1 of 1
Orange County Sanitation District
Minutes for the
ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE
Wednesday, February 11, 2026
5:00 PM
Headquarters - Board Room
18480 Bandilier Circle
Fountain Valley, CA 92708
(714) 593-7433
CALL TO ORDER
A regular meeting of the Administration Committee of the Orange County Sanitation District
was called to order by Committee Chair Christine Marick on Wednesday, February 11, 2026
at 5:00 p.m. in the Orange County Sanitation District Headquarters. Committee Vice Chair
Jamie Valencia led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL AND DECLARATION OF QUORUM:
The Clerk of the Board declared a quorum present as follows:
PRESENT:Debbie Baker, Jon Dumitru, Ryan Gallagher, Melinda Liu, Christine
Marick, Jose Medrano, Jordan Nefulda, Andrew Nguyen, David
Shawver, Jamie Valencia, Chad Wanke, Erik Weigand and Kelly
McBride (Alternate)
ABSENT:Ted Bui
STAFF PRESENT: Rob Thompson, General Manager; Lorenzo Tyner, Assistant General
Manager; Jennifer Cabral, Director of Communications; 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; Mo Abiodun; Jon Bradley; Mortimer
Caparas; Sam Choi; Daisy Covarrubias; Thys DeVries; Al Garcia; Mark Kawamoto; Rebecca
Long; Tom Meregillano; Rob Michaels; Tania Moore; Don Stokes; Thomas Vu; Kevin Work;
Sammady Yi; and Ruth Zintzun were present in the Board Room.
OTHERS PRESENT: Scott Smith, General Counsel; and Cori Takkinen, Townsend Public
Affairs were present in the Board Room. Eric Sapirstein, ENS was present virtually.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
None.
Clerk of the Board Kelly Lore stated that communication had been received after the
publication of the agenda. Staff requested that Item No. 3 be pulled from consideration; and
the Clerk noted that additional corrections had been made to the Draft Conflict of Interest
Code in Item No. 4.
REPORTS:
Chair Marick notified the Committee that OC San Administrative Offices would be closed on
Monday, February 16, in observance of Presidents’ Day.
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ADMINISTRATION
COMMITTEE
Minutes February 11, 2026
Chair Marick congratulated Jaime Valencia on her appointment as Vice Chair of the
Administration Committee and thanked Alternate Director Glenn Grandis for his dedication
and leadership as the former Committee Vice Chair. She also welcomed Director Debbie
Baker to the Administration Committee and stated that Director John Withers had transferred
to the Operations Committee.
General Manager Rob Thompson did not provide a report.
CONSENT CALENDAR:
1.APPROVAL OF MINUTES 2026-4729
Originator: Kelly Lore
MOVED, SECONDED, AND DULY CARRIED TO:
Approve minutes of the Regular meeting of the Administration Committee held
December 10, 2025.
AYES:Debbie Baker, Jon Dumitru, Ryan Gallagher, Melinda Liu, Christine
Marick, Jose Medrano, Jordan Nefulda, Andrew Nguyen, David
Shawver, Jamie Valencia, Chad Wanke, Erik Weigand and Kelly
McBride (Alternate)
NOES:None
ABSENT:Ted Bui
ABSTENTIONS:None
2.UPDATE TO RECORDS MANAGEMENT PROGRAM PROCEDURES
AND RECORDS RETENTION SCHEDULE RESOLUTION
2025-4628
Originator: Jennifer Cabral
Adopt Resolution No. OC SAN 26-XX entitled: “A Resolution of the Board of Directors
of the Orange County Sanitation District Adopting the Records Management Program
Procedures and Records Retention Schedule, Authorizing Destruction of Obsolete
Records, and Repealing Resolution No. OC SAN 24-15”.
AYES:Debbie Baker, Jon Dumitru, Ryan Gallagher, Melinda Liu, Christine
Marick, Jose Medrano, Jordan Nefulda, Andrew Nguyen, David
Shawver, Jamie Valencia, Chad Wanke, Erik Weigand and Kelly
McBride (Alternate)
NOES:None
ABSENT:Ted Bui
ABSTENTIONS:None
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ADMINISTRATION
COMMITTEE
Minutes February 11, 2026
3.THICKENING AND DEWATERING BUILDING HVAC REPLACEMENT
AT PLANT NO. 1
2025-4634
Originator: Lorenzo Tyner
ITEM PULLED FROM CONSIDERATION.
A. Approve a Purchase Order Contract and a Master Turnkey Agreement with
Trane U.S. Inc. for HVAC replacement at the Thickening and Dewatering
Building at Plant No. 1, using the OMNIA Partners (formerly National IPA)
Cooperative Contract No. 3341 for a total amount not to exceed $546,525; and
B. Approve a contingency of $54,652 (10%).
4.2026 CONFLICT OF INTEREST CODE 2026-4660
Originator: Kelly Lore
Adopt Resolution No. OC SAN 26-XX entitled: “A Resolution of the Board of Directors
of the Orange County Sanitation District adopting a Conflict of Interest Code which
supersedes all prior Conflict of Interest Codes and amendments previously adopted”.
AYES:Debbie Baker, Jon Dumitru, Ryan Gallagher, Melinda Liu, Christine
Marick, Jose Medrano, Jordan Nefulda, Andrew Nguyen, David
Shawver, Jamie Valencia, Chad Wanke, Erik Weigand and Kelly
McBride (Alternate)
NOES:None
ABSENT:Ted Bui
ABSTENTIONS:None
5.MID-YEAR TREASURER’S REPORT FOR THE PERIOD ENDED
DECEMBER 31, 2025
2026-4742
Originator: Wally Ritchie
Receive and file the Orange County Sanitation District Mid-Year Treasurer’s Report for
the period ended December 31, 2025.
AYES:Debbie Baker, Jon Dumitru, Ryan Gallagher, Melinda Liu, Christine
Marick, Jose Medrano, Jordan Nefulda, Andrew Nguyen, David
Shawver, Jamie Valencia, Chad Wanke, Erik Weigand and Kelly
McBride (Alternate)
NOES:None
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ADMINISTRATION
COMMITTEE
Minutes February 11, 2026
ABSENT:Ted Bui
ABSTENTIONS:None
6.PUBLIC AFFAIRS UPDATE FOR THE MONTH OF JANUARY 2026 2026-4768
Originator: Jennifer Cabral
Receive and file the Public Affairs Update for the month of January 2026.
AYES:Debbie Baker, Jon Dumitru, Ryan Gallagher, Melinda Liu, Christine
Marick, Jose Medrano, Jordan Nefulda, Andrew Nguyen, David
Shawver, Jamie Valencia, Chad Wanke, Erik Weigand and Kelly
McBride (Alternate)
NOES:None
ABSENT:Ted Bui
ABSTENTIONS:None
7.GENERAL MANAGER APPROVED PURCHASES AND ADDITIONS
TO THE PRE-APPROVED OEM SOLE SOURCE LIST
2026-4779
Originator: Wally Ritchie
A. Receive and file Orange County Sanitation District purchases made under the
General Manager’s authority for the period of October 1, 2025, to December 31,
2025; and
B. Approve the following additions to the pre-approved Original Equipment
Manufacturers (OEM) Sole Source List:
·B&K Valves & Equipment - Val-Matic Series Surgebuster Check Valve
·Auvesy-MDT - Software Support Subscription License Renewal
·Val-Matic Valve and Manufacturing Corp. - Val-Matic Products
·MDT Inc - Auvesy-MDT Software Support Subscription License Renewal
AYES:Debbie Baker, Jon Dumitru, Ryan Gallagher, Melinda Liu, Christine
Marick, Jose Medrano, Jordan Nefulda, Andrew Nguyen, David
Shawver, Jamie Valencia, Chad Wanke, Erik Weigand and Kelly
McBride (Alternate)
NOES:None
ABSENT:Ted Bui
ABSTENTIONS:None
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ADMINISTRATION
COMMITTEE
Minutes February 11, 2026
NON-CONSENT:
8.2026-4772
Originator: Jennifer Cabral
Receive and file the Legislative Affairs Update for the months of December 2025 and
January 2026.
AYES:Debbie Baker, Jon Dumitru, Ryan Gallagher, Melinda Liu, Christine
Marick, Jose Medrano, Jordan Nefulda, Andrew Nguyen, David
Shawver, Jamie Valencia, Chad Wanke, Erik Weigand and Kelly
McBride (Alternate)
NOES:None
ABSENT:Ted Bui
ABSTENTIONS:None
9.ENCROACHMENT AGREEMENT AT 1820 E. 1ST STREET, SANTA
ANA, CA 92705
2026-4661
Originator: Lorenzo Tyner
Recommend to the Board of Director to:
A. Approve and authorize the General Manager to execute an Encroachment
Agreement with 1820 East 1st Street LLC, a Delaware limited liability company,
for the installation of a walkway, fencing, and landscaping at 1820 E. 1st Street,
Santa Ana, CA 92705, in a form approved by General Counsel; and
B. That the Clerk of the Board is hereby authorized and directed to record said
Agreement in the official records of the Orange County Clerk-Recorder’s Office.
AYES:Debbie Baker, Jon Dumitru, Ryan Gallagher, Melinda Liu, Christine
Marick, Jose Medrano, Jordan Nefulda, Andrew Nguyen, David
Shawver, Jamie Valencia, Chad Wanke, Erik Weigand and Kelly
McBride (Alternate)
NOES:None
ABSENT:Ted Bui
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ADMINISTRATION
COMMITTEE
Minutes February 11, 2026
ABSTENTIONS:None
10.MID-YEAR FINANCIAL REPORT FOR THE PERIOD ENDED
DECEMBER 31, 2025
2026-4665
Originator: Wally Ritchie
Receive and file the Orange County Sanitation District Mid-Year Financial Report for
the period ended December 31, 2025.
AYES:Debbie Baker, Jon Dumitru, Ryan Gallagher, Melinda Liu, Christine
Marick, Jose Medrano, Jordan Nefulda, Andrew Nguyen, David
Shawver, Jamie Valencia, Chad Wanke, Erik Weigand and Kelly
McBride (Alternate)
NOES:None
ABSENT:Ted Bui
ABSTENTIONS:None
INFORMATION ITEMS:
11.WET WEATHER PREPARATION AND RESPONSES 2026-4780
Originator: Riaz Moinuddin
Information Item.
12.RATE SETTING PROCESS 2026-4782
Originator: Wally Ritchie
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ADMINISTRATION
COMMITTEE
Minutes February 11, 2026
The presentation included an overview of Proposition 218, the legal requirements
under Proposition 218, the proper steps, cost of service study, public transparency, the
timeline, takeaways, and the recommendation.
ITEM RECEIVED AS AN:
Information Item.
DEPARTMENT HEAD REPORTS:
None.
CLOSED SESSION:
None.
OTHER BUSINESS AND COMMUNICATIONS OR SUPPLEMENTAL AGENDA ITEMS, IF
ANY:
None.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS INITIATED ITEMS FOR A FUTURE MEETING:
None.
ADJOURNMENT:
Chair Marick declared the meeting adjourned at 5:28 p.m. to the next Regular Administration
Committee meeting to be held on Wednesday, March 11, 2026 at 5:00 p.m.
Submitted by:
__________________
Kelly A. Lore, MMC
Clerk of the Board
Page 7 of 7
ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE
Agenda Report
Headquarters
18480 Bandilier Circle
Fountain Valley, CA 92708
(714) 593-7433
File #:2026-4802 Agenda Date:3/11/2026 Agenda Item No:2.
FROM:Robert Thompson, General Manager
Originator: Lorenzo Tyner, Assistant General Manager
SUBJECT:
FLEET MOBILE EQUIPMENT REPLACEMENT PURCHASES
GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION
RECOMMENDATION: Recommend to the Board of Directors to:
A. Approve the purchase of replacement mobile equipment for Orange County Sanitation
District’s fleet as initially approved in the adopted Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budget in the amount of
$761,300; and
B. Delegate to the General Manager and Purchasing Manager the authority to purchase
replacement mobile equipment during the fiscal year in the not to exceed amount listed above,
utilizing the method of procurement determined by the General Manager to be in the best
interest of OC San, to include cooperative contract, competitive solicitation, or sole source.
BACKGROUND
Orange County Sanitation District (OC San)maintains a fleet of mobile equipment necessary to meet
business needs and support emergency operations.The fleet comprises portable pumps and
generators, forklifts, loaders, and a multitude of trailer-mounted equipment, totaling 96 units.
OC San’s Fleet Services Division replaces equipment based on expected useful life and disposes of
units utilizing a third-party auction service.The replacement action is based on the current unit’s
ability to meet the assigned departmental needs,age,maintenance cost,condition,compliance with
environmental regulations,and profiled emergency response capability.All proposed replacement
units were identified as required for business needs during the fiscal year 2025-26 budget
preparation process.
The replacement of mobile equipment is proposed annually during budget preparation.The Board
subsequently approves equipment procurements under the capital equipment section of the budget
in June of each year.OC San enters into purchase order agreements with entities that allow
adherence to internal specifications thus eliminating unnecessary options in the retail market.
RELEVANT STANDARDS
·Participate in local, state, and national cooperative purchasing programs
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File #:2026-4802 Agenda Date:3/11/2026 Agenda Item No:2.
·Ensure the public's money is wisely spent
·Maintain a proactive asset management program
PROBLEM
The mobile equipment identified for replacement is nearing the end of economically useful life.
Maintenance costs continue to increase,and the physical condition of the assets warrant significant
restoration.Additionally,these older units lack modern safety features which are key to keeping staff
safe and are terming out due to more stringent air emissions regulations.
PROPOSED SOLUTION
Authorize the General Manager and Purchasing Manager to utilize the method of procurement
determined to be in the best interest of OC San,to include cooperative contract,competitive
solicitation,or sole source.This will allow staff to obtain equipment in markets where inventory is
readily available and meet the operational needs of the organization.
TIMING CONCERNS
OC San’s internal process requires additional committee and board action time,jeopardizing the
ability to replace equipment with external deadlines beyond OC San’s control.Granting authority to
the General Manager and Purchasing Manager to target the most appropriate method to obtain the
replacement units ensures the most optimal and cost-effective way to source the replacement
equipment.
RAMIFICATIONS OF NOT TAKING ACTION
The equipment selected for replacement is costly to maintain,requires significant overhaul to
maintain reliability,and is facing limited operating hours annually as air emission regulations become
more stringent.Unscheduled maintenance costs are increasing,and equipment reliability will
compromise the ability to meet business needs.
PRIOR COMMITTEE/BOARD ACTIONS
N/A
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The requested equipment type composition is shown in the table below,but may be substituted
depending on the actual condition of the equipment being replaced and market availability:
Purchase Type Vehicle Type Quantity Cost
Replacement Forklift 2 $170,000
Replacement Portable Diesel Bypass Pump 1 $152,000
Replacement Portable Diesel Air Compressor 2 $105,200
Replacement Portable Diesel Electrical Generator 2 $225,100
Replacement Scissor Lift - Man Lift 2 $109,000
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File #:2026-4802 Agenda Date:3/11/2026 Agenda Item No:2.
CEQA
N/A
FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS
This request complies with the authority levels of OC San’s Purchasing Ordinance.This item has
been budgeted (Budget Update FY 2025-26,Page A-15,Fleet Services:Other Mobile Equipment)
and the budget is sufficient for the recommended action.
Date of Approval Contract Amount Contingency
03/25/2026 $761,300 0%
ATTACHMENT
The following attachment(s)may be viewed on-line at the OC San website (www.ocsan.gov)with the complete agenda
package:
N/A
Orange County Sanitation District Printed on 3/3/2026Page 3 of 3
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ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE
Agenda Report
Headquarters
18480 Bandilier Circle
Fountain Valley, CA 92708
(714) 593-7433
File #:2026-4807 Agenda Date:3/11/2026 Agenda Item No:3.
FROM:Robert Thompson, General Manager
Originator: Jennifer Cabral, Director of Communications
SUBJECT:
LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS UPDATE FOR THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY 2026
GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION
RECOMMENDATION: Recommend to the Board of Directors to:
Receive and file the Legislative Affairs Update for the month of February 2026.
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, or 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 interests and help
identify,create,and monitor legislation and grant opportunities that would benefit OC San,the
wastewater industry,and the community.To strengthen relationship building efforts,OC San will
continue to engage elected officials through facility tours,one-on-one meetings,and outreach trips to
Washington D.C. and Sacramento.
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File #:2026-4807 Agenda Date:3/11/2026 Agenda Item No:3.
RAMIFICATIONS OF NOT TAKING ACTION
If OC San does not actively engage with Local,State,and Federal elected officials,legislation could
be enacted that negatively impacts OC San and the wastewater industry.Additionally,lack of
engagement may result in missed funding opportunities.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Activities in February:
·On Thursday,February 12,OC San staff and the Federal Lobbyist attended a virtual meeting
with Senators Schiff and Padilla.The Senators’staff provided an overview of the federal
appropriations process,how to apply for funding,and what to expect for Fiscal Year 2027.
The presentation included an overview of Congressionally Directed Spending,Programmatic
Funding, and procedures for securing funding for projects in California.
·The Legislative Analyst’s Office reported that the November 2025 Cap-and-Invest auction
generated about $844 million,below budget assumptions and down roughly $150 million from
last year.Auctions resumed in February 2026,with the results being closely watched to
determine whether Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund revenues stabilize or remain below
projections.The outcomes could influence mid-year budget adjustments and future funding
availability.
Upcoming Activities in March:
·State Legislature:Committees will be meeting throughout the month to hear bills leading up to
the Legislative Spring recess slated for March 26.
·OC San federal lobbyists continue to work with congressional committees to advance PFAS
liability exemptions for clean water agencies, to prevent potential liability associated with
biosolids management.
PRIOR COMMITTEE/BOARD ACTIONS
N/A
CEQA
N/A
FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS
All items mentioned are included in OC San’s FY 2025-26 adopted Budget.
Orange County Sanitation District Printed on 3/3/2026Page 2 of 3
powered by Legistar™
File #:2026-4807 Agenda Date:3/11/2026 Agenda Item No:3.
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
·Local Legislative Update
·Presentation
Orange County Sanitation District Printed on 3/3/2026Page 3 of 3
powered by Legistar™
1 | P a g e
TO: Orange County Sanitation District
FROM: Eric Sapirstein
DATE: February 20, 2026
SUBJECT: Washington Update
Congress continues to address funding for the final Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 spending bill for
the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The effort to find common ground
surrounding the funding of ICE and Border Patrol programs remains an obstacle to secure
an agreement that could be passed and sent to the president. Congress recessed on Friday,
February 13, without reaching an agreement on FY2026 DHS funding and will not return
until the week of February 23. As a result, DHS shut down at midnight on February 13. In
addition to this activity, most of the congressional activity surrounded votes on tariffs and
committee consideration of cybersecurity issues. Two areas of activity of note for OC San
during the past month include the introduction of water legislation and a Senate
cybersecurity policy review.
Effort to Develop DHS Spending Bill Remains in Limbo
The House and Senate leadership, at this writing have been unsuccessful in developing a
DHS funding and policy compromise that would impose limits on ICE and Border Patrol
programs. Specifically, Democratic efforts to limit the use of force, require body cameras,
and eliminate the use of masks have been opposed by Senate and House Republicans and
the White House. Barring a final agreement, Congress would need to pass another short-
term spending agreement to keep the department open. As a result of lawmakers not
passing a spending bill, DHS was forced to shut down at midnight on February 13.
However, DHS’ immigrations duties are fully funded through the One Big Beautiful Bill that
advanced funded $1 billion to support immigration programs. Other agencies, including
FEMA, would be effectively shuttered until a new spending agreement can be reached.
PFAS Passive Receivers Protection
Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) has drafted a proposal to provide passive receivers of PFAS,
specifically the water, wastewater and biosolids management sectors, with the
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA)
liability protection from third party litigation.
2 | P a g e
The need for the legislation is because water and wastewater agencies must treat for PFAS
and this action creates site or natural resources cleanup liability under the legal framework
of CERCLA. The language was formally submitted to the Senate Committee on
Environment and Public Works for committee consideration as part of its ongoing
development of a new Water Resources Development Act, clean water, and safe drinking
water reauthorization bills. Action on the provision is unlikely until late Spring.
Water Recycling and Agriculture Water Savings Legislation Introduced
Senator Alex Padilla introduced two bills, the MORE WATER Act (S.3738) and GROW
SMART Act (S.3737). Both bills seek to address the declining availability of reliable water
supplies in the West and the need for infrastructure modernization. The MORE legislation
would renew the large-scale water recycling grants program to support projects with costs
in excess of $500 million. It would also authorize assistance to support the development of
water conveyance facilities that could support, among other matters, the Delta Conveyance
Project. The GROW legislation seeks to establish programs that would support the
conservation of agricultural water supplies through incentives provided to irrigation
stakeholders. Both bills are expected to receive a hearing in late February before the Senate
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources as the first step toward Senate passage.
Senate Committee Examines Water Sector’s Cybersecurity Challenges
The Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works held a hearing to examine the
cybersecurity challenges facing the nation’s water and wastewater sectors. The purpose of
the hearing was to receive testimony from cybersecurity experts and water and
wastewater trade groups, including Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies, and
explore what role the federal government should play to improve the sectors’
cybersecurity vulnerabilities. During the hearing, there was broad bipartisan consensus
among Members and witnesses that the water and wastewater sectors lack sufficient
cybersecurity protocols within their respective agencies, and that federal action would be
helpful to create a baseline level of protection.
Committee leadership cautioned, though, such efforts must account for the financial,
treatment, and workforce challenges utilities are already managing. Chairwoman Shelley
Moore Capito (R-WV) cautioned that one-size-fits-all federal mandate could be overly
burdensome and unworkable and could hinder utilities’ ability to make meaningful
progress. Ranking Member Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) stated the need to increase and
expand federal support for agencies’ adoption of cybersecurity protections, which could
include rebuilding the federal cyber workforce, increased funding, and reauthorizing the
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s resilience programs. Members and witnesses
agreed that federal cybersecurity mandates should be deliberate and tailored to reflect the
varying needs of utilities of different sizes and locations. The committee did not identify
next steps, but the hearing reaffirmed that cybersecurity concerns of the nation’s critical
infrastructure are a top concern for Congress, including the security of the water and
wastewater sectors.
Last modified: 02/13/2026 at 07:16 PM EST
OC San Federal Legislative Update
February 2026
FEDERAL - 119TH CONGRESS
S. 1092
WIPPES Act
High Priority Support
Summary: S.1092 would direct the Federal Trade Commission to
estabilsh federal "Do Not Flush" labeling requirements for nonflushable
wet wipes packaging. The labeling requirements would be enacted one
year after the bill's enactment. The bill mirrors California's state labeling
law and is supported by clean water, industry, environmental advocates,
and civil engineer stakeholders. House companion legislation is HR
2269.
03/24/2025Introduced:
Sen. Jeff Merkley ORSponsor:
Latest Actions:
09/19/2025 - Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General
Orders. Calendar No. 166.
09/19/2025 - Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Reported by Senator Cruz with an amendment in the n...
05/21/2025 - Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nat...
Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committees:
Committee
S. 1092 provides a source control solution to the problem of the flushing of Why it matters:
nonflushable wipes that will reduce costs associated with fixing damaged treatment
infrastructure for wastewater utilities. The labeling requirements compliment existing "Do Not
Flush" labeling state law. Senator Alex Padilla is an original co-sponsor. OC San continues to
publicly support the effort and has sent support letters to the delegation this Congress.
Outlook: S. 1092 has high potential to be passed by the Senate this Congress based on
the Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation's bipartisan markup of the bill
earlier this Spring. The committee's action raises the possibility for S. 1092 will be
considered on the Floor under Unanimous Consent
FEDERAL - 119TH CONGRESS
H.R. 2269
Summary: H.R. 2269 would direct the Federal Trade Commission to
estabilsh federal "Do Not Flush" labeling requirements for nonflushable
wet wipes packaging. The labeling requirements would be enacted one
WIPPES Act
High Priority Support
year after the bill's enactment. The bill mirrors California's state labeling
law and is supported by clean water, industry, environmental advocates,
and civil engineer stakeholders. Senate companion legislation is S. 1092.
03/21/2025Introduced:
Rep. Lisa McClain MI-09Sponsor:
Latest Actions:
06/24/2025 - Received in the Senate.
06/23/2025 - Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without
objection.
06/23/2025 - On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to
by voice vote. (text: CR H2852-2853)
House Energy and Commerce CommitteeCommittees:
H.R. 2269 provides a source control solution to the problem of the flushing Why it matters:
of nonflushable wipes that will reduce costs associated with fixing damaged treatment
infrastructure for wastewater utilities. The labeling requirements compliment existing "Do Not
Flush" labeling state law. Rep. Lou Correa is a co-sponsor. OC San continues to publicly
support the effort and has sent support letters to the delegation this Congress.
Outlook: H.R. 2269 has high chances of passing the House this session. The legislation
has been scheduled to be voted on under suspension on the House Floor the week of
June 23. The Committee on Energy and Commerce's bipartisan markup of the bill also
infer a bipartisan vote on the Floor.
FEDERAL - 119TH CONGRESS
H.R. 3898
PERMIT Act
No Priority No Stance
The PERMIT Act amends the Federal Water Pollution AI Summary:
Control Act to streamline water quality standards, improve transparency
in criteria development, reduce regulatory burdens, and enhance
permitting efficiency for infrastructure and agricultural projects.
06/11/2025Introduced:
Rep. Mike Collins GA-10Sponsor:
Latest Actions:
12/15/2025 - Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the
Committee on Environment and Public Works.
12/11/2025 - Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without
objection.
12/11/2025 - On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 221 - 205 (Roll
no. 330).
House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Committees:
House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Water Resources
and Environment Subcommittee, Senate Environment and Public Works
Committee
H.R. 3898 represents a comprehensive Clean Water Act permitting reform Why It Matters:
bill. Key provisions:
Outlook. The House is expected to consider H.R. 3898 this Fall. Passage is highly
likely as many of the bill's provisions passed the House during the last Congress. This
included ten year permits.
FEDERAL - 119TH CONGRESS
H.R. 2093
To amend the Federal Water
Pollution Control Act with
respect to permitting terms,
and for other purposes.
High Priority Support
Summary: H.R. 2093 would amend the Clean Water Act's permitting
provisions to allow for delegated states or USEPA to issue ten year
National Permit Discharge Eliminate System (NPDES) permits. The bill,
if enacted, would extend current terms from five years.
03/14/2025Introduced:
Rep. Ken Calvert CA-41Sponsor:
Latest Actions:
03/14/2025 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and
Environment.
03/14/2025 - Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure.
03/14/2025 - Introduced in House
House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Committees:
House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Water Resources
and Environment Subcommittee
H.R. 2093 amends the NPDES permit term to align with the current project Why it matters:
construction timeline realities for water utilities and help reduce costs associated with permit
renewals for both utilities and state regulators. H.R. 2093 provides this while preserving
existing permit reopener provisions to ensure environmental protections are upheld.
Outlook: H.R. 2093 has the potential to advance this Congress. Committee majority staff
support the bill's policy intent and has expressed the desire to pursue last year's Creating
Confidence Clean Water Permitting Act (HR 7023)again this Congress, which included H.
R. 2093's permit extension language. H.R. 7023 passed the House in the 118th Congress.
mandated 10 year NPDES permits
codification of exemption from WOTUS definition for wastewater and water storage
facilities
expedited review and approval of section 404 permit applications
ten year general permits for dredge and fill activities with requirement for 2 year
advanced notification if permit not to be renewed
water quality certification reviews limited to project impacts on water quality
The legislation would provide important protection to water and wastewater Why It Matters:
agencies against third party litigation seeking to secure cost contributions for cleanups that
involve PFAS contamination. Absent an explicit liability protection provision such agencies
would be exposed to liability simply because an agency treated water and wastewater that
contained PFAS chemicals and disposed of residuals and biosolids.
Outlook: H.R. 1267 represents a placeholder bill to address the water sector's concerns
over the potential liability created by USEPA's designation of PFAS as a hazardous
substance under CERCLA. Both the House and Senate committees with jurisdiction over
CERCLA have expressed interest in addressing PFAS liability. However, any significant
legislative activity is expected to await USEPA's recommendations on how to address
passive receivers liability created by the PFAS designation.
FEDERAL - 119TH CONGRESS
H.R. 1265
To amend the Save Our Seas
2.0 Act to expand eligibility for
certain wastewater
infrastructure grants, and for
other purposes.
No Priority No Stance
Summary: H.R. 1265 aims to expand eligibility for certain wastewater
infrastructure grants under the Save Our Seas 2.0 Act12. This expansion
would allow communities and projects to qualify for federal funding,
which can be used to improve and modernize wastewater treatment
facilities. By increasing access to these grants, the bill seeks to enhance
the capacity of wastewater management systems to handle pollutants,
reduce environmental impacts, and support public health. This could
lead to more efficient and effective wastewater treatment processes,
ultimately contributing to cleaner waterways and a healthier environment.
02/12/2025Introduced:
Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton DC-At LargeSponsor:
FEDERAL - 119TH CONGRESS
H.R. 1267
Water Systems PFAS Liability
Protection Act
High Priority Support
The Water Systems PFAS Liability Protection Act AI Summary:
exempts water and wastewater treatment facilities from CERCLA liability
for releases of certain perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances,
provided they comply with applicable laws and regulations.
02/12/2025Introduced:
Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez WA-03Sponsor:
Latest Actions:
02/12/2025 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and
Environment.
02/12/2025 - Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and
in addition to the Committee on Transportation an...
02/12/2025 - Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and
in addition to the Committee on Transportation an...
House Energy and Commerce Committee, House Committees:
Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, House Transportation and
Infrastructure Committee Water Resources and Environment
Subcommittee
Latest Actions:
04/01/2025 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and
Environment.
02/12/2025 - Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure.
02/12/2025 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E120)
House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Committees:
House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Coast Guard and
Maritime Transportation Subcommittee, House Transportation and
Infrastructure Committee Water Resources and Environment
Subcommittee
FEDERAL - 119TH CONGRESS
H.R. 1285
Water Infrastructure
Subcontractor and Taxpayer
Protection Act of 2025
No Priority No Stance
Summary: H.R. 1285 would amend the Water Infrastructure Finance
and Innovation Act of 2014. The key points: Payment and Performance
Security Requirements: The bill establishes new requirements for
payment and performance security for projects funded under the act.
Project Funding: Ensure that projects financed through the Water
Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act have adequate financial
safeguards.H.R. 2093 would amend the Clean Water Act's permitting
provisions to allow for delegated states or USEPA to issue ten year
National Permit Discharge Eliminate System (NPDES) permits. The bill,
if enacted, would extend current terms from five years
02/13/2025Introduced:
Rep. Mike Bost IL-12Sponsor:
Latest Actions:
02/13/2025 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and
Environment.
02/13/2025 - Referred to the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on Ene...
02/13/2025 - Referred to the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on Ene...
House Energy and Commerce Committee, House Committees:
Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, House Transportation and
Infrastructure Committee Water Resources and Environment
Subcommittee
FEDERAL - 119TH CONGRESS
H.R. 2344
Water ISAC Threat Protection
Act
No Priority No Stance
Summary: Would establish a program to enhance the preparedness
and resilience of drinking water and wastewater systems against various
threats. The bill's primary focus is on safeguarding these critical utilities
from risks such as natural disasters, cyberattacks, and other
vulnerabilities that could disrupt essential water services.
03/25/2025Introduced:
Rep. Jan Schakowsky IL-09Sponsor:
Latest Actions:
03/25/2025 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and
Environment.
03/25/2025 - Referred to the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on Ene...
03/25/2025 - Referred to the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on Ene...
House Energy and Commerce Committee, House Committees:
Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, House Transportation and
Infrastructure Committee Water Resources and Environment
Subcommittee
FEDERAL - 119TH CONGRESS
S. 857
Water Conservation Rebate
Tax Parity Act
No Priority No Stance
Summary: Amends federal tax law so that homeowners would not need
to pay income tax when they receive rebates from water utilities for
water conservation and water runoff management improvements. S. 857.
03/05/2025Introduced:
Sen. John Curtis UTSponsor:
Latest Actions:
03/05/2025 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
03/05/2025 - Introduced in Senate
Senate Finance CommitteeCommittees:
FEDERAL - 119TH CONGRESS
S. 1118
Water Intelligence, Security,
and Cyber Threat Protection
Act of 2025
No Priority No Stance
Summary: S. 1118 would provide funding and additional access for
clean water and
wastewater utilities to become members of the Water Information
Sharing and Analysis Center (WaterISAC). The WaterISAC is a critical
source of information and best practices for water systems to protect
against, mitigate, and respond to threats. House Companion bill H.R.
2344. Endorsed by American Water Works Association, Association of
Metropolitan Water Agencies, National Association of Clean Water
Agencies, National Association of Water Companies, and Water
Environment Federation.
03/25/2025Introduced:
Sen. Ed Markey MASponsor:
Latest Actions:
03/25/2025 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment
and Public Works.
03/25/2025 - Introduced in Senate
Senate Environment and Public Works CommitteeCommittees:
This report was created using POLITICO's Policy Intelligence Assistant.
This report is for informational purposes only. The views and opinions presented do
not necessarily reflect those of POLITICO LLC.
FEDERAL - 119TH CONGRESS
H.R. 3184
PFAS Alternatives Act
No Priority No Stance
The bill establishes a research and training program to AI Summary:
develop PFAS-free turnout gear for firefighters, supporting innovation
and safer protective equipment through grants and partnerships.
05/05/2025Introduced:
Rep. Debbie Dingell MI-06Sponsor:
Latest Actions:
05/06/2025 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and
Environment.
05/05/2025 - Referred to the Committee on Science, Space, and
Technology, and in addition to the Committee on Transp...
05/05/2025 - Referred to the Committee on Science, Space, and
Technology, and in addition to the Committee on Transp...
House Science, Space and Technology Committee, Committees:
House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, House
Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Water Resources and
Environment Subcommittee
To: Orange County Sanitation District
From Townsend Public Affairs
Date: February 20, 2026
Subject: February Legislative Monthly Report
California has moved deeper into the second year of its two-year legislative session, with
attention focused on key procedural deadlines, the road to the 2026 election cycle, and an
eventual transition from Governor Gavin Newsom’s administration. The February 20 bill
introduction deadline will mark another major milestone as lawmakers unveil new proposals for
the final year of the session.
At the same time, the Legislature and Administration continue budget negotiations amid a growing
deficit, while advancing policy priorities related to housing production, affordability, and public
health. Policymakers are also working through the implementation of prior reforms and navigating
ongoing fiscal and federal policy pressures, setting the stage for a consequential close to the
session.
February 20 also marked the deadline for the introduction of new legislation for the 2026
legislative session, and lawmakers brought forward a significant number of proposals in
advance of the cutoff.
On February 24, the Assembly Water, Parks, and Wildlife Committee held an informational
hearing focused on the efficiency of large Commercial, Industrial, and Institutional (CII) water
users, underscoring the Legislature’s continued attention to urban conservation and long-term
water demand strategies. The hearing examined existing efficiency requirements,
implementation and reporting challenges, and potential opportunities to enhance conservation
among high-volume users. Lawmakers reviewed how improved CII performance aligns with
broader statewide water resilience objectives and compliance with established urban water use
standards.
CALIFORNIA ADVOCACY • FEDERAL ADVOCACY • GRANT WRITING
Sacramento • Washington, D.C.
Northern California• Central California• Southern California
MONTHLY LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
STATE UPDATE
FROM DROUGHT TO RECOVERY: STORM IMPACTS HIGHLIGHT STATE’S WATER
RESILIENCE INVESTMENTS
Page 2
Governor Newsom recently announced that winter storms have significantly improved
California’s water conditions, with the U.S. Drought Monitor reporting that the state is no longer in
drought, and highlighted this development as evidence of progress under California’s broader
water resilience strategy.
California officials announced that recent winter storms have substantially improved statewide
hydrologic conditions, with the U.S. Drought Monitor indicating that the state is no longer
experiencing drought conditions. The announcement was framed within the Administration’s
broader Water Resilience Strategy, which emphasizes long-term system reliability in the face of
increasingly volatile precipitation patterns.
The Governor’s Office highlighted strong reservoir recovery, improved snowpack levels, and
enhanced groundwater recharge resulting from successive storm events. State agencies credited
ongoing investments in stormwater capture, groundwater sustainability implementation under
Sustainable Groundwater Management Act, and expedited water infrastructure projects for
improving the state’s ability to retain and manage high-flow events. Officials also pointed to
continued progress on storage expansion, conveyance modernization, water recycling, and
conservation initiatives designed to reduce structural vulnerability during dry cycles.
Importantly for local and regional water suppliers, the Administration underscored that current
hydrologic improvements do not eliminate long-term supply challenges. The state reiterated that
climate-driven variability—characterized by more intense storms and longer dry periods—
requires continued focus on system flexibility, diversified portfolios, and accelerated project
delivery. Agencies were encouraged to leverage wet-year conditions to maximize recharge,
advance capital projects, and strengthen drought contingency planning.
While the near-term outlook reflects improved supply conditions, the broader policy message
remains centered on resilience: maintaining momentum on infrastructure investments,
groundwater sustainability, water use efficiency, and interagency coordination to ensure reliability
during future drought periods.
PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO CAP-AND-INVEST REGULATIONS
The California Air Resources Board has released proposed amendments to the state’s Cap-and-
Invest program, implementing recent legislation that extends the program through 2045. The
proposal maintains a declining, economy-wide emissions cap aligned with California’s long-term
climate and carbon-neutrality goals, while still supporting a market-based structure of allowance
auctions, trading, and compliance obligations. Auction proceeds will continue to support the
Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund and related climate investments outlined in the recent
reauthorization.
Notable regulatory changes include updated allowance budgets for post-2026 compliance
periods, revisions to cost-containment tools such as price ceilings and allowance reserves, and
technical updates to market participation and compliance rules. The proposal also refines
allowance allocation methodologies, particularly for industrial sources, to address emissions
leakage and competitiveness concerns, while incorporating adjustments related to biomass fuels,
limited exemptions, and specific technologies. Updates to the offset program are intended to
strengthen environmental integrity through revised eligibility, monitoring, and verification
requirements.
Page 3
The release of the amendments evaluates economic, environmental, and equity impacts through
a regulatory impact analysis, concluding that the amendments will deliver sustained greenhouse
gas reductions while managing cost and competitiveness impacts on businesses and ratepayers.
With upcoming auctions, the proposed amendments seem to signal a more modest approach to
temper markets while the state allocates the first round of funding post-reauthorization. TPA
continues to engage on this program for potential innovative biosolids management funding for
OC San.
OC San
State
Bills of Interest
BILL AUTHOR SUMMARY LATEST ACTION OC SAN
POSITION LEGISLATIVE PLAN RECOMMENDED
POSITION
OTHER
POSITIONS
AB 35 Alvarez [D]This legislation, would exempt the adoption of regulations needed to
effectuate or implement programs of the act from the requirements of the
Administrative Procedure Act (APA). The bill would require a state entity
that receives funding through Proposition 4 to administer a competitive
grant program established using the Administrative Procedure Act
exemption to do certain things, including develop draft project solicitation
and evaluation guidelines and to submit those guidelines to the Secretary of
the Natural Resources Agency, except as provided. The bill would require
the Secretary of the Natural Resources Agency to post an electronic form of
the guidelines submitted by a state entity and the subsequent verifications
on the Natural Resources Agency’s internet website.
In Senate Rules
Committee waiting
assignment
Watch Legislative and Regulatory Policies:
Grant Funding: Oppose proposals
placing further requirements on grant
recipients that return low value for
high administrative costs
Support ACC-OC - NYC
LOCC - Support
CASA - Support
CSDA - NYC
ACWA - Support
AB 634 Gonzalez [R]The legislation intends to add tianeptine to the Schedule I category of
controlled substances, reflecting the highest level of legal restriction. This
action is intended to limit the potential misuse and abuse of the substance
by prohibiting its manufacture and sale unless explicitly allowed. The bill
emphasizes the importance of this classification to curb the substance's
availability and mitigate associated risks to public health.
In Senate Rules
Committee waiting
assignment
Watch Legislative and Regulatory Policies
Source Control: Support legislation,
regulations, and funding assistance that
would lead to decreased
introduction of microplastics, and other
contaminants of concern discharged into
the sewer system.
ACC-OC - NYC
LOCC - NYC
CASA - NYC
CSDA - NYC
ACWA - NYC
AB 643 Wilson [D]AB 643 mandates a 75 percent reduction in organic waste disposal to
landfills by 2025 to combat methane emissions. The bill tasks the
Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery, along with the State Air
Resources Board, with formulating associated regulations. Local
jurisdictions are empowered to utilize organic materials as agricultural soil
amendments to meet these goals, provided they follow specific guidelines.
This approach aims to enhance California's climate resilience through
sustainable waste management practices.
In Senate Rules
Committee waiting
assignment
Watch Legislative and Regulatory Policies:
Special Districts - Oppose further state
regulations that adversely impact special
district financing, operations, and
administration.
ACC-OC - NYC
LOCC - Watch
CASA - Support in
concept
CSDA - Watch
ACWA - NYC
AB 1198 Haney [D]Beginning July 1, 2027, changes in prevailing wages by the Director of
Industrial Relations will affect contracts awarded or announced after this
date. Affected parties can request a review within 20 days, with a final
decision issued within 20 days thereafter. Certain housing projects are
exempt from these updates.
In Senate Rules
Committee waiting
assignment
Watch Legislative and Regulatory Policies:
Special Districts - Oppose further state
regulations that adversely impact special
district financing, operations, and
administration.
ACC-OC - NYC
LOCC - Oppose
CASA - Watch
CSDA - NYC
ACWA - NYC
AB 1383 McKinnor [D]AB 1383 revises the pensionable compensation limits for public retirement
systems in accordance with federal guidelines starting January 1, 2027. It
introduces new retirement formulas for safety members, allowing for
collective bargaining agreements to adjust these formulas. This bill
supports the alignment of state retirement benefits with federal standards
and facilitates negotiation over pension terms.
In Senate Rules
Committee waiting
assignment
Watch Legislative and Regulatory Policies:
Labor Relations/Human Resources:
Oppose any measure that imposes upon
local government mandated employee
benefits that
are more properly decided at the local
bargaining table
ACC-OC - NYC
LOCC - Oppose
CASA - NYC
CSDA - NYC
ACWA - NYC
AB 1617 Alanis [R]AB 1617 requires public agencies and contractors handling household
hazardous waste to submit the Form 303 Household Hazardous Waste
Collection Report annually for the prior calendar year, aligning the reporting
period with the calendar year. This shift aims to improve the consistency
and accuracy of hazardous waste tracking
Referred to Assembly
Environmental Safety
Committee
Watch Legislative and Regulatory Policies:
Biosolids, Organics, and Biogas: Limit
redundant reporting requirements on
organics, recyclable material, and solid
waste.
ACC-OC - NYC
LOCC - NYC
CASA - NYC
CSDA - NYC
ACWA - NYC
Proposed Legislation 2026
High Priority
OC San
State
Bills of Interest
BILL AUTHOR SUMMARY LATEST ACTION OC SAN
POSITION LEGISLATIVE PLAN RECOMMENDED
POSITION
OTHER
POSITIONS
AB 1710 Carrilo [D]AB 1710 redefines the criteria for "ordinances, policies, and standards"
within housing development, adding materials, requirements, and
standards imposed by other public agencies. It mandates compliance with
existing plans and standards at the time of a preliminary application. The
bill aligns with the Permit Streamlining Act, requiring projects considered for
housing developments or emergency shelters to meet consistency and
compliance evaluations. This bill enforces a state-mandated local program
impacting all cities, including charter cities, and affects provisions for
mandated cost reimbursements to local agencies.
To be heard on March 7 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 - NYC
ACWA - Not Favor
Unless Amended
AB 1729 Lee [D]AB 1729 revises existing telecommuting provisions by introducing the term
"telework" and mandates the Department of General Services to create a
dashboard documenting the benefits and savings of state telework
programs. Each state agency must evaluate its telework program every 10
years to ensure alignment with operational needs and workforce goals. This
bill is labeled an urgency statute for immediate effect and only impacts state
agencies.
To be heard on March 8 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 - NYC
ACWA - NYC
SB 239 Arreguin [D]Current law, until January 1, 2026, authorizes specified neighborhood city
councils to use alternate teleconferencing provisions related to notice,
agenda, and public participation, as prescribed, if, among other
requirements, the city council has adopted an authorizing resolution and 2/3
of the neighborhood city council votes to use alternate teleconference
provisions, as specified. This bill would authorize a subsidiary body, as
defined, to use alternative teleconferencing provisions and would impose
requirements for notice, agenda, and public participation, as prescribed.
The bill would require the subsidiary body to post the agenda at the primary
physical meeting location. The bill would require the members of the
subsidiary body to visibly appear on camera during the open portion of a
meeting that is publicly accessible via the internet or other online platform,
as specified.
Held in the Assembly Watch Legislative and Regulatory Policies:
Special Districts - Oppose further state
regulations that adversely impact special
district financing, operations, and
administration.
ACC-OC - NYC
LOCC - Sponsor
CASA - NYC
CSDA - Support
ACWA - Favor
Legend:
ACC-OC - Association of California Cities, Orange County
LOCC - League of California Cities
NYC - Not Yet Considered
CASA - California Association of Sanitation Agencies
ACWA - Association of California Water Agencies
CSDA - California Special Districts Association
1 | P age
TO: Orange County Sanitation District
FROM: Whittingham Public Affairs Advisors
DATE: February 20, 2026
SUBJECT: Local Legislative Report
Following are a few of the more notable developments and issues that have transpired in
Orange County over the last several weeks:
• The County Board of Supervisors engaged in a lengthy discussion at their February
10 meeting regarding the proposed expansion of Prima Deshecha Landfill’s capacity.
A planned virtual community meeting regarding the project was cancelled after
numerous calls and emails were received from residents near the landfill, which is
adjacent to Avenida La Pata just south of San Juan Hills High School. The proposed
increase in the cap on tonnage at Prima Deschecha, which was originally established
in 1976, is necessary to meet demand with the imminent closure of the County’s
Olinda Alpha Landfill east of the 57 Freeway above Brea.
• The proposed Waste Infrastructure System Enhancements (WISE), Organic
Services, and Disposal Fees and Rates Agreements between the County of Orange
and a coalition of cities and sanitation districts were approved by the Board of
Supervisors at its meeting on January 27. Each jurisdiction will now work to
complete their respective Prop 218 hearings prior to the new fees going into effect
July 1, 2026. The tiered rates for the WISE agreements will start at $67/ton in FY
26-27, increasing to $74/ton in 27-28, $81/ton in 28-29, and $81 + Consumer Price
Index in Year four.
• Phase II of Orange County’s Climate Action Plan, (CAP) a comprehensive
roadmap detailing potential projects and programs to reduce greenhouse gas and
other emissions from various sources, will now come before the Board of
Supervisors on February 24. Key initiatives within the CAP included increasing
stormwater capture and infiltration, reducing the amount of organic waste going to
landfills by 75 percent and improving edible food recovery by 20 percent, and
exploring the feasibility of regional anaerobic digestion and conversion technology
facilities. The County is required to have a completed CAP in order to apply for
and secure Proposition 4 grants for these targeted programs.
2 | P age
• The Board of Supervisors voted to reelect 4th District Supervisor Doug Chaffee to
serve as Chair for 2026, with 5th District Supervisor serving as Vice Chair for a
second consecutive year. Chair Chaffee is termed out of office at the end of the year
and there are currently four candidates seeking the seat: Fullerton Mayor
(Metropolitan Water District of Southern California and Orange County Water
District Board Member) Fred Jung, Buena Park Mayor Connor Traut, La Habra
Councilmember Rose Espinosa, and OC Board of Education Trustee Tim Shaw.
• Orange County Local Agency Formation Commission (OC LAFCO) reorganized
its leadership at its January 14 meeting, unanimously selecting Mission Viejo
Mayor Wendy Bucknum to serve as Chair and Mesa Water District Board member
Jim Fisler as Vice Chair for 2026.
• In addition, a number of OC LAFCO Commissioners will be up for reelection this
year. County Supervisor Don Wagner (who is currently the only County Supervisor
serving on LAFCO) is expected to be reappointed by the Board of Supervisors at
its January 27 meeting; Yorba Linda City Council member Peggy Huang as one of
the two City representatives (the election of which is handled by the City Selection
Committee); Derek McGregor as the Public Member (appointed by the other
LAFCO Commissioners); and Special District Commissioners Doug Davert (East
Orange County Water District), and Alternate Commissioner Kathryn Freschley of
El Toro Water District. OC LAFCO will be emailing notification letters to each
Special District by March 9, with nominations and declarations for interested
candidates due by April 13; ballots will be emailed to each special district presiding
officer by May 4, with ballots due back to OC LAFCO by June 8. Results will be
announced on June 15, and the Oath of Office will be administered at the July 8
OC LAFCO meeting.
• CalOptima Health CEO Michael Hunn, who oversees the County’s $4 billion health
care plan that serves nearly one in every three Orange County residents, announced
he will be retiring at the end of the year. Hunn assumed the CEO role in 2021 and
has navigated the agency through a number of controversies related to the former
Chair of the CalOptima Board of Directors, Andrew Do, who is currently serving a
five-year federal prison sentence.
• The Orange County Power Authority (OCPA) is suing the county for nearly $1
million in costs it says are associated with the Board of Supervisors’ decision to
withdraw from the agency. The OCPA lawsuit alleges the county failed to pay
$913,360 in expenses incurred by its exit from the authority, and that OCPA
purchased electricity for “anticipated customers within the unincorporated area of the
county for November and December in 2023.” Amidst state and local audits into
OCPA’s contract management and pricing strategies, the Board of Supervisors voted
3-2 in December of 2022 to remove the county’s unincorporated areas from the
authority. The Board had voted to join the OCPA’s community choice aggregation
program only a year earlier.
3 | P age
• The Newport Beach City Council voted to rescind a General Plan Amendment (GPA)
approved last October related to the proposed redevelopment of a portion of the
Newport Beach Golf Course to allow construction of the Snug Harbor Surf Park. A
Newport Beach resident had submitted a petition containing the required number of
signatures to force either the rescission or a public vote on the GPA, which would
have allowed an increased density on the parcel; the surf park is still expected to
move forward under entitlements approved by the City Planning Commission and
City Council, albeit with a smaller clubhouse and facilities.
As part of our scope of work, Whittingham Public Affairs Advisors has continued to
monitor the various City Council agendas and highlighted issues and items of relevance to
OC San. We also continue to monitor activities at the South Coast Air Quality Management
District, Orange County Water District, and South Orange County Wastewater Authority.
It is a pleasure to work with you and to represent the Orange County Sanitation District.
Sincerely,
Peter Whittingham
3/3/2026
1
FEDERAL UPDATE
ER I C S A P I R S TE I N
E N S RE S O U R CE S
March 11, 2026
1
PRESENTED TO:
A D M I N I S T RA T I O N C O M M I TT E E
ISSUES
Legislative Priorities:
Fiscal Year 2027 Budget, Clean Water and Infrastructure, Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Liability, Biosolids Management
Executive Branch–U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S.
EPA) and U.S. Department of Agriculture
Mid-Term Election Impacts—Lame Duck Session
2
1
2
3/3/2026
2
LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES
SECOND SESSION - 119TH CONGRESS
3
Fiscal Year 2027 Appropriations and President’s Budget RequestUSEPA Funding
U.S. Department of Agriculture
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (MAHA)
Clean Water Policy
State Revolving Loan Fund/Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act
Permit Reforms
PFAS
Flushable Wipes
PFAS Liability Exemptions
Water Sector
REGULATORY PRIORITIES
4
USEPA Establishes PFAS Inter-Agency Coordinating Group
USEPA Rewrites PFAS Rules: Litigation
USEPA and USDA Continue Research into PFAS and Soil Health
Draft Risk Assessment Model Review and Finalization
Department of Health and Human Services Impacts and Focus on Make America Healthy Again
PFAS Treatment and Disposal Survey Update
Industrial Discharge Effluent Limitations Guidelines
Streamline National Environmental Policy Act Studies: Expedite Projects and Limit “bites of the apple”
3
4
3/3/2026
3
MID-TERM ELECTION
POLICYMAKING CONSEQUENCES
5
Limited time to move final legislation due to Mid-Term Elections
Spring and Summer Dedicated to Developing Key Legislation in Each Chamber
Lame Duck Highly Probable: Outcome Rests on Election Results
Key Lame Duck Focus: Infrastructure
Clean Water Act
Water Resources Development Act
Transportation Reauthorization
Water Infrastructure Modernization Act
California Water
Disaster Assistance (FEMA) Rewrite
PFAS Liability
MID-TERM OUTLOOK
House Majority
Redistricting Clouds Crystal Ball
OC San Delegation Largely Stable,
With One Seat Undetermined
Senate Majority in Flux
50/50 Senate Potential
Impact on Legislative Activity
5
6
3/3/2026
4
Eric Sapirstein
President
Sarah Sapirstein
Executive Vice President
1367 Connecticut Avenue, N.W.
Suite 310
Washington, D.C. 20036
WWW.ENSRESOURCES.COM
7
ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE
Agenda Report
Headquarters
18480 Bandilier Circle
Fountain Valley, CA 92708
(714) 593-7433
File #:2026-4812 Agenda Date:3/11/2026 Agenda Item No:4.
FROM:Robert Thompson, General Manager
Originator: Jennifer Cabral, Director of Communications
SUBJECT:
PUBLIC AFFAIRS UPDATE FOR THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY 2026
GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION
RECOMMENDATION: Recommend to the Board of Directors to:
Receive and file the Public Affairs Update for the month of February 2026.
BACKGROUND
Included in this report are recent activities of interest,managed by the Public Affairs Office for the
month of February 2026.
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 may be 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 understand the vital services we provide.Many
customers may not realize that improper waste disposal into the sanitation system can adversely
impact our sewer lines,reclamation plants,and the quality of water supplied through the
Groundwater Replenishment System (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 #:2026-4812 Agenda Date:3/11/2026 Agenda Item No:4.
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
Failing to inform the community,local agencies,and businesses about OC San might result in
insufficient support for our mission and hinder our effectiveness.
PRIOR COMMITTEE/BOARD ACTIONS
December 2025 -Received and filed the Public Affairs Strategic Plan for Fiscal Years 2024-2026 Mid
-Year Update.
July 2025 -Received and filed the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Year-End Update to the Public Affairs
Strategic Plan (FY 2024-2026).
December 2024 -Received and filed the Public Affairs Strategic Plan for Fiscal Years 2024-2026 Mid
-Year Update.
June 2024 - Received and filed the Public Affairs Strategic Plan for Fiscal Years 2024-2026.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Activities in February:
Outreach Report
An outreach report that includes tours,website updates,social media posts,construction
notifications, speaking engagements, and more is attached to this Agenda Report.
Social Media - through February 23
OC San messaging,announcements,and program updates are posted across OC San’s social
media platforms. Our social media handle is @OCSanDistrict.
·Facebook: 15 posts reaching 6.3k people
·X: 14 posts reaching 343 people
·Instagram: 17 posts reaching 6.9k people
·LinkedIn: 3 posts reaching 2k people
·Nextdoor: 2 posts reaching 16.3k people
Presentations and Outreach Events
In February staff hosted five tours welcoming groups from Pacific Academy High School,Bassett
Adult School,California State University Long Beach School of Nursing,and a Headquarters tour for
Cal Poly Pomona students.We also had several speaking engagements including the Fountain
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Cal Poly Pomona students.We also had several speaking engagements including the Fountain
Valley Guidevisement Day at Fountain Valley High School,Career Day at Meadow Green
Elementary,and a presentation for the Amigo Viejos community group in Newport Beach.Assistant
General Manager Lorenzo Tyner attended the Midway Sanitary District’s Open House and Jennifer
Cabral, Director of Communications, attended the City of Newport Beach’s Mayor dinner.
OC San Film Screening
OC San hosted a film screening for “Unless Something Goes Terribly Wrong”on Tuesday,February
24 at OC San Headquarters.Over 150 people attended to watch the film.The screening was
followed by a panel Q&A,and a smaller group had the opportunity to tour Plant No.1.The film
focuses on water sustainability,and the essential role wastewater infrastructure plays in protecting
public health and the environment.
Wastewater 101 Citizens’ Academy Winter 2026 Session
In February,two sessions of the Citizens’Academy were held.The final session will be in March,
followed by an optional in-person tour and graduation at the Board of Directors meeting on March 25.
For more information on future academies, visit www.ocsan.gov/wastewater101.
Show Your Love for OC San Art Contest
OC San launched its first-ever art contest allowing employees to “Show Your Love for OC San”by
submitting original artwork that captures the often-unseen beauty of OC San's infrastructure.The
submission period was open for two weeks followed by a judging period for staff to vote for their
favorite piece.The top three entries that receive the most votes will be displayed in the
Headquarters lobby starting March 18 through March 31.Please stop by and enjoy the beauty of OC
San.
Internal Communication (as of February 23)
Over the course of the month,there were 24 posts on the employee intranet -The San Box,and four
emails were distributed to staff on relevant weekly topics through our Three Things to Know email.
Additionally, the employee newsletter,The Pipeline, was published at the end of February.
Construction Outreach Update
Outreach efforts for OC San construction activities are ongoing throughout the service area.Updates
were shared for projects taking place in the cities of Orange,Cypress,La Palma,Los Alamitos,Costa
Mesa,Newport Beach,and Huntington Beach through our website,printed content,and email and
text alerts.OC San also works with the respective cities to share construction updates via city
publications and social media. For details on each project, visit www.ocsan.gov/construction.
Activities in March:
Social Media
OC San continues to share messaging across the various social media platforms.This messaging
aligns with OC San’s overall communications and includes timely,relevant content,such as rain-
focused messaging during the wet weather season.
March Retirement Celebration
On March 18,OC San will host a celebration in the Headquarters courtyard for all employees retiring.
This will give staff an opportunity to share stories and send off our dedicated employees with a
Orange County Sanitation District Printed on 3/4/2026Page 3 of 4
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File #:2026-4812 Agenda Date:3/11/2026 Agenda Item No:4.
heartfelt goodbye. Retirees are also invited to attend.
Presentations & Outreach
OC San has 12 scheduled tours for the month of March.We hope to welcome a variety of groups
including Cal State Fullerton,Estancia High School,Canyon High School,Huntington Beach High
School,Fullerton College,El Toro/Saddleback Valley students,a general public tour,and the
graduates of Wastewater 101.Staff will also participate in a Career Day at Cerro Villa Middle School,
attend and participate at a Construction Networking panel,and at the Orange County Science and
Engineering Fair.
Construction Outreach
OC San will continue sharing construction project updates using our various communication methods
to keep the community informed. Project details are available at www.ocsan.gov/construction.
CEQA
N/A
FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS
All items mentioned are included in OC San’s FY 2024-25 and FY 2025-26 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 for February 2026
·Presentation
Orange County Sanitation District Printed on 3/4/2026Page 4 of 4
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Outreach and Media
Summary
February 2026
OC San Public Affair s Of f ice
Table of Contents
OUTREACH REPORT…………………………………………………………PAGE 1
FACEBOOK POSTINGS ……………………………………………...............PAGE 3
TWITTER POSTINGS …………………………………………………………PAGE 4
INSTAGRAM POSTINGS………………………………………………………PAGE 5
LINKEDIN POSTINGS………………………………………………………....PAGE 6
NEXTDOOR POSTINGS……………………………………………………………………..PAGE 7
NEWS ARTICLES……………………………………………………………………………. PAGE 8
Outreach Report February 2026
Date Tours Attendees
2/9/26 Pacific Academy High School 9 Halverson/Jenna
2/14/26 Bassett Adult School 12 Shabbir Basrai
2/17/26 Cal State Long Beach 27
2/18/26 Cal State Long Beach 27
2/18/26 Cal Poly Pomona 20
Date Speaking Engagements/Events Attendees
2/4/26 700 Rivas/ Belen Carrillo
2/12/26 Wastewater 101 Session #2 55 Kawamoto/ Tom Meregillano/ Belen
2/13/26 Newport Beach Mayors Dinner 100
2/14/26 Midway City Sanitation Open House 100
2/20/26 Career Day- Meadow Green Elementary 30
2/24/26 Documentary Screening at HQ 150
2/26/26 Wastewater 101 Session #3 57
Belen Carrillo/ Kelly Newell / April Frost/ Ernest Savedra/
Project Area Outreach Notifications
Orange Taft Ave. Sewer Improvement Project 63 page views 1 website post
Seal Beach Seal Beach Pump Station 35 page views 1 website post
Cypress Cypress Trunk Sewer Project
227 page views 372 email subscribers
2 website posts
1 email alert 1 printed notice
1
1,750 homes and businesses
Costa Mesa Along the 405 30 page views
1 website post
Costa Mesa Airway-Airport Loop 24 page views 1 website post
External
Communications Distribution # of People
Reached
5 Minutes Per Month February: OC San Invites You to a Film Screening 123
One 50
Website Posts 3 posts 811 views
Facebook 15 posts 6.3k reached
X 14 tweets 343 reached
Instagram 17 posts 6.9k reached
LinkedIn 3 posts 2 k reached
Nextdoor 2 post 16.3k impressions
2
Post performance - Facebook Pages
Data from 01 Feb, 2026 to 23 Feb, 2026
Sources
Orange County Sanitation DistrictOD
Orange County Sanitation
District
Feb 20, 16:00OD Meet the ✨Public A airs O ice ✨ Construction outreach, graphic design,
writing, tours…no paper sales, but we are pushing toilet paper over wipes.
#GovCommsDay
31 147 310
Orange County Sanitation
District
Feb 18, 17:25OD Need an excuse to skip the chores? We love the rain, but too much can overload
our system. Do your part and wait until the storm passes to do dishes, laundry, or
other water-using chores.
9 125 168
Orange County Sanitation
District
Feb 17, 16:01OD Going up on a Tuesday ⬆🎶 With soil work complete on our Wall and Soil
Improvements Project, sections of the new concrete wall are beginning to take
shape! This new wall delivers: ✅ Tsunami & seismic event protection ✅…
✅
26 117 171
Orange County Sanitation
District
Feb 13, 17:00OD You can't deny that our pickup lines have a certain flow to them. With love, OCSan. If you know, you know. And if you don't, you can! Learn about SupercriticalWater Oxidation (SCWO), Central Power Generation, and more at ocsan.gov.22 117 207
Orange County Sanitation
District
Feb 12, 23:10OD We heard Cypress has been getting all the attention… so Los Alamitos, it’s yourturn. 😉 Starting Sun., Feb. 22, our night crews will be cleaning the regionalsewer line from Bloomfield St., heading east toward Oak St. (see map above).…9 109 144
Orange County Sanitation
District
Feb 12, 17:00OD Less than two weeks le 🎬 Join us on February 24 for the OC premiere ofUnless Something Goes Terribly Wrong, a documentary spotlighting America'sessential water professionals. Stay for a live Q&A with the film's director and o…
🎟👉
31 138 1,143
Orange County Sanitation
District
Feb 11, 19:45OD Celebrating National Women in STEM Day with a throwback to an OC San labtechnician in the ’70s. No matter the decade, we’re proud of the women whosehard work keeps OC San moving forward 🔬✨
7 106 158
Orange County Sanitation
District
Feb 10, 18:25OD You’re this close 👌 to finding out where your water goes!💧 Take a joint tourwith OC San and Orange County Water District to see how your water iscollected, treated, and purified through the world-renowned Groundwater…80 220 1,650
Orange County Sanitation
District
Feb 09, 17:00OD Not all heroes wear capes. Some wear sun hats while maintaining the collection
system ☀💧89 179 572
Orange County SanitationDistrict
Feb 09, 15:15OD The OC San Administration Committee Meeting (5 PM) will be happening on
Wednesday, February 11. You can view the agenda here:2 35 47
Orange County SanitationDistrict
Feb 07, 17:35OD The only thing that should be blocked during the game is the other team 🏆 Thegame-winning play? Pour fats, oils, and grease from all those tasty snacks into acan, let it cool, then dispose in the trash. Visit ocsan.gov/FOG for more super…13 99 177
Orange County SanitationDistrict
Feb 04, 17:00OD Reality is never scripted 🎥35 190 1,071
Orange County SanitationDistrict
Feb 03, 17:45OD Sit back, relax, and enjoy the newest edition of OC San's Community Newsletter
📰 Inside, you'll find: 🚧 Major construction updates on projects in your
community 🔎 A special "two truths and a lie" activity 💖 Practical tips on ho…
5 80 97
Orange County SanitationDistrict
Feb 02, 16:15OD Next stop: State. 🏆 We're proud to be recognized with two awards by the Santa
River Basin Section of California Water Environment Association! 🏆 Plant
Operator of the Year - Scott Green 🏆 Gold – Community Engagement &…
33 141 299
Orange County SanitationDistrict
Feb 02, 15:27OD The OC San Operations Committee Meeting (5 PM) will be happening on
Wednesday, February 4. You can view the agenda here:7 36 53
DATE POST ENGAGEMENT FAN IMPRESSIONS (UNIQUE)REACH
3
Post performance - X
Data from 01 Feb, 2026 to 23 Feb, 2026
Sources
@OCSanDistrict@
@OCSanDistrict
Feb 23, 17:00@ It's Engineers Week😎⚙ Planning, design, project & construction
management…if it needs to get done, we're on it. Because world-class projects
don't build themselves. https://twitter.com/OCSanDistrict/status/202597919…
@OCSanDistrict
Feb 20, 16:00@ Meet the ✨Public A airs O ice ✨ Construction outreach, graphic design,
writing, tours…no paper sales, but we are pushing toilet paper over wipes.
#GovCommsDay https://twitter.com/OCSanDistrict/status/202487687298773…
5.56%2 36
@OCSanDistrict
Feb 18, 17:25@ Need an excuse to skip the chores? We love the rain, but too much can overload
our system. Do your part and wait until the storm passes to do dishes, laundry, or
other water-using chores. https://twitter.com/OCSanDistrict/status/20241733…
0%0 16
@OCSanDistrict
Feb 17, 16:01@ With soil work complete on our Wall and Soil Improvements Project, sections ofthe new concrete wall are taking shape! This new wall delivers: ✅ Tsunami &seismic event protection ✅ Enhanced security ✅ A coastal-inspired design…0%0 24
@OCSanDistrict
Feb 13, 17:00@ You can't deny that our pickup lines have a certain flow to them. With Love, OCSan. If you know, you know. And if you don't, you can! Learn about SupercriticalWater Oxidation (SCWO), Central Power Generation, and more at http://ocsan.…3.85%1 26
@OCSanDistrict
Feb 12, 23:10@ We heard Cypress has been getting all the attention…so Los Alamitos, it’s yourturn. 😉 Starting Feb. 22, night crews will be cleaning the regional sewer linenearBloomfield St. Work will take place from 8 p.m. – 6 a.m. See more details …0%0 32
@OCSanDistrict
Feb 12, 17:00@ Less than two weeks le 🎬 Join us on February 24 for the OC premiere ofUnless Something Goes Terribly Wrong. Stay for a live Q&A with the film'sdirector and our General Manager! 👉 Learn more & reserve your spot: http://…0%0 21
@OCSanDistrict
Feb 11, 19:45@ Celebrating National Women in STEM Day with a throwback to an OC San labtechnician in the ’70s. No matter the decade, we’re proud of the women whosehard work keeps OC San moving forward 🔬✨ https://twitter.com/OCSanDis…0%0 17
@OCSanDistrict
Feb 10, 18:25@ You’re this close 👌 to finding out where your water goes! Take a joint tour withOC San and @ocwaterdistrict to see how your water is collected, treated, andpurified through the Groundwater Replenishment System! Learn more at http:…14.29%3 21
@OCSanDistrict
Feb 09, 17:00@ Not all heroes wear capes. Some wear sun hats while maintaining the collectionsystem ☀💧 https://twitter.com/OCSanDistrict/status/2020905733378744790/photo/1 30%3 10
@OCSanDistrict
Feb 07, 17:35@ The only thing that should be blocked during the game is the other team 🏆 Thegame-winning play? Pour fats, oils, and grease from all those tasty snacks into acan, let it cool, then dispose in the trash. Visit http://ocsan.gov/FOG for more…4.35%1 23
@OCSanDistrict
Feb 04, 17:00@ Reality is never scripted 🎥 https://twitter.com/OCSanDistrict/status/20190936
47602401706/video/1 0%0 44
@OCSanDistrict
Feb 03, 17:45@ Sit back, relax, and enjoy the newest edition of OC San's Community Newsletter
📰 Inside, you'll find: 🚧 Major construction updates 🔎 A special "two truths
and a lie" activity 💖 Practical tips on how you can show your pipes some lov…
0%0 29
@OCSanDistrict
Feb 02, 16:15@ We're proud to be recognized with two awards by the Santa Ana River Basin
Section of @CWEA! 🏆 Plant Operator of the Year - Scott Green 🏆 Gold –
Community Engagement & Outreach: Project of the Year (Large) for Wastewat…
4.55%2 44
DATE POST ENGAGEMENT RATE ENGAGEMENTS IMPRESSIONS
4
Post performance - Instagram Business
Data from 01 Feb, 2026 to 23 Feb, 2026
Sources
ocsandistrictO
ocsandistrict
Feb 20, 16:00O Meet the ✨Public A airs O ice ✨ Construction outreach, graphic design,
writing, tours…no paper sales, but we are pushing toilet paper over wipes.
#GovCommsDay
11.98%0 109 1,194
ocsandistrict
Feb 18, 17:25O Need an excuse to skip the chores? We love the rain, but too much can overload
our system. Do your part and wait until the storm passes to do dishes, laundry, or
other water-using chores.
4.94%0 10 263
ocsandistrict
Feb 17, 16:36O (No description)0%0 0 153
ocsandistrict
Feb 17, 16:01O Going up on a Tuesday ⬆🎶 With soil work complete on our Wall and SoilImprovements Project, sections of the new concrete wall are beginning to takeshape! This new wall delivers: ✅ Tsunami & seismic event protection ✅…
✅
11.94%0 20 201
ocsandistrict
Feb 16, 19:17O (No description)0%0 0 204
ocsandistrict
Feb 13, 17:01O You can't deny that our pickup lines have a certain flow to them. With Love, OCSan. If you know, you know. And if you don't, you can! Learn about SupercriticalWater Oxidation (SCWO), Central Power Generation, and more at ocsan.gov.15.07%0 31 272
ocsandistrict
Feb 12, 23:10O We heard Cypress has been getting all the attention… so Los Alamitos, it’s yourturn. 😉 Starting Sun., Feb. 22, our night crews will be cleaning the regionalsewer line from Bloomfield St., heading east toward Oak St. (see map above).…3.74%0 11 615
ocsandistrict
Feb 12, 17:00O Less than two weeks le 🎬 Join us on February 24 for the OC premiere ofUnless Something Goes Terribly Wrong, a documentary spotlighting America'sessential water professionals. Stay for a live Q&A with the film's director and o…
🎟👉
7.73%0 10 181
ocsandistrict
Feb 11, 19:45O Celebrating National Women in STEM Day with a throwback to an OC San labtechnician in the ’70s. No matter the decade, we’re proud of the women whosehard work keeps OC San moving forward 🔬✨
8.68%0 18 265
ocsandistrict
Feb 10, 18:25O You’re this close 👌 to finding out where your water goes!💧 Take a joint tourwith OC San and @ocwaterdistrict to see how your water is collected, treated,and purified through the world-renowned Groundwater Replenishment Syste…5.3%0 61 1,452
ocsandistrict
Feb 09, 17:01O Not all heroes wear capes. Some wear sun hats while maintaining the collection
system ☀💧19.05%0 40 315
ocsandistrict
Feb 07, 17:35O The only thing that should be blocked during the game is the other team 🏆 Thegame-winning play? Pour fats, oils, and grease from all those tasty snacks into acan, let it cool, then dispose in the trash. Visit ocsan.gov/FOG for more super…5.43%0 7 129
ocsandistrict
Feb 06, 20:59O (No description)0%0 0 191
ocsandistrict
Feb 06, 00:17O Career Day @fvhsbarons 0%0 0 253
ocsandistrict
Feb 04, 17:00O Reality is never scripted 🎥8.61%0 43 743
ocsandistrict
Feb 03, 17:45O Sit back, relax, and enjoy the newest edition of OC San's Community Newsletter
📰 Inside, you'll find: 🚧 Major construction updates on projects in your
community 🔎 A special "two truths and a lie" activity 💖 Practical tips on ho…
1.96%0 4 204
ocsandistrict
Feb 02, 16:15O Next stop: State. 🏆 We're proud to be recognized with two awards by the Santa
Ana River Basin Section of @cweamembers! 🏆 Plant Operator of the Year -
Scott Green 🏆 Gold – Community Engagement & Outreach: Project of the Yea…
13.01%0 36 292
DATE POST ENGAGEMENT RATE IMPRESSIONS LIKES REACH
5
Post performance - LinkedIn Pages
Data from 01 Feb, 2026 to 23 Feb, 2026
Sources
Orange County Sanitation DistrictOD
Orange County Sanitation
District
Feb 12, 17:00OD Less than two weeks le 🎬 Join us on February 24 for the OC premiere of
Unless Something Goes Terribly Wrong, a documentary spotlighting America's
essential water professionals. Stay for a live Q&A with the film's director and o…
🎟👉
5.38%725 9 0
Orange County Sanitation
District
Feb 03, 17:45OD Sit back, relax, and enjoy the newest edition of OC San's Community Newsletter
📰 Inside, you'll find: 🚧 Major construction updates on projects in your
community 🔎 A special "two truths and a lie" activity 💖 Practical tips on ho…
5.48%365 5 0
Orange County Sanitation
District
Feb 02, 16:15OD We're proud to be recognized with two awards by the California Water
Environment Association - Santa Ana River Basin Section! 🏆 Plant Operator of
the Year - Scott Green 🏆 Gold – Community Engagement & Outreach: Project …
8.84%995 28 0
DATE POST ENGAGEMENT RATE IMPRESSIONS REACTIONS SHARES
6
7
Article Date Source Link
NACWA honors National Environmental Achievement
2/9/2026 Water Finance & Management
NACWA honors National Environmental
South OC Residents Protest Plans to Double Trash
2/11/2026 Voice of OC
https://voiceofoc.org/2026/02/south-orange-county-
Is Irvine Tading One Neighborhood Next to a Polluter
for Another? 2/18/2026 Voice of OC
https://voiceofoc.org/2026/02/bowerman-landfill-
Construction Alert: Orange Ave. at Alderbury St.
https://mailchi.mp/69304d474c17/hello-from-the-
city-of-cypress-11046422?e=e250a02561
https://us-west4-menlo-
inspect.menlosecurity.com/safeview-
fileserv/tc_download/ee2c7868aa8733997a8aa0e1
6311e9f975222f6effdee75519d9ad1b0cba9e95/?&
cid=N10F6CE535253&rid=0404b00e8b9c1f8d6766f
be835d6c8c0&cl=od_menlo_2b&file_url=https%3A
%2F%2Fcityoflosalamitos.org%2FArchiveCenter%2
Orange County Sanitation District Board to consider
nearly $9 Million in Infrastrure Contracts 2/23/2026 Fullerton Observer
https://fullertonobserver.com/2026/02/23/on-the-
february-25-agenda-for-the-orange-county-
Media Articles for February
8
3/4/2026
1
Presented by:Daisy Covarrubias, Public Affairs Supervisor
Administration Committee
March 11, 2026
Public Affairs Update
2
•Internal and External Communication
•Support OC San’s existing programs
•New Items:
•Employee Art Contest
•OC San Film Screening
•OC San HQ receives LEED Gold Certification
Public
Affairs
Programs
1
2
3/4/2026
2
3
Employee Engagement
Internal Art Contest for
OC San Employees
Pipeline: Bi-monthly Employee
Newsletter
Recognize Staff on The San Box and
Social Media Platforms
4
Education
Film ScreeningWastewater 101 Citizens’
Academy
Career Day
3
4
3/4/2026
3
5
Construction Outreach
City of Huntington Beach
– OC San Plant No. 2
NextDoor –
Cypress Trunk
Sewer Project
Construction Webpage –
ocsan.gov/construction
Social Media –
City of Los
Alamitos
6
Experts / Govt. Affairs
5
6
3/4/2026
4
7
•OC San Connection Newsletter – Spring Issue
•Member Agency Outreach Toolkit
•Community Outreach Events:
•OCWD’s Children’s Water Festival
•Video Library
•Wastewater 101 Citizens’ Academy Graduation
What’s Next
8
Recommend to the Board of Directors to:
Receive and file the Public Affairs Update for the month of February 2026.
Recommendation
7
8
ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE
Agenda Report
Headquarters
18480 Bandilier Circle
Fountain Valley, CA 92708
(714) 593-7433
File #:2026-4814 Agenda Date:3/11/2026 Agenda Item No:5.
FROM:Robert Thompson, General Manager
Originator: Lorenzo Tyner, Assistant General Manager
SUBJECT:
PROPERTY MANAGEMENT SERVICES FOR 18350 MT.LANGLEY STREET AND 18250 EUCLID
STREET, FOUNTAIN VALLEY
GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION
RECOMMENDATION: Recommend to the Board of Directors to:
Ratify Amendment No.7 to the sole source agreement with The Muller Company for Property
Management Services at 18350 Mt.Langley Street and 18250 Euclid Street in Fountain Valley,on a
month to month basis,for management fees of $5,241.90 per month plus other incurred expenses;
and an additional renewal period of twelve (12) months.
BACKGROUND
The Orange County Sanitation District (OC San)Board of Directors previously approved a sole
source agreement with The Muller Company for property management services for OC San owned
buildings at 18350 Mt Langley Street and 18368-18375-18381-18384 Bandilier Circle in Fountain
Valley.The properties were occupied by staff and commercial tenants with leases that expire in 2021
and 2023.
OC San purchased these properties as part of its overall strategy to build its Headquarters facilities
and maximize the land available for treatment plant process area.Once the demolition of the
Bandilier Circle buildings was completed,an Amendment No.6 was executed to remove those
buildings and reduce the management fees.
On February 24,2026,OC San closed escrow on an industrial property located at 18250 Euclid
Street to support warehouse and operational functions.Warehouse operations are currently housed
at Plant No.1,with the possibility of fully relocating those functions to this property,thereby allowing
Plant No.1 facilities to be repurposed for core treatment process operations.The property is
currently occupied by a tenant whose lease is scheduled to expire at the end of the year.Immediate
property management services are necessary to safeguard and maintain the asset.
RELEVANT STANDARDS
·Protect OC San assets
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File #:2026-4814 Agenda Date:3/11/2026 Agenda Item No:5.
PROBLEM
OC San-owned properties have commercial tenants and there is a need to professionally manage
them utilizing services such as maintenance,tenant relations,and repairs.Due to the new purchase,
Amendment No.7,which adds management of the 18250 Euclid Street property,was executed by
the General Manager and General Counsel with the concurrence of the Board Chairman.
PROPOSED SOLUTION
Ratify Amendment No.7 to add the 18250 Euclid Street property to the current sole source property
management agreement until the properties are repurposed.
TIMING CONCERNS
The term of the agreement will remain month to month,terminable for either party on 30 days’notice
to other party.
RAMIFICATIONS OF NOT TAKING ACTION
OC San will lose continuity of care of the property and of services to tenants.
PRIOR COMMITTEE/BOARD ACTIONS
November 2021 -Approved Amendment No.5 to the sole source agreement with The Muller
Company for Property Management Services for 18350 Mt.Langley Street and 18368-18375-18381-
18384 Bandilier Circle in Fountain Valley,for the period of January 1,2022 through January 31,2023
for a management fee of $3,200 per month plus other incurred expenses,including an additional
renewal period of twelve (12) months.
July 2020 -Approved Amendment No.4 of the sole source agreement with The Muller Company for
Property Management Services for 18350 Mt.Langley Street and 18368-18375-18381-18384
Bandilier Circle in Fountain Valley for the period of September 1,2020,through June 30,2021 for a
management fee of $3,200 per month plus other incurred expenses,including an additional renewal
period of six months.
May 2019 -Approved Amendment No.3 with The Muller Company for Property Management
Services,to extend the services for twelve-months from September 1,2019 through August 31,2020
with all terms and provisions of the Agreement remaining unmodified and in full force and effect.
September 2018 -Approved an amendment with The Muller Company for Property Management
Services,for an additional management fee of $3,293 per month plus other incurred expenses,for
the additional of District acquired properties on Bandilier Circle and Pacific Street including two
additional renewal periods of six months each.
February 2018 -Approved a sole source agreement with The Muller Company for Property
Management Services,for the period March 1,2018 through August 31,2018,for a management fee
of $4,200 per month plus other incurred expenses,including two additional renewal periods of six
months each.
Orange County Sanitation District Printed on 3/4/2026Page 2 of 3
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File #:2026-4814 Agenda Date:3/11/2026 Agenda Item No:5.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Monthly expenses for services such as utility bills and repair work vary month to month.All expenses
will be reviewed and approved by OC San staff.
CEQA
N/A
FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS
The property management costs will be offset by rents collected on the commercial leases.
ATTACHMENT
The following attachment(s)may be viewed on-line at the OC San website (www.ocsan.gov)with the complete agenda
package:
·Executed Amendment No. 7
·Executed Amendment No. 6
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ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE
Agenda Report
Headquarters
18480 Bandilier Circle
Fountain Valley, CA 92708
(714) 593-7433
File #:2026-4769 Agenda Date:3/11/2026 Agenda Item No:6.
FROM:Robert Thompson, General Manager
Originator: Wally Ritchie, Director of Finance
SUBJECT:
COMPREHENSIVE COST OF SERVICE RATE STUDY, SPECIFICATION NO. CS-2025-711BD
GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION
RECOMMENDATION: Recommend to the Board of Directors to:
A. Approve a Professional Consultant Services Agreement with HDR Engineering, Inc. to perform
a Comprehensive Cost of Service Rate Study, Specification No. CS-2025-711BD, for a total
amount not to exceed $254,280; and
B. Approve a contingency of $25,428 (10%).
BACKGROUND
Since 2002,the Orange County Sanitation District (OC San)has completed a rate study every five
years to determine customers’fair and equitable share of collection,treatment,and disposal costs,
developed an accurate rate model,and established a new five-year rate schedule which ensures full
cost recovery and supports Proposition 218 notifications.
For the 2026 rate study,staff has requested a comprehensive rate study on all fees and charges
including annexation fees and urban runoff fees.
This comprehensive rate study allocates costs to Flow,Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD),and
Total Suspended Solids (TSS)for the purpose of billing different customer classes,including high
flow and high strength dischargers.
RELEVANT STANDARDS
·Ensure the public’s money is wisely spent
·Stable rates, no large unforeseen rate increases
PROBLEM
OC San’s current five-year rate schedule will end as of June 30,2028.To assess rates on the newly
incorporated customers under the IRWD Agreement,approved in 2025,a new rate study and
resulting rate schedule needs to be adopted by the OC San Board of Directors.
Orange County Sanitation District Printed on 3/4/2026Page 1 of 3
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File #:2026-4769 Agenda Date:3/11/2026 Agenda Item No:6.
PROPOSED SOLUTION
Approve the Professional Consultant Services Agreement with HDR Engineering,Inc.to complete a
comprehensive cost of service rate study to establish the next five-year rate schedule.
TIMING CONCERNS
To meet the legal requirements of Proposition 218 so the new Ordinances are adopted and the rate
schedule is effective July 1,2027,the rate study should begin no later than the beginning of April
2026.
RAMIFICATIONS OF NOT TAKING ACTION
The rate study would be delayed,which could potentially affect the implementation of the new rate
schedule and hinder OC San’s cost recovery.
PRIOR COMMITTEE/BOARD ACTIONS
November 2025 -Approved initiating the rate setting process a year early to allow Orange County
Sanitation District to assess rates across the service area including new customer bases.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
On December 1,2025,OC San issued a Request for Proposals (RFP)and on January 5,OC San
received two proposals.The proposals were evaluated in accordance with OC San’s policies and
procedures and by a team consisting of the Director of Finance,Finance Manager,Accounting
Supervisor,and an Engineering Supervisor.A Purchasing representative chaired the team as a non-
voting member and legal counsel reviewed the proposals for process and adherence with Proposition
218 requirements.
Proposals were individually scored based on the following criteria:
CRITERION WEIGHT
Qualifications of the Firm 30%
Staffing and Project Organization 20%
Work Plan 30%
Cost 20%
The evaluation team first reviewed and scored the proposals based on the criteria listed above,
excluding the cost criterion.
Rank Proposer Criterion 1
Max (30%)
Criterion 2
Max (20%)
Criterion 3
Max (30%)
Subtotal
Max (80%)
1 HDR Engineering. Inc.26.4%17.8%27.9%72.1%
2 HF & H Consultants 21.0%12.0%19.5%52.5%
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File #:2026-4769 Agenda Date:3/11/2026 Agenda Item No:6.
A sealed cost proposal accompanied all proposals.Only the cost proposal for the highest ranked
firm was opened. OC San requested a Best and Final Offer.
The final scores for the proposers were as follows:
Rank Proposer Subtotal
Before Cost
(Max 80%)
Cost (Max
20%)
Total Weighted
Score (Max
100%)
1 HDR Engineering. Inc.72.1%20.0%92.1%
2 HF & H Consultants 52.5%N/A 52.5%
Based on these results,staff recommends approving a Professional Consultant Services Agreement
to HDR Engineering, Inc.
CEQA
N/A
FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS
This request complies with authority levels of OC San’s Purchasing Ordinance.This item has been
budgeted (Budget Update FY 2025-26,Page 23,Professional &Contractual Services)and is
proposed to be incorporated in the FY 2026-27 budget.
ATTACHMENT
The following attachment(s)may be viewed on-line at the OC San website (www.ocsan.gov)with the complete agenda
package:
·Professional Consultant Services Agreement
Orange County Sanitation District Printed on 3/4/2026Page 3 of 3
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Professional Consultant Services Agreement 1 of 11 Specification No. CS-2025-711BD Revision 121924
PROFESSIONAL CONSULTANT SERVICES AGREEMENT
Comprehensive Cost of Service Rate Study
Specification No. CS-2025-711BD
This PROFESSIONAL CONSULTANT SERVICES AGREEMENT (hereinafter referred to as “Agreement”) is made and entered into as of the date fully executed below, by and between Orange
County Sanitation District (hereinafter referred to as “OC San”) and HDR Engineering, Inc. (hereinafter referred to as “Consultant”), and collectively referred to herein as the “Parties.”
R E C I T A L S
WHEREAS, OC San desires to obtain Comprehensive Cost of Service Rate Study as described in Exhibit “A” attached hereto and incorporated herein by this reference (“Services”); and WHEREAS, Consultant is qualified to provide the Services by virtue of experience, training, and expertise; and
WHEREAS, OC San desires to engage Consultant to render the Services as provided herein; and WHEREAS, OC San selected Consultant to provide the Services in accordance with OC San’s current Purchasing Ordinance; and WHEREAS, on March 25, 2026, OC San’s Board of Directors, by minute order, authorized
execution of this Agreement. NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the above recitals and the mutual promises and benefits
specified below, the Parties agree as follows: 1. General.
1.1 This Agreement and all exhibits hereto are made by OC San and the Consultant. 1.2 The following exhibits, in order of precedence, are incorporated by reference and made part of this Agreement. Exhibit “A” – Scope of Work Exhibit “B” – Proposal and BAFO Exhibit “C” – Determined Insurance Requirement Form Exhibit “D” – Contractor Safety Standards Exhibit “E” – Human Resources Policies
1.3 In the event of any conflict or inconsistency between the provisions of this Agreement and any of the provisions of the exhibits hereto, the provisions in the Agreement shall control and thereafter the provisions in the document highest in precedence shall be controlling.
1.4 Except as expressly provided otherwise, OC San accepts no liability for any expenses, losses, or actions incurred or undertaken by Consultant as a result of work performed in anticipation of purchases of the Services by OC San.
Professional Consultant Services Agreement 2 of 11 Specification No. CS-2025-711BD Revision 121924
1.5 Work Hours: The work required under the Agreement may include normal business hours, evenings, and weekends. OC San will not pay for travel time; and
All work or meetings with OC San staff shall be scheduled Monday through Thursday, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. and shall conform to OC San work schedules.
1.6 Days: Shall mean calendar days, unless otherwise noted.
1.7 OC San holidays (non-working days) are as follows: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, Day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day. 1.8 The provisions of this Agreement may be amended or waived only by an amendment executed by authorized representatives of both Parties. 1.9 The various headings in this Agreement are inserted for convenience only and shall not
affect the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement or any paragraph or provision hereof. 2. Scope of Work. 2.1 Consultant shall provide the Services identified in Exhibit “A” in a competent,
professional, and satisfactory manner in accordance with generally accepted industry and professional standards, including ethical practices, and standards of care and competence for its trade/profession.
2.2 Modifications to Scope of Work. OC San shall have the right to modify the Scope of Work at any time. All modifications must be made by an amendment signed by both
Parties. 2.3 Familiarity with Work. By executing this Agreement, Consultant warrants that: (a) it has investigated the work to be performed; and (b) it understands the facilities, difficulties, and restrictions of the work under this Agreement. Should Consultant discover any latent or unknown condition materially differing from those inherent in the work or as represented by OC San, it shall immediately inform OC San of this and shall not proceed, except at Consultant’s risk, until written instructions are received from OC San. 2.4 Performance. Time is of the essence in the performance of the provisions hereof.
3. Agreement Term.
3.1 The Services provided under this Agreement shall be completed within one (1) year from the effective date of the Notice to Proceed.
3.2 Extensions. The term of this Agreement may be extended only by an amendment signed by both Parties.
Professional Consultant Services Agreement 3 of 11 Specification No. CS-2025-711BD Revision 121924
4. Compensation. 4.1 As compensation for the Services provided under this Agreement, OC San shall pay
Consultant a total amount not to exceed Two Hundred Fifty-Four Thousand Two Hundred Eighty Dollars ($254,280.00).
4.2 Consultant shall provide OC San with all required premiums and/or overtime work at no charge beyond the amount specified above. 5. Payments and Invoicing. 5.1 OC San shall pay itemized invoices submitted monthly for work completed in accordance with Exhibit “A” and consistent with Exhibit “B” thirty (30) days from receipt of the invoice and after approval by OC San’s Project Manager or designee. OC San shall be the determining party, in its sole discretion, as to whether the Services have been satisfactorily completed.
5.2 Consultant shall submit its invoices to OC San Accounts Payable by electronic mail to APStaff@OCSan.gov. In the subject line include “INVOICE” and the Purchase Order Number. 6. Key Personnel. Personnel, as provided in Exhibit “B,” are considered “key” to the work under this Agreement and will be available for the term of the Agreement. No person
designated as key under this Agreement shall be removed or replaced without prior written consent of OC San. If OC San asks Consultant to remove a person designated as key under this Agreement, Consultant agrees to do so immediately regardless of the reason, or the lack
of reason, for OC San’s request. Consultant shall assign only competent personnel to perform Services under this Agreement. 7. Ownership of Documents. All drawings, specifications, reports, records, documents, memoranda, correspondence, computations, and other materials prepared by Consultant, its employees, subconsultants, and agents in the performance of this Agreement shall be the property of OC San and shall be promptly delivered to OC San upon request of OC San’s Project Manager or designee or upon the termination of this Agreement and Consultant shall have no claim for further employment or additional compensation as a result of the exercise by OC San of its full rights of ownership of the documents and materials hereunder. Any use of such completed documents for other projects and/or use of incomplete documents without specific written authorization by the Consultant will be at OC San’s sole risk and without liability to Consultant. Consultant shall ensure that all its contracts with its subconsultants provide for assignment to OC San of any documents or materials prepared by them.
8. Ownership of Intellectual Property. 8.1 Consultant agrees that all designs, plans, reports, specifications, drawings, schematics, prototypes, models, inventions, and all other information and items made during the course of this Agreement and arising from the Services (hereinafter referred to as “New Developments”) shall be and are assigned to OC San as its sole and exclusive property. 8.2 Consultant agrees to promptly disclose to OC San all such New Developments. Upon OC San’s request, Consultant agrees to assist OC San, at OC San’s expense, to obtain patents or copyrights for such New Developments, including the disclosure of all
pertinent information and data with respect thereto, the execution of all applications,
Professional Consultant Services Agreement 4 of 11 Specification No. CS-2025-711BD Revision 121924
specifications, assignments, and all other instruments and papers which OC San shall deem necessary to apply for and to assign or convey to OC San, its successors and assigns, the sole and exclusive right, title, and interest in such New Developments.
Consultant agrees to obtain or has obtained written assurances from its employees and contract personnel of their agreement to the terms hereof regarding New Developments and confidential information.
8.3 Consultant warrants that Consultant will have good title to any New Developments and the right to assign New Developments to OC San free of any proprietary rights of any other party or any other encumbrance whatever. 8.4 The originals of all computations, drawings, designs, graphics, studies, reports, manuals, photographs, videotapes, data, computer files, and other documents prepared or caused to be prepared by Consultant or its subconsultants in connection with the Services hereunder shall be delivered to and shall become the exclusive property of OC San. OC San may utilize such documents, at its own risk, for OC San’s applications on other projects or extensions of this project. 9. Right to Review Services, Facilities, and Records. 9.1 OC San reserves the right to review any portion of the Services performed by Consultant under this Agreement and Consultant agrees to cooperate to the fullest extent possible in such endeavor. 9.2 Consultant shall furnish to OC San such reports, statistical data, and other information pertaining to Consultant’s Services as shall be reasonably required by OC San to carry out its rights and responsibilities under its agreements with its bondholders or
noteholders and any other agreement relating to the development of the project(s) and in connection with the issuance of its official statements and other prospectuses with respect to the offering, sale, and issuance of its bonds and other obligations.
9.3 The right of OC San to review or approve drawings, specifications, procedures, instructions, reports, test results, calculations, schedules, or other data that are developed by Consultant shall not relieve Consultant of any obligation set forth herein. 10. Conflict of Interest and Reporting.
10.1 Consultant shall, at all times, avoid conflicts of interest or appearance of conflicts of interest in performance of this Agreement. 10.2 Consultant affirms that, to the best of its knowledge, there exists no actual or potential conflict between Consultant’s families, business, or financial interest and the Services under this Agreement and in the event of change in either its private interests or Services under this Agreement, it shall raise with OC San any question regarding possible conflict of interest which may arise as a result of such change. 11. Damage to OC San’s Property. Any of OC San’s property damaged by Consultant, any subconsultant, subcontractor, or by the personnel of either will be subject to repair or replacement by Consultant at no cost to OC San. 12. Freight (F.O.B. Destination). Consultant assumes full responsibility for all transportation, transportation scheduling, packing, handling, insurance, and other services associated with delivery of all products deemed necessary under this Agreement.
Professional Consultant Services Agreement 5 of 11 Specification No. CS-2025-711BD Revision 121924
13. Audit Rights. Consultant agrees that, during the term of this Agreement and for a period of three (3) years after its expiration or termination, OC San shall have access to and the right to examine any directly pertinent books, documents, and records of Consultant relating to
the invoices submitted by Consultant pursuant to this Agreement. 14. Contractor Safety Standards and Human Resources Policies. OC San requires
Consultant, its subconsultants, and its subcontractors to follow and ensure their employees follow all Federal, State, and local regulations as well as Contractor Safety Standards while working at OC San locations. If, during the course of the Agreement, it is discovered that
Contractor Safety Standards do not comply with Federal, State, or local regulations, the Consultant is required to follow the most stringent regulatory requirement at no additional cost to OC San. Consultant, its subconsultants, and all of their employees shall adhere to all applicable Contractor Safety Standards in Exhibit “D” and the Human Resources Policies in Exhibit “E.” 15. Insurance. Consultant and all its subconsultants shall purchase and maintain, throughout the term of this Agreement and any periods of warranty or extensions, insurance in amounts
equal to the requirements set forth in the signed Exhibit “C” – Determined Insurance Requirement Form. Consultant shall not commence work under this Agreement until all required insurance is obtained in a form acceptable to OC San, nor shall Consultant allow any subconsultant to commence service pursuant to a subcontract until all insurance required of the subconsultant has been obtained. Failure to obtain and maintain the required insurance coverage shall result in termination of this Agreement. 16. Indemnification and Hold Harmless Provision. Consultant shall assume all responsibility for damages to property and/or injuries to persons, including accidental death, which may arise out of or may be caused by Consultant’s Services under this Agreement, or by its subconsultant(s), or by anyone directly or indirectly employed by Consultant, and whether
such damage or injury shall accrue or be discovered before or after the termination of the Agreement. Except as to the sole active negligence of or willful misconduct of OC San, Consultant shall indemnify, protect, defend, and hold harmless OC San, its elected and appointed officials, officers, agents, and employees from and against any and all claims, liabilities, damages, or expenses of any nature, including attorneys’ fees: (a) for injury to or death of any person, or damage to property, or interference with the use of property arising
out of or in connection with Consultant’s performance under the Agreement, and/or (b) on account of use of any copyrighted or uncopyrighted material, composition, or process; or any patented or unpatented invention, article, or appliance furnished or used under the Agreement, and/or (c) on account of any goods and services provided under this Agreement. This indemnification provision shall apply to any acts or omissions, willful misconduct, or negligent misconduct, whether active or passive, on the part of Consultant or anyone employed by or working under Consultant. To the maximum extent permitted by law, Consultant’s duty to defend shall apply whether or not such claims, allegations, lawsuits, or proceedings have merit or are meritless, or which involve claims or allegations that any of the parties to be defended were actively, passively, or concurrently negligent, or which otherwise assert that the parties to be defended are responsible, in whole or in part,
for any loss, damage, or injury. Consultant agrees to provide this defense immediately upon written notice from OC San, and with well qualified, adequately insured, and experienced legal counsel acceptable to OC San. This section shall survive the expiration or early
termination of the Agreement.
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17. Independent Contractor. 17.1 The relationship between the Parties hereto is that of an independent contractor and
nothing herein shall be construed as creating an employment or agency relationship. 17.2 During the performance of this Agreement, Consultant and its officers, employees, and
agents shall act in an independent capacity and shall not act as OC San’s officers, employees, or agents. OC San assumes no liability for Consultant’s action and performance nor assumes responsibility for taxes, funds, payments, or other
commitments, expressed or implied, by or for Consultant. 17.3 Consultant shall not be considered an agent of OC San for any purpose whatsoever nor shall Consultant have the right to, and shall not, commit OC San to any agreement, contract, or undertaking. Consultant shall not use OC San’s name in its promotional material or for any advertising or publicity purposes without prior expressed written consent.
17.4 Consultant shall not be entitled to any benefits accorded to those individuals listed on OC San’s payroll as regular employees including, without limitation, worker’s compensation, disability insurance, vacation, or holiday or sick pay. Consultant shall
be responsible for providing, at Consultant’s expense, disability, worker’s compensation, and other insurance as well as licenses and permits usual or necessary for conducting the Services hereunder.
17.5 Consultant shall be obligated to pay any and all applicable Federal, State, and local payroll and other taxes incurred as a result of fees hereunder. Consultant hereby
indemnifies OC San for any claims, losses, costs, fees, liabilities, damages, or penalties suffered by OC San arising out of Consultant’s breach of this provision. 17.6 Consultant shall not be eligible to join or participate in any benefit plans offered to those individuals listed on OC San’s payroll as regular employees. Consultant shall remain ineligible for such benefits or participation in such benefit plans even if a court later decides that OC San misclassified Consultant for tax purposes.
18. Subcontracting and Assignment. Consultant shall not delegate any duties nor assign any rights under this Agreement without the prior written consent of OC San. Any such attempted delegation or assignment shall be void. 19. Intentionally Omitted. 20. Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure. 20.1 Consultant acknowledges that, in performing the Services hereunder, OC San may
have to disclose to Consultant, orally and in writing, certain confidential information that OC San considers proprietary and has developed at great expense and effort.
20.2 Consultant agrees to maintain in confidence and not disclose to any person, firm, or corporation, without OC San’s prior written consent, any trade secret, confidential information, knowledge, or data relating to the products, process, or operation of OC San.
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20.3 Consultant further agrees to maintain in confidence and not to disclose to any person, firm, or corporation any data, information, technology, or material developed or obtained by Consultant during the term of this Agreement.
20.4 Consultant agrees as follows:
20.4.1 To use the confidential information only for the purposes described herein; to not reproduce the confidential information; to hold in confidence and protect the confidential information from dissemination to and use by anyone not a
party to this Agreement; and to not use the confidential information to benefit itself or others. 20.4.2 To restrict access to the confidential information to its subconsultant or personnel of Consultant who (1) have a need to have such access and (2) have been advised of and have agreed in writing to treat such information in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.
20.4.3 To return all confidential information in Consultant’s possession upon termination of this Agreement or upon OC San’s request, whichever occurs first.
20.4.4 To hold in confidence information and materials, if any, developed pursuant to the Services hereunder.
20.4.5 The provisions of this section shall survive termination or expiration of this Agreement and shall continue for so long as the material remains confidential.
21. Non-Liability of OC San Officers and Employees. No officer or employee of OC San shall be personally liable to Consultant, or any successor-in-interest, in the event of any default or
breach by OC San or for any amount which may become due to Consultant or to its successor, or for breach of any obligation under the terms of this Agreement. 22. Third-Party Rights. Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to give any rights or benefits to anyone other than OC San and Consultant. 23. Applicable Laws and Regulations. Consultant shall comply with all applicable Federal, State, and local laws, rules, and regulations. Consultant also agrees to indemnify and hold OC San harmless from any and all damages and liabilities assessed against OC San as a result of Consultant’s noncompliance therewith. Any provision required by law to be included herein shall be deemed included as a part of this Agreement whether or not specifically
included or referenced. 24. Licenses, Permits, Ordinances, and Regulations. Consultant represents and warrants to
OC San that it has obtained all licenses, permits, qualifications, and approvals of whatever nature that are legally required to provide the Services. Any and all fees required by Federal, State, County, City, and/or municipal laws, codes, and/or tariffs that pertain to the work
performed under this Agreement will be paid by Consultant. 25. Regulatory Requirements. Consultant shall perform all work under this Agreement in strict conformance with applicable Federal, State, and local regulatory requirements including, but not limited to, 40 CFR 122, 123, 124, 257, 258, 260, 261, and 503, Title 22, 23, and Water Codes Division 2.
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26. Environmental Compliance. Consultant shall, at its own cost and expense, comply with all Federal, State, and local environmental laws, regulations, and policies which apply to the Consultant, its subconsultants, subcontractors, and the Services, including, but not limited
to, all applicable Federal, State, and local air pollution control laws and regulations. 27. California Air Resources Board Mobile Source Regulations. Consultant and its applicable subconsultants and subcontractors shall comply with the following California Air Resources Board Mobile Source Regulations:
• Advanced Clean Fleet (ACF): 13 CCR 2013-2013.4; 13 CCR 2015-2015.6
• Truck & Bus Regulation (T&B): 13 CCR 2025
• Clean Truck Check (CTC): 13 CCR 2195-2199.1
• Off-Road Diesel Amendments (ORD): 13 CCR 2449-2449.2 28. Dispute Resolution.
28.1 In the event of a dispute as to the construction or interpretation of this Agreement, or any rights or obligations hereunder, the Parties shall first attempt, in good faith, to resolve the dispute by mediation. The Parties shall mutually select a mediator to
facilitate the resolution of the dispute. If the Parties are unable to agree on a mediator, the mediation shall be conducted in accordance with the Commercial Mediation Rules of the American Arbitration Agreement, through the alternate dispute resolution
procedures of Judicial Arbitration through Mediation Services of Orange County (“JAMS”), or any similar organization or entity conducting an alternate dispute resolution process. 28.2 In the event the Parties are unable to timely resolve the dispute through mediation, the issues in dispute shall be submitted to arbitration pursuant to Code of Civil Procedure, Part 3, Title 9, sections 1280 et seq. For such purpose, an agreed arbitrator shall be selected, or in the absence of agreement, each party shall select an arbitrator, and those two (2) arbitrators shall select a third. Discovery may be conducted in connection with the arbitration proceeding pursuant to Code of Civil Procedure section 1283.05. The arbitrator, or three (3) arbitrators acting as a board, shall take such evidence and
make such investigation as deemed appropriate and shall render a written decision on the matter in question. The arbitrator shall decide each and every dispute in accordance with the laws of the State of California. The arbitrator’s decision and award
shall be subject to review for errors of fact or law in the Superior Court for the County of Orange, with a right of appeal from any judgment issued therein. 29. Remedies. In addition to other remedies available in law or equity, if the Consultant fails to make delivery of the goods or Services or repudiates its obligations under this Agreement, or if OC San rejects the goods or Services or revokes acceptance of the goods or Services,
OC San may (a) cancel the Agreement; (b) recover whatever amount of the purchase price OC San has paid, and/or (c) “cover” by purchasing, or contracting to purchase, substitute goods or services for those due from Consultant. In the event OC San elects to “cover” as described in (c), OC San shall be entitled to recover from Consultant as damages the difference between the cost of the substitute goods or services and the Agreement price, together with any incidental or consequential damages.
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30. Force Majeure. Neither party shall be liable for delays caused by accident, flood, acts of God, fire, labor trouble, war, acts of government, pandemics, epidemics, quarantine restrictions, or any other cause beyond its control, but the affected party shall use reasonable
efforts to minimize the extent of the delay. Work affected by a force majeure condition may be rescheduled by mutual consent of the Parties. 31. Termination. 31.1 OC San reserves the right to terminate this Agreement for its convenience, with or
without cause, in whole or in part, at any time, by written notice from OC San, provided OC San shall not terminate with cause unless OC San provided written notice of the breach and Consultant fails to cure within ten (10) days of receipt of such notice. Upon receipt of a termination notice, Consultant shall immediately discontinue all work under this Agreement (unless the notice directs otherwise). OC San shall thereafter, within thirty (30) days, pay Consultant for work performed (cost and fee) through the date of termination. Consultant expressly waives any claim to receive anticipated profits to be earned during the uncompleted portion of this Agreement. Such notice of termination
shall terminate this Agreement and release OC San from any further fee, cost, or claim hereunder by Consultant other than for work performed through the date of termination. 31.2 OC San reserves the right to terminate this Agreement subject to the cure opportunity set forth in Section 31.1 herein upon OC San’s determination that Consultant is not complying with the Scope of Work requirements, if the level of service is inadequate,
or for any other default of this Agreement. 31.3 OC San may also immediately terminate this Agreement for default, in whole or in part,
by written notice to Consultant:
• if Consultant becomes insolvent or files a petition under the Bankruptcy Act; or
• if Consultant sells its business; or
• if the total amount of compensation exceeds the amount authorized under this Agreement.
31.4 All OC San’s property in the possession or control of Consultant shall be returned by Consultant to OC San on demand or at the expiration or termination of this Agreement,
whichever occurs first. 32. Attorney’s Fees. If any action at law or in equity or if any proceeding in the form of an
Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) is necessary to enforce or interpret the terms of this Agreement, the prevailing party shall be entitled to reasonable attorney’s fees, costs, and necessary disbursements in addition to any other relief to which the prevailing party may be entitled. 33. Waiver. The waiver by either party of any breach or violation of, or default under, any provision of this Agreement, shall not be deemed a continuing waiver by such party of any other provision or of any subsequent breach or violation of this Agreement or default thereunder. Any breach by Consultant to which OC San does not object shall not operate as a waiver of OC San’s rights to seek remedies available to it for any subsequent breach. 34. Severability. If any section, subsection, or provision of this Agreement, or any agreement or instrument contemplated hereby, or the application of such section, subsection, or provision is held invalid, the remainder of this Agreement or instrument in the application of
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such section, subsection, or provision to persons or circumstances other than those to which it is held invalid, shall not be affected thereby, unless the effect of such invalidity shall be to substantially frustrate the expectations of the Parties.
35. Survival. The provisions of this Agreement dealing with payment, warranty, indemnity, and forum for enforcement shall survive expiration or early termination of this Agreement.
36. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and interpreted under the laws of the State of California and the Parties submit to jurisdiction in the County of Orange in the
event any action is brought in connection with this Agreement or the performance thereof. 37. Notices. 37.1 All notices under this Agreement must be in writing. Written notice shall be delivered by personal service, by electronic telecommunication, or sent by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, or by any other overnight delivery service which delivers to the noticed destination and provides proof of delivery to the
sender. Rejection or other refusal to accept or the inability to deliver because of changed address for which no notice was given as provided hereunder shall be deemed to be receipt of the notice, demand, or request sent. All notices shall be effective when first received at the following addresses: OC San: Jeremey Arbiso
Senior Buyer Orange County Sanitation District 18480 Bandilier Circle
Fountain Valley, CA 92708 jarbiso@ocsan.gov
Consultant: Anna Lantin Senior Vice President HDR Engineering, Inc. 3220 El Camino Real, Suite 200 Irvine, CA 92620 Anna.Lantin@HDRinc.com 37.2 Each party shall provide the other party written notice of any change in address as soon as practicable. 38. Read and Understood. By signing this Agreement, Consultant represents that it has read
and understood the terms and conditions of the Agreement. 39. Authority to Execute. The persons executing this Agreement on behalf of the Parties
warrant that they are duly authorized to execute this Agreement and that by executing this Agreement, the Parties are formally bound. 40. Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement of the Parties and supersedes all prior written or oral communications and all contemporaneous oral agreements, understandings, and negotiations between the Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, intending to be legally bound, the Parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be signed by their duly authorized representatives.
ORANGE COUNTY SANITATION DISTRICT
Dated: _________________ By:
Ryan P. Gallagher Chair, Board of Directors
Dated: _________________ By: Kelly A. Lore Clerk of the Board
Dated: _________________ By: Kevin Work Purchasing & Contracts Manager
HDR ENGINEERING, INC.
Dated: _________________ By:
Print Name and Title of Officer
YP
EXHIBIT A Specification No. CS-2025-711BD
EXHIBIT A SCOPE OF WORK
For Comprehensive Cost of Service Rate Study
EXHIBIT A Page 1 of 4 Specification No. CS-2025-711BD
EXHIBIT A SCOPE OF WORK COMPREHENSIVE COST OF SERVICE RATE STUDY SPECIFICATION NO. CS-2025-711BD 1 INTRODUCTION The Orange County Sanitation District (OC San) is seeking a qualified Consultant to
conduct a comprehensive cost of service rate study for Regional Sewer Service, Capital Facility Capacity Charges, and ancillary services provided to customers in our service area as well as wholesale customers outside of our service area.
2 BACKGROUND, PROJECT INFORMATION AND REQUIREMENTS OC San is responsible for safely collecting, treating, and disposing the wastewater generated by 2.6 million people living in a 479-square-mile-area of central and northwest Orange County. OC San operates two wastewater treatment/reclamation plants, 15 off-site pump stations and owns and maintains 388 miles of pipes throughout our service area. Approximately 182 million gallons of wastewater is treated daily.
On December 15, 2022, the OC San Board of Directors adopted a five-year rate study
that recommended annual sewer rates to support OC San operations through June 30, 2028. OC San is seeking to adopt new rates for FY 2027/28 through FY 2031/32 due to a change in the customer base and the need to comply with the Proposition 218
requirements for new customers. Under this project, Consultant shall study and recommend sewer rates for the next five-year period as well as rates for other charges. OC San intends to comply with Proposition 218 Notification requirements; therefore, this rate analysis must be conducted and documented as to comply with all legal requirements. OC has other resources that will handle the preparation of the Proposition 218 notices and outreach efforts.
3 Project Elements/Requirements
Consultant must prepare a comprehensive rate study update for OC San. The final product will consist of a report documenting the findings and making recommendations for OC San rates for the next five years.
The study shall include but not be limited to the following:
• A cost allocation assigning operations and maintenance as well as capital expenditures to Flow, Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) and Total Suspended
Solids (TSS). This functional allocation will be used as the basis for assigning treatment costs to the different customer classes including wholesale users;
• A review of the revenue requirements, including long-term maintenance and replacement costs, for the next 5 years to be used for rate setting for both Regional
Sewer Service as well as Flow, Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) and Total Suspended Solids (TSS) for Industrial Waste Dischargers;
EXHIBIT A Page 2 of 4 Specification No. CS-2025-711BD
• Develop a wastewater cost of service and rate model for OC San covering a five-year period (Fiscal Years 2027/28 through 2031/32) for both on-going operations and planned capital improvements;
• A recommended methodology and rate schedule for Capital Facility Capacity Charges as well as Supplemental Capital Facility Capacity Charges;
• Develop a five-year sewer service fee program that produces revenues adequate to meet the financial needs of OC San as well as the operational and capital needs, while recognizing customer cost of service, and local and state legal and policy
considerations (Prop 218 & 26);
• An evaluation of the current rebate methodology for Regional sewer service fees and recommend adjustments if needed;
• A review and update of other miscellaneous fees including annexation fees;
• A review and determination of comparable charges for dry weather urban runoff flows;
• A survey of the rates and fees charged by other, comparable, municipality
wastewater utilities;
• An easy-to-use electronic model in Microsoft Excel or user-friendly application, to be used by OC San for future rate setting;
• Additional analyses and review as necessary to evidence compliance with applicable legal requirements.
4 Study Requirements
The rate study requirements shall include but are not limited to:
• Using the current rate structure as the starting point for the recommendations and proposals to be developed.
• The recommended rate structure shall be based on cost of service and shall be
sufficient to meet the short-term and long-term revenue requirements of OC San.
• The recommended rate structure shall provide direct identification of revenues appropriate to fund operating activities and infrastructure.
• The recommended rate structure shall result in no decrease in stability of the revenue stream as compared to current structures.
• The recommended rate structure shall consider the type and amount of reserves
appropriate to the investment policy of OC San. .
• The rate study shall document the methodology used in the rate recommendations and the justification for the proposed rate structure.
EXHIBIT A Page 3 of 4 Specification No. CS-2025-711BD
•The rate study and supporting documentation shall include all data and analysisnecessary to support legal compliance, and document findings through easilyunderstandable narrative.
5 PROJECT SCHEDULE
The schedule for the completion of the study is anticipated to be five months from the
effective date of the Notice to Proceed. The Consultant is encouraged to begin the study immediately after the effective date of the Notice to Proceed.
Tentative Project Schedule
•Board Authorization – March 2026
•Award Contract – March 2026
•Notice to Proceed – April 2026
•Draft Study Due- September 2026
•Final Study Due – October 2026
•Board Review & Discussion – November/ December 2026
•Board Adoption of Ordinances – February/March 2027
6 Additional Requirements/Meetings
Meetings with OC San staff and/or OC San Board of Directors at key points throughout the course of the project to review and discuss the overall project should be anticipated. This will include at a minimum:
A.Kick-Off Meeting (virtual or in-person)
B.Interim Meeting where the rate structure models are run with various capital andoperating budget scenarios (virtual or in-person).
C.Attendance at a minimum of two meetings/public hearings of the AdministrationCommittee and/or Board of Directors meetings where the rate study and rateschedules will be considered, these meetings require in person attendance.
D.Initial discussions with legal counsel and completion of draft report with at least 3weeks for review by legal counsel and OC San staff.
7 Project Activities
Task 1 – Project Management
Task 2 – Project Initiation Meeting and Data Collection
Task 3 – Capital Facilities Plan Assessment
Task 4 – Revenue Requirement Projections
Task 5 – Classification of Costs
Task 6 – Cost of Service Analyses
Task 7 – Review and Development of Rate Structure
Task 8 – Preliminary Draft Report and Meeting
Task 9 - Final Report
EXHIBIT A Page 4 of 4 Specification No. CS-2025-711BD
8 Resources Available
OC San staff can assist with: A. Collection of pertinent secondary source information. B. Provision of any existing level of service standards, if available. C. Identification of future Capital Improvement Program projects.
D. Provision of financial, budgetary and customer documentation upon request. E. Review of draft reports prior to their reproduction and distribution.
F. Coordination and scheduling of meetings between Consultant and OC San Staff. G. Provision of interim briefings to the OC San Board of Directors on the progress of the study.
H. Additional team involvement as mutually agreed upon.
ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE
Agenda Report
Headquarters
18480 Bandilier Circle
Fountain Valley, CA 92708
(714) 593-7433
File #:2026-4819 Agenda Date:3/11/2026 Agenda Item No:7.
FROM:Robert Thompson, General Manager
Originator: Lan C. Wiborg, Director of Environmental Services
SUBJECT:
ORANGE COUNTY WASTE AND RECYCLING WASTE INFRASTRUCTURE SYSTEM
ENTERPRISE AGREEMENT AND ORGANIC SERVICES AGREEMENT
GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION
RECOMMENDATION: Recommend to the Board of Directors to:
A.Approve the Waste Infrastructure System Enterprise (WISE) Agreement and the Organic
Services Agreement with Orange County Waste and Recycling to receive and dispose of
Orange County Sanitation District’s (OC San) solid waste (grit, screenings, drying bed
materials and any solids that cannot be beneficially reused) at Orange County Waste and
Recycling’s landfills for a term of 10 years from July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2036 for a total
amount not to exceed $18,000,000 which includes the phased-in unit price per ton approach
and the associated escalation costs; and
B. Approve up to one (1) additional, 10-year renewal agreement.
BACKGROUND
Orange County Waste and Recycling (OCWR)is responsible for managing Orange County’s
(County)solid waste disposal system.The system consists of three active regional landfill
operations,three organic processing facilities,20 closed solid waste disposal sites,and four
household hazardous waste collection centers.Since 2013,OCWR has been providing OC San with
a low-cost,in-county option to properly dispose up to 50 tons per day (tpd)of solid waste generated
from the grit,screenings,drying beds,as well as from special projects such as Supercritical Water
Oxidation (SCWO)at the Frank Bowerman Landfill located in the city of Irvine.In addition,OCWR
provides an option for limited disposal of solids that cannot be beneficially reused at the Prima
Deshecha Landfill located in the city of San Juan Capistrano.
On April 8,1997,the Orange County Board of Supervisors (Supervisors)approved Waste Disposal
Agreements (WDAs)for a contract term of 10 years (1997-2007)with local jurisdictions and
sanitation districts whereby jurisdictional tonnage is dedicated to County landfills in exchange for
stable and competitive disposal rates.On June 22,2004,the Supervisors approved the extension of
the WDAs to June 30, 2010.
On March 24,2009,the Supervisors approved WDAs for an additional 10-year contract term (2010-
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On March 24,2009,the Supervisors approved WDAs for an additional 10-year contract term (2010-
2020)and on December 15,2015,approved the First Amendment to extend the expiration date of
the 2009 WDAs from June 30,2020,to June 30,2025.The WDAs included the free disposal of
residential Processed Green Material for use as Alternative Daily Cover at County landfills,until the
change in regulations with Assembly Bill (AB)1594 and Senate Bill (SB)1383 implementation in
2020 removed diversion credit for the material and redefined unprocessed organic material as
regular waste.
On May 20,2025,the Supervisors approved the Second Amendment to extend the term from June
30,2025,to June 30,2026,to provide additional time for the parties to complete negotiations
regarding the successor agreement to the WDA referred to as the WISE Agreement.Local
jurisdictions and sanitation districts are also being offered new organic processing services (to assist
them in meeting their SB 1383 organic diversion mandates)under an optional Organic Services
Agreement (OSA).The majority of the language found in the WISE Agreement is carried over from
the existing WDAs and includes the County’s commitment to indemnify cities for all landfill related
environmental liability.
WISE Agreement
The WISE Agreements that were approved by the Supervisors on January 27,2026,are the result of
extensive negotiations between the County of Orange and the Orange County City Managers
Association (OCCMA)Subcommittee which was tasked with negotiating on behalf of the cities and
sanitation districts including OC San.Rates are structured with automatic annual escalation based
on the Consumer Price/Waste Industry Index (CPI)increases intended to ensure that revenue
increases along with inflationary increases to the costs of managing the Waste Infrastructure System.
The County proposed two options for jurisdictions to agree to regarding the WISE Agreement.Each
option presented provides for an analysis allowing for adjustments to ensure appropriate cost
recovery. These options are outlined below.
Option 1: $ 73 /ton in year 1 and then increasing by CPI every July 1st in subsequent years.
Option 2:Phased-In Approach (Year 1:$67/ton,Year 2:$76/ton,Year 3:$78/ton,Years 4-10:Rate +
CPI)
The County provided these options to the OCCMA Subcommittee to present to OCCMA and the
sanitation districts,including OC San,which take part in the WDAs.Additionally,both options
continue the revenue sharing from imported waste delivered to the County’s solid waste disposal
system with the jurisdictions taking part in the WISE Agreement.Based on the options presented,
the Option 2 Phased-In Approach was selected as the approved WISE Agreement rate structure.
The Option 2 rate will allow for a phased increase in rates within the County over three years,while
providing OCWR the revenue to continue its operations and programs to meet its regulatory
requirements,resulting in a stable landfill system to the residents of Orange County.Additionally,
Option 2 continues the revenue sharing from imported acceptable waste received by the County as
outlined within Section 3.6(F) of Attachment A, with jurisdictions participating in the WISE Agreement.
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Organic Services Agreement (OSA)
In addition to the disposal of waste,the WISE Agreement had originally included organics processing
for jurisdictions to take part in and deliver preprocessed organic waste to the County’s organic
facilities.OCWR-produced compost and mulch are high quality products that have received US
Composting Council’s STA Certification as well as OMRI Listed®by the Organic Materials Review
Institute,which is certified for use in organic farming and gardening under the USDA National
Organic Program.
The OSA allows jurisdictions to bring preprocessed organic waste to OCWR organic facilities for
processing and diversion at a guaranteed rate.The HF&H Consultant’s rate model assessed costs
for organics operations and required infrastructure and is proposing an Organic Contract Rate of $67
per ton.Additionally,under the OSA,jurisdictions and their residents are entitled to receive free Seal
of Assurance Testing (STA)Certified bulk compost and mulch which will assist participating
jurisdictions in meeting their SB 1383 Recovered Organic Waste Procurement requirements.
Jurisdictions and other non-contract customers that choose not to participate in the OSA,will be able
to purchase finished compost and mulch at market rates set by the OCWR Director.
Summary of the relevant Rate Adjustments:
2025 Rate 2026-2028 Proposed Rates
WDA, Amendment No. 2 $48.14/ton N/A
WISE Agreement N/A Year 1: $67/ton Year 2: $76/ton Year
3: $78/ton Years 4-10: Rate + CPI
Organic Services Agreement (OSA)N/A $67/ton + CPI
RELEVANT STANDARDS
·Maintain and adhere to appropriate internal planning documents (2025 Strategic Plan,2017
Biosolids Master Plan, etc.)
·Protect OC San assets
·Sustain 1, 5, 20-year planning horizons
·Ensure the public’s money is wisely spent
·Maintain collaborative and cooperative relationships with regulators,stakeholders,and
neighboring communities
PROBLEM
OC San’s current one-year extension of the existing WDA Amendment No.2 with OCWR is expiring
on June 30,2026,with no remaining renewal options,an agreement is needed to routinely haul solid
waste to the various in-county landfills.
PROPOSED SOLUTION
Approve the WISE Agreement and OSA with OCWR for a term of ten years from July 1,2026,
through June 30,2036,and up to one additional ten-year renewal amendment to ensure operational
resiliency, rate stability, and uninterrupted service.
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TIMING CONCERNS
OC San will need the WISE Agreement and OSA signed and processed before the WDA expires on
June 30, 2026 to ensure there is no lapse in service.
RAMIFICATIONS OF NOT TAKING ACTION
If the agreement is not approved, OC San will not have an in-county option to dispose of the solid
waste collected by OC San and its member agencies. Out-of-county alternatives pose logistical
challenges and significant cost increases.
PRIOR COMMITTEE/BOARD ACTIONS
June 2025 - Approved Amendment No. 2 of the OC Waste and Recycling Waste Disposal
Agreement, extending the initial term of the Agreement from June 30, 2025 to June 30, 2026, for a
total amount not to exceed $748,000 which includes the unit price per ton for solid waste disposal
and the associated escalation costs.
June 2015 - Approved Amendment No. 1 of the OC Waste and Recycling Waste Disposal
Agreement, extending the initial term of the Agreement from June 30, 2020 to June 30, 2025.
November 2012 - Approved a Waste Disposal Agreement with the County of Orange (Orange County
Waste and Recycling) for the County to receive and dispose of the Orange County Sanitation
District’s biosolids at the Prima Deshecha Landfill, subject to available capacity, for the period
commencing on December 1, 2012 through June 30, 2020, with a renewal option of 10-years in a
total annual amount not to exceed $3,605,288.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
N/A
CEQA
The WISE Agreement and OSA are exempt from CEQA review pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section
15061(b)(3).
FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS
This request complies with the authority levels of OC San’s Purchasing Ordinance. This item has
been budgeted (Budget FY 2024-25 and 2025-2026, Section 5, Page 6, Contractual Services - Solids
Removal) and the budget is sufficient for the recommended action.
ATTACHMENT
The following attachment(s) may be viewed on-line at the OC San website (www.ocsan.gov) with the complete agenda
package:
·WISE Agreement and OSA
·OCWR January 27, 2026 - Agenda Staff Report
Orange County Sanitation District Printed on 3/4/2026Page 4 of 4
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WASTE INFRASTRUCTURE SYSTEM ENTERPRISE AGREEMENT
(“WISE AGREEMENT”)
Between
THE COUNTY OF ORANGE, CALIFORNIA and the ORANGE COUNTY SANITATION DISTRICT
Dated July 1, 2026
County Notice Address:
Director OC Waste & Recycling 601 N. Ross Street 5th Floor Santa Ana, CA 92701
City Notice Address:
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION
Section 1.1 DEFINITIONS ................................................................................................................................. 2 Section 1.2 INTERPRETATION ........................................................................................................................ 7
ARTICLE II REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
Section 2.1 REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE CITY ........................................................ 8 Section 2.2 REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COUNTY ................................................ 9
ARTICLE III
DELIVERY AND ACCEPTANCE OF WASTE AND PROVISION OF DISPOSAL SERVICE
Section 3.1 DELIVERY OF WASTE .................................................................................................................. 9 Section 3.2 PROVISION OF DISPOSAL SERVICES BY THE COUNTY. ................................................... 11 Section 3.3 COUNTY RIGHT TO REFUSE WASTE ...................................................................................... 12 Section 3.4 UNINCORPORATED AREA ACCEPTABLE WASTE ............................................................... 13 Section 3.5 MISCELLANEOUS OPERATIONAL MATTERS. ...................................................................... 14
Section 3.6 OTHER USERS OF THE DISPOSAL SYSTEM. ......................................................................... 14 Section 3.7 COUNTY PROVISION OF WASTE DIVERSION SERVICES. .................................................. 15
ARTICLE IV CONTRACT RATE
Section 4.1 CHARGING AND SECURING PAYMENT OF CONTRACT RATE ......................................... 15 Section 4.2 CONTRACT RATE ....................................................................................................................... 15
Section 4.3 RESPONSIBILITY FOR PAYMENT OF THE CONTRACT RATE ........................................... 21 Section 4.4 BILLING OF THE CONTRACT RATE ........................................................................................ 21 Section 4.5 RESTRICTED RESERVES ........................................................................................................... 21 Section 4.6 AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ..................................................................................... 22 Section 4.7 ANNUAL UPDATE OF TEN-YEAR FINANCIAL PROJECTION ............................................. 22
ARTICLE V BREACH, ENFORCEMENT AND TERMINATION
Section 5.1 BREACH ........................................................................................................................................ 23 Section 5.2 CITY CONVENIENCE TERMINATION ..................................................................................... 23 Section 5.3 TERMINATION. ........................................................................................................................... 23 Section 5.4 NO WAIVERS ............................................................................................................................... 24 Section 5.5 FORUM FOR DISPUTE RESOLUTION ...................................................................................... 24
ARTICLE VI TERM
Section 6.1 EFFECTIVE DATE AND TERM. ................................................................................................. 24 Section 6.2 COMMENCEMENT DATE .......................................................................................................... 25
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ARTICLE VII GENERAL PROVISIONS
Section 7.1 OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF THE DISPOSAL SYSTEM ....................................... 26 Section 7.2 UNCONTROLLABLE CIRCUMSTANCES GENERALLY. ....................................................... 26
Section 7.3 INDEMNIFICATION ..................................................................................................................... 27 Section 7.4 RELATIONSHIP OF THE PARTIES ............................................................................................ 27 Section 7.5 LIMITED RECOURSE................................................................................................................... 27 Section 7.6 PRE-EXISTING RIGHTS AND LIABILITIES ............................................................................. 27 Section 7.7 NO VESTED RIGHTS ................................................................................................................... 28 Section 7.8 LIABILITY FOR COLLECTION, TRANSPORTATION AND PROCESSING .......................... 28
Section 7.9 NO CONSEQUENTIAL OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES .................................................................. 28 Section 7.10 AMENDMENTS ............................................................................................................................ 28 Section 7.11 NOTICE OF LITIGATION ............................................................................................................ 28 Section 7.12 FURTHER ASSURANCES ............................................................................................................ 28 Section 7.13 ASSIGNMENT OF AGREEMENT ............................................................................................... 28 Section 7.14 INTEREST ON OVERDUE OBLIGATIONS ............................................................................... 28 Section 7.15 BINDING EFFECT ........................................................................................................................ 28 Section 7.16 NOTICES ........................................................................................................................................ 28
APPENDIX 1
ESTIMATED ANNUAL TONNAGE
APPENDIX 2
CUMULATIVE TONNAGE
APPENDIX 3
CUMULATIVE CAPITAL COSTS
APPENDIX 4
FRANCHISE HAULER ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
APPENDIX 5
ORGANIC SERVICES AGREEMENT
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WASTE INFRASTRUCTURE SYSTEM ENTERPRISE AGREEMENT
THIS WASTE INFRASTRUCTURE SYSTEM ENTERPRISE AGREEMENT (“WISE Agreement” or
“Agreement” are used interchangeably) is made and dated as of the date indicated on the cover page hereof between the County of Orange, a political subdivision of the State of California (the “County”), and the city, special district, or sanitary district designated on the cover page of this Agreement (the “City”). County and City may hereinafter be referred to singularly as “Party” or collectively as “Parties.”.
RECITALS
The County owns, manages and operates a Waste Infrastructure System to manage municipal and solid waste
generated within the County of Orange or imported from outside the County pursuant to contractual agreements. The Waste Infrastructure System collectively includes active Class III sanitary landfills (“County Landfills”), resource recovery, recycling and organics programs, infrastructure and operations, closed landfills, and regional household hazardous waste collection centers and other waste management related systems as may be deemed necessary by the
County.
The County is also responsible for the long-term management of twenty (20) closed landfills as required under Applicable Law.
County Landfills are used for the management of municipal solid waste pursuant to legislation including but not limited to the California Integrated Waste Management Act of 1989 (Division 30 of the California Public Resources Code) (the “Act”) and the Short-lived Climate Pollutants Reduction Act (“SB 1383”). County Landfills are also subject to other State and federal regulations designed to ensure that landfill operations minimize the impacts to public health and safety and the environment. Pursuant to Resolution, the County established the Waste Management Enterprise Fund pursuant to Government Code §25261 to ensure that all costs associated with the operation and management of the Waste Infrastructure System are financed by charges imposed for services provided by the Department and are not funded by tax revenue or the County General Fund.
The City, in the exercise of its police power, its powers under the Act, and other Applicable Law, has entered into a franchise or other agreement with or issued permits or licenses to one or more private haulers for the collection, recycling, diversion and disposal of municipal solid waste generated within the City. A significant portion of municipal solid waste generated within the City historically has been and currently is delivered by such hauler or haulers to the County for disposal in the Disposal System. Since 1997, the City and the County have provided for the management of municipal solid waste through Waste Disposal Agreements (“WDAs”), wherein the County agreed to provide disposal capacity for waste generated in the City, and the City agreed to deliver or cause the delivery of waste generated in the City to the Disposal System, as more specifically set forth in, and subject to the terms and conditions of the WDAs. Starting in approximately 2014, the Legislature of the State of California passed several pieces of legislation (“Organics Legislation”) that require significant reductions in the disposal of Organic Waste. The purpose of the Organics Legislation is to mandate organics recycling and curtail the impacts of climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions such as methane. In this regard, the decomposition of organic material in the State’s landfills was identified as a significant source of methane that could be reduced. On April 23, 2019, the Orange County Board of Supervisors passed Resolution 19-031 to respond to the State’s increasing landfill diversion requirements and identified the need for additional organic processing infrastructure in the County and directed the Department to develop additional organics recycling infrastructure to support the region in meeting State organic recycling mandates. The County has developed an Organics Infrastructure that is comprised of organic processing facilities to receive and process Organic Waste to support the State’s Organic Legislation goals, promote local recycling, assist
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local jurisdictions in meeting their organic diversion requirements and correspondingly conserve capacity in the Disposal System and is offering interested Cities the option of participating in the County provided Organic Processing Services pursuant to a separate Organic Services Agreement (“OSA”) as provided in Appendix 5. In their effort to continue the concepts and purposes outlined in the WDAs and respond to Organics
Legislation, the City and the County desire to enter into this Waste Infrastructure System Enterprise Agreement (“WISE Agreement” or “Agreement”), on the terms and conditions set forth herein. The County and City acknowledge that the currently operative WDA shall remain in full force and effect until its expiration or the WISE Agreement Commencement Date, whichever comes first.
The City has determined that the execution of this Agreement by the City will serve the public health, safety and welfare of the City by providing disposal rate stability, predictable and reliable long-term disposal service, enhanced organics processing to assist in the City in meeting its Organics Legislation diversion requirements, and the continuation of sound environmental management.
The County has determined that the execution by the County of this Agreement will serve the public health, safety and welfare by providing a stable, predictable and reliable supply of municipal solid waste and the resulting service payment revenue to the Waste Infrastructure System, thereby enabling the County to plan, manage, operate and finance improvements to the Waste Infrastructure System on a prudent and sound long term, businesslike basis consistent with its legal and regulatory obligations to the State and Federal government. Official action approving this Agreement and determining it to be in the public interest and authorizing its execution and delivery was duly taken by the County on the County authorization date indicated on the cover page hereof.
Official action approving this Agreement and determining it to be in the public interest and authorizing its execution and delivery was duly taken by the City on the City authorization date indicated on the cover page hereof.
It is, therefore, agreed as follows:
ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION SECTION 1.1 DEFINITIONS. As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the meanings set forth below.
“Acceptable Waste” means all garbage, refuse, rubbish, Organic Waste and other materials and substances discarded or rejected as being spent, useless, worthless or in excess to the owners at the time of such discard or rejection and which are normally disposed of by or collected from residential (single family and multi-family), commercial, industrial, governmental and institutional establishments and which are acceptable at Class III landfills under Applicable Law.
“Act” means A B 9 3 9 the California Integrated Waste Management Act of 1989 (Division 30 of the California Public Resources Code), as amended, supplemented, superseded and replaced from time to time.
“Agreement” means this Waste Infrastructure System Enterprise Agreement (“WISE Agreement”) between
the County and the City as the same may be amended or modified from time to time in accordance herewith.
“Appendix” means an appendix to this Agreement, as the same may be amended or modified from time to
time in accordance with the terms hereof
“Applicable Law” means the Act, Organics Legislation, the Orange County Code of Ordinances, CERCLA, RCRA, CEQA, any Legal Entitlement and any federal or State rule, regulation, requirement, guideline, permit, action, determination or order of any Governmental Body having jurisdiction, applicable from time to time to the siting, design, permitting, acquisition, construction, equipping, financing, ownership, possession, operation or maintenance
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of the Waste Infrastructure System, and the transfer, handling, transportation and disposal of Acceptable Waste, Unacceptable Waste, or any other transaction or matter contemplated hereby (including any of the foregoing which concern health, safety, fire, environmental protection, mitigation monitoring plans and building codes). “CalRecycle” means the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery, which is a branch of the California Environmental Protection Agency, and any agency, department or other Governmental Body which
succeeds to the duties and powers thereof. CalRecycle oversees the State’s waste management and waste reduction programs. CalRecycle was established in 2010 to replace the California Integrated Waste Management Board and is responsible for the enforcement of legislation and regulations and diversion requirements applicable to the Waste Infrastructure System.
“Capital Costs” means all costs of the Waste Infrastructure System that are classified as capital costs for purposes of the budget of the Department in accordance with procedures established by the County of Orange
Auditor-Controller in compliance with the California State Controller’s Manual, including but not limited to all of the categories of costs of the Waste Infrastructure System including but not limited to “Buildings and
Improvements, and Infrastructure” (Object Code 4200), “Equipment” (Object Code 4000-4040) and “Intangible” (Object Code 4250-4299) in the County of Orange – Chart of Accounts, or any successor accounting or reporting system utilized by the County. “CEQA” means the California Environmental Quality Act, codified in California Public Resources. Code
Section 21000 et seq. as amended or superseded, and the regulations promulgated thereunder.
“CERCLA” means the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, 42 U.S.C.
Section 9601 et seq., as amended or superseded, and the regulations promulgated thereunder.
“Change in Law” means any of the following events or conditions which has a material and adverse effect on the performance by the parties of their respective obligations under this Agreement (except for payment obligations), or on the siting, design, permitting, acquisition, construction, equipping, financing, ownership,
possession, operation or maintenance of the Waste Infrastructure System or other matters to which Applicable Law applies:
(1) the enactment, adoption, promulgation, issuance, material modification or written change in administrative or judicial interpretation on or after the Commencement Date of any Applicable Law (other than Applicable Law enacted by the County); or
(2) the order or judgment of any Governmental Body (other than the County), on or after the Commencement
Date, to the extent such order or judgment is not the result of willful or negligent action, error or omission or lack of reasonable diligence of the County or of the City, whichever is asserting the occurrence of a Change in Law; provided, however, that the contesting in good faith or the failure in good faith to contest any such order or judgment shall not constitute or be construed as such a willful or negligent action, error or
omission or lack of reasonable diligence; or
(3) the denial of an application for, delay in the review, issuance or renewal of, or suspension, termination,
interruption, imposition of a new or more stringent condition in connection with the issuance, renewal or failure of issuance or renewal on or after the Commencement Date of any Legal Entitlement to the extent that such denial, delay, suspension, termination, interruption, imposition or failure materially and adversely interferes with the performance of this Agreement, if and to the extent that such denial, delay, suspension,
termination, interruption, imposition or failure is not the result of willful or negligent action, error or omission or a lack of reasonable diligence of the County or of the City, whichever is asserting the occurrence of a
Change in Law; provided, however that the contesting in good faith or the failure in good faith to contest any such denial, delay, suspension, termination, interruption, imposition or failure shall not be construed as such a willful or negligent action, error or omission or lack of reasonable diligence; or
(4) any new or revised requirements or fees relating to the funding or provision of Waste Infrastructure Services, including but not limited to, Integrated Waste Management Act Fees, Host Fees, regulations for disposal operations, organics processing and diversion, recycling initiatives or activities associated with the remediation, closure, funding or monitoring of closed landfills with respect to facilities comprising the
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Waste Infrastructure System, or facilities which the County previously utilized to provide waste disposal, transfer, recycling, processing or other waste related activities.
“City” means, as applicable, the City (general law, charter or other), Special District or Sanitary District designated on the cover page of this Agreement and party to this Agreement.
“City Acceptable Waste” means all Acceptable Waste which was originally discarded by the first generator thereof within the geographical limits of the City, and Residue from the foregoing wherever produced, whether within or outside the City (or Tonnage equivalencies of such Residues, as and to the extent provided in subsection 3.1(D) hereof). “Consumer Price Index” or “CPI” means the Consumer Price Index published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics for Al Urban Consumers: Water and Sewer and Trash Collection Services in U.S. City Average (CUSR0000EHG). In the event the forgoing index is no longer published during the term of this Agreement, such other index identified by the Bureau of Labor Statistics as a replacement or otherwise generally accepted as a replacement shall be used for purposes of this Agreement; and, in the absence thereof, the Director shall select an index that it determines most closely reflects the forgoing and best implements the intent of this Agreement. “Commencement Date” means the date on which the obligations of the parties hereto commence, established as provided in Section 6.2(B) hereof. “Contract Date” means the first date on which this Agreement has been executed by both parties hereto.
“Contract Rate” has the meaning specified in Section 4.2 hereof.
“Contract Year” means the fiscal year commencing on July 1 in any year and ending on June 30 of the following year.
“Controllable Waste” means all City Acceptable Waste with respect to which the City has the legal or contractual ability to determine the disposal location therefor and which is:
(1) Non-Recycled City Acceptable Waste; (2) not generated from the operations of the Governmental Bodies which, under Applicable Law, have the independent power to arrange for the disposal of the waste they generate; and (3) collected and hauled by Franchise Haulers.
“County” means the County of Orange, a political subdivision of the State of California and party to this Agreement. “County Landfills” means all active Class III sanitary landfills located within the County of Orange and operated by the Department. At the time of execution, County Landfills consist of the Olinda Alpha Landfill located in Brea, California, the Frank R. Bowerman Landfill located in Irvine, California, and the Prima Deshecha Landfill located in San Juan Capistrano, California. (Note: The current estimated closure date for the Olinda Alpha Landfill is 2036 as specified in its Solid Waste Facility Permit. Throughout the term of this Agreement, County reserves the right to reduce, continue, expand, or cease all operation at the Olinda Alpha Landfill at its sole discretion.) “County Plan” means the integrated waste management plan of the County approved by CalRecycle pursuant to the Act as in effect from time to time.
“County Acceptable Waste” means Acceptable Waste generated in the County.
“County-wide Recycling Services” has the meaning set forth in subsection 3.7(A) hereof.
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“Cumulative Tonnage Target” for any given Contract Year means the amount specified in Appendix 2 hereto with respect to such Contract Year.
“Department” means OC Waste & Recycling, and any agency, department or other Governmental Body which succeeds to the duties and powers thereof. “Designated Facility” means the landfill or other County facility that the Department directs or assigns City
Franchise Haulers to deliver City Acceptable Waste. “Director” means the Director of OC Waste & Recycling. “Disposal Services” means the solid waste disposal and other services to be provided by the County pursuant to the Service Covenant and as otherwise provided in this Agreement. “Disposal System” means the Waste Infrastructure System which includes solid waste disposal operations
at active landfills; Organics Infrastructure; regional Household Hazardous Waste Collection Centers; and other waste management related systems deemed necessary by the County, as well as services, such as post-closure maintenance and other activities, at closed landfills formerly operated by the County, as appropriate under Applicable Law. “Environmental Fund” means the fund or funds held by the County to pay unanticipated costs of environmental mitigation, remediation or liability.
“Franchise Hauler” means any hauler or collector who provides Acceptable Waste collection services within the City pursuant to, or under authority granted by, a permit, contract, franchise or other agreement with the City. The term Franchise Hauler includes the City itself if Acceptable Waste collection and transportation services are provided directly by City operated municipal collection service.
“Full Cost Recovery” means all facets of Department costs and responsibilities including, but not limited to; operation, maintenance and management of the Waste Infrastructure System, labor and equipment, capital projects,
environmental monitoring and mitigation, site closure, legal and regulatory compliance, long-term post-closure maintenance, remediation costs, planning for contingencies associated with the County’s long-term liability and maintaining adequate financial reserves. “Governmental Body” means any federal, State, county, city or regional legislative, executive, judicial or other governmental board, agency, authority, commission, administration, court or other body, or any officer thereof acting within the scope of his or her authority.
“Hazardous Material” or “Hazardous Substance” has the meaning given such term in CERCLA, the Carpenter-Presley-Tanner Hazardous Substance Account Act (California Health and Safety Code Section §78000 et
seq.), and Titles 26 and 27 of the California Code of Regulations and other regulations promulgated thereunder. “Hazardous Waste” means (a) any waste which by reason of its quality, concentration, composition or physical, chemical or infectious characteristics may do either of the following: cause, or significantly contribute to, an increase in mortality or an increase in serious irreversible, or incapacitating reversible, illness, or pose a substantial threat or potential hazard to human health or the environment, or any waste which is defined or regulated as a hazardous waste, toxic substance, hazardous chemical substance or mixture, or asbestos under Applicable Law, as amended from time to time including, but not limited to: (1) the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act and the regulations contained in 40 CFR Parts 260-281; (2) the Toxic Substances Control Act (15 U.S.C. Sections 2601
et seq.) and the regulations contained in 40 CFR Parts 761-766; (3) the California Health and Safety Code, Section 25117 (West 1992 & Supp. 1996); (4) the California Public Resources Code, Section 40141 (West 1996); and (5) future additional or substitute Applicable Law pertaining to the identification, treatment, storage or disposal of toxic substances or hazardous wastes; or (b) radioactive materials which are source, special nuclear or by-product material as defined by the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (42 U.S.C. Section 2011 et seq.) and the regulations contained in 10 CFR Part 40. The terms Hazardous Waste, Hazardous Material or Hazardous Substance shall be used interchangeably in this Agreement when not referring to specific Applicable Law. “Host Fee” means the amount paid pursuant to Cooperative Agreements, referred to in Section 1.2 (I) of this
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Agreement, to compensate the cities identified in Section 1.2(I) (“Host Cities”) for costs or impacts incurred by Host Cities which might be associated with County Landfills due to their location within Host City boundaries, and not already substantially avoided or mitigated through the identification and adoption of Project Design Feature and Mitigation Measures.
“Imported Acceptable Waste” means Acceptable Waste that is generated outside of the geographical boundaries of the County and delivered to the Waste Infrastructure System.
“Importation Agreement” means an agreement between the County and any public or private entity for the delivery and acceptance of Imported Acceptable Waste pursuant to contract.
“Independent Haulers” means those waste collection/hauler companies primarily engaged as a principal business in the collection and transportation of municipal solid waste generated in the County of Orange which are not obligated to deliver County Acceptable Waste to the Waste Infrastructure System pursuant to a franchise, contract, permit or other authorization with a City in the County.
“Initial Term” has the meaning specified in Section 6.1(A) hereof. “Legal Entitlement” means all permits, licenses, approvals, authorizations, consents and entitlements of whatever kind and however described which are required under Applicable Law to be obtained or maintained by any person with respect to the Waste Infrastructure System or the performance of any obligation under this Agreement or the matters covered hereby. “Legal Proceeding” means every action, suit, litigation, arbitration, administrative or regulatory proceeding, and other legal or equitable proceeding having a bearing upon this Agreement. “Loss-and-Expense” means any and all loss, liability, obligation, damage, delay, penalty, judgment, deposit, cost, expense, claim, demand, charge, tax, or expense, including all fees and costs. “MRF Fines” mean undersized or pulverized material consisting of small fractions of waste that are created during the recycling process as Material Recovery Facilities.
“Net Import Revenues” has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 3.6 (F). “Non-Recycled City Acceptable Waste” means all City Acceptable Waste other than Recycled City Acceptable Waste. “OC Waste & Recycling Enterprise Fund” means the waste management enterprise fund established and managed by the County pursuant to Section 25261 of the Government Code separate from its other funds and accounts for receipts and disbursements in connection with the Waste Infrastructure System. “Organics Legislation” means organics recycling legislation including AB 1594, AB 1826, SB 1383 and any future legislation pertaining to the management and diversion of Organic Waste. “Organics Processing Services” means the services provided by County to Cities that choose to enter into the Organic Services Agreement provided in Appendix 5. “Organics Services Agreement” (“OSA”) means that separate agreement (as provided in Appendix 5) between County and interested Cities, whereby the County agrees to provide Organic Processing Services to interested Cities pursuant to the terms of the OSA. “Organic Waste” means solid wastes containing material originated from living organisms and their metabolic waste products including, but not limited to, food, green material, landscape and pruning waste, organic textiles and carpets, lumber, wood, paper products, printing and writing paper, manure, biosolids, digestate, and sludges as defined in Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations, Section 18982(a)(46).
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“Overdue Rate” means the maximum rate of interest permitted by the laws of the State, if applicable, or the prime rate established from time to time by the Bank of America, N.A. or its successors and assigns, plus 2%, whichever is lower. “Participating City” means any City executing a WISE Agreement in accordance with Section 3.6(A) hereof and meeting all requisite conditions to the Commencement Date thereof.
“Participation Threshold” means the point at which the percentage of the County’s Acceptable Waste attributable to Participating Cities which have executed and delivered Agreements shall exceed 85% percent (using the percentage rates attributed to such Participating Cities in Appendix 1).
“Posted Disposal Rate” means the per ton tipping fee charged by the County for the disposal of solid waste at the Disposal System by parties which are not entitled to disposal service at the Contract Rate pursuant to this Agreement or other contractual arrangement. “Prohibited Medical Waste” means any medical or infectious waste prohibited or restricted under Applicable Law from being received by or disposed at the Disposal System. “Qualified Household Hazardous Waste” means waste materials determined by local, State, and federal regulation to be: (1) Of a nature that they must be listed as hazardous in State statutes and regulations;
(2) Toxic/ignitable/corrosive/reactive; and (3) Carcinogenic/mutagenic/teratogenic;
which are discarded from households as opposed to businesses. Qualified Household Hazardous Waste shall not
include Unacceptable Waste.
“Recycled City Acceptable Waste” means any otherwise Controllable Waste which is separated from Acceptable Waste by the generator thereof or by processing and which is “recycled” within the meaning of
Section 40180 of the Public Resources Code. “Renewal Term” has the meaning specified in Subsection 6.1(C) hereof.
“Residue” means any material remaining from the processing, by any means and to any extent, of City Acceptable Waste or Recycled City Acceptable Waste; provided, however, that Residue shall not include minimal
amounts of material remaining after such processing (which minimal amounts shall in no event exceed 10% of the amount of such City Acceptable Waste or Recycled City Acceptable Waste prior to processing).
“Resource Conservation and Recovery Act” or “RCRA” means the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, 42 U.S.C. Section 6901 et seq., as amended and superseded.
“Restricted Reserves” has the meaning specified in Section 4.5. “Sanitary Districts” means the sanitary districts in the County formed pursuant to the Sanitary District Act
of 1923, codified in California Health & Safety Code Section 6400 et seq., as amended, supplemented, superseded and replaced from time to time.
“Self-Hauled Waste” means City Acceptable Waste and City Acceptable Organic Waste collected and hauled by Self-Haulers.
“Self-Hauler” means any person not engaged commercially in waste haulage who collects and hauls Acceptable Waste generated from residential or business activities conducted by such person.
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“Service Coordinator” means the service coordinator for either party designated pursuant to subsection 3.5(C) hereof. “Service Covenant” means the covenants and agreements of the County set forth in Sections 3.2 and 3.3 hereof.
“Special District” means public agencies created by a Governmental Body to provide one or more specific services to a community, such as but not limited to water, sewer, refuse, parks and recreation, fire protection, pest abatement, etc. “Source-Separated Household Hazardous Waste” means Qualified Household Hazardous Waste which has been segregated from Acceptable Waste originating or generated within the geographical jurisdiction of the City at
the source or location of generation.
“Source-Separated Household Hazardous Waste Disposal System” means the collection centers, facilities, contracts and other arrangements owned or administered by the County for the receipt, handling and disposal of Source-Separated Household Hazardous Waste.
“State” means the State of California.
“Term” shall mean the term of this Agreement.
“Ton” means a “short ton” of two thousand (2,000) pounds.
“Transfer Station” means any materials recovery facility, composting facility, intermediate processing facility, recycling center, transfer station or other waste handling or management facility to which solid waste collected for the City is delivered for processing before receipt in the Waste Infrastructure System.
“Unacceptable Waste” means Hazardous Material; Hazardous Waste; Hazardous Substances; Prohibited
Medical Waste; Qualified Household Hazardous Waste separated from Acceptable Waste; explosives, ordnance, highly flammable substances, and noxious materials and lead-acid batteries (except if delivered in minimal
quantities); drums and closed containers; liquid waste, oil, human wastes; machinery and equipment from commercial or industrial sources, such as hardened gears, shafts, motor vehicles or major components thereof, agricultural equipment, trailers, marine vessels and steel cable; hot loads; and any waste which the Waste Infrastructure System is prohibited from receiving under Applicable Law.
“Uncontrollable Circumstance” means any act, event or condition affecting the Waste Infrastructure System, the County, the City, or any of their Franchise Haulers, contractors or suppliers to the extent that it
materially and adversely affects the ability of either party to perform any obligation under the Agreement (except for payment obligations), if such act, event or condition is beyond the reasonable control of and is not also the result of the willful or negligent act, error or omission or failure to exercise reasonable diligence on the part of the party relying thereon as justification for not performing an obligation or complying with any condition required
of such party under the Agreement; provided, however, that the contesting in good faith or the failure in good faith to contest such action or inaction shall not be construed as willful or negligent action or a lack of reasonable diligence
of either party. Examples of Uncontrollable Circumstances are:
(1) an act of God, landslide, lightning, earthquake, fire, explosion, flood, sabotage or similar occurrence, acts of a public enemy, extortion, war, blockade or insurrection, riot or civil disturbance, epidemic; and
(2) a Change in Law.
“Unincorporated Area” means those portions of the County which are not contained within the
jurisdictional boundaries of incorporated cities.
“Unincorporated Area Acceptable Waste” means Acceptable Waste originating from or generated within
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the Unincorporated Area.
“Unrestricted Reserves” means cash and other reserves of the Waste Infrastructure System which are not Restricted Reserves. “Waste Disposal Covenant” means the covenants and agreements of the City set forth in Section 3.1 hereof.
“Waste Infrastructure System” or “Disposal System” means County owned or operated waste management related facilities, including active Class III sanitary landfills (“County Landfills”), closed landfills managed by the County, resource recovery operations, Organics Infrastructure, recycling and organics programs, infrastructure and operations, and regional household hazardous waste collection centers and other waste management related systems as may be deemed necessary by the County. “WISE” means Waste Infrastructure System Enterprise. “WISE Agreements” means each of the WISE agreements entered into between the County and any City within the County, Special District, Sanitary District, Jurisdiction, or operator of any Franchise Hauler located in the County in accordance with the terms herewith. SECTION 1.2 INTERPRETATION. In this Agreement, unless the context otherwise requires:
(A) References Hereto. The terms “hereby”, “hereof”, “herein”, “hereunder”, “herewith”, and any similar terms refer to this Agreement, and the term “hereafter” means after, and the term “heretofore” means before, the Contract Date. (B) Gender and Plurality. Words of the masculine gender mean and include correlative words of the feminine and neuter genders and words importing the singular number mean and include the plural number and vice versa.
(C) Persons. Words importing persons include firms, companies, associations, general partnerships, limited partnerships, trusts, business trusts, corporations and other legal entities, including public bodies, as well as individuals. (D) Headings. The table of contents and any headings preceding the text of the Articles, Sections and subsections of this Agreement shall be solely for convenience of reference and shall not constitute a part of this Agreement, nor shall they affect its meaning, construction or effect.
(E) No Third Party Beneficiaries. Nothing in this Agreement is intended to confer on haulers or any other person other than the parties hereto and their respective permitted successors and assigns hereunder any rights or remedies under or by reason of this Agreement. (F) Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of original counterparts. All such counterparts shall constitute but one and the same Agreement.
(G) Applicable Law and Venue. This Agreement has been negotiated and executed in the State
of California and shall be governed by and construed under the laws of the State of California. In the event of any legal action to enforce or interpret this Agreement, the sole and exclusive venue shall be a court of competent jurisdiction located in Orange County, California, and the parties hereto agree to and do hereby submit to the jurisdiction of such court, notwithstanding Code of Civil Procedure Section 394. Furthermore, the parties specifically agree to waive any and all rights to request that an action be transferred for adjudication to another county. (H) Severability. If any clause, provision, subsection, Section or Article of this Agreement
shall be ruled invalid by any court of jurisdiction, then the parties shall: (1) promptly meet and negotiate a substitute for such clause, provision, subsection, Section or Article which shall, to the greatest extent legally permissible, effect the intent of the parties therein; (2) if necessary or desirable to accomplish item (1) above, apply to the court having declared such invalidity for a judicial construction of the invalidated portion of this Agreement; and
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(3) negotiate such changes in, substitutions for or additions to the remaining provisions of this Agreement as may be necessary in addition to and in conjunction with items (1) and (2) above to effect the intent of the parties in the invalid provision. The invalidity of such clause, provision, subsection, Section or Article shall not affect any of the remaining provisions hereof, and this Agreement shall be construed and enforced as if such invalid portion did not exist, unless such invalidity frustrates the underlying primary purpose of the Agreement. (I) Integration; Preservation of Certain Agreements. This Agreement contains the entire
agreement between the parties with respect to the transactions contemplated hereby. This Agreement shall completely and fully supersede all prior understandings and agreements between the Parties with respect to such transactions; provided; however, that this Agreement shall not supersede the following Cooperative Agreements as they currently exist or as they may be amended in the future:
1) Cooperative Agreement between the City of Brea and the County of Orange regarding the Olinda Alpha Landfill.
2) Cooperative Agreement between the City of Irvine and the County of Orange regarding the Frank R. Bowerman Landfill. 3) Cooperative Agreement between the City of San Juan Capistrano and the County of Orange regarding the Prima Deshecha Landfill. ARTICLE II
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
SECTION 2.1 REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE CITY. The City represents and warrants that: (A) Existence. The City is a general law or charter city or a Special District or Sanitary District validly existing under the Constitution and laws of the State.
(B) Due Authorization. The City has duly authorized the execution and delivery of this
Agreement, and this Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by the City.
SECTION 2.2 REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COUNTY. The County represents and warrants that: (A) Existence. The County is a political subdivision of the State of California validly existing under the Constitution and laws of the State. (B) Due Authorization. The County has duly authorized the execution and delivery of this Agreement, and this Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by the County. ARTICLE III
DELIVERY AND ACCEPTANCE OF WASTE AND PROVISION OF WASTE MANAGEMENT AND DISPOSAL SERVICE
SECTION 3.1 DELIVERY OF WASTE. (A) Waste Management and Disposal Covenant. Subject to the occurrence of the Commencement Date and throughout the Term of this Agreement, and subject to available Waste Infrastructure System capacity, the City shall exercise all legal and contractual power and authority which it may possess from time to time to deliver or cause the delivery of all Controllable Waste to the Waste Infrastructure System in accordance herewith. (B) Recycled City Acceptable Waste. The parties hereto acknowledge the responsibility of the City to meet its own recycling and landfill diversion goals contained in the Act and Organics Legislation. Nothing in this Agreement is intended or shall be interpreted to prohibit or impair the ability of the City to meet such responsibilities, or to restrict the right of the residents, businesses or organizations in the City to practice source
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separation, recycling, composting or other materials recovery activities, or to restrict the right of the City to conduct, sponsor, encourage or require such activities in any form. No reduction in the amount of Controllable Waste generated in the City and delivered to the Waste Infrastructure System by or on behalf of the City which may result from any such source separation or recycling program shall cause the City any liability hereunder (other than potential adjustment to the Contract Rate to the extent provided in Article IV hereof) and shall not constitute a breach of this Agreement.
(C) Waste Delivered to Transfer Station. All Residue from any processing of Controllable Waste by materials recovery, composting, recycling or other means, wherever performed, shall constitute Controllable Waste and be subject to the Waste Disposal Covenant. Where City Acceptable Waste is processed at a facility which concurrently processes other Acceptable Waste in a manner which produces commingled residue which cannot be traced to a geographic source, generic residues from such facility in Tonnage equal to the residues that would have been produced had City Acceptable Waste only been processed at the facility shall constitute
Controllable Waste and be subject to the Waste Disposal Covenant. Any City Acceptable Waste or material derived or segregated therefrom which is held in storage and asserted by the possessor thereof to constitute Recycled City Acceptable Waste awaiting sale or distribution to the secondary materials markets shall constitute Controllable Waste if, when and to the extent that the storage or diversion thereof can be reasonably deemed to constitute an evasion of the Waste Disposal Covenant rather than generally recognized, accepted and prevailing practice in the Southern California materials recovery and recycling industry conducted in accordance with Applicable Law. In
order for the owner and/or operator of a transfer station to be entitled to deliver Acceptable Waste from a Participating City to the Waste Infrastructure System for the Contract Rate as provided in Article IV, such owner and/or operator must execute a direct agreement with the County, acknowledging and agreeing to comply with the obligation of the Participating City to cause the delivery of all Controllable Waste to the Waste Infrastructure System pursuant to this Agreement. In addition, the County shall be authorized to implement procedures to determine if Acceptable Waste delivered by the owners or operators of Transfer Stations is entitled to utilize the Waste
Infrastructure System for the Contract Rate. Such procedures may include requiring Transfer Stations to certify, under penalty of perjury, the source of any such Acceptable Waste. If necessary, the County may require that, in order to qualify for use of the Waste Infrastructure System for the Contract Rate, Transfer Stations must deliver Controllable Waste in loads containing only Controllable Waste, and not commingled with Acceptable Waste from entities which are not Participating Cities or Participating Independent Haulers.
(D) Power to Obligate Waste Disposal and Comply with this Agreement. On or before the Commencement Date, (i) any City franchise, contract, lease, or other agreement which is lawfully in effect relating to or affecting Controllable Waste shall provide, or shall have been amended to provide, that the City shall have the right without material restriction on and after the Commencement Date to direct the delivery of all Controllable Waste to the County Waste Infrastructure System (whether or not such Controllable Waste is delivered to a transfer station as an intermediate step prior to landfill disposal) and otherwise to comply with its obligations under this Agreement with respect to Controllable Waste and Franchise Haulers, and (ii) the City shall designate the Waste Infrastructure System as the disposal location pursuant to such franchise, contract, lease or other agreement. On and after the Commencement Date and throughout the Term of this Agreement the City (a) shall not enter into any franchise, contract, lease, agreement or obligation, issue any permit, license or approval, or adopt any ordinance, resolution or law which is materially inconsistent with the requirements of the Waste Disposal Covenant, and (b) shall maintain non-exclusive or exclusive franchises or other contractual arrangements over any City Acceptable Waste which, as of the Contract Date, is subject to non-exclusive or exclusive franchise or other contractual arrangements. The City agrees that the County shall be a third party beneficiary of the obligation of Franchise Haulers to deliver Controllable Waste to the Waste Infrastructure System, and may directly enforce such obligation through any legal means available. The City shall notify in writing each Franchise Hauler of the County’s third party beneficiary rights.
(E) Controllable Waste Flow Enforcement.
(1) The City, in cooperation with the Department, shall establish, implement, carry out and enforce a waste flow enforcement program which is sufficient to assure the delivery of all Controllable Waste to the Waste Infrastructure System pursuant to and in accordance with the Waste Disposal Covenant for Controllable Waste disposal at the times and in the manner provided herein. The waste flow enforcement program shall consist of amending City franchises, permits or authorizations with all Franchise Haulers, to the extent required by this Section
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and to the extent allowed by law, and shall include in addition, to the extent necessary and appropriate in the circumstances to assure compliance with the Waste Disposal Covenant, but shall not be limited to: (i) licensing or permitting Franchise Haulers, upon the condition of compliance with the Waste Disposal Covenant, (ii) providing for and taking appropriate enforcement action under any such franchise, license, or permit,
such as but not limited to the suspension, revocation and termination of collection rights and privileges, the imposition of fines or collection of damages, and the exercise of injunctive relief against non-complying Franchise Haulers and (iii) causing any Transfer Station to which Controllable Waste is delivered for processing to deliver certification, under the penalty of perjury, of the amounts of Controllable Waste received and Residue remaining from processing at such Transfer Station.
(2) The City acknowledges and agrees that in the event of a breach of the Waste Disposal Covenant by the City, the City shall pay the County an amount equal to the amount that the City would have been required to pay to
the County had the Waste Disposal Covenant not been breached, which shall be calculated by: (1) subtracting the number of tons actually delivered during the month(s) of the breach from the number of tons that were delivered during the same month(s) closest in time when there was no such breach, even if such month(s) closest in time was prior to the Term, and (2) multiplying such amount by the Contract Rate in effect at the time of such breach (or any
higher rate with respect to which the County has provided notice pursuant to Section 4.2). In the event that the County terminates the Agreement as a result of such breach, the damages due as a result of such termination shall
be equal to the average monthly deliveries by the City for the twelve (12) months prior to the commencement of the breach multiplied by the Contract Rate in effect at the time of such breach (or any higher rate with respect to which the County has provided notice pursuant to Section 4.2), multiplied by the number of months that would have remained in the Term of the Agreement had the termination not occurred. The parties recognize that if the City
fails to meet its obligations hereunder, the County will suffer damages and that it is and will be impracticable and extremely difficult to ascertain and determine the exact amount of such damages. Therefore, the parties agree
that the damages specified above represent a reasonable estimate of the amount of such damages, considering all of the circumstances existing on the date hereto, including the relationship of the sums to the range of harm to the County that reasonably could be anticipated and anticipation that proof of actual damages would be costly or inconvenient. In signing this Agreement, each party specifically confirms the accuracy of the statements made above
and the fact that each party had ample opportunity to consult with legal counsel and obtain an explanation of this liquidated damage provision at the time that this Agreement was made.
(F) Legal Challenges to Franchise System. The City shall use its best efforts to preserve, protect and defend its right to exercise and comply with the Waste Disposal Covenant against any challenge thereto, legal or otherwise (including any lawsuits against the City or the County, whether as plaintiff or defendant), by a
Franchise Hauler or any other person, based upon breach of contract, violation of law or any other legal theory. The City shall bear the cost and expense of any such Legal Proceeding or other challenge. In the event any such Legal
Proceeding relating to the Waste Disposal Covenant or the City’s exercise thereof establishes in a final determination that such covenant or exercise thereof is void, unlawful or unenforceable, or if any Franchise Hauler fails to deliver Controllable Waste to the Waste Infrastructure System in breach of its franchise with the City on the grounds that a judicial determination made by any court or other Applicable Law has rendered its obligation to deliver
Controllable Waste to the Disposal System void, unlawful or unenforceable on any legal grounds, with the result that actual waste deliveries to the Disposal System fall below the Cumulative Tonnage Targets, the County shall be
entitled to avail itself of the remedies described in Section 4.2(B) hereof. (G) Franchise Haulers. The City shall compile and provide the Department with the following information concerning all Franchise Haulers: name, address and phone number; identification number; area of collection and transportation; and franchise and permit terms.
(H) Waste Information System. The City shall cooperate with the Department in collecting information and otherwise monitoring Franchise Haulers in order to assure compliance with this Agreement, the Act, Organics Legislation, or other Applicable Law. Such information may include information such as, data pertaining to Controllable Waste collected, transported, stored, processed and disposed of, Recycled City Acceptable Waste collected, transported, stored, processed and marketed or disposed of, Controllable Organic Waste collected, stored, processed and marketed or disposed of, Franchise Haulers’ franchise, permit or license terms, collection areas,
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transportation routes and compliance with Applicable Law; and all other information which may reasonably be required by the Department in connection with this Agreement. The City agrees to include in any revised franchise, contract, license or permit or other authorization granted to Franchise Haulers an obligation of the Franchise Hauler to provide to the County information relating to the Controllable Waste collected by such Franchise Hauler, including origins from which such Controllable Waste was collected (identifying Controllable Organic Waste, Recycled City Acceptable Waste, or as otherwise may be required under this Agreement or under Applicable Law), tonnage by type
of load (residential, commercial, roll-off box), customer service levels, tonnage delivered by transfer station or material recovery facility utilized, and other related information.
(I) City Actions Affecting County. The City agrees to carry out and fulfill its responsibilities under this Agreement and Applicable Law so as to permit full and timely compliance by the County with its covenants and agreements with the State. In particular, the City agrees not to conduct, authorize or permit any disposal services for Controllable Waste to be provided in competition with the Disposal Services provided by
the County hereunder, and not to take or omit to take any action with respect to Controllable Waste, its collection, transportation, transfer, storage, treatment, processing, or disposal that may materially and adversely affect the County’s ability to achieve such timely compliance. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the City shall not be required to deny any permit or license or refuse to grant any approval while exercising its police powers.
(J) No Right of Waste Substitution. Nothing in this Agreement shall authorize or entitle the City to deliver or cause the delivery to the Waste Infrastructure System of Acceptable Waste or Acceptable Organic Waste originating from or generated outside the jurisdiction of the City, nor obligate the County to receive or dispose of any such Acceptable Waste or Acceptable Organic Waste. The City shall not assign in whole or in part its right to deliver or cause to be delivered Controllable Waste or Controllable Organic Waste to the County hereunder, and shall not permit any Acceptable Waste or Acceptable Organic Waste originating from or generated outside the jurisdiction of the City to be substituted for Controllable Waste or Controllable Organic Waste for any purpose hereunder. (K) Annexations and Restructuring. It is the intention of the parties that this Agreement and the obligations and rights of the City hereunder, including particularly the Waste Disposal Covenant and the Contract Rate, shall, to the extent permitted by Applicable Law, extend to any territory annexed by the City (or any territory with respect to which the City assumes solid waste management responsibility from a Sanitary District or other public entity) and shall bind any successor or restructured Governmental Body which shall assume or succeed to the rights of the City under Applicable Law. SECTION 3.2 PROVISION OF WASTE INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES BY THE COUNTY.
(A) Service Covenant. Commencing on the Commencement Date, and subject to available Waste Infrastructure System capacity, the County shall provide or cause the provision of the service of receiving and disposing of all Controllable Waste at the Waste Infrastructure System, and, in accordance with subsection 3.3(C) hereof,
disposing of Unacceptable Waste inadvertently accepted at the Disposal System. The County, to the maximum extent permitted under Applicable Law, shall use its best efforts to keep the Waste Infrastructure System open for the receipt
of Acceptable Waste for disposal or transfer of Controllable Waste pursuant to this Agreement. The County shall do and perform all acts and things which may be reasonably necessary or desirable in connection with its covenants in this subsection, including without limitation all planning, development, administration, implementation, construction, operation, maintenance, management, financing and contract work related thereto or
undertaken in connection therewith. The County shall exercise all reasonable efforts to minimize the costs incurred in complying with the Service Covenant consistent with its responsibilities hereunder and under this Agreement,
Applicable Law and prudent solid waste management practice and environmental considerations.
(B) Source-Separated Household Hazardous Waste. The County shall maintain, as part of the Waste Infrastructure System, a Source-Separated Household Hazardous Waste Disposal System for the disposal of Source-Separated Household Hazardous Waste. The disposal service provided by such system shall constitute part of the Disposal Services, and shall be available to Participating Cities as part of the Contract Rate. The County may impose additional fees and charges for n e w services relating to Source-Separated Household Hazardous Waste o r with respect to cities which are not parties to an Agreement. The County may provide for the expansion, contraction or modification of the Source-Separated Household Hazardous Waste Disposal System
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and its services to the extent necessary to ensure the Waste Infrastructure System’s viability.
(C) Designated Facilities. County and City will coordinate in determining the primary landfill used for disposal and processing of Controllable Waste. The Department shall immediately advise the City by telephone of any situation, event or circumstance which results in the partial or complete inability of the County to receive Controllable Waste at any particular landfill within the Waste Infrastructure System, its effect on the County’s ability to perform its obligations hereunder, and the County’s best estimate of the probable duration. The Department shall confirm such advice in writing within twenty four (24) hours of the occurrence of any such inability. The County shall use its best efforts to resume normal operation of the landfill used by the City as soon as possible. In th e even t a situation, event or circumstance results in the partial or complete inability of the County to receive Controllable Waste at any particular landfill within the Waste Infrastructure System the County shall have the right to redirect Controllable Waste to another landfill within the Waste Infrastructure System for the duration of the situation, event or circumstance; provided, however, that in such circumstances the County shall utilize reasonable efforts to first redirect waste which is not Controllable Waste. In no event shall the County be required to accept Controllable Waste if it does not have sufficient permitted disposal capacity within the Waste Infrastructure System.
(D) Compliance with Service Covenant Not Excused for any Reason. Commencing on the Commencement Date, and subject to the terms of this Agreement, the obligations of the County to duly
observe and comply with the Service Covenant, in accordance with Applicable Law, shall apply continuously and without interruption for the Term of this Agreement. In the event that any Change in Law, situation, event or other
Uncontrollable Circumstance impairs or precludes compliance with the Service Covenant by the means or methods then being employed by the County, the County shall use best efforts to implement alternative or substitute means
and methods to enable it to satisfy the terms and conditions of the Service Covenant. In the event that a Change in Law precludes the County from complying with such covenants with the means or methods then being employed
and from utilizing any alternate or substitute means or methods of compliance, the County shall continuously use all reasonable efforts to effectuate executive, legislative or judicial change in or relief from the applicability of such
law so as to enable the County lawfully to resume compliance with such covenants as soon as possible following the Change in Law.
County failure to duly observe and comply with the Service Covenant due to its efforts to comply with Applicable Law,
shall not constitute a breach under this Agreement, and shall excuse County performance to the extent necessary to comply with Applicable Law.
If the alternative or substitute means and methods proposed for the County to observe and comply with the Service
Covenant are more costly that the previously used means and methods, County shall be entitled to a corresponding Contract Rate increase to cover any associated additional costs pursuant to the provisions of Section 4.2 of this
Agreement.
SECTION 3.3 COUNTY RIGHT TO REFUSE WASTE.
(A) Right of Refusal. Notwithstanding any other provision hereof, the County may refuse delivery of: (1) Hazardous Waste; (2) Controllable Waste delivered at hours other than those provided in Section 3.5 hereof;
(3) Waste that does not constitute Acceptable Waste;
(4) Acceptable Waste delivered by City but originating from or generated outside the jurisdiction of the City;
(5) Controllable Waste consisting primarily of construction and demolition debris or inert material which may cause a particular facility’s daily tonnage limit to be exceeded;
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(6) Acceptable Waste in excess of permitted limits; and
(7) Acceptable Waste that would result in County violating Applicable Law.
(B) Identification of Unacceptable Waste. The Department shall have the right (but not the duty or the obligation) to inspect the vehicles of all Franchise Haulers delivering material to the Waste Infrastructure
System, and may require that the Franchise Hauler remove any Unacceptable Waste from such vehicle before it is unloaded. If the Department determines that it is impractical to separate Controllable Waste from Unacceptable
Waste in any vehicle, or if the Franchise Hauler delivering such waste is unwilling to make such separation, or if any vehicle is carrying waste which may spill or leak, then the Department may reject the entire vehicle, and the City shall forthwith remove or cause the removal of the entire delivery from the Waste Infrastructure System. The Department may take all reasonable measures to prevent waste from being blown or scattered before and during
unloading. The City shall cause the Franchise Haulers to observe and comply with Applicable Law, the operating rules and regulations of the Department, and the provisions of this Agreement prohibiting the delivery of
Unacceptable Waste to the Waste Infrastructure System.
(C) Hazardous Waste and Hazardous Substances. The parties acknowledge that the Waste Infrastructure System has not been designed or permitted to accept Hazardous Waste or Hazardous Substances, and is not intended to be used in any manner or to any extent, for the handling, transportation, storage or disposal of Hazardous Waste, Hazardous Material or Hazardous Substances. Neither the County nor the City shall countenance or knowingly permit the delivery of Hazardous Waste or Hazardous Substances to the Waste Infrastructure System. City shall be responsible for the costs of removal, and any regulatory fines, associated with the knowing delivery of any Hazardous Substances to the Waste Infrastructure System by the City or its Franchise Hauler.
(D) Disposal of Unacceptable Waste and Hazardous Waste. If Unacceptable Waste or
Hazardous Waste is discovered in a vehicle at any facility within the Waste Infrastructure System, the driver of the vehicle will not be permitted to discharge the load. If a vehicle is observed unloading Unacceptable Waste or
Hazardous Waste in the tipping area of a facility within the Waste Infrastructure System Department personnel will use reasonable efforts to assure that such material has been characterized, properly secured and its disposition
resolved. The return or reloading onto the delivery vehicle of any Hazardous Waste, Prohibited Medical Waste or other waste requiring handling or transportation shall be conducted in accordance with Applicable Law. Whenever
Hazardous Waste is detected at any facility within the Waste Infrastructure System, the Department shall take immediate action in accordance with Applicable Law.
SECTION 3.4 UNINCORPORATED AREA ACCEPTABLE WASTE.
Commencing on the Commencement Date, the County in accordance with Applicable Law shall provide or cause to be provided the service of disposing of non-recycled Acceptable Waste originating or generated within the
Unincorporated Area and, with respect to such material, shall comply with the Waste Disposal Covenant as if the County constituted a City subject to the Waste Disposal Covenant hereunder. Rates charged by the County for the
disposal of each class of non-recycled Acceptable Waste generated in the Unincorporated Area shall be the same as the Contract Fee charged for the disposal of each class of Controllable Waste. The County shall use its best efforts to
preserve, protect and defend its right to exercise and comply with the Waste Disposal Covenant (with respect to non-recycled Acceptable Waste generated in the Unincorporated Area) against any challenge thereto, legal or otherwise,
by a Franchise Hauler or any other person, based upon breach of contract, violation of law or any other legal theory. The County shall bear the cost and expense of any such Legal Proceeding or other challenge (with respect to non-
recycled Acceptable Waste generated in the Unincorporated Area).
SECTION 3.5 MISCELLANEOUS OPERATIONAL MATTERS.
(A) Operating Hours. The County shall keep the Waste Infrastructure System open for the
receiving of Acceptable Waste during such regular operating hours as may be established by the Department in the operating rules and regulations applicable to the Waste Infrastructure System. The County reserves the right to modify
the operating days and hours to comply with Applicable law or as otherwise may be deemed necessary by the County.
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(B) Scales and Weighing. The Department shall operate and maintain permanent scales at the Waste Infrastructure System as required by Applicable Law. The Department shall weigh all vehicles delivering waste by or on behalf of the City (whether or not the County accepts such waste) and prepare a daily weight record with regard to such delivery. (C) Service Coordinator. The County and the City each shall designate in writing thirty (30) days prior to the expected Commencement Date a person to transmit instructions, receive information and otherwise coordinate service matters arising pursuant to this Agreement (each a “Service Coordinator”). Either Party may designate a successor or substitute Service Coordinator at any time by notice to the other Party. (D) Review of Records. Each Party may review the other Party’s books and records with respect to matters relevant to the performance by either Party under this Agreement or otherwise related to the operation of the Waste Infrastructure System to the extent allowed under the California Public Records Act (interpreted as if the Parties to this Agreement were natural persons for purposes of the Public Records Act). SECTION 3.6 OTHER USERS OF THE DISPOSAL SYSTEM.
(A) On or Before April 30, 2026, the County shall have the right to enter into WISE Agreements with Orange County entities with respect to Acceptable Waste which was originally discarded by the first generator thereof within the geographical limits of the County, including other cities in the County, Special Districts, Sanitary Districts, Franchise Haulers and Independent Haulers. Agreements entered into during this period shall have terms and provisions substantially identical to the terms and provisions of this Agreement; provided, however, that in no event shall such agreements have terms and provisions more favorable than the terms and provisions of this Agreement (including but not limited to the Contract Rate and availability of disposal capacity). (B) After April 30, 2026, the County shall have the right to enter into WISE Agreements with Orange County entities, including any city, Special Districts, Sanitary Districts, Franchise Haulers and Independent Haulers, or otherwise accept Acceptable Waste from such parties, but only within the limitations contained in this Section. Any such agreement or waste acceptance agreement must provide that the party delivering waste shall pay a Disposal Rate at least 10% higher than the Contract Rate unless the County determines it is in the best interest of the Waste Infrastructure System to establish a Disposal Rate less than 10% higher than the Contract Rate. In no event shall the Disposal Rate be less than the Contract Rate. In addition, the County shall reserve the right in any such agreement to at any time, to the extent permitted by Applicable Law, refuse to receive and dispose of Acceptable Waste from any city, Special District, Sanitary District, Franchise Hauler and Independent Hauler if and to the extent that such receipt and disposal might materially and adversely affect the ability of the County to comply with its obligations to the Participating Cities under the WISE Agreements to which each is a party. (C) Posted Disposal Rate. The Posted Disposal Rate shall at all times be at least 10% higher than the Contract Rate.
(D) Self-Haulers. The City and the County acknowledge that Self-Haulers shall be entitled to deliver Self-Hauled Waste to the Waste Infrastructure System, on a non-contract basis, at the Posted Disposal Rate. Such Self-Haulers shall not be entitled to dispose of Acceptable Waste for the Contract Rate. (E) Receipt of Imported Acceptable Waste on a Contract Basis. The County shall have the right to enter into Importation Agreement(s) with any public or private entity for the delivery of Imported Acceptable Waste on terms and conditions that the County determines to be necessary to ensure and enhance the viability of the Waste Infrastructure System and to generate Net Import Revenues. The County certifies that in its good faith judgment the contract or other agreement for the delivery of such waste will not materially and adversely affect the ability of the County to receive and dispose of Acceptable Waste from the Participating Cities in accordance with the applicable W I S E Agreements throughout the Term thereof. (F) Application and Use of Revenues From Other Users. (1) County Acceptable Waste: Throughout the Term hereof, all revenues received by the
County from the disposal or processing of County Acceptable Waste into the Waste Infrastructure System
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(including Surcharges, and any and all fine, penalty, liquidated damages or other damages, grants, awards or revenue received by the County in connection with the Waste Infrastructure System), shall be deposited by the County in the County OC Waste & Recycling Enterprise Fund and shall constitute revenues of the Waste Infrastructure System.
(2) Imported Acceptable Waste: Throughout the Term hereof, all revenues received by the County, pursuant to an Importation Agreement, for the disposal or processing of Imported Acceptable Waste into the Waste Infrastructure System (including Surcharges, and any and all fine, penalty, liquidated damages or other damages or revenue received by the County in connection with the Waste Infrastructure System), shall first be applied toward all of the costs attributable to the acceptance and management of such Imported Acceptable Waste into the Waste Infrastructure System. Costs attributable to the disposal of Imported Acceptable Waste include, but are not limited to, deposits to the Environmental Fund, deposits to closure and post-closure reserves, Host Fees (if applicable), incremental operating costs (such as manpower expenditures, equipment, services and supplies expenditures), State surcharges, regulatory fees, charges or penalties, and a pro rata share
of capital project costs. Revenue remaining after costs attributable to the disposal and management of Imported Acceptable Waste shall be considered “Net Import Revenues” and shall be calculated and distributed as follows:
(i) Calculation: Net Import Revenues are estimated to be 30% of the revenues received by the County from the disposal of Imported Acceptable Waste (excluding any newly established per-ton fees or increases to existing per-ton fees with respect to Imported Acceptable Waste payable to the State, other regulatory agencies or cities in which facilities in the Waste Infrastructure System are located.) (ii) Distribution: Net Import Revenues shall be distributed as follows;
a. 50% of any Net Import Revenues shall be paid to the County General Fund. b. 50% of such Net Import Revenues shall be paid to the Participating Cities (and to the County, with respect to the unincorporated area) listed in Appendix 1 for use for any purpose by the Participating City, including but not limited to State mandated solid waste programs. Payments of such amount to the County General Fund and the Participating Cities shall be made by the County within ninety (90) days after the end of each fiscal year. The portion of Net Import Revenues specified above payable to the Participating Cities shall be apportioned in the percentages set forth in Appendix 1. c. The percentages set forth in Appendix 1 with respect to each Participating City will be annually reviewed and adjusted every five (5) years to reflect the percentage of actual deliveries of Acceptable Waste from each Participating City as compared to the total amount of actual deliveries from all of the Participating Cities. The County shall notify Participating Cities of the revised percentages in Appendix 1 within one hundred and twenty (120) days of the end of the fiscal year. SECTION 3.7 COUNTY PROVISION OF WASTE DIVERSION SERVICES.
(A) County-Wide Recycling Services. Unless otherwise specifically provided in this Agreement, County is not required to provide for any source reduction, materials recovery, recycling, or other waste diversion services under this Agreement. However, County may choose to provide County-Wide Recycling Services funded through the County OC Waste & Recycling Enterprise Fund at its sole discretion. Unless specifically provided for this in this Agreement or otherwise paid for pursuant to a rate increase as provided in Section 4.2 of this Agreement, any such County-Wide Recycling Services may be expanded, contracted or modified by the County at any time in its sole discretion. (B) Organic Processing and Diversion Services. The County has developed Organics Infrastructure and programs available to interested Cities intended to assist Cities in meeting their diversion and Organic Legislative Recycled Organic Waste Procurement goals and to promote the processing and diversion of Organic Waste into compost or other material that qualifies as diversion under Applicable Law . Cities interested in
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receiving County provided Organic Processing Services may enter into the separate Organic Services Agreement (“OSA”) provided in Appendix 5 of this Agreement.
(C) Food Waste Processing and Diversion. County is in the process of evaluating the options and feasibility of development of a Commercial Food Waste Processing Infrastructure. If developed, Cities will be provided an opportunity to participate in this service on terms which shall be separately agreed upon by the Parties. (D) Edible Food Recovery Programs. County is in the process of evaluating the options and feasibility of development of regional County-wide edible food recovery programs to assist Cities in meeting State mandated goals. The intent of Edible Food Recovery to address the food hierarchy and wasted food scale on a regional level through collaboration of all jurisdictions, key local, State and federal stakeholders, the non-profit sector and business sector. City agrees to cooperate with County efforts and collaborate on data analysis and reporting to provide jurisdictions reports for compliance under SB 1383. If developed, Cities will be provided an opportunity to participate in this service on terms which shall be separately agreed upon by the Parties.
(E) Recycling Market Development Zone (“RMDZ”) Program. The RMDZ program, administered by the California Department of Resource Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle), combines recycling with economic development to support business that use materials from the waste stream to manufacture their products. The program offers loans, technical assistance and product marketing to eligible businesses located within designates zones. City agrees to cooperate and collaborate with County in support of the RMDZ program.
(F) Separate City-County Diversion Service Agreements. Nothing in this Agreement is intended to limit the right of the County to enter into a separate agreement with the City or any other person to provide source reduction, materials recovery, recycling, composting or other waste diversion services. Any such program conducted by the County, whether in participation with the City, any other of the Participating Cities, other Cities, Special Districts, Sanitary Districts, Franchise Haulers, Independent Haulers, Unincorporated Area or non-County entity, shall be operated, managed and accounted for as a program separate and distinct from the Disposal Services program contemplated by the WISE Agreements and shall not be funded through the general revenues of the Disposal System.
ARTICLE IV CONTRACT RATE SECTION 4.1 CHARGING AND SECURING PAYMENT OF CONTRACT RATE. The City acknowledges that the County shall have the right to charge and collect a Contract Rate for the acceptance, disposal,
and processing of Controllable Waste delivered to the Waste Infrastructure System by City or its Franchise Hauler. The Contract Rate shall be calculated and established, and may be modified, as provided in Section 4.2 hereof. In addition, the City acknowledges that the County shall have the right to establish as part of the operating rules and regulations reasonable measures to secure the payment of all Contract Rates.
SECTION 4.2 CONTRACT RATE.
(A) Establishment of Contract Rate. The Contract Rate payable by each City or Franchise Hauler shall be a three (3) year progressive Contract Rate of $67/ton (July 1 2026 through June 30, 2027), $76/ton (July 1, 2027 through June 30, 2028), and $78/ton (July 1, 2028 through June 30, 2029) and contingent on the delivery to the Waste Infrastructure System of an amount of City Acceptable Waste at least equal to the Cumulative Tonnage Targets identified in Appendix 2, and subject to adjustment necessary to reflect the circumstances set forth in this Section 4.2 including but not limited to: (i) increased costs incurred by the County (in excess of available insurance proceeds) due to the occurrence of one or more Uncontrollable Circumstances, other than Changes in Law; (ii) costs incurred by the County (in excess of available insurance proceeds and amounts available in the Environmental Fund for such purposes) remediating environmental conditions at the Disposal System or inactive or closed disposal sites in the County, which, if uncorrected, could give rise to potential
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claims under CERCLA or related federal or State statutes, including costs incurred providing indemnification to any Participating City pursuant to subsection 7.3;
(iii) tonnage shortfalls to the extent permitted by Sections 4.2(B); (iv) [RESERVED]
(v) increased costs incurred by the County due to the occurrence of one or more Changes in Law;
(vi) Capital Costs in excess of the Capital Costs at any point in time during the term hereof exceeding the Cumulative Capital Costs set forth in Appendix 3;
(vii) Provision of new or expanded services, provided on terms as agreed to by the Parties. Prior to adjusting the Contract Rate as a result of any of the circumstances described in clauses (i), (ii) or (iii) above, the County shall utilize the following remedies in the following order of priority: (1) reduce the costs of operating the Disposal System to the extent practicable; and (2) at the sole discretion of the County, utilize Unrestricted Reserves to pay costs of the Waste Infrastructure System.
The County will not be required to utilize such remedies prior to adjusting the Contract Rate as a result of any of the circumstances described in clauses (iv), (v) (vi), or (vii) above.
Any adjustments to the Contract Rate permitted by this Section shall be calculated by the County to reflect the actual costs or expenses of addressing the circumstance or circumstances pursuant to which the adjustment is authorized. The County agrees that it will evaluate the feasibility of long-term financing for significant capital costs where appropriate. (B) County Acceptable Waste Shortfall. In the event that the actual amount of County Acceptable Waste delivered to the Disposal System at the end of any Contract Year is less than the Cumulative Tonnage Target for such Contract Year for County Acceptable Waste, as specified in Appendix 2, the County shall utilize the following options, in the following order of priority, in order to remedy any adverse effects of such tonnage shortfall:
(i) reduce the costs of operating the Waste Infrastructure System to the extent practicable; (ii) at the sole discretion of County, utilize Restricted Reserves described in clause (iii) of Section 4.5 to pay costs of the Waste Infrastructure System; (iii) at the sole discretion of County, utilize Unrestricted Reserves to pay costs of the Waste Infrastructure System; and (iv) adjust the Contract Rate.
In the event that implementation of the steps described above does not result in sufficient revenues to satisfactorily address the shortfall in tonnage, the County shall have the right to terminate the Agreement on sixty (60) days written notice to the City. In addition, in the event that Waste Infrastructure expenses are lower than estimated or actual deliveries to the Disposal System exceed the Cumulative Tonnage Target as of the end of any Contract Year,
the City acknowledges the County shall have the right to establish reserves intended to reflect the potential for lower than expected annual waste deliveries in subsequent years, and that any such reserves shall constitute “Restricted Reserves”.
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[
(C) [RESERVED]
(D) Interim Use of Remedies. In the event that, during any Contract Year, waste deliveries to the Disposal System are 25% or more below delivery projections for such Contract Year with the result that the County determines it is unlikely that the Cumulative Tonnage Target will be achieved as of the end of such Contract Year, the County may utilize the remedies described in Section 4.2(B) prior to the end of such Contract Year;
provided, however, that if at the end of such Contract Year, the Cumulative Tonnage Target is actually met, the County shall reimburse any adjustments to the Contract Rate made pursuant to this Section to Participating Cities. Such reimbursement shall occur in a manner as agreed between the parties, and may be given as a credit or adjustment to the Contract Rate for future deliveries, rather than a lump sum payment.
(E) Special Charges. Notwithstanding Section 4.2(A), the County shall have the right to impose special charges for the provision of new or expanded services or the receipt of hard to handle materials, such as bulky materials, construction and demolition debris, tree stumps and sludge. Such special charges shall be calculated to reflect the reasonable incremental costs to the County of providing the new or expanded services or accepting such hard to handle materials. In addition, in the event that the Board of Supervisors of the County makes a determination to implement a facility (including but not limited to a transfer station, landfill, conversion technology facility, materials recovery or processing facility, or expanded Organic Waste Processing such as CASP, Anaerobic Digestion or Commercial Food Diversion), which facility would be intended to provide for disposal or diversion alternatives, within the Waste Infrastructure System County may impose an additional charge of $0.50 per ton of Acceptable Waste in order to pay the costs of the study, development, planning, construction and/or operation of such facility. Adjustments pursuant to this Section 4.2(E) shall not require compliance with the provisions of Section 4.2(I)
(F) Escalation. The Contract Rate shall be adjusted each July 1, beginning 2029. The change will be equal to the percentage change in the Consumer Price Index – Consumer Price Index for Al Urban Consumers: Water and Sewer and Trash Collection Services in U.S. City Average (CUSR0000EHG) as measured from the October t w e n t y o n e (21) months prior to the rate adjustment to the October immediately preceding the rate adjustment.
For example: The July 1, 2029 rate adjustment shall be based upon the index change from October 2025, to October 2026, referred to as year 1 and year 2 respectively in the following example.
Formula to calculate percentage change in the Contract Rate:
Step 1:
October Year 2 CPI - 1 = % increase in Contract Rate
October Year 1 CPI
Step 2: Current Contract Rate x (1+ % increase in Contract Rate) = Contract Rate as of July 1 Year 2
On each April 1, commencing April 1, 2027, the County shall provide the City with notice of the
adjustment to the Contract Rate to be effective the following July 1. Such notice shall contain the calculation of the adjustment set forth above. The County will calculate the new Contract Rate each year. In the event that the change in CPI as described above is negative rathe r than p os it ive, no rate adjustment will be made for that year. No adjustment under this Section 4.2(F) will take place until the October CPI index surpasses the index level as of the October immediately preceding the last annual rate adjustment pursuant
to this Section 4.1(F), which will be considered “year 1” in calculating the change in the Contract Rate.
For example, if the change in CPI is measured as follows: October 2027 = 205, October 2028 = 204, October 2029 = 201, October 2030 = 208, then there would be no adjustment in July 2029, or July 2030, and an adjustment equal to the change from 205 to 208 would be implemented on July 1, 2031. Contract Rate True-up: County will notify City prior to April 30, 2030 (and every three (3) years thereafter) and advise whether actual inflation rate since execution should be frozen for a period of time (in circumstances where
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Department revenues exceed Department Full Cost Recovery needs) or to determine whether the Contract Rate should be increased beyond CPI as described above (in circumstances where Department costs exceed CPI) to ensure that Department revenues meet Full Cost Recovery. Adjustments pursuant to this Section 4.2(F) shall not require compliance with the provisions of Section 4.2(I).
(G) Adjustment Resulting from Increased Fees. In addition to the other adjustments specified herein, the Contract Rate shall be adjusted to reflect the imposition of new fees or increase in existing fees relating to the disposal of Controllable Waste imposed by State, federal or other agencies (e.g., the State’s Integrated Waste Management fee, which is currently $1.40 per ton, but is expected in increase during the term of this Agreement). The adjustment shall be equal to the amount of any new or increased fee, and the adjustment shall take effect so as to coincide with the imposition of the new or increased fee. The County shall provide notice of any increase
pursuant to this Section 4.2(G) as soon as practicable after becoming aware of the imposition of any fees described above.
Adjustments pursuant to this Section 4.2(G) shall not require compliance with the provisions of Section 4.2(I).
(H) [RESERVED]
(I) Procedure for Rate Adjustments. In the event the County determines that it is entitled to an adjustment of the Contract Rate pursuant to Section 4.2(A) (other than 4.2(A)(iv)) or Section 4.2(B), it shall utilize the procedures described in this Section 4.2(I). The County shall be required to provide the City with at least n i n e t y (90) days prior written notice of the adjustment, which notice shall identify the specific event(s) or
circumstances which require the adjustment. The notice shall also specify the earliest date on which the County Board of Supervisors shall consider the proposed adjustment. At least f o r t y f i v e (45) days prior to such
meeting of the Board of Supervisors, the County shall provide the City with a report which shall contain the following information: a description of the specific event(s) or circumstances which require the adjustment; a description (including cost estimates) of any activities (which may include, but not be limited to capital improvements to the Waste Infrastructure System) required in order to remedy such event or circumstance; certification by the
County that it has implemented the remedies described in Section 4.2(A) or (B) prior to requiring the rate adjustment; and a description of the methodology used by the County to calculate the adjustment to the Contract
Rate (hereinafter the “County Report”). In the event the City disputes the adjustment, it shall provide the County with a written description of the reason for the dispute at least ten (10) days prior to the meeting of the Board of Supervisors identified in the initial notice of the County (hereinafter the “City Report”). The City Report shall be provided to the Board of Supervisors for consideration at such meeting in connection with the proposed rate
adjustment. At any time from and after the date that the County provides the City with the County Report, upon the request of either party, the City and County shall meet and confer in good faith to resolve any dispute that may
arise regarding the proposed adjustment to the Contract Rate. In any such meeting, the County shall be represented by the Director of the Department or his or her designee. In the event the Board of Supervisors approves all or a portion of the proposed rate adjustment, such rate adjustment shall become effective on the date identified in the initial notice sent by the County regardless of whether or not the procedures in Section 4.2(J) are utilized, but subject to
potential reimbursement pursuant to clause (11) of Section 4.2(J).
(J) Procedure for Expedited Judicial Review of Contested Rate Adjustment. In the event
that, within t h i r t y (30) days after the effective date of any Contract Rate adjustment made pursuant to Section 4.2(I), Participating Cities which, in the aggregate, accounted for more than 50% of the County Acceptable Waste delivered to the County System in the twelve (12) months preceding the Contract Rate adjustment, provide notice to the County of their election to utilize the procedures described in this Section 4.2(J), then the provisions
of this Section 4.2(J) shall be utilized by such Participating Cities and the County to resolve the dispute over the Contract Rate Adjustment. In the event that Participating Cities which have delivered the amount of waste
contemplated in the preceding sentence do not provide notice to the County of such election, the County shall have no obligation to participate in or cooperate in the implementation of the procedures described below in this Section 4.2(J). (1) In order to pursue the expedited judicial determination described in this Section
(the “Expedited Rate Determination”), the Participating Cities which have made the election described in the paragraph above (the “Challenging Cities”) must commence a civil action for breach of contract (the “Action”) in
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the Orange County Superior Court within f o r ty f iv e (45) days of the date on which the Board of Supervisors approves the challenged adjustment to the Contract Rate.
(2) Within two (2) Court days of filing the Action, the Challenging Cities shall s personally serve on the County Counsel, with copy provided to the Clerk of the Board both the summons and complaint, and a stipulation and request for the entering of an order incorporating all of the procedural provisions relating to the Expedited Rate Determination as set forth in this Section 4.2(J) (such stipulation and request for order
is hereinafter referred to as the “Expedited Rate Determination Stipulation”). The Expedited Rate Determination Stipulation shall be signed by each of the Challenging Cities, or on behalf of them by their legal counsel.
(3) Within fifteen (15) days of the date of service upon the County of the summons and complaint, and Expedited Rate Determination Stipulation, County Counsel shall execute the Expedited Rate Determination Stipulation and d e l i v e r i t a s w e l l a s the County’s answer to the complaint in the Action, b y e l e c t r o n i c m e a n s , t o the Challenging Cities through their counsel of record. The Stipulation shall also include
a waiver by each of the parties of their right to a jury trial of the issues raised in the Action. The Parties agree that the duty to execute the Expedited Rate Determination Stipulation and comply with the procedures set forth for
Expedited Rate Determination in this Section 4.2(J) shall be, and are hereby deemed to be, ministerial duties which the law specifically enjoins upon each of them, and shall be subject to enforcement by the parties herein pursuant to Code of Civil Procedure Section 1085, et seq., or by means of a complaint for specific performance. (4) Within three (3) days of the date of service by the County upon the Challenging
Cities of the fully signed Expedited Rate Determination Stipulation, the County and the Challenging Cities shall jointly make ex parte application to the Orange County Superior Court in the Action for the issuance of an order
reflecting the procedural requirements and timelines contained in the Expedited Rate Determination Stipulation, provided however, the timelines may be adjusted by the Court as it deems may be needed for its convenience. As part of such ex parte application, the County and the Challenging Cities shall expressly seek to confirm with the Orange County Superior Court the briefing schedule, and request a hearing date (effectively a
trial date) in accordance with the procedures set forth in this Section 4.2(J). (5) Within ten (10) days of the date of service by the County upon the Challenging Cities of the answer in the Expedited Rate Determination, the Challenging Cities shall file with the C ourt and e l e c t r o n i c a l l y serve upon County C o u n s e l the Challenging Cities’ opening brief and the Record in the Expedited Rate Determination. The opening brief shall not exceed 15 pages in length. The Record shall consist of, and be limited to, the record of the proceedings before the Board of Supervisors with respect to the adjustment of the Contract Rate, including but not limited to the County Report and the City Report prepared by each or any of the Challenging Cities pursuant to Section 4.2(I), any materials filed or lodged with the Board of Supervisors and the Orange County Waste Management Commission in connection with its decision, the transcript of the proceedings of the Board of Supervisors meeting(s), and the Orange County Waste Management Commission, the minutes of the Board of Supervisors and the Orange County Waste Management Commission meeting, and the resolution and/or other documentation evidencing t h e action by the Board of Supervisors and the Orange County Waste Commission to adjust the Contract Rate pursuant to Section 4.2(A) or (B). The record shall also include the most recent reports prepared pursuant to Sections 4.6 and 4.7. The Expedited Rate Determination shall be decided solely on the evidence in the Record, and no extrinsic evidence shall be submitted to or considered by the Court. (6) Within ten (10) days of service by the Challenging Cities of their opening brief and the Record, the County shall file and elec tron ica l ly serve upon the Challenging Cities’ Counsel the County’s opposition brief. The opposition brief shall not exceed 15 pages in length. (7) Within five (5) days of service by the County upon the Challenging Cities of the opposition brief, the Challenging Cities may file and electronically serve upon County Counsel a reply rebuttal brief, which shall not exceed 10 pages in length.
(8) The trial of the Expedited Rate Determination shall be conducted as a law and motion hearing, similar to a hearing on a writ, which shall be conducted at the date set by the Court in connection with the ex parte application conducted pursuant to Section 4.2(J)(4), or such other date and time ordered by the Court. If the Court requests the parties to prepare supplemental briefs in response to any question or issue raised by the Court, the parties may do so.
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(9) The standard of review for the Expedited Rate Determination shall be the preponderance of the evidence based upon the Record. The burden of proof shall be borne by the Challenging Cities, and the burden of proof shall be the same as with respect to a plaintiff in a damages action for breach of contract. Both parties have participated in the drafting of this Agreement. Accordingly, nothing set forth in this Agreement shall be interpreted or construed for or against either of the parties as a consequence of their participation
in the drafting of this Agreement.
(10) The court shall be advised that the Parties request that it issue a written statement of decision and enter judgment within thirty (30) days of the date of the hearing in the Expedited Rate Determination, although the Parties recognize that the Court has discretion to act as it deems appropriate in accord with applicable laws in connection with the timing thereof. (11) If the court determines that any portion of the County’s adjusted Contract Rate
which is the subject of the Expedited Rate Determination was improperly imposed, the County shall, within thirty (30) days of the date of the statement of decision, reimburse to the City the amount improperly imposed, together with
interest calculated at the Overdue Rate. If agreed by the Parties, as an alternative such reimbursement may be made in the form of a reduction in the Contract Rate for a future period (not to exceed twelve (12) months), applied in a manner such that it provides full reimbursement of the amounts described above (including the Overdue Rate, to be applied consistent with provisions of Section 7.14 hereof.)
(12) If for any reason the court does not sign the order contained in the Expedited Rate Determination Stipulation, the City shall, within 30 days of the court’s denial of such requested order, file with
the court and personally serve upon the County a motion for summary judgment and/or motion for judgment on the pleadings, in accordance with Code of Civil Procedure Section 437(c) and 438. By executing this Agreement, the parties hereby stipulate that, in the event that the Challenging Cities file such summary judgment motion and/or motion for judgment on the pleadings, the Record shall be deemed to have been incorporated into the complaint and
answer filed by the Challenging Cities and the County, and no evidence outside of the Record is relevant or material to the dispute raised in the Expedited Rate Determination. The briefing schedule and hearing on such motion for
summary judgment and/or motion for judgment on the pleadings shall be in accordance with Code of Civil Procedure Section 437(c). The Challenging Cities and the County shall be bound by all of the requirements and restrictions set forth in Section 4.2(J) that are not in conflict with this paragraph (12). (13) In the event that the Court both does not sign the order contained in the Expedited
Rate Determination Stipulation and set the matter for disposition as contemplated herein, the County and the Challenging Cities shall, within twenty (20) days following the issuance of the Court’s order or decision not to honor
the parties’ stipulation or not to hear the parties’ motion for summary judgment, make application to the Orange County Superior Court for an expedited hearing or trial date. The Challenging Cities and the County shall be bound by all of the requirements and restrictions set forth in Section 4.2(J) that are not in conflict with this paragraph (13). In this regard, and without limiting the foregoing, the only evidence to be presented at the hearing or trial shall be
the Record, no testimony shall be presented at the hearing or trial; and both the County and the Challenging Cities waive all rights to a jury trial, to any reconsideration of the decision of the court, to a new trial after the court
renders a decision, and to any appeal or review of the decision of the court.
SECTION 4.3 RESPONSIBILITY FOR PAYMENT OF THE CONTRACT RATE, AND OTHER AMOUNTS DUE. (A) Payment by City. In the event and to the extent (1) the City uses municipal collection
forces directly for the haulage of Controllable Waste to the Waste Infrastructure System or (2) the City uses non-municipal Franchise Haulers for collection but nonetheless elects to pay the Contract Rate and other amounts due
from City revenues, the City, as its own Franchise Hauler, shall have direct responsibility for payment of the Contract Rate and other amounts due, and shall take all such budgetary, appropriation and other action as may be necessary to provide for the timely payment of the Contract Rate and other amounts due. Such action may include, depending upon the means authorized by the City to provide for such payment, the levy and collection of general or
special taxes, the imposition of benefit assessments, or the collection of user fees, generator charges or other similar impositions for municipal solid waste disposal. The City shall use best efforts in accordance with Applicable Law to levy and impose all such taxes, assessments, fees or charges, and will take all steps, actions and proceedings for the
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enforcement, collection and payment of all such amounts which shall become delinquent, to the full extent permitted by Applicable Law.
(B) Payment by Franchise Haulers. With respect to Controllable Waste delivered by Franchise Haulers on behalf of City other than City municipal collection forces, the obligation to pay the Contract Rate and other amounts due shall rest with such Franchise Haulers. Franchise Hauler shall pay the Contract Rate or other amounts due or any portion thereof when due. In the event of any such failure by Hauler, the County and the City shall
cooperate with each other and use their best efforts to obtain timely payment from Franchise Hauler. Such efforts by the County may include, as appropriate, requiring cash payments for disposal rights from such Franchise Hauler and bringing a legal proceeding for payment and damages. Such efforts by the City may include, as appropriate, legal proceedings to suspend, revoke or terminate the Franchise Hauler’s franchise, permit or license rights. In the event that Franchise Hauler is determined bankrupt by a court of competent jurisdiction or is otherwise unable or unwilling to pay amounts due, City shall be responsible for any outstanding amounts due to County by Franchise Hauler in
connection with Franchise Hauler’s provision of collection services on behalf of City. (C) Disputes. If the City or the Franchise Hauler disputes any amount billed by the County in any Billing Statement, the City or the Franchise Hauler shall nonetheless pay the billed amount and shall provide the County with written objection within thirty (30) days of the receipt of such Billing Statement indicating the amount that is being disputed and providing all reasons then known to the City or the Franchise Hauler for any objection to or disagreement with such amount. If the City or the Franchise Hauler and the County are not able to resolve such dispute within thirty (30) days after the City’s or the Franchise Hauler’s objection, either party may pursue appropriate legal remedies.
SECTION 4.4 BILLING OF THE CONTRACT RATE OR OTHER AMOUNTS DUE. The County shall continue to bill Contract Rates and other amounts due after the Commencement Date, in the same manner as it has customarily billed tipping fees. Subject to the other provisions of this Agreement, the County shall have the right to modify or amend such manner of billing on reasonable notice to affected parties.
SECTION 4.5 RESTRICTED RESERVES. For purposes of this Agreement, “Restricted Reserves” means cash and other reserves of the Waste Infrastructure System which are restricted to specific uses or are otherwise being reserved by the County to meet its obligations hereunder throughout the term of the Agreement with respect to the Waste Infrastructure System pursuant to any Applicable Law, contract, adopted budget, budgetary policy of the County with respect to the Waste Infrastructure System, or other arrangement. Such cash and other reserves are not required to be deposited in separate accounts or funds in order to constitute “Restricted Reserves” hereunder, and may be commingled with Unrestricted Reserves or other funds of the County attributable to the Waste Infrastructure System. “Restricted Reserves” shall include, but not be limited to, the following:
(i) reserves for closure of components of the Waste Infrastructure System to the extent
required by Applicable Law;
(ii) amounts reserved by the County for funding of post closure maintenance and monitoring with respect to components of the Waste Infrastructure System; (iii) reserves established to protect the Waste Infrastructure System against the adverse financial impact of potential decreases in waste deliveries pursuant to Section 4.2(B);
(iv) amounts reserved to pay the costs of capital improvements with respect to the Waste Infrastructure System;
(v) amounts funded from revenues during the early years of the term of the Agreement reserved to enable the County to provide disposal services for the Contract Rate during the later years of the Agreement;
(vi) amounts temporarily held by the County prior to payment to the State or other Governmental Bodies pursuant to Applicable Law (including any fees or charges payable to CalRecycle);
(vii) reserves required to meet bond covenants pursuant to financing agreements for
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Waste Infrastructure System assets to the extent such amounts must be legally separate and distinct from other reserves identified in this Section; (viii) security deposits from landfill deferred payment program users;
(ix) amounts held by the County in the Environmental Fund (provided, however, that such amounts in the Environmental Fund will be made available and used by the County if required to pay costs
relating to environmental remediation or other related costs);
(x) AB 939 surcharges;
(xi) amounts held by the County in the Corrective Action Fund held pursuant to CCR Title 27 to demonstrate financial assurance to pay for potential groundwater contamination; and
(xii) an amount equal to three (3) months of budgeted expenses for the Disposal System for the current fiscal year, representing working capital of the Disposal System.
SECTION 4.6 AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. The County shall annually, on or before January 1 each year, prepare or cause to be prepared and have on file for inspection an annual report for the preceding Contract Year, accompanied by a certificate of an independent public accountant or of the County Auditor and Controller as to the examination of the financial statements therein (describing such statements as fairly presenting the information therein in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles) relating to the Waste Infrastructure System, services, and the fiscal activities of the OC Waste Disposal Enterprise Fund, and including statements in reasonable detail of the financial condition of the OC Waste Disposal Enterprise Fund as of the end of the Contract Year and revenue and expenses for the Contract Year.
SECTION 4.7 ANNUAL UPDATE OF TEN-YEAR FINANCIAL PROJECTION. The County shall annually, on or before May 1 of each year, prepare or cause to be prepared, an updated Ten-Year Financial Projection for the Waste Infrastructure System. Said Financial Projection shall include at least two full years of prior actual data and ten years of future projections including the following elements:
1. County Acceptable Waste, in tons;
2. Imported Acceptable Waste, in tons;
3. Revenues and expenditures; 4. Cash fund balances, including all monies in the County Solid Waste Enterprise
Fund, with specific delineation of monies in the Environmental Fund, Restricted Reserves, Unrestricted Reserves, and all other funds of the System; and
5. Projected liabilities for closure and post closure as well as reasonable reserves for other environmental costs.
The purpose of the Ten-Year Financial Projection is to keep the City fully informed about the future financial condition of the Waste Infrastructure System. The County shall cause a copy of the Ten-Year Financial Projection to be delivered to the City Manager/General Manager of the City no later than May 1 of each year. Upon request, the County shall make available to the Cities supporting information related to the ten-year financial projection
ARTICLE V BREACH, ENFORCEMENT AND TERMINATION
SECTION 5.1 BREACH. The Parties agree that in the event either Party breaches any obligation under this Agreement or any representation made by either Party hereunder is untrue in any material respect, the other Party shall have the right to take any action at law or in equity (including actions for injunctive relief, mandamus and specific performance) it may have to enforce the payment of any amounts due or the performance of any obligations to be
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performed hereunder. Neither Party shall have the right to terminate this Agreement except as provided in Section 5.2 and Section 5.3 hereof or as otherwise provided in this Agreement.
SECTION 5.2 CITY CONVENIENCE TERMINATION. The City shall have the right to terminate this Agreement in its sole discretion, for its convenience and without cause at any time during the Term hereof upon ninety (90) days’ written notice to the County. If the City exercises its rights to terminate the Agreement pursuant to this Section, the City shall pay the County a termination fee equal to the Contract Rate in effect at the time of
such termination (or any higher rate with respect to which the County has provided notice pursuant to Section 4.2) multiplied by the number of tons of City Acceptable Waste delivered to the Disposal System during the preceding twelve (12) months (or, if the City had been in breach of the Waste Disposal Covenant during such prior months, such amount as would have been delivered if the City had complied with the Waste Disposal Covenant), multiplied by the number of years remaining in the Term of the Agreement. SECTION 5.3 TERMINATION.
(A) By City. Except as expressly provided herein, the City shall have no right to terminate this Agreement for cause except in the event of the failure or refusal by the County substantially to perform any material obligation under this Agreement unless such failure or refusal is excused by an Uncontrollable Circumstance; except that no such failure or refusal shall give the City the right to terminate this Agreement for cause under this subsection unless: (1) The City has given prior written notice to the County stating that a specified
failure or refusal to perform exists which will, unless corrected, constitute a material breach of this Agreement on the part of the County and which will, in its opinion, give the City the right to terminate this Agreement for cause
under this subsection unless such breach is corrected within a reasonable period of time, and
(2) The County has neither challenged in an appropriate forum (in accordance with Section 5.5) the City’s conclusion that such failure or refusal to perform has occurred or constitutes a material breach of this Agreement nor corrected or diligently taken steps to correct such breach within a reasonable period of
time not more than ninety (90) days from the date of the notice given pursuant to clause (1) of this subsection (but if the
County shall have diligently taken steps to correct such breach within such reasonable period of time, the same shall not constitute a breach giving rise to the right of termination for as long as the County is continuing to take such steps to correct such breach). (B) By County. Except as expressly provided herein, the County shall have no right to terminate this Agreement for cause except in the event of the failure or refusal by the City or its Franchise Hauler to substantially perform any material obligation under this Agreement unless such failure or refusal is excused by an Uncontrollable Circumstance; except that no such failure or refusal shall give the County the right to terminate this Agreement for cause under this subsection unless:
(1) The County has given prior written notice to the City stating that a specified failure or refusal to perform exists which will, unless corrected, constitute a material breach of this Agreement on the part of the City and which will, in its opinion, give the County right to terminate this Agreement for cause under this subsection unless such breach is corrected within a reasonable period of time, and
(2) The City has neither challenged in an appropriate forum (in accordance with Section 5.5) the County’s conclusion that such failure or refusal to perform has occurred or constitutes a material breach of this Agreement nor corrected or diligently taken steps to correct such breach within a reasonable period of time not more than ninety (90) days from the date of the notice given pursuant to clause (1) of this subsection (but if the City shall have diligently taken steps to correct such breach within such reasonable period of time, the same shall not constitute a breach giving rise to the right of termination for as long as the City is continuing to take such steps to correct such breach). SECTION 5.4 NO WAIVERS. No action of the County or the City pursuant to this Agreement (including, but not limited to, any investigation or payment), and no failure to act, shall constitute a waiver by either Party of the other Party’s compliance with any term or provision of this Agreement. No course of dealing or delay by the County
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or the City in exercising any right, power or remedy under this Agreement shall operate as a waiver thereof or otherwise prejudice such Party’s rights, powers and remedies. No single or partial exercise of (or failure to exercise) any right, power or remedy of the County or the City under this Agreement shall preclude any other or further exercise thereof of the exercise of any other right, power or remedy. ARTICLE VI
TERM SECTION 6.1 EFFECTIVE DATE AND TERM.
(A) Initial Term. This Agreement shall become effective, shall be in full force and effect and shall be legally binding upon the City and the County from the Contract Date and shall continue in full force and effect until June 30, 2036, unless earlier terminated in accordance with its terms, in which event the Term shall be deemed to have expired as of the date of such termination. (B) Option to Renew. This Agreement shall be subject to renewal by mutual agreement of the Parties, on or before June 30, 2036 for an additional term of ten (10) years (the “Renewal Term”) on the same terms and conditions as are applicable during the Initial Term hereof or on amended terms as may be mutually agreed to by the Parties. The City shall give the County written notice of its election to renew this Agreement on or before June 30, 2035. If the parties do not execute a renewal of this Agreement prior to June 30, 2036 it shall expire.
(C) Contract Rate During Renewal Term. In connection with the parties’ right to renew this Agreement for an additional ten-year term pursuant to Section 6.1(C), the parties shall, on or before January 31, 2036 negotiate an applicable change in the Contract Rate for such renewal term. In determining any revisions to the Contract Rate to be applicable during any renewal period, in addition to the circumstances described in Section 4.2(A), the parties may take into consideration the following parameters, including but not limited to: (i) actual cost of operations;
(ii) population growth;
(iii) increase or decrease in available tonnage;
(iv) economic and disposal market conditions in the Southern California region;
(v) new regulatory requirements;
(vi) Changes in Law;
(vii) changes in transportation and technology;
(viii) closure and expansion of nearby landfills;
(ix) capacity of the Disposal System;
(x) provision of new and/or expanded services; and
(xi) available reserves which are in excess of the amount reasonably required as reserves.
(D) Survival; Accrued Rights. The rights and obligations of the parties hereto pursuant to Sections 3.1(E)(2), 5.1, 5.3, 7.2, 7.3, 7.6, 7.7, 7.8, and 7.9 hereof shall survive the termination or expiration
of this Agreement, and no such termination or expiration shall limit or otherwise affect the respective rights and obligations of the parties hereto accrued prior to the date of such termination or expiration. At the end of the Term of
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this Agreement, all other obligations of the parties shall terminate.
SECTION 6.2 COMMENCEMENT DATE.
(A) Obligations of the Parties Prior to the Commencement Date. The Parties acknowledge that the Agreements may be executed and delivered on different dates and that, except as provided in this subsection, neither the County nor the City shall be obligated to perform its obligations hereunder until the Participation Threshold provided herein has been met and the other conditions to the occurrence of the Commencement Date
have occurred. Prior to the Commencement Date, each Party hereto shall at its own expense exercise good faith and due diligence and take all steps within its reasonable control in seeking to satisfy the conditions to the
Commencement Date set forth herein as soon as reasonably practicable. The County and the City, each at its own expense, shall cooperate fully with each other and the other Participating Cities in connection with the foregoing
undertaking. Until the Commencement Date occurs, the Original WDAs shall remain in full force and effect until they expire or are terminated.
(B) Condition to the Commencement Date. The Commencement Date for the Agreement shall be the date on which Participating Cities reach the Participation Threshold. Unincorporated County is assumed
to be a Participating City for the purposes of determining the Commencement Date in accordance with this Section 6.2(b) and Appendix 1 of this Agreement.
(C) Satisfaction of Condition and Commencement Date. Upon the satisfaction or waiver of the condition to the Commencement Date, the County shall give written notice thereof to the Cities which have
theretofore executed Agreements. The parties shall thereupon hold a formal closing acknowledging the satisfaction or waiver of the condition to the Commencement Date, certifying that the Commencement Date has occurred and
designating the Participating Cities. Copies of all of the documents or instruments constituting or evidencing satisfaction of the Commencement Date conditions shall be furnished to each party prior to or on the Commencement Date.
(D) Newly Incorporated Cities. Any city within Orange County which becomes incorporated after the Commencement Date shall upon request be offered the opportunity by the County to become a Participating City on substantially the same terms and conditions as this Agreement.
(E) Failure of Condition. If by June 30, 2026, or such later date as the County may agree, the condition to the Commencement Date specified in this Section is not satisfied, either party hereto may, by notice in writing to the other party, terminate this Agreement. Neither party shall be liable to the other for the termination of this Agreement pursuant to this subsection, and each of the parties shall bear its respective costs and expenses incurred in seeking to satisfy the condition to the Commencement Date. ARTICLE VII GENERAL PROVISIONS SECTION 7.1 OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF THE WASTE INFRASTRUCTURE SYSTEM. The County, at its cost and expense through the County Solid Waste Enterprise Fund, shall at all times operate, or caused to be operated, the Waste Infrastructure System in accordance with Applicable Law and the operating rules and regulations of the Department and other applicable regulatory agencies.
SECTION 7.2 UNCONTROLLABLE CIRCUMSTANCES GENERALLY.
(A) Performance Excused. Except as otherwise specifically provided in this Agreement, neither the County nor the City shall be liable to the other for any failure or delay in the performance of any obligation under this Agreement (other than any payment at the time due and owing) to the extent such failure or delay is due to the occurrence of an Uncontrollable Circumstance.
(B) Notice, Mitigation. The Party experiencing an Uncontrollable Circumstance shall notify
the other Party by telecommunication or telephone and in writing, on or promptly after the date the Party experiencing such Uncontrollable Circumstance first knew of the commencement thereof, followed within fifteen (15) days by a written description of (1) the Uncontrollable Circumstance and the cause thereof (to the extent known), (2) the date
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the Uncontrollable Circumstance began and the cause thereof, its estimated duration, the estimated time during which the performance of such Party’s obligations hereunder will be delayed, (3) the estimated amount, if any, by which the Contract Rate may need to be adjusted as a result of such Uncontrollable Circumstance, (4) its estimated impact on the other obligations of such Party under this Agreement and (5) potential mitigating actions which might be taken by the County or City and any areas where costs might be reduced and the approximate amount of such cost reductions. Each Party shall provide prompt written notice of the cessation of such Uncontrollable Circumstance.
Whenever such act, event or condition shall occur, the Party claiming to be adversely affected thereby shall, as promptly as reasonably possible, use its best efforts to eliminate the cause therefor, reduce costs and resume performance under this Agreement. In addition, with respect to Changes in Law, the County shall diligently contest any such changes the imposition of which would have a material adverse impact on the Waste Infrastructure System. While the delay continues, the County or City shall give notice to the other Party, before the first day of each succeeding month, updating the information previously submitted.
(C) Impact on Contract Rate. If and to the extent that Uncontrollable Circumstances interfere with, delay or increase the cost to the County of meeting its obligations hereunder and providing Waste Infrastructure
Services to the Participating Cities in accordance herewith, the County shall be entitled to an increase in the Contract Rate as provided in Section 4.2 herein or an extension in the schedule for performance equal to the amount of the increased cost or the time lost as a result thereof. The proceeds of any insurance available to meet any such increased cost shall be applied to such purpose prior to any determination of cost increases payable under this
subsection. Any cost reductions achieved through the mitigating measures undertaken by the County pursuant to subsection 7.2(B) hereof upon the occurrence of an Uncontrollable Circumstance shall be reflected in a reduction of
the amount by which the Contract Rate would have otherwise been increased or shall serve to reduce the Contract Rate to reflect such mitigation measures, as applicable.
SECTION 7.3 INDEMNIFICATION. To the extent permitted by law, the County agrees that, it will protect, indemnify, defend (with counsel selected by County) and hold harmless the City from and against all Loss-and-
Expense arising from the City’s activity as an “arranger” (for purposes of and as such term is defined under CERCLA or comparable State statutes) of municipal solid waste disposal pursuant to this Agreement. In the event the City shall
determine for any reason, other than a disabling conflict of interest, that it wishes to be defended by legal counsel other than the legal counsel provided by the County, the cost of providing such legal counsel shall be the City’s sole responsibility. Any costs incurred by the County pursuant to this Section shall be considered an Uncontrollable Circumstance cost and the County shall be entitled to adjust the Contract Rate as provided in subsection 4.2(A)
herein. The County shall not, however, be required to indemnify or defend the City from and against all Loss-and-Expense arising from any willful, knowing, illegal or negligent disposal of hazardous waste (other than
incidental amounts of Household Hazardous Waste commonly found in municipal solid waste and permitted to be disposed in Class III landfills under RCRA) which violates the County’s landfill permits or Applicable Law. The parties agree that this provision constitutes an indemnity under CERCLA (to the extent of the specific provisions of this Section). The parties acknowledge that this subsection is not intended to and does not create any
obligation on the part of the County to provide any indemnification or defense to any Franchise Hauler, whether franchised or not, or any Independent Hauler or Transfer Station, under any circumstances. The City acknowledges
the County’s legitimate interest in actively participating in any defense, litigation or settlement, whether the County or the City provides legal counsel and shall, as a condition to County’s provision of this indemnity, coordinate and cooperate fully with the County in the defense of any claims to which this Section applies. SECTION 7.4 RELATIONSHIP OF THE PARTIES. Neither party to this Agreement shall have any responsibility whatsoever with respect to services provided or contractual obligations or liabilities assumed by the other party hereto, whether accrued, absolute, contingent or otherwise, or whether due or to become due. The County is an independent contractor of the City and nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed to constitute either party a partner, agent or legal representative of the other party or to create any fiduciary relationship between the parties. SECTION 7.5 LIMITED RECOURSE.
(A) To the City. Except in the event the City has not established or maintained a City Solid Waste Enterprise Fund that maintains funds available to cover at least one year’s anticipated cost for disposal and processing of City Acceptable Waste, no recourse shall be had to the general funds or general credit of the City for the payment of any amount due the County hereunder, or the performance of any obligation incurred hereunder, including
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any Loss-and-Expense of any nature arising from the performance or non-performance of the City’s obligations hereunder. If the City maintains a City Solid Waste Enterprise Fund with at least one year’s anticipated costs for disposal and processing of City Acceptable Waste the sole recourse of the County for all such amounts shall be to the funds held in any such City Solid Waste Enterprise Fund. All amounts held in any City Solid Waste Enterprise Fund shall be held for the uses permitted and required thereby, and no such amounts shall constitute property of the County. The City shall make adequate provision in the administration of any City Solid Waste Enterprise Fund for the payment
of any amount or the performance of any obligation which may be due hereunder. If City fails to maintain a City Solid Waste Enterprise Fund with at least one year’s anticipated cost for disposal and processing of City Acceptable Waste, City general fund or general credit shall be liable to County for payment of amounts due to the County. (B) To the County. No recourse shall be had to the general funds or general credit of the County for the payment of any amount due the City hereunder, or the performance of any obligation incurred hereunder, including any Loss-and-Expense of any nature arising from the performance or non-performance of the
County’s obligations hereunder. The sole recourse of the City for all such amounts shall be to the funds held in the County Solid Waste Enterprise Fund in accordance with the terms of this Agreement. All amounts held in the County Solid Waste Enterprise Fund shall be held for the uses permitted and required thereby, and no such amounts shall constitute property of the City. The County shall make adequate provision in the administration of the County Solid Waste Enterprise Fund for the payment of any amount or the performance of any obligation which may be due hereunder.
SECTION 7.6 PRE-EXISTING RIGHTS AND LIABILITIES. Nothing in this Agreement is intended to affect, release, waive or modify any rights, obligations or liabilities which any Party hereto may have to or against the other Party as of the Contract Date relating to the receipt of Acceptable Waste in the Waste Infrastructure System or any other related matter.
SECTION 7.7 NO VESTED RIGHTS. The City shall not acquire any vested property, license or other rights in the Waste Infrastructure System by reason of this Agreement.
SECTION 7.8 LIABILITY FOR COLLECTION, TRANSPORTATION AND PROCESSING. Any liability incurred by the City as a result of collecting, transporting or processing of Acceptable Waste, or as a result
of causing, franchising, permitting, licensing, authorizing or arranging any of the foregoing, shall be the sole liability of City, except as expressly otherwise provided herein.
SECTION 7.9 NO CONSEQUENTIAL OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES. In no event shall either Party hereto be liable to the other or obligated in any manner to pay to the other any special, incidental, consequential,
punitive or similar damages based upon claims arising out of or in connection with the performance or non- performance of its obligations or otherwise under this Agreement, or the material inaccuracy of any representation
made in this Agreement, whether such claims are based upon contract, tort, negligence, warranty or other legal theory.
SECTION 7.10 AMENDMENTS. Neither this Agreement nor any provision hereof may be changed, modified, amended or waived except by written agreement duly authorized and executed by both Parties.
SECTION 7.11 NOTICE OF LITIGATION. Each Party shall deliver written notice to the other of any Legal Proceeding to which it is a party and which questions the validity or enforceability of this Agreement
executed by the City or the County or any Legal Entitlement issued in connection herewith.
SECTION 7.12 FURTHER ASSURANCES. At any and all times the City and the County so far as may
be authorized by law shall pass, make, do, execute, acknowledge and deliver any and every such further resolutions, acts, deeds, conveyances, instruments, assignments, transfers and assurances as may be necessary or reasonably
requested by the other in order to give full effect to this Agreement. SECTION 7.13 ASSIGNMENT OF AGREEMENT. (A) Assignment. Neither this Agreement nor any of the rights or obligations hereunder may be assigned by either Party hereto without the prior written consent of the other Party, which may be withheld in the
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other Party’s sole discretion. Notwithstanding the foregoing, either Party may assign this Agreement to another public entity, subject to the reasonable consent of the other party. In such circumstances the Party not requesting the assignment shall have the right to demand assurances of the financial, technical and legal ability of the proposed assignee to undertake the responsibilities and obligations of the assigning Party.
(B) Sale. The County shall not enter into any agreement for the sale of the Waste Infrastructure System which provides for an effective date for such sale prior to the termination of this Agreement.
SECTION 7.14 INTEREST ON OVERDUE OBLIGATIONS. Except as otherwise provided herein, all amounts due hereunder, whether as damages, credits, revenue or reimbursements, that are not paid when due shall bear interest at the Overdue Rate on the amount outstanding from time to time, on the basis of a 365-day year, counting the actual number of days elapsed, and all such interest accrued at any time shall, to the extent permitted by Applicable Law, be deemed added to the amount due, as accrued. SECTION 7.15 BINDING EFFECT. This Agreement shall bind and inure to the benefit of the Parties
hereto and any successor or assignee acquiring an interest hereunder consistent with the provisions of Section 7.13 hereof.
SECTION 7.16 NOTICES. Any notice or communication required or permitted hereunder shall be in writing and sufficiently given if delivered in person or sent by certified or registered mail, postage prepaid, to the notice address of the respective Parties set forth on the cover page of this Agreement. Changes in the respective addresses to which such notices may be directed may be made from time to time by any Party by notice to the other Party. Section 7.17 ATTORNEYS FEES. In any action or proceeding to enforce or interpret any provision of this Agreement, each Party shall bear their own attorney’s fees, costs and expenses. Signature Page to Follow
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, COUNTY and CITY have caused this Agreement to be executed by their duly authorized officers or representatives as of the day and year first above written.
COUNTY OF ORANGE
By Director, OC Waste & Recycling
By
Ryan P. Gallagher Board Chairman Orange County Sanitation District
Attest : Kelly A. Lore Clerk of the Board Orange County Sanitation District
Date
APPROVED AS TO FORM: COUNTY COUNSEL ORANGE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA
By
Date
Date
Date
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
By Scott C. Smith, General Counsel
Date
ORANGE COUNTY SANITATION DISTRICT
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APPENDIX 1 ESTIMATED ANNUAL TONNAGE
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APPENDIX 1 PERCENTAGE OF COUNTY ACCEPTABLE WASTE ATTRIBUTABLE TO PARTICIPATING CITIES FOR PURPOSE OF SECTION 6.2(b)
Jurisdiction
Percentage of County
Acceptable Waste
Aliso Viejo 0.82% Anaheim 14.78% Brea 2.62% Buena Park 1.02% Costa Mesa (Costa Mesa Sanitary District) 3.41% Cypress 0.85% Dana Point 1.33% Fountain Valley 1.63% Fullerton 4.08% Garden Grove (Garden Grove Sanitary District) 4.74% Huntington Beach 5.91% Irvine 9.64% La Habra 1.72% La Palma 1.27% Laguna Beach 1.18% Laguna Hills 0.89% Laguna Niguel 1.44% Laguna Woods 0.28% Lake Forest 2.14% Los Alamitos 0.33% Mission Viejo 2.33% Newport Beach 3.58% Orange 5.25% Placentia 1.39% Rancho Santa Margarita 1.03% San Clemente 2.43% San Juan Capistrano 2.93% Santa Ana 9.45% Seal Beach 0.52% Stanton 1.47% Tustin 2.04% Unincorporated Orange County (1) 3.19% Villa Park 0.16% Westminster (Midway City Sanitary District) 2.47% Yorba Linda 1.68% Total 100% (1) Unincorporated County is assumed to be a Participating City for the purposes of determining the Commencement Date in accordance with Section 6.2(b) of this Agreement. (2) A Participating City will only be included for purposing of determining the Commencement Date upon (i) execution of a WISE Agreement by that Participating City and (ii) execution of a Hauler Acknowledgement(s) by the Franchise Hauler(s) operating within such Participating City.
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APPENDIX 2
CUMULATIVE TONNAGE
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APPENDIX 2
Cumulative County Acceptable Waste Tonnage Target to be Used
Fiscal Year (Ending June 30) County Acceptable Waste Tonnage Cumulative County Acceptable Waste Tonnage
2026 3,343,282 3,343,282
2027 3,278,595 6,621,877
2028 3,029,924 9,651,801
2029 2,982,454 12,634,255
2030 2,411,983 15,046,238
2031 2,261,201 17,307,439
2032 2,225,152 19,532,591
2033 2,181,838 21,714,429
2034 2,187,041 23,901,470
2035 2,219,362 26,120,832
2036 2,224,792 28,345,624
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APPENDIX 3
CUMULATIVE CAPITAL COSTS
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APPENDIX 3
CUMULATIVE CAPITAL COSTS
to be Used
for Purposes of Section 4.2(A)vi
Fiscal Year (Ending June 30) Annual Capital Costs Cumulative Capital Costs
2026 $72,599,664 $72,599,664
2027 $79,950,000 $152,549,664
2028 $155,135,000 $307,684,664
2029 $136,185,000 $443,869,664
2030 $41,171,500 $485,041,164
2031 $16,745,000 $501,786,164
2032 $18,165,000 $519,951,164
2033 $36,605,000 $556,556,164
2034 $30,100,000 $586,656,164
2035 $1,510,000 $588,166,164
2036 $25,000,000 $613,166,164
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APPENDIX 4
FRANCHISE HAULER ACKNOWLEDGMENT
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FRANCHISE HAULER ACKNOWLEDGMENT
THIS FRANCHISE HAULER ACKNOWLEDGMENT, dated as of_______________(the “Acknowledgment”), and
between the __________ (the “City”) and ______________ (the “Franchise Hauler”).
WITNESSETH
WHEREAS, the City and the Franchise Hauler have heretofore entered into an agreement entitled
______________ dated as of_____________ (the “Franchise”); and
WHEREAS, the City has issued to the Franchise Hauler a permit, license, approval or other authorization
the “Authorization”) which allows the Franchise Hauler to provide solid waste collection services within the City; and
WHEREAS, the Franchise [SUBSTITUTE “AUTHORIZATION” THROUGHOUT IF APPLICABLE]] provides for the collection and disposal of certain municipal solid waste as described therein (“Franchise Waste”)
generated within the City; and
WHEREAS, the County of Orange (the “County”) owns, manages and operates a Waste Infrastructure System
that is permitted to accept or process Acceptable Waste for disposal or diversion; and
WHEREAS, the City and the County have heretofore entered into a Waste Infrastructure System Enterprise Agreement (the “WISE Agreement”), dated as of______________; and
WHEREAS, the WISE Agreement details responsibilities for disposal of municipal solid waste and may include processing of identified Organic Waste for diversion, generated within the boundaries of the City, and determine that the execution of the WISE Agreement will serve the public health, safety and welfare of the residents of the City and County, by maintaining public ownership and stewardship over the Waste Infrastructure System and
providing disposal rate stability, predictable and reliable long-term disposal service, enhanced organics processing to assist the City in meeting its organics diversion requirements, and the continuation of sound environmental management; and
WHEREAS, under the WISE Agreement, the County has agreed to provide long-term disposal of all municipal solid waste generated within the City and may also provide for Organic Waste processing under an OSA and the City has agreed to exercise all legal, and contractual power which it possesses from time to time to deliver or cause the delivery of such waste to the Waste Infrastructure System; and
WHEREAS, the provisions of the WISE Agreement guarantee capacity for the long term disposal and
processing of waste at specified rates generated in the City provide significant benefits to the Franchise Hauler;
WHEREAS, notwithstanding any Franchise provisions to the contrary, the Franchise Hauler explicitly acknowledges the aforementioned benefits to the City, the County and the Franchise Hauler in providing for the disposal of all Franchise Waste to the Waste Infrastructure System; and
WHEREAS, the City and the Franchise Hauler desire to enter into this Acknowledgment to assure that the City and the Franchise Hauler will be entitled to the benefits of the WISE Agreement and to assure conformity
with the waste delivery obligations which have been agreed to by the City under the WISE Agreement through the delivery of waste by the Franchise Hauler to the Waste Infrastructure System; and
WHEREAS, the Franchise Hauler’s agreement to deliver Franchise Waste to the Disposal System under this Acknowledgment is given in consideration of the Franchise Hauler’s right to receive the Contract Rate for such disposal and processing as provided in the WISE Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and for other good and valuable consideration, the
receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound hereby,
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agree as follows:
1.Capitalized terms used and not otherwise defined herein are used as defined in the WISEAgreement.
2.The Franchise Hauler hereby waives any right which it may possess under applicable law tocontest on any ground, constitutional, statutory, case law, administrative or otherwise, (a) the right, power or
authority of the County or the City to enter into or perform their respective obligations under the WISE Agreement, (b) the enforceability against the County or the City of the WISE Agreement, or (c) the right, power or
authority of the City to deliver or cause the delivery of all Controllable Waste to the Disposal System in accordance with this Acknowledgment.
3.The City and the Franchise Hauler each hereby represent that this Acknowledgment has been dulyauthorized by all necessary action of their respective governing bodies.
4.The Franchise Hauler shall deliver or cause to be delivered all Controllable Waste (including allResidue from the processing by any means, wherever conducted, of Controllable Waste), to the Designated Facility in
the Waste Infrastructure System/Disposal System, and shall otherwise assist the City in complying with its obligations under the Waste Disposal Covenant in Section 3.1 of the WISE Agreement.
5.The Franchise Hauler shall not haul Controllable Waste to any materials recovery facility,composting facility, intermediate processing facility, recycling center, transfer station or other waste handling or
management facility unless the contract or other agreement or arrangement between the Franchise Hauler and the operator of such facility is sufficient in the opinion of the County to assure that the Residue from such facility
constituting City Acceptable Waste (or Tonnage equivalencies) and the City Acceptable Waste transferred by such facility shall be delivered to the Disposal System in compliance with the Waste Disposal Covenant.
6.The Franchise Hauler shall pay the Contract Rate imposed by the County for the disposal ofall Controllable Waste, which rate shall be subject to potential adjustment necessary to reflect the circumstances
set forth in the Agreement.
7.Nothing in this Acknowledgment is intended to restrict any right or responsibility explicitly given
the Franchise Hauler in any City Franchise Agreement to recycle City Acceptable Waste, except as provided in paragraph 5 above with respect to Residue from any such recycling operations.
8.The obligations of the Franchise Hauler under this Acknowledgment shall apply notwithstandingany provision of the Franchise which may conflict herewith.
9.This Acknowledgment may be enforced by the City by any available legal means. In anyenforcement action by the City, the burden of proof shall be on the Franchise Hauler to demonstrate compliance herewith.
10.This Acknowledgment shall be in full force and effect and shall be legally binding upon the Cityand Franchise Hauler from the date hereof and shall continue in full force and effect until the earlier of (i) the end of the term of the Franchise or (ii) the end of the Term of the WISE Agreement.
11.The City and F r a n c h i s e Hauler agree that the County shall be an express third-partybeneficiary of this Acknowledgment, and shall be entitled to independently enforce the obligations of the Franchise Hauler hereunder. There shall be no additional third party beneficiaries under this Acknowledgement.
12.The Franchise Hauler agrees to assist the County in verifying tonnage collected by the FranchiseHauler and providing information required by the County. T h e F r a n c h i s e Hauler will provide upon request refuse tonnage collected within the County, and outside the County (if relevant to confirming tonnage origination), separated by jurisdiction, by load type (residential, commercial, roll-off box, etc.), and by facility to which it was delivered (specify which landfill or transfer station). Hauler will provide customer service levels and route lists. T h e F r a n c h i s e Hauler will cooperate with County audits to verify reported origin of tonnage by making records and personnel available to the County and/or its auditors.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Acknowledgment to be executed by their duly authorized officers or representatives as of day of , ______.
Signature:
Printed Name:
Title:
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
By
City Attorney
Date
(Franchise Hauler)
Signature:
Printed Name:
Title:
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Appendix 5
ORGANIC SERVICES AGREEMENT
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Appendix 5
ORGANIC SERVICES AGREEMENT
Between
THE COUNTY OF ORANGE, CALIFORNIA
and
__________________________
Dated , 2025
County Authorization Date:
City Authorization Date:
County Notice Address:
Director OC Waste & Recycling 601 N. Ross Street 5th Floor Santa Ana, CA 92701
City Notice Address:
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ORGANIC SERVICES AGREEMENT
THIS ORGANIC SERVICES AGREEMENT (“Organics Agreement” or “OSA”) is made and dated as of
the date indicated on the cover page hereof between the County of Orange, a political subdivision of the State of California (the “County”), and the City designated on the cover page of this Agreement (the “City”). County and City may hereinafter be referred to singularly as “Party” or collectively as “Parties.”.
RECITALS
The County owns, manages and operates a Waste Infrastructure System to manage municipal and solid waste generated within the County of Orange or imported from outside the County pursuant to contractual agreements. The
Waste Infrastructure System collectively includes active Class III sanitary landfills (“County Landfills”), resource recovery, recycling and organics programs, infrastructure and operations, and regional household hazardous waste collection centers and other waste management related systems as may be deemed necessary by the County.
County Landfills are used for the management of municipal solid waste pursuant to legislation including but not limited to the California Integrated Waste Management Act of 1989 (Division 30 of the California Public Resources Code) (the “Act”) and the Short-lived Climate Pollutants Reduction Act (“SB 1383”). County Landfills are also subject to other State and federal regulations designed to ensure that landfill operations minimize the impacts to public health and safety and the environment.
Pursuant to Resolution, the County established the Waste Management Enterprise Fund pursuant to Government Code §25261 to ensure that all costs associated with the operation and management of the Waste Infrastructure System are financed by charges imposed for services provided by the Department and are not funded by tax revenue or the County General Fund.
The City, in the exercise of its police power, its powers under the Act, and other Applicable Law, has entered into a franchise or other agreement with or issued permits or licenses to one or more private haulers for the collection, recycling, diversion and disposal of municipal solid waste generated within the City.
A significant portion of municipal solid waste generated within the City historically has been and currently is delivered by such hauler or haulers to the County for disposal in the Disposal System.
Since 1997, the City and the County have provided for the management of municipal solid waste through Waste Disposal Agreements (“WDAs”), wherein the County agreed to provide disposal capacity for waste generated in the City, and the City agreed to deliver or cause the delivery of waste generated in the City to the Disposal System, as more specifically set forth in, and subject to the terms and conditions of the WDAs.
Starting in approximately 2014, the Legislature of the State of California passed several pieces of legislation (“Organics Legislation”) that require significant reductions in the disposal of Organic Waste. The purpose of the Organics Legislation is to mandate organics recycling and curtail the impacts of climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions such as methane. In this regard, the decomposition of organic material in the State’s landfills was identified as a significant source of methane that could be reduced.
Prior to the passage of Organics Legislation, Processed Green Material (“PGM”) could be utilized as Alternative Daily Cover (“ADC”) for landfill operations and qualified for diversion credit. However, passage of Assembly Bill 1594 resulted in PGM used as ADC no longer being eligible for diversion credit starting on January 1, 2020.
In addition to the loss of diversion eligibility for PGM used as ADC, SB 1383 requires a 50% reduction in the disposal of Organic Waste by January 1, 2020 and a 75% reduction of Organic Waste by January 1, 2025. In addition, the law requires 20% of edible food waste be recovered by 2025.
On April 23, 2019, the Orange County Board of Supervisors passed Resolution 19-031 to respond to the State’s increasing landfill diversion requirements and identified the need for additional organic processing infrastructure in the County and directed the Department to develop additional organics recycling infrastructure to
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support the region in meeting State organic recycling mandates. (See Attachment 4)
To respond to Organics Legislation requirements, the County has developed an Organics Infrastructure that is comprised of organic processing facilities to receive and process Organic Waste to support the State’s Organic Legislation goals, promote local recycling, assist local jurisdictions in meeting their organic diversion requirements and correspondingly conserve capacity in the Disposal System.
In their effort to continue the concepts and purposes outlined in the WDAs and respond to Organics Legislation, the City and the County desire to enter into this Organics Agreement, on the terms and conditions set forth herein.
With the exception of the terms and organic specific provisions found in this Organics Agreement, the Parties
intend that the provisions of the currently operative WDA and the replacement WISE Agreement that is being negotiated between the County and City are anticipated to become operative on July 1, 2026, be applied to this OSA.
The City has determined that the execution of this Organics Agreement by the City will serve the public health, safety and welfare of the City by providing enhanced organics processing to assist in the City in meeting its Organics Legislation diversion requirements, and the continuation of sound environmental management.
The County has determined that the execution by the County of this Organics Agreement will serve the public health, safety and welfare by providing a stable, predictable and reliable supply of organic material and the resulting service payment revenue to the Organics Infrastructure, thereby enabling the County to plan, manage, operate and finance improvements to the Organics Infrastructure System on a prudent and sound long term, businesslike basis consistent with its legal and regulatory obligations to the State and Federal government.
Official action approving this Organics Agreement and determining it to be in the public interest and authorizing its execution and delivery was duly taken by the County on the County authorization date indicated on the cover page hereof.
Official action approving this Organics Agreement and determining it to be in the public interest and authorizing its execution and delivery was duly taken by the City on the City authorization date indicated on the cover page hereof.
It is, therefore, agreed as follows:
ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION
SECTION 1.1 DEFINITIONS. The definitions provided in the WDA and yet to be executed WISE Agreement shall be incorporated into this Agreement. The following terms shall be added and have the meanings set forth below.
“Acceptable Organic Waste” means Residential Organic Waste that consists of Green Material/Wood Waste, Agricultural Material, Manure, Vegetative Food Material, Food Waste and other organic material as may be authorized under the County’s Compostable Material Handling Permits.
“Attachment” means an attachment to this OSA, as the same may be amended or modified from time to time in accordance with the terms hereof.
“CalRecycle” means the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery, which is a branch of the California Environmental Protection Agency. CalRecycle oversees the State’s waste management and waste
reduction programs. CalRecycle was established in 2010 to replace the California Integrated Waste Management Board and is responsible for the enforcement of legislation and regulations and diversion requirements applicable to the Waste
Infrastructure System.
”City Acceptable Organic Waste” means all Acceptable Organic Waste which was originally discarded by the
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first generator thereof within the geographical limits of the City and Residue Waste from the foregoing wherever produced, whether withing or outside the City. “City Organic Tonnage Limit” the maximum amount of Controllable Organic Waste that County is committed to accept under the Organic Service Covenant as provided in Attachment 3.
“Commencement Date” means the date on which the obligations of the parties hereto commence.
“Contract Date” means the first date on which this OSA has been executed by both parties hereto.
“Controllable Organic Waste” means all City Acceptable Organic Waste with respect to which the City has the legal or contractual ability to determine the processing location and procurement requirements as they relate to the City’s Organics Legislation compliance requirements.
“Consumer Price Index” or “CPI” means the Consumer Price Index published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics for Al Urban Consumers: Water and Sewer and Trash Collection Services in U.S. City Average (CUSR0000EHG). In the event the forgoing index is no longer published during the term of this Agreement, such other index identified by the Bureau of Labor Statistics as a replacement or otherwise generally accepted as a replacement shall be used for purposes of this Agreement; and, in the absence thereof, the County Board of Supervisors shall select an index that it determines most closely reflects the forgoing and best implements the intent of this Agreement. “Initial Term” has the meaning specified in Section 5.1(A) hereof. “Manure/Stable Bedding Program” means the programs used by the County to mix source separated uncontaminated horse manure and stable bedding into its Organic Infrastructure to create organic product. Current permit requirements set a maximum percentage of 20% manure/stable bedding (“Material”) by weight of total incoming feedstock. County agreement to accept Material is subject to payment of the Organic Contract Rate, available capacity, and compliance with the terms found in Attachment 2.
“Organic Contract Rate” has the meaning specified in Section 4.2 hereof.
“Organic Diversion Credit” means credit provided to a local jurisdiction or entity for implementing the diversion of Organic Waste from landfilling through specific activities recognized by the Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) including composting, anaerobic digestion, or other methods to meet the State’s waste diversion goals and statutes such as Assembly Bill 939, Assembly Bill 341, Assembly Bill 1594, Assembly Bill 1826, and SB 1383 through waste prevention, reuse, and recycling.
“Organic Infrastructure” means the County’s organics processing facilities and programs used to recycle and promote the processing and diversion of Organic Waste into compost or other material that qualifies as diversion under Applicable Law as described in more detail in Attachment 1. “Organics Legislation” means organics recycling legislation including Assembly Bill 1594, Assembly Bill 1826, SB1383 and any future legislation pertaining to the management and diversion of Organic Waste. “Organic ROWP Procurement Credit” means credit provided to a jurisdiction to meet their Recovered Organic Waste Procurement Target under SB 1383 by procuring Recovered Organic Waste Products as permitted by
CalRecycle. “Organics Agreement” means this Organic Services Agreement (“OSA”) between the County and the City as the same may be amended or modified from time to time in accordance herewith. “Organic Take-Back Goal” means the programs that City and County will work toward to create City programs that have the goal of City taking back its Proportional Share of finished compost or other Recovered Organic Waste Product for local application.
“Organic Waste” means solid wastes containing material originated from living organisms and their metabolic
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waste products including, but not limited to, food, green material, landscape and pruning waste, organic textiles and carpets, lumber, wood, paper products, printing and writing paper, manure, biosolids, digestate, and sludges as defined in Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations, Section 18982(a)(46).
“Processed Green Material” (“PGM”) as defined in Title 27, California Code of Regulations §20690(b)(3) means any plant material that is either separated at the point of generation, or separated at a centralized facility that
employs methods to minimize contamination. Green material includes, but is not limited to, yard trimmings, untreated wood wastes, paper products, and natural fiber products. Green material does not include treated wood waste, mixed demolition or mixed construction debris, manure, or plant waste from the food processing industry, alone or blended with soil. Processed green material may include varying proportions of wood waste from urban and other sources and shall be ground, shredded, screened, source separated for grain size, or otherwise processed. This PGM standard is the standard that Controllable Organic Waste must meet in order to be accepted at County’s Organic Infrastructure
under the OSA.
“Proportional Share” means 60% of the weight of Controllable Organic Waste City delivered by City to County’s Organics Infrastructure.
“Recovered Organic Waste Product” or “ROWP” means compost, mulch, renewable energy (transportation fuel, electricity, and gas for heating) from anaerobic digestion, and electricity from biomass conversion.
“Recycled City Organic Waste” means any otherwise Controllable Organic Waste which is separated from Acceptable Organic Waste by the generator thereof and composted by generator at home, community gardens or other
processing and which is not placed in Franchise Hauler bin for collection.
“Renewal Term” has the meaning specified in Subsection 5.1(C) hereof.
“Residential Organic Waste” means Acceptable Organic Waste normally disposed of by or collected from
residential (single family and multi-family) residences.
"Residual Waste” means any contaminants, inert materials, overs, or Acceptable Organic Waste that could not be processed at the Department’s Organic Infrastructure that required to be dispose within the Disposal System.
“Waste Disposal Agreement” (“WDA”) means the currently operative agreement between the Parties for the
disposal of municipal solid waste that is currently set to expire on June 30, 2026. With the exception of specific or conflicting provisions provided in this Organics Agreement, the Parties agree that the terms found in the WDA shall be applied to the interpretation of this OSA. For the purpose of interpretation of this OSA, the Parties also intend that the WDA be read to include terms such as Controllable Organic Waste, where appropriate.
“Waste Infrastructure System” or “Disposal System” means active Class III sanitary landfills (“County
Landfills”), closed landfills managed by the County, resource recovery operations, Organics Infrastructure, recycling and organics programs, infrastructure and operations, and regional household hazardous waste collection centers and
other waste management related systems as may be deemed necessary by the County.
“Waste Infrastructure System Enterprise Agreement” or “WISE Agreement” means each of the agreement between the parties that is expected to replace the current WDA that is set to expire on June 30, 2026.
SECTION 1.2 INTERPRETATION. In this Agreement, unless the context otherwise requires:
References Hereto. The terms “hereby”, “hereof”, “herein”, “hereunder”, “herewith”, and any similar terms
refer to this Agreement, and the term “hereafter” means after, and the term “heretofore” means before, the Contract Date.
Gender and Plurality. Words of the masculine gender mean and include correlative words of the feminine and neuter genders and words importing the singular number mean and include the plural number and vice versa.
Persons. Words importing persons include firms, companies, associations, general partnerships, limited partnerships, trusts, business trusts, corporations and other legal entities, including public bodies, as well as
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individuals.
Headings. The table of contents and any headings preceding the text of the Articles, Sections and subsections of this Agreement shall be solely for convenience of reference and shall not constitute a part of this Agreement, nor shall they affect its meaning, construction or effect.
No Third Party Beneficiaries. Nothing in this Agreement is intended to confer on haulers or any other person other than the parties hereto and their respective permitted successors and assigns hereunder any rights or remedies under or by reason of this Agreement.
Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of original counterparts. All such counterparts shall constitute but one and the same Agreement.
Applicable Law and Venue. This Agreement has been negotiated and executed in the State of California and shall be governed by and construed under the laws of the State of California. In the event of any legal action to enforce or interpret this Agreement, the sole and exclusive venue shall be a court of competent jurisdiction located in Orange County, California, and the parties hereto agree to and do hereby submit to the jurisdiction of such court, notwithstanding Code of Civil Procedure Section 394. Furthermore, the parties specifically agree to waive any and all
rights to request that an action be transferred for adjudication to another county.
Severability. If any clause, provision, subsection, Section or Article of this Agreement shall be ruled invalid by any court of jurisdiction, then the parties shall: (1) promptly meet and negotiate a substitute for such clause, provision, subsection, Section or Article which shall, to the greatest extent legally permissible, effect the intent of the parties therein; (2) if necessary or desirable to accomplish item (1) above, apply to the court having declared
such invalidity for a judicial construction of the invalidated portion of this Agreement; and (3) negotiate such changes in, substitutions for or additions to the remaining provisions of this Agreement as may be necessary in addition to and in conjunction with items (1) and (2) above to effect the intent of the parties in the invalid provision. The invalidity of such clause, provision, subsection, Section or Article shall not affect any of the remaining provisions hereof, and this Agreement shall be construed and enforced as if such invalid portion did not exist, unless such invalidity frustrates the underlying primary purpose of the Agreement.
ARTICLE II REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
SECTION 2.1 REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE CITY. The City represents and warrants that:
(A)Existence. The City is a general law or charter city or a Special District or SanitaryDistrict validly existing under the Constitution and laws of the State.
(B)Due Authorization. The City has duly authorized the execution and delivery of thisOrganics Agreement, and this Organics Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by the City.
SECTION 2.2 REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COUNTY. The County represents and warrants that:
(A)Existence. The County is a political subdivision of the State of California validlyexisting under the Constitution and laws of the State.
(B)Due Authorization. The County has duly authorized the execution and delivery of thisOSA, and this OSA has been duly executed and delivered by the County.
ARTICLE III DELIVERY AND ACCEPTANCE OF ORGANIC WASTE AND PROVISION OF
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ORGANIC PROCESSING SERVICES
SECTION 3.1 DELIVERY OF ORGANIC WASTE.
(A)Organic Waste Covenant. Subject to the occurrence of the Commencement Date andthroughout the Term of this OSA, and subject to available Organic Infrastructure capacity, the City shall exercise all legal
and contractual power and authority which it may possess from time to time to deliver or cause the delivery of all Controllable Organic Waste (up to City’s Organic Tonnage Limit as provided in Attachment 3) to the Waste
Infrastructure System in accordance with the terms of this OSA.
(B)Recycled City Organic Waste.
1.Non-Mandatory Organic Waste City Programs: The parties hereto acknowledge the responsibility of the
City to meet its own recycling and landfill diversion goals contained in the Act and Organics Legislation.Nothing in this Agreement is intended or shall be interpreted to prohibit or impair the ability of the City tomeet such responsibilities, or to restrict the right of the residents, businesses or organizations in the City topractice source separation, recycling, composting or other materials recovery activities, or to restrict theright of the City to conduct, sponsor, encourage or require such activities in any form. No reduction in theamount of Controllable Organic Waste generated in the City and delivered to the Organic Infrastructure byor on behalf of the City which may result from any such source separation or recycling program shallcause the City any liability hereunder (other than potential adjustment to the Organic Contract Rate asmay be negotiated by the Parties as authorized under this OSA, and shall not constitute a breach of thisAgreement.)
2.Mandatory Organic Waste City Collection Programs: City shall provide data and information to Countyregarding City’s mandatory Organic Waste collection programs including but not limited to the tonnage oforganics collected by the City for diversion under this OSA. The information will be used to provideeducation and outreach for participation with the goal of minimizing contamination and increasing diversion.
(C)Organic Diversion Credit. City shall receive Organic Diversion Credit for City’sControllable Organic Waste minus any Residual Waste delivered by City and accepted by County and processed into Recovered Organic Waste Product at the County’s Organic Infrastructure.
(D)Organic ROWP Procurement Credit. City shall receive Organic ROWP reports for finished recovered organics waste products procured from County that meets the procurement requirements of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations, Section 18993.1 et seq. City shall receive Organic ROWP Procurement Credit as follows:
1.County will assist City in developing local City programs and opportunities designed to enable the City tomeet its own ROWP requirements.
2.City shall be entitled to “take back” its Proportional Share of SB 1383 compliant, STA Certified compost,mulch or other ROWP products from County Organics Infrastructure and used as ROWP ProcurementCredit.
3.County will provide reports and allocate credit associated with City resident ROWP pickup as well ascommercial landscapers from City that collect ROWP from County Organic Infrastructure.
4.City will be eligible to receive ROWP Procurement Credit for excess Acceptable Recovered OrganicWaste Product that County is able to market beyond that needed for the County unincorporated areas orthat is not otherwise committed. (*County makes no guarantees that it will provide City with 100% ROWPProcurement Credit.)
(E)Organic Take-Back Goal. City is not required to “take back” its Proportional Share of STA
Certified finished compost, mulch, or other ROWP from the County’s Organic Infrastructure, however City and County will work toward creating City programs that have the goal of City taking back its Proportional Share of
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finished compost or other Recovered Organic Waste Product for local application (“Organic Take-Back Goal”) to meet City’s ROWP procurement requirements.
(F)Procurement of Additional ROWP. Pursuant to terms agreeable to both Parties, City mayrequest to procure Recovered Organic Waste Product in addition to its Proportional Share within the same Contract Year.
(G)OSA Conditions. As a condition of participating in the County’s Organics Infrastructure,City agrees to the following terms:
1.All Controllable Organic Waste delivered to the County’s Organics Infrastructure shallmeet the standards as set forth in Attachment 2;2.City or its Franchise Hauler shall pay the Organics Contract Rate for all Organic Wastedelivered to the County’s Organic Infrastructure for processing into Recovered OrganicWaste Product;3.City shall provide information to County on a quarterly basis that identifies whereControllable Organic Waste being delivered to the County’s Organic Infrastructureoriginated and shall ensure that the organic material being delivered meets the definitionof City Acceptable Organic Waste.4.Bulk ROWP: City shall be entitled to arrange for the Take Back (at City cost) fromCounty Organic Infrastructure compost, mulch and other Recovered Organic WasteProduct in bulk form free of charge.5.Non-Bulk ROWP: County may establish separate fees for provision of non-bulkmaterial including but not limited to bagged material or compost wattles. City shall beentitled to arrange for the Take Back of Non-Bulk ROWP at City cost.6.City’s Proportional Share shall be calculated as 60% of the weight of ControllableOrganic Waste City delivers to County’s Organics Infrastructure by City.
(H)No Right of Organic Waste Substitution. Nothing in this Agreement shall authorize orentitle the City to deliver, or cause the delivery to the County’s Organic Infrastructure, Acceptable Organic Waste originating from or generated outside the jurisdiction of the City, nor obligate the County to receive or dispose of any such Acceptable Organic Waste into the Waste Infrastructure System. The City shall not assign in whole or in part its right to deliver or cause to be delivered Controllable Organic Waste to the County hereunder, and shall not permit any Acceptable Organic Waste originating from or generated outside the jurisdiction of the City to be substituted for Controllable Organic Waste for any purpose hereunder.
SECTION 3.2 PROVISION OF ORGANIC PROCESSING SERVICES BY THE COUNTY.
(A)Organic Service Covenant. Commencing on the Commencement Date, the County shallprovide or cause the provision of the service of receiving and processing of City’s Controllable Organic Waste (up to the City Organic Tonnage Limit provided in Attachment 3) at the County’s Organics Infrastructure as described in more detail in Attachment 1. The County shall exercise all reasonable efforts to minimize the costs incurred in complying with the Organic Service Covenant consistent with prudent solid waste management practice and environmental considerations and under Applicable Law.
(B)Receipt of Controllable Organic Waste. Upon acceptance of the Controllable Organic Waste that meets the PGM standards provided in Attachment 2, County shall process the Organic Waste into compost, mulch or other ROWP as specified in Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations Section 18993.1
(C)Education and Outreach. The Department will assist the City and its hauler in their effortson Organic education and outreach with the goal of the City meeting its organic diversion and ROWP procurement requirements.
(D)Designated Facilities. County and City will coordinate in determining the primary organicprocessing facilities and tonnages (as reflected in Attachment 1) used for receiving and processing of Controllable Organic Waste. The Department shall immediately advise the City by telephone of any situation, event or circumstance which results in the partial or complete inability of the County to receive Controllable Organic Waste at any particular
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County Organics Infrastructure within the Waste Infrastructure System, its effect on the County’s ability to perform its obligations hereunder, and the County’s best estimate of the probable duration. The Department shall confirm such advice in writing within twenty four (24) hours of the occurrence of any such inability. The County shall use its best efforts to resume normal operation of the Organics Infrastructure primarily used by the City as soon as possible. In the event a situation, event or circumstance results in the partial or complete inability of the County to receive Controllable Organic Waste at any particular County Organics Infrastructure within the Waste Infrastructure System the County
shall have the right to redirect Controllable Organic Waste to another landfill or County Organics Infrastructure within the Waste Infrastructure System for the duration of the situation, event or circumstance; In no event shall the County be required to accept Controlled Organic Waste if it does not have sufficient permitted organic processing capacity within the Waste Infrastructure System.
(E)Compliance with Service Covenant Not Excused for any Reason. Commencing on theCommencement Date, and subject to the terms of this Agreement, the obligations of the County to duly observe and
comply with the Organic Service Covenant, in accordance with Applicable Law, shall apply continuously and without interruption for the Term of this OSA. In the event that any Change in Law, situation, event or other Uncontrollable Circumstance impairs or precludes compliance with the Organic Service Covenant by the means or methods then being employed by the County, the County shall use best efforts to implement alternative or substitute means and methods to enable it to satisfy the terms and conditions of the Service Covenant. In the event that a Change in Law precludes the County from complying with such covenants with the means or methods then being employed and from utilizing
any alternate or substitute means or methods of compliance, the County shall continuously use all reasonable efforts to effectuate executive, legislative or judicial change in or relief from the applicability of such law so as to enable the County lawfully to resume compliance with such covenants as soon as possible following the Change in Law.
County failure to duly observe and comply with the Organic Service Covenant due to its efforts to comply with Applicable Law, shall not constitute a breach under this Organics Agreement, and shall excuse County performance to
the extent necessary to comply with Applicable Law.
If the alternative or substitute means and methods proposed for the County to observe and comply with the Organic Service Covenant are more costly than the previously used means and methods, the Parties shall negotiate a mutually agreeable new Organic Contract Rate. If the Parties are unable to agree on a new Organic Contract Rate, the Parties may terminate this agreement without penalty with ninety (90) days notice.
SECTION 3.3 COUNTY RIGHT TO REFUSE ORGANIC WASTE.
(A)Right of Refusal. Notwithstanding any other provision hereof, the County may refusedelivery of:
(1)Hazardous Waste;
(2)Acceptable Organic Waste delivered by City but originating from or generatedoutside the jurisdiction of the City;
(3)Acceptable Organic Waste delivered in excess of the City Organic Tonnage Limit listedin the Attachment 3;
(4)Acceptable Organic Waste in excess of permitted limits;
(5)Acceptable Organic Waste that would result in County violating Applicable Law;
(6)Controllable Organic Waste that does not meet the requirements found in Attachment
2;
SECTION 3.4 COUNTY PROVISION OF OTHER ORGANIC WASTE DIVERSION SERVICES.
(A)Food Waste Processing and Diversion. County is in the process of evaluating the options
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and feasibility of development of a Commercial Food Waste Processing Infrastructure. If developed, City will be provided an opportunity to participate in this service on terms separately agreed to by the Parties.
(B)Edible Food Recovery Programs. County is in the process of evaluating the options andfeasibility of development of regional County-wide edible food recovery programs to assist Cities in meeting State mandated goals. The intent of Edible Food Recovery to address the food hierarchy and wasted food scale on a regional
level through collaboration of all jurisdictions, key local, State and federal stakeholders, the non-profit sector and business sector. City agrees to cooperate with County efforts and collaborate on data analysis and reporting to provide jurisdictions reports for compliance under SB1383.
(C)Separate City -County Diversion Service Agreements. Nothing in this Agreement isintended to limit the right of the County to enter into a separate agreement with the City or any other person, jurisdiction, or entity to provide source reduction, materials recovery, recycling, composting or other waste diversion services.
ARTICLE IV O R G A N I C CONTRACT RATE
SECTION 4.1 CHARGING AND SECURING PAYMENT OF ORGANIC CONTRACT RATE.
The City acknowledges that the County shall have the right to charge and collect an Organ ic Contract Rate for the acceptance and processing of Controllable O r g a n i c Waste delivered to the Organic Infrastructure by C i t y o r its Franchise Hauler. City acknowledges that the County shall have the right to establish as part of theoperating rules and regulations reasonable measures to secure the payment of all Organic Contract Rates.
SECTION 4.2 ORGANIC CONTRACT RATE.
(A)Establishment of Contract Rate. The Organic Contract Rate payable by each City orFranchise Hauler shall be $67/Ton up to the City Organic Tonnage Limit.
(B)Special Charges. Notwithstanding Section 4.2(A), the County shall have the right toimpose special charges for items such as bagged material or compost wattles; new or expanded services; or receipt of
hard to handle materials, such as bulky materials, construction and demolition debris, tree stumps, biosolids and sludge. Such special charges shall be calculated to reflect the reasonable incremental costs to the County of
providing the new or expanded services or accepting such hard to handle materials.
(C)Escalation.
1.Annual CPI Adjustment: The Organics Contract Rate shall be adjusted each July 1,beginning 2027. The change will be equal to the percentage change in the Consumer Price Index - Consumer Price Index for Al Urban Consumers: Water and Sewer and Trash Collection Services in U.S. City Average (CUSR0000EHG) as measured from the October t w e n t y o n e (21) months prior to the rate adjustment to the October immediately preceding the rate adjustment. In the event that the change in the change in CPI as described
above is negative rather th an po si ti ve, no rate adjustment will be made for that year.
Organic Contract Rate True-up: County will notify City prior to April 30, 2029 (and every three (3) years thereafter) and advise whether actual inflation rate since execution should be frozen for a period of time (in circumstances where Department revenues exceed Department Full Cost Recovery needs) or to determine whether the Organic Contract Rate should be increased beyond CPI as described above (in circumstances where Department costs exceed CPI) to
ensure that Department revenues meet Full Cost Recovery.
2. Adjustment Resulting from Increased Fees: In addition to the other adjustmentsspecified herein, the Organic Contract Rate shall be automatically adjusted to reflect the imposition of new fees or increases in existing fees relating to the County’s processing of Controllable Organic Waste imposed by State, federal or other agencies. The County shall provide notice of any increase pursuant to this Section as soon as practicable
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after becoming aware of the imposition of any fees described above.
ARTICLE V TERM
SECTION 5.1 EFFECTIVE DATE AND TERM.
(A)Initial Term. This Organic Services Agreement shall become effective, shall be in full forceand effect and shall be legally binding upon the City and the County from the Contract Date and shall continue in full force and effect until June 30, 2036, unless earlier terminated in accordance with its terms, in which event the Term shall be deemed to have expired as of the date of such termination.
(B)Bi-Annual Opener. In light of the significant changes in law by the California Legislatureto address climate change, the Parties agree to meet at least bi-annually or earlier at the request of County to review the Organic Contract Rate and discuss the need for additional investment into the Organic Infrastructure to respond to existing or new legislative requirements, diversion requirements, provision of new services, or other matters of mutual concern to the Parties.
(C)Option to Renew. This Agreement shall be subject to renewal by mutual agreement ofthe Parties, on or before June 30, 2036 for an additional term of 10 years (the “Renewal Term”) on the same terms and conditions as are applicable during the Initial Term hereof or on amended terms as may be mutually agreed to by the Parties. The City shall give the County written notice of its election to renew this Agreement on or before June 30, 2034. If the parties do not execute a renewal of this Agreement prior to June 30, 2036 it shall expire.
ARTICLE VI GENERAL PROVISIONS
SECTION 6.1 NOTICES. Any notice or communication required or permitted hereunder shall be in writing and sufficiently given if delivered in person or sent by certified or registered mail, postage prepaid, to the notice address of the respective Parties set forth on the cover page of this Agreement. Changes in the respective addresses to which such notices may be directed may be made from time to time by any Party by notice to the other Party.
SECTION 6.2 ATTORNEYS FEES. In any action or proceeding to enforce or interpret any provision of this Agreement, each Party shall bear their own attorney’s fees, costs and expenses.
SECTION 6.3 RELATIONSHIP OF THE PARTIES. Neither party to this Agreement shall have any responsibility whatsoever with respect to services provided or contractual obligations or liabilities assumed by the other party hereto, whether accrued, absolute, contingent or otherwise, or whether due or to become due. The County is an independent contractor of the City and nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed to constitute either party a partner, agent or legal representative of the other party or to create any fiduciary relationship between the parties.
SECTION 6.4 NO CONSEQUENTIAL OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES. In no event shall either Party hereto be liable to the other or obligated in any manner to pay to the other any special, incidental, consequential, punitive or similar damages based upon claims arising out of or in connection with the performance or non- performance of its obligations or otherwise under this Agreement, or the material inaccuracy of any representation made in this Agreement, whether such claims are based upon contract, tort, negligence, warranty or other legal theory.
SECTION 6.5 AMENDMENTS. Neither this Agreement nor any provision hereof may be changed, modified, amended or waived except by written agreement duly authorized and executed by both Parties.
SECTION 6.7 NOTICE OF LITIGATION. Each Party shall deliver written notice to the other of any Legal Proceeding to which it is a party and which questions the validity or enforceability of this Agreement executed by the City or the County or any Legal Entitlement issued in connection herewith.
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SECTION 6.8 FURTHER ASSURANCES. At any and all times the City and the County so far as may be authorized by law shall pass, make, do, execute, acknowledge and deliver any and every such further resolutions, acts, deeds, conveyances, instruments, assignments, transfers and assurances as may be necessary or reasonably requested by the other in order to give full effect to this Agreement.
SECTION 6.9 ASSIGNMENT OF AGREEMENT. Neither this Agreement nor any of the rights or obligations hereunder may be assigned by either Party hereto without the prior written consent of the other Party, which may be withheld in the other Party’s sole discretion. Notwithstanding the foregoing, either Party may assign this Agreement to another public entity, subject to the reasonable consent of the other party. In such circumstances the Party not requesting the assignment shall have the right to demand assurances of the financial, technical and legal ability of the proposed assignee to undertake the responsibilities and obligations of the assigning Party.
SECTION 6.10 BINDING EFFECT. This Agreement shall bind and inure to the benefit of the Parties hereto and any successor or assignee acquiring an interest hereunder consistent with the provisions of Section 6.9 hereof.
Signature Page to Follow
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, COUNTY and CITY have caused this Agreement to be executed by their duly authorized officers or representatives as of the day and year first above written.
COUNTY OF ORANGE
Date By Director, OC Waste & Recycling
APPROVED AS TO FORM: COUNTY COUNSEL ORANGE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA
By
Date
Date By
Ryan P. GallagherBoard ChairmanOrange County Sanitation District
Date Attest: Kelly A. LoreClerk of the BoardOrange County Sanitation District
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
By
Scott C. Smith, General Counsel
Date
ORANGE COUNTY SANITATION DISTRICT
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Attachment 1
COUNTY OF ORANGE ORGANIC INFRASTRUCTURE
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Attachment 1
COUNTY OF ORANGE ORGANIC INFRASTRUCTURE The County of Orange owns and operates a network of three commercial organic processing facilities co-located at each of the active landfills. Each of the organic processing facilities have the ability to receive organic material and to produce organic products for cities to meet their Take-Back requirements specified within this agreement. Products produced at the organic processing facilities meet CalRecycle’s SB 1383 procurement requirement and are certified under the US Composting Council’s Standard of Testing Assurance (STA) Program. Product offerings include compost and composted mulch. Additional products may be offered as determined by the County. A summary of each of the organic processing facilities is listed below: Valencia Greenery (Co-Located at Olinda Alpha Landfill) 1942 N. Valencia Avenue Brea, CA 92823 Permitted Maximum Tonnage (Open Windrow): 94 tons per day Proposed Permitted Maximum Tonnage (Covered Aerated Static Pile): 228 tons per day Permitted Hours of Operation: Monday through Saturday 6:00 am to 4:00 pm Ancillary Operation Hours: 24 hours per day/7 days a week Bee Canyon Greenery (Co-Located at Frank R. Bowerman Landfill) 11002 Bee Canyon Access Road Irvine, CA 92602 Permitted Maximum Tonnage (Open Windrow): 210 tons per day Proposed Permitted Maximum Tonnage (Covered Aerated Static Pile): 876 tons per day Permitted Hours of Operation: Monday through Saturday 7:00 am to 5:00 pm Ancillary Operation Hours: 24 hours per day/7 days a week Capistrano Greenery (Co-Located at Prima Deshecha Landfill) 32250 Avenida La Pata San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675 Permitted Maximum Tonnage (Open Windrow): 204 tons per day Proposed Permitted Maximum Tonnage (Covered Aerated Static Pile): 536 tons per day Permitted Hours of Operation: Monday through Saturday 7:00 am to 5:00 pm Ancillary Operation Hours: 24 hours per day/7 days a week This list may be modified/expanded at the discretion of the County.
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Attachment 2
SPECIFICATIONS FOR CONTROLLABLE ORGANIC WASTE AS PROCESSED GREEN WASTE MATERIAL (PGM) AT COUNTY ORGANIC INFRASTRUCTURE
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Attachment 2
SPECIFICATIONS FOR CONTROLLABLE ORGANICE WASTE AS PROCESSED GREEN WASTE MATERIAL (PGM) AT COUNTY ORGANIC INFRASTRUCTURE DESCRIPTION Processed Green Material (PGM) consists of yard waste, grass clippings, leaves, tree trimmings and plant-based
materials which have been sorted to remove contamination and processed by shredding or grinding. PGM should not
contain manure, stable waste or pet waste, which can create odors.
Processed Green Material is defined as following (California Code of Regulations, Title 27, Division 2, Subdivision 1, Chapter 3, Subchapter 4, Section 20690 [b] [3]):
• Processed Green Material – means any plant material that is either separated at the point of generation or separated at a centralized facility that employs methods to minimize contamination. Green material includes, but is not limited to, yard trimmings, untreated wood wastes, paper products, and natural fiber products. Green material does not include treated wood waste, mixed demolition or mixed construction debris, manure, or plant waste from the food processing industry, alone or blended with soil. Processed green material may include varying proportions of wood waste from urban and other sources and shall be ground, shredded, screened, source separated for grain size, or otherwise processed. CONTAMINANT DEBRIS The PGM should be free from all contaminant debris (glass, plastic, film plastic, metals, etc.) as well as salt and
deleterious material such as clods, coarse objects, rocks, inert debris, and Material Recovery Facility (“MRF”) fines.
County personnel visually inspect the PGM loads as they come in, making sure that the specifications are met and to
determine if the loads are contaminated (i.e., mixed with paper, plastics and other trash.) If the loads appear to have
unacceptable contamination in excess of 0.5% either by weight or volume, the PGM loads will not be allowed into the
Organic Infrastructure and the City and/or hauler will be notified that contaminated PGM loads are unacceptable. The
PGM will be deemed as municipal solid waste and the City and/or hauler will have the option to take the material to the
landfill for disposal or be returned to the hauler’s facility for additional processing. For material that is physically
dumped at the unloading area and is deemed unacceptable by OC Waste & Recycling staff, the material will be re-
loaded into the transfer vehicle for reprocessing at hauler’s processing facility or sent to the landfill for disposal.
Hauler will be charged the current “Hard-to-Handle” fee for re-loading services and disposal of unacceptable material.
SIZE
The particle size of the PGM acceptable is between ½-inch and 3 inches in length between ½-inch and 1 inch in width and between ½-inch and 1 inch in thickness. No particle should exceed 3 inches in any dimension. MOISTURE CONTENT The moisture content of the PGM should be in the range of 50-60 percent. If the PGM’s moisture content is unacceptable and cannot be received for processing at the County’s Organic Infrastructure Facilities, the material will be re-loaded into the transfer vehicle for reprocessing at hauler’s processing facility or sent to the landfill for disposal.
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The hauler will be charged the current “Hard-to-Handle” fee for re-loading services and disposal of unacceptable material. FOOD WASTE Residential food waste mixed with PGM as part of a city organic collection program is acceptable provided that the
food waste is free of contaminant debris (glass, plastic, food packaging, non-compostable silverware, soiled napkins, etc.). No commercial or source-separated food waste will be accepted except for cases where the County has entered into an agreement with a City to accept specific source separated organic material as Additional Feedstock as described below. SOURCE SEPARATED MANURE Subject to available capacity, City and/or Hauler may bring non-residential, source separated manure and stable bedding pursuant to the following Manure/Stable Bedding Program requirements:
1. Material Quantity: manure/stable bedding must be uncontaminated which means free of any hazardous materials, food waste packaging, plastics, glass, and any large bulky items and inert materials that need to be further sized
or removed for composting. (“Material”) 2. Material Volume: County and City/Hauler will determine the anticipated volume of Material to ensure that the County’s Organic Infrastructure has sufficient capacity to manage the proposed amount of Material. 3. Material will be load checked to determine if it meets the established quality standards. If contaminants exceed
0.5% (by weight or volume), the load is deemed contaminated and not meeting quality standard for use in the Manure/Stable Bedding Program.
4. Material that is deemed unacceptable will be subject to the fees established by OCWR for this material type. Material that does not meet the established quality standards will be charged as follows:
a. If determined not to meet quality standards before Material is unloaded, standard disposal
rates will apply.
b. If determined not to meet quality standards after Material is unloaded (or partially
unloaded), hard-to-handle disposal rates will apply.
5. Material Delivery:
a. All Material deliveries will be scheduled and coordinated with OCWR prior to delivery. Any changes to material delivery quantities or days will be coordinated with OCWR prior to
making the change.
b. While OCWR will remain as flexible as possible on timing of deliveries, material deliveries
will be limited to Monday through Friday between 8:00 am and 2:00 pm and subject to
holiday schedules. Should the delivery times change, then OCWR shall give two (2) days
prior notice of the delivery time change.
c. Upon delivery, OCWR staff will record exact tonnage, name of hauler/transporter
provider, and note distinguishing characteristics of feedstock and other pertinent information.
d. Deliveries made without OCWR prior approval may be refused or charged at the established
rate.
e. OCWR reserves the right to deny a request to deliver for any reason. (i.e., OCWR does not
guarantee that it will accept manure/stable bedding under this program. Instead, OCWR will
accept Material based on its operational need and will make every effort to accommodate
City’s/hauler Material except when a reduction or stoppage is needed.)
ADDITIONAL FEEDSTOCK The County at its discretion may accept additional material types such as food waste and manure based on availability and permitting conditions at each of the County’s organic processing facilities. The County will work with City to identify the specifications for accepting the material types including scheduling of deliveries and quantities.
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CHANGES TO SPECIFICATIONS County reserves the right to modify the Specifications found in this Appendix due to a change in law or regulation or in consideration of operational or Organic Processing Infrastructure needs. County shall provide 90 days notice regarding changes to this Appendix.
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Attachment 3
CITY ORGANIC TONNAGE LIMIT
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Attachment 3
CITY ORGANIC TONNAGE LIMIT
The City Organic Tonnage Limit listed in the Attachment is the maximum amount of Controllable Organic Waste that County is committed to accept under the Organic Service Agreement.
Jurisdiction Designated Greenery City Organic Tonnage Limit
Daily Limit1 Monthly Limit2 Annual
Limit
TBD ________tons _________ tons _______ tons
TBD
TBD
TBD
1. Daily Limit includes up to 20% by weight of source separated manure and stable bedding.
2. In the event City delivers less than their monthly limit, County may allocate unused City capacity at its discretion.
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Attachment 4
ORGANIC INFRASTRUCTURE RESOLUTION
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