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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-26-2026 Steering Committee Complete Agenda PacketNOTICE OF REGULAR MEETING AGENDA PUBLIC PARTICIPATION NOTICE ORANGE COUNTY SANITATION DISTRICT STEERING COMMITTEE AUGUST 26, 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 ONLINE MEETING PARTICIPATION Join the meeting now PARTICIPATE BY TELEPHONE Dial: (213) 279-1455 Phone Conference ID: 593 555 797# WATCH THE MEETING ONLINE https://ocsd.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx Details on how to participate can be found on our website at Join the live meeting on Teams: The meeting will be available for online viewing at: For any questions and/or concerns, please contact the Clerk of the Board’s office at 714-593-7433. Thank you for your interest in OC San! SUBMIT A COMMENT Online at: https://ocsd.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx or by emailing: OCSanClerk@ocsan.gov ROLL CALL STEERING COMMITTEE Meeting Date: August 26, 2026 Time: 5:00 p.m. COMMITTEE MEMBERS (7) OTHERS STAFF STEERING COMMITTEE Regular Meeting Agenda Wednesday, August 26, 2026 - 5:00 PM Huntington Beach 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 STEERING COMMITTEE Regular Meeting Agenda Wednesday, August 26, 2026 CALL TO ORDER ROLL CALL AND DECLARATION OF QUORUM: Clerk of the Board PUBLIC COMMENTS: Your participation is always welcome. Specific information as to how to participate in a meeting is detailed in the Special Notice attached to this agenda. In general, OC San offers several ways in which to interact during meetings: you may participate in person, join the meeting live via Teams on your computer or similar device or web browser, join the meeting live via telephone, view the meeting online, and/or submit comments for consideration before or during the meeting. REPORTS: The Board Chairperson and the General Manager may present verbal reports on miscellaneous matters of general interest to the Directors. These reports are for information only and require no action by the Directors. CONSENT CALENDAR: Consent Calendar Items are considered to be routine and will be enacted, by the Committee, after one motion, without discussion. Any items withdrawn from the Consent Calendar for separate discussion will be considered in the regular order of business. 1.2026-4699APPROVAL OF MINUTES RECOMMENDATION: Approve minutes of the Regular meeting of the Steering Committee held July 22, 2026. Originator:Kelly Lore Attachments: NON-CONSENT: 2.2026-5003FY 2025-26 BUDGET AMENDMENT RECOMMENDATION: Recommend to the Board of Directors to: Approve a budget increase of $27,900,000 for FY 2025-26, for a total budget as follows: $FY 2025-26 Net Operating $260,365,399 Self-Insurance $6,745,565 Net Capital Improvement Program $345,859,620 Page 2 of 4 STEERING COMMITTEE Regular Meeting Agenda Wednesday, August 26, 2026 Debt/COP Service $60,431,104 Intra-District Joint Equity Purchase/Sale (1)$3,500,000 Total $676,901,688 (1) Cash to/from Revenue Area 14 (RA14) in exchange for capital assets to/from Consolidated Revenue Area 15 (RA15) Originator:Wally Ritchie Attachments: INFORMATION ITEMS: None. DEPARTMENT HEAD REPORTS: CLOSED SESSION: During the course of conducting the business set forth on this agenda as a regular meeting of the Board, the Chairperson may convene the Board in closed session to consider matters of pending real estate negotiations, pending or potential litigation, or personnel matters, pursuant to Government Code Sections 54956.8, 54956.9, 54957 or 54957.6, as noted. Reports relating to (a) purchase and sale of real property; (b) matters of pending or potential litigation; (c) employment actions or negotiations with employee representatives; or which are exempt from public disclosure under the California Public Records Act, may be reviewed by the Board during a permitted closed session and are not available for public inspection. At such time the Board takes final action on any of these subjects, the minutes will reflect all required disclosures of information. CS-1 2026-5044CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL RE EXISTING LITIGATION - GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54956.9(d)(1) RECOMMENDATION: Convene in Closed Session: Number of Cases: 2 A. Emmanuel Rios v. Orange County Sanitation District, Workers’ Compensation Claim, Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board, Case No. ADJ20936106; and. B. Julia Ha v. Orange County Sanitation District, Orange County Superior Court Case No. 30-2025-01484899-CU-WT-CJC. Attachments: Page 3 of 4 STEERING COMMITTEE Regular Meeting Agenda Wednesday, August 26, 2026 CS-2 2026-5061CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL RE ANTICIPATED LITIGATION - GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54956.9(D)(2) RECOMMENDATION: Convene in Closed Session: Number of Potential Cases: 1 Significant exposure to litigation. Attachments: CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION. RECONVENE IN REGULAR SESSION. CONSIDERATION OF ACTION, IF ANY, ON MATTERS CONSIDERED IN CLOSED SESSION: OTHER BUSINESS AND COMMUNICATIONS OR SUPPLEMENTAL AGENDA ITEMS, IF ANY: BOARD OF DIRECTORS INITIATED ITEMS FOR A FUTURE MEETING: At this time Directors may request staff to place an item on a future agenda. ADJOURNMENT: Adjourn the meeting until the Regular Meeting of the Steering Committee on September 23, 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 Clerk of the Board August 19, 2026 Page 4 of 4 STEERING COMMITTEE Agenda Report Headquarters 18480 Bandilier Circle Fountain Valley, CA 92708 (714) 593-7433 File #:2026-4699 Agenda Date:8/26/2026 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 Steering Committee held July 22, 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: ·July 22, 2026 Steering Committee meeting minutes Orange County Sanitation District Printed on 8/18/2026Page 1 of 1 powered by Legistar™ Orange County Sanitation District Minutes for the STEERING COMMITTEE Wednesday, July 22, 2026 5:00 PM Headquarters - Huntington Beach Room 18480 Bandilier Circle Fountain Valley, CA 92708 (714) 593-7433 CALL TO ORDER A regular meeting of the Steering Committee of the Orange County Sanitation District was called to order by Board Vice Chairwoman Christine Marick on Wednesday, July 22, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. in the Orange County Sanitation District Headquarters. ROLL CALL AND DECLARATION OF QUORUM: The Clerk of the Board declared a quorum present as follows: PRESENT:Ryan Gallagher, Pat Burns, Carlos Leon, Christine Marick, Jamie Valencia and Chad Wanke ABSENT:Jon Dumitru 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; Raul Cuellar; Don Cutler; Thys DeVries; Martin Dix; Al Garcia; David Haug; Tania Moore; Andrew Nguyen; Thomas Vu; Kevin Work; and Ruth Zintzun were present in the Huntington Beach Room. OTHERS PRESENT: Scott Smith, General Counsel; was present in the Huntington Beach Room. PUBLIC COMMENTS: None. REPORTS: Vice-Chair Marick stated that the order of the agenda would be changed to allow Closed Session prior to the Non-Consent item. General Manager Rob Thompson did not provide a report. CONSENT CALENDAR: 1.APPROVAL OF MINUTES 2026-4698 Originator: Kelly Lore Page 1 of 3 STEERING COMMITTEE Minutes July 22, 2026 MOVED, SECONDED, AND DULY CARRIED TO: Approve minutes of the Regular meeting of the Steering Committee held June 24, 2026. AYES:Ryan Gallagher, Pat Burns, Carlos Leon, Christine Marick and Chad Wanke NOES:None ABSENT:Jon Dumitru and Jamie Valencia ABSTENTIONS:None INFORMATION ITEMS: None. DEPARTMENT HEAD REPORTS: None. CLOSED SESSION: CONVENED IN CLOSED SESSION PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54957.6. The Committee convened in closed session at 5:01 p.m. Confidential minutes of the Closed Sessions have been prepared in accordance with the above Government Code Sections and are maintained by the Clerk of the Board in the Official Book of Confidential Minutes of Board and Committee Closed Session meeting. CS-1 CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS - GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54957.6 2026-5004 CONVENED IN CLOSED SESSION: Director Jamie Valencia arrived at 5:05 p.m. during Closed Session. RECONVENED IN REGULAR SESSION. The Committee reconvened in regular session at 5:08 p.m. CONSIDERATION OF ACTION, IF ANY, ON MATTERS CONSIDERED IN CLOSED SESSION: General Counsel, Scott Smith stated that the Steering Committee voted unanimously to affirm Page 2 of 3 STEERING COMMITTEE Minutes July 22, 2026 the placement of Item No. 2 the General Manager's Contract on this agenda, and also the placement on the Board agenda. NON-CONSENT: 2.GENERAL MANAGER’S COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS 2026-5014 Originator: Laura Maravilla Adopt Resolution No. OC SAN 26-XX titled: “A Resolution of the Board of Directors of the Orange County Sanitation District approving salary adjustments for the General Manager for Fiscal Year 2026/2027.” The changes consist of a salary increase and corresponding range adjustment of 4.5%, effective in the first pay period of July 2026. AYES:Ryan Gallagher, Pat Burns, Carlos Leon, Christine Marick, Jamie Valencia and Chad Wanke NOES:None ABSENT:Jon Dumitru ABSTENTIONS:None OTHER BUSINESS AND COMMUNICATIONS OR SUPPLEMENTAL AGENDA ITEMS, IF ANY: None. BOARD OF DIRECTORS INITIATED ITEMS FOR A FUTURE MEETING: None. ADJOURNMENT: Vice Chair Marick declared the meeting adjourned at 5:09 p.m. to the next Regular Steering Committee meeting to be held on Wednesday, August 26, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. Submitted by: __________________ Kelly A. Lore, MMC Clerk of the Board Page 3 of 3 STEERING COMMITTEE Agenda Report Headquarters 18480 Bandilier Circle Fountain Valley, CA 92708 (714) 593-7433 File #:2026-5003 Agenda Date:8/26/2026 Agenda Item No:2. FROM:Robert Thompson, General Manager Originator: Wally Ritchie, Director of Finance SUBJECT: FY 2025-26 BUDGET AMENDMENT GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION RECOMMENDATION: Recommend to the Board of Directors to: Approve a budget increase of $27,900,000 for FY 2025-26, for a total budget as follows: $FY 2025-26 Net Operating $260,365,399 Self-Insurance $6,745,565 Net Capital Improvement Program $345,859,620 Debt/COP Service $60,431,104 Intra-District Joint Equity Purchase/Sale (1)$3,500,000 Total $676,901,688 (1) Cash to/from Revenue Area 14 (RA14) in exchange for capital assets to/from Consolidated Revenue Area 15 (RA15) BACKGROUND In June 2025,the Board of Directors approved the Operating,Capital,Debt Service,and Self- Insurance Budgets for FY 2025-26.An accelerated execution rate for the Capital Improvement Program (CIP)and planned repairs and maintenance activities have driven the need to request a FY 2025-26 budget increase. In April 2026,the Board of Directors approved a FY 2025-26 budget increase of $68,000,000 for a total budget of $649,001,688.The budget increase for the Capital Improvement Program (CIP)was intended to be calculated based on year-to-date actuals from July 2025 through February 2026 and projected cash flow from March 2026 through June 2026.At the time the calculations were initially developed,the actuals for February 2026 were not available,so costs through January 2026 were initially included in the calculation spreadsheet.After the projected cash flow was complete the CIP budget increase was finalized.The actuals for February 2026 associated with the Engineering CIP were inadvertently left out, creating a budgeting error of $16,750,868. Orange County Sanitation District Printed on 8/19/2026Page 1 of 3 powered by Legistar™ File #:2026-5003 Agenda Date:8/26/2026 Agenda Item No:2. RELEVANT STANDARDS ·Ensure the public’s money is wisely spent ·Produce appropriate financial reporting - annual financial report & audit letter and Ops & CIP budgets every two years, with annual update PROBLEM The budget authority for FY2025-26 is not adequate to cover the actual expenses for the fiscal year. PROPOSED SOLUTION Approve the proposed budget increase for FY 2025-26. TIMING CONCERNS The budget increase needs to be approved prior to finalizing the audit for FY 2025-26. RAMIFICATIONS OF NOT TAKING ACTION OC San will not have a budget approved at sufficient levels to accommodate the expenses incurred in FY 2025-26. PRIOR COMMITTEE/BOARD ACTIONS April 2026 - Approved a budget increase of $68,000,000 for FY 2025-26, for a total budget as follows: FY 2025-26 Net Operating $260,365,399 Self-Insurance $6,745,565 Net Capital Improvement Program $317,959,620 Debt/COP Service $60,431,104 Intra-District Joint Equity Purchase/Sale (1)$3,500,000 Total $649,001,688 (1)Cash to/from Revenue Area 14 (RA14)in exchange for capital assets to/from Consolidated Revenue Area 15 (RA15) June 2025 -Approved the proposed Operating,Capital,Debt Service,and Self-Insurance Budgets Orange County Sanitation District Printed on 8/19/2026Page 2 of 3 powered by Legistar™ File #:2026-5003 Agenda Date:8/26/2026 Agenda Item No:2. June 2025 -Approved the proposed Operating,Capital,Debt Service,and Self-Insurance Budgets for FY 2025-26 as follows: FY 2025-26 Net Operating $246,365,399 Self-Insurance $6,745,565 Net Capital Improvement Program $254,276,633 Debt/COP Service $60,431,104 Intra-District Joint Equity Purchase/Sale (1)$3,500,000 Other Requirements $10,000,000 Total $581,318,701 (1)Cash to/from Revenue Area 14 (RA14)in exchange for capital assets to/from Consolidated Revenue Area 15 (RA15) ADDITIONAL INFORMATION The table below shows the approved budget and estimated actuals for FY 2025-26 (in millions). Approved Budget Estimated Actuals Variance Performance Percentage Capital $318 $346 $28 109% Operating $260 $256 $(4)99% Debt Service $60 $60 $0 100% Other $11 $11 $0 100% Total $649 $673 $24 The requested increase does not impact the long term cashflow due to the capital increase request in FY 2025-26 being predominantly driven by accelerated project spending,not project budget increases.These spending increases are offset by a reduction in spending for the relevant projects in future years. CEQA N/A FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS Increase in budget will not affect long-term cash flow. ATTACHMENT The following attachment(s)may be viewed on-line at the OC San website (www.ocsan.gov)with the complete agenda package: ·Presentation Orange County Sanitation District Printed on 8/19/2026Page 3 of 3 powered by Legistar™ 8/18/2026 1 FY 2025-26 Budget Amendment Presented by Ruth Zintzun, Finance Manager Steering Committee August 26, 2026 Capital Improvement Program — Year-End Adjustment $0 $100 $200 $300 $400 $500 $600 $700 Adopted April Amended Year-End Amended Mil l i o n s Capital Operating Other Debt Service Year-End Budget Amendment 2 $581 $649 $677 1 2 8/18/2026 2 $0 $50 $100 $150 $200 $250 $300 $350 Adopted April Amended Year-End Amended Mi l l i o n s CIP Budget Amendment 3 $254 $318 $346 Accelerated Spending 4 $0 $5 $10 $15 $20 $25 $30 $35 $40 $45 P1-105 P2-98A 5-67 3-67 3-64C P2-128A J-137 Millions Original Cash Flow (FY 25-26) April Adjusted Cash Flow (FY 25-26) Year-End Adjusted Cash Flow (FY 25-26) $0 $50 $100 $150 $200 $250 Mil l i o n s 3 4 8/18/2026 3 $500 $520 $540 $560 $580 $600 $620 $640 $660 Revenues Expenses Mi l l i o n s Adopted Revenues 5 $500 $520 $540 $560 $580 $600 $620 $640 $660 Revenues Expenses Mi l l i o n s Estimated No impact to long-term cash flow Recommend to the Board of Directors to: Approve a budget increase of $27,900,000 for FY 2025-26, for a total budget as follows: (1) Cash to/from Revenue Area 14 (RA14) in exchange for capital assets to/from Consolidated Revenue Area 15 (RA15) Recommendation 6 FY 2025-26 $260,365,399Net Operating $6,745,565Self Insurance $345,859,620Net Capital Improvement Program $60,431,104Debt/COP Service $3,500,000Intra-District Joint Equity Purchase/Sale (1) $676,901,688Total 5 6 STEERING COMMITTEE Agenda Report Headquarters 18480 Bandilier Circle Fountain Valley, CA 92708 (714) 593-7433 File #:2026-5044 Agenda Date:8/26/2026 Agenda Item No:CS-1 FROM:Robert Thompson, General Manager SUBJECT: CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL RE EXISTING LITIGATION -GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54956.9(d)(1) RECOMMENDATION: Convene in Closed Session: Number of Cases: 2 A. Emmanuel Rios v. Orange County Sanitation District, Workers’ Compensation Claim, Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board, Case No. ADJ20936106; and. B. Julia Ha v. Orange County Sanitation District, Orange County Superior Court Case No. 30- 2025-01484899-CU-WT-CJC. BACKGROUND During the course of conducting the business set forth on this agenda as a regular meeting of the Board,the Chairperson may convene the Board in closed session to consider matters of pending real estate negotiations, pending or potential litigation, or personnel matters. Reports relating to (a)purchase and sale of real property;(b)matters of pending or potential litigation;(c)employment actions or negotiations with employee representatives;or which are exempt from public disclosure under the California Public Records Act,may be reviewed by the Board during a permitted closed session and are not available for public inspection.At such time the Board takes final action on any of these subjects, the minutes will reflect all required disclosures of information RELEVANT STANDARDS ·Government Code Sections 54956.8, 54956.9, 54957, or 54957.6, as noted ATTACHMENT The following attachment(s)may be viewed on-line at the OC San website (www.ocsan.gov)with the complete agenda package: ·Memoranda from General Counsel Orange County Sanitation District Printed on 8/18/2026Page 1 of 1 powered by Legistar™ Scott C. Smith (949) 263- Phone: (949) 263-2600 | Fax: (949) 260-0972 bbklaw.com Memorandum Honorable Chair and Members of the Orange County Sanitation District Steering Committee From: Date: Re: The Steering Committee will hold a closed session on August 26, 2026, for the purpose of conferring with its legal counsel regarding existing litigation to which the Orange County Sanitation District is a party. The title of the two cases to be discussed are: 1. Emmanuel Rios v. Orange County Sanitation District, Workers’ Compensation Claim, Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board, Case No. ADJ20936106; and 2. Julia Ha v. Orange County Sanitation District, Orange County Superior Court Case No. 30-2025-01484899-CU-WT-CJC The closed session will be held pursuant to the authority of California Government Code section 54956.9(d)(1). Respectfully submitted, SCOTT C. SMITH STEERING COMMITTEE Agenda Report Headquarters 18480 Bandilier Circle Fountain Valley, CA 92708 (714) 593-7433 File #:2026-5061 Agenda Date:8/26/2026 Agenda Item No:CS-2 FROM:Robert Thompson, General Manager SUBJECT: CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL RE ANTICIPATED LITIGATION - GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54956.9(D)(2) RECOMMENDATION: Convene in Closed Session: Number of Potential Cases: 1 Significant exposure to litigation. BACKGROUND During the course of conducting the business set forth on this agenda as a regular meeting of the Board,the Chairperson may convene the Board in closed session to consider matters of pending real estate negotiations, pending or potential litigation, or personnel matters. Reports relating to (a)purchase and sale of real property;(b)matters of pending or potential litigation;(c)employment actions or negotiations with employee representatives;or which are exempt from public disclosure under the California Public Records Act,may be reviewed by the Board during a permitted closed session and are not available for public inspection.At such time the Board takes final action on any of these subjects, the minutes will reflect all required disclosures of information. RELEVANT STANDARDS ·Government Code Sections 54956.8, 54956.9, 54957, or 54957.6, as noted ATTACHMENT The following attachment(s)may be viewed on-line at the OC San website (www.ocsan.gov)with the complete agenda package: ·Memorandum from General Counsel Orange County Sanitation District Printed on 8/18/2026Page 1 of 1 powered by Legistar™ Scott C. Smith (949) 263- Phone: (949) 263-2600 | Fax: (949) 260-0972 bbklaw.com Memorandum Honorable Chair and Members of the Orange County Sanitation District Steering Committee From: Date: Re: The Steering Committee will hold a closed session on August 26, 2026, for the purpose of conferring with its legal counsel regarding anticipated litigation to which the Orange County Sanitation District may be a party. The closed session will be held pursuant to the authority of California Government Code section 54956.9(d)(2). Respectfully submitted, SCOTT C. SMITH ORANGE COUNTY SANITATION DISTRICT COMMON ACRONYMS ACWA Association of California Water Agencies LOS Level Of Service RFP Request For Proposal APWA American Public Works Association MGD Million Gallons Per Day RWQCB Regional Water Quality Control Board AQMD Air Quality Management District MOU Memorandum of Understanding SARFPA Santa Ana River Flood Protection Agency ASCE American Society of Civil Engineers NACWA National Association of Clean Water Agencies SARI Santa Ana River Interceptor BOD Biochemical Oxygen Demand NEPA National Environmental Policy Act SARWQCB Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board CARB California Air Resources Board NGOs Non-Governmental Organizations SAWPA Santa Ana Watershed Project Authority CASA California Association of Sanitation Agencies NPDES National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System SCADA Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition CCTV Closed Circuit Television NWRI National Water Research Institute SCAP Southern California Alliance of Publicly Owned CEQA California Environmental Quality Act O & M Operations & Maintenance SCAQMD South Coast Air Quality Management District CIP Capital Improvement Program OCCOG Orange County Council of Governments SOCWA South Orange County Wastewater Authority CRWQCB California Regional Water Quality Control Board OCHCA Orange County Health Care Agency SRF Clean Water State Revolving Fund CWA Clean Water Act OCSD Orange County Sanitation District SSMP Sewer System Management Plan CWEA California Water Environment Association OCWD Orange County Water District SSO Sanitary Sewer Overflow EIR Environmental Impact Report OOBS Ocean Outfall Booster Station SWRCB State Water Resources Control Board EMT Executive Management Team OSHA Occupational Safety and Health Administration TDS Total Dissolved Solids EPA US Environmental Protection Agency PCSA Professional Consultant/Construction TMDL Total Maximum Daily Load FOG Fats, Oils, and Grease PDSA Professional Design Services Agreement TSS Total Suspended Solids gpd gallons per day PFAS Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances WDR Waste Discharge Requirements GWRS Groundwater Replenishment System PFOA Perfluorooctanoic Acid WEF Water Environment Federation ICS Incident Command System PFOS Perfluorooctanesulfonic Acid WERF Water Environment & Reuse Foundation IERP Integrated Emergency Response Plan POTW Publicly Owned Treatment Works WIFIA Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act JPA Joint Powers Authority ppm parts per million WIIN Water Infrastructure Improvements for the LAFCO Local Agency Formation Commission PSA Professional Services Agreement WRDA Water Resources Development Act ORANGE COUNTY SANITATION DISTRICT GLOSSARY OF TERMS ACTIVATED SLUDGE PROCESS – A secondary biological wastewater treatment process where bacteria reproduce at a high rate with the introduction of excess air or oxygen and consume dissolved nutrients in the wastewater. BENTHOS – The community of organisms, such as sea stars, worms, and shrimp, which live on, in, or near the seabed, also known as the benthic zone. BIOCHEMICAL OXYGEN DEMAND (BOD) – The amount of oxygen used when organic matter undergoes decomposition by microorganisms. Testing for BOD is done to assess the amount of organic matter in water. BIOGAS – A gas that is produced by the action of anaerobic bacteria on organic waste matter in a digester tank that can be used as a fuel. BIOSOLIDS – Biosolids are nutrient rich organic and highly treated solid materials produced by the wastewater treatment process. This high-quality product can be recycled as a soil amendment on farmland or further processed as an earth-like product for commercial and home gardens to improve and maintain fertile soil and stimulate plant growth. CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (CIP) – Projects for repair, rehabilitation, and replacement of assets. Also includes treatment improvements, additional capacity, and projects for the support facilities. COLIFORM BACTERIA – A group of bacteria found in the intestines of humans and other animals, but also occasionally found elsewhere, used as indicators of sewage pollution. E. coli are the most common bacteria in wastewater. COLLECTIONS SYSTEM – In wastewater, it is the system of typically underground pipes that receive and convey sanitary wastewater or storm water. CERTIFICATE OF PARTICIPATION (COP) – A type of financing where an investor purchases a share of the lease revenues of a program rather than the bond being secured by those revenues. CONTAMINANTS OF POTENTIAL CONCERN (CPC) – Pharmaceuticals, hormones, and other organic wastewater contaminants. DILUTION TO THRESHOLD (D/T) – The dilution at which the majority of people detect the odor becomes the D/T for that air sample. GREENHOUSE GASES (GHG) – In the order of relative abundance water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and ozone gases that are considered the cause of global warming (“greenhouse effect”). GROUNDWATER REPLENISHMENT SYSTEM (GWRS) – A joint water reclamation project that proactively responds to Southern California’s current and future water needs. This joint project between the Orange County Water District and OCSD provides 70 million gallons per day of drinking quality water to replenish the local groundwater supply. LEVEL OF SERVICE (LOS) – Goals to support environmental and public expectations for performance. N-NITROSODIMETHYLAMINE (NDMA) – A N-nitrosamine suspected cancer-causing agent. It has been found in the GWRS process and is eliminated using hydrogen peroxide with extra ultra-violet treatment. NATIONAL BIOSOLIDS PARTNERSHIP (NBP) – An alliance of the NACWA and WEF, with advisory support from the EPA. NBP is committed to developing and advancing environmentally sound and sustainable biosolids management practices that go beyond regulatory compliance and promote public participation to enhance the credibility of local agency biosolids programs and improved communications that lead to public acceptance. PER- AND POLYFLUOROALKYL SUBSTANCES (PFAS) – A large group (over 6,000) of human-made compounds that are resistant to heat, water, and oil and used for a variety of applications including firefighting foam, stain and water-resistant clothing, cosmetics, and food packaging. Two PFAS compounds, perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) have been the focus of increasing regulatory scrutiny in drinking water and may result in adverse health effects including developmental effects to fetuses during pregnancy, cancer, liver damage, immunosuppression, thyroid effects, and other effects. PERFLUOROOCTANOIC ACID (PFOA) – An ingredient for several industrial applications including carpeting, upholstery, apparel, floor wax, textiles, sealants, food packaging, and cookware (Teflon). PERFLUOROOCTANESULFONIC ACID (PFOS) – A key ingredient in Scotchgard, a fabric protector made by 3M, and used in numerous stain repellents. PLUME – A visible or measurable concentration of discharge from a stationary source or fixed facility. PUBLICLY OWNED TREATMENT WORKS (POTW) – A municipal wastewater treatment plant. SANTA ANA RIVER INTERCEPTOR (SARI) LINE – A regional brine line designed to convey 30 million gallons per day of non-reclaimable wastewater from the upper Santa Ana River basin to the ocean for disposal, after treatment. SANITARY SEWER – Separate sewer systems specifically for the carrying of domestic and industrial wastewater. SOUTH COAST AIR QUALITY MANAGEMENT DISTRICT (SCAQMD) – Regional regulatory agency that develops plans and regulations designed to achieve public health standards by reducing emissions from business and industry. SECONDARY TREATMENT – Biological wastewater treatment, particularly the activated sludge process, where bacteria and other microorganisms consume dissolved nutrients in wastewater. SLUDGE – Untreated solid material created by the treatment of wastewater. TOTAL SUSPENDED SOLIDS (TSS) – The amount of solids floating and in suspension in wastewater. ORANGE COUNTY SANITATION DISTRICT GLOSSARY OF TERMS TRICKLING FILTER – A biological secondary treatment process in which bacteria and other microorganisms, growing as slime on the surface of rocks or plastic media, consume nutrients in wastewater as it trickles over them. URBAN RUNOFF – Water from city streets and domestic properties that carry pollutants into the storm drains, rivers, lakes, and oceans. WASTEWATER – Any water that enters the sanitary sewer. WATERSHED – A land area from which water drains to a particular water body. OCSD’s service area is in the Santa Ana River Watershed.