HomeMy WebLinkAbout18.a. (Handout) Member Williams Report on CASA Winter Conference 2020 Board Member Report Item 18.a.
CASA Winter Conference (Handout)
By
David R. Williams
I attended the conference held from January 21-23, 2020 in Indian Wells,
California. On Tuesday the 21St, I participated on Roundtable discussions on a
variety of topics. On Wednesday and Thursday, the 22nd and 23rd I attended
Committee meetings and the General Sessions. The following are highlights from
the conference:
Roundtable Discussions
Topic: Exfiltration/Homeless Issues
• Regulations require POTWs to investigate sources of fecal
bacteria including homeless populations and exfiltration
• POTWs spending $4M on a 5-year study
• SCCWRP is leading the investigations
• Concern about testing methods employed for exfiltration will
overestimate the contribution from sewers
Topic: PFAS
• SWRCB issuing new responses levels
• Main concern is with drinking water
• CASA and NACWA have developed Fact Sheets
• Ubiquitous nature of PFAS is a concern especially for biosolids
• CASA is seeking test data from agencies to share with the
SWRCB
Presentation on Mentoring and Advocating Keys to good mentoring:
• Belief in someone
• Showing an interest
• Don't prescribe — discuss
• Provide a seat at the table
• Encourage folks to speak up
• Empower people
• Provide feedback
• Provide growth opportunities
Can be formal or informal
Role of Mentor
• Share experience
• Build skills through coaching
• Raise awareness
• Help with self-discovery
Role of Advocate
• Offer encouragement
• Speaks out
• Provides access
• Influences decisions
Tips for Successful Program
• Provide options vs. assign a mentor
• Use folks who have natural inclination and sincere interest
• Provide guidance
• Check in and adjust as needed
• Just start, doesn't need to be perfect from get go
Presentation on Cutting Edge Technologies
Anaerobic Secondary Treatment
• Less energy
• More renewable energy
• Less biosolids production
• Fewer greenhouse gases
Solid Oxide Fuel Cells
• Uses biogas and converts to energy
• Electro-chemical reaction - no combustion involved
• Need to clean gas by removing sulfur and siloxanes
• POTW pilot plants are being sought
Rebuttal to OIG Biosolids Report
• OIG report stated land application is unsafe until more research is
conducted
• Research at University of Arizona has shown that EPA 503 reqs are
protective
Climate Resiliency
Orange County Sanitation District conducted a comprehensive assessment of
their climate resiliency. Risk maps were prepared, and adaptation options
evaluated. Study costs $700k and looked at three-time horizons; 30 years, 50
years, and 80 years with 100-year rainfall scenario. Efforts to protect most at risk
plant cost $28M and included a sea wall along exposed boundaries. Pump station
recommendations included the use of watertight hatches and stop logs to prevent
inundation.
Workforce Development
Three agencies presented their efforts to meet the needs for future workforce.
Efforts included the following:
• Paid and unpaid internship programs
• Job shadowing
• Use of Regional Occupational Programs
Challenges include upcoming retirement bubble, impacts of pension reform and
work experience needed for certification.
Solutions Tailored for Medium and Small Agencies
Funding Opportunities
• I Bank
• Rural Development grants
• SWRCB grants
• WIFIA
Discussed the importance of using various funding opportunities to match your
agency's needs (i.e. interest rates, timing, repayment terms, etc.)
Nutrient Removal - Discussion of the benefits of using MABR for nutrient removal.
Assessing Triple Bottom Line — In some cases, politics may trump analytics.
State Legislative Committee
Wipes Legislation - CASA is moving to supporting a content standard vs. a flush
ability standard
Stormwater —working collaboratively with Coast keeper and Senator Hertzburg,
CASA will co-sponsor a bill in order to be able to provide input in the development
of the bill
Water Bond — bills being brought forward for a Water Bond around $4.713
Federal Legislative Update
• FY 20 budget includes $1.613 for clean water and $60M for WIFIA. FY 21
may end up being a continuing resolution.
• Ten-year permit terms have been included in HR 1497, but could impact
states ability to extend permit terms
• PFAS are addressed in the HR 353, concern is whether PFAS will be
designated as a hazardous waste.
NACWA Update: Many initiatives are being pursued including the following
• SRF funding
• Green Infrastructure
• WIFIA funding
• Tax exempt bond status
• Integrated Planning
• Affordability issues
• Hydrologic connection impacts to permitting
• Flushable wipes
• Blending
• PFAS
• Resiliency
• Workforce planning