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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