HomeMy WebLinkAbout04.c. Update on the Most Recent Meeting of the Bay Area Clean Water Agencies (BACWA)Page 1 of 2
Item 4.c.
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February 20, 2024
TO: REAL ESTATE, ENVIRONMENTAL AND PLANNING COMMITTEE
FROM: LORI SCHECTEL, ENVIRONMENTAL & REGULATORY COMPLIANCE
DIVISION MANAGER
REVIEWED BY: GREG NORBY, DEPUTY GENERAL MANAGER - OPERATIONS
ROGER S. BAILEY, GENERAL MANAGER
SUBJECT: RECEIVE UPDATE ON THE MOST RECENT MEETING OF THE BAYAREA
CLEAN WATER AGENCIES (BACWA)
BACWA Meetings:
Last BACWA Board Meetings:
January 19, 2024
• Next BACWA Board Meeting:
February 16, 2024
Key Discussion Items
Communications:
BACWA's communications consultant, Civic Edge, is devising a communications strategy, building
awareness about clean water infrastructure, being prepared for issues, creating a unified voice, and
amplifying calls to action when needed. Currently working on outreach to non -governmental organizations
(NGOs) and community -based organizations to deepen the understanding of nutrients in San Francisco
Bay and are planning press tours at various facilities prior to the release of the Third Nutrient Watershed
Permit Tentative Order.
Ben Lavender from Central San presented Central San's new Bike the Flow program to BACWA
members. Central San would like to coordinate with other agencies interested in offering water/wastewater
infrastructure bicycle tours.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Region 9 Update:
EPA is transitioning Region 9 to a program office. Through legislation, this requires Region 9 to develop
an annual priority list of projects and studies to fund through additional appropriations that need to be
reported by Region 9 to Congress. Annual appropriation is approximately $54 million. The funding
mechanism is only for grants, and in the summer, they will begin putting in place grants to recipients that
address EPA's priorities. Nutrient management is included in the priority list. All BACWA agencies are
eligible to apply, and they do not plan to run a competition.
February 20, 2024 REEP Committee Meeting Agenda Packet - Page 36 of 39
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per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS):
BACWA has prepared a draft fact sheet summarizing the findings of the BACWA regional phase I I of
the PFAS study. There will be a PFAS update to the Real Estate, Environmental and Planning
Committee in the coming months.
Air:
BACWA and the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) collaborative quarterly meeting will
take place on February 28, 2024.
Nutrients:
The BACWA Nutrient Strategy Team met on January 19, 2024 and considered various strategies in the
third Nutrient Watershed Permit negotiations, looking at ways to ensure agencies can meet potential limits,
allowing enough time for agencies to bring projects for and accommodate projects of multiple benefits to
the community. BACWA also met with the Regional Water Board on January 30, 2024 to discuss the
permit. The administrative draft of the permit has been delayed but will be distributed to BACWA and
other key stakeholders in mid to late February. The Regional Water Board is still on track for the planned
adoption on May 8, 2024.
Additional Information/Monthly Bulletins: https:Hbacwa.org/bacwa-bulletins/
Strategic Plan re -In
GOAL TWO: Environmental Stewardship
Strategy 1 - Achieve compliance in all regulations, Strategy 3 - Be a partner in regional development of local water
supply
February 20, 2024 REEP Committee Meeting Agenda Packet - Page 37 of 39