FROM: Robert Thompson, General Manager
Originator: Lan C. Wiborg, Director of Environmental Services
SUBJECT:
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ORANGE COUNTY SANITATION DISTRICT’S 2025 SEWER SYSTEM MANAGEMENT PLAN
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GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
RECOMMENDATION: Recommend to the Board of Directors to:
Approve the Orange County Sanitation District’s 2025 Sewer System Management Plan (SSMP) as required by the Statewide Sanitary Sewer Systems General Order 2022-0103-DWQ.
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BACKGROUND
The Statewide Sanitary Sewer Systems General Order 2022-0103-DWQ (2022 Order) requires wastewater agencies to develop a SSMP to reduce sanitary sewer overflows and establish consistent sewer system management practices across California.
Orange County Sanitation District (OC San) has been operating under the current 2021 SSMP for approximately four years. The 2022 Order requires that the SSMP be updated, approved, and uploaded to the California Integrated Water Quality System (CIWQS) Sanitary Sewer System Database by May 2, 2025. Additionally, it must be posted on OC San’s website for public access.
The 2022 Order introduces new requirements, including descriptions of the closed-circuit television inspection program, inter-agency cooperation, and an assessment of the effectiveness of the Spill Emergency Response Plan. Therefore, OC San hired an independent third party to conduct a comprehensive review to ensure that the 2025 SSMP complies with the Order and reflects OC San's current practices.
RELEVANT STANDARDS
• 24/7/365 treatment plant reliability
• Comply with environmental permit requirements
• Meet or surpass sanitary sewer overflow regulations
• Maintain a proactive asset management program
• Achieve less than 2.1 sewer spills per 100 miles
• Protect public safety
PROBLEM
The 2022 Order requires a Board-approved SSMP every four years.
PROPOSED SOLUTION
Approve OC San’s 2025 SSMP for certification and uploading to the CIWQS Sanitary Sewer System Database.
TIMING CONCERNS
The 2025 SSMP must be certified and uploaded by the May 2, 2025 deadline.
RAMIFICATIONS OF NOT TAKING ACTION
If the 2025 SSMP is not approved and uploaded to the CIWQS Sanitary Sewer System Database by the May 2, 2025 deadline, OC San will be in violation of the 2022 Order and subject to fines of up to $10,000 per day with possible escalation for judicial civil enforcement.
PRIOR COMMITTEE/BOARD ACTIONS
June 2022 - Received and filed the Quinquennial Sewer System Management Plan, and the Biannual Wastewater Discharge Requirements Sewer System Management Plan Audit.
June 2017 - Approved and filed the Orange County Sanitation District's Sewer System
Management Plan dated May 9, 2017.
December 2015 - Received and filed the 2015 Waste Discharge Requirement (WDR) for Sewer System Management Plan Audit Report dated July 31, 2015.
March 2012 - Approved the Sewer System Management Plan Update Volume I and II prepared by staff, dated March 28, 2012, in a form to be approved by General Counsel.
May 2009 - Approved the final Sewer System Management Plan prepared by staff dated May 1 , 2009.
October 2008 - Received and filed the Sewer System Management Plan Compliance Status Report dated September 24, 2008.
July 2007 - Approved the Sewer System Management Plan (SSMP) Development Plan and Schedule document as required by the State Water Resources Control Board Waste Discharge Requirements Order No. 2006-0003-DWQ, issued on May 2, 2006.
October 2006 - Approved the development and implementation of a Compliance Program with the sanitary sewer system Waste Discharge Requirements (WDR) as required statewide by State Water Resources Control Board Order No. 2006-0003-DWQ issued on May 2, 2006.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
N/A
CEQA
N/A
FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS
N/A
ATTACHMENT
The following attachment(s) may be viewed on-line at the OC San website (www.ocsan.gov) with the complete agenda package:
• Orange County Sanitation District 2025 SSMP
• Presentation