FROM: James D. Herberg, General Manager
Originator: Lorenzo Tyner, Assistant General Manager
SUBJECT:
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REQUEST FOR FUNDING - WASTEWATER FLOW & LOADING STUDY
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GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION
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RECOMMENDATION: Recommend to the Board of Directors to:
Approve the Orange County Sanitation District’s on-going participation in the California Association of Sanitation Agencies wastewater flow and loading study and the Participating Agency Contribution Pledge of $410,676.
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BACKGROUND
The Orange County Sanitation District’s (Sanitation District) goal has always been to fairly and equitably allocate the cost of wastewater management to all its customers in a cost-effective manner. Agencies throughout the state, including the Sanitation District, use engineering estimates of average loadings (wastewater flowrates and strength data according to use category) to proportionately allocate wastewater management costs and minimize administrative expenses. Water suppliers have established more aggressive water conservation measures in response to drought conditions and, therefore, it is prudent to review the wastewater loadings at this time and update them, if necessary, to ensure that they accurately reflect current wastewater characteristics. The California Association of Sanitation Agencies (CASA) has coordinated a statewide wastewater flow and loading study that is funded by participating sanitation agencies across the state. The cost of the study is shared amongst participating agencies in proportion to discharge volume. The Sanitation District contributed $510,399 toward the cost of the initial RFP, Phase 1, and Phase 2A of the study. In return, the Sanitation District is participating in structuring the study and will have access to the results of the study.
CASA is now preparing for Phase 2B of the study. The estimated total cost of Phase 2B is $2,840,000, with the Sanitation District’s contribution being $410,676. Phase 2B consists of the expanded non-residential sampling study and a return to sewer/water consumption data analysis. These are included in the original contract as tasks requiring funding by each of the participating agencies. Due to additional agencies joining in the study, the Sanitation District’s costs are lower than originally anticipated.
Phase 2B is expected to be completed in fiscal year 2020-21, along with the data analysis and handbook with results of the study.
RELEVANT STANDARDS
• Ensure the public’s money is wisely spent
PROBLEM
Water suppliers have established more aggressive water conservation measures in response to drought conditions; therefore, it is prudent to review the wastewater loadings at this time and update them, if necessary, to ensure that they accurately reflect current wastewater characteristics.
PROPOSED SOLUTION
CASA has coordinated a statewide wastewater flow and loading study to be funded by participating sanitation agencies across the state.
TIMING CONCERNS
In order to move forward with Phase 2B of the wastewater flow and loading study, CASA needs the commitment and payment from the Sanitation District no later than February 15, 2020.
RAMIFICATIONS OF NOT TAKING ACTION
Without the commitment of the Sanitation District, the sampling pilot study will not be able to move forward and maintain the timeline that is needed to collect accurate flow and loading information.
PRIOR COMMITTEE/BOARD ACTIONS
May 2018 - Board approved a contribution of $360,149 toward the cost of Phase 2A of the flow and loading study ($360,149 was the actual amount spent).
June 2017 - Board approved a contribution of $83,600 toward the cost of Phase 1B of the flow and loading study ($67,750 was the actual amount spent).
November 2016 - Board approved a contribution of $82,500 toward the cost of the first phase of the flow and loading study.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
N/A
CEQA
N/A
FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS
This contribution pledge of $410,676 has not been budgeted entirely. $350,000 was budgeted for 2019-20. $200,000 was budgeted for 2018-19 and was not spent. Budgeted funds are available from other budgeted line items with expected savings and, upon Board approval, these funds will be transferred to cover this item. In total, actual operating costs for FY 2019-20 will not exceed the annual operating budget.
ATTACHMENT
The following attachment(s) is included in hard copy and may also be viewed on-line at the OCSD website (www.ocsd.com) with the complete agenda package:
• Participating Agency Contribution Pledge Form - CASA Flow and Loading Study