Federal Update
CASA Wraps Up Another Successful Washington D.C. Policy Forum
Last week CASA members descended on Washington D.C. for our 16th annual policy forum. The forum was an opportunity to hear from congressional staff, political insiders and interest groups on what to expect from congress and the administration in 2019. It was also a chance for CASA members to advocate on behalf of their agencies and advance clean water priorities before congress.

The forum was focused on infrastructure policy and funding for clean water priorities. This focus included core programs such as the state revolving fund (SRF) loan program, WIFIA and Title XVI for recycled water projects. Attendees heard from newly elected Congressman Mike Levin about his clean water and sustainability priorities for the coming session. Additionally, pundit Amy Walter discussed the current political environment in D.C.

CASA members met with their congressional representatives and staff, and participated in the joint reception with ACWA at the U.S. Botanic Garden. Thanks to those of you who attended and helped advocate for CASA’s federal priorities. We hope to see you there next year!
Legislative and Regulatory Update
2019 CASA Priority Bills: “Flushable” Wipes and Ocean Discharge Ban
February 22 was the bill introduction deadline for the 2019 legislative session. In the weeks leading up to the deadline, hundreds of bills were introduced, including many of interest to CASA members. Over the next month, bills will be referred to different policy committees and hearings will begin. All introduced legislation will be heard by the end of April. Two bills we have identified as high priority for the CASA membership include:  

  • AB 1672 (Bloom) - CASA’s sponsored bill relating to labeling of “flushable” and non-flushable wipe products. Introduced as a “spot bill” using placeholder language, it will be amended with substantive provisions in the near future and subsequently referred to a policy committee.
  • SB 332 (Hertzberg) – A bill requiring wastewater agencies to eliminate ocean and bay discharges of treated effluent by 50 percent by 2030 and by 95 percent by 2040. CASA has taken an “oppose” position on this bill. We will lead a coalition of interested parties in the coming months to advocate for the water and wastewater community perspective. We will also promote appropriate and feasible alternatives for maximizing water recycling in California. 
Federal and State Regulators Highlight Efforts to Address PFAs
Last month, federal and state policymakers announced respective plans to develop regulations to address concerns with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. PFAs are a group of man-made chemicals that have been manufactured and used in a variety of industries around the United States for over sixty years. PFAs chemicals do not break down. Instead, they accumulate, and evidence shows exposure to these chemicals can lead to adverse human health effects.
Mark Your Calendar
CWEA Emerging Leaders Nominations Due April 1!
The California Water Environment Association is accepting nominations for the 2019 Emerging Leaders. Winners will be featured in CWEA’s summer issue of Clean Water . Nominees are accomplished water professionals who are making a significant and positive impact on California’s water industry but who have not been recognized for their efforts.

Nominees will be considered and interviewed by a panel of seasoned industry leaders. The deadline for nominations is April 1.   More information .
Input Needed: Water Board Sewer Rate Survey
The State Water Board Division of Financial Assistance is conducting a survey of sewer rates and connection capacity fees for 2018. The survey information assists in addressing water quality problems throughout California and allows communities to better serve their constituents. Surveys must be complete by March 15.

Take the online survey .
USEPA American Iron and Steel Webinar – March 12
USEPA has scheduled a webinar on the SRF American Iron and Steel requirements for Tuesday, March 12. The webinar will be a refresher on the AIS requirement under both Drinking Water and Clean Water SRF programs with a focus for states and borrowers.

The webinar will review the details of the AIS requirements including implementation of the requirement, project coverage, waiver request process and the national waiver with state SRF staff and SRF assistance recipients. Register here .
Member News
OCSD Wins ASCE Wastewater Treatment Project of the Year Award
The Orange County Sanitation District’s Newhope-Placentia Trunk Sewer Replacement Project won the American Society of Civil Engineers Wastewater Treatment Project of the Year.

The award-winning project will replace seven miles of sewer pipeline on State College Blvd. causing the cities of Fullerton and Anaheim to increase capacity. Once the project is complete, an additional eight million gallons of wastewater will be diverted to OCSD’s Plant No. 1 for treatment before being sent to the Orange County Water District. The $70 million construction project was split into two phases and is scheduled for completion in the fall of 2020.

See more information on the project .
Aug. 21-23, 2019