Winter Conference Recap
Winter Conference Connects CASA Members
Last week our Winter Conference, held at the Renaissance Indian Wells, focused on strategies to bring fresh and new perspectives to connecting generations. 

We kicked off the conference on Wednesday, January 23 with a full day of meetings and the roundtable series, which included topics such as research priorities for the wastewater sector and tips for being a productive Board. Thursday we enjoyed keynote speaker Farah Habad, a panel of young professionals, discussed asset management for the future, and learned how artificial intelligence and analytics will be used in the wastewater community. Friday we received federal and state legislative updates and learned more about what we can expect in the 2019 legislative session. In addition to the exciting speakers and panels, we hosted several successful networking events and receptions. 

Thank you to those who joined us. If you missed the conference, check our website to view the informative presentations shared by our speakers and panelists.
Legislative Update
The Show Will Go On…CASA Washington D.C. Policy Forum Examines the New Dynamics of Federal Policymaking
CASA’s 15th Annual Washington D.C. Policy Forum (February 25-27) is shaping up to be a historic event as we all attempt to navigate a new policymaking environment.

The mid-term elections welcomed the largest freshman class since 1974, challenging the established order of both political parties. With this generational changing of the political guard, CASA has extended speaking invitations to representatives Harley Rouda, Katie Porter and Mike Levin. We would like them to discuss their perspectives on life in Washington D.C. and their priorities for the coming year. Leading pundits and members of congress are also slated to address attendees, including Politico Editor Marty Kady. Politico is Washington’s “Rosetta Stone” of politics and policymaking, deciphering the known and unknown of D.C.’s power brokers.

The Washington D.C. Policy Forum is open for registration.

When:            Monday, February 25 – Wednesday, February 27
Where:            St. Regis, Washington D.C.

Member News
East Bay Sanitary Agencies Launch Flushable Campaign
Several East Contra Costa County sanitary agencies are collaborating on a two-month public outreach campaign aimed to encourage residents to throw sanitary wipes in the trash. The agencies involved include the town of Discovery Bay, the Byron Sanitary District, the city of Brentwood, Ironhouse Sanitary District and Delta Diablo.

The regional campaign helps customers understand how personal hygiene wipes marked “flushable” or “flush friendly” are often not degradable. The “No Wipes in the Pipes” tools are being used to show how disposing of wipes in toilets can damage residential sewer systems, clog underground pipes, and result in expensive repairs to equipment at the local treatment plant. 

Advertisements are running on the back of Tri-Delta Transit buses, in newspapers, social media and are playing on local theater screens. See more .
Inland Empire Utilities Agency Appoints Interim General Manager
The Inland Empire Utilities Agency Board of Directors unanimously appointed Kirby Brill as the interim general manager. Kirby has over thirty years of experience in the water and resource management field. Prior to his appointment, Kirby served as general manager of the Mojave Water Agency – retiring after 17 years in the position.

The Inland Empire Utilities Agency provides industrial and municipal wastewater collection and treatment services, and other related utility services to more than 875,000 people. Please join us in welcoming Kirby to the CASA family. 
Announcing the New General Manager of Calaveras County Water District 
The Calaveras County Water District Board of Directors named Michael Minkler as the new general manager of the District. Michael previously served as the general manager of the Utica Water and Power Authority, located in the Sierra foothills, since 2015.

Michael is eager to assume the role as general manager, emphasizing he strongly believes in a team mentality in order to provide the best possible service to customers. He will also focus on preserving and protecting water rights, capital improvement projects, implementation of the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act and exploring hydropower opportunities.
 
Congratulations Michael!
Water/Wastewater Treatment Project of the Year Awarded to CASA Member Agency
The American Society of Civil Engineers Los Angeles Brach awarded the Inland Empire Utilities Agency the Water/Wastewater Treatment Project of the Year . The award was for their Water Quality Laboratory. Construction of the lab began in August 2017 and was completed in July 2018. The 17,166 square foot, $17.8 million lab is a Gold LEED™ Certified building for energy efficiency and the use of eco-friendly materials. In addition to quality control and quality assurance, educational tours will be provided of the lab showcasing the building and its water quality functions.

Congratulations IEUA!
Mark Your Calendar
2019 Wastewater Exam Deadline Approaching
The spring 2019 wastewater exam will be held on April 13. Applications must be received in the Wastewater Operator Certification Program’s (WWOCP) office by February 12, 2019 to be considered for the April 13, 2019 exam.
 
Examination applications can be found here .
CASA and CWEA California Asset Management Success Stories Webinar
Learn how agencies are implementing asset management, ask questions and learn how planning ahead can help us manage aging infrastructure. This free asset management webinar takes place on February 14 and is open to members of CASA and CEWA. The webinar will focus on collection system asset management.

To register, click here .
Save the Date: Rethink Methane Symposium
On February 26-27, stakeholders from the bioenergy, solar, wind, hydrogen, fuel cell and natural gas industries will gather in Sacramento. Attendees will gain insight into how renewable methane can help California immediately and cost effectively meet its air quality, climate protection, and economic development objectives. 

When:            Tuesday, February 26 – Wednesday, February 27
Where:            Sacramento Convention Center
Feb. 25-27, 2019
Aug. 21-23, 2019