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Legislative Update
CASA’s Wipes Legislation Moves Through First Committee!
AB 1672 (Bloom), CASA’s sponsored legislation on labeling non-flushable and flushable wipes, was heard by the Assembly Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials Committee on April 9. The legislation, which included CASA supported amendments that strengthened the bill, passed with a vote of six to three. Thank you to all the CASA members who submitted letters of support!

On April 23, the bill will be heard in the Assembly Judiciary Committee. Letters of support for the Committee are due  today . It is critical for legislators to be made aware of real problems caused by wipes in their local communities. To assist your agency write letters of support, CASA has developed a  template letter, and we have an updated support letter as well . Please submit your support letters through the new legislative portal system .

For updates about the legislation and materials to help spread the word, visit the CASA Wipes  webpage .
URGENT: Opposition Letters Due Tomorrow - Ocean Discharge Ban Legislation
On April 3, SB 332 (Hertzberg) moved out of the Senate Environmental Quality Committee with a vote of five to two. CASA continues to oppose this bill. It would mandate all wastewater agencies that discharge treated effluent to oceans, bays and estuaries to reduce their discharges by 50 percent by 2030 and by 95 percent by 2040. Although the bill was passed on, several committee members expressed significant concerns with the issues raised in CASA’s opposition letter and committee analysis.

The bill will be heard in the Senate Judiciary Committee on April 23. Opposition letters are due tomorrow. Please submit your letters of opposition via email to  sjud.fax@sen.ca.gov . A  template opposition letter  is available as well as an updated coalition letter .
Congressional Recess Provides Opportunity to Discuss Permit Terms Legislation
Congress is on spring recess through April 24. During this time, many members of the California delegation will be working in their congressional districts. This presents the opportunity for your agency to meet with your congressional representative about H.R. 1764 legislation to extend NPDES permit terms.

If you have the opportunity to meet with your member, please emphasize the importance of their support and encourage them to co-sponsor this significant legislation. CASA’s coalition letter and a template letter for your agency support can be found  here .
Upcoming Events
New Report: Wastewater Management in a Changing Climate
On April 22, the Public Policy Institute of California will be releasing their new research report Managing Wastewater in a Changing Climate. It focuses on the impact of climate change and water scarcity on wastewater agencies. It will highlight factors that can influence the methods used to protect public health and the environment.

As part of the research, a number of CASA agencies were surveyed and interviewed. Additionally, CASA reviewed the report prior to release. To highlight its release, PPIC will be hosting a  free event  on Monday, April 22 at the Capitol Event Center in Sacramento.
Sanitary Sewer System Waste Discharge Requirements: Workshops Scheduled
The State Water Board scheduled a series of stakeholder  workshops  to discuss potential updates to the Sanitary Sewer System Waste Discharge Requirements. The SSS WDR is the primary document governing collection systems in California. It has not been significantly modified since it was first adopted in 2006.

The outreach workshops will be held on:

  • Tuesday, April 16 in San Diego
  • Wednesday, April 17 in Sacramento (also via webcast)
  • Tuesday, April 23 in Chino
  • Thursday, April 25 in Redding
  • Thursday, May 2 in Fresno
Member News
Sewer Authority Mid-Coastside Receives Excellence Award in Budgeting
The Sewer Authority Mid-Coastside received the Excellence Award in Budgeting for its 2018/19 fiscal year operating budget from the California Society of Municipal Finance Officers. The GFOA award recognizes agencies whose budget serves as a policy document, financial plan, operations guide and communications device.

SAM is the second CASA agency to receive this prestigious honor. Congratulations on your fiscal achievement!
Mark Your Calendar
Help Celebrate Earth Day Monday, April 22
The California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery has published its annual  Earth Day events calendar to help Californians take action toward a more sustainable future. On Earth Day and throughout April and May, local events ranging from family-friendly activities to community service projects and cleanups give every Californian the opportunity to get involved.
Free EPA Webinars for Water Quality Professionals
The Environmental Protection Agency Water Quality Modeling Workgroup is hosting a series of free webinars. The purpose is to help water quality professionals better understand surface water quality modeling and how models can be used to solve common problems that face water quality regulators. 
CASA Awards Deadline Approaching
CASA seeks to recognize members who provide essential public services and go above and beyond to protect public health and the environment. Member agencies and associates are invited to submit an Award of Excellence application by May 17. More information about the award criteria and categories is available on the website .

Award recipients will be honored at the CASA Annual Conference in San Diego.
CASA Education Foundation Deadline/Promo
Does your local college or university know about CASA’s financial aid to students interested in a career in water? The CASA Education Foundation is accepting scholarship applications through April 28, 2019. For information on how to apply, who is eligible and the scholarship guidelines, visit the  website .
CASA Partners with CSDA on 2019 Special Districts Legislative Days
CASA is a proud partner of the 2019 Special Districts Legislative Days which take place May 21-22 at the Sacramento Convention Center. The event is an interactive and informative two-day legislative conference. The event provides an opportunity to learn about policy changes impacting your agency and the ability to exchange ideas with California’s top decision-makers.

For more  information and registration . The early bird discount ends April 26.
CASA's Greg Kester to Speak at Central Valley Clean Water Association Annual Conference on May 15
CASA Director of Renewable Resources Greg Kester will address the CVCWA Annual Conference on "Keeping Biosolids as a Valuable Resource in a Changing Environment." The Conference is on May 15 at the SASD/Regional San Office Building in Sacramento. It provides valuable wastewater industry insight and information for city managers, public works directors, council and board members, regulators, consultants and wastewater industry professionals.

The conference Building Resiliency for the Future features eight dynamic speakers addressing building resiliency together for the next decade and beyond. 

For more information check out the  CVCWA website .
May 21-22, 2019
Aug. 21-23, 2019