High Performing Culture Executive Rob Wolff to Speak at Annual Conference
The CASA Annual Conference is fast approaching! We'll be in San Diego August 21-23, at the Manchester Grand Hyatt in San Diego! Our Thursday morning keynote address will feature Rob Wolff, an executive with High Performing Culture. With nearly 30 years of experience leading teams of up to 400 people, Wolff brings the ability to understand teams in all situations and functions. Through his talk, attendees will get a practical, actionable, no nonsense program designed to give participants the tools to build a high-performing culture at their agencies.
Other presentations designed to help agencies stay "Ahead of the Curve" include panels on innovative efforts to produce a resilient water supply, how to successfully manage crisis communications, and other important topics.
Join us
to hear Rob and our other excellent speakers!
The hotel cut-off is Tuesday, July 30. Make your reservation
here
.
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Special Update: State and Federal Actions on PFAS Continue to Mount
The family of chemicals known as per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances, also known as PFAS and PFOA, continues to be a hot topic of growing concern at the state and federal level. The substances have been used in a variety of manufacturing industries around the globe, including food packaging and commercial household products. There is some evidence that exposure to PFAS can lead to adverse human health effects. CASA has kept a watchful eye on developments related to PFAS over the last year.
The U.S. Senate recently amended the U.S. National Defense Authorization (Act S. 1790) to address PFAS/PFOA. These amendments incorporate provisions of several federal bills introduced over the last few months, and would mandate that the United States Environmental Protection Agency set a national drinking water regulation for PFOA and PFAS within two years of enactment among other things. The California Legislature also saw a suite of bills introduced this year related to the chemicals, though only AB 756 (C. Garcia) is still moving through the legislative process. That bill would authorize the State Water Board to order a public water system to monitor for PFAS and PFOA in accordance with conditions set by the board.
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Central Valley Salt and Nitrate Management Effort Faces Key Milestone
A long running effort to address elevated salinity and nitrates in surface water and groundwater in the Central Valley is nearing a significant milestone. In 2006, a broad-based group of agricultural, municipal and environmental stakeholders began working with the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board to develop an ambitious and comprehensive strategy for addressing nitrates and salinity in both ground and surface waters. That effort is commonly referred to as
CV-SALTS
and is designed to maintain a healthy environment and a good quality of life for all Californians by protecting our most essential resource: water. CASA was a founding member of CV-SALTS.
After more than 10 years of studies, discussions and plan development, the Regional Board approved amendments to the Central Valley basin plans on May 31 of last year. The amendments are now pending before the State Water Resources Control Board, which will hold an
informational workshop
on July 2. CASA will be among those testifying in support of the amendments. The Board is expected to take action on the CV-SALTS program later this summer.
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CASA Gains Ground on Permit Term Extension Legislation
One of CASA's top priorities, legislation to extend NPDES permit terms to up to 10 years, continues to gain support. HR 1764, introduced by Representative John Garamendi, is now co-sponsored by eight other Representatives. There appears to be growing support from both the Democratic co-sponsors and the Republican Committee staff and members. As such, CASA continues to work with its national coalition partners to advance the legislation through the committee. In order to capitalize on this opportunity, it is vital that CASA members urge their congressional delegation members to support and co-sponsor this important legislation. For a Fact Sheet, Template letter or additional information contact
Adam Link
.
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CASA Shows Support for Water Recycling Funding Legislation
Senator Dianne Feinstein is sponsoring legislation to renew provisions to support the planning and construction of water recycling projects. CASA sent a general
letter of support
for the bill with specific recommendations. The bill would authorize an additional $100 million to water recycling projects and lift the cap on individual project assistance to $30 million. The bill would also create a new assistance program to support the construction of large water supply projects such as dams and groundwater storage projects. A hearing before the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources has not yet been announced.
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House Committee Explores “Protecting and Restoring America’s Iconic Waters”
On June 25, the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment held a hearing entitled “Protecting and Restoring America’s Iconic Waters.” The hearing focused on several California waterbodies including the San Francisco Bay and Santa Monica Bay. Bi-partisan support for the National Estuary Program was the focal point of the hearing. Witnesses called for enhanced use of green infrastructure, collaboration and cooperation between local and federal stakeholders, gaining the public’s trust and initiating restoration efforts before formal program activities begin.
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STORMS Seminar: Multivalent Stormwater Actions in an Era of Climate Change
The Strategy to Optimize Resource Management of Stormwater will conduct a free seminar Thursday, July 11 to stay at the forefront of addressing the challenges of climate. Melanie Winters and Johnathan Perisho from The River Project will be the featured guest speakers. The event is from 11a.m -12:30 p.m. at Byron Sher Auditorium, Cal EPA. Sign up or you can watch it via webcast
here
.
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Mark your calendar for a fun-filled day full of activities and tours!
The Orange County Sanitation District is turning 65. In celebration, the sanitation district is offering one-hour bus tours of their facility during their open house on Saturday July 27 starting at 9a.m.
All are welcome on our tours. Tours are free! RSVP
here
.
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CASA/CWEA Biosolids Energy Seminars
Join us for the CASA/CWEA joint seminars on innovative technologies! As regulations are developed to implement the organics diversion requirements in SB 1383, the wastewater sector will face new challenges and opportunities for renewable energy, biosolids management and other topics. The seminars cover innovative technologies including lessons learned and the latest cutting-edge technologies fresh from university labs, the private sector and public resource recovery facilities.
These fast-paced seminars are hosted by CASA's Greg Kester and bring together utilities, academia, regulators, operators and engineering professionals to solve California's toughest resource recovery challenges.
Register
by August 23 and save $20!
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Wednesday, September 11
8:00 a.m.
Elihu M. Harris State Office Building
2nd Floor, Room 1
1515 Clay Street
Oakland, CA 94612
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Tuesday, September 17
8:00 a.m.
Los Angeles Environmental Learning Center at Hyperion
12000 Vista Del Mar
Playa Del Rey, CA 90293
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