Get a Jump Start on Conference Week

CASA’s 62nd Annual Conference is right around the corner. Preview the program to plan out your days. Also, consider these tips to make the most of your participation.

  • Take a look at the attendee list and plan your networking breaks. 

  • Get the latest legislative, regulatory and communications updates from workgroup members. Find out how your agency can get involved.

  • Make your voice heard. Vote for CASA’s next board. Join us on August 24 for the passing of the gavel.

You can still register online. Have questions or need help registering? Contact Cheryl MacKelvie at cmackelvie@casaweb.org  or 916-446-0388. We look forward to seeing you in San Diego! 

Your Legislative and Regulatory Updates

CASA Push for 10-Year Permit Terms Gaining Traction
Our effort to persuade Congress to allow for ten-year NPDES permit terms is getting attention in Washington D.C. CASA member agencies in key congressional districts have sent letters urging their representatives to support amending the Clean Water Act to allow longer terms.
Renewable Credits for Wastewater Co-digestion Devalued
The U.S. EPA is viewing organic waste for co-digestion differently than the base sewage sludge at wastewater treatment plants for the purposes of the Renewable Fuel Standard. In an effort to change this interpretation, CASA initiated a dialogue with the agency, wastewater sector associations and research institutions.

U.S. EPA Releases New Water Infrastructure Financing Tool
The U.S. EPA has launched the Water Finance Clearinghouse , a web‐based portal developed by EPA’s Water Infrastructure and Resiliency Finance Center. The financing tool is designed to help local decision makers make informed decisions for drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure to reach their public health and environmental goals. Mark your calendar for the webinars on how to use the tool. 
Advocating for Our Members
CASA Recommends Improvements for Clean Water Revolving Fund
The State Water Board recently completed a series of workshops to gain input on how to improve the Clean Water State Revolving Fund. As a follow up, we submitted a letter outlining our recommendations for streamlining the program. 

While acknowledging the positive changes to the Clean Water State Revolving Fund program in recent years, we urged broader reforms including additional leveraging and establishment of a “frequent borrower program.” Under the frequent borrower program to meet rising demand and ensure that water quality infrastructure projects can move forward as efficiently as possible.
In Case You Missed It: CASA and WateReuse Advocate for Recycled Water Projects in Water Deeply
CASA Executive Director Bobbi Larson and California WateReuse Managing Director Jennifer West responded to the State Water Board’s recently released survey about the state’s use of recycled water by looking beyond just the numbers. 
Public Policy Institute of California’s Annual Survey
Findings from the annual Public Policy Institute of California’s annual Californians and the Environment survey are in. Overall, the survey found broad consensus in favor of California’s climate change policies. 67 percent of Californians are in favor of desalination plants. 52 percent say they are happy with their local government’s water conservation efforts. 
Flushability Standards Published for Public Comment
The International Water Services Flushability Group recently published a draft flushability standard for public comment by September 1. The draft flushability standard proposes the standards for items that should and should not be flushed down the toilet. 
Member News
  Welcome New Members! 
We’re pleased to welcome two associate members. RBM, Responsible Biosolids Management, recently joined with Principals Jon Coffin and Steven Stockton as member representatives. We’re also happy to welcome back Hazen and Sawyer with Vice President and Operations Manager Dave Jones representing the firm from its Los Angeles office. 
Inland Empire Utilities Agency Receives Award for Achievement Excellence in Procurement
Congratulations to the Inland Empire Utilities Agency’s Contracts and Facilities Services Department on its 14th Achievement of Excellence in Procurement Award. The award is given based on standardized criteria scores in professionalism, innovation, e-procurement, productivity and leadership attributes. 
Mark Your Calendar
2017 Dates                     Organization 
Event                                                                          Location
August 22-24                              CASA
Annual Conference                                                San Diego
Nov. 14 & 15                CASA & CWEA
Innovative Technology Seminars             Berkeley & Irvine
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