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2013 Mid-Year Conference
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Today’s Waste, Tomorrow’s Resource
January 16-18, 2013
Renaissance Esmeralda
Indian Wells, California
Registration is now open!
Preliminary Program
CASA members are already making plans to attend CASA’s 2013 Mid-Year Conference being held at the Renaissance Esmeralda in Indian Wells, California. In support of CASA’s vision on the role of wastewater agencies in providing renewable resources, we have secured an impressive lineup of speakers to participate in the various sessions and panel discussions. Be sure to register for the CASA conference now and make your hotel reservations. CASA’s special hotel room rate is only available through Sunday, December 23, 2012. CASA is going greener; the pre-conference program, registration materials and hotel accommodations are available exclusively online at www.casaweb.org.
Be sure to join us in January to participate in the many forums offered exploring the value of renewable products generated by wastewater agencies on our quest to be part of the California’s solution to a sustainable water supply.
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LA Times Article on Biosolids Disappointing – CASA Responses
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On November 26, 2012, the Los Angeles Times published an article entitled “Central Valley residents tire of receiving L.A.’s urban waste.” CASA submitted a response to the article on November 28, 2012 expressing concern that the article was designed as a “platform to stir controversy” rather than as an opportunity to present a balanced analysis on the very real issues of waste management, and necessary proactive solutions, facing all California communities.” Read Article and Response Letter.
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CASA Says Goodbye to a Loyal Member
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It is with sadness that we share you that Harry Francis, Castro Valley Sanitary District (CVSD) board member, passed away on November 4, 2012. Harry served on the CVSD Board for 15 years. Harry was a frequent face at the CASA conferences and was a steady participant in Roland Williams’ workout sessions. He was a dedicated water quality leader, an active member of CASA and he will most certainly be missed.
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Brown Act and Proposition 30
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As part of the 2012-2013 State Budget, provisions of the Ralph M. Brown Act were temporarily suspended. In all the activity surrounding the recent election, many may have missed the fact that Proposition 30 “The Schools and Local Public Safety Protection Act of 2012” included language to amend the State Constitution to provide that the state would no longer be obligated to reimburse local agencies for the costs of Brown Act compliance.
On November 6, 2012, Proposition 30 was approved by the voters and with that approval, the following provision was added to the State Constitution: “Any requirement that a local agency comply with [the Brown Act] with respect to performing its Public Safety Services responsibilities, or any other matter, shall not be a reimbursable mandate under Section 6 of Article XIII B.”
As a result, Brown Act compliance no longer is a reimbursable state mandate, and the suspension in the 2012-13 State Budget Act has been lifted. State law again requires that local public agencies fully comply with all aspects of the Brown Act (effective starting November 7, 2012). The State will no longer reimburse for Brown Act compliance costs beyond costs incurred in the 2011-12 fiscal year.
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USEPA Issues New Water Quality Criteria – Coastal Dischargers Take Note!
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Within days of the election results, USEPA issued new water quality criteria related to the public health of the nation’s beach going community. The criteria, developed on the basis of a court order, may impose more stringent state-related mandates that coastal dischargers must comply with as states develop their own coastal waters protection programs. Pursuant to an order from a U.S. District Court and as required by the Beaches Environmental Assessment and Coastal Health Act of 2000, EPA has recommended new recreational water quality criteria for states that will help protect peoples’ health during visits to beaches and waters year round. The science-based criteria provide information to help states improve public health protection by addressing a broader range of illness symptoms, better accounting for pollution after heavy rainfall, providing more protective recommendations for coastal waters, encouraging early alerts to beachgoers and promoting rapid water testing. The criteria released do not impose any new requirements; instead, they are a tool that states can choose to use in setting their own standards.
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