CASA Connects for October 3, 2016

  • Water
  • by BPC Staff
  • on October 3, 2016
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October 3, 2016

Legislative Session Ends, Governor Decides on Bills

Friday, September 30 was the final deadline for the governor to sign or veto all bills passed to him by the legislature in the 2015-16 session. Hundreds of bills were considered in the final weeks, including several bills CASA was actively working on this year.
Of particular interest is the Governor’s signing of SB 1069 (Wieckowski), which makes changes to the way connection fees for new “accessory dwelling units” can be assessed by water and wastewater agencies. Watch your email for a more detailed summary of this bill and how it may affect your agency.
The complete list of final bill dispositions for the 2015-16 session is now available.

Meet CASA Climate Change Program Manager Sarah Deslauriers

In July, CASA launched our climate change program to advocate for the interests of California wastewater agencies on issues related to climate mitigation and resiliency. Given the importance of climate change and renewable energy legislation and regulatory activity, the activities of the California Wastewater Climate Change Group were transitioned to a core function of the association in accordance with CASA’s strategic plan. We are delighted to introduce Sarah Deslauriers as our Climate Change Program Manager under a contract with Carollo Engineers.
Learn more about Sarah on CASA’s staff & consultant page…

WE&RF Agrees to Study Benefits of Biosolids on of Fire Ravaged Land

In response to a request from CASA, the Water Environment & Reuse Foundation (WE&RF) has agreed to undertake a study to quantify and demonstrate the benefits of biosolids application on fire ravaged land. CASA developed the study design and assembled the research team for the project, which is a key element of the Utility Leadership Committee priority action plan.

Who Wants to Throw a Party at their Treatment Plant?

Hosting an open house at your agency’s treatment facility offers your customers a unique opportunity to see first-hand how one of the most critical public services is accomplished.

In her guest blog, Michelle McKinney explains why it’s important and offers tips for success.

Read the blog… 

Agency News

The public is invited to the official opening of the Lystek Organic Material Recovery Center – Fairfield Suisun Sewer District on October 21 in Fairfield. The keynote speaker will be Congressman John Garamendi. The event includes guided tours every half hour, plus food, drinks, and fun.Learn more…

Advanced Microgrid Solutions and the Irvine Ranch Water District announced a public-private partnership to install the largest network of energy storage systems at a public water agency in the United States.  The cutting-edge grid support project will enable the public water agency to store energy, making it available to reduce demand from the grid when requested by the utility without interrupting water treatment operations and reducing the need for additional supply from fossil fuel generation in a region challenged by the closure of the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station. Read the news release…
Dublin San Ramon Services District invites the public to a behind-the-scenes tour of its resource recovery facility, which cleans 10 million gallons of wastewater a day, produces a billion gallons of recycled water every year, and generates electricity from captured methane. The tour is October 12. Learn more…
As California faces a fifth year of record-breaking drought, the world’s largest water reuse project of its kind, the Groundwater Replenishment System, surpassed a major water production milestone when it hit the 200-billion-gallon mark. A joint project of theOrange County Water District and the Orange County Sanitation District, the GWRS was expanded last year, making it the world’s largest project of its kind. Read more…

Register Now for the the Communication Essentials Workshop

The CASA Communications Workgroup, in partnership with CWEA, is pleased to bring you the Communication Essentials Workshop. This one-day workshop is designed for all water professionals who would like to enhance their communication program.

Register now! Early bird registration ends October 3.

Mixed Bag

The Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) establishes a new financing mechanism to accelerate investment in our nation’s water infrastructure. The WIFIA program will provide loans for up to 49 percent of eligible project costs for projects that will cost at least $20 million for large communities and $5 million for small communities (population of 25,000 or less). The program has announce that they will be hosting information sessions around the country during the next two months. Learn more…

Now Hiring!
CASA members have numerous opportunities available. Visit our Job Board for details.

Events

Date
Organization
Event
Location
Oct. 18, 2016 CASA & CWEA Oakland
Oct. 20, 2016 CASA & CWEA Communication Essentials Workshop Fountain
Valley
Nov. 1, 2016 California Bioresources Alliance 11th Annual Symposium West Sacramento
Jan. 18-20, 2017 CASA Palm Springs
Feb. 27 – March 1, 2017 CASA Washington, D.C.
April 19, 2017 CASA/WateReuse Sacramento
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