CASA Connects Newsletter for October 31, 2016
                       October 31, 2016

 CASA Submits Comments on Several Key Issues

It’s been an active month at the State Water Board as the comment deadline for several important policies and initiatives has now closed. CASA recently submitted comments on three key initiatives, including substantial changes to the Environmental Lab Accreditation Program (ELAP),  amendments to the State Water Board Water Quality Enforcement Policy, and a draft report to the Legislature on the feasibility of developing regulations for Direct Potable Reuse (DPR). All of these policy changes have the potential to impact CASA members and will continue to be focal points of CASA’s regulatory advocacy. Read more…

 Agencies Testify at Second Little Hoover Commission Hearing

On October 27, the Little Hoover Commission held its second hearing on special districts, with a specific focus on how special districts are adapting to climate change. The agenda featured seven panelists, one being a representative from the governor’s administration who focused on the State’s climate change efforts, and the other 6 panelists were representatives of various water, flood control, and wastewater special districts.  Read more…

Registration is now Open for our Winter Conference

CASA’s Winter Conference will be held January 18-20 in Palm Springs. This year’s theme is Leveraging our Resources, and will include a focus on maximizing available tools and resources for improved efficiency.

Registration is now open.  Visit our website for more information.

Stay tuned to CASA Connects for more information about our presenters and topics.

Introducing Members Only Area of CASA Website

On October 25, CASA members were sent an email introducing our new members only area of the CASA website.
The first phase includes:
  • Your member profile
  • Member directory with search option
  • Register and pay for events
Plans for future phases include:
  • Renewal invoice generation
  • Access to member-only content
  • Access to member-only forums
  • Additional enhancements as we develop them
Your October 25 email included instructions for logging into the site. Please take a moment to create a password and log on to the site, where you can view and update your profile information.
Please be sure and add casa@memberclicks-mail.net to your address book so your emails are not viewed as spam.
If you did not receive the email, please first check your spam/junk folder, then contact Debbie Welch.

Learning Advances at Communication Essentials Workshops

Water professionals gathered recently for the first ever joint CASA/CWEA Communication Essentials Workshops. The sessions were in Oakland at the East Bay Municipal Water District facility, and in Fountain Valley at Orange County Sanitation District.

The workshops, which were facilitated and presented by the CASA Communications Workgroup, were well-attended by people in a variety of roles in the water profession. Members of the workgroup first shared their expertise through case studies and presentations. Then participants got to reinforce their learning through hands-on exercises.
The CASA Communications Workgroup will contribute their talents further through a presentation on open houses at CASA’s Winter Conference in January.

Mixed Bag

The Public Policy Institute of California, Water Policy Center conducted a live webcast on October 18 on Policy Priorities for California’s Water. The program examined what’s on tap in key areas, including strengthening urban drought resilience, managing groundwater in rural areas, addressing declining ecosystem health, and ensuring safe drinking water in disadvantaged communities. Segments of the program are available to view on their website.
A few months ago we let you know about CWEA’s new career resource center, cawaterjobs.org, sponsored in part by CASA.  Already this website has posted 300 jobs and is getting 300-400 visitors per day. The site includes job postings from organizations throughout the state, as well as information on certifications and other career resources. Check out the website and discover how it may help you or your organization.
Dr. Rufus Chaney
Lystek unveiled the company’s process for turning treated sewage from the Fairfield-Suisun Sewer District plant into fertilizer for use by farmers during a tour of the company’s operations, Friday, Oct. 21. Read more…
Dr. Rufus Chaney, a Senior Research Agronomist and noted figure in the world of biosolids, has retired after 47 years with the USDA. Congratulations Dr. Chaney, and thank you for all the great work and advancements you made in the world of biosolids.
Clean tech energy storage leader Advanced Microgrid Solutions (AMS) and the Inland Empire Utilities Agency(IEUA) launched a landmark water-energy project using advanced energy storage systems to better integrate renewable power, reduce demand on the electric grid and lower costs. Read more… 
Now Hiring!
CASA members have numerous opportunities available. Visit our Job Board for details.

Events

Date
Organization
Event
Location
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
Visit our website: www.casaweb.org
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