communicating to gain public acceptance in the water...
TRANSCRIPT
----- “Communicating to Gain Public ----- TCP Makes Operator Certi
----- Composting at the University of ----- See Page 7 for LABS Pas
----- See Page 8 for AAEE Water Re
Acceptance in the Water Industry” ----- fication History at Hyperion ----- Puerto Rico’s Agricultural Station ----- t Presidents Event Details ----- clamation Training Opportunity -----
August 2008 SEWER LEAKS – A Los Angeles Basin Section of the CWEA Publication
LABS Featured Speaker Ron Wildermuth (lt) Attendees enjoy camaraderie at the July LABS dinner meeting (ctr) CWEA 2009 Conference Cmt Vice-Chair Debora Bogdanoff and Past TCP Chair Kris Flaig (lt) Orange County’s Groundwater Replenishment Systems Reverse Osmosis Elements (15,750 RO Elements Total if laid out would
cover about 130 football fields) (below)
LABS SEWER LEAKS – August 2008 2 www.labsofcwea.com
“Communicating to Gain Public Acceptance in the Water Industry” On July 24, the Los Angeles Basin Section (LABS) of California Water Environment Association (CWEA) hosted a training meeting at the Doubletree Hotel in Carson. The featured speaker at the event, Ron Wildermuth the Public and Governmental Affairs Manager of West Basin Municipal Water District, presented lessons learned from the successful public outreach program that led to the high approval rating of Orange County’s Groundwater Replenishment System (GWRS).
LABS VP Hala Titus (lt) Speaker Ron Wildermuth (ctr) Attendees participate in Q&A session (rt)
The GWRS is the largest water purification project of its kind in the world (70 MGD). In a political climate (Southern California) that historically rejected numerous water recycling programs, how did the GWRS achieve such a high approval rating? Ron recommended that agencies follow a program called DAD (Decide, Announce, and Defend). Begin with intensive up-front planning and select the correct alternative for the region. A common trend for the unsuccessful case studies evaluated was the tendency to select the short-term “low-cost” alternative. In fact, paper designs and re-designs are not cost effective. Too much project redirection leads to confusion, distrust, and an overall lack of confidence by the constituency in the agency’s ability to protect the public interest. Therefore Mr. Wildermuth recommends that agencies invest in a strategic public outreach programs to inform and familiarize their stakeholders with the selected alternative.
The most effective outreach strategy is face-to-face communication, however, Orange County Water District (OCWD) serves 2.3 million residents. How is it possible to reach the majority with limited (3 full-time speakers) resources? This is where region specific research provided strategic guidance. OCSD hired consultants to survey a statistically valid random sample of their service area. Results of the survey showed that the individuals most likely to oppose the program were women (mothers), minorities, and the elderly. It was also determined that these groups were more likely to trust medical professional opinion on health related issues than local government agency employees. With this information in hand, appropriate experts could be approached and provided with program specific scientific information. In addition, one-on-one presentations could be developed for the identified demographics. This still resulted in a large number of stakeholders, in order to reduce this to a more manageable number, Ron suggests further streamlining of outreach efforts by contacting the local officials, and groups that likely speaks for the target demographic.
LABS SEWER LEAKS – August 2008 3 www.labsofcwea.com
North County groundwater from Orange County Water
District (OCWD)Value = Groundwater aprox.
$200 AFSouth County Imported water
from MWDOC & METFrom Northern California &
Colorado RiverImported aprox. $500 AF
North County groundwater from Orange County Water
District (OCWD)Value = Groundwater aprox.
$200 AFSouth County Imported water
from MWDOC & METFrom Northern California &
Colorado RiverImported aprox. $500 AF
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At an estimated cost of $487 Million the GWRS was not the short-term “low cost” alternative, however, a high public approval rating was achieved because the GWRS provided multiple benefits to the region such as reduced dependence on increasingly unreliable imported water supplies, saltwater intrusion barrier protection for the ground water basin, and $170 Million in savings due to not building a new ocean outfall.
ue to a highly effective 10-year outreach program OCWD and Orange County Sanitation istrict (OCSD) now purify 70 MGD recycled water through microfiltration, reverse osmosis, nd ultraviolet light with hydrogen peroxide disinfection. Roughly half of the water from the WS will be injected into Orange County’s seawater barrier. The seawater barrier is an nderground pressure ridge of water formed by injection wells along the coast of Orange ounty. The remaining water will be piped to recharged lakes in Anaheim, to augment the roundwater basin.
Injection WellInjection Well
Intrusion BarrierIntrusion Barrierelel
Injection WellInjection Well
Intrusion BarrierIntrusion Barrierelel
Injection WellInjection Well
Intrusion BarrierIntrusion Barrierelel
Injection WellInjection Well
Intrusion BarrierIntrusion Barrierelel
roundwater protection barrier (lt) Schematic of RO process (ctr) Orange County’s seawater barrier (rt)
LABS SEWER LEAKS – August 2008 4 www.labsofcwea.com
TCP Makes Operator Certification History at Hyperion Treatment Plant!
Operators take the last CWEA “paper” Operator Certification test at the Hyperion Treatment Plant On July 26, 2008 Operators participated in a historic event, the last scheduled “paper” CWEA certification testing program. In January 2009 computer-based testing (CBT) with begin. CWEA is in the process of establishing a Certification Prep Committee to lead the work on study sessions, moderator training, moderator guides, and study guides to ensure consistent high quality. If you are interested in serving on the new committee send an email to CWEA at [email protected].Volunteers Debra Bogdanoff and Kris Flaig proctor the historic even (lt) Operators glad its over! Good Luck! (rt)
LABS SEWER LEAKS – August 2008 5 www.labsofcwea.com
Composting at the University of Puerto Rico’s Agricultural Station On July 12, 2008 Dr. Joaquin Chong of the University of Puerto Rico (UPR) hosted a tour of their composting operations at the Agricultural Experiment Station in the mountainous rain forest region near Adjuntas. Puerto Rico has a well-established coffee tradition. First brought in 1736, coffee was relegated to the mountainous regions by the Spanish immigrants in favor of sugar production valley regions. During the early part of the 19th century, immigrants from French Mediterranean island of Corsica settled in the Southwestern Mountains of the island. By the 1860s they dominated the coffee industry on the island. By the 1890s Puertorrican coffee represented a standard of excellence in coffee production that continues today. The Puerto Rico Department of Agriculture lists total production in 2005, at 22.5 Million pounds of beans the majority of coffee grown on the island is consumed in the US. Agricultrual Experiment Station Adjuntas, Puerto Rico (lt) Dr. Joaquin Chong Composting Researcher (rt)
In Puerto Rico, it is estimated that an acre producing 1500 lbs. of market coffee per acre will provide about 2 1/2 tons of pulp yearly. Coffee pulp obtained from the wet processing of coffee fruit has usually been considered a waste, and the common methods to dispose of this material involve dumping it into the natural water systems or piling it onto nearby agricultural lands. In coffee producing countries, it constitutes a source of severe contamination and a serious environmental problem. For this reason, since the middle of the present century, efforts have been made to develop methods for its utilization as a raw material for the production of feeds, beverages, vinegar, biogas, caffeine, pectin, pectic enzymes, protein, and compost. Dr. Chong, an expert in ornamental plants, sees coffee pulp as a potential environmental resource. Chemical fertilizers must be imported and are expensive. With a carbon to nitrogen ratio of 27 to 1 coffee pulp contains the potential for an organic locally produced, sustainable fertilizer. Dr. Chong received a research endowment to construct the aerated static pile (ASP) coffee pulp composting pilot facility at the UPR Agricultural Experiment Station. Piles consisting of 100% coffee pulp are arranged in piles approximately 10 feet wide by 100 feet in length by 5 feet in height. The aeration system operates in positive mode to blow air through the piles in an automatic On/Off cycle. Aerators are on for 15 minutes every hour and are not controlled by operational process parameters such as temperature and oxygen concentration. Temperature probes are used for process monitoring but are not tied into the highly manual control system. Coffee pulp is fine, uniform, and wet. This has resulted in initially high digestion rates as indicated by elevated temperatures followed by anaerobic conditions caused
LABS SEWER LEAKS – August 2008 6 www.labsofcwea.com by the initially high moisture content of the material, which is further complicated by the location of the research station in a rain forest. Modifications, such as fabric rain covers have been added to help alleviate these wet conditions. In addition, the coffee pulp lacks structural integrity and tends to collapse during times of high biological activity. This reduces the porosity and further complicates aeration. The addition of bulking agents (woody materials to augment porosity) was suggested, however, there are no readily available dry bulking materials near Adjuntas. Dr. Chong would also like to avoid the need to screen the finished product. The target market for the finished product is nurseries which would distribute the bagged fertilizer to local consumers. Member Inducted to 5S “Select Society of Sanitary Sludge Shovelers”
CWdesServoluindiShoeacWe Re As andelecDan
Dan Gary presented with the gold shovel by CWEA Director Ann Heil on July 24, 2008.
EA members who have contributed in excess of five (5) years to the wastewater collection, ign and operations objectives of CWEA are eligible for membership in the 5S Society. vice may have been as a CWEA or Local Section officer, committee member, or faithful nteer at the local, regional, state, and even national level. Nominations are accepted from
viduals as well as Local Sections and CWEA committees. A select committee of Sludge velers evaluates all supporting documentation for each nominee. Only a few are selected h year. For more information on the program or to nominate a candidate contact Chuck ir at [email protected] Congrats to Dan!
duce LABS Footprint by Requesting Electronic Newsletter Distribution
our membership increases (CWEA 8,674 members as of May 31, 2008), so does the cost potential waste of paper newsletter distribution. If you have room in your in-box for the tronic version (the images tend to make the pdf large) please send an email request to Gary at [email protected]
Under water photos from June 19, 2008 dive in the Caribbean off the coast of St. Maarten.
CWEA Los Angeles Basin Section
cordially invites you, your family & friends to enjoy CWEA LABS Past President’s Event
Picnic and Concert at the Hollywood Bowl
The picnic will be located at Picnic Area #15 from 6:00–8:00 PM.
Catering from Corner Bakery and non-alcoholic drinks will be provided. Bring your own alcohol if
desired. Seats are located in Section M3
Please visit the Hollywood Bowl Website
(www.hollywoodbowl.com) for transportation options, parking information and more!
RSVP deadline extended to Friday, August 1, 2008 with
Amanda Schmidt, LABS Young Professionals Committee Chair [email protected]; 310-566-6460
Please send checks (no cash or credit cards) payable to LABS to
Amanda Schmidt, RMC Water and Environment, 2400 Broadway, Suite 300, Santa Monica, CA 90405 Once payment is received tickets will be sent to attendee.
Tickets may also be purchased with cash or check at the July LABS meeting.
A Night in Old Havana An electrifying evening of Cuban sights and sounds awaits you when the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra takes a musical tour of old Havana, mambo style!
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Picnic: 6:00 PM Cost: $35, Students $15
BioCOPE, Inc. Bay Area ProcessPat McDaniel, President 14365 Meadow Dr.23711 Hix Drive Grass Valley, CA 95945Canyon, TX 79015 Marc Cuniberti, Presidentph: 800-900-6201 Ph: (530) 272-2298Fax: 888-473-4948 Fax: (530) 272-2753www.biocope.com Toll Free (800) [email protected] [email protected]
Website: RUECKCO.COM
James H. Clark, P.E. Donald G. Rosenberg andVice President Associates, Inc.800 Wilshire blvd. # 600 6442 Coldwater Caynon, Suite 101Los Angeles, CA 90017 North Hollywood, CA 91606ph: 213-312-3300 ph: 818-508-4523Fax: 213-312-3399 fax: 818-508-6126www.bv.com Donald G. Rosenberg, [email protected]
MURRILL ADAMS
GOLDEN BELL PRODUCTS11111 Santa Monica Blvd.Suite 750Los Angeles, CA 90025 1200 N. Jefferson, Unit M Phone: (714) 630-3861Tel: (310) 893-2700 Anaheim, CA 92807 Fax: (714) 630-4807Fax: (310) 893-2750 www.goldenbellproducts.com Toll Free: (866) 462-3577
www.brownandcaldwell.com/ email: [email protected]
CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROLS, INC.
Industrial and Municipal Water and Waste Treatment Systems
6739 So. Washington Ave./P.P. Box 469/Whittier, CA 90608-0469(562) 945-3425 Fax (562) [email protected] www.cec-h2o.com
Patrick F. Kennedy
MARK ALLING
Industrial Tools - SafetyEnvironmental Health ProductsDavid Tucker - Sales/Customer Service294 West Bonita (909) 392-3442
CUST. SERV. (866) 337-7427 Pomona, CA 91767 (909) 392-3446 [email protected] TEL. (562) 698-8036 www.jgtucker.com (909) 223-4243 Cell
FAX (562) 698-1921 [email protected]
www.coombshopkins.comR. Bruce Zimmerman, President ph: 760-931-0555 Alec Mackie 290 Paularino Ave5411 Avenida Encinas. Suite 250 fax: 760-931-9115 Marketing Manager Costa Mesa, CA 92626Carlsbad, CA 92008 cell: (714) 745-0678 JWC Environmental P: [email protected] www.jwce.com [email protected]
19355 Business Center Drive Unit 2Northridge, CA 91324 Dhiru Patel, P.E., Vice President ph: 626-912-3391, x-209
(818) 772-8720 Fax(818) 772-2477 Toll Free (818) 333-6474 1199 S. Fullerton Rd. fax: 626-912-2015email: [email protected] City of Industry, CA 91748-1232 [email protected]
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www.sancon.com Contr. Lic. 731797
Rick Di Cesare Phone: 805.498.3811 Steven Stump ph: 714-847-13171111 Rancho Conejo Blvd. SuiFax: 805.498.7631 17631 Metzler Lane fax: 714-847-6907Newbury Park, CA [email protected] Huntington Beach, CA 92647 Lic. 686371
Joseph A. Wojslaw, P.E., Vice President Steve Ahles MWH Americas, Inc. Proj. Manager, Burbank Water Reclamation Plant618 Michilinda Avenue Suite 2 ph: 626-796-9141 740 North Lake St. ph: 818-972-1115, x-20Arcadia, California 91007 Direct: 626-568-6194 Burbank, CA 91502 cell: [email protected]: 626-568-6101 fax: 818-845-0718
Lou Giordano209 E. Alameda St.Suite 204 AMIR SOLTANIEHBurbank, CA 91502-2674
Pacific Process Equipment, ph: 818-500-9495 3010 FLOYD ST. ORANGE COUNTY OFFICEfax: 818-500-9799 BURBANK, CA 91504-2599 PHONE (949) 855-0919www.pacificprocess.com PH. (818) 562-5282 FAX (949) 855-0929
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A SUPPLIER OF PUMPS AND PROCESS EQUIPMENT
ph: 626-440-6263 GABRIEL ZINKcell: 626-483-3171 Sales Engineer
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LABS CORPORATE SPONSORS
nnovative Solutions for Water and the Environmen
BUILDING A BETTER WORLD
Interested in Becoming a Corporate Sponsor?Contact Pat McDaniel at
800-900-6201 [email protected]
Sewer Leaks Editor Wendy Wert 1955 Workman Mill Rd. Whittier, CA 90601
LABS Board of Directors President: Patrick Griffith (562) 908-4288 x-2117Vice President: Hala Titus (213) 312-3330 Treasurer: Ian Mackenzie (310) 648-6134 Director: Alec Mackie (714) 428-4614 Director: Pat McDaniel (800) 900-6201 Director: Wendy Wert (562) 908-4288 x-2128Past President: Pei-Chin Low (626) 568-6999 Address Changes Please contact Marge Okabe at (310) 375-0448 or email [email protected]
LABS Committee Chairs Programs: Hala Titus (213) 312-3330 Newsletter: Wendy Wert (562) 908-4288 x-2128 Membership: Marge Okabe (310) 375-0448 WW Treatment & Reuse: Mischelle Mische (562) 908-4288 x-2488 Awards: Pei-Chin Low (626) 568-6999 TCP: John Mays (818) 778-4138 Supergroup: Dan Gary (310) 830-2400 x-5316 P3S Representative: Bill Garrett (562) 699-7411 x-2907 Collection Systems: Pat McDaniel (800)-900-6201 Public Education Michael Simpson (323) 342-6047 Operator Certification: Francisco Ramirez (310) 648-5857 Webmaster: Miluska Propersi (310) 566-6460 Young Professionals: Amanda Schmidt (310) 566-6460
CWEA Liaisons CWEA Director: Ann Heil (562) 699-7411 x-2803 Southern CA Rep: Constance Leonard (213) 457-2162
SPECIAL EVENTS CALENDAR
LEEDing the Southland: Energy & Air Quality, Downey www.socalgas.com/erc California Solar Initiative, Irwindale www.sce.com/energycenters LABS Past Presidents Event at Hollywood Bowl, Los Angeles www.labsofcwea.com CWEA Northern Regional Training Conference, Sparks, NV http://www.cwea.org/ AAEE California Water Reclamation, Whittier (contact Emily) [email protected] CWEA Tri-State, Primm, NV http://www.cwea.org/
Aug 7th Aug 12th
Aug 16th Sep 7th - 9th
Sep 25th Sep 25th - 27th
www.projectpartners.com/ps/index.htmwww.ewb-la.orghttp://www.waterforpeoplela.comhttp://www.wef.org/http://www.cwea.org/http://www.labsofcwea.com/