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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-11-28 EMC Meeting Agenda and Director's Informational Report ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COMMISSION COUNTY OF HAWAIʻI MEETING AGENDA DATE: November 28, 2018 TIME: 9:00 a.m. PLACE: West Hawaiʻi Civic Center 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Highway Community Hale (Building G) Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 1. CALL TO ORDER 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF OCTOBER 24, 2018 3. STATEMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC ON AGENDA ITEMS 4. UNFINISHED BUSINESS a. Revisit and discuss process to track motions and suggest possible follow-up on previous motions. b. Update on water sustainability and water quality white paper and plans. 5. NEW BUSINESS a. Begin a review process for alternatives to conventional and costly wastewater treatment plants, to include: (1) Wastewater flow reduction technology and policy (2) Advanced R-1 systems (3) Neighborhood scale systems (4) Form a study committee b. Discussion on Bill 192 (Draft 2), which was referred by the County Council’s Environmental Management Committee to this Commission for comment and recommendation. Bill 192 seeks to establish an Environmental Quality Control Program to mitigate nuisance factors at County facilities managed by the Department of Environmental Management, such as improperly handled refuse and wastewater, feral cats, dogs, and other animals abandoned or released at DEM facilities. c. Discussion on Bill 210, which was referred by the County Council’s Finance Committee to this Commission for comment and recommendation. Bill 210 proposes to increase wastewater water service charge rates to cover the costs of providing the services. d. Discussion of a proposal to examine alternatives to funding sewer service and other alternatives that may help address the cesspool conversion process, and form a study committee. 6. EXECUTIVE SESSION With reference to the agenda items below, an executive meeting is anticipated for the Commission to consult with its attorney on questions and issues pertaining to its powers, duties, privileges, immunities, and liabilities. Therefore, pursuant to Hawaiʻi Revised Statutes Sections 92-5(a)(2), 92-5(a)(4), and 92-6(a)(2), the following item may be considered in Executive Session: a. Environmental Assessment for the proposed Pāhala Wastewater Treatment Plant (in executive session due to civil lawsuit - Demoruelle v. Beck et al., Civil No. 18-1-00206). 7. REPORTS/CORRESPONDENCE Director’s Informational Report. (Note: The report and agenda are posted online on the County Calendar and on the County’s website under Boards and Commissions, Environmental Management Commission (http://records.co.hawaii.hi.us/weblink/Browse.aspx?startid=8405&dbid=1). The Director will provide informational updates on the following: a. Status of Bill 192 (Draft 2) regarding a comprehensive environmental quality control program to assess and address current and potential negative environmental or human impacts at county facilities on county-owned properties under the control of the Department of Environmental Management. b. Status of Bill 210, which proposes to increase wastewater water service charge rates to cover the costs of providing the services. c. Status of the proposed Pāhala and Nāāʻlehu Wastewater Treatment Plants. As the County of Hawaiʻi is being sued (Sandra L. Demoruelle v. Dora Beck et al., Civil No. 18-1-00206), discussion of the Pāhala and Nāālehu projects will be ʻ limited. d. Report by the Water Reuse Task Force to the legislature on R-1 water. e. Discussion on Bill Gates’ proposal on the “reinvented toilet” for Hawaiʻi. A news article on this can be accessed at https://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/2018/11/20/bill- gates-wants-bring-new-kind-technology-hawaii-reinvented-toilet/. 8. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Commissioners can suggest items they would like placed on the next agenda. 9. ANNOUNCEMENTS The next meeting is scheduled for January 23, 2019, at the Aging and Disability Resource Center at 1055 Kinoʻole Street, Hilo, Hawaiʻi (in the Training/Conference Room). 10. ADJOURNMENT The regular meeting place is accessible to persons with disabilities. To request an auxiliary aid or language translation, please call 961-8083 five days prior to the meeting date. Comments may be sent to the Department of Environmental Management, 345 Kekūanāoʻa Street, Suite 41, Hilo, Hawaiʻi 96720, or emailed to cohdem@hawaiicounty.gov. Notice to lobbyists: If you are a lobbyist, you must register with the Hawaiʻi County Clerk within ?ive days of becoming a lobbyist. \[Article 15, Section 2-91.3(b), Hawaiʻi County Code.\] A lobbyist means “any individual engaged for pay or other consideration who spends more than five hours in any month or $275 in any six-month period for the purpose of attempting to influence legislative or administrative action by communicating or urging others to communicate with public officials.” \[Article 15, Section 2-91.3(a)(6), Hawaiʻi County Code.\] Registration forms and expenditure report documents are available at the Of?ice of the County Clerk-Council, 25 Aupuni Street, Hilo, Hawaiʻi 96720. DIRECTOR’S INFORMATIONAL REPORT TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COMMISSION NOVEMBER 28, 2018 CURRENT LEGISLATION ITEM: Bill 192. DESCRIPTION: Bill 192 seeks to amend Chapter 2, Article 40, Section 2-202, and Chapter 14 of the Hawaii County Code by establishing an Environmental Quality Control program to mitigate nuisance factors at County facilities managed by DEM, such as improperly handled refuse and wastewater, feral cats, dogs, and other animals abandoned or released at DEM facilities. CURRENT STATUS: 11/19/18: Hearing before the Council's Environmental Management Committee. Referred to the Environmental Management Commission for review and recommendation. ITEM: Bill 210. DESCRIPTION: Bill 210 proposes to increase wastewter service charge rates sto cover the costs of providing the services. The increases will reduce the Wastewater Division's dependence on the General Fund and provide for improved maintenance and repair of the facilities. CURRENT STATUS: 11/19/18: Hearing before the Council's Finance Committee. Referred to the Environmental Management Commission for review and recommendation. DIRECTOR’S INFORMATIONAL UPDATES AND ISSUES BROUGHT UP AT THE PREVIOUS MEETING 1. Status of Bill 192 (Draft 2) regarding a comprehensive environmental quality control program to assess and address current and potential negative environmental or human impacts at county facilities on county-owned properties under the control of the Department of Environmental Management. 2. Status of Bill 210, which proposes to increase wastewater service charge rates to cover the costs of providing the services. 3. Status of the proposed Pāhala and Nāālehu Wastewater Treatment Plants. As the ʻ County of Hawaiʻi is being sued (Sandra L. Demoruelle v. Dora Beck et al., Civil No. 18-1- 00206), discussion of the Pāhala and Nāālehu projects will be limited.ʻ 4. Report by the Water Reuse Task Force to the legislature on R-1 water. 5. Discussion on Bill Gates’ proposal on the “reinvented toilet” for Hawaiʻi. A news ar?cle on this can be accessed at https://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/2018/11/20/bill-gates- wants-bring-new-kind-technology-hawaii-reinvented-toilet/. SOLID WASTE DIVISION PROJECTS AND UPDATES 1. OPERATIONS A. COMMERCIAL DRIVERS LICENSING (CDL) TRAINING: • Heavy equipment training has been completed for all interested personnel at both the SHSL and WHSL. SWD is now moving forward with filling Equipment Operator positions on a permanent basis. B. WEST HAWAI‘I SANITARY LANDFILL: • Waste Management Hawaiʻi (WMH) gave SWD and State DOH no?ce that they plan to begin installing liner material in the newest landfill cell. C. EQUIPMENT SWD is anticipating taking delivery of new equipment in the coming month, including a new bulldozer for the WHSL. SWD took delivery of five new semi- trailers that will used for the cross-island hauling. 2. ADMINISTRATION • SWD is moving forward with transferring a position from Welder to Construction Mechanic. This position will be based at the WHSL. • SWD has completed putting together the 2019-2020 budget. 3. SOLID WASTE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS • SWD is in the process of answering questions that were submitted regarding the Environmental Assessment being conducted for the upcoming East Hawaiʻi Organics Facility sited at the Shipman Business Park in Keaʻau. ᵒ Contract paperwork is moving forward for awarding the contract for improvements to the Waiohinu Transfer Station. ᵒ Contract paperwork is moving forward to award the contract for construction of a new transfer station in Hawaiian Ocean View Estates. 4. RECYCLING SECTION A. ORGANICS DIVERSION PROGRAM: The Amended and Restated Service Agreement for greenwaste and composting services was approved and accepted by both Hawaiian Earth Recycling and the County during September 2018. B. INTEGRATED SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN UPDATE: The 2019 County of Hawaiʻi Integrated Solid Waste Management Plan (ISWMP) update will be prepared in compliance with Hawaiʻi Revised Statutes (HRS) Chapter 342G, which requires counties in the state to update and revise their solid waste management plans every 10 years. The last update to the County of Hawai‘i’s ISWMP was completed in 2009. The update to the ISWMP will include an evaluation of local needs and conditions to determine the most effective combined strategy for managing solid waste while protecting human health and the environment. The plan will outline the components of an effective solid waste management strategy and identify short and long term goals, while providing a framework for implementation. As required by HRS Chapter 342G, Mayor Kim appointed members to the Solid Waste Advisory Committee (SWAC). The County’s SWAC is comprised of eight members and has been meeting monthly. Input from SWAC members during the ISWMP update process is crucial to ensure that the completed plan effectively identifies and addresses the County of Hawai‘i’s unique solid waste challenges. C. TRANSFER STATION RECYCLABLES (“TWO-BIN”) COLLECTION AND RECYCLING: The current contract will end on September 30, 2019. SWD is now enforcing the ban on illegal commercial usage of self-haul resident-only recycling bins at recycling and transfer stations. There is a light-duty person monitoring the Kealakehe RTS site and redirecting commercial loads. Commercial generators/ collectors should work directly with recycling companies to manage recyclables, as they are prohibited from the recycling and transfer stations. Redesign of the Hilo site is proposed to better handle traffic and customers. SWD is working with the vendor to update and replace signage and repair ramps. A follow-up meeting was held with the vendor to discuss more restrictive worldwide recycling market and trade conditions and how it will impact local collections. Ongoing discussions continue. D. DO-IT-YOURSELF (DIY) USED MOTOR OIL RECYCLING: • IFB 3725 was awarded to Hawai‘i Petroleum and expires on August 31, 2019. The NTP was issued on September 24, 2018. • A list of island-wide year-round collection locations (six) is on our website at http://www.Hawaiizerowaste.org/recycle/motor-oil. Residents can also recycle DIY used motor oil at all County Household Hazardous Waste Collection Events. Used motor oil (UMO) is not accepted at the recycling and transfer stations. The DOH ended funding of the program in FY2015. DEM has funded the continuation of the UMO program in the FY2018 Budget. E. REUSE CENTERS: • RFP 3693 resulted in contract award to Transfer Station Thrift Store LLC for all seven locations. • The County operates seven Reuse Centers at Recycling and Transfer Stations located in Hilo, Kea‘au, Pāhoa, Kealakehe, Keauhou, Waimea, and Wai‘ōhinu. F. ELECTRONICS RECYCLING: • The IFB 3514 contract with Mr. K’s R&R expires April 17, 2019. • Residents are allowed no-charge household electronics recycling on Saturdays at Mr. K’s R&R. Businesses, non-profits, schools, and others are offered discounted fees on Saturdays. An acceptable list and more information is at http://hawaiizerowaste.org/recycle/e-waste. Mr. K’s is open and accepting electronics daily. • Mr. K’s again offered a “free” electronics collection event for businesses and agencies on September 29, 2018, partially sponsored by his recyclers and the County of Hawai‘i. Both June and September collections were very successful, but required significant County funding. Mr. K’s is not planning similar future events. • The County provides free monthly electronic recycling collections in Hilo, Kona, Waimea and Wai‘ōhinu for residential electronics only. Details of the County collections and any changes to private collections will be posted on our website at http://hawaiizerowaste.org/recycle/e-waste. • Currently, no manufacturer offers convenient on-island take-back of electronics. Manufacturers only offer this convenience on O‘ahu to comply with the Electronic Waste and Television Recycling & Recovery Act mandatory take-back provisions. A stronger EPR law requiring convenient on-island manufacturer sponsored take-back should be considered. The DOH awarded the County grant funding in FY2019, partially reimbursing SWD electronics recycling expenditures. G. HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE (HHW): • The next HHW Collection Events are scheduled for December 1, 2018, in Hilo and December 8, 2018, in Kealakehe. More information is available at http://www.hazardouswaste.org/recycle/household-hazardous-waste/. H. GREEN WASTE DIVERSION: • The State Department of Agriculture finalized a permanent rule (HAR § 4-72- 13) prohibiting the interisland transport of ‘ōhi‘a plant material to prevent the spread of Rapid Ōhiʽʽa Death caused by Ceratocystis lukuohia or Ceratocystis huliohia. They also recommend not transporting ‘ōhi‘a plant material from an infected area to a non-infected area. DEM has recommended that people not bring any ‘ōhi‘a plant material to our greenwaste collection sites and recommends composting on-site. • The County’s contract with Hawaiian Earth Recycling continues greenwaste recycling. Enhanced mulch is available at the East Hawai‘i Organics Facility. The mulch is treated for invasive species at EHOF since the modified State Department of Health permit was issued. SWD relocated the greenwaste recycling at the Waimea Recycling and Transfer Station to make it more convenient for residents. I. SCHOOL RECYCLING AND TOURS: • Requests for school and HCC/UHH tours of SWD facilities continue. Many are scheduled in November to coincide with Hawai‘i (America) Recycles Day. These tours are helpful in educating the next generation on recycling and sustainability. Several tours have already taken place for various schools island wide. J. SPECIAL EVENT RECYCLING: • The Recycling Section continues to offer free rental HI-5 Event Recycling Bins for fundraisers at community, sports or family events. Bins can be requested via an online application form at http://www.hawaiizerowaste.org/event-planning. Please submit applications for reservations well in advance of events to make sure bins are available and to schedule pick-up/drop-off. The hawaiizerowaste.org website also provides helpful resources for planning zero- waste events. K. HI-5 CERTIFIED REDEMPTION CENTERS (CRCs) • IFB 3552 is to “Provide Certified Redemption Center Services at County Recycling & Transfer Stations 2018-2019.” Atlas Recycling will continue to operate at Kealakehe, Kea‘au, Keauhou, Ocean View, Volcano, and Waimea. Business Services Hawaiāwī, Hilo, Honoka‘a, ʻi will con?nue to operate at H and Puakō. • Current DOH Inspector, Donis Zacarias, will be retiring at the end of October. Rose Chang is her new replacement. L. RECYCLING EDUCATION AND OUTREACH: • The Recycling Section’s website, www.hawaiizerowaste.org, completed its transition to a mobile-ready format with enhanced location features. The Recycling Section is researching upgrades to the website to improve functionality and customer experience. • Information is continually updated on the site. • Staff continues to give presentations to community organizations. The th biggest event was the 30 Earth Day Fair at UH-Hilo on April 20, 2018, where hundreds of students attended. The Recycling Section participated in the World Ocean Day on June 8, 2018, by staffing an exhibit table. • Out of the Sea Media Arts received a contract as a result of professional services procurement for Recycling Education Program Development services. The contractor is developing various education campaigns for UMO, the Polystyrene Food Service Ware ban, and a general update to recycling. M. TIRE RECOVERY/RECYCLING EDUCTION AND OUTREACH: • The contractor completed the third round one-year follow-up of tire retailer/wholesaler education and site inspections, educating tire retailers/ wholesalers of their responsibility to charge a disposal fee for tires sold, and to accept used tires from, customers when tires are being replaced. Two-year follow-up site visits are planned for April 2019. • The contractor completed an initial and second round of consumer education (media release, radio, newspaper, social media, posters/flyers, etc.) during the September through December 2017 period, encouraging consumers to leave used tires at the retailer when purchasing new ones, as customers already paid the mandatory fee for disposal. • More information is at: http://www.hawaiizerowaste.org/recycle/tires/ 5. DERELICT AND ABANDONED VEHICLE (DAV) PROGRAM • Towing and Vehicle Disposal Contracts are in place island-wide. ᵒ Zone 1 Towing (N. & S. Hilo, Puna, and parts of Kaū): Ken’s Towingʻ ᵒ Zone 2 Towing (N. & S. Kona and parts of Kaū): Diamond Auto Workzʻ ᵒ Zone 3 Towing (N. & S. Kohala and Hāmākua): Diamond Auto Workz ᵒ Hilo Vehicle Disposal: HMP dba Business Services Hawai‘i ᵒ Kona Vehicle Disposal: Big Island Scrap Metal ᵒ Pu‘uanahulu (W. Hawaiʻi) Vehicle Disposal: Big Island Scrap Metal • DAV coordinators continue to meet with the Hawaiʻi Police Department, Traffic Services Section, to explore ways of improving the tagging and removal of abandoned vehicles. • An auction for abandoned vehicles was held in May. ᵒ Total cars auctioned: 53 ᵒ Total cars sold: 23 ᵒ Total sales: $8,357 ᵒ Cost savings: 23 cars x $675 = $15,525 (this is what it would have cost the County if we had to dispose of them). • Monthly towing numbers: AV Towing 2018-19 July 2018: 23 in Hilo and 58 in W. Hawaii Aug 2018: 31 in Hilo and 61 in W. Hawaii Sept 2018: 89 in Hilo and 61 in W. Hawaii Oct 2018: 71 in Hilo and 45 in W. Hawaii The total tow request sent for the month of October 2018 was 132; however, 16 vehicles were not on location at the time of arrival. 6. SORT STATION UPDATE (FY 18-19) Month/Year Total Tons Taken to Sort Station Total Tons Diverted Jul 2018 1,350.04 0.00 Aug 2018 1,895.74 0.00 Sept 2018 1,167.65 0.00 Oct 2018 1,982.18 0.00 Totals 6,395.61 0.00 Per the Solid Waste Division, Total Tons Diverted has been zero for some time because they have not been conducting active sorting. Much of this is due to the storage of tires in the Sort Station collected during the dengue outbreak. Waste is received at the Sort Station early in the day, then the remainder is sent to the landfill. Just recently is the SWD at the point where they have enough space in the sort station to receive waste. 7. MONTHLY LANDFILL TONNAGES (FY 18-19) Month/Year SHSL WHSL Jul 2018 6,141.14 14,593.45 Aug 2018 6,411.82 13,824.53 Sept 2018 6,184.31 13,558.78 Oct 2018 6,335.40 12,149.22 Totals 25,072.67 54,125.98 8. MONTHLY TRANSFER STATION TONNAGES (FY 18-19) Month/Year SHSL WHSL Jul 2018 3,422.47 4,434.41 Aug 2018 3,448.69 4,206.27 Sept 2018 3,373.07 4,100.10 Oct 2018 3,342.37 4,252.90 Totals 13,586.60 16,993.68 The above table is to include data on the waste disposed of in the landfill (not the greenwaste or recycling data). WASTEWATER DIVISION PROJECTS AND UPDATES 1. COMPLIANCE • TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL: No report. • COLLECTION SYSTEM: No report. 2. OPERATIONS A. TREATMENT/COLLECTION SYSTEMS AND PUMPING STATIONS/ FORCE MAINS: • Unscheduled repairs/upgrades/replacement of failing equipment due to age and prolonged wear and tear continue where necessary throughout the wastewater facilities. B. SAFETY PRACTICES/TRAINING: • WWD Administration continues to review and update the Emergency Response Procedures and the Standard Safety Procedures, and the weekly safety meeting agendas. 3. ADMINISTRATION A. VACANT POSITIONS IN OPERATIONS: • Temporary Trades Helper (Kona – 2 positions): recruitment in progress • Temporary Sewer Maintenance Repairer (Kona – 1 position): recruitment in progress • Operator I (Hilo - 1 position): recruitment in progress. • Operator II (Hilo - 1 position): recruitment in progress. • Operator IV (Hilo - 1 position): recruitment in progress. • Superintendent of Operations (Hilo): recruitment in progress B. VACANT POSITIONS AT RAILROAD OFFICE: • Wastewater Deputy Division Chief: recruitment in progress. 4. WASTEWATER CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS A. NĀ‘ĀLEHU LARGE CAPACITY CESSPOOL REPLACEMENT: • October 25, 2018: Final Preliminary Engineering Report for the treatment plant was submitted to EPA and also made available for public viewing. Report includes listing of alternative potential sites that were investigated. • Public outreach meetings are to be scheduled after completion of the comment period for the Pāhala Draft EA. • The State EA process is to be completed prior to purchase of land for the treatment/disposal facility. • Closure of the large capacity cesspools as mandated by the EPA will occur once the treatment and disposal system has been constructed and properties have been connected to the new collection system. • The project is planned for funding with Clean Water State Revolving Funds (CWSRF) monies. B. PĀHALA LARGE CAPACITY CESSPOOL REPLACEMENT: • As a result of EPA funding for this project, the NEPA process in addition to the State EA process are required. Both processes are to be completed prior to selection of land for the treatment/disposal facility. • The draft EA was submitted to OEQC on 9/12/18 for publication on 9/23/18. • The draft EA was re-submitted (unchanged) on 10/26/18 for publication on 11/8/18 to extend the comment period to 12/10/18 in response to public request during the initial comment period. • Closure of the large capacity cesspools as mandated by the EPA will occur once the treatment and disposal system has been constructed and properties have been connected to the new collection system. • The project is planned for funding with Clean Water State Revolving Funds (CWSRF) monies and partially by a federal EPA grant. C. LONO KONA SEWER IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT: • Project was awarded on July 27, 2018. • Public meeting is scheduled for December 11, 2018. • Construction contract is currently being routed for signatures, and NTP will be issued once the contract is fully executed. • The USDA Rural Development has obligated loan and grant funds of $2,437,000 and $4,024,800 respectively to this project. DEM is working with USDA to finalize a Subsequent Loan $3,699,000 and Subsequent Grant $1,071,000. Low construction bid received was $8,531,814.43. D. KEALAKEHE AERATION UPGRADE AND SLUDGE REMOVAL: • Final approval of the project will be issued pending the review and acceptance of all close-out documents. • The final change order is being processed. • The project is funded by CWSRF monies. E. KEALAKEHE WWTP EFFLUENT R-1 UPGRADE: • 60% plans are to be submitted to the WWD by November 20, 2018. • The environmental process for the R-1 system is ongoing. A draft EIS is anticipated to be published in January 2019 followed by a 45-day comment period. • The long range plans for R-1 quality effluent began in 2007 as a phased approach. Phase I, which installs a reuse line between the Kohanaiki area and Kealakehe Parkway, is planned under the State DOT’s Phase II Queen Ka‘ahumanu Highway Project (see item C above). • The DOH has earmarked SRF monies in the amount of $54 million to fund both design and construction of the R-1 upgrade at the Kealakehe WWTP. F. NORTH KONA SEWER PUMP STATION • This new sewer pump station will be located on the mauka side of Queen Kaʻahamanu Highway. It is to receive wastewater from a por?on of the area below Ane Keohokalole Highway between Hina Lani Street and Kealakehe Parkway. The wastewater will be pumped to the Kealakehe WWTP via new forcemains tentatively scheduled to be installed by late 2020. • The pre-design phase, including the archaeological and permitting assessments, has begun. The Preliminary Engineering Report (PER) is in process, and once the design concept is determined, a follow-up meeting will be scheduled with Hawaiian cultural groups and archaeologists to discuss impacts to the Māmalahoa Trail. G. WASTEWATER EQUIPMENT REPLACEMENT PROJECTS: • Pua Sewage Pump Station (SPS) Upgrade: Design items for additional upgrades needed besides pump replacement at the Pua SPS is being worked into the contract. It includes a complete renovation to include the structural, electrical, and mechanical upgrades to the pump station. Cause for renovation is due to deterioration of the wet well from H2S; electrical component damage due to H2S corrosion and the overall age of the facility; and mechanical damage due to faulty discharge line valves due to hydraulic surging. Work is to include upgrading the HVAC; replacing/upgrading components of the electrical system; replacing corroded duct work; upgrading the wet well level control system; and improving on safety issues by eliminating fire and electrical hazards to achieve compliance with NFPA 820 and 70E. The project is funded by CWSRF monies. • ZOM Dilution and Assimilative Capacity Study: Field work for the Dilution and Assimilative Capacity Study for the Pāpa‘ikou and Kula‘imano WWTPs has been completed. The Kulaʻimano ZOM Dilu?on Analysis Study was submi?ed November 1, 2018, and the Pāpaʽikou ZOM Dilu?on Analysis Study is forthcoming. H. ULU WINI WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT: • WWD continues to maintain stability of the treatment plant with the goal of achieving consistent process data and meeting the regulatory as well as expected effluent limits. The treatment system currently meets DOH regulatory requirements, and nutrient removal is taking place. The longer term goal is to cut down on operation and maintenance. • Progress on the design plans and specifications (for the installation of the immediately planned treatment plant upgrades aimed at maintaining treatment plant stability and reliability plus lowered operations and maintenance cost for the next several years) is on hold due to the Office of Housing and Community Development’s notification to the Department that they are working with a consultant to assess the condition of the treatment plant. • The State DOH is being kept apprised of the progress. I. SEWER RATE STUDY UPDATE: • Work on the Sewer Rate Study continues. DEM is currently working with the consultant on finalizing the rate study. J. UPDATE ON WATER SHUT-OFF FOR NON PAYMENT OF SEWER BILLS: • DEM is currently drafting administrative rules for the implementation of water shut-off for non-payment of sewer fees. The Department of Water Supply (DWS) is also drafting amendments to its rules to allow for water shut- off due to non-payment of sewer fees. Both DEM and DWS rules need to be amended for the water shut-off to be implemented. In the meantime, we continue to work with delinquent customers to bring their accounts current and refer accounts to the Office of the Corporation Counsel to pursue judgments when necessary. K. FISCAL SUSTAINABILITY PLAN/ASSET MANAGEMENT PROGRAM • PG Environmental has completed the data collection for all of the critical assets. The next deliverable will be the Draft Condition Based Assessment due in December 2018.