Richard Farley, Alderman - North Topsail Beach Barbara Ikner, Onslow Co. Commissioners WC Jarman, Chairman-Onslow Co. Commissioners Sammy Phillips, Mayor-Jacksonville Marvin Trott, Mayor-Richlands Chairman Jim Allen, Commissioner-Swansboro Vice Chairman Michael Lazzara, Mayor Pro Tem-Jacksonville Secretary/Treasurer Gregory Hines, Mayor Pro Tem-Holly Ridge Board of Directors www.onwasa.com The Regular Meeting for ONWASA was held on Thursday, April 16, 2009, at 6:00 p.m., ONWASA Operations Center, Georgetown Road. Present for meeting: Absent: Also present for meeting: James Allen, Swansboro (ONWASA Chairman) Michael Lazzara, Jacksonville (ONWASA Vice Chairman) Richard Farley, North Topsail Beach (ONWASA Director) Greg Hines, Holly Ridge (ONWASA Secretary/Treasurer)Barbara Ikner, Onslow County Commissioner (ONWASA Director) WC Jarman, Onslow County Commissioner (ONWASA Director) Marvin Trott, Richlands (ONWASA Director) Sammy Phillips, Jacksonville (ONWASA Director) Jeff Pearson (Executive Director), Carla Smith (Clerk to the Board), Frank Sanders (Director of Operations), Tiffany Riggs (Finance Officer), Lori Brill (Human Resources Director), Alan Zell (ITS), Susan Poole (Public Relations Director), Tim Webb (Utility Planning Manager), Eileen Navarette (Project Manager) MEETING CALLED TO ORDER: Chairman Allen called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. INVOCATION: Secretary/Treasurer Hines I. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 03/19/09 and 04/01/09 (Regular Meeting & Special Meeting) MOTION Director Jarman made a motion to approve the minutes of 03/19/2009 and 04/01/2009. Vice Chairman Lazzara seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA MOTION Director Trott made a motion to add an item to agenda for the Board to approve an exemplary bonus for Frank Sanders for the six months he served as the ONWASA’s Interim Executive Director, until the position was filled. Vice Chairman Lazzara seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. (Clerk’s note: Additional item will be added as Agenda Item IV-H.) MOTION Director Trott made a motion to approve the agenda as amended. Vice Chairman Lazzara seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. III. PUBLIC COMMENTS I Tess Sanders, 319 Blue Top Road, Jacksonville, signed up for public comment. As you all know, I’m Tess Sanders, I’m the White Oak New River Keeper. My address is 319 Blue Top Road, Jacksonville, North Carolina. As you all know, you have hired a lobbyist and are pushing a bill in the North Carolina General Assembly H643 which would allow the injection of reclaimed wastewater into aquifers of North Carolina statewide. Some of you know that I went and spoke against this bill at Tuesday’s hearing with the Water Resources and Infrastructure Committee and watched your consultant’s presentation and honestly left more confused that I left enlightened. So I 228 Georgetown Road • P.O. Box 1415 • Jacksonville, NC 28540 • Tel 910-455-0722 • Fax 910-347-0793 Board of Directors, Regular Meeting 04/16/2009 Page 2 have just a few questions that I’d like for you all to answer, reflect upon, and come up with a good answer for the people of Onslow County. What exactly are you planning to do in Sneads Ferry? You had maps, big maps of purple area in Sneads Ferry where you’re going to inject this wastewater. Why do you need to hire a lobbyist to push to overturn longstanding groundwater protection laws in North Carolina? Your consultant said, in front of the legislators, that this water would be treated to drinking water standards. And yet when I met with Mr. Pearson and Mr. Allen that was not what was told to me. If that’s true and the water will be treated to drinking water standards, there’s already a permitting process in place in North Carolina for ASR wells for drinking water. So if this reclaimed water isn’t’ drinking water, what is it? Is it safe to drink? Would you drink it? And if it isn’t safe to drink, then how can you consider injecting it into our underground sources of drinking water? Mr. Pearson said that he was opposed to ASR for drinking water storage because of the risks of mobilizing metals like arsenic. So I wanted you to think about that for a minute, what you’re going to do to the people of Sneads Ferry. And yet your consultant stood in front of the legislators and said he was unaware of any problems. So I would just encourage all of you, I know you’re all good people, to be honest with the citizens of Sneads Ferry and Onslow County about what you plan to accomplish by pushing this bill through the General Assembly. Thank you. IV. BUSINESS A. Safety and Risk Manager’s Program Briefing – Greg Oliver, Safety Officer/Risk Manager Mr. Oliver thanked the Board for allowing him this time to share ONWASA’s Safety Program. He gave a brief overview of the program, utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, attached hereto and incorporated into these minutes. He shared information about the goals, program elements, and the focus for 2009. Mr. Oliver reviewed the 2009 Annual Injury/Incident Rates and Comparisons: Annual Injury/Incident Rate 2009 OSHA Reportable Injuries OSHA Recordable Injuries Security Incidents Property Damage Property Loss January 0 0 1 0 0 February 0 2 0 1 0 March 0 0 0 0 0 April 0 0 0 0 0 Total 0 2 1 1 0 2009 Injury Rate Comparison ONWASA vs. Industry SIC Code 4931/4942 2008 2009 Industry Standard 7.6 3.2 ONWASA Rate 6.8 1.5 Figures are per 100 employees He also shared the achievements from 2008, and the process improvements for 2009, including safety training programs that are available in-house with him as the approved instructor. Vice Chairman Lazzara asked if the 10-hour in-house training is mandatory for all employees. Mr. Oliver replied that employees 228 Georgetown Road • P.O. Box 1415 • Jacksonville, NC 28540 • Tel 910-455-0722 • Fax 910-347-0793 Board of Directors, Regular Meeting 04/16/2009 Page 3 can choose to complete a 2-day, 10-hour course; or they could select individual courses, such as HAZCOM or Fire Safety training. Mr. Oliver offers and instructs several safety classes throughout the year. (Clerk’s Note: Mr. Lynch (General Counsel) arrived at the meeting at 6:12 p.m.) Secretary/Treasurer Hines commended Mr. Oliver for his efforts. It is obvious that he is doing a great job; good report. B. Quarterly Work Center Safety Award Presentation – Greg Oliver, Safety Officer/Risk Manager Mr. Oliver asked Mark Young and Jason Brady to join him at the podium. He continued with an explanation of the Quarterly Work Center Safety Award. This program offers safety recognition to ONWASA employees that have taken the initiative and gone above and beyond regarding safety issues. He continued with the reading of the Citation, attached hereto and incorporated into these minutes, and presented Mr. Young and Mr. Brady with certificates. A plaque will also be displayed at the ONWASA Operations Center. The Board thanked Mr. Young and Mr. Brady for a job well done. C. Drinking Water Week Resolution – Jeff Pearson, Executive Director Mr. Pearson gave a brief overview of the Drinking Water Week Resolution, attached hereto and incorporated into these minutes. Mr. Pearson continued with the reading of the Resolution to the Board. He asked the Board to make a motion to approve this Resolution. MOTION Director Jarman made a motion to approve the week of May 3rd to May 9th as Drinking Water Week. Secretary/Treasurer Hines seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. D. Audit Contract – Tiffany Riggs, Finance Director Ms. Riggs presented a brief history of the audit contract. She asked the Board to approve the audit contract for FY 2009. Director Trott asked when the contract terminates. Ms. Riggs replied that the contract was for three years, and 2009 was the last year of the contract. Director Farley asked what ONWASA paid McGladrey & Pullen last year. Ms. Riggs replied $31,000. Discussion continued between the Board and Ms. Riggs about reasons for the increase. Ms. Riggs stated that amendments to the contract were made because of changes to the Auditing Standards, as well as growth of ONWASA. Director Farley commented on the increase and wondered if ONWASA had grown fifteen percent to justify a fifteen percent increase in cost. Mr. Pearson commented on possible reasons for the increase and offered to have Ms. Riggs solicit Requests for Qualifications (RFQs). Vice Chairman Lazzara suggested that a motion could be made authorizing Ms. Riggs to approve a contract with no increase, and if that was not acceptable to McGladrey & Pullen, then Ms. Riggs could solicit RFQs. Director Ikner added that it was bothersome to her that a contract was signed, but McGladrey & Pullen had the luxury to change the price. She felt that if a contract was signed it should ensure an amount for the life of the contract. She agreed with Vice Chairman Lazzara about keeping the price the same or looking for other bids. Secretary/Treasurer Hines asked Ms. Riggs about the previous year’s costs. Ms. Riggs replied that it was $24,800 in FY 2007. She continued with more explanation about the changes to the Auditing Standards and reasons for the increases. Director Farley commented that he felt it might be difficult at this late date to bring in someone new to complete audit before the June 30th yearend. Chairman Allen asked Director Farley what he thought a fair increase would be, since he had some experience in this field. Director Farley replied that a small percentage increase over last year would be fine, but fifteen percent was unacceptable. MOTION Vice Chairman Lazzara made a motion to keep the cost the same as last year with McGladrey & Pullen, go out for RFP’s. Director Trott seconded the motion. Motion unanimously carried. E. Water and Sewer Expansion Projects Budget Amendment – Tiffany Riggs, Finance Director Based on the action made by the Board at the Special Meeting on April 1, 2009, a budget amendment was needed to transfer funds from the Stump Sound line item to the Northwest Regional Plant Land line item, in 228 Georgetown Road • P.O. Box 1415 • Jacksonville, NC 28540 • Tel 910-455-0722 • Fax 910-347-0793 Board of Directors, Regular Meeting 04/16/2009 Page 4 the amount of $164,000. Director Farley asked if this amendment was just for one part of the project; could the Board expect more. Ms. Riggs replied that it was possible; this budget amendment was to complete what was discussed at the Special Meeting. She assumed these would be done on a case-by-case basis. Director Ikner asked Ms. Riggs to confirm what section this was for specifically; Ms. Replied it was for the acquisition of the land. MOTION Vice Chairman Lazzara made a motion to approve the Budget Amendment to transfer funds designated for the purchase of land, as presented. Secretary/Treasurer Hines seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. F. Design of Sanitary Sewer Facilities Serving Albert J. Ellis Airport – Jeff Pearson, Executive Director Mr. Pearson presented several PowerPoint slides, attached hereto and incorporated into these minutes, outlining the Ellis Airport Sewer Project. This project would serve the existing and future needs of the airport, and, potentially, new customers along the route; tying into the Richlands’ lift station that ties into the wastewater treatment facility. He explained this agenda item was for project survey, engineering, design, permitting, bidding services, and construction services of the sanitary sewer facilities that will convey the wastewater from the airport to the Richlands’ collection system. Director Trott commented that he checked with Richlands’ Town Administrator today, and he has no recollection that ONWASA requested this capacity from the existing plant. He understands the initial capacity would come out of the current plant. He stated there had not been any request for any capacity at all; they have been allocating out a lot of capacity. Director Trott asked Mr. Sanders if he had made any request to Richlands for the capacity. Mr. Sanders replied that he had not. Director Trott stated that this is subject to approval by the Richlands’ Board because they allocate the capacity for the existing plant. Mr. Pearson referred to Mr. Lynch (General Counsel) for assistance to answer Director Trott’s questions. Mr. Lynch responded that he did not think ONWASA was required to go to any town and ask for allocation; the Capital Lease Agreements turned those systems over to ONWASA. He advised that ONWASA should certainly take into consideration the needs of each town, but there was not a legal obligation. Director Trott responded that they have an agreement with ONWASA that came after the original lease agreement giving the authority to the town, just like Swansboro. Mr. Lynch replied that he has not seen this agreement. Secretary/Treasurer Hines added that all three municipalities have an agreement like the one Director Trott mentioned. Mr. Lynch replied that he has never seen these agreements; he did not prepare them and has never seen them. Director Trott commented that he did not see the allocation as a problem, but they needed to go through the process. Vice Chairman Lazzara asked for clarification that the municipalities gave the allocation, but ONWASA had the infrastructure. Mr. Lynch interjected that he did not believe that was right. Secretary/Treasurer Hines explained that if it was going directly to the new plant in Richlands, it would not be a problem, but since it is going into Richlands’ system, there was an agreement that was made with the municipalities. Vice Chairman Lazzara suggested that a motion be made to table this item until the agreements can be reviewed. Mr. Lynch responded that he was currently working with Swansboro to put together a policy that would satisfy their concerns, as well as Richlands’ concerns, about ONWASA taking into consideration the demands that the towns anticipate through their approval process. But he has not ever seen an agreement like the one Director Trott and Secretary/Treasurer Hines mentioned. Secretary/Treasurer Hines believed that the agreement with Holly Ridge allows for someone who wants sewer to come into the Holly Ridge Town Hall first; if they decline to provide sewer, that request can be taken to ONWASA to provide sewer. 228 Georgetown Road • P.O. Box 1415 • Jacksonville, NC 28540 • Tel 910-455-0722 • Fax 910-347-0793 Board of Directors, Regular Meeting 04/16/2009 Page 5 Chairman Allen commented that he did not recall the agreement in question, but he was under the impression, from day one, that Swansboro had control over the excess capacity, up to 600,000, and anything after that went to ONWASA’s control. Discussion continued between the Board and Mr. Lynch about the agreements in question. Vice Chairman Lazzara stated that he understood the concern, because of costs and the possibility of the new plant not being approved or built; Richlands would not have any more capacity. Mr. Lynch referred back to the agreement he was currently working on; the first draft is ready, and he believes it will be an agreement that could make everyone happy. MOTION Vice Chairman Lazzara made a motion to defer agenda item to the next Board meeting upon such time that Mr. Lynch has the chance to review contracts and documents associated with allocation. Secretary/Treasurer Hines seconded the motion. Director Ikner asked what affect would there be on the grant funding to defer this item to the next Board meeting. Mr. Pearson replied that there could be an affect. It was suggested to do a Special Meeting once all relevant information was collected. Director Trott asked Mr. Sanders how much capacity is needed. Mr. Sanders replied that it is initially just under 5,000 gpd, and ultimately, can be sized for 10,000 gpd. Director Trott asked Mr. Sanders to confirm that until the new plant is built, all that would be needed for the airport is 5,000 gpd. Mr. Sanders confirmed that was correct for the short-term; the amount would be 4,600 gpd. Director Trott responded that was an amount he believed would be okay, but he would like this to go before his Board, if that was the process. Mr. Lynch replied that this was not the process; ONWASA had never gone before any of the town’s board for approval to release capacity before committing that capacity. Mr. Lynch continued that he was confident the agreement he was currently working on with Mr. Pearson and Mr. Sanders would make everyone happy. Secretary/Treasurer Hines commented that this item was just for the engineering work; it would have to be done regardless. The Board referred to Mr. Lynch about whether they should approve this agenda item or needed to hold off. Mr. Lynch recommended that the Board could approve this item for the engineering work, and hold off on the next agenda item, which was the actual agreement with the County, until the next meeting, or a special meeting, if the grant funding could be affected. Vice Chairman Lazzara asked if ONWASA already had the grant funding. Mr. Pearson replied no, ONWASA would have to fund all engineering. The agreement with the County would be the mechanism to get reimbursement for ONWASA. Based on Mr. Pearson’s explanation, Mr. Lynch retracted his earlier recommendation; the Board should hold off on both the approval of the engineering and the agreement with the County; these two items go hand-in-hand. Director Trott brought up the allocation for the Stateside Elementary School, and that it did not count against Richlands’ total capacity. He wondered if it might be the same for the airport. He referred to Mr. Sanders for the answer to that question. Mr. Sanders did not have an immediate answer, but stated it might be possible. The allocation for the school did not count against because it was for the better good; this could be considered a similar case, and he will check into it. Discussion continued among the Board and with Mr. Lynch regarding the reasons for tabling this item, and the details of the agreements with the towns. Mr. Lynch concluded that they will come up with something for the next meeting that will make everyone happy. Mr. Lynch recommended that ONWASA check with the County, and if there was any chance the funding could be in jeopardy by deferring this item, the Board should call a Special Meeting. 228 Georgetown Road • P.O. Box 1415 • Jacksonville, NC 28540 • Tel 910-455-0722 • Fax 910-347-0793 Board of Directors, Regular Meeting 04/16/2009 Page 6 MOTION Vice Chairman Lazzara amended the motion to add “or call a Special Meeting, if required.” Director Trott seconded the motion. Motion unanimously carried. MOTION (with approved amendment) Vice Chairman Lazzara made a motion to defer agenda item to the next Board meeting or call a Special Meeting, if required; upon such time that Mr. Lynch has the chance to review contracts and documents associated with allocation. Director Trott seconded the motion. Motion carried 6-1, in favor (Director Farley). G. Agreement with Onslow County for Payment of Design and Construction of Sanitary Sewer Facilities Serving Albert J. Ellis Airport – Jeff Pearson, Executive Director MOTION Vice Chairman Lazzara made a motion to defer agenda item to the next Board meeting or call a Special Meeting, if required; upon such time that Mr. Lynch has the chance to review contracts and documents associated with allocation. Director Trott seconded the motion. Director Farley commented that the reason he was voting against the motion was because he felt that the Board should have approved the agreement now to move ahead with the airport project. Motion carried 6-1, in favor (Director Farley). H. Exemplary Bonus for Frank Sanders – Chairman Allen Chairman Allen presented the agenda item and asked the Board for any comments. Director Ikner commented that she felt it was important for people to realize that when Mr. Sanders stepped up and did the job as acting Executive Director that he save ONWASA thousands of dollars, because it would have been very expensive to hire an interim. She believed that Mr. Sanders did ONWASA a great deed and did a good job while he was doing it. She stated that this was the least the Board could do to show their appreciation. MOTION Director Ikner made a motion to approve a $10,000 bonus for Frank Sanders. Director Trott seconded the motion. Motion unanimously carried. V. PUBLIC COMMENTS II None VI. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT Mr. Pearson requested the next Board Workshop on May 14th would be the second Budget Workshop. As staff continued to develop next fiscal year’s budget, they would appreciate any direction the Board had on the three options that were presented at the Workshop on April 9th. ONWASA staff would like direction to narrow down the Board’s preferences for items they would like staff to move forward with, or eliminate, so staff could provide the Board with only one or two versions of the draft budget at the next workshop. He asked the Board for any comments. Discussion continued between the Board, Mr. Pearson, and Ms. Riggs. The Board asked Mr. Pearson and staff to come up with an Option D for presentation at the workshop on May 14th. Mr. Pearson distributed a handout of PowerPoint slides regarding the Aquifer Storage Recovery (ASR) House Bill. He reviewed the origin of the Bill, where the Bill is now, and what will happen next. Discussion continued between the Board and Mr. Pearson about the ASR information. During discussion, it was realized that the Board did not have the correct PowerPoint handout. (Clerk’s Note: The correct handout was printed and copies were distributed to the Board after the meeting adjourned.) Chairman Allen asked Mr. Pearson to respond, in writing, to Tess Sanders’ questions that she posed during Public Comment I. 228 Georgetown Road • P.O. Box 1415 • Jacksonville, NC 28540 • Tel 910-455-0722 • Fax 910-347-0793 Board of Directors, Regular Meeting 04/16/2009 Page 7 VII. BOARD MEMBER REQUEST/COMMENTS Director Ikner commented that while she values the opinions of the experts at ONWASA, she would like to hear the lay person on this topic (ASR). She would like to hear all points of view, pro and con, because she did not have all the answers and was very cautious about proceeding with something that could become to be detrimental to the people in Onslow County. The fact there had been a study, which targeted the Sneads Ferry area where a lot of people are on wells, she would like to see some documentation so she could tell people that their drinking water would be safe in the future. Director Farley commented that he was very concerned about the rate increases being proposed; he was very concerned they are again putting the burden on the backs of the water customers. He felt they needed to have some sort of mechanism to make sure the places where the money was being spent was the place where the rates were being charged, and that people were benefiting from the loans that were taken. He felt they needed to be prudent with future debt because they saw how it affected the rates. He hoped as they moved forward with the budget, they would keep that in mind. Regarding the ASR issue, if the proposal was to bring in here three people that would just tell them that this was the best thing since sliced bread, they do not need to hear that. It seemed, to him, that people who were supportive of it would push their position. He felt that at some point all parties should be involved and he would like to hear what citizens had to say about the potential for what could happen to their drinking water. A onesided presentation was not something that the citizens or the Board needs. Vice Chairman Lazzara asked if authorities can use districting for rates. Mr. Lynch replied that there was not a statutory structure, but if there was an area that was similar to other areas, there could be a rate district. Vice Chairman Lazzara continued that he sees this as an ongoing issue simply because it was such a large area that was covered, and capital improvements may be directed in certain areas while the whole customer base pays for it. There would always be inequities for cost repayments of capital improvements. The capital debt repayments would keep escalating because they are putting in new infrastructure, which is quite expensive. Because of the money spent over the last few years, they now had large debt repayments; this could potentially keep them from doing new projects because they were trying to be consistent and keep the rates down. He suggested a possible solution might be to spread the cost of a capital improvement over just the area that received the improvement. He was not sure if this could be done; it was just a suggestion. Chairman Allen responded that if it was not used as a unified utility, using all available resources, this could continue for the next hundred years, and sewer would only be around the municipalities that already owned municipal sewer systems. The sewer system, in his opinion, was not big enough to grow itself. It might be able to grow, but the rate would be so slow that no one would ever see it accomplished. Secretary/Treasurer Hines commented that lately the press was making it look like there was a big rift on the Board. He was glad to see that the Board did not have a rift as the press was trying to make it seem. They might not agree all the time, but he felt that there was not a person on the Board that held a grudge against anyone else on the Board. He was glad that was the way it was, and not the way it appeared to be. VIII. ADJOURN MOTION Secretary/Treasurer Hines made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:56 p.m. Director Ikner seconded the motion. Motion unanimously carried. Respectfully submitted, Carla Smith Clerk to the Board James Allen, Chairman Minutes approved at the ____________________ meeting of the ONWASA Board of Directors. 228 Georgetown Road • P.O. Box 1415 • Jacksonville, NC 28540 • Tel 910-455-0722 • Fax 910-347-0793 Safety/Risk Management Program Executive Summary & Annual Report 2009 1 Office of Safety and Risk Management Mission Statement To assure the safety & health of all workers through the implementation & management of effective safety related policies & practices while reducing cost impact through comprehensive loss prevention practices, programs & procedures. Goals Reduce injury rates through prevention and control measures Enhance policy and procedures to effectively match our needs Maximize our available safety and security resources to minimize risk Create a positive safety culture within the organization 2 Safety Program Elements • Administration • Written Policy and Procedures • Documentation • Prevention • Accident/Incident Investigation – Hazard Analysis • Injury Reporting – Controls • Compliance – Safety Training and Education – Inspection – Safety Committee – Evaluation – Incentive Program – Audits Annual Injury/Incident Rate 2009 2009 January February March April TOTAL OSHA OSAH Reportable Recordable Injuries Injuries 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 2 Security Incidents Property Damage Property Loss 1 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 3 Injury Rate Comparison ONWASA vs. IIndustry d t SIC Code 4931/4942 2008 2009 Industry Standard 7.6 3.2 ONWASA Rate 6.8 1.5 Figures are per 100 employees Safety Focus 2009 • • • • • Hazard Ha ard Communication Comm nication Slips, Trips, or Falls Driving/Vehicle Safety Electrical Safety/Lockout Tagout P Procedural d l Compliance C li 4 Achievements 2008 • Reduced liability insurance premium –E Estimated ti t d reduction d ti - $70,000 $70 000 – Reduction of claims/superfluous coverage • Zero loss of resources • Recovery of Estimated $424,000 – Through damage claims • Recognized by North Carolina League of Municipalities – Risk Management and Loss Control Services Process Improvements 2009 • 10 Hour OSHA Safety Training In-House – OSHA focused – Saving on annual renewal training and travel costs • ONWASA Security Guide Revision – Centralize security-based programs – Integrate newly acquired facilities into plan • Emergency Response Plan Revision – Update infrastructure data – Incorporate internal command and control process 5 Questions or Comments 6 Quarterly Work Center Safety Award is hereby awarded to Swansboro WWTP Mark Young – Brian Odum – Jason Brady for excellence in safety practices for the period of January – March 2009 7 Ellis Airport Sewer Project Approx. 6.1 miles of 12-inch force main in public ROW Duplex offsite submersible pump station 1,500 L.F. 8-inch gravity sewer extension along airport service road 2-inch 2 i h water t service i with ith bbackflow kfl prevention ti andd post hydrant for pump station housekeeping & maintenance 8 Ellis Airport Sewer Project Engineering for ONWASA to upsize the FAA funded sewer main include: Delineation of ONWASA’s Service Area Determination of Flows for ONWASA’s Service Area Determination of Facilities for ONWASA’s Service Area Downstream Impact Tech memo Field Surveys and Base mapping Engineering Design Services 9 Richard Farley, Alderman - North Topsail Beach Barbara Ikner, Onslow Co. Commissioners WC Jarman, Chairman-Onslow Co. Commissioners Sammy Phillips, Mayor-Jacksonville Marvin Trott, Mayor-Richlands Chairman Jim Allen, Commissioner-Swansboro Vice Chairman Michael Lazzara, Mayor Pro Tem-Jacksonville Secretary/Treasurer Gregory Hines, Mayor Pro Tem-Holly Ridge Board of Directors www.onwasa.com Memorandum Date: April 1, 2009 From: Greg Oliver, Safety/Risk Manager To: Jeff Pearson, Executive Director cc: Jimmy Powell, DOM/WW Superintendent Lori Brill, Human Resources Director Subject: Quarterly Work Center Safety Award Recipient The ONWASA Quarterly Work Center Safety Award for the 1st Quarter of 2009 is hereby awarded to the Swansboro Waste Water Treatment Plant. While under observation, plant operators exhibited a consistent and thorough application of general safety practices while performing daily plant rounds and equipment servicing. The work center took proactive measures concerning safety by having permanent vertical barriers installed along the service bridge way spanning the oxidation ditches. These barriers prevent raw wastewater, agitated by the aeration rotors and high winds, from splashing onto the walking surface, effectively eliminating a major and continuous slipping hazard, as well as protecting plant operators against potential health hazards due to repeated contact with biological waste while performing maintenance and servicing on and around the system. In addition, plant operators demonstrated initiative by identifying the need for, allocating, and installing hazard identification and warning signs in and around the recently acquired Hickory Grove Wastewater collection pond providing immediate notification of biological as well as deep water hazards associated with the locale, significantly enhancing public safety. The outstanding efforts and initiative of the Swansboro Waste Water Treatment Plant operators demonstrates innovative thinking and reflects an exceptional commitment to workforce safety. Greg Oliver ONWASA Safety/Risk Manager 228 Georgetown Road • P.O. Box 1415 • Jacksonville, NC 28540 • Tel 910-455-0722 • Fax 910-347-0793 Quarterly Work Center Safety Award is hereby awarded to Swansboro WWTP Mark Young – Brian Odum – Jason Brady for excellence in safety practices for the period of January – March 2009 “SIGNED” Jeff Pearson Executive Director Reclaimed Water Aquifer Storage Recovery (ASR) for North Carolina R. David G. Pyne, P.E. April 14, 2009 1 Aquifer Storage Recovery Storage of water through a well in a suitable aquifer during times when the water is available, and recovery of the stored water from the same well when needed 2 At least 95 Operational ASR Wellfields in the United States - April 2009 David Pyne project direction and/or involvement 3 Completed by others Several factors have contributed to ASR global implementation • Economics – Typically less than half the capital cost of alternative water supply sources – Phased implementation – Marginal cost pricing • Proven Success – Over 95 wellfields in 20 states with about 500 operating, fully permitted ASR wells • Environmental and Water Quality Benefits – Maintain minimum flows – Small storage footprint compared to surface reservoirs • Adaptability to Different Situations – Fresh, brackish or saline storage aquifers – Drinking water, reclaimed water, stormwater or groundwater storage – Over 26 different applications Kiawah, S. Carolina 4 ASR is a cost-effective water storage option 2009 Unit Capital Cost ($/GPD)* ASR Wells 0.50 to 2.00 (average 1.00) Brackish Water R.O. 3.00 to 5.00 Seawater R.O. 5.00 to 10.00 Wastewater Reuse up to 20.00 * Dollars per gallon per day of recovery capacity 5 ASR Programs in NC • Greenville Utilities Commission (GUC) – Permitted – Under construction – Will be storing drinking water • Cape Fear Public Utilities Authority – Formerly City of Wilmington project – Fully permitted – Awaiting construction funds – Will be storing drinking water Cape Fear Public Utility Authority, Wilmington, NC 6 Atlantic Coastal Plain ASR Operational Wellfields Storing Drinking Water • New Jersey (18) • Delaware (1) • Virginia (1) – Chesapeake • South Carolina (5) Planning to store reclaimed water • New Jersey (1) • South Carolina (2) Murray Avenue, Cherry Hill, NJ Drinking Water ASR Well 7 Other states with reclaimed ASR • Arizona (5 operational sites) – Main drivers are water rights, aquifer recharge, water conservation – Recharge into unconsolidated fresh aquifers – High levels of pretreatment to prevent well clogging and to protect groundwater quality • Texas (1 operational site - El Paso) – Main drivers are water conservation, aquifer recharge, maintain water supply reliability – Recharge into unconsolidated fresh aquifers – High level of pretreatment • City of Chandler, AZ Tumbleweed Reclaimed ASR Wellfield Florida (1 operational site) – Many more sites in development 8 Water Storage Capital Costs • South Florida surface water storage reservoirs – USACE cost analysis – 17 reservoirs, $6608/AF average – Range = $1,213 to $35,180/AF – $3.8B to store 1.3 MAF • ASR Storage for Everglades program – $1,800/AF at high end of range – Under $1,000/AF more likely • 2008 USACE cost analysis: surface storage 3 to 10 times capital cost for ASR storage Lake Allatoona, Georgia 9 ASR Water Storage is Cost-Effective Mt Pleasant, SC, 2 MG ground storage reservoir and 60 MG ASR well $1.6 million ASR typically costs less than half the capital and operating cost of other water supply alternatives $0.4 million 10 It is important to understand the differences between ASR Wells and Injection Wells • ASR wells are for water storage – Storing a valuable commodity that will be recovered for a beneficial use. Goal is to recover all of the stored water. – Storing drinking water, reclaimed water, stormwater or fresh groundwater. – Usually shallow depth and into fresh or brackish aquifers. – High levels of pretreatment. • Injection wells are for water disposal – Permanent disposal of water that has limited or no real value for alternative uses. – Usually at greater depth and cost, and into confined, saline aquifers. – Often lower levels of pretreatment, depending on hydraulic properties of the receiving aquifer. 11 The radial extent of the stored water usually does not extend more than a few hundred feet ASR Well Target Storage Volume Stored Water Buffer Zone Native Groundwater Quality proximal zone 12 In addition to water storage, treatment occurs in an aquifer due to natural geochemical, microbial and physical processes ASR Bubble (Top View) ASR Well Native Groundwater Buffer Zone Stored Water “Proximal Zone,” or “Zone of Discharge,” or “Compliance Zone” • • • • • • • NO3,NH3,P THMs HAAs H2S Fe, Mn, As Ra Gross Alpha Rad. • Bacteria • Protozoa • Viruses 13 Reclaimed Water ASR for NC • Reclaimed ASR is a useful and cost-effective water management tool • Appropriate hydrogeologic studies, pretreatment and ASR operation will be required to protect groundwater quality and to ensure that ASR wells do not clog. The current regulatory framework for ASR in NC already requires this. • Essential to protect current drinking water ASR projects for GUC and CFPUA. • By providing for reclaimed ASR in NC, House DRH30174--SB-9 is a step forward for water management in NC. 14 www.asrforum.com Cover Page 15 ONWASA Jeff Pearson, Executive Director Reclaimed, or reuse, water is domestic and commercial wastewater that has been highly treated at a Water Reclamation Facility and disinfected to ensure and protect public health and the environment. 16 Reclaimed Water = Conservation Reclaimed water is primarily used for landscape and golf course irrigation; supplies are limited and subject to availability due to lack of reclaim water storage. In 2008, at my previous utility where I was the Utilities Director in Florida our reclaimed water customers used approximately 470 million gallons of reclaimed water; equal to 55 days of potable water supplied to our customers. Continued expansion of the Camp Lejeune Marine Corps Base and the New River Air Station including continued population growth outside of the Bases command finding innovative ways to provide alternative water supplies. 17 Why Use Reclaimed ASR Water? 100% of water provided to ONWASA customers comes from ground water. Due to lack of surface water sources. Reclaimed ASR water reduces consumption for irrigation; reduces demands on our drinking water supply. ASR Wells in saline aquifers (>10,000 mg/l TDS) conserve valuable uplands in coastal communities and leave on County tax roles. 18 Why Use Reclaimed ASR Water? Protects the environment (reduces withdrawals from wells, rivers & lakes) The key to any reliable reclaimed water system is storage. During wet periods it can be stored, during dry or drought conditions everyone wants it and we never had enough due to limited storage. Reclaimed Water ASR Wells provide system reliability & sustainability. 19 Reclaimed Water System ONWASA is currently working on a reclaim water system in our Stump Sound Service Area. New bulk customers may include a number of new housing developments. In the future, we would like to develop a Regional Reclaim Water Main interconnecting some of our Water Reclamation Facilities (WRF). This would further reduce ground water withdrawals. ASR Storage may also provide a barrier for further salt water intrusion in our rapidly growing coastal communities. 20 We are proud to serve our community and will continue to work diligently to provide safe, clean drinking water, efficient wastewater collection services and needed reclaimed water to our customers in Onslow County ... and beyond 21 22
© Copyright 2026 Paperzz