ONWASA Jeff Pearson, Executive Director

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
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
ƒ Reduce injury rates through prevention and control
measures
ƒ Enhance policy and procedures to effectively match
our needs
ƒ Maximize our available safety and security
resources to minimize risk
ƒ 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
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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.
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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.
‰
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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.
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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
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