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Learn about the North Bay Water Reuse Authority's approach to water recycling, its advantages, and the solutions it offers to address various issues. Discover the success achieved so far, the next steps, and the importance of a regional approach. Visit www.nbwra.org for more information.
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North Bay Water Reuse Authority Advantages to a Regional Approach to RecyclingChuck WeirProgram ManagerNorth Bay Water Reuse Authority North Bay Watershed Association 2010 Conference April 9, 2010
Issues Facing the Agencies • Water Supply Reliability • Groundwater Overdraft • Protect Stream Habitat • Legal and Institutional • Support Water Recycling • Planning and Environmental Studies • Financial Implications
Solutions • Discussions Began in 2003 • Multi-Agency Approach • Pool Resources • Conduct Regional Studies • Seek Federal and State Funding • SCWA Acted as Lead Agency • Hired Consultants • Numerous Meetings
MOU Approved 2005 The purpose of NBWRA is to provide recycled water for agricultural, urban, and environmental uses thereby reducing reliance on local and imported surface water and groundwater supplies and reducing the amount of treated effluent released to San Pablo Bay and its tributaries.
NBWRA Objectives • Offset urban and agricultural demands on potable water supplies • Enhance local and regional ecosystems • Improve local and regional water supply reliability • Maintain and protect public health and safety • Promote sustainable practices • Give top priority to local needs for recycled water • Implement recycled water facilities in an economically viable manner
Successes to Date • Authorization for $25 M From USBR Title 16 • Potential for $7 M to Come From ARRA • Completed and Certified EIR/EIS • Project Level for Phase 1, Alternative 1 • Program Level for Additional Projects • Nearing Completion of Biological Opinion and Issuance of Record of Decision
Next Steps • Federal Appropriation • State Funding • State Revolving Fund • IRWMP, Prop 50, 2010 Water Bond • Local Funding • Agreement with U.S. Bureau of Reclamation • Design and Construction
Special Thanks • Coordination Committee and Chair Bill Long • Consultant Team • Bryant & Associates / Ferguson Group: Federal Lobbying • CDM: Engineering • ESA: Environmental • Rauch Communications: public outreach • KP Public Affairs: State Lobbying • Oakley Water: Program Management
Conclusion • A Regional Approach – seven agencies spanning three counties can be extremely effective at resolving issues in a collective manner; takes lots of staff/consultant time and effort • Need to cooperatively work together to establish a clear purpose, goals, and objectives • Provides a model for a regional approach
Questions??? • Plenary Session to provide updates scheduled for June 29, 2010 – Save the Date letters went out in late February • Visit www.nbwra.org for additional information • cweir@oakleywater.com