Author Topic: Wrightwood CSD Waste Water Power (Read 47396 times)

MojaveSidecar · « **on:** Nov 28, 16, 10:55:51 PM »

Use this topic to discuss Wrightwood CSD Waste Water power items.

jwhays661 · « **Reply #1 on:** Nov 29, 16, 07:26:42 AM »

This one is of particular interest to me. I work in the wastewater industry and I'd like to get a straight perspective on what is actually happening in this department. I'm hearing talk about the main business part of town needing a small treatment system to compensate for poor leaching rates. I'm also hearing that the Lahonton water quality control board is doing some kind of study on the effects of failing septic systems on ground water in Wrightwood. If they find that the evidence supports degrading water quality in the groundwater because of septic systems they can actually recommend to the county that we install a community wide sewer system. I have searched online for some kind of information about this study but I can't find anything. I wonder how much of what I've heard is true. I'm really curious how it would work using a community wide CSD to operate a sewage collection and treatment system for a very small part of the community. Economy of scale tells us that a very small system will be very expensive to operate. I work for a very large agency and in the area I work, we charge over $500 a year in the form of a property tax to pay for a system that's used by 10's of thousands of people. Again, I'm really interested in this aspect of the CSD vote. Water/wastewater is a highly politically charged and extremely expensive industry. With state laws about the bidding process as it pertains to public agencies, cost estimates are usually off by an order of magnitude or more. I'm not even sure how involved the CSD would really be in this. Thanks to anyone that can fill in some of my huge gaps in knowledge.

Jirka · « **Reply #2 on:** Nov 29, 16, 07:45:24 AM »

You mean generate power (electricity?) from our solid waste (garbage - not water/septic. And just to be clear, solid waste and wastewater are two separate issues) Interesting . . . is that even an option for us?

I was thinking if we could do our own recycling program and make a little profit from that maybe those funds could be used to offset some of the costs of Parks & Rec programs . . . but solid waste power . . . hummmmm.

Jirka · « **Reply #3 on:** Nov 29, 16, 07:55:31 AM »

OK. I stand corrected (by my husband

) solid waste *can* include wastewater. But as I understand it, the proposed CSD would have responsibility for the solid waste that we currently take to the county transfer station (and will continue to take to the county transfer station if the CSD is approved) and only the potential to plan future sewage collection and treatment system IF the Lahonton water quality control board deems that necessary.

Bob C · « **Reply #4 on:** Nov 29, 16, 09:07:14 AM »

Quote from: Jirka on Nov 29, 16, 07:45:24 AM

You mean generate power (electricity?) from our solid waste (garbage - not water/septic. And just to be clear, solid waste and wastewater are two separate issues) Interesting . . . is that even an option for us?

"Power", as in "who Runs/controls/operates it"

Bob C · « **Reply #5 on:** Nov 29, 16, 09:15:28 AM »

Quote from: Jirka on Nov 29, 16, 07:55:31 AM

OK. I stand corrected (by my husband ) solid waste *can* include wastewater. But as I understand it, the proposed CSD would have responsibility for the solid waste that we currently take to the county transfer station (and will continue to take to the county transfer station if the CSD is approved) and only the potential to plan future sewage collection and treatment system IF the Lahonton water quality control board deems that necessary.

A few things here:

If Lahontan decides in the future, that something needs to happen in Wrightwood, it's going to happen, whether or not a CSA is in existence. You aren't stopping that train. This responsibility is currently a County function. "Someone" needs to have that responsibility. Since the CSD is basically taking over the county functions provided by CSA-56, the argument is that the CSD should now have the responsibility to deal with Lahontan, so the local "government" (CSD) has a voice in the matter.

No, I don't think there is any plan to create a sewage system for the entire community. Ask me again in 10 years or so.. maybe then, it will be an agenda item with Lahontan. Yes, there is some concern about the business district, and there was some talk about investigating the possibility of having some kind of treatment plan for that, only. All, just "long term" investigations at this point.

Yes, the CSD would handle Franchise fees currently paid by CR&R in return for the "exclusive right to handle garbage" in Wrightwood. This is just a way for the CSD to keep the money (8% or some ungodly amount) that CR&R pays to the county now.

It also include the sales and whatnot of the "dump cards". Currently, property owners pay the $85 to the county for a dump card. That money goes into the county coffers. With the CSD, the money would be returned to Wrightwood.

jwhays661 · « **Reply #6 on:** Nov 29, 16, 09:39:59 AM »

I'm just going to chalk this one up to poor reading skills or something. I was sure that the CSD topic I posted in was specific to wastewater. I must have just misread that it was for solid waste. I appreciate the info Bob. I'm still right on the fence for the vote for a CSD and I was hoping I'd found a realm of information that I could at least process.

Bob C · « **Reply #7 on:** Nov 29, 16, 10:01:13 AM »

Quote from: jwhays661 on Nov 29, 16, 09:39:59 AM

I'm just going to chalk this one up to poor reading skills or something. I was sure that the CSD topic I posted in was specific to wastewater. I must have just misread that it was for solid waste. I appreciate the info Bob. I'm still right on the fence for the vote for a CSD and I was hoping I'd found a realm of information that I could at least process.

Well, it is both... The CSD would have responsibility with dealing with Lahontan for the sewage issue. The CSD would now collect the franchise fees (and negotiate with CR&R for future contracts), instead of the county doing that. Note: Nothing is being changed... CR&R will still be your disposal service, and it will remain optional. CR&R has already agreed to keep their current rates.

Wrightwood · « **Reply #8 on:** Nov 29, 16, 10:14:42 AM »

Note: Topic name was changed to "Wrightwood CSD Waste Water Power"

Cheapskate · « **Reply #9 on:** Nov 29, 16, 05:31:34 PM »

I also found the word "power" confusing. "Control" or "local control" might clearer.

thehallmarks · « **Reply #10 on:** Feb 18, 17, 11:09:04 AM »

ad astra · « **Reply #11 on:** Feb 18, 17, 07:52:00 PM »

Unfortunately, I can't follow your link to the original article, so maybe I missed something. If this bill were to pass, and we had to pay for storm runoff, does it matter whether we have a CSD or pay the county directly? I don't follow how this is an "unintended consequence" of the CSD vote.

thehallmarks · « **Reply #12 on:** Sep 03, 17, 03:15:42 PM »

lwt42 · « **Reply #13 on:** Sep 03, 17, 05:46:00 PM »

Wrightwood · « **Reply #14 on:** Sep 03, 17, 05:59:57 PM »

I think these are the links Hank is referring to:

http://www.ocregister.com/2017/02/11/sen-hertzberg-targets-homeowners-with-higher-water-and-sewer-rates/

http://www.mrt.com/news/article/California-lawmakers-pass-bill-on-storm-water-fees-12165566.php

lwt42 · « **Reply #15 on:** Sep 03, 17, 07:36:27 PM »

Quote from: Wrightwood on Sep 03, 17, 05:59:57 PM

I think these are the links Hank is referring to:

http://www.ocregister.com/2017/02/11/sen-hertzberg-targets-homeowners-with-higher-water-and-sewer-rates/

http://www.mrt.com/news/article/California-lawmakers-pass-bill-on-storm-water-fees-12165566.php

Thank you. It's always helpful to be able to read the articles.

It seems to me that flood water is managed by the San Bernardino County Flood Control District.

That's separate from the wastewater (sewer) powers of the CSD?

I don't see a fee being charged by the CSD unless the Lahotian(?) Board decides we need to start thinking about a sewer plant and treatment, and I'm pretty sure that's not imminent, at least from what I've read.

That doesn't mean under the new bill that we won't get hit by "fees" from the county, just that it won't be a CSD fee, and the CSD probably won't be able to do much about it.

Wes Zuber - WWCSD · « **Reply #16 on:** Sep 05, 17, 07:02:27 AM »

Quote

That's separate from the wastewater (sewer) powers of the CSD?

The CSD only has Sewer Planning Powers. This is a good idea in case it ever comes to pass that that State will require sewers in Wrightwood. If the State mandates it then the CSD will have a seat at the table in deciding our own fate when it comes to sewers.

The key or potential kickoff for such a mandate would be triggered by nitrates found in one of the Golden State Water wells.. so far that has not happened.

Regards,

--Wes

thehallmarks · « **Reply #17 on:** Sep 05, 17, 09:13:34 AM »

thehallmarks · « **Reply #18 on:** Sep 05, 17, 09:37:54 AM »

I have a problem with a piece of legislation that only requires a majority vote to change a proposition passed by the voters requiring a 2/3 vote.

Wes Zuber - WWCSD · « **Reply #19 on:** Sep 05, 17, 10:51:15 AM »

Apologies if I am diverting the topic.. Just commenting on some info earlier in the thread.

Quote

Yes, the CSD would handle Franchise fees currently paid by CR&R in return for the "exclusive right to handle garbage" in Wrightwood. This is just a way for the CSD to keep the money (8% or some ungodly amount) that CR&R pays to the county now.

It is 10%. That money was going to the County and would go to the CSD as Bob C points out.

Regards,

--Wes

Author Topic: Wrightwood CSD Waste Water Power (Read 47396 times)

jwhays661

jwhays661

Wes Zuber - WWCSD

Wes Zuber - WWCSD