Last Updated: 12/17/21
- Resolution by State Water Quality Control Boards in Recognition of Wastewater Agency Efforts to Test for SARS-CoV-2
- Resolution by Water Quality Monitoring Control in Recognition of Wastewater Agency Efforts to Test for SARS-CoV-2
COVID-19 is impacting the wastewater community in a variety of unique and challenging ways. Below are a series of resources that may be useful to reference for local wastewater agencies as we navigate through this crisis. As a reminder, this information represents the state of our knowledge at a point in time and should be used as a resource for exploring additional actions. Circumstances are always subject to change, and agencies must make their own decision about what course appropriately balances public safety while ensuring the continued delivery of critical infrastructure services.
As we all struggle to adapt to COVID-19 related restrictions, agencies are developing modified emergency staffing plans, continuity of operations plans, modified remote work policies, and revisiting interagency agreements to maintain critical services. CASA is gathering this information including examples of approaches developed by CASA member agencies here.
Wastewater agencies are doing everything in their power to manage and protect their workforce in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. The California Water Environment Association (CWEA) has put together an informative webpage dedicated to this topic, with specific guidance and the latest news. CASA has also consulted several experts in the field and developed a similar set of recommendations here.
California has taken unprecedented action in response to the Coronavirus outbreak, including the Governor signing multiple executive orders that impact local government operations. The State has also developed online resources for the public to receive up to date information about the Coronavirus response and relief actions. Find links to the orders as well as other essential resources here.
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The federal government is taking several steps to assist California in addressing issues related to COVID-19, including a Proclamation Declaring a National Emergency and approval of Governor Newsom’s request for a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration. Congress also adopted a major stimulus package with implications for wastewater agencies. CASA has gathered key federal agency contacts and summarized notable agency actions and recommendations here.
Both USEPA and the State Water Board have released statements in recent weeks attempting to address concerns about meeting certain compliance obligations in these unprecedented circumstances. While wastewater agencies are committed to maintaining water quality and protecting public health throughout this ordeal, several agencies are anticipating staffing shortages and other constraints imposed by COVID-19. Read more about those concerns here.
CASA has compiled links to various resources, websites, and general information about COVID-19 that would be relevant for local wastewater agencies. We will continue to update these links as new information becomes available.
In light of the COVID-19 Crisis and influx of media requests to both CASA and individual agencies, CASA has prepared a Media Resources Toolkit to aid in agency outreach. We created this resource in hopes that the tools are simple enough to “copy + paste” to social media platforms or other communications, so that you and your teams can keep continued focus on the pressing issues facing agencies at this time. Please feel free to use the contents as you see fit.
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As the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic continues to hold the nation and the world in its grasp, CASA has felt it important to collate as much available research as possible and make it available on this webpage. There are a wealth of articles posted and more will be added as they are found or published. We have briefly summarized main points of each one, but feel free to contact Greg Kester with specific questions or comments you may have.
Under the recent COVID-19 funding package, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) received $45 billion to utilize and distribute to states and localities. As part of the funding process, FEMA and CalOES require a request for public assistance in order for governmental entities to follow-up on specific reimbursement requests. Submissions will be accepted up to 30 days after the incident period closes for the disaster event. For additional forms, information and links, click More.
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In response to the growing interest in Wastewater Based Epidemiology and influx of public and media inquiries to both CASA and individual agencies, the CASA Communications Committee has prepared a Resources Toolkit to aid in agency outreach. We have created this resource in hopes that the tools are simple enough to “copy + paste” to social media platforms, external newsletters, or other communications, so that you and your teams can keep continued focus on your invaluable work. Please feel free to use the content as you see fit.
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