After we made the tough decision to cancel the CASA Winter Conference this January, CASA staff got to work crafting an alternative so members could still have access to the timely and important information we were planning as part of the program. Starting next Monday, March 7, 2022, and running through June 2022, we are excited to announce a series of CASA-led “Ask the Experts” webinars! Join the conversation as we discuss the hot topics all clean water agencies are concerned with, including infrastructure funding, climate resiliency, public messaging, PFAS, and much more! These virtual workshops are free and open to all CASA members.

 

Workshop #1: Biosolids 101 for Agency Managers, Directors, and Staff
March 7, 2022
Access the Recording

Thank you to everyone who participated in the March 7 discussion on biosolids. The recording of this webinar is now available. Hear from one of the foremost biosolids experts in the country, CASA’s own Director of Renewable Resource Programs Greg Kester, on the origins and contours of the federal and state biosolids program. Greg’s presentation will run participants through the history of federal biosolids regulations, and new advancements that will further your understanding of modern challenges, opportunities and the latest research and collaborative studies. Whether you are brand new to biosolids or a seasoned professional, this interactive session is one you’ll want to check out!

 

Insights on State and Federal Funding Opportunities for Wastewater Agencies
March 29, 2022, 10:00 – 11:30 am

Successfully obtaining infrastructure funding is consistently identified as one of the highest priorities for CASA member agencies. This workshop will explore a wide range of federal funding opportunities with Central Coast Regional Board Member and Dudek regional project manager, Jane Gray. This session will also delve into the contours of recent state funding opportunities such as the arrearages program, septic to sewer project funding, recycled water funding, updates to the State Revolving Fund program and Intended Use Plan, and much more from the State Water Board program leads. Finally, hear the latest from USEPA on implementation of Buy American mandates and other federal infrastructure developments.

 

Virtual State Legislative “Day in the District”
April 17-28 (Final Date and Time TBD)

Don’t miss this opportunity to get briefed on key issues coming before the Legislature this year that could impact local water and wastewater agencies in significant ways. There are several important issues before the California Legislature this year, including proposed changes to local agency fee authority, water conservation legislation, climate change and sea level rise, microplastics, and CASA sponsored legislation on PFAS disclosures. Led by CASA’s Director of Legislative Advocacy and Public Affairs, Jessica Gauger, this workshop will run through messaging to use with your state representatives when advocating on behalf of the clean water community. We will also provide a tool kit for agencies to make their own meetings with their state representatives in a coordinated way and share your agency’s message as well as CASA’s priorities for the year.

 

Partnering on PFAS Workshop
April 17-28 (Final Date and Time TBD)

There is never a dull day in the regulatory world. Finding ways to identify sources of PFAS contamination and manage PFAS in our environment continues to be a hot topic for water and wastewater agencies in 2022. If you are struggling to keep up with all the latest developments on PFAS, we are here to help! Hear from experts at CDM Smith, which performed a deep dive on the PFAS data recently collected by the State Water Board, as well as representatives from the State Water Board on what comes next for PFAS regulation. Also hear a federal perspective on what the USEPA’s PFAS Action Plan could mean for your agency, and from lead researchers at SFEI on the work they performed related to PFAS and its key findings. If your agency has any concerns about PFAS, this program includes important new information you need to know!

 

Communications and Public Messaging for Local Agencies
May 2022 (Final Date and Time TBD)

Effectively communicating with your ratepayers is essential to achieving your agency’s goals and promoting the amazing work we all do in the clean water community. This session, led by CASA’s Manager of Communications Alyssa Downs and the CASA Communications Committee, will focus on what fellow agencies are doing to share their message in new and innovative ways. Agency PIOs and clean water champions won’t want to miss this workshop!

 

Step Up Your Career Development
May 18, 2022
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Registration Link

Take your career to the next level with expert insights from Maggie Frye at CORE Consulting. Maggie has worked with CASA member agencies and spoken at CASA conferences about the value of mentorship. Now, learn about the types of proactive steps you can take to further develop your career in the clean water sector. Maggie will offer a smattering of tips and techniques that you can use right away. Also learn more about the CASA LEAD (Leadership, Education, Advancement and Development) Program, including the CASA mentorship program and the professional development LISTSERV, as well as other ways for emerging leaders to get involved.

 

Air Quality, Climate Change and Energy (ACE) Essentials
June 2022 (Final Date and Time TBD)

Over the past several years there has been a dramatic expansion of the intersection between wastewater and the air quality, climate change, and energy (ACE) space, and we only expect that relationship to grow in the coming years. Join us for an opportunity to ask CASA’s own Climate Change Program Manager, Sarah Deslauriers, about the latest ACE developments, including the implementation of organics diversion mandates, the 2022 Climate Change Scoping Plan Update, potential changes to air toxics reporting, and many others. Also hear from high level staff at the California Air Resources Board (CARB) about what vehicle electrification could mean for wastewater agencies, and potential opportunities for enhanced uses of biogas.