CASA Comments on Revised Toxicity Provisions
Earlier this week CASA submitted a comment letter to the State Water Resources Control Board on the second draft of the revised Toxicity Provisions and updated Staff Report, which were released on July 7. The proposed toxicity provisions will establish numeric water quality objectives for both acute and chronic toxicity and a program of implementation for dischargers to surface waters to control toxicity. CASA has been actively engaged in the development of the toxicity provisions for many years. Our toxicity workgroup met earlier this month with CVCWA, BACWA, and SCAP to identify concerns with the revisions from the prior draft of released in 2018. Staff’s summary of the changes, along with an analysis of Economic Considerations for the regulations and Response to Comments on the 2018 draft are all available for review. Staff held a workshop on July 29 to review the revisions for which the presentation is available here and the video is archived here. Please reach out to Jared Voskuhl with questions or your agency’s comments.

Power Conservation Alert for Public Water/Wastewater Systems
Early last week the Governor declared a state of emergency in connection with a prolonged heatwave that stressed the electrical grid. The California Independent System Operator (CAISO) issued a statewide Flex Alert calling for voluntary electricity conservation from Monday, August 17th through Wednesday, August 19th to help reduce power demands within California while prioritizing public health and safety. The Governor also issued an Executive Order allowing for the emergency use of back-up generators to relieve stress on the power grid during peak hours for the duration of the heat wave. The State Water Board issued a power conservation notice asking all public water/wastewater systems to consider what extra steps they could take to reduce power use during flex alerts, while maintaining essential water/wastewater service. If your agency was able to reduce power consumption during this period, the Water Board is requesting that you voluntarily report your efforts to Jonathan Bishop at jonathan.bishop@waterboards.ca.gov.
The Water Board is also asking agencies to reach out to customers and remind them of the need to reduce energy use during this time. Sample social media messages have been provided by CalEPA and the State Water Board which can be re-posted and shared. Thank you for anything your agencies can do to address this most recent crisis.