Received Sep 17 2024*

Published: June 21, 2024 4 pages

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⚠️ Translation Notice: This content has been automatically translated. The original English text is the official version. Translation may contain errors.

⚠️ Este contenido ha sido traducido automáticamente. El texto original en inglés es la versión oficial. La traducción puede contener errores.

Findings 2 findings

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revenues. This has led to conflicts over governance, facility operation, and control, affecting the evolving potential for wastewater reuse. MNWD Response: MNWD agrees with this finding The Report accurately relates some of SOCWA's history. However, as stated previously, SOCWA member agencies are currently finalizing agreements that will resolve many of P.O. Box 30203 | Laguna Niguel, CA 92607 | 949. 831. 2500 | mnwd.com those past conflicts. These agreements address critical issues, such as the fact that all of the wastewater sent to the Regional Treatment Plant solely originates with the customers of MNWD - ownership and operation of this plant ensures that the purified water is returned to the water supply of the customers contributing to it. Further, upon completion of the reorganization agreements within SOCWA, the governance of the other treatment facilities will better align with the agencies most reliant on those other treatment facilities. Based on recent discussions, MNWD is optimistic that these agreements and the revised governance structure will be completed in Fall 2024.

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There is currently no unified strategy for the future of water/wastewater provision in South Orange County. MNWD Response: MNWD agrees with this finding. While we agree with this finding, we note that the SOCWA member agencies have frequently collaborated, and continue to do so, on projects and programs where there are shared visions or goals. Several collaborative projects have been constructed over the years to enhance local water reliability, such as the 3A Treatment Plant. As MNWD is developing its OASIS program, there will be opportunities to collaborate with other local agencies to expand the program. Through those partnerships, additional wastewater may be reused, enhancing the environmental benefits of OASIS by further reducing ocean discharges and increasing local water reliability for the region.

Recommendations 1

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The OCGJ recommends that by January 1, 2025, LAFCO form a task force comprising representatives of affected water agencies to study the transformation of SOCWA and prepare a report on the future of water/wastewater in South Orange County. MNWD Response: This recommendation will not be implemented by MNWD because it is not warranted. While we understand the objective of the recommendation, MNWD will not implement this recommendation. The current negotiations and amended SOCWA agreements seek to accomplish similar objectives. Additionally, this recommendation calls for another entity, LAFCO, to exercise powers that may exceed its authority. P.O. Box 30203 | Laguna Niguel, CA 92607 | 949. 831. 2500 | mnwd.com The current negotiations and amended agreements are the culmination of years of discussions and will effectively transform SOCWA and settle several long-standing disputes. Through these amendments, which are expected to be finalized soon, the implementation of the OASIS program can go forward and will allow for enhanced water reliability though wastewater reuse. Post-transfer, MNWD remains committed to participating at some level in the discussion of future regional water and wastewater treatment issues in the region. The Moulton Niguel Water District Board of Directors and staff appreciate the opportunity to respond to the Report. Should you require any additional information on this topic, please do not hesitate to contact me. Sincerely, from K Say Joone Kim-Lopez General Manager 2023-2024 Orange County Grand Jury cc: 700 Civic Center Drive Santa Ana, CA 92701 Board of Supervisors c/o Robin Stieler Clerk of the Board 400 W. Civic Center Drive, Sixth Floor Santa Ana, CA 92701 MNWD Board of Directors P.O. Box 30203 | Laguna Niguel, CA 92607 | 949. 831. 2500 | mnwd.com

* This report's PDF did not contain easily extractable text and required Optical Character Recognition (OCR) for analysis. There may be minor errors in the extracted findings and recommendations due to OCR limitations with scanned documents.