Several states currently utilize Sustainable

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1 Sustainable Infrastructure Planning A Compilation of State Initiatives Presented by Stacy Barna, Texas Water Development Board November 15, 2010 Sustainability Initiatives Several states currently utilize Sustainable Infrastructure t Initiatives in their State t Revolving Fund Programs Draft Sustainable Infrastructure Initiatives Paper for EPA/State SRF Workgroup in 2008 This presentation will focus on current efforts in New Jersey, Texas, Washington 1

2 State of New Jersey Sustainability in DWSRF Drinking Water Program- Capacity Development (CD) Section NJDEP staff or contractor to work with targeted system on the current Capacity DevelopmentStrategy List CD section currently drafting a 2 year water system evaluation and assistance contract to include asset management Working with New Jersey Water Association to hold a one day financial planning workshop with EFC staff, SRF program staff, USDAstaff staff, Community BlockGrant Staff, etc forwater systems Need to help systems and let them know that the resources are there for assistance and financing but realize that they must charge adequate rates to keep system afloat 2

3 Capacity Development Process Target water system (Assigned to contractor Or NJDEP staff ) Background research and Conduct site visit(s) Complete CD assessment Develop & present improvement plan (including asset management plan recommendation) Help water system implement Plan (including asset management Plan) Water System returns to compliance Conduct routine follow ups and annual review of Asset management plans Continue assistance as needed Capacity Development Section- continued *Two staff members received a Certificate of Completion for the CUPSS train the trainer the trainer series from USEPA in SFY2010 *Continue to advise systems of potential to use the financial planning tools from the Boise State Environmental Finance Center (EFC) such as Rate Check Up, EFC Financial Dashboard, and Utility Budgeting Workbook. *Many resources on NJDEP and USEPA websites *Contact: Mike Kenney at (609) mike.kenney@dep.state.nj.us 3

4 Small Systems Technical Assistance Section 1) NJDEP identifies small systems serving <10,000 with recurring violations and water quality problems and helps them to achieve compliance with SDWA. Helps small systems look at what is needed, evaluate options and determine best course. Sometimes, the resolution is to connect to a neighboring water system. Priority is given to systems with: a) Acute violations b) Monitoring and reporting problems or MCL violations (including all Significant Non Compliance c) Smallest and/or poorest communities or NTNC water systems 2) NJDEP contracts with New Jersey Water Association (NJWA) to provide group training sessions throughout State to owners and operators of small water systems Small Systems Technical Assistance Section 3) NJDEP contracted with NJWA in 2006 and 2008 to provide for engineering services for systems serving less than 3,300 who apply for a DWSRF loan a) 7 systems were assisted b) New Jersey Water Association prepares RFP for a short list of engineers, then with DEP guidance assigns an engineer to request participants c) Helps small systems get the project planned and designed without borrowing the money for the upfront costs; hard for a small system to get through the loan process d) We anticipate a new contract with NJWA on or around January 2011 to provide services for systems to meet October 2011 deadline to obtain SRF loan in 2012 Contact: Joseph DuRocher at (609) joseph.durocher@dep.state.nj.us 4

5 DWSRF Priority System Extra priority points assigned for systems that plan ahead 50 points for a regional solution that is contained in a comprehensive water supply plan for a particular region or watershed acceptable to NJDEP, a local five year master plan, or five year capital improvement plan acceptable to NJDEP 25 points for a current asset management inventory or rate setting study acceptable to the NJDEP or other state agencies Additionally, there are extra points (up to 80 pts) assigned for affordability. Lower income areas get higher points and therefore place higher overall on the list; like urban centers and complexes DWSRF Priority System-Continued Extra points (up to 20 pts) assigned for state sustainability and smartgrowth planning initiatives; such as Plan Endorsement or Center Designation Transite Village Initiative; or Brownfield Development Area Aids in managing growth to built up areas and promoting sustainable communities; important for a high density state like New Jersey DWSRF section works closely with other sustainable communities and smart growth sections in New Jersey to update the Intended Use Plan every year 5

6 DWSRF Loan Terms Incentives If principal forgiveness available in a funding cycle, given to higher ranked systems, where most of points for compliance with Safe Drinking Water Act and affordability Smart Growth package, with better loan terms, available to urban centers and complexes, transit villages, brownfield development areas and green project reserves Contact: Josephine Craver at (609) josephine.craver@dep.state.nj.us state nj Texas Water Development Board Sustainability Planning in the State Revolving Fund Programs 6

7 Sustainability Planning in the SRFs Texas collaborates with entities seeking a SRF loan to incorporate sustainability elements and measures into project planning and development including: Utilization of SRF set asides (Texas Commission on Environmental Quality) to assess the applicant s technical, managerial, and financial capacity, consolidation assessments, and provide asset management and utility board training. (DW) Consistency with State and Regional Water Plans. (DW) Required Water Conservation Plan and establishment of 5 and 10 year water conservation goals for all loans over $500, (DW & CW) Capacity Development and Small Systems Technical Assistance Utilization of SRF set asides to assess and improve capacity development, including: Technical ability to meet current and anticipated regulatory requirements (disinfection byproducts, arsenic, lead). Managerial assistance with Consumer Confidence Reporting, providing operator certification, and rate setting and board member training. Financial developing and updating tariffs, rate analysis and asset management training. TCEQ offers consolidation assessments for officials or owners of systems who may be looking into the possibility of getting out of the water or wastewater business by consolidating their system with a nearby system. TCEQ provides Compliance Feasibility Studies for Small Public Water Systems through the UT Bureau of Economic Geology to identify, evaluate, and rank localized compliance strategies for selected small public water systems (PWS) that were noncompliant with one or more of the federal/state chemical maximum contaminant levels (MCLs). 7

8 State and Regional Water Planning The State Water planning process was designed to ensure the water needs of all Texans are met as Texas moves into the 21 st century. Individuals representing 11 interest groups serve as members of Regional Water Planning Groups (RWPG) prepare Regional Water Plans for their respective areas. When a water need is identified, the planning groups recommend Water Management Strategies to meet the need. State and Regional Water Plans are updated every five years ( ) Beginning January 5, 2002, TWDB financial assistance for water supply projects may be provided only to projects that meet identified needs in a manner that tis consistent twith the approved regional water plans. In addition, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality may not issue a water right permit for municipal purposes unless it is consistent with an approved regional water plan after January 5, Planning for Texas Future Needs Consistency with State/Regional Water Plans in four areas: State Water Plan Consistency Review Regional Water Plan Group inclusion? Recommendation as Water Management Strategy? New Supply? (water source (SW/GW), volume, year anticipated) Population Review Applicant s Projections (2010, 2020, 2030) comparison to State Data Center Water Availability Wateravailable available for life of loan? Plan Compliance and Reporting Water Use Survey (self reported) Water Audit Annual Reporting Review (DW) Water Conservation Plan Review 8

9 Enhancing Conservation in Texas Required Water Conservation Plan and establishment of water conservation goals for all loans over $500,000. TWDB staff provides technical assistance for entities including; preparation of water and drought conservation plans, utility profile to establish gallons per capita per day (GPCD) and water loss baselines, identification of 5 and 10 year GPDC and water loss goals, Water Conservation Plan guidance, checklists, and enhancements including public information and customer based dincentive programs. Project Water Conservation information is included in each SRF commitment and is available for Board member review before approval. Sustainability Planning in the DWSRF For SFY 2012, Texas is enhancing its sustainability efforts by: Establishing sustainability rating criteria for proposed projects. Requesting detailed sustainability information from entities seeking SFY 2012 SRF program funds including: Asset Management State, Regional, or Municipal Watershed Planning Water Conservation Energy Efficiency Participating in the Texas Water Infrastructure Coordinating Committee (TWICC) to increase awareness of sustainability priorities amongst state funding and regulatory agencies to target financial and technical assistance, and available subsidies. 9

10 Questions/Contact Any Questions? For further information, please contact Stacy Barna at (512) or by ing State of Washington Water System Plans in the Drinking Water SRF 10

11 Planning Program Goals Financial capacity of the utility is stable. System capacity of the utility is certain. Utilities understand and participate in planning consistent with other state and local efforts. Utility decision makers are informed and committed to the utility priorities. Planning documents for current and future needs of the utility are being used and implemented. A Water System Plan Tells a Story: Provides water system history Evaluates existing water system: Infrastructure Managerial and operational Compares existing to future needs Provides path to meet future needs 11

12 Why does Washington require water systems plan? Minimize public health risk Ensure efficient use of resources Maintain reliable delivery of water Protect water supply Demonstrate compliance Identify deficiencies, needs, and goals Create plan to address deficiencies Who is required to plan in State Rule? Community water systems Water systems with >1,000 connections New and expanding water systems Problem water systems Water systems within a critical water supply service area Systems applying for DWSRF funding 12

13 Mandatory Elements of a Water System Plan Chapter 1 Water System History (Ownership and management, Existing facilities & Service area and policies) Chapter 2 Forecasting Future Use (Based on historical use, land use and growth projections) Chapter 3 Water System Analysis (Water Quality, Infrastructure, Water Rights Sufficiency and projected demand, System Capacity Determination) Chapters 4 & 5 Reliability (Source Protection, Water Use Efficiency Plan, Source of Supply Analysis) Chapters 6 & 7 Operations and Management (Operational Practices, Cross Connection Control, Emergency Response etc) Chapter 8 Future Improvement (Capital and Non Capital Deficiencies, Schedule and Budget for each Deficiency with a 6 and 20 year timeframe) Chapter 9 Financial Program (Six year Budget and Four Financial Viability Tests) Chapter 10 Miscellaneous Documents (State Environmental Protection Act Determination, Correspondence from other agencies) Contact For further information, please contact Kristin Bettridge at (360) , or by at: kristin.bettridge@doh.wa.gov 13

14 Summary States are currently looking at Sustainability and it s further applicability in their State t Revolving Fund Programs EPA Final Sustainability Policy released EPA Sustainability Guidance coming soon EPA/State t SRF Workgroup paper on Sustainable Infrastructure Initiatives being updated through December 31,