Environmental Press # 264

Subj: OOG: Today's LA Times Article on Wednesday's OCSD Rate Meeting
Date: Mon, 23 Jun 2003 9:27:51 PM Eastern Daylight Time
From: Jon V3
To: Jon V3
Dear OOG:

See link to today's LA Times article on the rate issue:

Los Angeles Times: Expansion Plan May Double O.C. Sewer Fees

Within this story is Director Brady's suggestion of a compromise of a 15% increase for one year. I would go along with this, which is the position I stated in front of the Board last month.

Still missing from the news articles is the fact that an increase in secondary treatment facilities was a part of the other treatment scenarios with the waiver, not just the full secondary alternative.

For example, to maintain the 50/50 blend of primary/secondary, OCSD still had to build more secondary, about $152 million worth.

 

Although the cost of secondary treatment was $423 million for Alternative C, full secondary, the cost of Alternative B, the current 50/50 blend, was still $152 million.

The difference between Alt B, current operations, and Alt C, full secondary, was $271 million. This is the cost of getting rid of the waiver.

Moreover, because flows were projected to decrease from anticipated in 1999, the cost of Alt C compared to the 1999 strategic Plan, was only $152 million. This is the true increase in anticipated costs over what was already estimated.

That's why the $30 a year, $2.50 a month price figure for full secondary is such a bargain.

Think about it. $2.50 a month. What will this cost? A Happy Meal at McDonald's; 2 cups of coffee; a six pack of coke? Good to bring up examples at the meeting on Wednesday.

Remember: OCSD Board of Directors meeting, 7 PM, Wednesday, June 25, 10844 Ellis Ave, corner Euclid and Ellis, Euclid exit off the 405 Freeway, Fountain Valley.

Thanks.

Jan Vandersloot (949) 548-6326

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