The meeting will take place at 5:00 pm at the OC San Headquarters located at 18480 Bandilier Circle. Community members are encouraged to participate in the meeting. Details for in-person attendance, as well as options for joining online via Teams or by telephone, can be found on the OC San website at www.ocsan.gov.

For those unable to attend, public comments can be submitted via the online portal at https://ocsd.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx or by email to OCSanClerk@ocsan.gov. For further inquiries, the Clerk of the Board’s office can be reached at 714-593-7433.

Mobile Equipment Purchases at Upcoming Meeting

The Orange County Sanitation District (OC San) is set to vote on the purchase of replacement mobile equipment as part of its ongoing fleet maintenance strategy.

The proposed expenditure of $761,300 is included in the adopted Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budget and aims to replace essential mobile equipment that supports both daily operations and emergency responses. OC San’s fleet includes a variety of machinery, such as portable pumps, generators, forklifts, and loaders—totaling 96 units.

According to OC San officials, the decision to replace aging equipment is driven by several factors: the current units’ ability to fulfill departmental needs, their age, increasing maintenance costs, and compliance with environmental regulations. The replacement units also promise important safety upgrades that older models lack.

Each year, the Fleet Services Division assesses the condition and utility of existing equipment and evaluates the cost-effectiveness of repairs versus replacement. The proposed purchases are expected to enhance operational efficiency while ensuring staff safety, in line with stricter air emissions standards.

Legislative Affairs Update: OC San Pushes for Funding and Advocacy

The Orange County Sanitation District (OC San) is actively navigating a complex legislative landscape this February, focusing on advocacy efforts that underscore the organization’s mission and critical funding needs. As policymakers grapple with evolving regulations, OC San’s voice in legislative discussions is more urgent than ever.

With potential risks looming for the wastewater sector due to new legislative actions, OC San is stepping up its efforts to ensure that decision-makers understand the significance of its projects and programs. Proactive engagement is vital; without it, the community’s interests could be overshadowed, leading to adverse consequences for both OC San and the residents it serves.

On February 12, OC San staff, accompanied by a federal lobbyist, participated in a virtual meeting with Senators Adam Schiff and Alex Padilla. The discussion focused on the federal appropriations process and strategies for navigating funding applications for Fiscal Year 2027. Key topics included Congressionally Directed Spending and Programmatic Funding, essential avenues for securing the financial support needed for projects across California.

Recent developments in state revenues have also caught the attention of stakeholders, particularly in light of the Cap-and-Invest auction results. The Legislative Analyst’s Office disclosed that the November 2025 auction generated approximately $844 million—significantly lower than anticipated and a $150 million decline from the previous year. As auctions resume in February 2026, experts are closely monitoring the outcomes, which could affect mid-year budget adjustments and future funding from the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund.

Looking forward to March, the state legislature is poised for a busy session as committees prepare to review bills ahead of the Legislative Spring recess on March 26. Meanwhile, OC San’s federal lobbyists are working diligently with congressional committees to secure liability exemptions for clean water agencies concerning PFAS, a pressing issue linked to biosolids management.

Fountain Valley Property Management Agreement Extended

The Orange County Sanitation District (OC San) Board of Directors has ratified an amendment to its ongoing agreement with The Muller Company for property management services at two key locations in Fountain Valley: 18350 Mt. Langley Street and 18250 Euclid Street. The amended agreement allows management services to continue on a month-to-month basis, with fees set at $5,241.90 per month, plus any other expenses incurred. The contract also includes a 12-month renewal period.

This agreement follows OC San’s prior approval of a sole-source contract with The Muller Company to manage several OC San-owned properties, including the now-demolished buildings on Bandilier Circle. These locations have served as operational spaces for staff and commercial tenants, with leases set to expire in the upcoming years.

As part of a strategic initiative to enhance its headquarters facilities and optimize land for treatment operations, OC San acquired the properties. The demolition of the Bandilier Circle buildings led to a reduction in management fees under Amendment No. 6 of the original agreement.

In a significant move, OC San closed escrow on another industrial property located at 18250 Euclid Street on February 24, 2026. This site is integral to supporting warehouse and operational functions, currently housed at Plant No. 1. Plans are to eventually relocate those operations to the new property, allowing the repurposing of the existing Plant No. 1 facilities for core treatment processes.

With the current tenant’s lease at the Euclid Street property set to expire at the end of the year, immediate property management services are deemed essential to safeguard and maintain the asset.

Orange County Waste and Recycling Implements New Cost Structure Amid Regulatory Changes

In a significant move affecting local waste management, the Orange County Waste and Recycling (OCWR) has announced a comprehensive re-evaluation of its service rates as part of its ongoing efforts to manage the county’s solid waste disposal system. This system comprises three active landfills, three organic processing facilities, 20 closed waste disposal sites, and four hazardous waste collection centers.

Since 2013, OCWR has provided a cost-effective solution for the Orange County Sanitation District (OC San), enabling the disposal of up to 50 tons per day of solid waste generated from various sources, including grit and screenings, at the Frank Bowerman Landfill in Irvine. Additionally, OCWR offers disposal options for solids unsuitable for reuse at the Prima Deshecha Landfill in San Juan Capistrano.

The county’s waste management strategy has evolved, with the Orange County Board of Supervisors approving several Waste Disposal Agreements (WDAs) since 1997. These agreements initially guaranteed stable disposal rates for local jurisdictions in exchange for dedicated tonnage to county landfills. Recent amendments have extended these agreements to June 30, 2026, providing more time for negotiations on a successor agreement, the WISE Agreement.

Approved by the Supervisors on January 27, 2026, the WISE Agreements emerged after extensive discussions between the County of Orange and the Orange County City Managers Association (OCCMA). These negotiations reflect a commitment to align waste management strategies with recent state regulations, particularly in response to Assembly Bill 1594 and Senate Bill 1383, which redefined the management of organic materials.

To accommodate the evolving compliance landscape and ensure financial stability, the WISE Agreements introduce two options for jurisdictions regarding service rates. The first option begins at $73 per ton and increases annually in line with the Consumer Price Index (CPI). The second, more gradual approach starts at $67 per ton in the first year, with incremental increases planned for the next three years, culminating in rates that adjust for CPI thereafter.

Ultimately, the OCCMA Subcommittee chose the phased-in approach to balance the need for predictable revenue with OCWR’s ability to maintain operations effectively. This strategic decision supports the county’s goal of meeting regulatory requirements and ensuring a reliable landfill system for Orange County residents.

In addition to waste disposal, the WISE Agreement also encompasses organic processing services, enabling jurisdictions to deliver preprocessed organic waste to OCWR facilities. The county’s compost and mulch products have achieved commendable certifications, enhancing their credibility and usability in organic farming and gardening.

Orange County Waste and Recycling Expands Services with New Agreements

Orange County Waste and Recycling (OCWR) is at the forefront of managing the county’s solid waste disposal system, a comprehensive network that oversees three active landfills, three organic processing facilities, and multiple closed disposal sites. In a move to enhance its operations and services, OCWR has proposed new agreements to support local jurisdictions in managing waste and complying with state regulations.

Since 2013, OCWR has offered the Costa Mesa Sanitary District (OC San) a cost-effective solution for disposing of solid waste generated from various sources, including grit and screenings from water treatment operations. The Frank Bowerman Landfill in Irvine has been a key site for processing up to 50 tons of waste per day. At the same time, the Prima Deshecha Landfill in San Juan Capistrano also provides limited disposal options.

The groundwork for the new agreements began in 1997, when the Orange County Board of Supervisors first approved Waste Disposal Agreements (WDAs) with local jurisdictions. These agreements, which allowed jurisdictions to secure stable disposal rates, have since been extended several times, with the most recent to June 30, 2026. This extension is intended to provide additional time for negotiations on the WISE (Waste Infrastructure System Enterprise) Agreement.

The WISE Agreement, approved by the Board of Supervisors in January 2026, aims to build on the existing WDA framework while addressing new regulatory challenges. Notably, the implementation of Assembly Bill (AB) 1594 and Senate Bill (SB) 1383 in 2020 has redefined how organic materials are categorized, affecting diversion credits and disposal practices.

In a bid to facilitate compliance with the state’s organic waste diversion mandates, OCWR has introduced an optional Organic Services Agreement (OSA) that offers jurisdictions new organic processing services. The majority of the WISE Agreement’s provisions mirror those found in the previous WDAs, ensuring consistency while adding enhancements to support local needs.

Negotiations between OCWR and the Orange County City Managers Association (OCCMA) Subcommittee have resulted in two proposed waste-disposal rate options under the WISE Agreement. The county presented a straightforward pricing model that escalates annually based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and a phased-in approach to adjust rates over the next three years gradually. Ultimately, the phased-in option was selected, enabling a smoother transition to the new rate structure while ensuring OCWR receives the necessary funding to maintain operations effectively.

This new agreement not only ensures stable landfill operations for Orange County residents but also continues revenue sharing for jurisdictions from imported waste—an essential aspect of the county’s waste management system.

Additionally, organic waste management remains a priority, with OCWR’s organic processing facilities producing high-quality compost and mulch certified by the U.S. Composting Council. The introduction of the OSA enables jurisdictions to deliver preprocessed organic waste, further advancing sustainable practices and compliance with state regulations.

Insight Investment Highlights OC San’s Portfolio Performance

In a recent presentation, Insight Investment, the designated investment manager for the Orange County Sanitation District (OC San), shared key insights into the performance of the district’s liquidity and long-term investment portfolios over the past year.

Senior Portfolio Manager Jason Celente, CFA, CTP, and Senior Relationship Manager Thierno Sylla, CFA, led the discussion, detailing successes and the strategies employed to navigate the financial landscape. The presentation aimed to provide transparency and understanding of how OC San’s investments have fared, reflecting the organization’s commitment to sound financial management.

Orange County Sanitation District to Discuss Key Procurement Processes and Budget Overview

In an upcoming presentation, Orange County Sanitation District (OCSD) staff will delve into crucial procurement processes, highlighting the differences between bids and requests for proposals (RFPs) and contrasting sole-source contracts with competitive contracts. This informative session aims to enhance the Board of Directors’ understanding of the agency’s procurement strategies.

Additionally, the staff will provide a comprehensive overview of the revenues and reserves associated with the Proposed Budgets for Fiscal Years 2026-27 and 2027-28. This presentation is particularly significant, as the Proposed Budget is scheduled to be adopted at the Board of Directors meeting on June 24, 2026.