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MWMC MEETING AGENDA
Friday, May 14th, 2021 7:30 AM – 9:30 AM (PDT)
Due to the Coronavirus Pandemic and Oregon Executive Order 20-16, the MWMC Meeting will be held
remotely via computer or phone.
To join the meeting by phone dial: 877 853 5247; Access Code: 910 6054 5251; Passcode: 809228
7:30 – 7:35 I. ROLL CALL
7:35 – 7:40 II. CONSENT CALENDAR
a. MWMC 4/9/21 Minutes
Action Requested: By motion, approve the Consent Calendar
7:40 – 7:45 III. PUBLIC COMMENT: Public comment can be submitted by email to
jbrennan@springfield-or.gov or by phone 541-726-3694 by 5 PM May, 13th, 2021 or made at
the meeting. All public comments need to include your full name, address, if you are
representing yourself or an organization (name of organization), and topic.
7:45 – 8:00 IV. SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT CHARGES FOR SMALL HOMES………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………Matt Stouder
Action Requested: Approve, by motion, Resolution 21-04
8:00 – 8:25 V. BIOCYCLE FARM MU3 POPLAR HARVEST UPDATE……………………………………………...
………………………………………...…………………………………………………Todd Miller
Action Requested: Informational and Discussion
8:25 – 8:50 VI. CLEAN WATER UNIVERSITY UPDATE……………………………………………………………..
………………………………………..……………………………… Loralyn Spiro and April Miller
Action Requested: Informational and Discussion
8:50 – 9:10 VII. KEY OUTCOME 1: REVISIT………………………………………Matt Stouder, Dave Breitenstein
Action Requested: Informational and Discussion
9:10 – 9:30 VIII. BUSINESS FROM COMMISSION, GENERAL MANAGER, & WASTEWATER DIRECTOR
9:30 IX. ADJOURNMENT
MWMC MEETING MINUTES
Friday, April 9, 2021 at 7:30 a.m.
Due to the Coronavirus Pandemic and Oregon Executive Order 20-16, the MWMC Meeting was held
remotely via computer or phone. Meeting was video recorded.
Commissioner Yeh opened the meeting at 7:30 a.m. Roll call was taken by Josi Brennan.
ROLL CALL
Commissioners Present Remotely: Pat Farr, Bill Inge, Doug Keeler, Walter Meyer, Joe Pishioneri, Peter
Ruffier, and Jennifer Yeh
Staff Present Remotely: Lou Allocco, Meg Allocco, Steve Barnhardt, Katherine Bishop, Dave Breitenstein,
Josi Brennan, Mark Van Eeckhout, Shawn Krueger, Troy McAllister, James McClendon, Todd Miller, April
Miller, Brian Millington, Michelle Miranda, Brooke Mossefin, Sharon Olson, Bryan Robinson, Loralyn Spiro,
Matt Stouder, Valerie Warner, Greg Watkins and Susan Weixelman
Guests Present Remotely: Luke Werner (NW Natural),
Legal Counsel Present Remotely: Kristin Denmark (Thorp, Purdy, Jewett, Urness, & Wilkinson, PC)
CONSENT CALENDAR
a. MWMC 3/12/21 Minutes
MOTION: IT WAS MOVED BY COMMISSIONER RUFFIER WITH A SECOND BY COMMISSIONER
PISHIONERI TO APPROVE THE CONSENT CALENDAR. THE MOTION PASSED
UNANIMOUSLY 7/0
Comment: Peter Ruffier indicated there was a typo. The word bacteria illogical need to be changed to
bacteriological.
PUBLIC COMMENT
There was no public comment.
AGENDA ITEM IIa
April 9, 2021 MWMC Minutes
Page 2 of 12
FY2021-22 USER RATES, PUBLIC HEARING AND ADOPTION
Katherine Bishop, Environmental Services Manager, explained she is conducting two separate public
hearings to consider adoption of the Regional Wastewater user rates and consider adoption of the
Regional Wastewater Program Budget and CIP.
MWMC Budget Schedule
January 8 – Budget kick-off: Key outcomes and Performance Measures
February 12 – Draft Capital programs
March 12 – Preliminary FY2021-22 budget, user rates discussion
April 9 – MWMC public hearings: Option to adopt user rates & budget
The first-year total of the Capital Budget Plan is $22.8 million, and the 5-year plan as currently projected
is $90 million. The Regional Operating Budget when combined with Springfield and Eugene has an
increase of 4.5%, and one FTE on the Springfield side. Based on the proposed 3.5% rate change that
takes effect on July 1, 2021, 5,000 gallons or $.95 cents of a monthly increase would leave a customer’s
rate at $27.97.
Ms. Bishop asked for a public hearing on the proposed user rate change of 3.5% and for approval of
Resolution 21-02.
Commissioner Yeh opened the public hearing for public comment. There was no public comment.
Commissioner Yeh closed the public hearing.
MOTION: IT WAS MOVED BY COMMISSIONER PISHIONERI TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 21-02. THE
MOTION WAS SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER MEYER. THE MOTION PASSED
UNANIMOUSLY 7/0.
FY2021-22 REGIONAL WASTEWATER PROGAM BUDGET & CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PROGRAM,
PUBLIC HEARING & ADOPTION
Ms. Bishop informed the Commission that MWMC would like to conduct a public hearing on the
proposed Regional Wastewater Program and Capital Improvements Program FY20-22 and consider
adoption of Resolution 21-03.
Commissioner Yeh opened the public hearing for public comment. There was no public comment.
Commissioner Yeh closed the public hearing.
DISCUSSION: Commissioner Ruffier had a question on the Capital 5-year projection and said it seems
relatively stable. Has there been an assessment of staffing needs in order to manage the capital projects?
Do you anticipate staffing is sufficient to carry out that level of projects over that period of time, or will
you need additional staff assistance? Mr. Stouder said we need to continue to evaluate resources as we
get our permit. Even though it has not been filled for the last three years, there has been a vacant Capital
position kept in the budget. In anticipation of additional work coming with the permit, we are making
plans to fill the position this summer.
April 9, 2021 MWMC Minutes
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MOTION: IT WAS MOVED BY COMMISSIONER PISHIONERI TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 21-03. THE
MOTION WAS SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER MEYER. THE MOTION PASSED
UNANIMOUSLY 7/0.
RENEWABLE NATURAL GAS PROJECT P80095 UPDATE
Mark Van Eeckhout, Civil Engineer for the City of Springfield, updated the Commission on the Renewable
Gas Project, including Supply Chain for Project Equipment and Project Pay Back (Return on Investment
(ROI). The Capital construction portion of this project is being worked on by DSL Builders as the general
contractor, and NW Natural.
Mr. Van Eeckhout displayed a RNG Process Flow Diagram and explained before this project, gas was
stopped at the flares, and either used in the generator, boiler, or flared. If the generator or boilers were
down, then the gas was flared, so one of the main purposes for this project is elimination of as much
flaring as possible. The contractor has continued construction of the piping to the raw gas blower which
has been installed and purchased from Greenlane. After the gas goes through those pipes, it travels over
to large tanks that sit on the South side of the RNG building. These tanks scrub the hydrogen sulfide gas
from biogas which needs to be completed first before the gas passes down the line and into the Biogas
Compressor and Pressure Swing Adsorption System. As the gas goes through the Pressure Swing
Adsorption System it is either pressurized or depressurized, causing different affinities for contaminants
to be removed such as CO2 and siloxanes from the biogas in the process of purifying the gas stream to
methane. When gas goes out of the Vacuum Pumps there is some waste, which is the tail gas waste
which contains some contaminants that are removed from the gas stream. Many facilities, especially
landfills or dairies in rural parts of the country will vent that tail gas. Due to MWMC’s air permit, staff is
trying to reduce greenhouse gas and have added a Regenerative Thermal Oxidizer (RTO). This added
complexity to the project has caused issues that will be discussed in this presentation.
With a tight percentage of methane allowed within the thermal oxidizer, Portland, OR ran into issues
with their RTO and are trying to resolve them before startup. Portland found that their biogas
processing equipment delivered too high percentage of methane to their RTO. Product gas coming from
the PSA goes down the pipe and gets boosted to the pressure needed to inject it into the NW Natural
line, which is around 150 - 175 PSI. The gas is then injected into their transmission line, which is
ultimately on River Road.
From November of 2020 to March of 2021 progress for the building includes a new roof, all equipment is
inside the building, the pressure swing absorption system is installed along with chillers, radiators and
piping that connects to the flares. NW Natural is responsible for building the product piping
underground that comes over to the Receipt Point Facility. The Thermal Oxidizer has been received on
site and installation has started, and staff is waiting for a pneumatic actuator and a few other items prior
to completion of that.
Originally, staff hoped the system would be online in the Spring but there are three issues delaying that.
High Methane issue in tail gas from Pressure Swing Absorption to the Regenerative Thermal Oxidizer - Staff
learned in November of possible issues between the PSA and the RTO after talking to Portland staff
about their issues with the system. The issue of too high a level of methane in the tail gas in Portland
caused damage during startup to their thermal oxidizer because the thermal oxidizer was designed
around an average methane level coming out of the PSA. Pressure Swing Absorption implies that it
April 9, 2021 MWMC Minutes
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swings, and that average for methane content had a high that was troublesome for the Thermal
Oxidizer. After learning this, staff is adding a Buffer Tank to reduce variability.
NWN construction of Receipt Point Facility - NW Natural changed their plan to have the Receipt Point
Facility in an enclosure, and that decision added electrical loads to the Receipt Point Facility which
delayed completion of their portion of design and bidding. This portion has to be complete in order
for MWMC to feed gas into their system.
Travel restrictions for start-up staffing from Canada - Greenlane, the main bio-gas processing
equipment supplier from Canada has travel restrictions for their startup staff. After completing startup
in Portland, the Greenlane staff quarantined for two weeks after arriving back to their family, and so
there is hesitation with those quarantine requirements.
Mr. Van Eeckhout explained the Return on Investment benefits and risks.
Benefits Risks
Improved Greenhouse Gas emissions reduction
Utilizes biogas that is now flared
Potentially short payback period
Improved operational flexibility
Infrastructure investment for current and future
rate payers
Short payback heavily relies on Federal and
State renewable fuel programs and associated
markets
Requires substantial Capital investment
Biogas quality must meet equipment
requirements
RNG must meet NW Natural interconnection
requirements
Complexity of transactions required
Blue Source guaranteed placement of 25% of the gas into Oregon or California in order to receive the
low carbon fuel standards credit. However, MWMC hopes to sell more than 25% into those markets and
receive additional revenue, which may impact the payback model. MWMC believes the gas they sell will
be D3 RIN, which deals with the carbon intensity of the gas and may be changed by modifying the
digestive process. Staff does not plan to add food waste, which could bring the classification into
question. There is a large difference between D3 RIN and D5 RIN rates, and MWMC wants the rate for the
D3 RIN instead of D5. Since the federal RINs make up roughly 80% of the revenue anticipated, the cost
for this payment is critical to calculating payback. In 2019 the EPA gave waivers to small refineries that
dropped the D3 RIN rate to almost $.50. When the project was originally predicated on roughly $2/RIN,
these numbers make a big difference on what this pays back when it is 80% of the revenue. The EPA did
change this waiver direction recently and the rates are back over $2.00.
The high-level key cost variables in the payback calculation assumes the D3 RIN value to be $2.00. The
numbers are currently $2.00 and trending up. Low Carbon Fuel standard rates were assumed at $195 a
metric ton of CO2, and the Brown Gas rate was assumed at $3.06 cents per MMBTU. That information is
updated yearly in November through the NW Natural tariff, and that information is in the agreement.
Gas production is assumed to be around 8,800 MMBTU per month, which ends up being a little over
100,000 MMBTU’s a year. The Carbon Index is assumed to be at D3 instead of D5. Heat demand might be
added because staff is not using the generator and instead running gas through the boiler.
April 9, 2021 MWMC Minutes
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Gas Processing Media will need to be replaced, in particular the Hydrogen Sulfide Removal Media. What
needs to happen now is to get the project online and start feeding the gas.
RNG Project Pay Back Summary
Project pays back in 6-10 years (8 years at current assumptions)
Gross profit (revenue minus expenses) and year is roughly $2 million
Payback is highly dependent on Federal Renewable Fuel Standards stability (RIN price)
Regarding the supply chain, MWMC went to the market twice to get a biogas processing equipment
supplier. The first attempt, staff received one proposal from AirLiquide from France that did not meet the
OR state procurement rules. On the second attempt, Greenlane Renewables was selected out of Canada.
After selecting Greenlane, DSL Builders in Salem Oregon was assigned as the biogas processing
equipment contractor.
Key RNG Equipment Suppliers
Raw Gas Blower – Greenlane – Canada/British Columbia
H2S System/Tanks – Greenlane – USA/Colorado
Biogas Compressor – Greenland – Italy
Vacuum Pumps – Greenland – Canada/Ontario
Pressure Swing Adsorption System (PSA) – Greenlane – India
Booster Compressor – Greenlane – Canada/British Columbia
Regenerative Thermal Oxidizer (RTO) – Ship and Store – USA/California
DISCUSSION: Commissioner Pishioneri had a question regarding the RNG Facility within the MWMC
treatment plant. What type of measures have been taken to ensure adequate security? Being a
significant infrastructure target, will staff put a security fence containing that particular area with
heightened security? Is it correct to assume handling that type of gas is explosive in nature? Mr. Van
Eeckhout said staff has not taken additional security measures beyond what the plant currently has,
with its current fenced boundary on the on the South side. We are currently working with the same gas
and are pressurizing it to send it underground. Commissioner Pishioneri said looking at the picture
displayed in the presentation, the infrastructure and equipment seems to be exposed. Mr. Van
Eeckhout said it is new and closer to the boundary than previous gas processing pieces of equipment,
but there is security cameras and information fed back to the DCS, which the operators are on 24/7. This
topic is something we can talk about more. Commissioner. Pishioneri wanted to think ahead because it
is fairly close to the edge of the facility. Concerning an analysis of the explosive potential for that facility
and impact radius zone, how far would an explosion go? Mr. Van Eeckhout said there has been a lot of
thought given to the overall design from a safety standpoint. Luke Werner with Kennedy Jenks is on the
line and available for questions too. This has been looked at from an electrical classification standpoint
to ensure we have the right codes in place for the gas we are working with. Most of the gas is lower
pressure until it reaches the Booster Compressor, after that it goes underground into the pipeline
connecting to NW Natural. At that point in time the gas is on to their system. Luke Werner said there is
no true storage involved with this new facility. The only gas on site is at the digesters and holding tank,
so it is being conveyed into the pipeline while being produced. The large vessels at the facility are H2S
Scrubbers with a are very low-pressure system going into them. The PSA Vessels are pressure vessels
that do have some storage, but only a few cubic feet. The explosion potential is fairly low, but security is
April 9, 2021 MWMC Minutes
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definitely important. Mr. Breitenstein added both the State and Federal EPA have Process Safety and
Risk Management Program regulations that address facilities with storage of hazardous chemicals that
could pose a risk to the public. As Mr. Werner mentioned, this does not have a storage facility, but those
rules come into play and are related to the volume of storage and degree of hazardous chemical
substance the public is exposed to. In this case, the facility comes nowhere close to meeting the
threshold or criteria that the Federal and State rules consider.
Commissioner Pishioneri inquired about the RNG Thermal Oxidizer. It was indicated that equipment
was added on to help with reducing greenhouse emissions, is that correct? Mr. Van Eeckhout said the
tail gas sends out small amounts of methane, approximately 6% as well as volatile organic chemicals and
other minor contaminants. Some places in the country, such as dairy facilities will vent that. To meet our
air permit standards and to reduce the greenhouse gas, we needed one at the facility. Many wastewater
treatment facilities have a similar process, which is a Thermal Oxidizer that destroys the tail gas. Mr.
Stouder said he did not think we would be able vent with the current air quality permitting standards.
Mr. Van Eeckhout agreed with Mr. Stouder and said there may be some venting at startup and
shutdown but not on a recurring basis. Commissioner Pishioneri asked if this piece of equipment is
required. Mr. Van Eeckhout and Mr. Warner said yes, it is.
Commissioner Farr had a question regarding payback calculation and said we have a relatively short
payback period. Some municipalities are on a mission to reduce natural gas use, including Eugene. They
prefer people did not use natural gas, whether it be renewable or through existing channels. We all
know electricity is generated in a large part of the country by natural gas. If the local market and other
large communities reduced this significantly, does that have any impact on our payback period? Mr. Van
Eeckhout thought if more and more facilities come online it would be a simple supply and demand
issue, especially if the demand for natural gas is going down. That could change the overall payback but
working with Blue Source as our broker will help guide us through that. Commissioner Farr said there is
a substantial investment, and even though the amount of Renewable Natural Gas produced by our
facility is relatively small, the investment is big for MWMC. If the reduction or elimination of natural gas
happens, we may not have a market for it and the market might be significantly reduced. Mr. Van
Eeckhout said a good portion of these environmental attributes deal with blending some of the RNG
with transportation fuel, to meet requirements of the Federal Renewable Fuel standard. It is not all going
to the natural gas piece of driving a power plant or using gas in the home. There is a transportation
aspect that will not be changing a lot in the near future. Mr. Werner said that is true. With Blue Source on
board to broker outside the local area, such as California, there is still a large demand. Even if Oregon
shows a reduction, there is still demand on the West Coast. Commissioner Farr thanked Mr. Van
Eeckhout and Mr. Warner for the reassurance and said he was mostly concerned with the investment
and return on investment for MWMC.
Commissioner Ruffier noticed a lot of the piping is above ground and exposed. Has the potential for
cold weather been addressed, similar to what happened in Texas during their recent cold spell where
they had natural gas lines freezing up? Mr. Van Eeckhout said the pipes have been insulated from the
flares to the new building. Prior to the flares it is not insulated, because we generally do not have issues
with temperature within our gas. In the future we could insulate that piping. Mr. Werner said one of the
first steps in the process is removing moisture from the gas, and once that moisture is gone there is a
much lower potential for freezing.
April 9, 2021 MWMC Minutes
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Commissioner Inge said we were talking about approximately $14.5 million previously, are we still on
track for $14.5 million? Mr. Van Eeckhout said he is hoping it is a little less than that. There is a lot of risk
getting through startup as well as any changes needed during startup. Commissioner Inge asked is it
likely to be significantly more than that? Mr. Van Eeckhout said he does not think it is likely. Right now,
everything looks to be in that general range with most of the infrastructure.
Commissioner Inge asked if the payback includes the ongoing operational costs, or is it just the original
investment? Mr. Van Eeckhout said he included the estimated operational maintenance costs that were
given by the producer of the equipment. Since MWMC staff does not have a track record to pull from,
they had questions like; do we need another FTE for operations, what does the maintenance look like, do
we outsource some of it? Because this is unknow information, staff used the numbers given within their
proposal.
Commissioner Ruffier said it was indicated staff will continue to maintain the engine generator as a
backup, is that correct? Mr. Van Eeckhout said in the short term, that is correct. Right now, we have the
generator continuing and as part of this project and we are adding the ability for that generator to run
on natural gas, as well as biogas. That way if we have to take the boiler down, we have a backup heat
source for the digesters. Mr. Breitenstein said that is true, we are going to use the Co-Gen and Boiler
because they are still needed as a heat source for the Digesters. The Co-Gen will be able to run off
natural gas or digester gas.
Commissioner Ruffier said regarding the maintenance of the facility, assuming there will be an
extensive training protocol for plant maintenance staff, do you have any projections in the future for
additional staff? Mr. Van Eeckhout said there is a startup and operations piece to this project and there
is training involved with that. In time we will know more about staff needs and what makes sense to do
in house and what makes sense to have outsourced, however additional staff may be necessary. Mr.
Stouder added he recently had the opportunity to tour this construction with Mr. Van Eeckhout, and if
the Commissioners are interested to take a tour we would be happy to accommodate that.
Commissioner Inge asked if we plan on using this in some form or fashion in our marketing, or to get the
word out to the public? Mr. Stouder said the short answer to that is yes.
REGULATORY UPDATE – NPDES PERMIT RENEWAL STATUS
Todd Miller, Environmental Services Supervisor and Bryan Robinson, Environmental Management
Analyst for the City of Springfield, presented the NPDES permit renewal process and explained what to
expect for the permit being reissued by DEQ.
Mr. Robinson explained in December of 2016, the Commission received an introductory presentation by
Mr. Miller on the MWMC permit renewal, the overarching Clean Water Act structure, and how the NPDES
program was delegated.
April 9, 2021 MWMC Minutes
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Previous Permitting Updates, 2016 – 2020
Clean Water Act & NPDES program
Water quality standards listings and limits
Permit renewal cycle and history
Permit framework and tools
Permit issuance process
Permit preparation
The MWMC permit renewal team are in final permit renewal preparation. MWMC has a dedicated DEQ
permit writing team assigned and expects to begin working closely with DEQ to prepare for permit
renewal. Staff is nearly complete with pre-permit data submittals and is in full swing with permit renewal
plan updates.
Geoff Rabinowitz is lead amongst three permit writers and ten subject matter experts that focus on
specific permit requirements. Todd Miller and Michelle Miranda are sharing lead duties are will be the
ones in direct communication with DEQ. Thorp Purdy will assist with the legal review as needed. In May
2021, DEQ is expected to begin drafting the new permit with official permit renewal communication
from DEQ is expected in April. Staff expects to receive the draft permit for MWMC review in July, the
permit review period is for 14 days. Negotiations can occur specifically around compliance calendars in
July and August after the permit review. The draft permit will go on public notice in August for a
minimum of 35 days, and if contested a hearing will be scheduled. DEQ will make their final revisions in
September and MWMC will not be allowed to review after public comment. DEQ will respond to each
public comment and all comments will go on record. As of right now the permit is expected to be issued
around September 30th, 2021.
Todd Miller discussed the submittal strategy for ancillary plans and reviewed the different plans that will
become part of the permit by reference. Around May - June, staff will have a better understanding on
the most critical details and what can be delayed for a while. There is no harm in getting all plans
finished if staff have the required information, yet each plan requires separate public review
components with DEQ approval and that might conflict with getting the permit out.
Certain plans are identified as integral for day to day operations and are enforceable parts of the permit.
Since the contents of these plans are enforceable as the permit itself, it is critically important to have
accurate information. Staff will be embarking for the first time on Water Quality Trading. An effective
date for the permit is projected for fall 2021 and is also when the clock starts for things like the
Networking Minimization Plan.
The Biosolids Management and Recycled Water Use Plans are dated and go back to 2006 and 2007 but
have not changed substantially. Staff have been internally updating plans but not formally submitting
them because they are waiting for permit renewal, and also waiting to see other impacts of the updating
process. DEQ indicated they would be updating their Internal Management Directives (IMDs) for both
biosolids and recycled water use, but that has not happened to date. With the last permit update in
September, staff talked about DEQ potentially decoupling biosolids and recycle water from the NPDES
program and pursuing a separate WPCF permit. Managing the programs separately is beneficial because
they are not locked in with each other. MWMC could not substantially update any of these programs
without going through serious iterations with the DEQ.
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The Mercury Minimization Plan is due within 24 months of permit renewal and based on a DEQ
template, unless MWMC proposes their own plan structure in which DEQ would need to approve it. Staff
realized it is in the best interest of both DEQ and MWMC to move that plan until after permit renewal to
better focus on it after other permitting renewal issues have been addressed.
The Water Quality Trading Plan is not required to have in place for day one of the permit. However, staff
are moving forward to do so. The MWMC has been queuing up Water Quality Trading for Riparian Shade
with Pure Water Partners up the McKenzie and do have plants in the ground for several pilot projects.
Class A Recycled Water use has been under consultation with DEQ for a long time to understand the
process to launch Class A Recycled Water use under an administratively extended permit. That story has
flipped with the permit renewal this year being ready in advance of Class A. That is a luxury because staff
will not have to go through other permutations to launch Class A Recycle water outside of the permit.
Staff will update either the currently Recycled Water Use Plan or have an additional Class A Recycled
Water Use Plan prepared once they receive the program facilities and partner agreement. The launch
date is 2023 for Class A recycled water.
Schedule C is the permit compliance schedule and will be a new component for the MWMC to meet
temperature limits over a long duration. DEQ’s requirements for allowing a compliance schedule is the
following: have a reasonable finding detailed in the permit fact sheet, compliance with limit cannot be
immediately met upon date of permit, limit is more stringent than limitation previously imposed, and is
based on a new/revised water quality standard. Internally, staff predicts to meet at least 50% of that
target within the first five years through the Riparian Shade Program, giving time to reassess whether to
invest strictly in the Riparian Shade Program or see if Class A Recycled Water opportunities are growing.
Ideally, the permit will meet thermal load compliance through Riparian Shade Trading Credits and
recycled water diversion or some other thermal load mitigation.
After permit drafting is worked through, an update will be presented to the Commission to discuss new
items, details of the compliance schedule, status of plan adoption, and the final outcome of reasonable
potential analyses that defines any new limits. Once MWMC has the new permit, it will be time to look at
the Facilities Plan again. Details in the permit will drive needs based on community growth projections
and details needed over the next 20 years. The last full Facilities Plan was done in 2004 and is a 20 year
look ahead to 2025. During the course of this upcoming permit, the 20-year cycle will be coming to an
end and will be time to focus on the next 20 years of the MWMC Program. Staff will identify any ongoing
needs for Capital improvements or other programmatic improvements that drive the CIP schedule and
budget. The permit is not only critically important for day to day compliance but is going to drive our
program for many years, moving forward.
DISCUSSION: Commissioner Ruffier inquired about the slide that showed the different plans and said
there was no indication of public review or input at the lower line. Are we seeking any public input to the
development of the Emergency Response and Public Notification Plan? Mr. Miller said those are not
required by the permit. Mr. Breitenstein said the permit team has not discussed that plan in detail and
the specific process used in developing it. That is to be determined at this point.
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Commissioner Keeler said he was thinking about planning for contingencies and understood the folks
on the DEQ side are very experienced and probably live in the world of permit writing full-time. How will
staff assess the permit requirements they hand us in the draft and how will they make that analysis of
what may be acceptable and what may be problematic? How do we go forward with negotiation
because that is definitely a part of this process? With a long history in Oregon and other states having
third party groups becoming very interested in these permits, what is the take on that and how are we
going to be prepared to navigate those areas? Mr. Miller said our involvement with Oregon ACWA is
really important. After helping with a series of workshops put on in March for permit preparation by
DEQ, we learned more about the permit process and how important it is to write your own permit
internally. We can discuss what goes into each schedule, run a reasonable potential analysis, come up
with numbers to see whether we are going to have a new limit or not and evaluate whether the limit will
be a problem. There are alternatives and staff could, for example, ask to have a dynamic limit not based
on the most conservative values, but on the more realistic values of the day to day environmental
conditions. That will make permanent compliance easier to attain (but impose a more complex limit
calculation). When DEQ hands over their draft, staff will compare those documents to what they have
and if anything seems out of whack that is when a bigger discussion can happen. Ms. Miranda added
they have been meeting with internal staff, operation staff and residual staff to look through the permit
template and identify anything that potentially could be problematic. Not necessarily knowing what the
draft is going to look like but basing it on the template and other permits DEQ have finished.
Commissioner Ruffier asked if there are any expectations for provisions in the permit for reopeners to
deal with, when DEQ finalizes the TMDLs and other plans they have under progress. Mr. Miller said there
are default reopener clauses in the permit for certain conditions. In terms of the temperature TMDL, that
is not specifically called out but is supposed to be revised by February 2025 for the limit. This is a
question ACWA is working on with DEQ to get some clarity, because there are no written provisions right
now. The Clean Water Act rules specify the new TMDL will supersede previous limits. Presumably, if they
gave us a pre TMDL limit in our permit, the new TMDL will supersede that with no anti backsliding
conditions. Staff have not confirmed if that is immediate, if that condition can be written into the permit
or if we wait until the permit is reopened and to rewrite that limit in. DEQ is very explicit in saying we
cannot use a compliance schedule in anticipation for a new TMDL to get a reduced limit at some other
point. We have to be very strategic about not trying to overshoot yet be reasonable in that compliance
schedule and show we can meet the limit they give us on date one.
Commissioner Meyer said we have been using recycled water on site and asked if that water is
registered with the Water Resources Department. Mr. Miller said he believes that all recycled water use
needs to be registered with Water Resources Department, as well as the DEQ. Mr. Breitenstein said yes,
that is my understanding too. Ms. Olson confirmed we are up to date right now. When MWMC gets a
new permit this Fall, we need to submit a new application to DEQ and the State.
Commissioner Ruffier asked what the odds are for DEQ getting the permit written in two months. Mr.
Miller said we are all aware DEQ does not have the best track record of actually keeping on schedule
when it comes to TMDL renewals or permit renewals. We have heard from the DEQ they were under
mandates to overcome the backlog for delayed permits across the state. DEQ has a five-year permit
issuance plan and schedule that will get them up to date and have expressed to us they will hold to that
schedule as firmly as possible. At this point, we have to expect by the end of the quarter we will have
that permit by September 30th. Realistically, it might be October, November, and maybe even December.
April 9, 2021 MWMC Minutes
Page 11 of 12
DEQ staff has recognized the MWMC permit is complex enough that it might take more time, but we will
know more in July. If they do not have the applicant review draft out at that point, then we will know the
schedule is starting to slide a bit. Mr. Stouder said he has seen DEQ put out permits more robustly this
past year and expects them to move forward fairly aggressively to meet the schedule. Environmental
groups have been more active in the area, and there could be a substantial amount of comment related
to our permit that could extend the process as far as public review and the timelines associated with
that.
BUSINESS FROM COMMISSION, GENERAL MANAGER, & WASTEWATER DIRECTOR
Commissioner Pishioneri said he is a chair of LRAPA and recently the Director, Merlin Huff retired. The
new director on board, Steve Dietrich, has a long history with DEQ and it is nice to have a different
perspective on items. We just went through our budget and it was ratified yesterday and there is now a
great program in Oakridge for cleaner air which was a big issue.
Commissioner Ruffier wanted to take a moment and acknowledge staff for their hard work in putting
together the Annual Report. We have not had a chance to discuss it, but at some point, it might be worth
15 minutes of Commission time to quickly run through it.
Commissioner Ruffier said the SDC revenues are coming in at 137% of the year-to-date budget in the
Monthly Report. Is there any expectation that rate of revenue generation is going to continue
throughout the rest of the fiscal year? Ms. Bishop said it is difficult to know because it is both in Eugene
and Springfield and never consistent from year to year. We do not have a way to gauge that trend
because it is after the fees are paid, when we see what those fees were. Commissioner Ruffier noted the
collection rate for user fees is at 98%. That is a testament to staff, collection staff, and the ratepayers who
stay with us. Ms. Bishop said we are very pleased with that.
General Manager: Matt Stouder said there will soon be topics from the communication staff, and the
Annual Report can be worked into that discussion. Mr. Stouder agreed the Annual Report was very well
done and deserved recognition. Regarding the permit and presentation today, there was previous
discussion on local limits with the Commission on pretreatment. Staff will be implementing those items
at the time of the permit and the Commission will be involved in the process.
Mr. Stouder had the opportunity last week to join Congressmen DeFazio and speak on behalf of the
MWMC at a virtual round table. Mr. DeFazio promoted his Water Quality Protection and Job Creation Act
of 2021 and wanted to ask the federal government to make $50 billion available for wastewater
infrastructure. Mr. DeFazio referenced his time on the Commission back in the 80’s and discussed the
available funding from the Construction Grants Program and how staff constructed the MWMC Plant
with that money. Attendees asked Mr. De Fazio about PFAS, temperature, and other concerning issues.
With over 100 people from around the state on the call, it was an opportunity for MWMC to be
recognized and staff to work closely with Mr. DeFazio.
Mr. Stouder and Mr. Breitenstein presented an overview of MWMC to the Eugene Downtown Lions Club
via Zoom.
April 9, 2021 MWMC Minutes
Page 12 of 12
MWMC staff is working on a water partnership video and have a few interviews with elected
Commissioners scheduled. Interviews are with partners from around the region. Mr. DeFazio might also
participate in the process.
By the next meeting in May, staff will be starting the ratification process.
DISCUSSION: Commissioner Ruffier asked if Mr. Stouder would share the budget date for the three
governing bodies. Mr. Stouder said he would do that.
Wastewater Director: Dave Breitenstein referenced the March MWMC meeting that discussed a budget
line item involving an increase funding for corporate software replacement. Mr. Breitenstein informed
the Commission there was not an increase to develop a replacement fund for all corporate software
being used, but an increase in funding needed to support ongoing upkeep of PeopleSoft software.
MWMC’s money has not been used to support any city corporate software that is not being utilized.
MWMC submitted an annual groundwater report and obtained consulting services from Brown and
Caldwell. This process is consistent with previous reports and showed no alarming information or
problems for Groundwater Quality Standards.
A plumbing issue occurred at the new Environmental Services Building and was caused from a fitting
that broke loose. A lab supervisor came into work on Saturday and found standing water in the lab. A
contractor is on site to help with restoration and ensure there is no mold, and some drywall will need
replaced. Staff have been in touch with Eugene Risk Services department for guidance and are happy
with how this is being settled with the contractor, who has admitted their error.
Commissioner Yeh adjourned the meeting at 9:30am.
______________________________________________________________________________
M E M O R A N D U M
DATE: May 6, 2021
TO: Metropolitan Wastewater Management Commission (MWMC)
FROM: Matt Stouder, Executive Officer
SUBJECT: Small Homes Systems Development Charges (SDCs)
ACTION
REQUESTED: Approve Resolution 21-04 for Small Homes SDCs
ISSUE
In 2018, pursuant to Resolution 18-09, the Commission established the Small House SDC Project to help
offset the costs of SDCs for small houses. The Commission budgeted $100,000 to be made available to
builders of eligible structures. In 2019, pursuant to Resolution 19-11, the Commission extended the
Project through the end of fiscal year 19-20, and again extended the program in 2020 pursuant to
Resolution 20-08. The Small House SDC Project will sunset on June 30, 2021, unless extended by action
of the Commission.
BACKGROUND
The Cities of Eugene and Springfield have both identified infill development and affordable housing as
priority community issues. The Commission has expressed a desire to support intergovernmental
cooperation on these issues and agreed to examine its SDCs for small houses in 2017. After a series of
conversations, the Commission determined that assessing small houses (800 square feet or smaller) at an
SDC rate consistent with the MWMC’s existing multi-family rate would be justifiable and defensible. This
rate is currently $1,525.37, which is approximately $254.30 or 14% less than the rate for a standard
single-family dwelling unit.
In 2018, the Commission discussed developing a program that would allow the MWMC to offset SDCs on
behalf of applicants that meet certain criteria and eligibility requirements for small houses. The
Commission determined the program should mimic the actions of the local jurisdictions in a
proportionate manner to how the local jurisdiction imposes SDCs for small houses. Ultimately, the
Commission directed staff to establish the Small House SDC Project as a line item in the MWMC’s budget
for an amount of $100,000.
At the end of FY 18-19, there were four (4) qualifying small houses that met the criteria set in place by
AGENDA ITEM IV
Memo: Small Homes Systems Development Charges (SDCs)
May 6, 2021
Page 2 of 2
the Commission and were able to take advantage of the program. All four were located in Springfield.
This resulted in approximately $94,000 remaining unspent in the Project at the end of FY 18-19, and the
Commission directed staff to extend the Project for one additional year.
At the end of FY19-20, there were nine (9) qualifying developments that met the criteria set in place by
the Commission. Eight (8) were located in Springfield and one (1) was located in Eugene. The Eugene
development was a qualifying group of tiny houses with a total regional wastewater SDC value of
$15,018.40. This resulted in approximately $64,000 remaining unspent in the Project at the end of FY19-
20, and the Commission directed staff to extend the Project for an additional year, with a sunset date of
June 30, 2021 (or upon expenditure of the budgeted $100,000).
DISCUSSION
As of the time of this memo, there have been seven (7) qualifying developments that have taken
advantage of the Small House SDC Project in FY 20-21. All seven (7) are located in Springfield.
Currently, there remains $54,499 of the original $100,000 allocated by the Commission available in the
Project. At the May 2020 Commission meeting while discussing the Project, the Commission asked staff
to return prior to the sunset of the program (June 30, 2021) for an update on the Project. The
Commission also indicated they would like to discuss what to do with the remaining funds ($54,499),
and whether the Project should be extended for an additional year.
Should the Commission wish to extend the Project beyond the June 30, 2021 date, it will need to take
action at the May 14, 2021 meeting. Staff has taken the steps necessary to ensure this money is available
in the Regional Wastewater Program Budget if the Commission wishes to continue the Project.
Staff plans to discuss this issue with the Commission at the May 14, 2021 Commission meeting, and will
provide an update with respect to the programs in place at the local jurisdiction level. Resolution 21-04
is attached (Attachment 1), which allows the Commission to extend the Small House SDC Project
through June 30, 2022 if approved.
ACTION REQUESTED
Staff requests Commission review and provide direction regarding Resolution 21-04.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Resolution 21-04
Resolution 21-04
Page 1 of 2
METROPOLITAN WASTEWATER MANAGEMENT COMMISSION
RESOLUTION 21-04 ) IN THE MATTER OF ALLOCATING RESOURCES
) IN THE FY 21/22 REGIONAL WASTEWATER
) PROGRAM BUDGET TO ASSIST IN THE
) PAYMENT OF SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT
) CHARGES FOR SMALL HOUSES
WHEREAS, The Cities of Eugene and Springfield have identified increasing access to
affordable housing and infill development as a priority community issue;
WHEREAS, The MWMC has determined that supporting construction of small houses
aligns with the MWMC’s Key Outcome #3 to support a “successful intergovernmental
partnership” with respect to affordable housing and infill development;
WHEREAS, The MWMC has determined a “Small House” is 800 square feet or less and the
resulting impact to the regional wastewater system from a Small House is proportionately less
than single family dwellings;
WHEREAS, The MWMC allocated $100,000 in the fiscal year 2018-19 budget to support
payment of Systems Development Charges for newly constructed Small Houses;
WHEREAS, The MWMC directed the MWMC Executive Director to continue to support
payment of Systems Development Charges for newly constructed Small Houses through fiscal
year 2019-20;
WHEREAS, $54,499 of the allocated $100,000 to support payment of Systems
Development Charges for newly constructed Small Houses remains unspent as of April 30, 2021;
WHEREAS, the City of Eugene and the City of Springfield may incentivize the construction
of Small Houses through the reduction or payment of their respective System Development
Charges;
WHEREAS, the MWMC desires to support payment of Systems Development Charges for
Small Houses imposed by it in a comparable manner as the respective cities impose System
Development Charges on Small Houses during fiscal year 2021-22;
Attachment 1
Resolution 21-04
Page 2 of 2
WHEREAS, The MWMC desires to have the Small House Systems Development Charges
(SDC) Project automatically expire on June 30, 2022, or upon the expenditure of the budgeted
$54,499, whichever occurs first, unless the Commission elects to take action to extend it.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE METROPOLITAN WASTEWATER
MANAGEMENT COMMISSION THAT:
Matt Stouder, as the duly authorized Executive Officer of the MWMC, is hereby authorized
to: (a) create a budget item for the fiscal year 2021-2022 budget whereby the MWMC may
designate up to $54,499 to apply towards System Development Charges incurred by builders of
eligible Small Houses; (b) delegate to MWMC staff the criteria related to a structure’s eligibility
for, and participation in, the Small House SDC Project in a manner that will apply compatably to
any Small House incentives for System Development Charges imposed by the respective city in
which the construction will occur; (c) delegate to MWMC staff the authority to regulate and
administer the Small House SDC Project to ensure only builders of eligible structures are allowed
to participate in the Small House SDC Project and to ensure compliance with the budget; and (d)
require the Small House SDC Project to automatically expire on June 30, 2022, or upon the
expenditure of $54,499 whichever occurs first, unless the Commission elects to take action to
extend it.
ADOPTED BY THE METROPOLITAN WASTEWATER MANAGEMENT COMMISSION OF
THE SPRINGFIELD/EUGENE METROPOLITAN AREA ON THE 14TH DAY OF May 2021.
_____________________________________________
Jennifer Yeh, MWMC President
Approved as to form: ___________________________
K.C. Huffman, MWMC Legal Counsel
Attest: _______________________________________
Josi Brennan, MWMC Secretary
Digital Signature:
Digital Signature:
Digital Signature:
Attachment 1
______________________________________________________________________________
M E M O R A N D U M
DATE: May 6, 2021
TO: Metropolitan Wastewater Management Commission (MWMC)
FROM: Todd Miller, Environmental Services Supervisor
SUBJECT: Biocycle Farm MU3 Poplar Harvest Update
ACTION
REQUESTED: Informational and Discussion
ISSUE
Management Unit 3 (MU3) of the MWMC’s Biocycle Farm is currently 12 years old, which is the maximum
age for harvesting poplar under land use rules. The MWMC began outreach efforts in advance of this
year’s harvest starting in 2019, including a widespread interest survey in late 2020. An invitation to bid
(ITB) for MU3 poplar harvest services was open for 31 days in March and April 2021 and closed on April
16, 2021. No bidders responded to the ITB. Staff is working on alternative pathways to secure harvest
services. In tandem, ongoing efforts to develop market opportunities and demonstration uses of poplar
are being pursued. Staff expects successful arrangements can be made to harvest MU3 in a timely
manner.
BACKGROUND
The MWMC Biocycle Farm is a significant community and operational asset. The farm’s primary value is
as a land application base for biosolids management, which reduces the MWMC’s cost to process, truck,
or dispose of biosolids and provides an insurance policy in case of disruption in biosolids distribution to
cooperative farms. Furthermore, poplars are valued for environmental protection not only for nitrogen
uptake but for degradation and removal of other pollutants from soil. The Biocycle Farm’s poplars also
account for a significant carbon storage benefit for the MWMC.
The Biocycle Farm is zoned under Oregon land use rules primarily as Exclusive Farm Use (EFU) and is
classified under federal rules as Farmed Wetland. These rules work in tandem to require that the poplar
trees are managed as an agricultural crop. Oregon rules define poplar as agricultural when harvested
within a 12-year rotation age.
AGENDA ITEM V
Memo: Biocycle Farm MU3 Poplar Harvest Update
May 6, 2021
Page 2 of 3
The first three harvests (for MU1, MU2, and MU3) have been managed under the MWMC capital projects
program to develop the initial operational strategy for the farm. After the MU3 harvest and replanting,
future harvests will be managed through the MWMC operations program. The capital projects program
team will continue to support development of market and end-use opportunities to optimize the total
value of the Biocycle Farm.
The MWMC previously harvested MU1 and MU2 in 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2017 through harvest contracts
procured through request for proposal (RFP) and ITB processes. The RFP process for MU1 invited
opportunities to propose on poplar harvesting methods, market and use development, and other means
to optimize the costs and uses for poplar. The subsequent ITB process for MU2 streamlined the
solicitation process based on the harvest practices and market options identified during MU1 harvest.
Based on the previous harvest yields, staff projected that growing trees to the full 12 year age provides
significantly more market value not only in volume of pulp material yield but also in higher proportion
and volume of biomass suitable for saw logs. Low market-value material (hog fuel) was found to
generally not be worth additional processing and trucking costs and is better used as onsite mulch or for
other purposes. Additionally, stump management alternatives have been either costly or problematic.
Therefore, staff recommended looking into innovative methods to manage stumps during the MU3
harvest.
DISCUSSION
To optimize the level of awareness, understanding, and interest in the 2021 harvest, staff produced a
new poplar harvest webpage with an infographic and supporting video in 2020. The video was
produced following up on a workshop of practitioners and partners held at the farm in June 2019. Both
venues of outreach were widely advertised. Over 450 contacts identified in the wood products industry
were targeted through mailings and emails in fall 2020 to raise awareness of the 2021 harvest and to
survey interest in logging, milling, and using Biocycle Farm poplar. There were 18 respondents to the
survey. The responses indicated general support and interest in the success of the Biocycle Farm but
little direct capability or alignment to be directly involved with the 2021 harvest.
Based on the survey and past information gained from networking with poplar stakeholders and
experience with the MWMC’s poplar harvests, staff presented a three-part solicitation strategy for the
MU3 harvest to best encourage harvest competition and innovation in poplar use and markets.
Poplar Harvest ITB. Opened March 15, 2021; closed April 16, 2021. Requested services to fell and
process MU3 poplar trees and sell material to market unless otherwise directed by the MWMC.
Poplar Milling request for quote (RFQ). Issued March 31, 2021 and closed April 23, 2021. Requested
quotes for producing a fixed amount of board feet of poplar from the MU3 harvest (representing a
minor percentage of overall harvest).
Poplar Innovation request for interest (RFI). Issued April 20, 2021 and open through May 28, 2021.
The RFI solicits interest from potential buyers, demonstration users, or demonstration partners for
MU3 poplar as well as opportunities to develop and advance poplar uses for future harvests.
Memo: Biocycle Farm MU3 Poplar Harvest Update
May 6, 2021
Page 3 of 3
Two contractors provided harvest services on MU1 and MU2. One of the contractors is no longer in
business. The other contractor expressed they would not be bidding due to the current business and
economic climate. MWMC legal counsel is advising on next steps. Given the absence of bids and the
need for timely harvest of MU3, an emergency procurement may be pursued. This will allow staff to
directly negotiate and appoint the harvest and marketing relationships in the best interest of the
MWMC. At least one opportunity to secure contract services shows promise.
One miller responded to the RFQ to mill poplar boards and is highly interested in getting the work.
Additionally, at least one potential buyer for poplar boards has been identified. More opportunities may
arise from the RFI solicitation.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff is investigating the emergency procurement process to ensure timely harvest of MU3 and will work
to negotiate the most cost-effective means to harvest and market the poplar given the limitations and
constraints of the 2021 market conditions. Commission approval will be needed prior to entering into
any contractual agreement. Options may be pursued to leave stumps in place, deck logs for later sales,
or other accommodations to achieve the most favorable outcomes for the MWMC as possible.
ACTION REQUESTED
Informational and Discussion
M E M O R A N D U M
DATE: May 6, 2021
TO: Metropolitan Wastewater Management Commission (MWMC)
FROM: Loralyn Spiro, Lead Communications Coordinator
April Miller, Communications Coordinator
SUBJECT: Clean Water University Debrief
ACTION
REQUESTED: Informational and Discussion
______________________________________________________________________
ISSUE
With the onset of COVID-19, the delivery of Clean Water University (CWU) for the 2020-2021
school year had to be adjusted to accommodate the State of Oregon’s guidance for virtual
learning for students. This memo includes details on how the Communications Team
modified the in-person activities to an online setting. At the May 14, 2021 Commission
meeting, a presentation will be provided that will show the online content.
BACKGROUND
CWU began as a stormwater-focused educational program run by the City of Springfield in
2011. Since that time, it has evolved into a program that has been supported by the
Commission and included curriculum about wastewater. Originally, CWU had been offered
only in the Springfield School District because of the time commitment required of staff and
the resources required to deliver the curriculum. The program structure was three in-class
sessions taught by staff and then a tour and ‘graduation’ at the treatment plant.
In 2018, staff changed the delivery format of CWU to involve additional students in the
program (including those in the Eugene and Bethel areas), while not increasing the resources
needed to deliver the program. This was based on feedback from the Commission, as well as
teachers who participated in CWU. On September 26 & 27, 2018, the first field trip based
Clean Water University occurred and was successfully delivered with 10 schools participating.
Staff received very positive feedback and implemented several ideas received afterwards.
Based on the feedback, staff continued the in-person event in fall 2019.
AGENDA ITEM VI
Memo: Clean Water University Debrief
May 3, 2021
Page 2 of 3
Staff had planned to continue the in-person event in fall 2020 as well. However, due to
COVID-19 and the State’s guidance for virtual learning for students, the delivery of CWU had
to be shifted to online for the 2020-2021 school year.
DISCUSSION
Preparing Online Content
To prepare an online offering of CWU, staff reviewed activity sheets from when CWU was
offered in-class, prep content that was sent the previous two years before the in-person CWU
event at the wastewater treatment plant, and other educational resources on-hand related to
wastewater, stormwater, and drinking water. Based on the review, staff identified how
resources could be modified to online delivery, and gaps where content would need to be
built to cover the content offered in the activity booths during the in-person event.
Two of the topics that were identified as needing additional content were Macroinvertebrates
and Microorganisms. Based on how students engage with these two topics at the in-person
event through visual identification, it was determined that a video was needed to convey the
information in a visually compelling way. Each video was then supplemented with an activity
for students to complete afterwards.
Once all the topic content was completed, a Teacher’s Guide (Attachment 1) was created to
help teachers implement the content into their lesson plans. The guide provided an overview
of each lesson with learning outcomes, key words, teaching points, procedures, and materials.
Additionally, to encourage teachers to participate in CWU and support science learning, two
new incentives were added to this year’s offering of the CWU Program:
School STEM Program Donation – As a thank you for incorporating Clean Water
University into class curriculum and to further science, technology, engineering, and math
education in the Eugene-Springfield area, the MWMC donated $500 to each participating
school’s STEM or science program.
Class Drawing for Student Scholarships to STEM Discovery Camp – In addition to the
school STEM program donation, participating classes will be entered into a drawing for all
students in the class to receive a scholarship to the Eugene Science Center’s STEM
Discovery Camp (a $40 value per participating student). This camp is allowed to occur
under the State’s current mandates, despite the Eugene Science Center being closed to
daily visitors.
Online Details
From February 1, 2021 through April 30, 2021, the online format of CWU was held. With the
consideration of COVID-19 and the challenges of distance learning, this extended period was
provided to allow teachers to work the curriculum into their lesson plans at their own pace.
Seven schools and a total of approximately 325 students participated in the online version of
CWU .
Memo: Clean Water University Debrief
May 3, 2021
Page 3 of 3
Prior to the start of the online offering of CWU, staff reached out to all fifth-grade teachers in
the Bethel, Eugene, and Springfield School Districts to share information about the purpose of
CWU and invited them to participate. Of the seven schools that participated, four schools
were from Springfield School District, one school from Eugene School District 4J, plus two
private schools located in Eugene.
Feedback
Feedback received from the teachers that participated was very positive. Several expressed
they and students found the videos compelling and fun to watch, activities tied the learning
lessons well to their presentations, and the Teacher’s Guide was well-done and super helpful
for implementation and teaching of each lesson. Several asked if the online content could
continue and be paired with the field trip when it can be offered again. Additionally, all
expressed appreciation for the incentive programs and the support for science learning.
Next Steps
Staff intends to offer the in-person event in the fall of 2021, dependent on the State’s COVID-
19 guidance. Additionally, we plan to continue to offer the online version of CWU with two
objectives in mind: first, to pair with the in-person offering of CWU as suggested in the
feedback received, and second, to encourage schools to participate if the in-person event
cannot be offered or they cannot participate for another reason. Regardless of the format
CWU is offered , the overarching goal of the program remains the same: to teach students
about the importance of clean water.
ACTION REQUESTED
Informational and Discussion
ATTACHMENTS
1. Teacher’s Guide
1
Winter 2021 Teachers’ Guide
cleanwateruniversity
Adventures in stormwater,
drinking water, and wastewater.
Attachment 1 Clean Water University Teachers Guide
2
Introduction & Table of Contents
Welcome to Clean Water University, Virtual Edition!
Welcome to the Winter 2021 Clean Water University (CWU) Teachers’ Guide! The City of Springfield, City of
Eugene, and Metropolitan Wastewater Management Commission (MWMC) are proud to offer this program
to 5th grade classes in the Eugene-Springfield area free of charge. Traditionally held in person in the
fall at the MWMC’s Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant, CWU provides an opportunity to learn about
wastewater, stormwater, and drinking water. Though we shifted to a virtual curriculum offering this school
year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the overarching goal of the program remains the same: to teach
students about the importance of clean water.
We know teaching in a virtual environment has proven challenging for many, and our goal with this
Teachers’ Guide is to make CWU as easy to implement into your existing lesson plans as possible. Outlined
below and on the following pages, you’ll find curriculum on a variety of topics pertaining to clean water
with links to videos, activities, and worksheets on the City of Springfield’s website. Move through them at
whatever pace works best for you and your virtual classroom. Thank you for your participation and enjoy!
Clean Water University Curriculum Contents
Incentive Program.......................................................................................................................................................................Page 3
Lesson 1: Water Cycle.................................................................................................................................................................Page 4
Lesson 2: Drinking Water..........................................................................................................................................................Page 5
Lesson 3: Water Quality.............................................................................................................................................................Page 6
Lesson 4: Macroinvertebrates.................................................................................................................................................Page 7
Lesson 5: Wastewater Treatment...........................................................................................................................................Page 8
Lesson 6: Microorganisms........................................................................................................................................................Page 9
Lesson 7: Pollution Prevention.............................................................................................................................................Page 10
Lesson 8: Sustainability...........................................................................................................................................................Page 11
Lesson 9: Wrap-Up Jeopardy Game...................................................................................................................................Page 12
Conclusions.................................................................................................................................................................................Page 13
3
As a thank you for incorporating Clean Water University into your curriculum and to further science,
technology, engineering, and math education in the Eugene-Springfield area, the MWMC will donate $500
to each participating school’s STEM program. To ensure this funding is sent to your school, simply confirm
participation in Clean Water University with Loralyn Spiro, City of Springfield/MWMC Lead Communications
Coordinator, at lspiro@springfield-or.gov. The MWMC will then coordinate with your school district’s Finance
Department to send those funds to your specific school and designate them for your STEM program. If your
school doesn’t have an official STEM program, the donation can go toward your science curriculum supplies,
such as microscopes or other equipment.
Incentive Information
School STEM Program Donation
Class Drawing: Student Scholarships to STEM Discovery Camp
In addition to the school STEM program donation, participating classes will be entered into a drawing for
all students in the class to receive a scholarship to the Eugene Science Center’s STEM Discovery Camp (a
$40 value per participating student). The camps are held from 1-4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday for 1st-
5th graders, and extended care from 12:30-5 p.m. is included at no additional cost. Parents/guardians can
select a day that works best with their schedule for their child(ren) to participate, after the winning class(es)
have been selected and scholarships distributed. Though the Eugene Science Center remains closed to the
general public due to COVID-19, camps are currently underway with safety measures in place. To learn more
about the STEM Discovery Camp, visit eugenesciencecenter.org/events/camps-and-workshops.
To enter your class in the drawing, submit proof of your class’s participation (can be a student’s Micro Story
Assignment, a screenshot of you leading your class in a game of Jeopardy, etc.) to lspiro@springfield-or.gov.
The winning classes will be announced in mid-April, and those teachers will then receive instructions for
distributing the scholarships to students/parents. Good luck!
4
Lesson 1: Water Cycle
Overview & Key Learning Outcomes
In this lesson, students will be introduced to the water cycle and learn
about the continuous movement of water on, above, and below the
surface of the earth. They’ll learn about the various phases of the water
cycle, including evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and absorption.
By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:
• Explain where water comes from.
• Identify the various stages of the water cycle.
• Recognize water as an essential resource.
Teaching Points
• Water is essential to all life. Without it, humans, animals, and plants couldn’t survive.
• All water moves continuously and is recycled over and over again. The same water we use today has been
here for billions of years - that means the water you drink could be the same water thirsty dinosaurs were
drinking 65 million years ago! It’s also the only water we’ll ever have in the future.
• While water hasn’t changed much over billions of years, what does change is the stage of the water cycle
that it’s in. The four main stages of the water cycle are evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and runoff.
Procedures/Materials
1. Start by asking students where they think their water comes from when they take a bath or shower, wash
their hands, or do the dishes.
2. Play the Water and You: The Water Cycle video from American Water on YouTube to give students an
overview of the water cycle.
3. Take a look at the Water Cycle Diagram handout from the U.S. Geological Survey together as a class. Identify
the various stages of the water cycle that were explained in the video.
4. To close the lesson, have students complete the Water Cycle Word Search.
Key Words
Graphic Credit: Vecteezy.com
Water Cycle
Water Droplet
Water Vapor
Surface Water
Evaporation
Condensation
Precipitation
Runoff
Absorption
Aquifer
5
Lesson 2: Drinking Water
Overview & Key Learning Outcomes
In this lesson, students will learn where their drinking water comes from,
how it’s cleaned, and the tools used to transport the water to the faucets
in their homes. They’ll be introduced to the various steps in the process of
cleaning drinking water to ensure high water quality.
By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:
• Explain how drinking water gets to their home.
• Identify various sources of drinking water.
• Recognize that water must be properly cleaned to rid it of
pollutants before it can become drinking water.
Key Words
Drinking Water
Water Quality
Fresh Water
Ground Water
Aquifer
Flocculation
Clarification
Filtration
Disinfection
Chlorine
Ozone
Pipes
Pumps
Teaching Points
• All humans and animals must consume water in order to survive. On average, 9-13 year olds should drink
about 7-9 cups of water per day to stay hydrated.
• Though 71% of earth’s surface is water, only 0.3% of that water is usable by humans. The other 99.7% is in
the oceans, soils, icecaps, and floating in the atmosphere. That’s why it’s important that we take good care of
the fresh water that we can use!
• Most of the water used by humans comes from rivers and aquifers, or water stored underground.
• In Eugene, drinking water comes from the McKenzie River. In Springfield, drinking water comes from a large
aquifer under the City and from the Middle Fork Willamette River.
• Before water from these sources can become drinking water, it has to be cleaned to remove bacteria, viruses,
and micro-pollutants. Then water quality tests are conducted to make sure the water is safe to drink.
• In Eugene and Springfield, the two organizations that clean our drinking water are the Eugene Water &
Electric Board (EWEB) and Springfield Utility Board (SUB). They do such a good job that what comes out of
our faucets is often even cleaner than what the State of Oregon and U.S. government require!
• After it’s treated, drinking water is transported to homes and businesses through a system of pumps and
underground pipes throughout the region.
Procedures/Materials
1. Ask students where they think their drinking water comes from and how it gets to the faucets in their home.
2. Play the Water and You: The Drinking Water Treatment Process video from American Water on YouTube to
introduce students to the sources of drinking water and the process of cleaning it.
3. Have students complete the Drinking Water Word Search to become more familiar with key words
associated with the drinking water treatment process and pollutants that can affect our water sources.
4. If time allows, visit either the Eugene Water & Electric Board or Springfield Utility Board website at eweb.org
or subutil.com to learn more their treatment processes and water quality standards.
6
Lesson 3: Water Quality
Overview & Key Learning Outcomes Key Words
Water Quality
Water Testing
Laboratory
Turbidity
Dissolved Oxygen
Phosphates
Nitrates
Temperature
pH
Stormwater
Runoff
In this lesson, students will learn about the various measures that affect
the quality of water in our rivers and streams. They’ll also learn about
stormwater runoff and how it can impact that water quality.
By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:
• Identify the key measures that help us determine the health
of a river, stream, or lake.
• Explain why high levels of water quality are important to
human and animal life.
• Recognize the role stormwater plays in the quality of
our local waterways.
Teaching Points
• Water is essential to human, animal, and plant life. As we learned in the previous lesson, only 0.3% of the
earth’s water is usable by humans, and most of the fresh water we can use above the ground comes from
rivers and streams. That’s why it’s important that we take good care of our rivers and maintain high water
quality for human use, outdoor recreation, and aquatic life.
• Some of the key measures that help determine water quality are turbidity, dissolved oxygen, nutrients,
temperature, and pH. More on each of these points is covered in the Water Quality Lecture Notes document.
• Stormwater is water that falls to earth’s surface as rain or snow. We get quite a bit of rain here in the Eugene-
Springfield area - about 47 inches per year! When it rains, that water flows over streets, rooftops, driveways,
and lawns as runoff. Runoff flows into storm drains, which connect to local waterways that eventually lead to
the McKenzie and Willamette Rivers.
• As the runoff flows across the ground, it picks up pollutants from things like litter, fertilizers, fluids used to
maintain cars, and pet waste. Since stormwater isn’t treated the way drinking water and wastewater are,
these pollutants can end up in our local waterways. It’s important we keep pollutant levels in stormwater
runoff to a minimum.
• There are some simple actions community members like you and your family can take to help us keep our
water clean from street to stream! These include scooping your pet’s poop, picking up litter, avoiding use of
certain chemicals and fertilizers, and fixing leaking cars.
Procedures/Materials
1. Go over the water quality measures defined in the Water Quality Lecture Notes document.
2. Have students complete the Water Quality Prep Worksheet, where they’ll answer questions based on defined
key words at the top of the page. Discuss the answers of the worksheet on the Water Quality Prep Answer
Key, explaining the turbidity, dissolved oxygen, phosphates, nitrates, temperature, and pH of the McKenzie
River. Ask students how close their guesses about the McKenzie River were to the actual numbers.
3. Open the “Only Rain Down the Drain” Interactive Game. Play together as a class, allowing for group
discussion between each question before answering.
4. If time allows, visit the City of Springfield or City of Eugene’s Stormwater webpages to learn more about
what each of the cities do to protect our local waterways.
7
Lesson 4: Macroinvertebrates
Overview & Key Learning Outcomes
In this lesson, students will learn about aquatic macroinvertebrates, their
place in the food web, and the importance of clean water to their survival
- and ultimately the survival of their predators. They’ll learn about the
different bugs prevalent in our area’s waterways.
By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:
• Define a macroinvertebrate and recognize their important
role in the food web.
• Explain the connection between clean water and the food web.
• Identify some common macroinvertebrates such as
mayflies, dragonflies, and aquatic earthworms.
Key Words
Aquatic
Macroinvertebrate
Metamorphosis
Larva
Nymph
Life Cycle
Food Web
Teaching Points
• Aquatic macroinvertebrates are water bugs (aquatic) that are visible to the naked eye (macro) and don’t
have a spine (invertebrates). These insects are an important part of the food web in our area’s waterways.
They are prey to fish, frogs, and other aquatic animals.
• Some examples of macroinvertebrates are mayflies, dragonflies, damselflies, scud, aquatic earthworms,
aquatic beetles, snails, water boatman, backswimmers, and caddisflies. (Each of these insects is shown in
detail in the Macros Guide document.)
• Just like us, maroinvertebrates require clean water to survive. No clean water would mean no
macroinvertebrates, which in turn would mean trouble for the fish and frogs that eat macroinvertebrates. All
living things require water, and a lack of clean water can disrupt the food web.
• In order to protect macroinvertebrates and the food web in our local waterways, it’s important to take good
care of our rivers and streams.
Procedures/Materials
1. Ask students if they have spotted any insects near the Willamette or McKenzie Rivers and if they know what
kinds of insects they have seen.
2. Play the CWU: Macroinvertebrates video to give students an overview of these bugs, where they’re found,
and why they’re important to our local environment.
3. Open the CWU Macros Guide document and go through the photos of each of the macroinvertebrates.
Have students refer to their Macroinvertebrates Overview handout and discuss the life cycle of a mayfly. Ask
students if, after watching the video and viewing close-up images of these bugs, they now recognize insects
they’ve seen near the Willamette or McKenzie Rivers.
4. Have students access their printed Aquatic Life in our Local Waterways Coloring Books and color in outlines
of the different macros. If time allows, ask for volunteers to share their favorite colored-in bug and present
one fact they learned during today’s lesson.
8
Lesson 5: Wastewater Treatment
Overview & Key Learning Outcomes
In this lesson, students will learn about where their dirty water goes after
they flush the toilet, wash the dishes, or take a shower. They’ll learn about
the underground pipe system that takes water from their home to the
Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant, the steps that are taken to clean
wastewater, and that all cleaned water is returned to the Willamette River.
By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:
• Explain where their wastewater goes to be cleaned.
• Explain why effectively cleaning wastewater helps to protect our
community’s health and local environment.
• Identify the key steps in the wastewater treatment process.
Key Words
Wastewater
Treatment Plant
Pump Station
Pipes
Influent
Effluent
Clarifiers
Aeration Basins
Disinfection
Laboratory Testing
Teaching Points
• As wastewater goes down the drain, it enters into a system of pipes underground. Large pumps help to
move the wastewater through the pipes to the Metropolitan Wastewater Management Commission’s, or
MWMC’s, Wastewater Treatment Plant. The MWMC is a partnership of the Cities of Eugene and Springfield,
along with Lane County, and cleans wastewater for the whole region - about 35 million gallons of it every
day (that’s 106 Olympic-size pools)!
• Once wastewater arrives at the treatment plant, it goes through a series of different treatment processes
over about 24 hours before it is ultimately returned to the Willamette River. The three main stages of
wastewater treatment are physical, biological, and chemical. The different treatment processes we use
remove large and small solids from the wastewater, along with bacteria and other pollutants. We’ll learn
more about those different processes in the Wastewater Treatment video.
• Cleaning water thoroughly is very important in keeping our community safe, while also protecting our local
environment. The Willamette River is a popular spot for activities like kayaking and swimming. We want to
keep it clean so people in the community can continue to enjoy our beautiful river. Additionally, aquatic life
needs clean water to survive! By cleaning wastewater, we’re helping to protect a variety of animals in the
food web. Water is a limited resource and cleaning dirty water ensures we aren’t wasting it.
Procedures/Materials
1. Ask students where they think their water goes after they flush the toilet, wash their hands, etc.
2. Play the MWMC Wastewater Treatment video to give students an overview of the process.
3. Have students access their Wastewater Treatment Process Maze handout and complete the maze to connect
the water droplet to the river.
4. Have students access their Wastewater Wise worksheet. Explain that students will track their water usage
over a 24-hour period to see just how much water they use. They’ll then brainstorm three ways they could
reduce their water usage. Have the class reconvene a few days later and discuss the ideas they came up with.
(This activity can be used as a homework assignment, extra credit, etc.)
5. If time allows, explore the MWMC website to learn more about the partnership and treatment plant.
9
Lesson 6: Microorganisms
Overview & Key Learning Outcomes
In this lesson, students will learn about the good bacteria, or
microorganisms, that play a key role in the wastewater treatment process.
They’ll learn how these small bugs make a big impact in the overall
biological health of wastewater.
By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:
• Define a microorganism.
• Explain the role microorganisms play in the wastewater
treatment process.
• Identify some of the common microorganisms present in the
biological treatment of wastewater.
Key Words
Microorganism
Good Bacteria
Biological Treatment
Aeration Basins
Secondary Clarifiers
Oxidation
Organic Matter
Teaching Points
• Microorganisms are organisms that are so small they can only be seen with a microscope.
• Microorganisms play an important role in the biological treatment of wastewater at the Wastewater
Treatment Plant. The good bacteria, or good bugs as we like to call them, are mixed with incoming
wastewater in the aeration basins. They’re called aeration basins because we pump air, or oxygen, into
the basins through a process called oxidation. If a person tried to swim in an aeration basin, they couldn’t
because there is so much air they would sink to the bottom! Adding this oxygen into the water helps to
break down any remaining solids, or pollutants, in the water.
• As the pollutants remaining in the water are breaking down, the microorganisms eat them out of the water.
These good bugs get fat and heavy, settling to the bottom of the secondary clarifiers to take a quick rest
before they go back into the aeration basins to eat more solids.
• The ideal age for bacteria in the aeration basins is five days. The presence of the right amount of
microorganisms is an important indicator that the wastewater is being properly treated.
Procedures/Materials
1. Play the CWU: Microorganisms video to give students an overview of the role microorganisms play in the
wastewater treatment process.
2. Open the CWU Microorganisms Field Guide document and show students the photos illustrating each of
the micros. Zoom in on each of the magnifying glasses in the document to take a closer look at examples of
protozoa, bacteria, and metazoa.
3. Leaving the Microorganisms Field Guide document open, have students access their Tell a Micro Story
worksheet. For this activity, they’ll select a micro from the document, give it a name, draw a picture of it, and
tell their micro’s story. If time allows, have volunteers share their work.
Graphic Credit: Vecteezy.com
10
Lesson 7: Pollution Prevention
Overview & Key Learning Outcomes
In this lesson, students will learn about the pollutants that can affect
our wastewater collection system, Wastewater Treatment Plant, and
ultimately, our local waterways. They’ll learn about everyday actions they
can take to make a difference in the pollution prevention effort.
By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:
• Recognize the importance of preventing pollution from entering
the wastewater collection system.
• Identify actions that community members can take to prevent
pollution, such as keeping trash out of the toilet.
• Explain what happens to pollutants when they are flushed/
poured down the drain.
Key Words
Pollution
FOG (Fats, Oils, &
Grease)
Toilet
“Flushable” Wipes
Pipes
Clog
Backups
Waste
Environment
Source Reduction
Teaching Points
• About 99.9% of what comes into the Wastewater Treatment Plant is water and 0.1% is pollutants. The
MWMC’s treatment processes remove more than 97.5% of solids. The best way to remove pollutants from
water though is to prevent them from entering the wastewater system in the first place! That’s what we refer
to as source reduction, or reducing pollutants at the source (toilet, drain, etc.).
• Some common pollutants that we have to physically remove from wastewater at the treatment plant are
fats, oils, grease, “flushable” wipes, baby wipes, paper towels, car fluids, fertilizers, paints, medications,
plastics, and hygiene products. After solids are removed from wastewater, they are ground up and then
taken over to the landfill. Since these materials will end up having to be trashed anyway, it’s best to dispose
of them properly rather than send them down the drain.
• Fats, oils, and grease can cause a lot of issues if poured down the drain for both families and the entire
community. These materials harden in wastewater pipes and can cause clogs, which are often expensive to
fix. Instead of pouring fats, oils, and grease down the kitchen sink, try pouring them in a can, waiting until
they harden, and then throwing the can away in the trash.
• Items like “flushable” wipes, baby wipes, and paper towels can also cause clogs in pipes. These items aren’t
designed to dissolve in water the way toilet paper is, so they can get stuck in pipes and pumps, leading to
blockages and backups. Remember, the toilet is not a trash can! The only things that should be flushed are
the three Ps - pee, poop, and (toilet) paper.
• Taking simple steps like these can make a big difference in protecting our local waterways.
Procedures/Materials
1. Play the MWMC Pollution Prevention video to give students an overview of the pollutants that often enter
the wastewater collection system and the actions we can take to prevent them.
2. Have a class discussion about what students can do to prevent pollution based on the video.
3. Have students access the Flush With Care handout, where they’ll unscramble key words pertaining to
pollution prevention.
4. If time allows, visit the MWMC’s Pollution Prevention webpage to learn more.
11
Lesson 8: Sustainability
Overview & Key Learning Outcomes
In this lesson, students will learn about the Metropolitan Wastewater
Management Commission’s efforts to sustainably manage its
resources, benefitting both the community it serves and the
environment it protects. They’ll learn about byproducts of the
wastewater treatment process like biosolids and recycled water that
are reused to help poplar trees on our Biocycle Farm grow.
By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:
• Explain the benefits of sustainability efforts in protecting
our local environment.
• Identify the byproducts of the wastewater treatment
process that the MWMC beneficially reuses: biosolids,
recycled water, and renewable natural gas.
• Recognize that the Biocycle Farm uses waste to produce
wood, a renewable resource for our community.
Key Words
Sustainability
Recycling
Beneficial Reuse
Natural Resources
Renewable
Non-Renewable
Byproduct
Recycled Water
Biosolids
Biocycle Farm
Poplar Tree
Renewable Natural Gas
Fossil Fuels
Waste
Teaching Points
• As we learned during our Wastewater Treatment lesson, the MWMC cleans water for the Eugene-Springfield
area. They strive to do so in a sustainable way. Sustainability is the act of taking good care of the resources
we have and reducing waste.
• One example of sustainability in action is the MWMC’s use of biosolids on its poplar tree farm. Human
waste is a natural part of everyday life, and it has to be removed from wastewater during the treatment
process. Rather than trashing solids in the landfill, the MWMC transports them underground to the Biosolids
Management Facility, where they’re turned into a safe fertilizer.
• That fertilizer helps poplar trees on the MWMC’s Biocycle Poplar Farm grow. It’s also applied on grass farms
to help local farmers. After the poplar trees grow for about 12 years, they’re harvested and turned into
plywood, wood chips, and other wood products that are sold in the community.
• The MWMC uses recycled water, or treated wastewater, to irrigate the poplar trees, along with landscaping
at the treatment plant. This allows us to save our drinking water and recycle water we already have!
• Another example of the MWMC’s sustainability efforts is the reuse of energy produced during the
wastewater treatment process. The MWMC is currently working on an exciting project to convert this energy
into renewable natural gas, which will be used as a clean fuel for cars. This will help to reduce the amount of
gasoline we’re using that’s made from non-renewable, or limited, natural resources.
Procedures/Materials
1. Play the MWMC Sustainability video to give an overview of the MWMC’s sustainability efforts.
2. Have students complete their Waste to Wood worksheet, where they’ll fill in missing key words using a word
bank to tell the story of biosolids and recycled water being used on the poplar farm. Go over the answers on
the Waste to Wood Answer Key.
3. Ask students what sustainability means to them and what ideas they have for reducing waste.
4. If time allows, visit the MWMC’s Biosolids Management Facility and Biocycle Farm webpages.
12
Wrap-Up Jeopardy Game
Wrap-Up Game
To help students review what they’ve learned during Clean Water University, play a fun game of Jeopardy
using our PowerPoint presentation. Students will have the opportunity to answer questions on water quality,
macroinvertebrates, wastewater treatment, microorganisms, pollution prevention, and sustainability. Never
played Jeopardy on PowerPoint in a virtual environment? Have no fear, we’ve outlined instructions for you!
How to Play CWU Jeopardy in a Virtual Classroom
1. Access the CWU Jeopardy PowerPoint presentation and play
the slideshow from the beginning. Additionally, open a blank
spreadsheet or use a piece of paper and a pen to keep score. Share
the PowerPoint presentation with your class through whichever video
conferencing platform you’re using.
2. Split your class into three teams. Ask each team to designate one
team leader to announce answers to different questions aloud to
the class. If possible, have each team leader create their own team
group chat in order to discuss their answers. If this is not possible in
your video conferencing platform, allow just the students currently
answering the question to turn on their microphones for discussion.
3. Starting with Team 1, have students select a category/point value.
When the team makes that selection, simply click on the point value
within the specified category’s column. This will take you to the
question associated with that specific category/point value.
4. Each question slide contains a progress bar with a duration of 30
seconds, which begins automatically once you click to that question slide from the category/point value
grid. The team that selected the question will have those 30 seconds to agree on one final answer, which
must be in the form of a question. If using the chat function is possible for each team, have the team leader
announce their answer before the time runs out. After the time is up, the correct answer will appear on
screen for the whole class to see. If the team answers before the timer is up, click in any blank area on the
slide to reveal the correct answer sooner.
5. If the team answers the question correctly, they win the designated number of points for that specific
question. If they answer incorrectly, they lose that number of points. Keep track of those scores using the
previously mentioned spreadsheet or pen and paper.
6. Once the correct answer has been revealed, click the question to be taken back to the grid of categories and
point values. Move on to the other teams, repeating steps 3-5 for each team. Categories/point values that
have already been selected by another team will turn purple.
7. After all 30 questions have been answered, click Final Jeopardy within the categories/point values grid.
Teams will be able to see this last question before the countdown begins and select a number of points to
wager, with a maximum of their current score. If the team answers correctly, they win that number of points
and if they answer incorrectly, they lose that number of points. Once each team has selected a number of
points, click anywhere in the slide to start the countdown. Ask each team leader to send you a message with
their answer before the time is up, and then click in any blank area on the slide to reveal the correct answer.
8. Tally the final scores for each team and reveal your winner! Have fun!
13
In Closing
That’s it! You’ve made it to the end of our Clean Water University virtual curriculum for the 2020-2021 school
year. Thank you so much again for your participation. We hope you found the materials valuable in teaching
your students about the importance of clean water. We would love to hear your feedback. Please feel free
to send any questions or comments to mwmcpartners@springfield-or.gov and be on the lookout for a
feedback survey in April that will be emailed to you.
As a reminder if you haven’t done so already, please submit proof of your participation in Clean Water
University to lspiro@springfield-or.gov to enter your entire class into a drawing for scholarships to the
Eugene Science Center’s STEM Discovery Camp. See page 3 for more details on both this incentive and the
$500 donation to participating schools’ STEM/science programs.
Conclusions
Recap of Key Learning Outcomes
• Explain where water comes from.
• Identify the various stages of the water cycle.
• Recognize water as an essential resource.
• Explain how drinking water gets to their home.
• Identify various sources of drinking water.
• Recognize that water must be properly cleaned to
rid it of pollutants before it can become drinking
water.
• Identify the key measures that help us determine
the health of a river, stream, or lake.
• Explain why high levels of water quality are
important to human and animal life.
• Recognize the role stormwater plays in the quality
of our local waterways.
• Define a macroinvertebrate and recognize their
important role in the food web.
• Explain the connection between clean water and
the food web.
• Identify some common macroinvertebrates such as
mayflies, dragonflies, and aquatic earthworms.
• Explain where their wastewater goes to be cleaned.
• Explain why effectively cleaning wastewater
helps to protect our community’s health and local
environment.
• Identify the key steps in the wastewater treatment
process.
• Define a microorganism.
• Explain the role microorganisms play in the
wastewater treatment process.
• Identify some of the common microorganisms
present in the biological treatment of wastewater.
• Recognize the importance of preventing pollution
from entering the wastewater collection system.
• Identify actions that community members can take
to prevent pollution, such as keeping trash out of
the toilet.
• Explain what happens to pollutants when they are
flushed/poured down the drain.
• Explain the benefits of sustainability efforts in
protecting our local environment.
• Identify the byproducts of the wastewater
treatment process that the MWMC beneficially
reuses: biosolids, recycled water, and renewable
natural gas.
• Recognize that the Biocycle Farm uses waste
to produce wood, a renewable resource for our
community.
______________________________________________________________________________
M E M O R A N D U M
DATE: May 6, 2021
TO: Metropolitan Wastewater Management Commission (MWMC)
FROM: Matt Stouder, Executive Officer
Dave Breitenstein, Wastewater Division Director
SUBJECT: Key Outcome 1
ACTION
REQUESTED:
Provide input/direction to staff on Key Outcome 1 and associated Performance
Indicators
ISSUE
Staff presented proposed revisions to Key Outcome 1 at the March 12, 2021 meeting, based on feedback
from the Commission at the January 8, 2021 meeting. After review and discussion at the March meeting,
the Commission agreed to continue discussion with respect to Key Outcome 1 at an upcoming
Commission meeting.
BACKGROUND
Each year in January, staff begins the budget development process by providing the Commission with a
presentation on the MWMC’s five Key Outcomes and associated Indicators. The presentation includes a
discussion on performance with respect to the Indicators over the past fiscal year (actual), current fiscal
year (estimated actual) and upcoming fiscal year (target).
At the January 8, 2021 meeting, the Commission requested staff revisit the draft Performance Indicators
associated with the Key Outcomes to better align with the overarching goal of each outcome. Staff
suggested, and the Commission agreed, to review the Key Outcomes individually over the course of
calendar year 2021 during regular Commission meetings as agenda time allows.
At the March 12, 2021 Commission meeting, staff presented the Commission with draft revisions to Key
Outcome 1 for consideration and discussion. Key Outcome 1 relates to environmental standards, with
specific language as adopted in the RWP budget each year of “Achieve and maintain high environmental
standards.”
AGENDA ITEM VII
Memo: Key Outcome 1
May 6, 2021
Page 2 of 2
DISCUSSION
After reviewing the minutes from the March meeting on this topic (Attachment 1), staff made associated
revisions to Key Outcome 1 based on Commission comment and direction. The revised draft Key
Outcome 1 and associated indicators is presented as Attachment 2.
The indicators listed in Attachment 2 represents staff’s effort to better align them with Key Outcome 1
(Achieve and maintain high environmental standards) and with the Commission’s desired outcomes of
the MWMC’s Strategic Plan. It also represents staff’s best estimate of what can realistically be
accomplished within existing staffing, resources, and priorities.
At the May 14, 2021 Commission meeting, staff plans to discuss Attachment 2, including changes
resulting from feedback from the March meeting, with the Commission.
ACTION REQUESTED
Review and provide direction to staff regarding moving forward with Attachment 2 (Draft Key Outcome
1 and associated performance indicators).
ATTACHMENTS
1. Minutes from March Meeting on Key Outcome 1 Topic
2. Draft Key Outcome 1, as presented at the 3/12/21 Commission Meeting
Attachment 1: Minutes from 3/12/21 Meeting
Page 1 of 3
KEY OUTCOME 1: ENVIRONMENTAL STANDARDS
Matt Stouder explained every January staff gets together with the Commission to present five
key outcomes and indicators. They discuss the actuals, estimated actuals, and targets for
those indicators and look for opportunities to make improvements and adjustments. The
Commission requested staff to revisit the performance indicators to better align with the
overarching outcomes and agreed with staff’s suggestion to look at those outcomes
individually.
The strategic plan the MWMC adopted last year has strategic pillars in it, one of which is to
protect the environment. This includes protecting the vitality of our air, water, and land, and
to comply with environmental regulations to protect the health and safety of the community.
Staff removed the first indicator (Volume of wastewater treated to water quality standards)
based on feedback from the Commission.
David Breitenstein discussed other changes for key indicators. Instead of a very simple
indicator on whether staff met the objectives or if there were any indicators, it was changed
to explicitly state the objectives with targets as indicators. Those include reducing the waste
gas flaring, producing gas with the RNG process, and obtaining a contract to get a new LIMS
system up, which will be a major undertaking.
Mr. Stouder noted the intention was to gather a mix of ongoing indicators that would occur
from year to year, as well as indicators that occurred at a point in time, and then fall off as the
years progressed. Staff is expecting to get a permit renewal this year with DEQ, which involves
a substantial amount of work and effort. Staff have already completed toxic monitoring and
are currently working to update plans and coordinate the process with DEQ in this fiscal year
and expect to begin implementation of new permit requirements in FY2022.
Climate Action Planning (CAP) is a topic brought up by several Commissioners in the past. The
MWMC is identified as a major stakeholder in the city of Eugene’s CAP. Lane County is moving
forward with their own CAP and have advanced that process quite a bit. Based on the
direction from the Commission, the development of an MWMC Climate Action Policy could be
explored this fiscal year, and include a possible adoption an associated policy statement or
CAP.
Urban Waters and Wildlife Partnership is a partnership opportunity supporting key indicators
and items in the strategic plan, with respect to protecting the environment and building
effective local partnerships. This allows the MWMC to partner with Eugene, Springfield, and
Lane County, and also the drinking water utilities, University and Watershed Councils.
Staff is now looking for feedback from the Commission on the revised indicators to confirm
the process is as expected.
DISCUSSION: Commissioner Keeler said he liked the proposed process and changes made to
the specific indicators, objectives, and targets. If we can knock off this outcome and have it in
the upcoming budget that would be great. There are opportunities to improve the Climate
Action Planning. We have exploration of a statement or policy as a target for this year. That
Attachment 1: Minutes from 3/12/21 Meeting
Page 2 of 3
may not be ready, and we may not come to that conclusion for a target in the next fiscal year.
We might add a couple words to say, “consider adoption of a statement or policy.” If there is
something in hand to review and agree on, we can meet that target by going through that
deliberation.
Commissioner Ruffier thanked staff for bringing this topic back and showed appreciation for
the work put into it. One of my objectives, is to have something that is measurable, actionable
and pushes our efforts forward. In regard to Climate Action Planning, are we still conducting
or monitoring efforts in doing our projections of the Greenhouse Gas Emissions? Mr.
Breitenstein said we are getting prepared to update our Greenhouse Gas Inventory which is
done every two years, and plan to bring the results back to the Commission later this year,
probably late summer. Commissioner Ruffier said that would be great. Perhaps that goal
could be amended to include a statement to that effect, using that emissions inventory in
considering possible goals for greenhouse gas reduction efforts.
Commissioner Ruffier asked under the permit renewal, which plans are you referring to when
you say prepare updated plans? Mr. Stouder said our Biosolids Plan, Recycled Water Plan, and
DEQ Plan. Mr. Breitenstein said yes, that is correct and also the Groundwater Monitoring
Plan. Commissioner Ruffier said for his purposes, it would be good to list those out and be a
little bit more specific about what we are going to do.
Commissioner Ruffier had a couple suggestions to consider and wondered about evaluating
water efficiency. All of our goals and objectives at the moment are end of pipe focused,
relating to the quality in volume of our discharge. Perhaps we consider an influent aspect,
which would be water efficiency. There could be a couple of goals or objectives in developing
a plan to improve water efficiency in usage. It is a bit counterproductive for our rates to
decrease the volume of our inflow, but we could contribute some funding to promote water
efficient fixtures. For instance, in low income housing where people might not have the
ability to invest in high water efficiency fixtures. Therefore, receiving less wastewater to treat
and improving our bottom line, both for temperature and volume of output. We also do not
have anything here on water reuse. It would be nice to consider a measure related to water
reuse, what percentage we are shooting for, and how we are getting there. Mr. Stouder said
that can be looked into. With respect to water reuse there might be information in one of the
indicators, or it may be appropriate to include it there. We used to have volume of reclaimed
water, and it was possibly removed based on a conversation with the Commission, a couple
years ago. Commissioner Ruffier recommended that staff look into that to see if there is
something they might want to propose, which would reflect our commitment to water reuse.
Commissioner Meyer asked if we have a recycled water reuse plan approved by DEQ? Mr.
Breitenstein said yes, we do.
Commissioner Ruffier said our foundational principles indicate protection of public health
and safety yet we do not have any public health measures. There is hesitation to propose we
start looking at the public health implications of our discharge and disinfection efficiency.
This is an area where we do not have any measures on, and it might be beneficial to consider
Attachment 1: Minutes from 3/12/21 Meeting
Page 3 of 3
developing some. With the ongoing effort to look for COVID-19 in wastewater, something in
that light might be worth adding to this list. Mr. Breitenstein said along those lines,
concerning the protection of public health and wastewater service, one of the important
factors is preventing contact between the public with raw sewage. No sanitary sewer
overflows in the community is one of the best preventions for that. However, most of the
collection systems are locally owned. There is a portion of the regional system, operations of
the plant, and major pump stations that do play into control or prevention of SSO’s.
Commissioner Ruffier said even though science is not greatly developed in this area, there is
a possibility to take a look at air emissions and the impact on nearby community
neighborhoods, both for bacteriological impacts and air toxics. Commissioner Keeler said
while we brainstorm, and consider adding items, we need to prioritize as well. Some items
may need to drop off as several are adopted. Commissioner Ruffier had suggested possibly
looking at reducing flow through higher performing fixtures in homes and businesses, and
that might be better left to the water providers. On the other hand, we have talked a lot about
I&I especially with respect to private laterals. We could incorporate on this list a first real step
on that, including investigation and options we wish to employ, and also commissioning a
study to take a look at that. Commissioner Pishioneri wanted to piggyback on what
Commissioner Keeler has said. There has been a whole litany of requests, directions, and
additions but stated this is not coming from the entire Commission. It behooves us, before
staff start to fulfill these requests, to know how much staff resources are being used, and
whether or not it is useful information to the Commission and facility. Instead of continually
adding items, we need to see what needs to be dropped off. At some point, staff has stuff to
do and I want to make sure whatever is being added to their workload creates a decent pay
back.
Mr. Stouder sensed this indicator was going to be more challenging because there is a lot to
it. Instead of moving directly into Outcome 2, we could revisit Outcome 1 in the next few
months. Some of the suggested items are going to play out over this year as well. The
comments made by Commissioner Pishioneri about staff capacity is an appropriate
conversation to have. Commissioner Ruffier and Commissioner Keeler brought up items like
water efficiency, and in the summer, we will discuss CMOM and private laterals in respect to
water efficiency and what might happen with our influent as far as I&I is concerned. With the
policy implications from that meeting we can make those changes to the key outcome, over
time.
Commissioner Yeh thanked Commissioner Pishioneri for bringing up staff considerations and
said it is very important. Many of the ideas talk well under Climate Action Planning. We could
capture those while doing the work because they are initiatives directly related.
Commissioner Ruffier had talked about water efficiency and that is an opportunity to partner
with other community partners in the area, which is something we want to do. After reading
the Urban Water and Wildlife information, it sounds like a great opportunity and support of all
of them. Like Mr. Stouder suggested, it is a good idea to take a second chance and talk about
the ideas that have come up today. Mr. Stouder said staff would come back in a couple
months to continue the conversation.
Outcome 1: Achieve and maintain high environmental standards.
Indicators: Performance:
FY 19-20
Actual
FY 20-21
Estimated Actual
FY 21-22
Target
Average removal efficiency of
carbonaceous biochemical
oxygen demand and total
suspended solids (permit limit
85%)
97% 97% 95%
High quality biosolids (pollutant
concentrations less than 50% of
EPA exceptional quality criteria)
Arsenic 21%
Cadmium 12%
Copper 29%
Lead 8%
Mercury 5%
Nickel 5%
Selenium 12%
Zinc 29%
Arsenic 25%
Cadmium 15%
Copper 30%
Lead 10%
Mercury 10%
Nickel 10%
Selenium 15%
Zinc 30%
Arsenic <50%
Cadmium <50%
Copper <50%
Lead <50%
Mercury <50%
Nickel <50%
Selenium <50%
Zinc <50%
ISO14001 Environmental
Management System - Continual
Improvement of Environmental
Performance
NPDES Permit Renewal
Climate Action Planning
Urban Waters & Wildlife
Partnership
Resource Recovery
All objectives met
and no major
nonconformities
---
---
---
---
All objectives met
and no major
noncomformities
Complete toxics
monitoring;
Coordinate renewal
process with DEQ
---
Explore partnership
Construct RNG
system; Begin
Design of UV
Disinfection for
Recycled Water;
Reduce waste gas
flaring; Produce gas
for use as renewable
fuel; Install new
laboratory
information
management system
Prepare updates to
plans (Groundwater,
Biosolids, Recycled
Water, WQ Trading,
etc); Begin
implementation of
new permit
requirements
Complete FY 2019-20
Greenhouse Gas
Emissions Inventory;
Explore development
of a Climate Action
Statement/Policy
Identify MWMC
opportunities
Full scale RNG
production;
Construction of Class
A Disinfection
Facilities
Attachment 2: Draft Key Outcome 1