Valley Times Questions and Answers

By Dave A. Sadoff

The following Q&A is from a Valley Times questionnaire.

Aggressively negotiate the next (2009) collection contract. I anticipate a very competitive contracting situation. If we plan correctly and comprehensively, the CV Sanitary District ratepayers should realize the benefits.

What are your plans to improve the district's diversion rate?

I would ask staff to explore the possibilities of increasing recycling in the following areas:

• Schools. A comprehensive recycling plan is needed.
• Businesses. Currently there is little to no business recycling.
• Sport venues (e.g., soccer and baseball leagues).

How can the treatment of waste water be improved?

• Identifying likely water infiltration areas and targeting those areas for pipe inspection and repair as needed. This could be accomplished by canvassing available water well data (maintained by the Alameda County Department of Public Works and the Alameda County Health Care Services Agency) to ascertain high groundwater areas.
• Increased public education on hazards of disposing of fats, oil and grease into the sewers. Not only does this practice harm homeowner pipes, it also hampers treatment downstream.
• The Oro Loma Treatment Plant is currently being upgraded to meet current specifications and regulations promulgated by regulatory authorities. This will enhance treatment of waste water from the CV Sanitary District.

First, I would prefer increasing the number of the proposed public committee members from 5 to at least 8, as I believe a little broader net will increase positive ideas yet still be an effective and manageable number of participants. The committee should be charged with advising the Board on programs and activities such as recycling, Earth Day, etc., and any other matters of interest to them within the Board's purview.

What would you change? What new programs would you like to see implemented by the district?

I would push the recycling efforts I described above. I would like to see a periodic e-waste collection date. I would like to re-implement the district-wide garage sale. I would try to strengthen the sewer lateral replacement grant program.