Fairfax Water

The agenda for the board meeting included general matters such as committee reports and staff matters, excluding the approval of previous minutes. Administrative items covered appropriations and several significant projects requiring action, including Project 2797 (Lyndhurst Storage Improvements), Project 2804 (Treatment Capacity Expansion Studies), Project 579 (Corbalis Emergency Generator Rehabilitation), Corbalis Water Treatment Plant Concrete Restoration and Repair, security system maintenance, Project 2770 (Transmission Main Replacement), and Project 2746 (Water Main Relocations). A dedicated discussion item addressed the Rules for Public Participation in Board Meetings, followed by a scheduled Closed Session.

The meeting, convened electronically due to a local declaration of emergency, focused on several operational and policy matters. Key discussions included recommendations from the Government Relations Committee regarding SB 567, involving conveying a modified version to the sponsor, expressing support for continued enforcement of the Occoquan policy, and planning for a meeting of Occoquan stakeholders to solidify cooperation for maintaining a clean reservoir. Staff provided an update on the Virginia OSH COVID standard revocation, noting the board voted six to one to revoke the standard, pending a 30-day public comment period. The organization is also planning a gradual return to normal telework practices, anticipating a full return by mid-March. Additionally, milestones for 2022 were noted, specifically the 40th anniversary of the corbless treatment plant operations and the organization's 65th year of existence. Administrative items included approving preparations for a contract and a resolution (280). The meeting concluded with authorization for the general manager to negotiate the purchase of real property in West Falls Church for a replacement second High storage tank, discussed in closed session.

The meeting primarily addressed the imminent passage of Senate Bill 567, which concerns issuing discharge permits for failed treatment facilities discharging into the Occoquan, bypassing advanced wastewater treatment requirements. A key concern raised was that this legislation relaxes established discharge standards and potentially undermines Fairfax Water's authority as an environmental steward of the reservoir. A tentative compromise solution was reached with a Prince William County Supervisor, consisting of two elements: modifying the bill to prevent reliance on it for permitting less-than-optimally treated discharges, and requiring the bill's sponsor to include a statement reaffirming support for the Occoquan policy and recognizing Fairfax Water's role. Staff presented a technical overview comparing the expected permit limits under the bill versus existing Occoquan policy standards, noting the proposed limits are less stringent, especially regarding phosphorus. The committee discussed three alternatives: inaction, vigorous public opposition, or pursuing the proposed compromise modification.

The board meeting included a visual report of inspections, highlighting facilities such as the Griffith Water Treatment Plant, raw water profit station, Iacoquan Dam, eastern area shop and property yard, Gum Springs water pump station, Beacon Hill tank, Winston elevated tank, Wilson puppy station, Seven Corners. Chantilly yard, Fox Mill tanks and puppy station, Tysons puppy station and tanks, Stocks Run puppy station, McLean tank and the Rustville tank site, Live Oaks booster pumpy station, Langley puppy station, chain bridge and chesterbook pumpy station, the mclean puppy station and the Fairfax Hospital tank. The annual budget for 2021 was reviewed and found to be reasonable and adequate for the continued operation and maintenance of the water system, meeting debt requirements and funding the capital improvement program.

The meeting addressed several topics including a water quality update, the selection of Mr. James Kim as the first recipient of the Sonny Noto internship, and an update on a down zone protection area in Fairfax County. The discussion on the down zone protection area covered proposed zoning amendments related to agricultural tourism and potential impacts within the residential conservation zone. There was also a discussion regarding water main replacements on private property and the acquisition of necessary land rights.