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CORRECTION: The previous email stated that the District will establish new wastewater rates for 2013-2017. The correct years are 2017-2021, as indicated below. We apologize for the error.
SEWER DISTRICT TO FOCUS ON INTEGRATED PLANNING
In an effort to better serve its suburban customer base, the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District (“District”) is in the process of developing an integrated planning strategy to more effectively utilize resources in the region. A core aspect of this integrated planning effort may involve the District re-opening its dialogue with the United States Environmental Protection Agency (“US EPA”) regarding the District’s clean water obligations pursuant to the consent decree signed in July 2011.
Integrated planning is aimed at assisting entities and municipalities in achieving water quality by prioritizing capital investments, streamlining wastewater and stormwater programs to increase efficiency, and facilitating the use of long-term, sustainable solutions to enhance human health. This process will require significant engagement from our member communities. We will be sure to keep you informed as we develop the details of this initiative.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND NEW RATES
The District will soon begin to gather information in anticipation of establishing new wastewater rates for 2017-2021. As part of this effort the District intends to solicit input from its member communities regarding demographics, financial capability, rate impact, and any other information that might be useful during the affordability analysis aspect of determining new rates. Finally, the District intends to convene stakeholder advisory groups comprised of elected officials and other community leaders to better learn about the communities we serve while also providing valuable education about our work.
STORMWATER UPDATE
District provides oral argument before Ohio Supreme Court
On September 9, 2014, the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District presented its oral argument before the Ohio Supreme Court in support of its position regarding the Regional Stormwater Management Program (RSMP). As you are aware, the District has been preparing to argue its case since last September, when the 8th District Court of Appeals ruled that the District lacked the authority to implement the RSMP, halting a variety of stormwater management activities throughout the region.
Since that ruling, the District amassed a coalition of support from 16 member communities who signed amicus (or “friend of the court”) briefs, which stated their position that the RSMP should be reinstated. Additionally, the District succeeded in persuading multiple communities which were initially against the program to remove themselves from the list of entities opposing the District in this case. The District also garnered support from myriad organizations and stakeholders such as the Coalition of Ohio Regional Districts (CORD), National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA) and the Cleveland Metroparks, among others. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, the District received support from the State of Ohio in this effort. By submitting its own brief, the State is showing that it shares the District’s belief that a comprehensive solution to stormwater management is of vital importance to this region.
The District is optimistic that the voices of this network of supporters will help sway the Ohio Supreme Court to rule favorably and restore the District’s authority to administer the RSMP.
The District had 15 minutes total to argue its case. This time included any rebuttals to points raised by the opposition.
A final ruling is anticipated before the end of the year.
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