TRANSMITTAL LETTER FOR BOARD MEETING OF MARCH 2, 2023
COMMITTEE ON ENGINEERING
Mr. Brian A. Perkovich, Executive Director
Title
Authorization to enter into a memorandum of understanding to engage in a knowledge exchange program with international wastewater utilities that own and operate large diameter deep tunnel systems
Body
Dear Sir:
Authorization is requested to negotiate and enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to engage in a knowledge exchange program with international wastewater utilities that own and operate large diameter deep tunnel systems.
In 2019, staff from the Public Utilities Board (PUB) from Singapore invited the District to participate in the Global Tunnel Exchange (GTX), which was a committee of representatives from agencies that have large deep sewer tunnels, that share their experiences and knowledge related to construction, operation and maintenance of large deep tunnel sewer systems. The GTX currently consists of technical experts from PUB, the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, the Greater Paris Interdepartmental Sanitation Authority, and the City of Yokohama.
The GTX has held virtual conferences and informal information exchanges amongst the members. It is now recommended that the participants of this group enter into an MOU to formalize the cooperation amongst these agencies in terms knowledge sharing and best practices related to deep tunnel sewer systems. All parties under this MOU would mutually benefit by sharing knowledge, engaging in exchanges, and conducting thoughtful discourse about our experiences and future plans related to large deep sewer tunnel systems. The MOU will also recommend engagement in discussions and knowledge sharing on other topics of common interest including resource recovery, stormwater management, climate action initiatives, and environmental justice.
Based on the foregoing, the Engineering Department recommends that the District be authorized to negotiate and enter into an MOU with these international wastewater utilities for engaging in a knowledge exchange program, and that the Director of Engineering (or designee) be authorized to execute said MOU on behalf of the District.
Requested, Catherine A. O’Connor, Director of Engineering, KMF
Recommended, Brian A. Perkovich, Executive Director
Disposition of this agenda item will be documented in the official Regular Board Meeting Minutes of the Board of Commissioners for March 2, 2023