From the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District to our communities

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Were partnering with community leaders and getting involved with our neighborhoods, schools, and residents in an effort to keep our Great Lake great

and our communities strong.

Formed in 1972, the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District treats more wastewater than any other wastewater treatment system in Ohio.

The water we treat is returned safely to Lake Erie, the source of our water.

In addition to managing sewage and stormwater throughout the region, the Sewer District is actively involved in a number of initiatives and partnerships that benefit the communities we

A glimpse at who we are and what we do

serve and complement our efforts to protect and improve water quality.

The Districts goals in pursuing these community programs are to improve local sewer infrastructure and wastewater and stormwater management, while enhancing the local economy and quality of life. In addition, we are preparing a future workforce for jobs in wastewater treatment and other essential industries.

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0304 Our Core Business: Managing wastewater and stormwater, Reducing combined sewer overflows, Protecting water quality

0506 Partnerships: Metroparks, Sustainable Cleveland, Earth Day Coalition, Student programs and Cleveland schools, Student Technical Enrichment Program, Drink Local. Drink Tap.

0708 Economic Impact: Business Opportunity Program, Watershed organizations, Careers in Utilities

0910 Community Outreach: Open House and other events, Good Neighbor Ambassadors, School programming and Speakers Bureau, Advocacy campaigns

0304 The foundation of our work

0910 Engaging and educating our community

0506 Partnering for a bigger impact

0708 Investing in our economy

Contents

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The foundation of our workManaging wastewater and stormwaterThe Sewer District takes dirty water from homes and industry, as well as stormwater flowing into the sewer system, and uses mechanical, biological, and chemical methods to safely clean and return that water to the Cuyahoga River and Lake Erie. Our three wastewater treatment plants treat an average of 238 million gallons a dayabout 86 billion gallons a year.

The District works with local communities to ensure that local sewer infrastructure, as well as streams and tributaries, are properly maintained, and provides related support services so that we can meet our federally- and state-mandated responsibilities to the region. The Districts oversight also helps communities address basement flooding and sanitary sewer overflows.

Reducing combined sewer overflowsA $3 billion, 25-year program, Project Clean Lake is the Sewer Districts agreement with the Department of Justice, U.S. EPA, Ohio EPA, and the Ohio Attorney Generals Office to reduce the volume of sewage discharges into the environment, from 4.5 billion gallons to 494 million gallons annually.

Project Clean Lake includes the construction of large-scale storage tunnels and treatment plant enhancements, as well as the use of green infrastructure projects to control stormwater before it makes its way to the combined sewer system.

The Sewer District has worked with the City of Cleveland and other partners to incorporate vacant lots into its green infrastructure projects. These projects enhance neighborhoods with new open space and the removal of distressed properties, while providing economic development opportunities and rebuilding communities.

Protecting water qualityIndustrial Monitoring/PretreatmentThe Districts Water Quality & Industrial Surveillance (WQIS) department is responsible for enforcing discharge limits on local businesses that use hazardous chemicals (mercury and heavy metals, for example) in their processes. Ohio EPA has noted WQISs excellent oversight of significant industrial users, such as electroplating facilities.

Beach MonitoringThe Sewer District is actively involved in monitoring environmental safety in our local waterways and at our beaches. Our laboratory and water-quality investigators sample and test the water in Lake Erie during the recreation season (May-October) and any other time we believe public health may be affected. District investigators also inspect area streams, searching for improper discharges of sanitary or industrial sewage to the environment.

Certified labAnalytical Services is the Districts laboratory, which tests the wastewater at our plants before it re-enters the Cuyahoga River and Lake Erie. In 2007, Analytical Services became the first laboratory of its kind in Ohio to earn certification by the National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Conference. In 2009, the lab was awarded a contract to perform analytical work for the Cuyahoga County Board of Health, and it is now certified by Ohio EPA to do drinking water analyses.

In 2014, the lab made major capital investments, including equipment to analyze harmful algal blooms and emerging contaminants, and a new gas chromatograph with a mass spectrometer for the analysis of organic compounds.

PrOtECtIng watEr rEsOurCEs IN OUR REGION IS OUR PRIMARy MISSION.

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Partnering for a bigger impact

Cleveland MetroparksIn 2013, the Sewer District partnered with the Cuyahoga County Board of Health and WKyC TV-3 to educate viewers about water quality at area beaches, and swimming safety updates were posted via Twitter. In addition, a new partnership with Cleveland Metroparks that included the District purchasing beach-cleaning machines resulted in better overall quality for Euclid Beach and Edgewater Park.

Also in 2013, the District and Metroparks celebrated the dedication of the Watershed Stewardship Center at West Creek, in Parma. The District supported the center with $3 million towards construction and permanent on-site staff. The Center received a 2013 Award of Excellence from the Ohio Parks and Recreation Association, and is an opportunity to expand the Districts watershed- and environmental-education efforts.

Sustainable Cleveland Since 2011, Sustainable Cleveland has focused each year on a key area (such as Energy Efficiency and Renewable Resources) fundamental to a sustainable economy. Sustainable Clevelands focus in 2015 is Clean Water, and the Sewer District is serving as a partner in the all-year celebration of our regions water resources and the work it takes to protect them. Working with the Cleveland Water Alliance and Cleveland Division of Water, we are heightening the publics awareness of the gift of clean water. The Sewer District celebrates clean water every year, every day!

Earth Day CoalitionThe District sponsors EarthFest, staffing several exhibits and hands-on demonstrations. In addition, we participate in Earth Day Coalitions NatureHood program to restore and improve green space in Cleveland by creating a network of native plant naturescapes on vacant and abandoned properties. These efforts are important for demonstrating how stormwater management practices can be incorporated into vacant land reuse.

The District maintains several partnerships with local organizations whose work to enhance quality of life in Northeast Ohio aligns with our own mission to protect water quality. By leveraging our partner resources, we broaden the publics understanding of, and support for, the Districts work.

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Student programs and Cleveland schoolsOne component of the Sewer Districts Strategic Plan is developing partnerships to attract future talent. Our student programs enhance, subsidize, and facilitate the education of students in Cleveland. We hope to encourage interest in technical disciplines and career possibilities at the Sewer District, and we consider our involvement to be an investment in the future prosperity of our region.

The District has maintained collaborative projects with Cleveland-area schools, and currently works with the Cleveland Rowing Foundation to educate kids about watersheds by getting them out on the water.

Dominion and the District serve as lead sponsors of the ACE Mentor Program of Cleveland, introducing Collinwood High School students to concepts in architecture, construction, and engineering.

In addition, the District offers work opportunities for students in St. Martin de Porres High Schools Corporate Work Study Program and Trinity High Schools Pre-Professional Internship Program.

Student Technical Enrichment ProgramInitiated in 1994 by MWH Global (Formerly Montgomery Watson Harza), the Student Technical Enrichment Program (STEP) is designed to pique student interest in career fields involving mathematics, science, engineering, and other technical fields. Through Saturday tours to different sites, the students are able to see how various jobs use these backgrounds as a foundation to complete a job function within their community. Tour sites include NASA and the Districts wastewater treatment plants, with curriculum tailored to each site visit.

Drink Local. Drink Tap.Local non-profit Drink Local. Drink Tap. addresses water issues through education and outreach events. The District collaborates on annual World Water Day events in Cleveland, drawing attention to the value of water in daily life.

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Investing in our economyThe Sewer District employs more than 700 people and supports small and local businesses by providing contract opportunities. In addition, we seek to educate the public about career opportunities in our industry.

JobsThe Sewer Districts operations and capital plan investments contribute significantly to the local economy, in terms of both dollars and jobs. The Districts estimated economic contribution to the region will total $6 billion over the next decade, supporting 3,970 jobs over that same period.

Construction ProjectsA 2013 job opportunity analysis by Cleveland State University determined the jobs benefit of construction projects on the community. It is estimated that the District will employ an average of 271 construction workers per year from 2013-2036, with the highest yearly employment totaling 578 in 2015.

green InfrastructureA study by Green For All, LAND Studio, and Cleveland State University found that performing operation and maintenance on green infrastructure projects in Northeast Ohio has the potential to create an additional 219 jobs and over $23 million in economic activity. These jobs not only represent substantial local economic development activity, they also preserve the long-term health and performance of new green infrastructure projects, and can offer valuable career-development entry points to people with barriers to employment.

Business Opportunity ProgramThe Districts Business Opportunity Program provides procurement opportunities to minority-owned, women-owned, and small-business enterprises, thereby contributing to the economic health and vitality of the region. The program increases contracting opportunities for our customers, resulting in greater job availability and business growth for the local business community.

Bringing new certified firms into the pool of companies doing business with the District also enhances our competitive-bidding process.

Watershed organizationsThe Districts watershed partners play a valuable role in helping to address flooding, erosion, and water-quality concerns. On a local level, these organizations further our efforts to protect and improve streams and water quality, and promote education of the public on a wide range of issues. District sponsorships help our partners cover administrative and operating costs, allowing them to focus on projects and assistance to local governments and residents.

Our partners have included Chagrin River Watershed Partners, Doan Brook Watershed Partnership, Big Creek Connects, Friends of Euclid Creek, Lake Erie Waterkeeper, Mill Creek Watershed Partnership, Rocky River Watershed Council, Tinkers Creek Watershed Partners, and West Creek Conservancy.

In addition, the Districts Green Infrastructure Grants support the implementation of local small-scale projectssuch as rain gardens, bioretention, and other methodsto help remove stormwater flow from the combined sewer system.

The District also is exploring a Community Infrastructure Grants Program for local infrastructure improvements, to help address failing local sewers that contribute to sanitary sewer overflows, basement flooding, and other public-health and water-quality issues.

Careers In UtilitiesA public-private workforce collaborative created by the District in cooperation with Dominion and Lorain County Community College, this unique initiative creates opportunities for employers, educational institutions, and community and government organizations to work collaboratively on regional talent attraction, talent development, and talent retention. Job seekers benefit from an online portal that helps them prepare for and access careers in the utilities industry. www.careersinutilities.org

Key study findings

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Open House and other events Our annual Open House (held in late summer or early fall) is your opportunity to tour one of the Districts treatment plants and enjoy demonstrations of different aspects of our clean-water work. District staff explain the science behind wastewater treatment, and we welcome partner organizations, such as the Cleveland Division of Water and Cleveland Metroparks, to participate in the event as well.

Good Neighbor AmbassadorsThe goal of our Good Neighbor outreach program is to further connect the District with the communities it serves. Our Good Neighbor Ambassadors act as liaisons between the District, various community and business organizations, and the general public. The teams current focus is the Glenville neighborhood for the duration of our Dugway Tunnel construction.

Our Ambassadors keep Glenville residents up to date on what is happening in their neighborhood, distributing informational materials, answering questions, and addressing concerns about the Districts construction projects.

They also perform clean-up and maintenance work near District construction sites, and participate in educational

Engaging & educating our community

and professional-development opportunities and community engagement.

In addition, the program prepares our Ambassadors for full-time employment. Each week, they receive career-development training on such topics as resume writing and personal-finance skills.

School programming and Speakers BureauThe District has a diverse group of professional engineers, scientists, environmentalists, and technicians available to speak about wastewater treatment and other clean-water issues. Our educational topics include:

Aquatic life: what fish and bugs tell us about the water

The health of the Cuyahoga River and Lake Erie

The science and math of wastewater treatment

How pH testing helps determine water quality

Where does it go? (It being wastewater!)

A history of sewer systems

Chemical reactions: Lets make slime!

Careers at the Sewer District

your watersheds changing landscape

Sewer School, a free daylong opportunity to learn about sewers and wastewater treatment

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Advocacy campaigns

Pick up Poop (PuP)When it rains, bacteria from doggie doo can soak into groundwater or be carried by rainwater to storm sewers, which carry the flow to nearby streams. Cleaning up after your dog is a simple step you can take to help keep our watershed clean. Our Pick Up Poop (PUP) campaign encourages pet owners to bag pet waste and properly dispose of it in the trash. Our PUP campaign won a 2011 Public Information & Education Award from the National Association of Clean Water Agencies.

Pitch those Pills! This campaign encourages proper disposal of pharmaceuticals. Instead of flushing pills and other drugs down the toilet, residents are urged to keep these potentially harmful substances out of our waterways.

thermometer exchange Many common household items, including non-digital thermometers, contain small amounts of mercury and can be dangerous if misused or improperly discarded. The District offers a program for residents to bring their mercury thermometers to our Environmental & Maintenance Services Center (4747 East 49th Street in Cuyahoga Heights) weekdays between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., and in exchange receive a free digital thermometer. (While supplies last. One per household.)

restroom branding Opportunities to further public stewardship of our waterways extends to public restrooms, where our often eye-catching restroom decals remind patrons not to flush inappropriate items. Recent placements have included the Cleveland International Film Festival, Greater Cleveland Partnership, and Progressive Field.

Healthy Home BooksMany hazardous household products can enter our waterways through improper disposal or even normal use. The District publication A Healthy Environment Starts at Home is a guide to proper disposal of such products, and provides information on alternative cleaning methods.

Other award-winning materialsThe Districts Communications & Community Relations department produces educational materials for children and adults, explaining our clean-water work. These publications include:

Clean Water Works, a technical magazine that gives our own subject-matter experts the opportunity to explain in greater detail the different aspects of our work. Recent issues have focused on Beach Monitoring and Plant Operations.

Watershed Workbooks help students in grades 3, 5, 7, and 10 gain a broader awareness of the watersheds of Northeast Ohio, the urban water cycle, and the Sewer Districts work.

Where Does it Go?, our general-info newsprint, provides an overview of the Districts clean-water work.

Contact info

To request a speaker for your group, organization, or school, contact Jennifer Elting at 216.881.6600 or email speaker@neorsd.org.

To learn more about District sponsorships, school programs, and advocacy campaigns, contact Ebony Hood or Jessica Shutty at 216.881.6600.

Cost-saving programs

The Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District offers several programs that may reduce your sewer bill:

Homestead: Available to persons 65+ or totally disabled. Income criteria applies.

wastewater affordability: Eligibility criteria based on income.

Crisis assistance: Change in marital status, employment, or medical bills affecting your ability to pay your sewer bill.

summer sprinkling: Bases your summer water consumption on winter use, unless actual summer consumption is lower.

To see if you qualify for a reduced rate, contact Customer Service at 216.881.8247.

Our VIsIOn is to be the environmental leader in enhancing quality of life in the region and protecting its water resources.

Our MIssIOn is to provide progressive sewage and stormwater management through innovation, fiscal responsibility, and community partnerships.

northeast Ohio regional sewer District3900 Euclid AvenueCleveland, Ohio 44115-2506

neorsd.org | 216.881.6600

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