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addition DSRSD would like to produce more renewable energy and reduce the carbon footprint of the wastewater treatment process. In March of 2006, Dublin San Ramon Services District (DSRSD) entered into the Bay Area Biosolids to Energy Coalition Joint Exercise of Powers Agreement (JEPA). The purpose of the JEPA is to work collaboratively with other wastewater entities to plan and develop a waste-to-energy regional biosolids processing facility. In August 2012, the JEPA was "amended and restated" as a vehicle through which the member agencies can contract with the entity for the construction of the facility. The Coalition has determined that the best method for implementing a regional facility is to make the facility a "merchant" facility. A merchant facility is one where a private company (or group of companies) design, construct and operate the facility. The agencies contract with the entity that owns the facility to deliver a minimum amount of biosolids for a given period of time, probably 20 years, and pay the entity a "tipping fee" for the amount of biosolids delivered. The District is not obligated to participate in a merchant facility. However, if one or more agencies decide to proceed, those agencies would simply enter into an amendment to the JEPA with the required information to proceed with the facility; the remaining members would have no obligation. The JEPA allows for the construction of one or more facilities depending on locational needs or other considerations by the member agencies. Currently the Coalition consists of 20 Bay Area entities that have endorsed the JEPA. The Coalition has undertaken an extensive feasibility investigation, environmental review, and selection process. The Coalition is now in the process of negotiating an agreement with a selected service provider for the implication of a Regional Biosolids to Energy Facility located at the current DSRSD treatment facility site. Construction of a facility is a major capital investment. Another effort of the Coalition is to seek State and/or Federal grant monies for construction. Because of the positive environmental impacts of the proposed facility, additional potential sources of grant funding are available beyond what are available for conventional wastewater treatment. The Coalition has already secured a $2 million grant from the California Energy Commission for a demonstration of an emerging "waste to energy facility" technology. DISCUSSION The addendum to the JEPA will allow for Members to work cooperatively to further explore and develop biosolids management solutions and to permit Members to subsequently enter into contracts for planning, design, construction, operation and maintenance of one or more regional biosolids facility. District participation in the Coalition is a Regional Wastewater Facility CIP project accepted by the City during the annual review of the CIP budget. The District's share of the cost for the Coalition, in addition to staff time for participation, is $80,000. No further investment is anticipated unless the District decides to participate in the construction of an actual facility. The Regional Wastewater Agreement allows the City of Pleasanton to Page 3 of 5