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1.A,e WORKERS' COMPENSATION - THE LAST STATE WATER BOARD SEEKS COMMENTS lEGISLATIVE EFFORT ON BIOSOLIDS ENVIRONMENTAL The League of California Cities and the IMPACT REPORT California State Association of Counties have The State Water Resources Control Board is been meeting with legislators to discuss the planning a Tuesday, March 2 hearing in Sacra- rising costs of workers' compensation for our mento to receive comments on a revised Draft public agencies. A series of informational hear- Environmental Impact Report (EIR) relating to the ings were set in both the Assembly and Senate to Board's proposed General Order for General discuss the Governor's package reform, Waste Discharge Requirements for Biosolids Land authored by Assembly Member Maldonado and Application. Senator Poochigian, in which both organizations have been actively involved. The Legislature has Biosolids are sewage sludge that has been been asked by the Governor to have a com pre- treated, tested, and shown to be capable of benefi- hensive reform package by March 1. We have a cial uses as a soil amendment. The General Order lot of work cut out for us before then! would establish prohibitions, discharge and appli- cation specifications, transportation, and storage In recent months, the debate has centered on requirements, and general procedures and provi- capping the insurance companies' rates in order sions to which all land appliers would be required to to pass on savings to the employer. Since most adhere. cities and counties are self-insured, they are not subject to insurance company rate hikes. Reform In the year 2000, the Water Board certified a in this area would thus not help reduce cities' Program Environmental Impact Report on the skyrocketing workers' compensation costs. General Order. Litigation against the Order was Consequently the League has been advocating brought and as a result, a new EIR was required by reform in the areas of medical utilization, perma- the court. That draft EIR has now been complete. nent disability, apportionment, penalty provisions, It analyzes two additional alternatives beyond those and temporary disability. analyzed in the original EIR. Complete information about the revised Draft EIR and the General Order The Assembly Insurance Committee met on is available on the Water Board's website at: Wednesday, February 11 th to discuss the www.swrcb.ca.gov/hearings. Governor's reform package. Those discussions will continue, as the League and CSAC will be The Water Board will receive comments on the active members in those hearings. revised Draft EIR at its March 2 hearing in Sacra- mento. It will also accept written comments on the We would like to thank you for providing your Draft EIR until March 18. Details about where to workers' compensation cost history data to the send comments are included on the above League. It has helped in our effort to educate website. legislators about the magnitude of the problem and our core concerns. For more information, or Interested city officials are encouraged to if you have not forwarded your workers' compen- review the material on the Water Board's website sation cost history to the League, contact Amy and send comments, if appropriate. Brown at browna@cacities.org. Our Mission Restore and protect local control for cities through education and advocacy to enhance the quality of life for all Californians. PAGE 4/PRIORITY FOCUS Visit the league's Official Web Site--www.cacities.org