[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 101 (Tuesday, June 23, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E943-E944]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     CONGRATULATING ADEL HAGEKHALIL

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. TONY CARDENAS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 23, 2015

  Mr. CARDENAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Adel 
Hagekhalil, Assistant Director for the City of Los Angeles' Bureau of 
Sanitation, on his election as President of the National Association of 
Clean Water Agencies (NACWA). The Bureau of Sanitation is responsible 
for operating and maintaining one of the world's largest wastewater 
collection and treatment systems. Over 6,500 miles of sewers serve more 
than four million residential and business customers in Los Angeles and 
29 contracting cities and agencies, treating an average of 550 million 
gallons of wastewater each day of the year.
   Adel is a dynamic leader who has shown an unparalleled ability to 
collaborate and bring diverse interests together for a common cause--
strengths ideally suited for the NACWA Presidency. During this 
transition year for NACWA, Adel's steady leadership style will help 
ensure that the Association will build on its 45-year record of being a 
dynamic and forward-thinking environmental organization.
   Beyond his wealth of environmental, engineering, and management 
expertise, Adel utilized a collaborative approach to watershed-based 
solutions that garnered broad support among the public, business, 
elected officials, regulators and policymakers. He moves the needle in 
the right direction, is results-oriented, and gets the job done.

[[Page E944]]

   Adel is also a staunch and effective advocate for investing in our 
nation's aging and often deteriorating water infrastructure--
investments that convey both environmental and economic benefits and 
help communities across our great nation create jobs, grow, and thrive. 
Adel believes that great communities must better understand the true 
value of water and deserve first-class, sustainable water 
infrastructure.
   Under Adel's direction, the City of Los Angeles prepared an award-
winning Water Integrated Resources Plan (IRP) for the year 2020 which 
relies on public input and participation and integrates water supply, 
water reuse, water conservation and stormwater management with 
wastewater facilities planning through a regional watershed approach. 
He has managed the City's collection system maintenance upgrade efforts 
resulting in over 83 percent reduction in sewer spills and over 70 
percent reduction in sewer-related odors.
   Adel's work on Fats, Oils and Grease (FOG) reduction has cut FOG-
related spills by 90 percent. More recently, he led the development and 
adoption of a Low Impact Development Ordinance for the City of Los 
Angeles that focuses on rainwater harvesting and runoff management for 
new developments and redevelopments. In addition, he was instrumental 
in the successful development and adoption of a 10-year financial plan 
including the necessary rates adjustment to support the renewal of the 
City's clean water systems.
   Adel is currently leading the City of Los Angeles' Green 
Infrastructure program where stormwater is managed through regional and 
distributed solutions that provide multiple benefits while improving 
the quality of life in LA's neighborhoods. In addition, he is leading 
the development of the One Water Plan for Los Angeles for the year 2040 
to manage water holistically while reducing consumption, increasing 
water reuse and reducing dependence on imported water, a critical need 
in the City's efforts to confront drought conditions.
   Adel has more than 26 years of experience in the clean water 
industry and has published numerous technical papers and participated 
in various technical conferences and committees. In addition to his 
service to NACWA, The Bureau of Sanitation is a founding member of the 
U.S. Water Alliance, and Adel is a proud member of the American Academy 
of Environmental Engineers, the American Public Works Association, and 
the Water Environment Federation.
   Adel has received many awards at the local, state and national 
levels. These include the inaugural U.S. Water Prize, Heal the Bay's 
``Walk the Talk Award." L.A. Water Keeper's ``Making Waves Award,'' and 
the American Academy of Environmental Engineers Grand Award for 
Planning. More important to Adel than these professional 
accomplishments is his family. Adel is a devoted husband and father, 
married to Lubna Farsakh with whom he is raising three beautiful 
children, Jana, Jad and Dareen.
   Once again, I wish to congratulate Adel Hagekhalil on his election 
as President of NACWA. As he has done for the residents of the San 
Fernando Valley and the City of Los Angeles, I am sure he will lead the 
organization down a road marked by innovation, collaboration, progress 
and success. Best wishes on future endeavors.

                          ____________________