HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolutions - 2021.04.29 - 34367MISCELLANEOUS RESOLUTION#21159 April 29, 2021
BY: Commissioner Penny Luebs, Chairperson, Public Health and Safety Committee
IN RE: HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES/HEALTH DIVISION — APPROVAL OF MICHIGAN
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES SARS-COV-2 EPIDEMIOLOGY- WASTEWATER
EVALUATION AND REPORTING (SEWER) NETWORK PROJECT — GRANT APPLICATION
To the Oakland County Board of Commissioners
Chairperson, Ladies and Gentlemen:
WHEREAS the Oakland County Health Division is applying to the Michigan Department of Health and
Human Services SARS-CoV-2 Epidemiology - Wastewater Evaluation and Reporting (SEWER) Network
Project for a grant in the amount of $2,500,000 to conduct surveillance for SARS-CoV-2 virus shed into
Michigan public sewer systems for the period June 1, 2021, through July 31, 2023; and
WHEREAS this projects funds activities that provide useful, timely, and consistent wastewater data to
support local COVID-19 public health responses; and
WHEREAS the funding will be used for personnel, wastewater sample collection, to analyze samples for
the presence of SARS-CoV-2, and reporting and responding to laboratory data; and
WHEREAS no additional personnel or local match is required; and
WHEREAS the grant application has completed the Grant Review Process in accordance with the Grants
Policy approved by the Board at their January 21, 2021 meeting: and
WHEREAS no budget amendment is required at this time.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED the Oakland County Board of Commissioners hereby approves the
grant application to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services SARS-CoV-2 Epidemiology -
Wastewater Evaluation and Reporting (SEWER) Network Project for the period June 1, 2021, through July
31, 2023.
Chairperson, on behalf of the Public Health and Safety Committee, I move the adoption of the foregoing
resolution.
Commissioner enny Luebs, District #16
Chairperso blic Health and Safety
Committee
PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY COMMITTEE VOTE:
Motion carried unanimously on a roll call vote.
FINANCE COMMITTEE VOTE:
Motion carried unanimously on a roll call vote.
GRANT REVIEW SIGN -OFF — Health & Human Services / Health Division
GRANT NAME: SARS-CoV-2 Epidemiology - Wastewater Evaluation and Reporting (SEWER) Network
Project
FUNDING AGENCY: Michigan Department of Health & Human Services
DEPARTMENT CONTACT: Stacey Smith / 248-452-2151
STATUS: Grant - Application (Greater than $50,000)
DATE: 4/26/2021
Please be advised the captioned grant materials have completed internal grant review. Below are the returned comments.
The Board of Commissioners' liaison committee resolution and grant application package (which should include this sign -
off and the grant application with related documentation) may be requested to be placed on the agenda(s) of the
appropriate Board of Commissioners' committee(s) for grant acceptance by Board resolution.
DEPARTMENT REVIEW
Management and Budget:
Approved by M & B
This is an application and does not require a budget amendment. -Lynn Sonkiss (04/26/21)
Human Resources:
Approved by HR, no position implications so HR action not needed.— Heather Mason (04/26/21)
Risk Management:
Application approved by Risk Management. R.E. (04/26/21)
Corporation Counsel:
I have reviewed the grant application and 1 do not have any legal issues with the application. Approved, let me
know if you need anything else form me. — Bradley Berm (04/23/21)
Lead Agency: Oakland County Health Division
Lead Agency Personnel —at a minimum include Project Director, Financial Officer, Authorizing
Official. Please add additional rows to the table as needed.
in, Oakland
Board of
Project
Responsibilities
Authorizing Official
Medical Director, OCHD -ead Applicant
Project Director
Laboratory Supervisor
Laboratory Medical
Technician
Environmental Health
`Epidemiologist
Financial Officer
-ead contact for MDHHS,
grant partners: verify
adherence to project
Timelines, partner
kpmmunications
Supervision of all laboratory
Drocesses and personnel
Daily sample processing and
FRS/CoV-2 viral testing
Data collation, analysis, and
:ommunlcation to Clinical
Coordinator
Maintain fiscal Integrity of
nwdget, billing, and MDHHS
Financial reporting
Phone Email
Number Address
Partner Agency Personnel — Please add additional rows to the table as needed.
Name Title Agency Project Phone Email
Responsibilities Number Address
Brian Coburn Chief Engineer Nater Resources
Commission
Wastewater sample 248-452-1022 cobUrnbr0oakoov
collection, transport to .com
aboratory
Project Overview (description of proposed project through July 2023):
Surveillance strategy(ies):
Requested funds will support a multi -disciplinary team from water resources commission, environmental
health, epidemiology, and public health nursing — all with the overarching goal of preventing COVID-19
outbreaks in selected congregate living environments.
The public health goal of this project is rapid detection of circulating SARS/CoV-2 virus within vulnerable
populations using sentinel facility surveillance of congregate living facilities: college dormitories, boarding
preparatory school dormitories, homeless shelters, and others. Residents of such facilities have
experienced rapid transmission of SARS/CoV-2 once the virus is introduced into the facility by a COVID-
positive individual. Such facilities are especially vulnerable to variant strains, known for more -rapid
transmission. Therefore, detection of a leading indicator of COVID-19 infection can alert our public health
team to intervene with rapid molecular testing (same -day results) of all residents — to isolate COVID-
positive individuals from the general population — preventing a potentially catastrophic outbreak.
LHD Support/Reasoning for Site Selection:
Our strategy for this project is to optimize the public health value: applying this surveillance method to
prevent outbreak -transmission in a vulnerable population. We therefore assessed facilities in Oakland
County to meet the following criteria:
• Congregate living environment
• Resident population 30-300
• Ability to test majority of residents on short notice
• Ability to isolate COVID-positive residents from general facility population
• Access to facility wastewater effluent for grab or composite sampling twice weekly
• Willingness of facility administration to participate in surveillance project
Congregate Living Facilities included in Oakland County COVID Wastewater Surveillance:
• Rochester University Dormitories
• Lawrence Technical University Dormitories
• Cranbrook Preparatory School Dormitories
• Havenwyck Hospital Residential Facility
• Hope Home Shelters
Data from sites will be regularly analyzed and presented (see Data Reporting & Communication). We
have prepared for the scenario where chosen congregate living facilities seem to have low risk of COVID-
19 infection among the residents. If it becomes clear that a facility has a low yield for public health
intervention, we have prepared a list of alternative congregate sites. Sites included on the alternate list
include Oakland County Jail, and several schools. The same protocol would be followed for these sites as
described in this application.
Proposed Sample Site Locations
Please include multiple sheets if necessary to list all proposed locations
Sample Site
Typ Street address or
Latitude Longitude
Sampling
frequency/week
# of
wks/
Sample type
(e.g., grab, 24
Estimated
population
Anticipate
d
Name
eof location
year
hrcomposite)
served
collectio
faoi
to be
n start
lity
sampl
date
ed
Rochester
University 42.66697520374 - 800 West Avon Rd
Sample
32
composit
220
Fall 2021
University
263, 83.1454007309 Rochester Hills MI
Schedule: School
8227 48307
calendar runs
September
through April.
Twice -weekly
sampling at four
dormitories, 2021-
2023 (32 weeks
per school year):
256 samples.
Two year sample
total: 512
Lawrence
University 12.48425214974 42.4842521497 21000 West Ten Mile
Sample
32
composite
855
Fall 2021
Technical
6006, 46006, Road
Schedule: School
University
Southfield, MI, 48075-
calendar runs
1058
September
through May.
Twice -weekly
sampling at four
dormitories, 2021-
2023 (32 weeks
per school year):
256 samples.
Two year sample
total: 512
Havenwyck
42.66140024202 - 1525 University Dr.
Sample Schedule:
52
Composite
30
Summer
579. 832495026733 Auburn Hills, MI
2021
1067 48326
As a year-round
Facility, twice -
weekly sampling,
2021-2023: 104
samples.
Two year sample
total: 208
Hope Shelter 42.65173307023 -
249 Baldwin Avenue,
Sample 52
823, 83.2996978021
Pontiac, MI 48342.
Schedule: As
4685
year -found
facilities, twice -
weekly sampling
at two facilities,
42.67674898497 -
1416 Joslyn Pontiac,
2021-2023: 208
5255 833.2803262444
MI483407427 .
samples.
Two year total:
416
Cranbrook Preparato 42.56773170258 -
39221 Woodward
Sample 32
ry School 8404, 83.2516242023
Ave, Bloomfield Hills,
Schedule: School
9958
MI48304
calendar runs
September
through May.
Twice -weekly
sampling at two
dormitories, 2021-
2023 (32 weeks
per school year):
128 samples.
Two year sample
total: 256
Composite
Composite
70 / 20
150
Summer
2021
Fall 2021
Collection and Testing Methodology:
Sample Collection: Personnel from Oakland County Water Resources Commission (WRC) or their
subcontractor (OHM -Advisors) will conduct field reconnaissance of the selected facilities for optimal
wastewater access, and establish sites at each facility for installing autosamplers.
Twice weekly, sample collection personnel will gather samples and transport them to the OCHD
Laboratory. Collection personnel sign and include the Chain of Custody form with sample.
Upon arrival at the Laboratory, samples are opened only in biosafety level 2 cabinet, except
centrifugation and sample incubation. Virus is concentrated by precipitation. Viral RNA is extracted.
Virus detection is conducted using digital droplet polymerase-chain reaction (ddPCR) for
SARS/CoV-2 N1, N2.
Variant Strain Testing (if applicable):
Data reporting:
Oakland County Health will use the surveillance data to detect the overall presence of SARS-CoV-2
in wastewater and monitor trends. Monitoring trends will include tracking the duration (short-term,
sustained) and the direction (increase, decrease, or plateau) of the amount of virus detected. This
will help community leaders understand the current state of COVID-19 community spread, and to
activate Clinical Coordinator to test all residents of the congregate living facility.
Our laboratory and data analyst (Environmental Health Epidemiologist) will expedite communication
of results to our Clinical Coordinator (Benoit) and Lead Applicant (Faust) for prompt clinical decision -
making:
• Timely reporting of results will occur same day that results are available.
• Test results will also be uploaded/sent for entry into the EGLE database at least once per
week. If the data entry process becomes more automated in the future, we are prepared to
submit test results more frequently, such as within 24 hours after results are available.
• Because Oakland County Health Division is the Lead Agency for this project, results are
immediately known for public health use. In addition, wastewater viral test results will be
shared with key stakeholders, including Water Resources Commission, and administration of
participating facilities.
Wastewater viral results, as well as clinical case results, will be shared with stakeholders
using a graphic dashboard.
Communication plan:
Project personnel will attend weekly and monthly conference calls with the SEWER Network to
discuss project updates, troubleshoot issues, and discuss best practices. Project personnel will also
attend monthly meetings, scheduled by the Project Director, to discuss project updates, data
interpretation and public health actions, and provide a forum for open discussion.
The Project Director will communicate with participating facilities on a weekly basis to update,
discuss risk and risk mitigation of facility residents, to address questions and concerns, and share
dashboard results.
Data utilization:
Timely reporting will allow OCHD to review the data and utilize the information to help inform our
COVID-19 response. Our response has been to test all residents of facilities exhibiting an elevation
in SARS/CoV-2 viral level. These wastewater surveillance data, in addition to their clinical case data
on facility residents, are in our decision -making processes — specifically, to isolate COVID-positive
individuals to avert outbreak. Oakland County Health Division has conducted tests of residents in
Oakland University dormitories and student apartments following elevations of SARS/CoV-2 virus in
facility wastewater. COVID-positive individuals were then isolated from the general facility
population. This intervention has been activated on three separate occasions between February 25,
2021 and April 8, 2021.
Workolan
Describe specific goals, objectives, and activities through 9/30/2021 in the table below
Overarching Goal:
To advert COVID-19 outbreaks in 5 vulnerable congregate living facilities through sentinel
wastewater surveillance.
Methodology: Activities, Responsible
Individual(s),
Timeline and Deliverable(s)
Activity(ies)
Respon
Timeline
Deliverable(s)
sible
Individu
al(s)
� Objective
Rapid detection of circulating
RC
, Monitor
rovision of timely and
SARS/CoV-2 virus within vulnerable
Laboratory
eekly during
Consistent wastewater data
populations using sentinel facility
pidemioiogy
project
pr
o support local public
surveillance of congregate living
facilities.
Conduct testing at flagged facilities Clinical
with elevated SARS/CoV-2. Coordinator
health responses. Informing
public health decisions
about testing residents.
Testing 5 congregant living
facilities twice weekly for 2
years.
As needed
Bi-weekly update of daily
throughout
dashboard communicated
project period.
with team members.
June 2021-
July 2023.
Objective
Conduct molecular PCR testing to
Clinical
As indicated.
List of positive individuals.
dentifying COVID positive individuals Coordinator &
by testing all facility residents.
Advisors
solate positive individuals and work
Clinical
As needed
Implemented mitigation
with facility staff to implement public
coordinator
measures.
health protective measures.
Case investigation and
contact tracing of COVID
positive facility residents. 1
Objective
Develop this as a model for other
All team
Analyze all
Model practice for
emerging pathogens.
members
data post
actionable exceedance for
project to
other emerging pathogens
apply toward
that leverages this
future studies.
surveillance method,
technology and
partnerships.
Integration of various units
in Oakland County to strive
together to prevent future
disease outbreaks.
Plan to present and communicate All team Journal submission.
results from the project in published members Submitted conference
peer reviewed journal articles. abstracts.
Presentations at regional and local
conferences.
Budget Narrative: (total budget, 6/1/2021 - 7/3112023: $2,500,000)
Salary and wages (including benefits) - $536,158 from 6/1/2021 through 7/31/2023:
Project Director: 10 hours / week for—, as the lead contact for MDHHS and all
partners and other personnel on this project; oversight of every step in this project — confirmation of
sample collection, lab receipt of samples, sample processing timeline, data collection and analysis,
and reporting timelines, as well as scheduling all communications with MDHHS and project
stakeholders.
Laboratory Supervisor: 4 hours / week for— for supervision of all laboratory processes,
management of laboratory medical technicians; oversight of wastewater sample processing and
SARS/CoV-2 testing, as well as testing of resident swab samples.
Laboratory Medical Technician: full-time for receipt of samples from WRC staff; daily processing and
testing of wastewater samples; presentation of data for data analysis by Epidemiologist. This is a
contractual position, through ENTEC agency.
Data Analyst / Epidemiologist: 16 hours / week for—, responsible for data analysis and
commuication of data to the Clinical Coordinator.
Clinical Coordinator: 10 hours / week for—, responsible for reviewing wastewater viral
load data for each of the monitored facilities, organizing testing of all residents for'actional
exceedances' above threshold, and transport of those samples to laboratory for testing.
Clinical Advisor: 5 hours per week for— as expert advisor on public health matters and
congregate living testing; management of Clinical Coordinator activities.
Travel: None
Supplies & Materials - $567,183 from 6/1/2021 through 7/31/2023:
Laboratory supplies and reagents for processing of wastewater samples, and testing reagents for
testing on the ddPCR instrument.
Equipment- $64,000 from 6/1/2021 through 7/31/2023:
The only equipment not already in the OCHD Laboratory required for this project are the wastewater
autosamplers; WRC and their subcontractor will install a wastewater autosampler at each facility
wastewater effluent site. Their charges will include sample collection as well as maintaining these
instruments.
Other Expenses - $948,465 from 6/1/2021 through 7/31/2023
For sample collection, we are partnered with the Water Resources Commission (WRC) and their
subcontractor (OHM -Advisors) for all field collections of wastewater samples, and transport to the
OCHD Laboratory. This line -item include a $5,000 fee for field -reconnaissance and setup of
autosamplers at each of the sampling sites. Following this one-time charge, there is an ongoing fee
of $400 per sample; each facility is sampled twice weekly for the duration of the grant period.
Central to the public health value of this surveillance project is ability to easily and rapidly
communicate data results — wastewater viral levels as well as number of COVID-positive residents
in a facility — to all partners and stakeholders. Included in this budget is the cost to develop and
maintain the sophisticated dashboard to achieve that goal.
Indirect Costs - $34,192 from 6/1/2021 through 7/31/2023
9.91 % of the total salary and wages.
EGrAMS budget worksheet (monthly for June, July, August, September 2021): keep in
Excel format and include in email with application
Estimated Total Budgets for Fiscal Years 2021-22 and 2022-23:
FY2021: $477,416 FY2022: $1,113,527 FY2023: $909,057
Documentation of relationships and/or letters of support: attach to this document or include
in email with application
LHD support for site selection:
Oakland County Health supports this site selection of congregate living facilities:
The Lead Applicant is the Medical Director for Oakland County Health Division, and this project
represents in integration of personnel and units from Oakland County Health Division and Oakland
County Water Resources Commission. The overarching goal is surveillance of wastewater effluent
from a collection of congregate living facilities to provide a leading indicator of COVID-19 infection;
Public Health intervention includes testing of all facility residents, and isolation of test -positive
individuals to avert COVID-19 outbreaks.
View at 100% or Larger
Use WHOLE DOLLARS Only
PROGRAM
[eE7\�YYq�:L\dJ�
PROGRAM BUDGET SUMMARY
MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
MAILING ADDRESS (Number and Street)
CITY ISTATE
EXPENDITURE CATEGORY
1. SALARY & WAGES
2. FRINGE BENEFITS
3.TRAVEL
4. SUPPLIES & MATERIALS
5. CONTRACTUAL (Subcontracts/Subrecipients)
6. EQUIPMENT
7. OTHER EXPENSES
8. TOTAL DIRECT EXPENDITURES
(Sum of Lines 1-7)
9. INDIRECT COSTS: Rate #1 %
INDIRECT COSTS: Rate #2 %
10. TOTAL EXPENDITURES
SOURCE OF FUNDS:
11. FEES & COLLECTIONS
12. STATE AGREEMENT
13.LOCAL
14,FEDERAL
15. OTHER(S)
16. TOTAL FUNDING
IZIP CODE
DATE PREPARED
BUDGET PERIOD
From:6/1/2021 Tc
BUDGETAGREEMENT
Q ORIGINAL AMENDMENT
FEDERAL ID NUMBER
ATTACHMENT B.1
Page I Of
9/30/2021
AMENDMENT#
TOTAL BUDGET
(Use Whole Dollars)
$60,816 $50,816
$28,152 $28,152
$87,232 $87,232
$53,848 $63,848
$64,000 $64,000
$472,380
$5,036
$477,416
AUTHORITY: P.A. 368 of 1978 I The Department of Health and Human Services is an equal opportunity
COMPLETION: Is Voluntary, but is required as a condition of funding. employer, services and programs provider.
DCH-0385(E) (Rev. 08115) (Excel) Previous Edition Obsolete.
j
PROGRAM BUDGET - COST DETAIL SCHEDULE
View at 100% or Larger MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Page
Use WHOLE DOLLARS Only
PROGRAM BUDGET PERIOD
Sewer Network Grant From: To:
6/1/2021 6/3012021
GRANTEE NAME
Oakland County Health Division
1. SALARY & WAGES:
POSITION DESCRIPTION
Medical Technologist
Clinical Coodinator
Epidemiologist
Supervisor
Clinical Advisor
Project Director
ATTACHMENT B.2
Of
DATE PREPARED l
4/14/2021
BUDGET AGREEMENT
AMENDMENT#
❑✓ ORIGINAL ❑ AMENDMENT
POSITIONS
COMMENTS REQUIRED
TOTAL SALARY
County employee
1 000
$
5.626
County employee
1,000
$
1,401
County employee
1000
$
2,115
County employee
1.000
$
627
County employee
1.000
$
1,050
County employee
1000
$
1,885
1. TOTAL SALARY & WAGES: 6.000 $
2. FRINGE BENEFITS: (Specify) Composite Rate
❑✓ FICA ❑✓ LIFE INS ❑✓ DENTALINS
❑✓ UNEMPLOY INS VISION WORK COMP
❑✓ HOSPITAL ✓ HEARING INS ❑ ❑ Tuition Remission (list amount)
❑✓ RETIREMENT OTHER:speclfy 2. TOTAL FRINGE BENEFITS: $
3. TRAVEL: (Specify If category exceeds 10 %of Total Expenditures)
3. TOTAL TRAVEL: $
4. SUPPLIES & MATERIALS: (Specify if category exceeds 10% of Total Expenditures) $
Laboratory Supplies and Reagents
4 TOTAL SUPPLIES & MATERIALS: $
5. CONTRACTUAL: (SubcontractslSubrecipients)
Name Address Amount
Entech $ 13,462
S. TOTAL CONTRACTUAL: $
6. EQUIPMENT: (Specify) Amount
Thermo Cycler, Magnetic stir plate, 12 autosamplers for collection
6. TOTAL EQUIPMENT: $
7. OTHER EXPENSES: (Specify if category exceeds 10 %of Total Expenditures) Amount
Communication: Dashboard -IT $ 25,400
Space Cost:
Other: (explain): WRC collection $ 31,733
1x Field Recon Fee $ 5,000
B. TOTAL DIRECT EXPENDITURES: (Sum of Totals 1-7)
9. INDIRECT COST CALCULATIONS:
Rate #1 Base $ 12,704 x Rate
Rate #2 Base $ - x Rate
10. TOTAL ALL EXPENDITURES: (Sum of lines 8-9)
AUTHORITY: P A 360 ^f 197a
COMPLETION Is Voluntary, but ls,equLed a¢ a c^ntllllon olluntl.n9
OCH-03861EI Uuv Ell) tEXCELI PreolOua EEllmn OLSelele
12,704
55 40%
7,038
21,808
21,808
13,462
$64,000
64,000
7. TOTAL OTHER EXPENSES: $ 62,133
8. TOTAL DIRECT EXPENDITURES $ 181,145
$
1,259
9. TOTAL INDIRECT EXPENDITURES:
$
1,259
$
182,404
oepanmenl m Heaub ana Human serns^s la en aqua) nPvnmlmty
emPl^yec sarv,cas and
Ima
Pm9mms Pmvltlnr
Use AOON^nal SFeeLs as Naedetl
PROGRAM BUDGET - COST DETAIL SCHEDULE
ATTACHMENT B.2
View at 100%or Larger
MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Page
Of
Use WHOLE DOLLARS Only
PROGRAM
BUDGET PERIOD
DATE
PREPARED
From:
To:
71112021
7/31/2021
GRANTEE NAME
BUDGET AGREEMENT
AMENDMENT#
❑ ORIGINAL ❑ AMENDMENT
1. SALARY & WAGES:
POSITIONS
POSITION DESCRIPTION
COMMENTS REQUIRED
TOTAL SALARY
Medical Technologist
County emplovee 1 000
$
5,626
Clinical Coodinator
County employee 1.000
$
1,401
Epidemiologist
County employee 1.000
$
2,115
Supervisor
Clinical Advisor
County employee 1.000
County employee 1.000.
$
$
627
1,050
Project Director
Countv employee 1.000
$
1,885
1. TOTAL SALARY & WAGES: 6.000
$
12,704
2. FRINGE BENEFITS:
(Specify) Composite Rate %
55.40%
A
✓ FICMPLOY
✓I
LIFE INS Q DENTAL INS
LLL✓JJJ
UNEINS
RETIREMENT
✓
VSION INS 0 WORKS COMP
HEARING INS ❑ Tuition Remission (list amount)
Q
HOSPITAL INS
❑
OTHER:specify- 2. TOTAL FRINGE BENEFITS:
$
7,038
3. TRAVEL: (Specify if
category exceeds 10% of Total Expenditures)
3. TOTAL TRAVEL:
$
-
4. SUPPLIES & MATERIALS:
(Specify if category exceeds 10%of Total Expenditures)
$
21,808
Laboratory Supplies and Reagents
4. TOTAL SUPPLIES & MATERIALS: $
5. CONTRACTUAL: (Subcontracts/Subrecipients)
Name Address
Entech
6. EQUIPMENT: (Specify)
7. OTHER EXPENSES: (Specify if category exceeds 10 % of Total Expenditures)
Communication: Dashboard -IT
Space Cost:
Others (explain): WRC collection
8. TOTAL DIRECT EXPENDITURES: (Sum of Totals 1-7)
9. INDIRECT COST CALCULATIONS:
Rate #1 Base $ 12,704 x Rate
Rate #2 Base $ - x Rate
10. TOTAL ALL EXPENDITURES: (Sum of lines 8-9)
AUTHORITY' P A 3Ee of 197B
COMPLETION: Is Vemalary, but Is Ifueled as a condition of funding.
OCH-03M(E) (Rev 8115) (EXCEL) P,av,ous Edition Obsolete
Amount
$ 13,462
5. TOTAL CONTRACTUAL: $
Amount
6. TOTAL EQUIPMENT: $
Amount
$ 10,333
$ 31,733
21,808
13,462
7. TOTAL OTHER EXPENSES: $ 42,066
8. TOTAL DIRECT EXPENDITURES $ 97,078
9 91 % _ $ 1,259
0 00% _ $ -
9.TOTAL INDIRECT EXPENDITURES: $ 1,259
$ 98,337
ITbe Depatlment of Health and Human Serves Is an equal oppod mlly employer, sei and
u.,amsprovlds
Use Addalonal Sheets as Needed
PROGRAM BUDGET - COST DETAIL SCHEDULE
ATTACHMENT B.2
View at 100%or Larger
MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Page
Of
Use WHOLE DOLLARS Only
PROGRAM
BUDGET PERIOD
DATE
PREPARED
From: To:
811/2021 8/31/2021
GRANTEE NAME
BUDGETAGREEMENT
AMENDMENT#
❑ ORIGINAL ❑ AMENDMENT
1. SALARY&WAGES:
POSITIONS
POSITION DESCRIPTION
COMMENTS REQUIRED
TOTALSALARY
Medical Technologist
County employee
1.000
$
5,626
Clinical Coodinator
County employee
1 000
$
1,401
Epidemiologist
County employee
1000
$
2,115
Supervisor
County employee
1.000
$
627
Clinical Advisor
County employee
1.000
$
1,050
Project Director
County employee
1.000
$
1,885
1. TOTAL SALARY & WAGES: 6.000 $
2. FRINGE BENEFITS: (Specify) Composite Rate
Q FICA Q LIFE MS Q DENTAL INS
Q UNEMPLOY INS O VISION INS Q WORK COMP
❑� RETIREMENT HEARING INS ❑ Tuition Remission (list amount)
❑ HOSPITAL INS ❑ OTHER:specify- 2. TOTAL FRINGE BENEFITS: $
3. TRAVEL: (Specify if category exceeds 10 % of Total Expenditures)
3. TOTAL TRAVEL: $
4. SUPPLIES & MATERIALS: (Specify if category exceeds 10 % of Total Expenditures) $
S. CONTRACTUAL: (Subcontracts/Subrecipients)
Name Address
Entech
6. EQUIPMENT: (Specify)
Laboratory Supplies and Reagents
4. TOTAL SUPPLIES & MATERIALS: $
Amount
$ 13,462
S. TOTAL CONTRACTUAL: $
Amount
7. OTHER EXPENSES: (Specify if category exceeds 10 % of Total Expenditures)
Communication: Dashboard -IT
Space Cost:
Others (explain): WRC collection
B. TOTAL DIRECT EXPENDITURES: (Sum of Totals 1-7)
9. INDIRECT COST CALCULATIONS:
Rate #1 Base $ 12,704 x Rate
Rate #2 Base $ - x Rate
10. TOTAL ALL EXPENDITURES: (Sum of lines 8-9)
AUTHORITY: PA MR of 1978
COMPLETION' Is Voluntary, bolls regmretl as a mntllllon of Pontling
DCKT3&HE) (Rev 9115) (EXCEL) Prevlaus Edlllon Obsaiele
6. TOTAL EQUIPMENT: $
Amount
$ 10,333
$ 31,733
12,704
55.40%
7,038
21,808
21,808
13,462
7. TOTAL OTHER EXPENSES: $ 42,066
8. TOTAL DIRECT EXPENDITURES $ 97,078
9.91 % _
$
1,259
000% _
$
-
9. TOTAL INDIRECT EXPENDITURES:
$
1,259
$
98,337
D,vdofem of Heallh and Human Smv¢ea la an egoel ovamlunlly
employer, semces and
ITba
Programs provider
Use ACCIHonal Sheets as Needed
PROGRAM BUDGET - COST DETAIL SCHEDULE
ATTACHMENT B.2
View at 100%or Larger MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Page
Of
Use WHOLE DOLLARS Only
PROGRAM I BUDGET PERIOD
DATE
PREPARED
From:
To:
9/1/2021
9/3012021
GRANTEE NAME
BUDGET AGREEMENT
AMENDMENT#
❑ ORIGINAL ❑ AMENDMENT
1. SALARY & WAGES: POSITIONS
POSITION DESCRIPTION COMMENTS REQUIRED
TOTALSALARY
Medical Technologist County employee 1,000
$
5,626
Clinical Coodinator County employee 1 000
$
1,401
Epidemiologist County employee 1.000
$
2,115
Supervisor County employee 1.000
$
627
Clinical Advisor County employee 1.000
$
1,050
Project Director County employee 1.000
$
1,885
1. TOTAL SALARY&WAGES: 6.000
$
12,704
2. FRINGE BENEFITS: (Specify) Composite Rate %
55.40%
Q FICA ❑✓ LIFE INS ❑✓ DENTAL INS
❑✓ UNEMPLOY INS Q VISION INS Q WORK COMP
RETIREMENT ❑ HEARING INS ❑ Tuition Remission (list amount)
E4] HOSPITAL INS ❑ OTHER:specify- 2. TOTAL FRINGE BENEFITS:
$
7,038
3. TRAVEL: (Specify If category exceeds 10 %of Total Expenditures)
3. TOTAL TRAVEL:
$
-
4. SUPPLIES & MATERIALS: (Specify if category exceeds 10 %of Total Expenditures)
$
21,808
Laboratory Supplies and Reagents
4. TOTAL SUPPLIES & MATERIALS:
$
21,808
5. CONTRACTUAL: (Subcontracts/Subrecipients)
Name Address Amount
Entech $ 13,462
S. TOTAL CONTRACTUAL:
$
13,462
6. EQUIPMENT: (Specify) Amount
6. TOTAL EQUIPMENT: $
7. OTHER EXPENSES: (Specify if category exceeds 10% of Total Expenditures) Amount
Communication: Dashboard -IT $ 10,334
Space Cost:
Others (explain): WRC collection $ 31,733
8. TOTAL DIRECT EXPENDITURES: (Sum of Totals 1-7)
9. INDIRECT COST CALCULATIONS:
Rate #1 Base $ 12,704 x Rate
Rate #2 Base $ - x Rate
10. TOTAL ALL EXPENDITURES: (Sum of lines 8-9)
AUTHORITY: P.A. 36B of 1978
COMPLETION: Is Voluntary, bul is sgmrstl as a soodlhon of funblog.
nCH0386(E) (Rev 8115) (EXCEL) PrWiaiv Etllhon Obsolete
7. TOTAL OTHER EXPENSES: $ 42,067
8. TOTAL DIRECT EXPENDITURES $ 97,079
9.91 % _ $ 1,259
9. TOTAL INDIRECT EXPENDITURES: $ 1,259
$ 98,338
ITha Depa,iment d Heallh a of Human Sanlaes Is en eyuel oppotlunlly employer, services aad
programs pNNtler
Use AtltllOonal Sdeefa as Neetletl
View at 100% or Larger
Use WHOLE DOLLARS Only
PROGRAM
GRANTEE NAME
PROGRAM BUDGET SUMMARY
MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
MAILING ADDRESS (Number and Street)
CITY ISTATE
EXPENDITURE CATEGORY
1 SALARY & WAGES
2. FRINGE BENEFITS
3. TRAVEL
4. SUPPLIES & MATERIALS
5. CONTRACTUAL (Subcontracts/Subrecipients)
6. EQUIPMENT
7.OTHER EXPENSES
8 TOTAL DIRECT EXPENDITURES
(Sum of Lines 1-7)
9. INDIRECT COSTS: Rate #1 %
INDIRECT COSTS: Rate #2 %
10. TOTAL EXPENDITURES
SOURCE OF FUNDS:
11. FEES & COLLECTIONS
12. STATE AGREEMENT
13. LOCAL
14. FEDERAL
15, OTHER(S)
16. TOTAL FUNDING
DATE PREPARED
ATTACHMENT B.1
IPage I Of
BUDGET PERIOD
From:10/1/2021 To:9/30/2022
BUDGETAGREEMENT (AMENDMENT#
D ORIGINAL [-]AMENDMENT
ZIP CODE FEDERAL ID NUMBER
I
$168,361
$93,272
$261,871
$161,538
$1,096,842
$16,685
$1,113,627
TOTAL BUDGET
(Use Whole Dollars)
$168,361
$93,272
I_ $261,871
$161,538
AUTHORITY: P.A. 368 of 1978 The Department or Health and Human Services is an equal opportunity
COMPLETION: Is Voluntary, but is required as a condition of funding I employer, services and programs provider.
DCH-0385(E) (Rev. 08/15) (Excel) Previous Edition Obsolete
PROGRAM BUDGET - COST DETAIL SCHEDULE
View at 100%or Larger MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Page
Use WHOLE DOLLARS Only
PROGRAM BUDGET PERIOD
Sewer Network Grant From: To:
1011 /2021 9/3012022
GRANTEE NAME
Oakland County Health Division
1. SALARY&WAGES:
POSITION DESCRIPTION
Medical Technologist
Clinical Coodinator
Epidemiologist
Supervisor
Clinical Advisor
Project Director
ATTACHMENT B.2
Of
'DATE PREPARED
4/1412021
BUDGET AGREEMENT
AMENDMENT#
Q ORIGINAL ❑ AMENDMENT
POSITIONS
COMMENTS REQUIRED
TOTAL SALARY
County employee
1,000
$
74,599
County employee
1.000
$
18,582
Countv employee
1.000
$
28,050
County employee
1.000
$
7,671
County employee
1.000
$
14,466
County employee
1 000
$
24,992
1. TOTAL SALARY & WAGES: 6.006 $
2. FRINGE BENEFITS: (Specify) Composite Rate %
O FICA ❑� LIFE INS Q DENTAL INS
❑� UNEMPLOY INS r VISION WORK COMP
n HOSPITAL HEARING INS ❑ Tuition Remission (list amount)
[] RETIREMENT OTHER:specify 2. TOTAL FRINGE BENEFITS: $
3. TRAVEL: (Specify if category exceeds 10 % of Total Expenditures)
3. TOTAL TRAVEL: $
4. SUPPLIES & MATERIALS: (Specify if category exceeds 10 % of Total Expenditures) $
Laboratory Supplies and Reagents
4. TOTAL SUPPLIES & MATERIALS: $
5. CONTRACTUAL: (SubcontmetslSubmcipients)
Name Address
Entech
6. EQUIPMENT: (Specify)
Thermo Cycler, Magnetic stir plate, 12 autosamplers for collection
7. OTHER EXPENSES: (Specify if category exceeds 10 % of Total Expenditures)
Communication: Dashboard- IT
Space Cost:
Others (explain): WRC collection
8. TOTAL DIRECT EXPENDITURES: (Sum of Totals 1-7)
9. INDIRECT COST CALCULATIONS:
Rate #1 Base $ 168,361 x Rate
Rate #2 Base $ - x Rate
10. TOTAL ALL EXPENDITURES: (Sum of lines 8-9)
Amount
$ 161,538
5. TOTAL CONTRACTUAL: $
Amount
168,361
55.40%
93,272
261,871
261,871
161,538
6. TOTAL EQUIPMENT: $ -
Amount
$ 31,000
$ 380,800
7. TOTAL OTHER EXPENSES: $
8. TOTAL DIRECT EXPENDITURES $
$
9. TOTAL INDIRECT EXPENDITURES: $
$
411,800
1,096,842
16,685
16,685
1,113,527
View at 100% or Larger
Use WHOLE DOLLARS Only
PROGRAM
GRANTEE NAME
PROGRAM BUDGET SUMMARY
MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
MAILING ADDRESS (Number and Street)
CITY ISTATE
EXPENDITURE CATEGORY
1 SALARY & WAGES
2. FRINGE BENEFITS
3.TRAVEL
4. SUPPLIES & MATERIALS
5. CONTRACTUAL (Subcontracts/Subrecipients)
6. EQUIPMENT
7. OTHER EXPENSES
8. TOTAL DIRECT EXPENDITURES
(Sum of Lines 1-7)
9. INDIRECT COSTS, Rate #1 %
INDIRECT COSTS: Rate #2 %
10. TOTAL EXPENDITURES
SOURCE OF FUNDS:
11. FEES & COLLECTIONS
12. STATE AGREEMENT
13 LOCAL
14.FEDERAL
15. OTHER(S)
16. TOTAL FUNDING
ZIP CODE
DATE PREPARED
ATTACHMENT BA
Page I Of
BUDGET PERIOD
From:1011/2022 To:7/30/2023
BUDGETAGREEMENT AMENDMENT#
E ORIGINAL ❑ AMENDMENT
FEDERAL ID NUMBER
$125,841
$69,716
I $218,080
$896,586
$12,471
$909,057
TOTAL BUDGET
(Use Whole Dollars)
$46,164
$25,575
$87,232
AUTHORITY: P.A. 368 of 1978 I The Department of Health and Human Services is an equal opportunity
COMPLETION: Is Voluntary, but is required as a condition of funding employer, services and programs provider. ,
DCH-0385(E) (Rev. 08/15) (Excel) Previous Edition Obsolete
PROGRAM BUDGET - COST DETAIL SCHEDULE
View at 100%or Larger MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Page
Use WHOLE DOLLARS Only
PROGRAM I BUDGET PERIOD
Sewer Network Grant From: To:
GRANTEE NAME
Oakland County Health Division
1. SALARY&WAGES:
POSITION DESCRIPTION
Medical Technologist
Clinical Coodinator
Epidemiologist
Supervisor
Clinical Advisor
Project Director
110/1/2022 17/31/2023
BUDGETAGREEMENT
M ORIGINAL ❑ AMENDMENT
ATTACHMENT B.2
Of
DATE PREPARED
4/14/2021
AMENDMENT#
POSITIONS
COMMENTS
REQUIRED
County employee
1.000 $
County employee
1 1.000 $
County employee
I 1.000 $
County employee
1.000 $
County employee
1 000 $
Countv employee
1 000 $
1. TOTAL SALARY & WAGES:1 6.000 $
2. FRINGE BENEFITS: (Specify) Composite Rate %
Q FICA ❑ LIFE INS ❑✓ DENTAL INS
Q UNEMPLOY INS ✓ VISION ✓ WORK COMP
❑ HOSPITAL �✓ HEARING INS ❑ ❑Tuition Remission (list amount)
Q RETIREMENT OTHER:specify 2. TOTAL FRINGE BENEFITS: $
3. TRAVEL: (Specify if category exceeds 10% of Total Expenditures)
3. TOTAL TRAVEL: $
4. SUPPLIES & MATERIALS: (Specify if category exceeds 10 % of Total Expenditures) $
Laboratory Supplies and Reagents
4, TOTAL SUPPLIES & MATERIALS: $
S. CONTRACTUAL: (Subcontracts/Subrecipierts)
Name Address Amount
Entech $ 134,615
5. TOTAL CONTRACTUAL: $
6. EQUIPMENT: (Specify) Amount
Thermo Cycler, Magnetic stir plate, 12 autosamplers for collection
6. TOTAL EQUIPMENT: $
7. OTHER EXPENSES: (Specify if category exceeds 10 % of Total Expenditures) Amount
Communication: Dashboard- IT $ 31,000
Space Cost:
Others (explain): WRC collection $ 317,333
8. TOTAL DIRECT EXPENDITURES: (Sum of Totals 1-7)
9. INDIRECT COST CALCULATIONS:
Rate #1 Base $ 125,841 x Rate
Rate #2 Base $ - x Rate
10. TOTAL ALL EXPENDITURES: (Sum of lines 8-9)
AUTHOMM P A. 368 of 197H
TOTAL SALARY
58,528
13,122
19,808
6,520
10,215
17,648
125,841
55.40%
69,716
218,080
218,080
134,615
7. TOTAL OTHER EXPENSES: $ 348,333
8. TOTAL DIRECT EXPENDITURES $ 896,586
9.91 % _ $ 12,471
$
9. TOTAL INDIRECT EXPENDITURES: $ 12,471
$ 909,057
IThe Oepadmanl of Health and Human Senecas Is an equal opportunity employer, seMces and
Wastewater -Based SARS/CoV-2 Epidemiology Project
Project Overview and Description
As a participating member of the Michigan SEWER Network, the requested funds will support the
following activities at Oakland County Health Division and Laboratory:
• Ongoing sampling and testing for SARS/CoV-2 virus in wastewater to monitor for trends in viral
load results relative to clinical disease burden within vulnerable communities.
• Timely sharing of these data with local public health to inform epidemiological strategies for
outbreak prevention.
• Use this surveillance method to decrease the burden of testing for congregate living facilities —
providing a resource savings in time, personnel, and testing supplies and reagents.
• Regular communication / presentation /sharing of project data with partners, stakeholders and
public.
Requested funds will support a multi -disciplinary team from water resources commission,
environmental health, epidemiology, and public health nursing — all with the overarching goal of
preventing COVID-19 outbreaks in selected congregate living environments.
The public health goal of this project is rapid detection of circulating SARS/CoV-2 virus within vulnerable
populations using sentinel facility surveillance of congregate living facilities: college dormitories,
boarding preparatory school dormitories, homeless shelters, and others. Residents of such facilities have
experienced rapid transmission of SARS/CoV-2 once the virus is introduced into the facility by a COVID-
positive individual. Such facilities are especially vulnerable to variant strains, known for more -rapid
transmission. Therefore, detection of a leading indicator of COVID-19 infection can alert our public
health team to intervene with rapid molecular testing (same -day results) of all residents —to isolate
COVID-positive individuals from the general population —preventing a potentially catastrophic outbreak.
Our strategy forthis project is to optimize the public health value: applying this surveillance method to
prevent outbreak -transmission in a vulnerable population. We therefore assessed facilities in Oakland
County to meet the following criteria:
• Congregate living environment
0 Resident population 30-300
• Ability to test majority of residents on short notice
• Ability to isolate COVID-positive residents from general facility population
• Access to facility wastewater effluent for grab or composite sampling twice weekly
• Willingness of facility administration to participate in surveillance project
Congregate Living Facilities included in Oakland County COVID Wastewater Surveillance:
• Rochester University Dormitories
• Lawrence Technical University Dormitories
• Cranbrook Preparatory School Dormitories
• Havenwyck Hospital Residential Facility
• Hope Home Shelters
Given the recent history of COVID-variant outbreaks in congregate living facilities, the residents of the
selected facilities represent vulnerable populations. Moreover, the population size of each participating
facility is suited logistically to rapid molecular testing of all residents and isolation of those individuals
who test positive for COVID-19 infection. Conducting wastewater surveillance for SARS/CoV-2 also
provides a leading indicator of COVID-19 infection within those residents, without the necessity of
regularly testing every resident in the facility —a resource savings in time, personnel, and reagents.
This strategic approach has been successful in the collaboration between Oakland University (OU)
Laboratory (Dr. David Szlag) and Oakland County Health Division (OCHD): wastewater surveillance of the
OU dormitories and student apartments resulted in detection of SARS/CoV-2 viral load above baseline
on multiple occasions; in those instances, OCHD then conducted rapid molecular testing of facility
residents, allowing for isolation of COVID-positive residents, with wastewaterviral load return to
baseline. The assumption is that this program has prevented COVID-19 outbreaks in these vulnerable
populations. (See Appendix II).
This grant application proposes to expand that model to the five selected congregate living facilities
Description of Congregate Living Facilities
Lawrence Technical University
Lawrence Technical University is a private university located in Southfield, MI. There are four residential
halls on campus, as follows:
Reuss Hall —140 resident capacity
East Hall —300 resident capacity
Donley Hall —215 resident capacity
South Hall — 200 resident capacity
Campus Contact: Tim McGillivary / 248-204-3945 /tmceilliv@Itu.edu
Sample Schedule: School calendar runs September through May. Twice -weekly sampling at four
dormitories, 2021-2023 (32 weeks per school year): 256 samples. Two year total: 512 samples.
Rochester University
Rochester University is a private university in Rochester, MI, with both residential and community
students. There are four residential halls onthe Rochester University campus, each housing fewerthan
140 students at a time.
Sample Schedule: School calendar runs September through April. Twice -weekly sampling at four
dormitories, 2021-2023 (32 weeks per school year): 256 samples. Two year total: 512 samples.
Campus Contact: Jacob Lawless /jlawless@rochester.edu
Cranbrook Preparatory Boarding School
Cranbrook is a private Preparatory School with residential boarding students in two dormatories.
Sample Schedule: School calendar runs September through May. Twice -weekly sampling at two
dormitories, 2021-2023 (32 weeks per school year): 128 samples. Two year total: 256
Contact: Rod Spearin / rsoearinftcranbrook.edu
Havenwyck Residential Hospital
Havenwyck Hospital is a psychiatric hospital located in Auburn Hills, MI. Havenwyck offers several
programs, including a therapy -intensive long-term residential program.
Residential Hospital-30 resident capacity
Sample Schedule: As a year-round facility, twice -weekly sampling, 2021-2023: 104 samples, Two year
total: 208
Contact: Jenifer Nyhuis /jenifer.nuhuis@uhsinc.com
Hope Homeless Shelter
Hope Home is located in Pontiac, MI; offering low -barrier emergency shelter at their Adult Shelter, as
well as inpatient discharge -to -home at their Recuperative Shelter:
Adult Shelter-60 resident capacity
Recuperative Shelter —15 resident capacity
Sample Schedule: As year -found facilities, twice -weekly sampling at two facilities, 2021-2023: 208
samples. Twoyeartotal: 416
Contact: Elizabeth Kelly / ekelly@hopewarmingpontiac.org
Personnel / Roles
Lead Applicant— .
Role: As the Medical Director for Oakland County Health Division, Dr. Faust provides project focus and
oversight of both the laboratory and clinical integration for this project.
Project Director — _
Role: The Project Director is the lead contact for MDHHS, as well as all partners and other personnel
throughout this project, confirming adherence to data collection, analysis, and reporting timelines, and
scheduling all communications.
Laboratory Supervisor --
Role: Supervision of all laboratory processes.
Laboratory Medical Technician —to be named
Role: Daily sample processing and SARS/CoV-2 testing.
Data Analysis / Epidemiology —=
This Environmental Health Epidemiologist is responsible for data analysis and communication of data to
the Clinical Coordinator.
Clinical Advisor —_
Role: Expert advisor on public health matters and congregant living.
Clinical Coordinator — =
Role: For those instances of wastewater viral loads rising above baseline threshold, the Clinical
Coordinator manages testing of all residents of that facility, transport of samples to OCHD Laboratory
for testing, and communication of results to facility administration, confirming isolation of COVID-
positive individuals.
Financial Officer —
Role: Maintaining fiscal integrity of the budget, billing, and MDHHS financial reporting mandates.
Authorizing Official— _
Role: Signatory Representative for Oakland County Health Division.
Partners — Oakland County Water Resources Commission (WRC)
Role: Compositive-sample collection at each of the participating congregate living facilities; transport to
OCHD Laboratory for sample processing and SARS/CoV-2 testing.
Partners- MSU— Dr,Xagoraraki
Role: The MSU laboratory has conducted the pioneering work in this field. They will conduct additional
testing on our wastewater samples for "normalization" of viral levels against human metabolites.
Appendix I. MOU's with facilities, partners
Appendix II. Oakland University data / graphs
Appendix III. Budget
State of Michigan
SARS-CoV-2 Epidemiology - Wastewater Evaluation and Reporting (SEWER) Network
Michigan Department of Health and Human Services
Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy
April 13, 2021
PROJECT SUMMARY
The State of Michigan SARS-CoV-2 Epidemiology - Wastewater Evaluation and Reporting
Network, also known as the SEWER Network, is a wastewater monitoring project that utilizes
locally coordinated projects to conduct surveillance for SARS-CoV-2 virus shed into Michigan
public sewer systems. Coordinated by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services
(MDHHS), the SEWER Network relies on local partnerships between local health departments
(LHDs), Tribal communities, wastewater utilities, universities, and laboratories to gather
wastewater samples, analyze them for the presence of SARS-CoV-2, and report and respond to
the laboratory data. The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy
(EGLE) provides scientific expertise and data management capacity for the network, and
Michigan State University (MSU) serves as the lead laboratory, standardizing laboratory testing
and providing technical assistance.
By operating multiple local projects under a single network, the SARS-CoV-2 wastewater
sampling and analysis conducted is consistent, public health interpretation of results and risk
communication is ensured, and data is systematically shared with local and state level public
health officials and other stakeholders.
Network Goals and Activities
The overarching goal of the Michigan SEWER Network is to rapidly detect the circulation of the
SARS-CoV-2 virus within specific communities via wastewater testing, via the following
activities:
1. Establishment, maintenance, and coordination of the SEWER Network,
in collaboration with participating stakeholders and local partnerships;
2. Ongoing sampling and analysis to detect SARS-CoV-2 virus in
wastewater and monitor trends in results, and to quantify disease burden, within
community or at individual congregate sites;
3. Provision of timely and consistent wastewater data to support local public health
responses, including clinical testing strategies and immunization efforts;
4. As applicable, utilize data to decrease the burden of testing on congregate
facilities, such as prisons and long-term care facilities; and
5. Conduct internal and support external communications for the project.
Currently, the SEWER Network is only focused on surveillance for SARS-CoV-2. However, it is
anticipated that within the next few years, this surveillance strategy will be utilized for
surveillance of a variety of pathogens; this could potentially include bacteria of interest with
antimicrobial resistance genes, norovirus, and influenza. A long-term investment in statewide
and national wastewater surveillance infrastructure is supported by the U.S. Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention's (CDC) National Wastewater Surveillance (NWWS) program.
BACKGROUND
COVID-19 is a respiratory disease that can result in serious illness or death and is easily spread
from person to person. It is caused by a new coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, that emerged in late
2019 and was not previously identified in humans. Public health agencies within Michigan have
been employing an aggressive strategy of identifying COVID-19 cases and their close contacts
to break community transmission of the virus. Timely identification of the virus in the community
is crucial for the success of this strategy, particularly as people can be infectious before they
show symptoms of the disease.
SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA can be detected in wastewater, as the virus is shed in human feces for
potentially up to 30-40 days after infection. Furthermore, people infected with COVID-19 can
shed the virus in their feces up to 1-2 days before symptom onset. Of particular importance is
the fact that asymptomatic, but infected, individuals will also shed the virus in their feces.
Therefore, wastewater surveillance for SARS-CoV-2 is a critical tool to capture potential COVID-
19 illness in populations that will not interact with the health care system and most likely would
not undergo clinical testing for COVID-19.
The early detection of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater, as part of a comprehensive COVID-19
surveillance system, can help identify a new emergence of infection in a community, monitor the
level of virus in different areas across the state, monitor virus in facilities with vulnerable
populations within a specific sewershed (providing earlier detection and reducing need for
repeated testing of humans in the facility), and provide timely information to inform response
plans at state and local levels to curtail transmission and target public health interventions.
Community- and facility -level targeting of such interventions will become even more important
as widespread community spread decreases and vaccines become readily available to deploy
for targeted outreach efforts. Since nearly 70 percent of Michigan residents rely on public
wastewater systems, surveillance of such systems has the potential to provide data on a large
proportion of the Michigan population.
SARS-CoV-2 testing of wastewater can identify and quantify the virus in wastewater systems
serving varying populations and demographics. Depending on the turnaround time of the
laboratory, results can be available up to seven days prior to routine notification of positive
clinical COVID-19 cases to public health agencies. As an example, in July 2020 MSU identified
a spike in SARS-CoV-2 levels in wastewater one week before clinical and public health
identification of a COVID-19 outbreak in East Lansing related to a local restaurant.
Proiect History
In Fall 2020, MDHHS utilized $10 million from Michigan's allocation of the federal Coro navirus
Relief Fund to conduct a wastewater surveillance feasibility pilot project for SARS-CoV-2. This
was done through partnership with EGLE, MSU, and an existing statewide gPCR laboratory
network. The pilot project tested samples from October -December 2020.
This project supported 20 local pilot projects, with testing conducted at 19 different academic,
local health department, private, and local government laboratories. Approximately 280
locations were sampled in 41 counties, plus the City of Detroit, which represented 29 local
health jurisdictions and 6 Tribal communities. Community -level surveillance was conducted at
wastewater treatment plants and sewershed access points, while congregate facility
surveillance was done at colleges and universities, K-12 schools, long-term care and assisted
living facilities, adult foster cares, casinos, hospitals, and state and local correctional facilities.
The pilot project demonstrated that in a short timeframe, laboratories in all regions of the state
were able to detect SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater via a standardized method and begin tracking
trends. For many local sites, labs were able to provide wastewater data to inform and support
local testing strategies. Examples of this included 1) several universities whose officials used
this data to target their clinical testing on campus and placement of students into
isolation/quarantine to prevent further campus transmission, and 2) detection of virus in
wastewater from a correctional facility that corroborated an ongoing outbreak. In addition, the
pilot project strengthened collaboration between academic institutions and local health
departments, some of which had not previously worked together.
NETWORK COMPONENTS
The activities of the SEWER Network are grouped into four components, which are later
described in greater detail:
1. Project Coordination and Risk Communication (MDHHS): Project maintenance,
management of grant contracts and reports, coordination, and overall support.
Coordination of a lead agency workgroup to ensure project organization, facilitate problem
solving, and standardize analysis and interpretation of project data. Development of risk
communication materials and public health support strategies.
2. Lead Laboratory (MSU): Funding for a university laboratory to lead and coordinate
sampling protocols and laboratory methods development, validation, and support. Review
and maintain the project Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP). Coordination of a weekly
call and maintenance of a project website for participating laboratories.
3. Data Management (EGLE): Receive and manage laboratory results data for the SEWER
Network. Maintain, and update as needed, the data management system and public -facing
GIS display for data. Maintain existing MOU agreements with laboratories for previously
distributed ddPCR equipment.
4. Local Projects: Participating local projects from the Fall 2020 pilot project were invited to
continue participating in the SEWER Network in Spring 2021. Local projects are required
to either be led by the corresponding LHD, or alternatively the LHD could assign a
designated agency or organization to lead, while they participate as a partner. Each local
project includes the following:
A. One or both of the following SARS-CoV-2 surveillance strategies:
• Wastewater Treatment Plant Surveillance: Wastewater sampling at Michigan
wastewater treatment plants (WWTP).
• Congregate Facility Sentinel Surveillance: Facility -level sewershed sampling
of targeted congregate facility sentinel sites (examples include but are not
limited to: prisons/jails, long-term care or assisted living facilities, K-12 schools
conducting in -person instruction, universities, childcare facilities, group homes).
B. Laboratory Testing: Partnership with existing gPCR or ddPCR laboratory to
conduct SARS-CoV-2 testing of the WWTPs and/or congregate facility samples.
Sampling diverse sites, including entire WWTP service areas and smaller, discrete congregate
living facilities, captures data to determine differences between virus transmission and excretion
and corresponding risk to general populations versus congregate facility populations.
Component 1: Project Coordination and Risk Communication
MDHHS has primary responsibility for project coordination and communication of the SEWER
Network. This includes any required reporting or documentation needed to fulfill federal and/or
State of Michigan grant requirements. MDHHS provides local projects with guidance and/or
templates for required reports. MDHHS coordinates distribution of reports and results with
project partners.
Throughout the project, MDHHS coordinates weekly conference calls to facilitate
communication and coordination between the SEWER Network's lead agencies (MDHHS,
EGLE, MSU).
As needed, MDHHS, EGLE, and MSU recruit subject matter experts who may not be directly
involved in the project but provide critical data analysis and refinement of best scientific
practices in this rapidly evolving field (e.g., water systems engineers).
MDHHS develops public health communication materials for the project, in consultation with
LHDs and monitored facilities. In conjunction with the project's lead agencies and with review of
other surveillance data, MDHHS analyzes statewide public health implications of wastewater
results and proposes potential future public health actions.
Component 2: Lead Laboratory
MSU serves as the lead for any project activities related to sample collection strategies,
development of methods, validation, and support for lab testing, and development of quality
assurance plans related to wastewater and sewage sampling and analysis. This laboratory
provides guidance and training to participating labs in these areas and assists with their
"onboarding" for SARS-CoV-2 testing, if necessary. MSU also provides development of and
support for laboratory results tools that facilitate submission of results to EGLE's project
database. Finally, this laboratory actively participates in interpretation of results since this field
of science is rapidly developing.
The laboratory of Dr. Joan Rose within the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife at MSU serves
as the project's lead laboratory. Dr. Rose is the Homer Nowlin Chair in Water Research at MSU
and has decades of experience in developing lab surveillance methods for detection of microbial
pathogens in recreational water and wastewater and constructing quantitative risk assessments
for those pathogens. Recently, she co-chaired a Water Research Foundation workgroup for the
Wastewater Surveillance of the COVID-19 Genetic Signal in Sewersheds report.
Component 3: Data Management
EGLE's Information Management Division manages the collection, entry, and storage of lab
results data for the project in a database. Staff from both EGLE's Water Resources Division and
the Information Management Division coordinate with MSU to design support tools to facilitate
upload of laboratory results to the EGLE data dashboard. In the near future, EGLE will design
and display data on a dashboard, with links to existing SOM COVID-19 websites. MDHHS will
approve design and content of the dashboard and craft any accompanying health messages.
Component 4: Local Projects
Due to the restrictions on the current funding source and the necessity of quickly reestablishing
this surveillance after conclusion of the pilot project, the current SEWER Network project is
geared towards those agencies that participated in the Fall 2020 pilot project. This includes the
local health departments, Tribal nations, local or county government, colleges and universities,
wastewater utilities, and laboratories who participated as lead applicants and/or supporting
stakeholders.
Each local project includes one or both of the SARS-CoV-2 wastewater surveillance strategies
(see description of strategies below) and has a partnership with an existing gPCR or ddPCR
laboratory to conduct SARS-CoV-2 testing of the WWTPs and/or congregate facility samples.
Michigan LHDs either lead a local project or assign a designee to lead, while they participate as
a partner. LHDs are responsible for providing relevant, population -level COVID-19 surveillance
case data for their local project.
Local projects include all stakeholders necessary to conduct wastewater treatment plant
sampling and/or site -specific sewage sampling of congregate facilities and then act on positive
results. Examples of local stakeholders include, but are not limited to, local health departments,
local governments, wastewater utilities, congregate facilities, engineers, or private wastewater
management companies.
Surveillance Strategy 1: Wastewater Treatment Plant Surveillance
WWTPs participating in local projects are expected to supply at least one composite influent
wastewater sample per week. More frequent sampling is recommended but not required.
Participating WWTPs must follow any recommended collection protocols designed by the lead
laboratory. Samples must be available for analysis at the lab within 24 hours. Participating
WWTPs must provide interested parties (relevant LHDs, EGLE, MDHHS, etc.) with standard
metrics about their WWTP (temperature, flow, turbidity, % solids, etc.) so that SARS-CoV-2 data
can be normalized to account for the individual characteristics of each wastewater system. A
description of the WWTP service area (number of households, estimated population,
geographical boundaries, jurisdictions covered, etc.) was required.
Testing results are communicated back to the LHD and WWTP either electronically or via
communication from the lab. It is expected that LHDs and WWTPs could view their facility's data
online once a project dashboard is publicly accessible.
Surveillance Strategy 2: Congregate Facility Sentinel Surveillance
Sewershed level surveillance is conducted by local projects for high priority or targeted
congregate facilities within a designated community or county. Examples of congregate facilities
include, but are not limited to, prisons/jails, long-term care and/or assisted living facilities, K-12
schools with in -person instruction, universities, childcare facilities, and group homes.
The selection of facilities can be based on several factors, including the vulnerable population
covered by the facility, the size of the facility relative to the ability to act as a sentinel site of risk
for other similar facilities in the region, the ability to conduct sewershed sampling that would link
any positive samples directly to a specific congregate facility, and the time/labor saved in
conducting sewage versus human sampling. Selection of final sentinel sites was done either by
or in conjunction with the LHDs) in each project.
Local projects collect grab and/or composite samples from designated sewer sites that receive
outflow from the targeted sentinel sites at least once per week. More frequent sampling is
recommended but not required. Agencies collecting congregate facility samples must follow any
recommended collection protocols designed by the lead laboratory. Samples must be available
for analysis at the lab within 24 hours. Local projects must provide interested parties (relevant
LHDs, EGLE, MDHHS, etc.) with standard metrics about the location's sewer system
(temperature, flow, turbidity, % solids, etc.) so that SARS-CoV-2 data can be normalized to
account for the individual characteristics of each system. A description of each congregate
facility location (type of facility, estimated population, geographic location, etc.) was required.
Testing results are communicated back to the LHD and congregate facility either electronically
or via communication from the lab. It is expected that LHDs and congregate facilities could view
the facility's data online once a project dashboard is publicly accessible. MDHHS will provide
LHDs with public health risk communication materials and, based on sentinel site -specific data,
recommendations for potential public health actions.
Laboratory Testing
As a part of local projects, participating labs conduct sample preparation and analysis of WWTP
samples and/or congregate facility sentinel site samples. Participating labs will be expected to
follow the recommended sampling protocols designed by the project's lead lab, adhere to the
project's SOP and QAPP, and send samples to the lead lab for confirmatory testing, if
necessary.
Due to the time -sensitive public health implications of results, participating labs must expedite
both the testing of samples and the reporting of test results:
• Ideally, analysis of samples should begin within 24 hours (or next business day) upon
receipt at the lab but no later than 72 hours from time of sample collection.
• Timely reporting of results to LHDs and other appropriate local stakeholders is required;
at a minimum, this should be done within 24 hours after results are available, but
preferably sooner (i.e., same day).
• Labs also must upload/send test results for entry into the EGLE database at least once
per week. If the data entry process becomes more automated in the future, labs may be
required to submit test results more frequently, such as within 24 hours after results are
available.
• Currently, labs must directly report to LHDs and other stakeholders. In the future, this
required direct reporting may not be necessary if labs can quickly upload results to the
EGLE project database and if LHDs and other stakeholders have the ability to view
results on the EGLE dashboard.
Testing for SARS-CoV-2 variant strains in wastewater is a new field that is still in development
and therefore, may involve changes in the future. Funding for variant testing in wastewater is
supported through this project. Variant testing is currently optional, but encouraged, for local
projects. Projects can utilize wastewater variant testing at the facility -level or the community -
level. However, targeting variant testing at the facility -level may currently provide more useable
data for public health response. As the field of variant strain testing evolves, MDHHS reserves
the right to make variant strain testing a requirement in the future and will notify all local projects
if this becomes a requirement.
Project labs, in partnership with EGLE and the lead laboratory, participate in any necessary
validation studies to verify the sampling and testing methodologies, data capture processes, and
recommendations to effectively expand future surveillance efforts based on the test results.
Participating labs are expected to attend the weekly project conference calls or to view the
minutes from calls on the MSU Teams site for the project.
Participating labs will receive any necessary training, method support, and troubleshooting from
the lead laboratory and EGLE.
PERFORMANCE EVALUATION/QUALITY ASSURANCE
The project will have a Quality Assurance Project Plan, which will indicate participating
agencies' roles and responsibilities, action steps that will be taken if project activities are not
completed or if problems arise, which agency will be responsible for those corrective actions,
and consequences if corrective actions are not taken. In addition, MDHHS program staff monitor
timeliness and completeness of results reporting to ensure project metrics are being met.
FUNDING SOURCE
Funding for this project from June 2021 through July 31, 2023 comes from the Epidemiology
and Laboratory Capacity (ELC) Enhancing Detection Expansion grant supported through the
Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 (P.L. 116-260).
This project is designed to fulfill the following activities listed in the funding source guidance:
establish or expand capacity to quickly, accurately, and safely test for SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19
and build infectious disease preparedness for future coronavirus and other events involving
other pathogens with potential for broad community spread. Those activities include: implement
alternative surveillance methods, including sequencing, wastewater surveillance, regional
testing centers for surveillance and screening, etc. and link with other relevant surveillance
systems. The financial resources provided through this award are required, by law, to
support these activities.
INTERAGENCY AGREEMENTS AND CONTRACTS
MDHHS, the initial award recipient, will sign an interagency agreement with EGLE specifying
their required activities and outcomes, roles and responsibilities, project timeline, and funding
amount for this project.
Local projects with LHDs as the lead agency will have funds distributed under existing MDHHS
comprehensive agreements with these agencies. Project funds awarded to university
laboratories and other agencies will be distributed by either an addition to an existing master
agreement if one already exists between MDHHS and that organization, or through new
standard contracts.
PROJECT CONTACTS
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Susan Peters, DVM, MPH
Waterborne Disease Epidemiologist
Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Disease Section
Phone: 517-284-0238
Email: peterss6@michigan.gov
Rhiannon Bednar, MPH
COVID-19 Wastewater Health Educator
Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Disease Section
Email: bednarr@michigan.gov
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT, GREAT LAKES, AND ENERGY
Shannon Briggs, PhD
Toxicologist
Water Resources Division
Phone: 517-290-8249
Email: briggss4@michigan.gov
MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY
Joan Rose, PhD
Homer Nowlin Chair in Water Research
Department of Fisheries and Wildlife
Phone: 517-432-4412
Email: rosejo@msu.edu
ABBREVIATIONS USED
CDC — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
ddPCR — digital droplet polymerase chain reaction
EGLE — Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy
LHDs — local health departments
MDHHS — Michigan Department of Health and Human Services
MOU — memorandum of understanding
MSU — Michigan State University
gPCR — qualitative polymerase chain reaction
QAPP — Quality Assurance Project Plan
SOM — State of Michigan
SOP — Standard Operating Procedure
WWTP —wastewater treatment plant
RISKS FOR CONSIDERATION
Concepts below are adapted from the paper by Gabel et al. "Legal and Ethical Implications of
Wastewater SARS-CoV-2 Monitoring for COVID-19 Surveillance" (available in the resource list).
The science of SARS-CoV-2 wastewater monitoring and corresponding implications for public
health efforts are still developing. While wastewater monitoring is generally considered to be at
the population, and not the individual, level, the question of whether collection of samples for
population -level surveillance and model -building may still raise individual ethical concerns.
Wastewater monitoring may potentially generate data that leads to additional human clinical
testing (either voluntary or required) and to restrictions on individual movement, including social
distancing and quarantines. Alternatively, wastewater monitoring may have the opposite effect
on personal restrictions, such as relaxation of public health mandates on movement and testing.
"Courts assessing wastewater surveillance under the Fourth Amendment have typically
concluded that there is no reasonable expectation of privacy in wastewater (Gable et al., 2020)."
However, in situations where individual, rather than corporate, interests are at issue, the courts
have not always been clear. As wastewater data becomes more granular and individualized, the
monitoring of wastewater may well implicate the Fourth Amendment. However, courts are likely
to uphold efforts for COVID-19 public health surveillance, so long as they are reasonable.
The current high risk posed by COVID-19 provides a compelling state interest to take steps to
slow disease spread by balancing individual autonomy to control access to personal health data
with the protection of a population through more rapid disease detection. As part of this project,
MDHHS will review proposed sample collection sites to ensure that data is not collected at the
individual household level. Data will be collected at the individual facility level for congregate
settings, but this data will reflect a population of individuals, not the individuals themselves. In
addition, local health departments participating in the SEWER Network will have the opportunity
to label congregate setting facilities as "restricted" if they have concerns about specific
populations and confidentiality, which will remove results from these sites from public display.
The SEWER Network will contribute towards establishing the reliability and efficacy of
wastewater monitoring, further supporting the constitutionality of such a program. For certain
congregate facilities participating in the project, collection of wastewater data may allow for a
decrease in the current or future requirements for clinical sampling from staff and residents,
decreasing individual patient burdens and preserving potentially limited testing supplies.
MDHHS and EGLE have a duty to consider and study any potential geographic, racial, ethnic,
and socioeconomic biases that could arise from this surveillance project. For instance, if new
restrictions resulting from project data target only at urban neighborhoods with sufficient density
to detect SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater, the effect might be disproportionate restrictions on areas
that are populated predominantly by people of color. Furthermore, if the presence of religious
institutions in affected areas leads to additional restrictions for those attending religious
services, privacy and discrimination concerns could also arise.
PROJECT PARTICIPANT SAFETY
According to the CDC and U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration, standard
practices associated with WWTP operations should be sufficient to protect wastewater workers
from SARS-CoV-2. Standard practices can include engineering and administrative controls,
hygiene precautions, specific safe work practices, and personal protective equipment normally
required when handling untreated wastewater. No additional COVID-19—specific protections are
recommended for workers involved in wastewater management, including those at WWTPs.
CDC does have existing guidance for workers handling human waste or sewage for any reason.
In addition, a panel of wastewater and public health experts determined that the occupational
risk of COVID-19 infection for wastewater workers is low. Given characteristics of SARS-CoV-2,
it is unlikely that this virus would be more infectious than other types of viruses typical to
wastewater. To date, only noninfectious portions of the virus have been found in wastewater,
and it has not been demonstrated that infectious virus can be cultured from wastewater,
wastewater sludge, or biosolids. However, although the infectious form of the SARS-CoV-2
virus has not yet been detected, its presence cannot be ruled out without further research.
For participating labs, the CDC recommends procedures that concentrate viruses be performed
in a BSL-2 lab with unidirectional airflow and BSL-3 precautions, including respiratory protection
and a designated area for donning and doffing personal protective equipment. The donning and
doffing space should not be in the workspace. Work should be done in a certified Class II BSC.
Labs should perform site- and activity -specific biosafety risk assessments to determine if
additional biosafety precautions are warranted based on situational needs, such as high testing
volumes or large volumes, and likelihood to generate infectious droplets or aerosols.
All local projects should instruct project staff on COVID-19 protective measures while out in
public or in the workplace, including hand hygiene, mask wearing, covering coughs/sneezes,
social distancing, and personal health monitoring. To minimize contact, local projects are
encouraged to develop and coordinate their plans through conference calls, emails, and other
remote methods.
RESOURCES
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Guidance for Reducing Health Risks to Workers
Handling Human Waste or Sewage. Dec 17, 2015.
httns://www.cdc.aov/healthvwater/alobal/sanitation/workers hand Iinowaste.htmI
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Information for Sanitation and Wastewater
Workers on COVID-19. May 28, 2020. httDs://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-
ncov/commu nits/san itation-wastewater-workers. html,
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Interim Laboratory Biosafety Guidelines for
Handling and Processing Specimens Associated with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Aug 11, 2020. httos://www.edc.aov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/lab/lab-biosafetv-auidelines.htmi.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. National Wastewater Surveillance System. Dec 28,
2020. httos://wvfw.cdc.aov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/cases-updates/wastewater-surveillance.htmi
Gable L, Ram N, and Ram J. Legal and Ethical Implications of Wastewater SARS-CoV-2
Monitoring for COVID-19 Surveillance. Journal of Law and the Biosciences, 7:1. June 24, 2020.
The Water Research Foundation. Wastewater Surveillance of the COVID-19 Genetic Signal in
Sewersheds: Recommendations from Global Experts. June 22, 2020,
httos://www.waterrf.orq/sites/default/files/file/2020-06/COVID-19 SummitHandout-v3b.t)df.
U.S. Department of Labor. COVID-19/Solid Waste and Wastewater Management Workers and
Employers. no date. httr)s://www.osha.aov/SLTC/covid-19/solid-waste-wastewater-mgmt.htmi.
Water Environment Federation. Protecting Wastewater Professionals From Covid-19 and Other
Biological Hazards. Aug 2020. httos://accesswater.ora/publications/-10027929/protectinq-
wastewater-professionals-from-covid-19-and-other-bioloa ical-hazards
10
Michigan Department of Health and Human Services
SARS-CoV-2 Epidemiology — Wastewater Evaluation and Reporting (SEWER) Network
OPPORTUNITY FOR LOCAL FUNDING and APPLICATION
Submission Deadline: April 30, 2021 by 5:OOpm EST
SECTION I: PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The State of Michigan (SOM) SARS-CoV-2 Epidemiology - Wastewater Evaluation and
Reporting Network, also known as the SEWER Network, is a wastewater monitoring project that
utilizes locally coordinated projects to conduct surveillance for SARS-CoV-2 virus shed into
Michigan public sewer systems. Coordinated by the Michigan Department of Health and Human
Services (MDHHS), the SEWER Network relies on local partnerships between local health
departments (LHDs), Tribal communities, wastewater utilities, universities, and laboratories to
gather wastewater samples, analyze them for the presence of SARS-CoV-2, and report and
respond to the laboratory data. The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and
Energy (EGLE) provides scientific expertise and data management capacity for the network,
and Michigan State University (MSU) serves as the lead laboratory, standardizing laboratory
testing and providing technical assistance.
Network Goals and Activities
The overarching goal of the Michigan SEWER Network is to rapidly detect circulation of SARS-
CoV-2 virus within specific communities via wastewater testing, via the following activities:
1. Establishment, maintenance, and coordination of the SEWER Network, in collaboration
with participating stakeholders and local partnerships;
2. Ongoing sampling and analysis to detect SARS-CoV-2 virus in wastewater and monitor
trends in results, and to quantify disease burden, within a community or at individual
congregate sites;
3. Provision of timely and consistent wastewater data to support local public health
responses, including clinical testing strategies and immunization efforts;
4. As applicable, utilize data to decrease the burden of testing on congregate facilities,
such as prisons and long-term care facilities; and
5. Conduct internal and support external communications for the project.
This Opportunity for Local Funding is designed to support local project participation in the
SEWER Network through July 2023. Funding will support collection, transportation, and testing
of wastewater samples, analysis and reporting of results, coordination and communications
within local projects and with state agencies, and submission of results to MDHHS and EGLE.
The emphasis of this Opportunity for Local Funding is that the funded activities provide useful,
timely, and consistent wastewater data to support local COVID-19 public health responses.
Even as COVID-19 cases decrease in a community, this surveillance can provide an early
warning sign for detecting potential outbreaks, identifying new areas of disease transmission,
and evaluating vaccination efforts. Throughout their application, applicants should demonstrate
any previous evidence of timely and consistent reporting and communication of laboratory
results and utilization of those results by LHDs and the ability and plans to do so in the future.
SECTION II: AWARD INFORMATION
Total amount of funding: Up to $50,000,000 to support local projects. Up to an additional
$2,275,600 to support variant strain testing activities by local projects. Amount of available
funding is contingent on MDHHS's receipt of funds and authorization to award funding to local
projects.
Anticipated number of individual projects to be awarded: up to 20
Estimated amount of funding per award, on average: $2,500,000. Up to an additional
$113,780 per award, on average, for variant strain testing.
Funding Period
The start date for use of funds under this award is June 1, 2021. Individual local projects may
start later depending on execution of contracts and distribution of funds to selected awardees.
The end date for use of funds under this award is July 31, 2023.
Fundina Source
Funding for this project will come from the Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity (ELC)
Enhancing Detection Expansion grant supported through the Coronavirus Response and Relief
Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 (P.L. 116-260).
This project is designed to fulfill the following activities in the funding source guidance: establish
or expand capacity to quickly, accurately, and safely test for SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 and build
infectious disease preparedness for future coronavirus and events involving other pathogens
with potential for broad community spread. Those activities include: implement alternative
surveillance methods, including sequencing, wastewater surveillance, regional testing centers
for surveillance and screening, etc. and link with other relevant surveillance systems.
The financial resources provided through this award are required, by law, to support the
activities listed above. Activities that do not support public health surveillance or monitoring, and
would be considered research activities, are expressly not allowed under this funding source.
Fundina Instrument
Each local project participating in the SEWER Network will have a lead agency (the "awardee").
The instrument for distributing project funds from MDHHS to awardees will vary depending on
the type of lead agency:
• Local health departments: existing MDHHS/LHD Comprehensive Agreements
• Michigan State University, University of Michigan, Wayne State University: existing
Master Agreements with MDHHS
• All other agencies and academic institutions: MDHHS Standard Agreements
These agreements/contracts will be written to align with the SOM fiscal years (i.e. October 1 —
September 30). Therefore, three agreements for this project will be executed for each awardee:
• Agreement 1: Initial start date (no earlier than June 1, 2021) to September 30, 2021
• Agreement 2: October 1, 2021 to September 30, 2021
• Agreement 3: October 1, 2022 to July 31, 2023
Allowable Use of Funds
Local health departments, local or county governments, laboratories, and other organizations
conducting applicable activities for this project can use awarded funds. If necessary, awardees
may subcontract with other organizations to complete project activities; the name of such
agencies and the proposed scope of work must be clearly stated in both the application and the
budget narrative and budget worksheets. A detailed budget narrative and budget worksheets
are required to be submitted as part of the application.
Recipients should consider the following applicable items when developing budgets:
1. Applicable personnel, including salaries, fringe, and indirect costs. Includes the following
types of staff:
a. laboratory staff to prepare and analyze samples and report results
b. staff to collect and transport wastewater/sewage samples
c. up to a 0.4FTE (16 hours/week) epidemiologist/analyst/health educator per local
project to analyze results, coordinate project communications, and coordinate
with local project stakeholders/sites and MDHHS on public health responses
2. Laboratory equipment and associated software necessary to conduct ddPCR testing.
a. Laboratories that participated in the Fall 2020 MDHHS/EGLE pilot project have
existing maintenance contracts for ddPCR machines; maintenance
contracts/support for gPCR machines will not be supported.
b. Given previous financial support during the pilot project for equipment purchases,
detailed justification of how equipment purchased will support/improve public
health surveillance data is required.
3. Test kits, reagents, consumables and other necessary supplies to conduct SARS-CoV-2
laboratory ddPCR or gPCR testing of wastewater samples.
4. Wastewater sample collection supplies, including autosamplers.
5. Service contracts for environmental sample collection and/or courier transportation of
samples (new or expansion of existing agreements).
6. Mileage and/or shipping costs to deliver wastewater samples to laboratory(ies).
In determining if costs are necessary and allowable, consideration must be given to applicable
grant regulations; the overall underlying cooperative agreement (CK19-1904); be considered
necessary and reasonable; and be considered allocable (see: 45 CFR75.403).
For more details on classification of direct and indirect costs, as outlined by the Code of Federal
Regulations, see Sections W5.413 (direct) and 7& 5.414 (indirect). Information about indirect
(Facilities &Administration) costs and rate determination for Institutions of Higher Education
(IHEs) is located here and for nonprofit organizations is located here. Information on local
government and Indian Tribe indirect cost proposals is located here.
SECTION III: ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION
Elioible Applicants
Due to restrictions on the current funding source and the necessity of quickly reestablishing this
surveillance after conclusion of the Fall 2020 pilot project, this current funding opportunity is only
open to entities which were the lead agency for a local project in the State of Michigan COVID-
19 Wastewater Surveillance Feasibility Pilot Project. Therefore, the list of eligible applicants is:
• Central Michigan University • Grand Valley State University (Annis
• City of Traverse City Water Resources Institute)
• Ferris State University • Health Department of Northwest
Michigan
• Hope College
• Kent County Health Department
• Lake Superior State University
• Macomb County Public Works
• Michigan State University (Dr. Joan
Rose's lab)
• Michigan State University (Dr. Irene
Xagoraraki's lab)
• Northern Michigan University
• Oakland County Health Division
• Oakland University
• Saginaw Valley State University
• University of Michigan (Drs. Kevin
Bakker's and Krista Wigginton's lab)
• University of Michigan (Dr. Chuanwu
Xi's lab)
• Wayne State University
• Western Upper Peninsula Health
Department
• White Water Associates, Inc.
Agencies who were not a lead agency in the Fall 2020 pilot project are currently not eligible to
directly apply for this funding. However, those agencies not eligible to apply may work
directly with the agencies listed above to coordinate and submit expanded/modified
surveillance plans that differ from those submitted in Fall 2020 (e.g., new or modified
sampling locations, lead agency partners with additional municipalities or subcontracts with new
laboratories, etc.). If interested, please email MDHHS-SEWERNetwork(a�_ michioan.aov for
contacts at the above agencies.
Each eligible applicant is limited to one application for this opportunity. However, this does not
limit provision of services/grant activities to one local project; for instance, a laboratory could be
both a local project lead agency and also provide laboratory testing for another local project (as
long as it is not budgeted for in both applications).
Cost Sharina or Matchina
Cost sharing, matching, or cost participation is not required for eligibility to receive awards. It is
expected that participating agencies provide their own office and laboratory space, including
standard office equipment such as computers and routine office supplies, as necessary to
complete project activities. Construction or renovation costs will not be funded under this award.
To maximize funding to local projects through this award, in -kind contributions, such as
utilization of existing staff, are encouraged but not required. Please note in -kind contributions in
the budget narrative, if applicable; do not include in -kind contributions in the budget worksheet.
SECTION IV: APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION
Accessina/Reauestina Anolication Packaae
This electronic announcement contains all information and forms necessary to apply.
Applicants should use the template in Appendix IV to complete the application and budget
narrative, which should be submitted as a Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF file. The application's
budget template should be kept in its current format and submitted as a Microsoft Excel file.
Submission Deadline and Process
All application components must be received electronically by April 30, 2021 at 5:OOpm EST.
The email time stamp of receipt of the application will be used as documentation of receipt. Late
applications may be considered if time allows; review is not guaranteed. Please contact MDHHS
at MDHHS-SEWERNetwork(&michiaan.00v with questions or concerns about the deadline.
To submit an application, email all required application components, together in one email, as
attachments to MDHHS-SEWER Network(o),michiaan.aov. Multiple attachments are allowed.
Please include "Application for SEWER Network Funding" in the email subject line. Appendix IV
has a template to assist applicants in submitting all required portions of the application.
All applicants will receive an acknowledgement of receipt of their application via email from the
email address MDHHS-SEWERNetwork8michlaan.00v.
Questions regarding this funding opportunity or application process may be sent to MDHHS-
SEWERNetwork(cDmichiaan.00v. The deadline to submit questions is April 28, 2021 12pm EST.
Post -submission Process
MDHHS SEWER Network project staff will review submitted applications. Applications will be
evaluated based on the evaluation criteria identified in Section VII. All applicants will be notified
of award status via email from the email address MDHHS-SEWERNetworkemichiaan.aov.
MDHHS staff will follow up with specific agencies if applications require revisions prior to
funding approval. Please note that the notice of award is not an authorization to begin project
activities; this start date will depend on the execution of individual contracts with awardees.
Upon notice of award, awardees other than local health departments will be required to submit a
budget and workplan through EGrAMS. Local health departments will only be required to submit
a budget through EGrAMS; however, workplans will still be required and will be submitted
directly to MDHHS program staff. After a notice of award is issued, awardees will be required to
register in EGrAMS if they do not already have an account. EGrAMS will release the budget and
workplan application to each approved applicant for completion. Following MDHHS review and
approval of these documents in EGrAMS, development of a contract agreement will be initiated.
MDHHS staff will be available for communication via MDHHS-SEWERNetwork(cDmichiaan.aov.
Grant Process Timeline
Activity
Opportunity for Local Funding and Application
released to pilot project participants via email
Deadline to submit questions
Completed application and workplan due to
MDHHS via electronic submission
Notification of awards
Estimated contract start date
Timeline
April 13, 2021
April 28, 2021 by 12pm EST
April 30, 2021 by 5pm EST
May 10, 2021 by 5pm EST
June 1, 2021 or later
SECTION V: LOCAL PROJECT GUIDELINES AND EXPECTATIONS
Each local project will be required to adhere to the guidelines and performance expectations
described in this section. These are subject to change throughout the duration of the project;
MDHHS will communicate any future changes to all project participants.
Sample Site Selection & Sample Collection
It is expected that proposed sample sites will be selected based on the value their data would
provide to LHDs for their public health decision -making processes. Therefore, the selection of
sites needs to be completed either by or in conjunction with the LHD(s) in each project. If the
LHD is not the lead agency, they will need to demonstrate their support for the sites that were
selected for sampling (this can be described in a letter of support).
Based on community needs determined by LHDs and other project stakeholders, applications
must include one or both of the following SARS-CoV-2 wastewater surveillance strategies:
1) Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) Surveillance
Sampling directly at WWTPs or sewage convergences/lift stations can provide
information about an entire community or a large portion of one. A description of the
WWTP service area (estimated population, number of households, geographical
boundaries, jurisdictions covered, etc.) is required in the application workplan (use table
provided in Appendix IV: Proposed Sample Site Locations).
Participating WWTPs must collect at least one composite influent wastewater sample
per week. More frequent sampling is recommended, but not required, as this will
enhance the utility of the data and ability to monitor trends. Participating WWTPs must
follow any recommended collection protocols designed by the lead laboratory, including
the Quality Assurance Project Plan (CAPP). Samples must be available for analysis at
the lab within 24 hours.
2) Congregate Facility Sentinel Surveillance
Sewershed level surveillance can be conducted by local projects for high priority or
targeted congregate facilities within a designated community or county. Examples of
congregate facilities include, but are not limited to, prisons/jails, long-term care and/or
assisted living facilities, K-12 schools with in -person instruction, universities, childcare
facilities, and group homes.
The selection of facilities should be based on several factors, including the vulnerable
population at the facility, size of the facility relative to the ability to act as a sentinel site
of risk for other similar facilities in the region, ability to link positive samples directly to
the specific facility, and time/labor saved in conducting sewage versus human sampling.
Local projects must collect grab and/or composite samples from designated sewer
site(s) that receive outflow from the targeted sentinel site(s) at least once per week.
More frequent sampling is recommended, but not required, as this will enhance the utility
of the data and ability to monitor trends. Agencies collecting congregate facility samples
must follow any recommended collection protocols designed by the lead laboratory,
including the QAPP. Samples must be available for analysis at the lab within 24 hours.
A description of each congregate facility location (type of facility, estimated population,
geographic location, etc.) is required in the application workplan (use table "Proposed
Sample Site Locations" provided in application template in Appendix IV).
Standard Metrics for Both Surveillance Strategies
Local projects must provide interested parties (relevant LHDs, EGLE, MDHHS, etc.) with
standard metrics about the WWTP and/or location's sewer system (temperature, flow, turbidity,
% solids, etc.) so that SARS-CoV-2 data can be normalized to account for the individual
characteristics of each system. If this information cannot be provided for a proposed site, an
explanation should be provided in the application.
Flexibility of Sampling
Not all proposed sampling sites may need to be tested at all times of the year. For example, a
college dorm or K-12 school that does not house students in the summer would likely not
require testing during those months. Decisions about when to discontinue sampling at certain
locations will be collaborative and, at a minimum, include MDHHS, the LHD, and the project's
lead agency. If there is a reasonable expectation that a proposed site will not be sampled
throughout the year, please indicate the estimated number of weeks it would be sampled in the
Proposed Sample Site Locations table provided in the application template in Appendix IV.
Laboratory Testina
Following sample collection, participating labs will prepare and analyze WWTP samples and/or
congregate facility sentinel site samples. Participating labs will be required to follow the
recommended testing protocols and QAPP designed by the lead laboratory.
Due to the time -sensitive public health implications of results, participating labs must expedite
the testing of samples. Ideally, analysis of samples should begin within 24 hours (or next
business day) upon receipt at the lab but no later than 72 hours from time of sample collection.
Reauired Sample Collection and Laboratory Eauipment and Testine Platform
At this time, ddPCR is the preferred laboratory testing platform for wastewater samples for the
SEWER Network. Laboratories associated with potential local projects should plan to conduct
ddPCR testing and to follow the network's SOP and QAPP pertaining to ddPCR.
However, funding of gPCR testing for samples for the SEWER Network will be considered
under this opportunity if 1) the applicant's associated laboratory has existing equipment and
validated protocols in place for gPCR testing of wastewater samples for the N1 and N2 SARS-
CoV-2 genes, and 2) the laboratory provides sufficient justification (experience, cost savings,
increased throughput, decreased turnaround time, etc.) to warrant use of gPCR over ddPCR.
Results must be submitted to EGLE in the appropriate workbook format, regardless of testing
platform. Please contact oroaram staff at MDHHS-SEWERNetworkna.michiaan.nov prior to
submittina an application to further discuss consideration of gPCR testing..
As part of the SEWER Network, participating laboratories must plan on testing wastewater
samples for the N1 and N2 gene targets of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Testing for other targets,
such as the E gene, may also be performed on collected samples but will not be supported by
this funding opportunity and should not interfere with the testing capacity or turnaround time for
samples tested for this project. As the science of SARS-CoV-2 wastewater testing is evolving, it
is possible that recommended gene targets for this project could change in the future.
Testing for SARS-CoV-2 variant strains in wastewater is a new field that is still in development
and therefore, may involve changes in the future. Funding for variant testing in wastewater is
supported through this project. Variant testing is currently optional, but encouraged, for local
projects. If your project plans to test for variant strains with this funding or send specimens to
another SEWER Network laboratory to have this done, provide this information in the workplan
and separate description in your budget narrative for variant strain testing within your
application. Projects can utilize wastewater variant testing at the facility -level or the community -
level. However, targeting variant testing at the facility -level may currently provide more useable
data for public health response. More details on the required information can be found in
Section VI: Instructions for Project Application and Work Plan. As the field of variant strain
testing evolves, MDHHS reserves the right to make variant strain testing a requirement in the
future and will notify all local projects if this becomes a requirement.
To ensure applicants have possession of or make plans to obtain necessary sample collection
and laboratory equipment and supplies, a list has been provided in Appendix III. This list does
not contain assays required for variant strain testing, which may be standardized at a later date.
Participant Trainina and Technical Assistance
MSU will provide guidance and training on laboratory equipment, sampling protocols, testing
methods, and all other lab processes. Laboratory staff who are new to the project will have to
complete any required trainings from BioRad and/or MSU.
Data Reportina & Communication
Local projects will use the surveillance data to detect the overall presence of SARS-CoV-2 in
wastewater and monitor trends. Monitoring trends will include tracking the duration (short-term,
sustained) and the direction (increase, decrease, or plateau) of the amount of virus detected.
This will help community leaders understand the current state of COVID-19 community spread.
Due to the time -sensitive public health implications of results, participating labs must also
expedite the reporting of test results:
• Timely reporting of results to LHDs and other appropriate local stakeholders is required;
at a minimum, this should be done within 24 hours after results are available, but
preferably sooner (i.e., same day). This includes any results of variant testing.
• Labs must also upload/send test results for entry into the EGLE database at least once
per week. If the data entry process becomes more automated in the future, labs may be
required to submit test results more frequently, such as within 24 hours after results are
available. MDHHS will notify labs if this frequency requirement changes.
• Currently, labs must directly report to LHDs and other stakeholders. In the future, this
required direct reporting may not be necessary if labs can quickly upload results to the
EGLE project database and if LHDs and other stakeholders have the ability to view
results on the EGLE dashboard.
Timely reporting will allow LHDs to review the data and utilize the information to help inform
their COVID-19 response. Local health departments are expected to use wastewater
surveillance data, in addition to their clinical case data, in their decision -making processes,
when applicable. Throughout their application, applicants should demonstrate any previous
evidence of timely and consistent reporting and communication of laboratory results and
utilization of those results by LHDs and the ability and plans to do so in the future.
Local projects are expected to maintain frequent communication, both within their own projects
and with the participating state agencies (MDHHS and EGLE).
Participant Communication and Collaboration with SEWER Network
Weekly conference calls will be held for participating labs to discuss project updates,
troubleshoot issues, and discuss best practices. Labs are expected to either attend or view
minutes from the calls in a timely fashion.
Monthly meetings will be held for participating LHDs to discuss project updates, data
interpretation and public health actions, and provide a forum for open discussion. LHDs are
expected to either attend or view minutes from the calls in a timely fashion.
Financial and Performance Reoortina Reauirements
This award will not allow reimbursement of costs incurred prior to execution of the contract
between MDHHS and the awardee. The notice of award is not an authorization to begin project
activities; this start date will depend on the execution of individual contracts with awardees.
Data collected as a part of the activities supported with these funds shall be reported to
MDHHS. MDHHS reserves the right to submit data to CDC in the form and fashion determined
by CDC. Project participants will submit financial and performance reports throughout the
duration of the project as detailed below and required by project contract agreements.
Financial Reports
Local health department awardees will be required to submit quarterly financial statements
through EGrAMS. Awardees who are not local health departments will be required to submit
monthly financial statements through EGrAMS.
Program Performance Reports
All local projects will be required to submit a weekly summary of project activities to MDHHS via
email or uploading to the existing Microsoft Teams site for the project. This could include
information on sample collection, testing, data reporting and utility, and partner communication.
A template for this report will be provided by MDHHS. As the data sharing process becomes
more automated between the labs and LHDs, weekly summaries may be phased out at a future
date. MDHHS will communicate any changes in reporting requirements to project participants.
Quarterly workplan updates will be required from all local projects. Lead agencies who are not
local health departments will be required to complete a quarterly workplan report in EGrAMS
that details the activities and objectives during that time period. LHD leads for local projects will
submit quarterly workplan reports directly to MDHHS project staff.
Budget
As part of the application, local projects will be expected to submit three types of budget items:
1) A budget narrative which describes intended uses and purpose of the proposed costs.
2) Excel budget worksheet templates. Due to agency/funding source requirements and the
possibility of having higher initial monthly budgets after re-establishing wastewater
testing, projects are asked to complete 4 monthly budget worksheets (one each for
June, July, August, and September 2021). The Excel template has several tabs at the
bottom; fill out "DCH-0386(E) for the month of June, "addtl cost detaill" for July, "addtl
cost detail 2" for August, and "addtl cost detail 3" for September. These tabs will
prepopulate most of the "DCH-0385(E)" tab, which will only need program information
added at the top. Additional monthly budgets may be requested at a future date.
3) An estimated total budget for the following timeframes:
• October 1, 2021 through September 30, 2022
• October 1, 2022 through July 31, 2023
MDHHS recognizes that as the project progresses, anticipated costs may change. Opportunities
may be provided to update budgets for the October 1, 2021-September 30, 2022 and October 1,
2022-July 31, 2023 SOM fiscal year budget periods at later dates, if needed.
Please email MDHHS-SEWER Networkanmichioan.00v if you have any questions about the
required budget worksheet.
Proiect Participant Safetv — See Appendix II
SECTION VI: INSTRUCTIONS FOR PROJECT APPLICATION AND WORKPLAN
This application is intended to showcase the goals and milestones to be achieved with the
available project funds and describe how each project will meet the project expectations
provided in Section V. The application and workplan will be evaluated by reviewers to determine
its merit based on the evaluation criteria in Section VII of this document.
A completed application must be submitted to MDHHS-SEWERNetworksmichioan.00v by April
30, 2021 5:00pm EST. Please contact MDHHS with questions or concerns about this deadline.
The format below should be followed while completing the application and workplan. Include all
listed sections, providing as much detail as possible in each section. An application template
with all of the required components has been provided in Appendix IV to assist with this.
Throughout the application, applicants should demonstrate any previous evidence of timely and
consistent reporting and communication of laboratory results, utilization of those results by
LHDs, and the ability and plans to do so in the future.
1. Project Overview and Description
a. List lead applicant
b. Lead applicant: Provide a list of project staff at the lead applicant agency in the table
in Appendix IV. Include name, title, contact phone number and email, and their
project responsibilities. Each lead agency must provide contact information for:
• a Project Director (will complete progress reports in EGrAMS)
• a Financial Officer (will complete progress and financial reports in EGrAMS)
• an Authorizing Official (can execute the contract agreement with MDHHS)
c. Project partners: In Appendix IV, in the provided table, list all project partners outside
of the lead agency including their name, title, agency, contact phone number and
email, and their project responsibilities.
d. Project overview: Provide a detailed description of how you will use requested funds
to implement a COVID-19 wastewater surveillance project through July 2023.
2. Project Implementation
a. Surveillance strategy(ies): Describe the type of surveillance strategy(ies) you will use
in your project and the reasoning for their selection. What populations will these
strategies capture data on and how will public health agencies use that data?
i. Wastewater Treatment Plant Surveillance
ii. Congregate Facility Sentinel Surveillance
b. Provide description of the LHD's reasoning or support for selection of proposed
sampling sites/communities (if needed also provide LHD letter of support in Part 6).
3.
4.
c. Provide a list of all proposed sample site locations by filling in the table in Appendix
IV, including the information listed below. If you are unable to provide any of this data
for a particular site, please include the reasoning for why this cannot be provided.
i. Name of sample site
ii. Type of facility:
o Wastewater treatment plant (WWTP)
o Community sewershed (SS)
o College campus (COL)
o Casino (CAS)
o Hospital (HOS)
o Long term care (LTC)
o Assisted living (ASL)
o Adult foster care (AFC)
o K-12 school(K-12)
o Correctional facility (CF — specify type/jurisdiction of facility)
o Other (provide additional description)
iii. Latitude and longitude of sampling site
iv. Street address (alternatively provide nearest intersection or other description)
v. Proposed sampling frequency (how many times per week)
vi. Number of weeks per year to be sampled (e.g., if a college dorm does not
house students in the summer, those weeks would not be sampled)
vii. Type of sample (grab or 24-hour composite)
viii. Estimated population served by WWTP or sewershed or residing at facility
ix. Anticipated sample collection start date
d. Collection and Testing Methodology: Describe the sample collection and testing
process. Describe how samples will be collected, transported, processed, and
analyzed. Include lab testing platform and assays/extraction methods.
e. Variant strain testing: If your project plans to test for variant strains, provide a
description of which sites and what percentage of samples from those sites will be
tested. Describe the strains/mutations that will be tested for and what laboratory
assay/testing platform will be used. Describe if variant strain testing will happen
simultaneously with N1/N2 runs or if a separate run is required (and if so, how much
time would occur between sample collection and availability of variant results). If
specimens would need to be sent to a different laboratory for this testing, please
indicate and describe this process.
Data Reporting and Communication
a. Data reporting: Describe plans for data reporting to local health departments and
other stakeholders. How will results be communicated (email, online portal, etc.), to
whom, and on what timeline? Describe previous experience with this activity.
Describe ability to report data to MDHHS and EGLE (both through routine file
uploads and via email for findings of concern/interest).
b. Communication plan: Describe how you will maintain regular communication with
LHDs during the project. At a minimum, include frequency of communication and
type of communication used (email, meeting, etc.). If you are a LHD lead applicant,
describe how you will maintain regular communication with project partners.
c. Data utilization: Describe how the LHD and other stakeholders will utilize the
generated data. How will the data inform public health response activities?
Workplan
a. Describe short-term project goals, objectives, and activities through September 30,
2021. Please use the provided workplan table in Appendix IV.
b. It is recommended that objectives and activities relate to both project implementation
(sample collection and testing) and data reporting and communications.
5. Budget
a. Provide a budget narrative that briefly describes the requested budget items and the
necessity for the project. If applicable, outline and describe costs associated with
variant testing in a separate line item within the budget narrative. The budget
narrative will cover the entire project period (estimated start of 6/1/2021-7/31/2023).
b. Provide 4 copies of the MDHHS EGrAMS budget worksheet (file name "Egrams
DCH-0385-0386 Program Budget -Cost Detail Workbook.xls") - one detailed monthly
budget for each month of June, July, August, and September 2021.
c. Provide an estimated total budget for FY 21-22 (10/1/2021-9/30/2022) and an
estimated total budget for FY 22-23 (10/1/2022-7/31/2023).
6. Additional requirements/supporting documentation
a. Documentation of existing relationships and/or letters of support. At minimum, these
letters should include the name of partner agency, authorized party,
scope/responsibilities they would provide, support of site selection (for LHDs), etc.
b. LHD support for the site selection if LHD is not the lead agency.
SECTION VII: APPLICATION REVIEW PROCESS
Evaluation Process
The MDHHS SEWER Network Project staff will review, evaluate, and score the applications
based on the evaluation criteria below. The applications will be ranked by score. If requested
budgets from all applicants exceed the amount of available funding, rankings may be used to
determine allocation of funding for individual applicants. In addition to the evaluation criteria,
other factors may be considered when evaluating applications:
• Cost of overall budget
• Applicant's past performance in the pilot project, which could include responsiveness,
timeliness of data submission, and communication with project partners
• Applicant's ability to respond to all requirements listed in this funding application
The following list of criteria will be used to evalua a each application:
Category Points Possible
Project Overview and Description 20
Project Implementation and Workplan 30
Data Reporting and Communication 30
Budget 10
Supporting Documentation 10
Total 100
Cateaory Descriotions
Project Overview and Description (max. of 20 points): Evidence of a detailed project
overview describing how funds will be used to implement a local COVID-19 wastewater
surveillance project. Includes description of past experience with the pilot project and how this
proposed funding will build upon the work completed in the pilot project. Applicant provides list
of key personnel for the lead agency and project partners.
Project Implementation and Workplan (max. of 30 points): Applicant provides a list of
achievable goals, objectives, and activities for the first fiscal year of the project. Describes the
surveillance strategy(ies) the project will use, the reasoning for these strategy(ies), and all
required demographic data. A detailed list of all proposed sample site locations and their data is
provided. Provides documentation of the LHD's reasoning or su000rt for selection of samolinq.
sites/communities. Includes detailed plan for sample collection, transportation, processing, and
analysis. Information about variant strain testing capacity/plans is included, if applicable.
Data Reporting and Communication (max. of 30 points): Detailed data reporting and
communication plans are provided. Includes how the data will be utilized, potential action steps
taken following increased detection, and how partners will maintain regular communication with
LHDs. Demonstrates previous evidence of timely and consistent reporting, communication of
lab results, and utilization of those results by LHDs from the pilot project.
Budget (max. of 10 points): Budget narrative describes the uses, need, and purpose for the
costs included in the project budget. Explains why these costs are necessary to complete the
project. If applicable, budget narrative outlines and describes costs associated with variant
testing. Monthly budget worksheets are completed with allowable costs for June, July, August,
and September 2021. Estimated total budgets are provided for October 1, 2021 through
September 30, 2022 and October 1, 2022 through July 31, 2023. Budget is reasonable
compared to the information provided in the workplan.
Supporting Documentation (max. of 10 points): Provides documentation of existing
relationships and/or letters of support. Letters of support should clearly state the responsibilities
of this partner related to the project and the scope of their involvement. Provides documentation
of LHD support for selection of sampling sites/communities if the lead agency is not a LHD.
APPENDIX I: ABBREVIATIONS USED
CDC: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
EGLE: Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy
LHD: local health departments
MDHHS: Michigan Department of Health and Human Services
QAPP: Quality Assurance Project Plan
SOP: Standard Operating Procedure
WWTP: wastewater treatment plant
APPENDIX It: PROJECT PARTICIPANT SAFETY
According to the CDC and U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration, standard
practices associated with WWTP operations should be sufficient to protect wastewater workers
from SARS-CoV-2. Standard practices can include engineering and administrative controls,
hygiene precautions, specific safe work practices, and personal protective equipment normally
required when handling untreated wastewater. No additional COVID-19—specific protections are
recommended for workers involved in wastewater management, including those at WWTPs.
CDC does have existino ouidance for workers handling human waste or sewage for any reason.
In addition, a panel of wastewater and public health experts determined that the occupational
risk of COVID-19 infection for wastewater workers is low. Given characteristics of SARS-CoV-2,
it is unlikely that this virus would be more infectious than other types of viruses typical to
wastewater. To date, only noninfectious portions of the virus have been found in wastewater,
and it has not been demonstrated that infectious virus can be cultured from wastewater,
wastewater sludge, or biosolids. However, although the infectious form of the SARS-CoV-2
virus has not yet been detected, its presence cannot be ruled out without further research.
CDC recommends virus -concentrating procedures be performed in a BSL-2 lab with
unidirectional airflow and BSL-3 precautions, including respiratory protection and a designated
area for donning/doffing personal protective equipment (should not be in the workspace). Work
should be done in a certified Class II BSC. Labs should perform site- and activity -specific risk
assessments to determine if additional precautions are warranted based on situational needs,
such as high testing volumes or large volumes, and likelihood to generate droplets/aerosols.
All local projects should instruct staff on COVID-19 protective measures while in public or in the
workplace, including hand hygiene, mask wearing, covering coughs/sneezes, social distancing,
and personal health monitoring. To minimize in -person contact, projects are encouraged to
develop and coordinate their plans through conference calls, emails, and other remote methods.
APPENDIX III: EQUIPMENT/SUPPLIES LIST - SARS-COV-2 DETECTION IN WASTEWATER.
Facilities
Biosafety Level 2 laboratory with BSL2 cabinet
Equipment — PPE
• Lab coat (separate for sample processing and molecular work)
• Face mask (disposable)
• Face Shield
• Gloves (disposable)
Equioment — Cleanina/Decontamination
• Spray bottle for disinfectant/disinfectant wipes
• UV stratalinker or crosslinker (used in preparation of microfuge tubes/plasticware for
molecular analysis methods. Cross -links nucleic acids present on surfaces to prevent
contamination of assayed samples)
• Biohazard bins
• Autoclavable materials trays for autoclaving biohazard waste or leakproof containers for
biohazard waste disposed of through incineration service providers
• Glassware cleaning brushes
• Autoclave or ability to bleach supplies that need to be disinfected
Eauioment — Field Collection
• Autosampler (or grab sample field collection equipment)
1. Autosampler tubing
2. Autosampler collection carboy
3. Autosampler battery (when no power supply available at collection site)
4. Autosampler battery charger
• Sample collection coolers
• Sample bottles, sterile, 1 L or 500mL
• Ice packs
• Thermometer
• Chain of Custody sheets
Equipment — Concentration
• Ultrapure water generation system for laboratory reagent grade water production
• 4° C refrigerator with interior electrical outlet or cold room
• Balance / weighing scale
• -200 C freezer
• -80' C freezer (preferably both freezers, but can make do with -20' C only if necessary)
• Magnetic stir plates for PEG precipitation (Recommended: Cole-Parmea elements TM
Modular Magnetic Stirrer Cat# EW-84003-80)
• Magnetic stir bars
• Refrigerated centrifuge that can achieve centrifugal speeds up to 4,700 x g. Examples:
1. Beckman Coulter Avanti J-E Series — swinging bucket benchtop
2. Floor centrifuge with fixed angle rotor (fixed angle rotors preferred, generates less
diffuse pellets)
• Rotor for 250ml flat bottom centrifuge bottles
• Rotor adapters for 100ml flat bottom centrifuge bottles
• Magnetic stir bar retrievers
• Pipet -aid (Drummond or equivalent)
• Waste collection bottle/beaker
• Spatula/scoop for transfer/weighing powdered reagents
Eauioment — Extraction
• Microcentrifuge
• Vortex
• Single channel Pipette (1000 NI)
• Single channel Pipette (200 pl) or Single channel Pipette (100 NI)
• Microcentrifuge tube rack
• Pipette holder (red racks)
Eauioment — ddPCR detection
• PCR reagent preparation hood
• Sample addition station hood
• Single channel Pipette (1000 pl)
• Single channel Pipette (200 pl)
• Single channel Pipette (100 NI)
• Single channel Pipette (20 pl)
• Single channel Pipette (10 pl)
• Vortex mixer (e.g, Vortex Genie II)
• Microcentrifuge
• Bio-Rad Automated Droplet Generator (Cat. #1864101) or Bio-Rad manual droplet
generator
• Bio-Rad QX200Tm droplet reader (Cat. #1864003)
• Bio-Rad plate sealer (Cat. #1814000)
• Plate centrifuge with 96 well plate attachments
• BIO-RAD C1000 96-Deep Well Thermocycler (cat# 1851197)
Eauioment — Miscellaneous
• pH meter
• Graduated cylinders
• Media preparation bottles for sterile solution preparation
• Microcentrifuge tube racks
Supplies — Cleaninq/Decontamination
• PPE (Gloves, eye protector, mask)
• Bleach or disinfectant approved for SARS-CoV-2
• Hand sanitizer/hand soap
• Paper towel
Suonlies — Concentration
• Sterile 1-L or 500ml sample bottle
Ice packs
• Cooler
6 PPE (Gloves, eye protector, mask)
Markers for labeling
Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) 8000 (Promega, Cat No. V3011 or Fisher Scientific, Cat No.
BP233-100)
i Sodium Chloride (NaCI) (Fisher Scientific, Cat No. BP358-1 or equivalent)
i Serological pipet, 50ml, 25ml, 10ml, 5ml
O Magnetic stir bars
Y 250 ml Centrifuge bottles (Polycarbonate, VWR # 76018-079)
Y Cryovials
• Weigh boats/weigh paper
Y 50 mL conical centrifuge tubes
SUDolies — Extraction
• QlAamp Viral RNA Mini Kit (QIAGEN Cat No. 52906)
i Ethanol (96-100%) (Fisher Scientific, Cat No. BP2818100 or equivalent)
Y 1.5 ml DNA low binding tube (Eppendorf, Cat No. 022431021 or equivalent)
• Pipette Tips (1000 pl, 200 NI, 100 pl)
• Timer
Bacteriophage phi6 as inhibition control
• 15mL centrifuge tubes
Biohazard bags
Suoolies — ddPCR detection
• Primers and Probe for ddPCR — specific to target SARS-CoV-2 and Phi6 bacteriophage
• One-step RT-ddPCR Advanced Kit for Probes (Bio-Rad, cat# 1864021 or 1864022)
• Automated Droplet Generation Oil for Probes (Bio-Rad, Cat. #1864110)
• Droplet reader oil (Bio-Rad, cat# 1863004)
• Droplet reader waste bottle (When a reader oil bottle is emptied, it becomes waste bottle)
• DG32 Automated Droplet Generator Cartridges (Bio-Rad, Pack of 30, Cat. # 1864108) or
cartridges for the manual droplet generation
• Pipette Tips for AutoDG System (Bio-Rad, Package of 40, Cat. #1864121)
• Pipet Tip Waste Bins for the AutoDG System (Bio-Rad, Cat. #1864125)
• ddPCR 96-Well Plates (cat# 12001925)
• Foil Plate seals (Bio-Rad cat# 1814040)
• Microcentrifuge tubes
• Pipette tips (1000 pl, 200 NI, 100 pl, 20 pl, 10 pl)
• Biohazard bags
Note: This list is specific to the current SOP used at the MSU Rose lab and the protocol used for
the SOM project and includes concentration by polyethylene glycol precipitation and
quantification by ddPCR. Any change in methodology may require additional/alternate
requirements. For more information, please contact Dr. Nishita D'Souza (dsouzanl @msu.edu).
APPENDIX IV: APPLICATION TEMPLATE
Proiect Overview and Description
Lead Agency:
Lead Agency Personnel — at a minimum include Project Director, Financial Officer, Authorizing
Official. Please add additional rows to tf a table as needed.
Name Title Project, Phone Email
Responsibilities Number Address
Partner Agency Personnel — Please add additional rows to the table as needed.
Name Title A enc Project Phone Email
g y Responsibilities Number Address
I
I �
Project Overview (description of proposed project through July 2023):
Proiect Implementation
Surveillance strategy(ies):
LHD Support/Reasoning for Site Selection:
Proposed Sample Site Locations
Please include multiple sheets if necessary to list all prcposed locations
Sample Ste l - Type of "� StneeCaddress or Sampling- # of wksl Sample type Estimated - Antlyipaked',
Latitude Longitude-. frequenayf: year to be' {e g:, grab 2d ;° pdpuiatilira collect ` n;
Name facility. - locat{on
week.: sampled brcompos,tej`. served - - .start daille
Collection and Testing Methodology:
Variant Strain Testing (if applicable):
Data Renortina and Communication
Data reporting:
Communication plan:
Data utilization:
Workplan
Describe specific goals, objectives, and activities through 9/30/2021 in the table below:
Goal:
Methodology: Activities, Responsible Individual(s), Timeline and Deliverable(s)
Activity(ies) Responsible Timeline Deliverable(s)
Individual(s)
Objective
Objective
Objective
Objective
Objective
Budget
Budget Narrative:
EGrAMS budget worksheet (monthly for June, July, August, September 2021): keep in
Excel format and include in email with application
Estimated Total Budgets for Fiscal Years 2021-22 and 2022-23:
Additional Requirements/Supporting Documentation
Documentation of relationships and/or letters of support: attach to this document or include
in email with application
LHD support for the site selection:
Resolution #21159
April 29, 2021
Moved by Long seconded by Luebs the resolutions on the amended Consent Agenda be adopted.
AYES: Charles, Gershenson, Hoffman, Jackson, Joliat, Kowall, Kuhn, Long, Luebs, Markham,
McGillivray, Miller, Moss, Nelson, Powell, Spisz, Weipert, Woodward, Cavell. (19)
NAYS: None. (0)
A sufficient majority having voted in favor, the resolutions on the amended Consent Agenda were adopted.
APPROVE THE FOREGOING RESOLUTIp,
STATE OF MICHIGAN)
COUNTY OF OAKLAND)
I, Lisa Brown, Clerk of the County of Oakland, do hereby certify that the foregoing resolution is a true and
accurate copy of a resolution adopted by the Oakland County Board of Commissioners on April 29, 2021,
with the original record thereof now remaining in my office.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the Circuit Court at Pontiac,
Michigan this 29th day of April, 2021.
Lisa Brown, Oakland County