Clean Water Current

In another step to address PFAS, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) accepted comments on an advanced notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPRM) whether to list certain PFAS compounds to the Toxic Release Inventory (TRI). EPA also sought public input on what the reportable quantities or thresholds should be for reporting if these chemicals were to be listed on the TRI.

State bills to address the labeling of wipes took important steps forward in California and Washington last week.

NACWA’s Board of Directors met February 4 in Atlanta, Georgia at the start of NACWA’s 2020 Winter Conference.

The second night of NACWA’s 2020 Winter Conference saw guests and attendees gather to honor the winners of this year’s National Environmental Achievement Awards.

A number of NACWA’s Standing Committees met this week during the Association’s 2020 Winter Conference in Atlanta, covering a wide range of hot topics impacting the municipal clean water community.

NACWA submitted comments to EPA January 24 on the proposed settlement agreements for Massachusetts and New Hampshire small municipal separate storm sewer systems (MS4s).

Members of Congress sent a bipartisan request to EPA this week requesting that no less than $500 Million be provided in Fiscal Year 2021 for EPA’s Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Reuse Municipal Grants. NACWA thanks the letter’s signatories for prioritizing funding for this program.

Members of Congress sent a bipartisan request to EPA this week requesting that no less than $500 Million be provided in Fiscal Year 2021 for EPA’s Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Reuse Municipal Grants. NACWA thanks the letter’s signatories for prioritizing funding for this program.

Representatives from NACWA travelled to Palm Springs, CA last week to participate in the California Association of Sanitation Agencies’ (CASA) Winter Conference and speak about the incredible value of the collaboration between the two organizations.

Water Week, this year scheduled for April 22-May 2, unites water professionals from across the country to advocate as one voice for the sector.

EPA held a webinar on Tuesday, January 21st to update the public on Integrated Planning.

NACWA submitted comments last week in support of EPA approving a short-term variance under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) for Denver Water to comply with a negotiated Lead Reduction Program Plan (LRPP).

The US Geological Survey (USGS) recently released updated SPARROW (SPAtially Referenced Regression on Watershed attributes) models that are helpful tools for land and water resource managers. These models estimate streamflow, total nitrogen and total phosphorus yields and sediment in monitored and unmonitored streams.

NACWA supported improved label language for swimming pool and root control pesticides in two January 17 comment letters.

As anticipated, on Friday, January 10 the US House of Representative voted to pass major legislation to regulate PFAS. The final package, H.R. 535, the PFAS Action Act of 2019 passed the House with a vote of 247-159, with overwhelming support from the House Democratic majority.

The Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) proposed a set of sweeping changes last week to the rules governing how environmental reviews of proposed Federal actions are conducted under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).

The US Senate unanimously passed comprehensive legislation, S. 1982, the Save Our Seas 2.0 Act on Thursday, January 9. As previously reported, this legislation is a key part of a comprehensive package aimed at reducing the prevalence of marine debris and trash in the nation’s waterways. Among other provisions, the bill requires a Report to Congress from the Interagency Marine Debris Coordinating Committee on microfiber pollution.

Last week, NACWA staff spoke before the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (MWCOG) Water Security Work Group to brief several DC area public clean water utility managers regarding ongoing PFAS legislative developments in Congress.

The Association’s previous General Counsel, Amanda Waters, left at the end of December to pursue opportunities in the private legal sector. NACWA thanks Amanda for all her hard work and dedication to the Association and wishes her well in her future endeavors.

Congress returned to Washington this week from the holidays and the U.S. House, led by its Democratic Majority, is eager to vote on legislation to regulate PFAS.