(October 7, 2020) – NACWA’s Stormwater Management Committee convened virtually on September 30 and discussed a number of priority issues, including EPA’s recent proposed rulemaking for a new allocation formula to deliver municipal grant dollars to states.

This new rule specifically impacts grants through EPA’s sewer overflow and stormwater reuse grant program, and the proposed allocation formula would employ a series factors to determine the distribution of the grant money in a manner that best reflects the need for wastewater and, more specifically, stormwater investment. NACWA generally supports the allocation formula, but also has some concerns regarding its reliance on the Clean Watersheds Needs Survey (CWNS) and how frequently and accurately data is included in the CWNS.

NACWA was also pleased to invite Legal Affiliate AquaLaw’s Amanda Waters to provide a sneak preview of our soon-to-be-released Stormwater Permit Screening Tool. This Screening Tool will provide a checklist of priority issues and language that often are seen in draft municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4) phase II general permits. NACWA has offered to review draft state stormwater permits for communities and will be releasing the Screening Tool later in October. 

If members have questions about NACWA’s stormwater advocacy or would to access the recording meeting, please contact Emily Remmel, NACWA’s Director of Regulatory Affairs.