EPA hosted a meeting Oct. 19 with NACWA and other associations to discuss an upcoming Agency memo on addressing PFAS in pretreatment and National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits.

WASHINGTON, D.C, CHICAGO, SEATTLE (October 13, 2022) – Leading members of the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA) took part in a national news conference today drawing attention to the impact of 10 major rain and flood events in 2022 and examining how the aggregate effect of climate change and fresh operational challenges in the water sector are exposing a federal funding gap for modernization of clean water infrastructure.

The U.S. Supreme Court this week began its October term on Oct. 3 by hearing oral arguments in the on-going battle over the scope of federal Clean Water Act (CWA) jurisdiction in the case of Sackett v. EPA. At issue in the case is whether the Sacketts need a CWA Section 404 permit to develop certain wetlands on their property, but before the Court are broader questions concerning the Act’s reach over wetlands as “waters of the United States” (WOTUS).

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 1 issued an updated National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) General Permit for medium-sized POTWs in Massachusetts on September 28. Because this permit is issued by EPA itself and not a Clean Water Act (CWA) authorized state permitting authority, it serves as a good example of how EPA would like to see delegated states craft their permits.

Members of Congress are home in their states and districts this month during a congressional recess as they campaign for the upcoming General Election on November 8. This is the perfect time to reach out to your federal elected officials and educate them on the importance of your utility's work to protect public health and the environment in your community.

NACWA recently joined a coalition of fellow clean water utility associations and nonwoven fabrics industry partners in sending a letter to Senate Commerce Committee leadership in support of S. 3956, the Wastewater Infrastructure Pollution Prevention and Environmental Safety (WIPPES) Act.

The U.S. House of Representatives last week passed bipartisan legislation that will help expedite the ability for communities, especially smaller and rural, to access Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) disaster assistance for relatively small projects.

NACWA joined fellow public sector organizations in sending a letter on Sept. 29 to Senate Leaders Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and the respective Chair and Ranking Member for the Senate Committee on Armed Services, Jack Reed (D-RI) and Jim Inhofe (R-OK), voicing opposition to including S. 4295, the Financial Data Transparency Act (FDTA), as an amendment to the annual National Defense Authorization Act.

On November 12, 2020, the City of Richmond’s floodwall was partially closed to protect low-lying areas within city limits from high waters flowing downstream in the James River, which cuts through downtown Richmond, Virginia. The City’s Collection Systems & Regulatory Affairs Division created an engaging and informative social media campaign spanning Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to educate Richmond residents about the floodwall’s closure and provide an in-depth background on its history and purpose.

EPA Administrator Michael Regan announced Sept. 24 that EPA plans to combine the Agency’s existing environmental justice (EJ) and civil rights offices into a single new national program office headed by a Senate-confirmed assistant administrator.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has launched a $1 billion, four-year cybersecurity grant program for state, local, and territorial governments. The State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program and the Tribal Cybersecurity Grant Program will help these entities address cybersecurity risks.

With a September 30th funding deadline fast approaching, Congress is working to finalize a Continuing Resolution (CR) to keep the government in operation. The Senate voted 72-13 late on Sept. 27 to advance a CR that would keep the government funded at existing levels until December 16.

NACWA will be hosting a webinar from 2 – 3 PM (Eastern) on Monday, October 17th addressing EPA’s recent proposal to designate two PFAS substances – PFOA and PFOS – as hazardous substances under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA or Superfund).