News
Congress Averts Shutdown
Congress approved a temporary spending bill to continue to fund the government and avert a shutdown on Saturday. The continuing resolution extends funds for some departments through March 8 and others through March 22 as lawmakers work out differences on delayed full-year spending packages for the fiscal year that began October 1. The continuing resolution includes funds for the departments of Agriculture, Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, Veterans Affairs and Energy, along with the Food and Drug Administration. These faced a Saturday shutdown deadline. Congress will still need to fund Defense, Homeland Security and Health and Human Services departments before March 22, 2024.
Joint Fact Sheet On Top Cyber Actions For Securing Water Systems
This week EPA, CISA, and the FBI updated a joint fact sheet Top Cyber Actions for Securing Water Systems, which now includes additional resources to support water systems in defending against malicious cyber activity. The fact sheet outlines several practical actions Water and Wastewater Systems can take to protect water systems. These include:
- Reduce Exposure to the Public-Facing Internet
- Conduct Regular Cybersecurity Assessments
- Change Default Passwords Immediately
- Conduct an Inventory of Operational Technology/Information Technology Assets
- Develop and Exercise Cybersecurity Incident Response and Recovery Plans
- Backup OT/IT Systems
- Reduce Exposure to Vulnerabilities
- Conduct Cybersecurity Awareness Training
ACWA encourages members to review and incorporate the fact sheet into their cybersecurity outreach and communications with water systems facilities For more information and additional resources, visit cisa.gov/water.
Update: Proposed Meat and Poultry Products ELG Public Hearing Added
The EPA proposed an amendment to the Meat and Poultry Products category was published in the Federal Register on January 23, 2024. Public comments on the proposal may be submitted through March 25, 2024. EPA has added an additional public hearing:
March 20, 2024. 1:00 PM EDT. Online-only hearing. You may register to provide testimony or register as “listen-only.” Participants who wish to provide comment should register before 12:00 PM EDT on March 19. Register for the March 20 public hearing.
Reminder: EPA Draft CSO Guidance Comment period Closes March 21, 2024
EPA is seeking comment on the Draft Guidance for Future National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permitting of Combined Sewer Systems. This draft guidance highlights available approaches for permitting CSO communities nearing completion of projects/activities identified in their Long-Term Control Plans (LTCPs).
ACWA Joins Coalition Supporting USGS Streamgage Funding
ACWA joined a broad coalition, spearheaded by the Interstate Water Policy Council, urging Congressional appropriators to provide sufficient funding for USGS programs. The broad coalition of state agencies, interstate commissions, associations, universities, non-governmental organizations, and private industry submit the FY 2025 USGS budget appropriation request as follows: $33M dedicated to Federal Priorities Streamgages, $68M for the Cooperative Matching Funds Program (including $33M for streamgage support) and $35M for Next Generation Water Observing System and data delivery modernization.
Safer Communities by Chemical Accident Prevention Action Rule
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced updates to the Risk Management Program (RMP) with the Safer Communities by Chemical Accident Prevention Action Rule, which identifies potential effects of a chemical accident, identifies steps facilities will take to prevent accidents, and provides an overview of emergency response procedures in the event of an accident. Facilities in high-risk industries will be required to implement the new safeguards.
Final rule provisions include:
- Requiring a Safer Technologies and Alternatives Analysis (STAA)
- Employee participation, training, and decision making
- Third-party compliance audits and root cause analysis incident investigations
- Evaluation of risks such as power loss, natural hazards, and climate change effects
- Emergency response planning and training
- Public availability of chemical information
More information about the rule can be found here on EPA’s website.
Best Management Practices for Land Application of Sewage Sludge Removed from Lagoons
On February 23, EPA published a document entitled, “Understanding Lagoon Requirements under 40 C.F.R. Part 503: Best Management Practices for Use or Disposal of Sewage Sludge, Part 1 – Land Application of Sewage Sludge Removed from Lagoons.” As excess sewage sludge accumulates in these lagoons over time, their functionality and effectiveness are reduced. Excess accumulated sludge requires periodic removal to maintain full functioning capacity of the wastewater treatment process within the lagoon. Removal of sludge also allows operators to make critical infrastructure repairs and upgrades.
Communities served by lagoon systems tend to be small, rural, Tribal, economically disadvantaged, and may have additional environmental justice concerns. Hence, the EPA’s document also identifies some funding opportunities available to wastewater operators in these communities when cleaning out their lagoons.
EPA Request for State Clean Water Climate Success Stories
EPA is collecting success stories, BMPs, SOPs, case studies, templates, and other examples of instances where states have successfully incorporated climate considerations, requirements, or elements into their clean water and water resource management programs. ACWA and ASDWA are assisting in the collection of these examples so that states and stakeholders may share, learn, and implement proven techniques into their own programs. EPA will post state success stories to its ARC-X website. States and territories interested in helping with this effort should contact Ward Scott for a template to submit information or for any questions. Thank you for your help with this effort.
Association Updates
2024 Mid-Year Meeting Registration – Hotel Group Rate Extended!
Dates: March 26 & 27, 2024
Venue: The Washington Marriott Metro Center DC
Registration is live for the upcoming 2024 ACWA Mid-Year Meeting. This year’s meeting will take place on March 26 & 27, 2024, in Washington, D.C. This will be a closed meeting intended for state members and federal guests. The agenda is in development and will be updated as appropriate.
Make your room reservations today! The reservation group room rate has been extended to March 6th, 2024.
Check back here for more updates.
2024 National CAFO Roundtable – Registration Now Live!
Location: Kansas City, Missouri
Date: April 30 – May 3, 2024
Purpose: The 2024 National CAFO Roundtable supports the implementation of animal agriculture programs nationwide by helping support states and EPA to further identify challenges & barriers to Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO) program implementation, sharing new technologies, best management practices, showcasing innovative state programs and initiatives, facilitating discussion on national program enhancements and improvements, identifying state resource needs including tools, training and guidance, and proposing solutions to challenges and barriers faced by the agriculture industry and other stakeholders.
Attendees: The CAFO Roundtable is a meeting of state AFO/CAFO regulators and EPA regional and headquarters representatives. Attendees generally include:
- State program managers, permit writers and inspectors involved in regulating AFOs/CAFOs
- EPA Headquarter and Regional staff involved in AFO/CAFO regulation
- Partnering state and federal agency staff that provide technical and/or regulatory assistance to AFOs/CAFOs
- Invited Guests
ACWA Meeting Webpage: 2024 National CAFO Roundtable – Association of Clean Water Administrators (acwa-us.org)
2024 Water Quality Standards Workshop
Dates: April 16-18, 2024
Venue: Albuquerque Marriott Pyramid North, Albuquerque, NM
ACWA will be holding the 2024 Water Quality Standards Workshop April 16-18, 2024, in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
This workshop is a national meeting for State program managers and staff involved in water quality standards, as well as for both Regional and Headquarters-based U.S. Environmental Protection Agency managers and staff. This workshop will primarily feature case studies and presentations on how states have worked towards developing water quality standards for complex criteria.
ACWA does anticipate having travel support for state staff.
You may Register here!
View the draft agenda here.
Lodging is now available at the Albuquerque Marriott Pyramid North. ACWA has procured the local gov’t per diem rate of $141/night. Reserve your hotel room with this link.
Meetings and Webinars
Drinking Water Analytical Methods Public Input Request and UCMR 6v Pre-Proposal Webinar
Public Input Period for Methods: February 8, 2024 to April 8, 2024
UCMR 6 Pre-proposal Webinar: Wednesday April 17 or Thursday April 18, 2024
Topics: (1) Request for public input on drinking water analytical methods for emerging contaminants in drinking water, particularly those on the agency’s Fifth Contaminant Candidate List (CCL 5) and (2) a pre-proposal webinar to discuss potential approaches for developing the sixth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR 6)
(1) Public Input Details: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) request public input on drinking water analytical methods for emerging contaminants in drinking water, particularly those listed on the agency’s Fifth Contaminant Candidate List (CCL 5). This Federal Register Notice (FRN) describes published drinking water analytical methods and EPA drinking water methods currently in development for the CCL and other emerging contaminants. EPA invites public input on drinking water analytical methods for these contaminants. EPA will accept public input related to the FRN for 60 days after publication in the Federal Register. Comments must be received on or before April 8, 2024. Please refer to the FRN notice for more details about submitting comments to Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OW-2023-0469 using the Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov.
A summary of public input regarding drinking water analytical methods will be available after the webinar in the docket.
(2) Webinar Details: The EPA will be hosting two identical pre-proposal webinars on Wednesday, April 17 and Thursday, April 18, 2024, to discuss potential approaches for developing UCMR 6, including: the status of drinking water analytical methods; contaminants being considered; possible sampling design; laboratory approval; and other possible monitoring considerations. The agenda will allow for public questions and statements.
The webinar will be held on April 17, and again on April 18, from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Participants can attend online via the webinar links, which will broadcast the discussion and presentations. The same material will be presented twice to accommodate the limited number of webinar connections available for the meeting each day.
· To register for April 17th please use this link: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/9172484874454969434
· To register for April 18th please use this link: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/4542600839076268125
After registering to attend the webinar, you will receive an email confirming your registration and email reminders as the date of the webinar approaches. To ensure that you successfully receive these emails, please add GoToWebinar.Notifications@citrixonline.com and UCMRWebinar@cadmusgroup.com to your “approved” or “safe senders” list. Questions regarding webinar registration should be emailed to UCMRWebinar@cadmusgroup.com.
To be scheduled to speak during the webinar, please identify your interest when you register using the online registration form above or send an email to: UCMRWebinar@cadmusgroup.com indicating that you would like to present a statement, along with any materials (e.g., PowerPoint slides or PDF document) that you plan to include in your presentation. Public presentations will be limited to 10 minutes each. The last day to pre-schedule to speak at the webinar is April 9, 2024. If there is additional time for public speakers after scheduling those who pre-registered, EPA will take requests during the webinar via the chat box. The EPA will accommodate requests to speak (via pre-registration and during the webinar) in the order received and as time permits.
Further information about the drinking water analytical methods and participation in the webinar can be found in the Federal Register notice published Thursday, February 8, 2024 (89 FR 8548); FRL-10857-04-OW.
Key Dates:
• Submit comments for drinking water analytical methods on or before: April 8, 2024.
• Register to speak during the pre-proposal webinar by Tuesday, April 9, 2024. EPA encourages commenters to provide the agency with an advance copy of their presentation/remarks by emailing them to UCMRWebinar@cadmusgroup.com. Any presentation materials must also be received by this date to be included in the presentation/webinar.
• The identical webinars will be held Wednesday, April 17 and Thursday, April 18, 2024, from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Time).
EPA Tools and Resources Webinar: Nutrient Explorer
On March 13, at 3:00 pm ET, EPA will host a webinar on its Nutrient Explorer tool, which is a downloadable tool for modeling relationships between watershed land use, climate, and other variables and surface water nutrient concentrations. This interactive application allows users to explore spatial patterns and temporal trends in surface water nutrient datasets and can be applied by decision makers to different locations and surface water bodies to identify the most influential drivers of excess nutrient concentrations and to prioritize watersheds for restoration.
Excess nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus) in lakes can lead to eutrophication, hypoxia, and algal blooms that may harm aquatic life and people. Some U.S. states have established numeric water quality criteria for nutrients to protect surface waters. However, monitoring to determine if criteria are being met is limited by resources and time. EPA’s Nutrient Explorer can help managers locate and prioritize areas where nutrients in surface waters are predicted to exceed certain water quality thresholds.
Register for the webinar by clicking here.
Job Opportunities
Environmental Specialist III
Location: Augusta, ME
Closing Date: March 1, 2024
For more information and to apply, visit State of Maine Natural Resources Service Center.
TMDL Program Analyst
Location: Portland, Oregon
Closing Date: March 3, 2024
For more information and to apply, visit Oregon Job Opportunities.
Water Quality Standards Specialist
Location: Portland, Oregon
Closing Date: March 6, 2024
For more information and to apply, visit Oregon Job Opportunities.
Reuse Coordinator
Location: Boise, ID
Closing Date: March 8, 2024
For more information and to apply, visit Idaho State Careers.
Youth and the Environment Program Coordinator – Wastewater Division Intern
Location: Lowell, or Lawrence and North Andover, MA
Closing Date: March 8, 2024
To apply, submit a cover letter and resume by email to jobs@neiwpcc.org by March 8, 2024. Please reference #24-Lowell-004 in the email subject line. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, accepting applications until the positions are filled. A full position description may be viewed at: https://neiwpcc.org/about-us/careers.
Water Quality and Business Operations Intern
Location: Lowell, MA
Closing Date: March 10, 2024
To apply, submit a cover letter, resume, and writing sample by email to jobs@neiwpcc.org by March 10, 2024.
Please reference #24-Lowell-003 in the email subject line. Accepting applications until the position is
filled. A full position description may be viewed at: https://neiwpcc.org/about-us/careers.
Biologist III, Water Quality Standards Coordinator, Maine DEP (Anticipated Vacancy)
Location: Augusta, ME
Closing Date: March 12, 2024
The Water Quality Standards (WQS) Coordinator oversees the Department’s responsibilities related to the administration of state and federal water quality laws and regulations (e.g. Federal Clean Water Act). The primary purpose of these laws and regulations is to ensure that Maine waters are clean and safe for humans and aquatic organisms. Duties include providing scientific and technical advice relating to WQS; reporting to the Maine State Legislature and federal government on the WQS attainment status of waterbodies; recommending changes to WQS; and coordinating the implementation of changes in statutes and rules. The position provides oversight and review of quality assurance documents to ensure high quality data are collected by DEP and partners. The position supervises four staff, including the Maine Healthy Beaches Program Coordinator, EGAD Data Manager, GIS Specialist, and Volunteer Monitoring Specialist.
For more information and to apply, visit Maine Bureau of Human Resources.
Hudson River Research & Monitoring Seasonal Intern
Location: Staatsburg, NY
Closing Date: March 17, 2024
To apply, submit a cover letter, resume, and a brief writing sample by email to jobs@neiwpcc.org by March
17, 2024. Please reference #24-HRNERR-002 in the email subject line. Accepting applications until the position is filled. A full position description and benefits listing may be viewed at: https://neiwpcc.org/about-us/careers
Information Officer – Contracts Management
Location: Lowell, MA
Closing Date: March 24, 2024
To apply, submit a cover letter, resume, and a brief writing sample by email to jobs@neiwpcc.org by
March 24, 2024. Please reference #24-Lowell-005 in the email subject line. Accepting applications until the position is filled. A full position description may be viewed at: https://neiwpcc.org/about-us/careers.
Environmental Analyst IV, Total Maximum Daily Load Section
Location: Worcester, MA
Closing Date: Open until filled (first consideration will be given to applications received within 14 days of the February 29th posting date)
MassDEP seeks applicants for an TMDL Analyst (Environmental Analyst IV) within the Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) Section, Watershed Planning Program (WPP), Bureau of Water Resources. Under supervision of the TMDL Section Chief, the TMDL Analyst will assist in supporting water quality modeling and interpretation of results for draft and final TMDLs. These TMDLs or alternative plans will be developed to guide both water quality protection measures and restoration efforts. The TMDL Analyst will work to oversee consultants, participate in advisory committees, assist in the review of models and the development and review of TMDL reports and alternative plans, and interact with the public. The position will be based in Worcester at the Watershed Planning Program’s office, 8 New Bond Street, but will operate within the Commonwealth’s current hybrid work model.
For more information and to apply, see MassCareers Job Opportunities.
Water Quality Assessment Analyst (Environmental Analyst III)
Location: Worcester, MA
Closing Date: Open until filled (first consideration will be given to applications received within 14 days of the February 29th posting date)
MassDEP seeks applicants for the position of Assessment Analyst (Environmental Analyst III) in the Watershed Planning Program (WPP), Division of Watershed Management, Bureau of Water Resources. WPP is a statewide program with five Sections that each have a different technical focus under the federal Clean Water Act (CWA), such as the Data Management & Water Quality Assessment Section, which develops and manages key data systems for reporting water quality information to EPA and the public. WPP collects chemical, physical, and biological data throughout the Commonwealth to determine the health status of surface waters pursuant to CWA s. 305(b) and s. 303(d). Under the supervision of WPP’s Assessment Coordinator, the Assessment Analyst will compile and analyze data to assess surface water quality conditions in Massachusetts as mandated by the CWA.
For more information and to apply, see MassCareers Job Opportunities.
Be sure to check out other opportunities on ACWA’s jobs page.
