News
EPA Expands Program, Invites Rural Communities To Apply for Assistance
EPA announced expansion of its Closing America’s Wastewater Access Gap Community Initiative to 150 communities across rural America. The program is serving several rural communities and EPA is inviting more rural communities across the country to apply. Originally launched in partnership with USDA, this initiative is designed to assist underserved communities access federal wastewater funding. This program, along with historic funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, is helping to advance the current administration’s environmental justice agenda. An estimated two million people in the U.S. live without adequate wastewater infrastructure and/or safe, reliable drinking water in their homes. Many live with wastewater infrastructure that is ineffective and creates human health risks. To date, the Closing America’s Wastewater Access Gap initiative provided communities with no-cost technical assistance that helps identify affordable options for wastewater infrastructure.
More details can be found here: Closing America’s Wastewater Access Gap | US EPA
FY2025 President’s Budget Summary
This week President Biden released the proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2025. The FY25 request includes a proposed $11 billion for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) according to a FY25 budget summary.
The budget request builds on Inflation Reduction Act and bipartisan infrastructure law investments, including funding $2.9 billion in EPA climate-related programs related to emissions and climate resilience. The budget also supports funding for EPA’s new Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights by investing $1.5 billion across various programs to support environmental justice efforts. The budget request also includes a new $25 million grant program focused on tribal lands.
The budget provides $2.4 billion for EPA’s State Revolving Funds (SRFs) for drinking water and wastewater infrastructure. This includes $1.24 billion for Clean Water SRFs and $1.126 billion for Drinking Water SRFs. This also includes $101 million for EPA Grant programs dedicated to projects such as lead pipe replacement. The budget also includes $30 million for a new program that addresses gaps in resources to help improve the Federal response to water-related emergencies.
The FY2025 budget request includes $80 million for the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act Program. The budget proposal also includes $681.8 million in funding for Geographic Programs. The budget also requests $509.5 million for Categorical Grants with $288.7 million allocated to Section 106 Programs and $189 million for Section 319 Programs. This also includes $22 million for Wetlands Program Development Grants, $132.6 million for the Public Water System Supervision Program and $9.8 thousand for Beaches Protection.
EPA’s proposed FY25 request would also allow the agency to hire an additional 2,000 employees that would allow the agency to increase work on areas including regulations, delegated program oversight, enforcement, cleanups, grant deployment and scientific research.
To view the full text of the proposed budget, click here.
EPA Office of Agriculture and Rural Affairs
On March 1, 2024 EPA announced a new office to expand engagement opportunities with agricultural and rural communities. Administrator Regan announced the creation of the Office of Agriculture and Rural Affairs alongside USDA Secretary Vilsack while delivering remarks to the largest farmer-led annual convention in the country. The new Office of Agriculture and Rural Affairs will be led by Rod Snyder, who has served as EPA’s Senior Advisor for Agriculture since October 2021. In close coordination with EPA’s program offices and regions, this new office is expected to forge practical, science-based solutions that protect the environment while ensuring a vibrant and productive agricultural system.
Please visit the Office of Agriculture and Rural Affairs website for more information.
Association Updates
ACWA Updated FY2024 Funding Chart
Last week, legislation was passed to extend funding for the Environmental Protection Agency. Please see ACWA’s updated Funding Chart reflecting the recently passed Consolidated Appropriations Act here on our website.
2024 Mid-Year Meeting Registration – Virtual Registration Added!
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.
A virtual registration option has been added! The virtual registration fee will be $125/line. More information regarding virtual access will be shared with registrants closer to the meeting.
Register here!
If you or the person you are registering already has an account with Member365, please use that login information to complete your registration. If you are unsure whether or not you have an account, or need assistance accessing your existing account, please contact Lexy Bailey, Member Services Associate.
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
EPA Basic NPDES Permit Writer’ Course
The 5-week course will begin on Thursday, April 4, 2024. Participants should anticipate a time commitment of approximately 8 -10 hours per week and should seek supervisor approval before signing up. The course is scheduled to conclude on May 9th, however a “rain date” of May 14th should be reserved by the participants in case of technical issues.
The objective of this course is to provide the basic regulatory framework and technical considerations that support the development of wastewater discharge permits required under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program. The course was designed for permit writers with six months to one year of experience in the NPDES program, but experienced permit writers wanting a refresher course and other water program staff wanting to learn more about the NPDES program also are welcome. Microsoft Teams will be utilized for the virtual classroom and can be accessed through the desktop application or a web browser. Course materials will be provided electronically on the Microsoft Teams classroom site for download by the participants prior to the start date.
As a foundational course, the training does not address in detail specialized topics such as industrial and municipal stormwater, concentrated animal feeding operations and pesticide discharges. For more information on these specialized topics, please visit EPA’s NPDES Web site at www.epa.gov/npdes
EPA is offering a separate morning and afternoon session for this course offering. Please see the registration pages for the agenda with dates and times for each session. Please not that all times are in the Eastern Time Zone. There is no cost for the course. Registration is limited and available at:
NPDES Basic Permit Writers’ Course – Virtual April 2024 (AM)
NPDES Basic Permit Writers’ Course – Virtual April 2024 (PM)
ACWA Legal Affairs Committee Meeting – April 30, 2024
On April 30 at 2:00 pm ET, ACWA’s Legal Affairs Committee will host a meeting to discuss the recent Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals opinion in Idaho Conservation League v. Poe, in which a private party was found to have violated the CWA when he dumped suction dredge mining waste into WOTUS without a required NPDES permit. We will be joined by Bryan Hurlbutt with Advocates for the West, who represented Idaho Conservation League in the case, and will lead the discussion.
Please register for the meeting by clicking here.
For more information about Idaho Conservation League v. Poe, please click here.
EPA/ASDWA Small Drinking Water Webinar Series: Harmful Algal Blooms
On March 26, 2024, from 2:00 – 3:30 pm ET, EPA’s Office of Research and Development and the Office of Water, in partnership with ASDWA, will host a webinar on Harmful Algal Blooms as part of its Small Drinking Water Systems Webinar Series. The webinar will provide presentations on Establishing an Algal Toxin Rule and Regulatory Program in Rhode Island, an Informal Case Study; and Insights on Harmful Algal Bloom Dynamics in Urban Lakes and Introduction to Benthic Sample Preparation. Please click here to register for the webinar.
EPA Watershed Academy Webcast: Nature-Based Solutions for Climate Resilience
On March 26, 2024, from 3:30 – 5:00 pm ET, EPA’s Watershed Academy will host a webcast, Nature-Based Solutions for Climate Resilience. The webcast will feature professionals from across the country that are conducting nature-based projects to promote climate resilience. Speakers will discuss a variety of work related to the restoration, protection, and management of natural and modified ecosystems. Please click here to register for the webcast.
EPA Trash Free Waters Program Webinar: Plastics and Climate
On April 4, 2024, at 2:30 pm ET, EPA’s Trash Free Waters program will host a webinar to discuss the relationship between plastics and climate change. From production and transport to consumption and disposal, plastics have a profound impact on our environment, including our climate. During this webinar, three expert panelists will provide information on the effects of plastic consumption and production on climate change and answer your questions about this serious problem. Please register for the webinar by clicking here.
Job Opportunities
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
Environmental Engineer – Wastewater
Location: Des Moines, Iowa
Closing Date: March 21, 2024
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources presents an exciting opening for a wastewater engineer who embodies technical proficiency, a strong customer-centric approach, and a keen eye for detail. We invite you to join our Wastewater Engineering team in the role of an Environmental Engineer to contribute to the preservation of water quality. This position is situated within the Wastewater Engineering Section of the Environmental Services Division’s Water Quality Bureau. As a wastewater engineer, you will play a pivotal role in our engineering team, dedicated to safeguarding the environment and public health. Your responsibilities will encompass the critical tasks of reviewing construction permit applications, managing wastewater treatment and collection system infrastructure projects, which include approving engineering planning reports, antidegradation alternatives analyses, plans and specifications. You will also be responsible for granting construction permits primarily for the Clean Water State Revolving Loan Fund (CWSRF) funded wastewater projects and some non-funded wastewater projects.
For more information, click Wastewater Engineer.
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.
Water Quality Standards Specialist (Natural Resource Specialist 3)
Location: Portland, Oregon
Closing Date: March 24, 2024
For more information and to apply, visit Oregon Job Opportunities.
Communications Intern – Long Island Sound Study
Location: Stamford, CT
Closing Date: March 24, 2024
To apply, send a cover letter, resume, and journalistic writing samples to jobs@neiwpcc.org by March 24, 2024. Please reference #24-LISS-003 in the email subject line. A full position description may be viewed at https://neiwpcc.org/about-us/careers. Additional information about LISS can be found on https://longislandsoundstudy.net/.
Environmental Engineer
Location: Des Moines, IA
Closing Date: March 26, 2024 11:59 PM
Looking to be an integral part of the team that creates the foundation for improving Iowa’s surface waters? The DNR is excited to present an opportunity to work for the State of Iowa as a TMDL modeling engineer. TMDLs (Total Maximum Daily Loads) are watershed-wide models that act as the starting plan to improve waterbodies that are impaired for various pollutants. TMDLs are highly technical documents. As such, this posting is intended for applicants with a degree in environmental, agricultural, or civil engineering. May 2024 graduates are welcome to apply. Additionally, due to the high number of impairments on lakes in the state, the DNR welcomes applicants with degrees in limnology AND experience with modeling tools to apply as well.
For specific job duties, requirements, and application information, visit: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/iowa/jobs/4419092/environmental-engineer-tmdl-modeling-engineer?sort=PostingDate%7CDescending&pagetype=jobOpportunitiesJobs
Seasonal Invasive Species Intern
Location: Providence, RI
Closing Date: April 7, 2024
To apply, submit a cover letter, resume, and writing sample by email to jobs@neiwpcc.org by April 7, 2024. Please reference #24-RIDEM-001 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.
Lake Champlain Education and Outreach Steward
Location: Grand Isle and Burlington, Vermont
Closing Date: April 7, 2024
To apply, send a cover letter, resume, and writing sample by email to Jobs@neiwpcc.org by April 7, 2024. Please reference #24-LCBP-004 in the email subject line. A full position description may be viewed at: https://neiwpcc.org/about-us/careers.
Environmental Analyst – Long Island Sound Habitat Restoration Coordinator
Location: Kings Park, NY
Closing Date: April 7, 2024
To apply, submit cover letter, resume, and a brief writing sample by email to jobs@neiwpcc.org by April 7, 2024. Please reference #24-LISS-004 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.
Real Property Coordinator – Long Island Conservation
Location: Stony Brook, NY
Closing Date: April 7, 2024
To apply, submit cover letter, resume, and a brief writing sample by email to jobs@neiwpcc.org by April 7, 2024. Please reference #24-LISS-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.
Construction Stormwater Program Coordinator
Location: Salt Lake County, UT
Closing Date: Open Until Filled
The Utah Division of Water Quality Construction Stormwater Program Coordinator oversees Utah’s more than 5,000 construction stormwater UPDES permits. You will serve as the state’s technical and policy expert on construtcion stormwater permitting by preparing permits, inspecting sites, and providing technical assistance and outreach to stormwater permittees.
For more information and to apply online click here.
Senior General Permits Manager
Location: Spokane, WA
Closing Date: Continuous
For more information and to apply, visit State of Washington Job Opportunities.
General Permit Coordinator
Location: Thurston County – Lacey, WA
Closing Date: Continuous
For more information and to apply, visit State of Washington Job Opportunities.
Lead Permit Developer/Facility Manager
(Environmental Specialist 4)
Location: Yakima County – Union Gap, WA
Closing Date: Continuous
For more information and to apply, visit State of Washington Job Opportunities.
Be sure to check out other opportunities on ACWA’s jobs page.
