News
EPA Finalizes First-Ever National Drinking Water Standard to Protect 100M People from PFAS Pollution
EPA has released a national drinking water standard to protect communities from PFAS exposure. EPA will be working closely with state co-regulators in supporting water systems and local officials to implement this rule. In the coming weeks, EPA will host a series of webinars to provide information to the public, communities, and water utilities about the final PFAS drinking water regulation. To learn more about the webinars, please visit EPA’s PFAS drinking water regulation webpage. EPA has also published a toolkit of communications resources to help drinking water systems and community leaders educate the public about PFAS, where they come from, their health risks, how to reduce exposure, and about this rule.
More details about the final PFAS drinking water standards:
- For PFOA and PFOS, EPA is setting a Maximum Contaminant Level Goal, a non-enforceable health-based goal, at zero. This reflects the latest science showing that there is no level of exposure to these contaminants without risk of health impacts, including certain cancers.
- EPA is setting enforceable Maximum Contaminant Levels at 4.0 parts per trillion for PFOA and PFOS, individually. This standard will reduce exposure from these PFAS in our drinking water to the lowest levels that are feasible for effective implementation.
- For PFNA, PFHxS, and “GenX Chemicals,” EPA is setting the MCLGs and MCLs at 10 parts per trillion.
- Because PFAS can often be found together in mixtures, and research shows these mixtures may have combined health impacts, EPA is also setting a limit for any mixture of two or more of the following PFAS: PFNA, PFHxS, PFBS, and “GenX Chemicals.”
EPA is issuing this rule after reviewing extensive research and science on how PFAS affects public health, while engaging with the water sector and with state regulators to ensure effective implementation. EPA also considered 120,000 comments on the proposed rule from a wide variety of stakeholders.
Release of the Se TSMs for the EPA’s Aquatic Life Water Quality Criterion for Selenium
This week, EPA released the Technical Support Materials for the EPA’s Final Aquatic Life Ambient Water Quality Criterion for Selenium – Freshwater 2016. These documents support state and Tribal adoption and implementation of the EPA’s Final Aquatic Life Ambient Water Quality Criterion for Selenium – Freshwater 2016 (published on July 13, 2016). Consistent with the latest scientific information, the national recommended criterion is intended to protect the aquatic life designated use in freshwater from the negative effects of selenium.
The final TSM documents provide implementation support related to (1) criterion adoption, (2) monitoring fish tissue, (3) assessing and listing waters under CWA section 303(d), and (4) NPDES permitting.
You may access the final documents and related information on EPA’s Aquatic Life Criterion – Selenium webpage.
Water Technical Assistance (WaterTA) Information
In February 2024 EPA announced expansion of its water technical assistance program to better support communities applying for federal infrastructure resources through the agency’s State Revolving Fund programs. The addition of engineering support to the WaterTA program is intended to ensure that historic levels of federal infrastructure funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) reaches disadvantaged communities who need it most. BIL presents an unprecedented opportunity to address water infrastructure needs by providing $50 billion in new funding – the largest federal investment in water in the history of our nation. New and existing EPA Water Technical Assistance (WaterTA) programs will be utilized to support effective implementation of BIL funding support.
Water Technical Assistance Programs | US EPA
Water Technical Assistance (WaterTA) Information | US EPA
Public Notification for Action Level Exceedances under the Safe Drinking Water Act
EPA is developing guidance materials to support water systems in implementing the 2021 Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR), which revised the Federal Public Notification (PN) Rule to add lead action level exceedances (ALEs) as a situation that requires a Tier 1 public notice (PN). EPA is encouraging primacy agencies to consider using their existing authorities and work with their water systems to start implementing the Tier 1 PN for lead ALEs in advance of the October 16, 2024 compliance deadline. To support these voluntary efforts, EPA is releasing a lead ALE PN template, factsheet and FAQs. The Tier 1 ALE PN template will assist water systems in promptly notifying their consumers of an action level exceedance. This template is available now for use and for systems to prepare for compliance with the LCRR by October 16, 2024.
Please refer to this link to explore these tools: https://www.epa.gov/dwreginfo/lead-and-copper-rule-implementation-tools
EPA OIG Report on Climate Efforts in Clean Water SRF Intended Use Plans
On April 8, 2024, the EPA Office of Inspector General released a report, “Half the States Did Not Include Climate Adaptation or Related Resilience Efforts in Their Clean Water State Revolving Fund Intended Use Plans.” In its report, the EPA OIG found that “EPA prioritized climate adaptation and provided guidance to states during the development of their annual clean water state revolving fund intended use plans, or CWSRF IUPs. Despite these EPA actions, the EPA had limited success in getting states to include climate adaptation or related resilience efforts, such as those addressing natural disasters, in their IUPs.”
Please click here to read the report.
Association Updates
2024 Water Quality Standards Workshop – Virtual Listen-Only Option Available
Dates: April 16-18, 2024
Register Here: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZctcu2uqTMvEt2HtqXKR8ui37AABP427Wbs
ACWA will be holding the 2024 Water Quality Standards Workshop April 16-18, 2024. 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.
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. Sessions will not be recorded and are for state and federal staff only.
View the agenda here.
2024 National CAFO Roundtable – Last Day to Register is April 12, 2024!
Last day to register for this event is April 12, 2024. If you need assistance registering after this date, please contact Sean Rolland at srolland@acwa-us.org.
2024 Cross-Program Workshop – Registration Now Available!
Registration: Please reach out directly to Ward Scott for the meeting registration link. Workshop registration will be limited to state and federal officials.
Dates/Venue: June 6-7, 2024 at the National Conservation Training Center in Shepherdstown, WV
Objective: ACWA’s CWA Cross-Program Workshops are intended to bring together state and federal Clean Water Act (CWA) program administrators to discuss and share ways in which cross-program coordination and collaboration can be strengthened to more effectively and efficiently restore and protect the nation’s waters. The 2024 Workshop will focus on opportunities and challenges for state administrators of CWA Section 303(c), 303(d), and 402 in coordinating the planning and implementation of efforts to restore and protect the nation’s waters.
State and federal clean water leaders will identify cross-program challenges and barriers to CWA implementation; work toward solutions to cross cutting water quality topics; identify ways to improve technical capabilities; highlight opportunities for cross-program planning, implementation, and co-operation; and clarify linkages, roles, and responsibilities among CWA programs. Workshop discussions will center around states’ cross-program coordination to address issues including temperature pollution, nutrient reduction, environmental justice, and the prioritization and implementation of protection and restoration efforts.
Venue: We are excited that this year’s Workshop will be held at the National Conservation Training Center in Shepherdstown, WV, in conjunction with the Environmental Law Institute’s 2024 National Training Workshop on Water Quality Assessment and Plans. The Cross-Program Workshop will begin on the morning of June 6 and run through the morning of Friday, June 7. Workshop attendees are invited and encouraged to arrive on Wednesday, June 5 to participate in ELI’s Workshop sessions and events on Wednesday afternoon and evening.
Participants: The Workshop target audience will be state regulators from around the country with practical experience and responsibilities in supporting and managing CWA Section 303(c), 303(d), and/or 402 programs, as well as EPA representatives for each of the programs. Attendees should come prepared to discuss ways in which cross-program coordination has been an important aspect of successful program and/or restoration plan implementation, as well as cross-program challenges and needs.
Travel Support: ACWA plans to provide limited state travel support in the form of a post-Workshop reimbursement. Please contact Ward Scott directly if you know you will require travel support to attend the Workshop.
Travel Logistics: Coming from Dulles International Airport, attendees will be provided with free shuttle transportation to the NCTC on Wednesday, June 5, and back to Dulles at the conclusion of the Workshop on Friday, June 7.
Website: Future updates for the 2024 Cross-Program Workshop will be available on ACWA’s website Events page.
Save The Date: 2024 National Stormwater Roundtable
Dates: October 22 – 24, 2024
City: Washington, DC
Meeting Space: EPA HQ Meeting Space
Hotel: Grand Hyatt Washington
Website: 2024 National Stormwater Roundtable
The 2024 National Stormwater Roundtable supports implementation of federal and state municipal, industrial, and construction stormwater programs nationwide by sharing best management practices, showcasing innovative federal and state programs and initiatives, highlighting new technologies, 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 regulators and other stakeholders.
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 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.
Meetings and Webinars
ECHO Biosolids Facility Searches and Reports
Date: Wednesday, April 17, 2024
Time: 3:00pm – 4:00pm est
Registration: Webinar Registration – Zoom (zoomgov.com)
Join U.S. EPA for its next Enforcement and Compliance History Online (ECHO) webinar on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, 3:00-4:00 PM Eastern Time on ECHO Biosolids Facility Searches and Reports. This training focuses on the ECHO Facility Searches and Report under the Clean Water Act (CWA) National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program area biosolids. With the implementation of the NPDES Electronic Reporting Rule (eRule), facilities in the 41 states where EPA implements the Federal Biosolids Program and three authorized states (SD, TX, UT) began submitting electronic reports. This training provides an overview of the electronic reporting of biosolids annual reports, describes the biosolids data available on EPA’s Enforcement and Compliance History Online (ECHO), and includes a demonstration of navigating the Biosolids Facility and Annual Report search form, search results, and Biosolids Facility Report. Register at https://echo.epa.gov/help/training#upcoming to save your spot.
Register for the EPA’s UCMR 6 Pre-Proposal Webinar
Dates: Wednesday April 17 or Thursday April 18, 2024
Topics: A pre-proposal webinar on the development of the sixth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR 6)
- 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
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.
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.
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.
Very Small Water and Wastewater System Resilience CEU Program
Date: Thursday, April 18, 2024
Time: 2:00pm –3:30pm ET
Registration: Registration (gototraining.com)
EPA will provide a webinar for the Rural Community Assistance Corporation (RCAC) on the Very Small Drinking Water and Wastewater System Resilience Continuing education unit (CEU) Program, which encourages utilities that are not covered under AWIA Section 2013 to work one-on-one with a participating technical assistance provider to develop a robust Risk and Resilience Assessment (RRA) and Emergency Response Plan (ERP). Operators who completed this program could get CEU credit for their work, if allowed by their state or tribal operator certification program. Register Here
SWC Funding Webinar on Leveraging U.S. Forest Service BIL Funds for Source Water Protection
Date: April 22, 2024
Time: 1:00 – 2:30 pm ET
Register: HERE
The Source Water Collaborative is hosting its 3rd webinar as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) Webinar Series on April 22, 2024 from 1:00 – 2:30 PM Eastern Time titled Leveraging U.S. Forest Service BIL Funds for Source Water Protection on Forested Lands.
Hear from U.S. Forest Service (USFS) speakers about how major funding sources like BIL can be used for forest management projects with multiple benefits: watershed protection, wildfire mitigation, protection of aquatic resources, and protection of drinking water sources. The webinar is designed for State and Tribal water and forestry programs, water utilities, source water collaboratives and watershed groups, watershed, aquatic, and wildfire staff in the ten USFS Regions and Headquarters, conservation groups, conservation districts, and other forest and water stakeholders.
PFAS Subcommittee Call – Clean Water State Revolving Fund – Emerging Contaminants FAQ
Date: April 23, 2024
Time: 2:00-3:00 ET
On April 23rd, at 2:00pm EST, ACWA’s PFAS Subcommittee will be joined by EPA for a call on the Clean Water State Revolving Fund-Emerging Contaminants (CWSRF-EC) eligibility FAQ.
“The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law appropriates $1 billion over five years (FY 2022 to FY 2026) to the Clean Water State Revolving Fund specifically to address emerging contaminants, including perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in wastewater, stormwater, and nonpoint source pollution.
Answers to frequent questions to assist states in developing their application for Bipartisan Infrastructure Law capitalization grants for the CWSRF emerging contaminants funding may be found here: https://www.epa.gov/cwsrf/clean-water-state-revolving-fund-emerging-contaminants.”
To join this call, please register with this link.
DNA-Based Water Quality Monitoring Methods to Support Aquatic and Human Health
Date: April 24, 2024
Time: 2:00-3:15 ET
This is part of a free webinar series to share current research activities and results. Through innovative science and engineering, EPA’s researchers are developing cost-effective, sustainable solutions to 21st century complex water issues. The scientific results and innovative technologies developed support EPA’s mandate to protect the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of our Nation’s water resources, and to ensure safe drinking water and water systems.
You may register here.
NPDES Noncompliance Report (NNCR)
Join U.S. EPA for its next Enforcement and Compliance History Online (ECHO) webinar series on the NPDES Noncompliance Report or NNCR.
Register at https://echo.epa.gov/help/training#upcoming to save your spot at any of the upcoming trainings.
- Quarterly NNCR: DMR Reporting Violations (April 16, 2024, 3:00 – 4:00 pm ET)
- Quarterly NNCR: Effluent Exceedance (April 18, 2024, 2:30 – 4:00 pm ET)
- Quarterly NNCR: Schedule Violations (April 23, 2024, 12:00 – 1:00 pm ET)
- Quarterly NNCR: Single Event/Other Violations (April 25, 2024, 12:00 – 1:00 pm ET)
If you can’t make it, don’t worry, ECHO tutorials and recorded webinars are available at any time. Feel free to forward this announcement on to anyone who might be interested.
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 Infrastructure Finance Webinar: Opportunities to Advance Water Reuse – June 26, 2024
Date: June 26, 2024
Time: 1:00 pm ET
Register: Here
On June 26, 2024 at 1:00 pm ET, EPA will host an Infrastructure Finance Webinar: Opportunities to Advance Water Reuse. The webinar will highlight different federal infrastructure financing programs available for water reuse projects – including EPA’s Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds, the Bureau of Reclamation’s WaterSMART Title XVI Program, and USDA’s Rural Development. Representatives from the federal agencies will briefly discuss their funding programs, application requirements, and examples of previous water reuse projects funded under those programs.
Job Opportunities
Program Manager – Drinking Water Source Protection Program
Location: Albany, NY
Closing Date: April 14, 2024
To apply, submit cover letter, resume, and a brief writing sample by email to jobs@neiwpcc.org by April 14, 2024. Please reference #24-NYS-SW-DOH-002 in the email subject line. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, accepting applications until the position is filled. A full position description and benefits listing may be viewed at: https://neiwpcc.org/about-us/careers.
Senior Wastewater Engineer
Location: Boise, ID
Closing Date: April 19, 2024
In the role of Senior Wastewater Engineer, you will engage in advanced, specialized, and technical engineering analysis, employing diversified engineering principles and practices to achieve critical environmental goals. You will support the development and interpretation of permit requirements, compliance schedules, and enforcement-related documents. Collaborating with regional engineering managers and technical/staff engineers, you will develop essential wastewater engineering technical documents and guidance material, such as guidance, SOPs, policies, and memoranda, standardizing practices across the board. Your responsibilities include the classification of wastewater treatment plants and collection systems, considering a myriad of factors such as size, capacity, and technology, to ensure these facilities meet rigorous standards. Furthermore, you will evaluate and approve septic tank designs for residential and commercial developments, adhering to state standards for capacity, safety, and environmental impact, while also keeping abreast of new-to-Idaho technologies and treatment processes to propel the state’s wastewater management into the future.
For more information and to apply, visit Idaho Department of Environmental Quality.
Information Officer – Resource Room Coordinator
Location: Burlington & Grand Isle, VT
Closing Date: April 21, 2024
To apply, submit your cover letter and resume by email to jobs@neiwpcc.org by April 21, 2024. Please reference #24-LCBP-005 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.
Assistant Environmental Analyst – Hudson River Stewardship
Location: Staatsburg, NY
Closing Date: April 21, 2024
To apply, submit a cover letter, resume, and a brief writing sample by email to jobs@neiwpcc.org by April 21, 2024. Please reference #24-HRNERR-003 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 Analyst 1
Location: Hartford, CT
Closing Date: April 23, 2024
For more information and to apply, visit State of Connecticut Executive Branch Jobs.
Policy Support Planner
Location: Multiple Locations Statewide, WA
Closing Date: Continuous
The Water Resources (WR) program within the Department of Ecology is looking to fill a Policy Support Planner (Environmental Planner 4) position. This position can be located in any of the following locations:
Headquarters Office in Lacey, WA.
Northwest Region Office (NWRO) in Shoreline, WA.
Central Region Office (CRO) in Union Gap, WA.
Eastern Region Office (ERO) in Spokane, WA.
For more information and to apply, visit State of Washington Job Opportunities.
Senior General Permits Manager
Location: Spokane, 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.
Lead Permit Developer/Facility Manager
Location: Yakima County – Union Gap, WA
Closing Date: Continuous
For more information and to apply, visit State of Washington Job Opportunities.
Hydrogeologist 2
Location: Spokane, WA
Closing Date: Continuous
For more information and to apply, visit State of Washington Job Opportunities.
Hydropower Projects Manager, SW Region
Location: Thurston County – Lacey, 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 Job Opportunities page.
