News
EPA Releases Administering Community Project Funding and Congressionally Directed Spending (CPF/CDS)
Congress directed the EPA to evaluate Community Project Funding and Congressional Directed Funding and to provide a report to the Congressional Appropriations Committees. This report is responsive to the Congressional direction in the Explanatory Statement accompanying the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024 (P.L. 118-42), which instructs the EPA to submit a report “proposing efficient solutions for increasing the Agency’s effectiveness and timeliness in administering [water] Community Project Funding and Congressionally Directed Spending [(CPF/CDS)] projects.” The report describes the program’s accomplishments and provides updates and areas of opportunity for additional streamlining from the EPA.
Releases UCMR5 Data
EPA released the sixth set of national drinking water data collected under the fifth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR 5) for 29 PFAS and lithium. In the latest action to deliver on EPA’s PFAS Strategic Roadmap, UCMR 5 will provide new data that will improve the EPA’s understanding of the frequency and how much of the 29 PFAS and lithium are found in the nation’s drinking water systems. The UCMR 5 data for 29 PFAS will also enable a better understanding of where and to what extent different PFAS co-occur with each other in drinking water.
The monitoring data for 29 PFAS and lithium will help the agency make science-based determinations about future actions to protect public health under the Safe Drinking Water Act. It will also show if communities are disproportionately impacted by these contaminants. The sixth quarterly release includes all results received for UCMR 5 since the start of monitoring through October 10, 2024. The data released to date now represent approximately 55% of the total results the EPA expects to receive by completion of data reporting in 2026. With the normal lag between sample collection, analysis, and reporting, the data represent approximately 6 (of 12) quarters of monitoring results (i.e., Q1 2023 through Q2 2024). The sixth quarterly release includes approximately 1.1 million sample results for 7,237 public water systems. The EPA will continue to update the results quarterly in the UCMR 5 Data Finder, UCMR 5 Data Summary, and Occurrence Data Files. The UCMR 5 resources and Q&A also reflect that six of the 29 PFAS for which monitoring data are being collected are part of the EPA’s final PFAS National Primary Drinking Water Regulation (NPDWR). The EPA continues to conduct research and monitor advances in techniques that may improve our ability to measure these and other contaminants at even lower levels.
UCMR 5 sixth quarterly data release includes updates to:
- UCMR 5 Data Finder – Allows the public, along with federal, state, and local agencies, to easily locate, view, and summarize specific UCMR 5 results, as well as download those results to an Excel (.xlsx) spreadsheet. Results can be filtered by multiple fields. A video demo is available. Please use (and encourage your states) to use this tool for accessing the publicly available results.
- Occurrence Data Text Files – Recommended for those interested in large-scale data processing using statistical or data analysis software. These files contain analytical results and the additional data element and ZIP Code information reported by participating public water systems.
- UCMR 5 Data Summary – National summary statistics by contaminant, health effects information, data considerations, and data definitions for the UCMR 5 Data Finder and Occurrence Data Text Files.
- UCMR 5 Website Q&A – Answers to common questions on accessing and understanding the UCMR 5 data, and on PFAS and lithium in drinking water.
EPA Awarding $2.4 million to the Deep South Center for Environmental Justice (DSCEJ) Louisiana Gulf Coast Grantmaking Project (LGCGP)
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Gulf of Mexico Division is awarding the Deep South Center for Environmental Justice (DSCEJ) Louisiana Gulf Coast Grantmaking Project (LGCGP) $2.4 million. The Louisiana Gulf Coast Grantmakers Project (LGCGP) is designed to build the capacity of environmental justice communities in coastal Louisiana parishes to respond to the impact of systemic inequities, and the impact of climate change and water quality/water justice issues in their communities. The DSCEJ will be focusing on aiding multiple parishes throughout the state of Louisiana. The Gulf of Mexico Division is a non-regulatory program of EPA founded to facilitate collaborative actions to protect, maintain, and restore the health and productivity of the Gulf of Mexico. The Gulf of Mexico Division continues to maintain and expand partnerships with state and federal agencies, federally recognized tribes, local governments and authorities, academia, regional business and industry, agricultural and environmental organizations, and individual citizens and communities. For more information on this award, please visit this webpage.
EPA Secures Commitment with Air Force to Protect Communities from PFAS Concerns in Tucson Drinking Water
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has determined that the U.S. Air Force, with its plan of action to address per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) concerns related to Tucson’s drinking water, is now in compliance with the Safe Drinking Water Act Order issued by EPA on May 29, 2024. EPA will actively oversee actions by the Air Force to ensure communities are protected from exposure to PFAS and that will allow Tucson to use its groundwater resources for drinking water.
The EPA is firmly committed to exercising its authority to protect public health and carrying out its essential oversight role. This includes using EPA’s enforcement powers and other tools to safeguard communities from PFAS contamination. These actions are identified in EPA’s PFAS Strategic Roadmap and the new National Enforcement and Compliance Initiative to protect communities from PFAS exposure.
For more information, please visit this webpage.
USGS Seeks Bolstered Water Monitoring
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is seeking to reinforce EPA and other monitoring of PFAS-contaminated drinking water after issuing a study that estimates that while 20 percent of the U.S. population may be drinking PFAS-contaminated groundwater, much of their water is not sampled. USGS also illustrated the data on an interactive map that people can use to see probability estimates of PFAS occurrence. While recent studies have developed state-wide models to predict PFAS concentrations and occurrence, the USGS effort is the first national predictive model of PFAS occurrence in groundwater at the depths of drinking-water supplies across the United States prior to any treatment.
EPA Proposes Residual Designation Authority MA
EPA Region 1 is proposing Preliminary Designation of certain stormwater discharges from commercial, industrial, and institutional properties with one acre or more of impervious surface in the Charles, Neponset, and Mystic River watersheds in Massachusetts for regulation under NPDES stormwater program. Concurrently, Region is providing notice of availability of a draft NPDES General Permit for these properties which requires implementation of Best Management Practices (“BMPs”) and requirements/limitations to meet water quality standards. EPA plans to hold two virtual public meetings – January 7, 2025, at 7 p.m. Eastern Time and January 9, 2025, at 7 p.m. Eastern Time. To register to speak at the virtual hearing, please use the online registration form available at: https://www.epa.gov/npdes-permits/notice-preliminary-designation-certain-stormwater-discharges-commonwealth. Comments are due by January 29, 2025.A copy of the Federal Register notice for this designation and draft general permit can be found here. Federal Register Notice of Preliminary Designation of Certain Stormwater Discharges in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Poor Data Management Hinders Oversight of State Revolving Fund Programs
The USEPA IG has identified concerns regarding how some states collect and store subrecipient and contractor data for the Clean Water State Revolving Funds. In early 2024, the IG sent each of the states a survey requesting information on how each CWSRF and DWSRF program collects and stores subrecipient and contractor data. According to the results of our survey, states are not uniformly collecting and storing data in structured machine-readable formats. Thousands of subrecipients, such as local governments, have received CWSRF and DWSRF awards in recent years. These subrecipients often hire contractors to perform work, and it is not uncommon that a single infrastructure project would have several contractors working on it. To provide oversight of the awards process, project performance, and contractor payments, it is essential to analyze losing and winning bid data, contract agreements, and billing and invoice information to identify any potential fraud, waste, abuse, or mismanagement within the program. States that collect and store contractor data in unstructured formats, such as scanned PDFs, make it difficult for us to execute automated data analytical reviews and necessitate our use of more resources and manual effort to conduct our oversight responsibilities. The IG sent a copy of the report to the Office of Water’s Acting Assistant Administrator so that the Agency can may take whatever steps it deems appropriate. A copy of the management report can be found here: Management Implication Report: Poor Data Management Hinders Oversight of State Clean and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund Programs | OIG
Environmental Organizations Call for Emergency EPA Intervention to Address Nitrate Pollution in Groundwater Drinking Supplies
A coalition of 23 environmental groups is seeking to meet with EPA’s water chief to discuss and evaluate how the agency can address “widespread” nitrate pollution that is contaminating drinking water, an effort aimed in part at ensuring a consistent response from the agency’s regions as they weigh multiple “emergency” petitions seeking to address the pollution.
The groups, including Food & Water Watch (F&WW), Center for Biological Diversity, Environmental Working Group and others, sent Bruno Pigott, acting assistant administrator for EPA’s water office, an Oct. 29 letter requesting a meeting to discuss how the agency “can address this widespread problem with a cohesive, coordinated response that reflects the scope and urgency of this national crisis.” According to an Oct. 29 press release from F&WW, the groups are seeking emergency intervention by EPA under section 1431 of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), which provides the agency with the authority to order actions when an “imminent and substantial endangerment exists” and the actions taken by the state and/or local authorities are inadequate to protect public health.
ACWA’s Nutrients Policy Committee is monitoring this issue and will continue to provide updates to state regulators. Please reach out to Ward Scott (wscott@acwa-us.org) with any questions or updates.
Association Updates
2025 Mid-Year Meeting Registration – Draft Agenda & Hotel Room Block Now Available!
Dates: March 12 & 13, 2025
Venue: Hilton Alexandria Old Town, Alexandria, VA
The draft agenda and hotel room block for the upcoming 2025 ACWA Mid-Year Meeting are now available. This year’s meeting will take place on March 12 & 13, 2025 in Alexandria, VA. 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 room block will close on February 18, 2025.
Check back here for more updates. Registration will be live soon.
Meetings and Webinars
CRWU National Webinar Series
US EPA’s Creating Resilient Water Utilities (CRWU) Initiative is excited to offer a new webinar series sharing climate adaptation stories of drinking water and wastewater utilities.
- Gain insight into addressing climate challenges, building resilience, and incorporating environmental justice efforts.
- Learn how to use CRWU’s tools and information for solutions, climate- and weather-related vulnerabilities, and funding options
Join for any or all of the following sessions:
- December 3, 2024 (1:00 PM ET / 10:00 AM PT)
- December 5, 2024 (1:00 PM ET / 10:00 AM PT)
- December 10, 2024 (1:00 PM ET / 10:00 AM PT)
- December 12, 2024 (1:00 PM ET / 10:00 AM PT)
The Individual Lagoon Tool and the Small Lagoon Communities Economic Streamlining Tool
November 7, 1:00 PM-3:00 PM
These tools are designed to help states, authorized Tribes, and communities determine whether a water quality standards (WQS) variance is an appropriate step to take when a small community is experiencing compliance challenges related to ammonia. Both tools are accompanied by an implementation document titled “Applying the EPA’s Economic Analysis Tools to a WQS Variance for Ammonia for Small Lagoon Communities.”
This webinar will give an overview of how the Individual Lagoon Tool and the Small Lagoon Communities Economic Streamlining Tool can be used to streamline the economic analysis needed to demonstrate the need for a WQS variance, where appropriate, consistent with the EPA’s regulation and economic guidance. The webinar will also provide a demonstration of each tool and discuss the EPA’s guidance on developing an ammonia WQS variance based on the outputs from the tools.
Click here to register
Job Opportunities
Land Compliance Manager
Location: Duluth, Brainerd, Detroit Lakes, St. Paul, Rochester, Mankato, Marshall, MN
Closing Date: October 30, 2024
Job ID #: 80789
For more information and to apply, visit Minnesota Careers.
Compliance Inspector
Location: Helena, MT
Closing Date: November 3, 2024
For more information and to apply, visit State of Montana Careers.
Environmental Engineer (TMDL Engineer)
Location: Des Moines, Iowa
Closing Date: November 8th, 2024
Job Number: 25-00946
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking a qualified and motivated Environmental Engineer to support the development, implementation, and oversight of the Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) program, also known as Water Quality Improvement Plans. This position plays a critical role in addressing water quality issues in impaired water bodies throughout Iowa. The Environmental Engineer will apply a variety of technical, analytical, and collaborative skills to assess pollution sources, develop TMDLs, and facilitate compliance with state and federal water quality regulations.
For specific job duties, requirements, and application information, visit: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/iowa/jobs/4695623/tmdl-engineer?keywords=TMDL%20En&pagetype=jobOpportunitiesJobs
Closed Landfill Hydrogeologist
Location: Duluth, Brainerd, Detroit Lakes, St. Paul, Rochester, Mankato, Marshall, MN
Closing Date: November 13, 2024
Job ID # 81128
For more information and to apply, visit Minnesota Careers.
Environmental Analyst – Data Scientist
Location: Albany, NY
Closing Date: November 17, 2024
To apply, submit cover letter, resume, and a brief writing sample by email to jobs@neiwpcc.org by November 17, 2024. Please reference #25-NYS-DOW-DEC-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.
Feasibility Workgroup Leader
Location: Denver, CO
Closing Date: November 17, 2024
This position will lead a team that provides information, scientific analysis, and policy and regulatory recommendation services to the Water Quality Control Commission (WQCC). The unit’s work includes researching and analyzing complex water quality topics to support the development, implementation, and review of water quality standards variances, consistent with the federal Clean Water Act and Colorado Water Quality Control Act. This includes researching water/wastewater treatment technologies, assessing the cost and effectiveness of these technologies, developing alternatives analyses based on this information, and evaluating technological, economic, and environmental feasibility of alternatives.
Standards variance and feasibility work is focused on small, rural, and disadvantaged or disproportionately impacted communities, and holistically considers health equity and environmental justice principles. This unit also provides technical assistance and support to the WQCD and other agencies, develops standards implementation guidance, and assists other department programs implementing water quality standards.
If you are interested in this position please apply here or reach out to blake.beyea@state.co.us with any questions or for more information.
Permit Writer (Environmental Engineer 3) (2 positions)
Location: Spokane, WA
Closing Date: Continuous
For more information and to apply, visit Washington’s Job Opportunities webpage.
General Permit Data Specialist/Permit Administrator (Environmental Specialist 3)
Location: Lacey, WA
Closing Date: Continuous
For more information and to apply, visit Washington’s Job Opportunities webpage.
Environmental Program Specialist (Office Administrator)
Location: Brooklyn, NY
Closing Date: Nov. 29, 2024
The Interstate Environmental Commission is seeking an Environmental Program Specialist to serve as an Office Administrator, The incumbent will support the Executive Director in office administration, fiscal management, contract and grant management, benefits administration and human resources administration. Duties include data management and administrative support, reviewing and forwarding vendor invoices for approval and payment, preparing invoices, assisting with onboarding new employees, ensuring compliance with contract and award conditions, and assisting with various other tasks as needed.
The ideal candidate will hold a bachelor’s degree with at least 3 years professional experience in an office setting. Proficiency with Excel, Quickbooks Online, exceptional organization skills and attention to detail, with a proven ability to multi-task and prioritize required. A bachelor’s degree in business management and experience with grant management, financial reporting, and benefits administration preferred. Knowledge, experience with and interest in aspects of environmental issues, particularly in relation to water quality preferred.
To apply, send a cover letter and resume by November 29th, 2024 to jobs@iec-nynjct.org . Please reference position number 24-007 in the e-mail subject line.
Environmental Analyst (Septic System Replacement Coordinator)
Location: Brooklyn, NY
Closing Date: Nov. 29, 2024
The Interstate Environmental Commission is seeking an Environmental Analyst to provide overall coordination and management of a program that provides critical funding to New York State counties to assist homeowners with replacing inadequate septic systems that impair water quality. Funded by EPA’s Long Island Sound Office (LISO) Bipartisan Infrastructure Law pass-through funds, the program will supplement state and county funding to support additional Innovative Alternative On-Site Individual Wastewater Systems (I/A OWTS) systems in Nassau and Suffolk counties, which discharge into the Long Island Sound watershed.
The incumbent will oversee the maintenance of contracts and contract documents with NYSDEC, Nassau and Suffolk counties, review reimbursement requests from the counties, prepare quarterly invoices to NYSDEC, compile data to support program evaluation and track and prepare reporting requirement documents. The incumbent will also assist with outreach and communication efforts in conjunction with the counties to educate the public about the program, and support other IEC projects, as required.
The ideal candidate will hold a bachelor’s degree with at least 3 years technical or professional experience in an office setting. Proficiency with Excel, Quickbooks Online, exceptional organization skills and attention to detail, with a proven ability to multi-task and prioritize required. Experience with grant management, budgeting, and financial reporting preferred. Knowledge, experience with and interest in environmental issues, particularly in relation to septic systems, wastewater treatment and water quality preferred. To apply, send a cover letter and resume by November 29th, 2024 to jobs@iec-nynjct.org . Please reference position number 24-008 in the e-mail subject line.
Be sure to check out other opportunities on ACWA’s Job Opportunities page.
