News
CGP Published in the Federal Register
Last week EPA published in the Federal Register final modification to its 2022 Construction General Permit (CGP) to expand the list of areas eligible for coverage to include construction projects in all “Lands of Exclusive Federal Jurisdiction.” The permit indicates this modification is necessary because the “EPA is the permitting authority in Lands of Exclusive Federal Jurisdiction, and when the CGP was issued on February 17, 2022, the permit did not specifically provide eligibility for these areas as a class.” The modification also clarifies the CGP requirements that apply to projects that discharge to receiving waters in response to the Supreme Court’s recent decision in City and County of San Francisco v. EPA. The permit modification and accompanying permit fact sheet can be found at Construction General Permit (CGP) | US EPA.
MSGP Comment Period Extension Published in the Federal Register
The comment period for the proposed 2026 Multi-Sector General Permit (MSGP) has been reopened in response to stakeholder requests for more time. The EPA is reopening the comment period and comments must be received on or before May 19, 2025. Federal Register : NPDES MSGP; Reopening of Comment Period
EPA Announces Appointment of Amy Van Blarcom-Lackey as Regional Administrator for Mid-Atlantic
Administrator Lee Zeldin announced that President Donald J. Trump appointed Amy Van Blarcom-Lackey as EPA’s Mid-Atlantic (Region 3) Regional Administrator. Van Blarcom-Lackey has a distinguished history of service, having been appointed as the first Agricultural Ombudsman in the state of Pennsylvania where she served as a crucial link to agriculture communities, addressing conflicts related to agriculture, land use, and environmental planning. She brings more than a decade of experience as a lobbyist for both state and federal agricultural interests and over 20 years of experience in finance and business management.
Association Updates
Save The Date for ACWA’s 64th Annual Meeting in Madison, WI!
Dates: August 13-15th, 2025
Board of Directors will meet August 12th, 2025.
Lodging is now open for reservation!
Venue:
The Madison Concourse Hotel and Governor’s Club
One West Dayton Street, Madison, WI 53703
Room rate: $138 per night
View the draft agenda here.
Registration and more information will be coming soon. Check back here for more details.
2025 ACWA CWA Cross-Program Workshop – Registration and Draft Agenda
Dates: July 21-23, 2025
Location: Chicago (Rosemont), IL
Registration is now open for the 2025 CWA Cross-Program Workshop on July 21-23, 2025, in Chicago (Rosemont) at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare. The theme for this year’s Workshop will be “CWA Cross-Program Coordination to Improve Nutrient Management and Address Nutrient Pollution.” The 2025 Workshop is the third annual Cross-Program Workshop held in cooperation with EPA.
Registration: Please click here to register. There is no registration fee for this event.
Agenda: View the draft agenda here.
Objective: CWA Cross-Program Workshops are intended to bring together state, territorial, and federal CWA program administrators to discuss and share ways in which cross-program coordination and collaboration can be strengthened to more effectively and efficiently protect and restore our waters. The 2025 Workshop will focus on opportunities and challenges for administrators of CWA Sections 303(c), 303(d), and 402 in coordinating nutrient management and responses to nutrient pollution.
State, territorial, and federal clean water leaders will identify cross-program challenges and barriers to CWA implementation in the nutrients space; 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.
Participants: The Workshop target audience will be state/territorial clean water regulators with practical experience and responsibilities in supporting and managing CWA Section 303(c), 303(d), and/or 402 programs, particularly in the nutrients space, 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/territorial travel support in the form of a post-Workshop reimbursement. Please contact Ward Scott before June 1, if you know you will require travel support to attend the Workshop.
Hotel: Book your hotel room here. The room block will close June 30, 2025.
Website: 2025 Clean Water Cross-Program Workshop – Event Page
Meetings and Webinars
U.S. EPA and Department of the Army: “Waters of the United States” Listening Sessions for States
On April 29, 2025, from 9:30 am to 12:00 pm ET, EPA and the Department of the Army (Civil Works) will host a “Waters of the United States” (WOTUS) listening session for states. Please click here to register to attend virtually (no later than 12:00 pm ET on Monday, April 28). Note that this listening session is exclusively for participants from state government agencies and state associations.
On March 12, 2025, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin announced the agencies’ intent to revise the definition of WOTUS to follow the clear direction of the Supreme Court in Sackett while eliminating red tape, cutting compliance costs, and reducing the cost of living. To achieve this vision, the agencies will develop a proposed rule to revise the 2023 definition of WOTUS.
This listening session is intended to help EPA and Army understand stakeholders’ real-world perspectives and experiences with WOTUS implementation to inform the agencies’ upcoming proposed rule. The agencies are seeking input on key topics related to the definition of “waters of the United States,” consistent with the Supreme Court’s ruling in Sackett vs. EPA, regarding “continuous surface connection,” “relatively permanent,” and jurisdictional versus non-jurisdictional ditches.
Please reach out to wotus-outreach@epa.gov with any questions about this event and see additional information on the EPA’s Waters of the United States webpage.
National Water and Wastewater Sector Cybersecurity Drill
Tuesday, April 29 – 1:00 – 2:00 pm (ET)
Register here
EPA is hosting a cybersecurity drill for drinking water and wastewater utilities to provide an opportunity for participants to test their ability to respond to a cybersecurity incident and practice manual operations.
Interested water systems may also participate in a 1-hour informational session designed specifically for systems interested in testing transition to manual operations.
Continuing education credits may be available. Please check the registration site for your state.
Water and Wastewater Cybersecurity Vulnerability Snapshot Quarterly Webinar
Wednesday, April 30– 2:00 – 3:00 pm (ET)
Register here
The EPA and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) will provide an overview of the cybersecurity vulnerabilities identified at water and wastewater systems via CISA’s Free Cyber Vulnerability Scanning for Water Utilities and EPA’s Proactive Vulnerability Identification Program for Water and Wastewater Systems. EPA and CISA will share cybersecurity best practices for water and wastewater systems to limit exposure to these common vulnerabilities.
Job Opportunities
Upcoming Announcement: Colorado Water Quality Standards Feasibility Unit – Small Communities Feasibility Coordinator
This position is part of a team that provides scientific analysis, policy and regulatory recommendations, and other technical information to the Water Quality Control Commission (WQCC). The unit’s work involves researching and analyzing complex water quality topics to support the development, implementation, and review of water quality standards variances in accordance with the federal Clean Water Act and the Colorado Water Quality Control Act.
Our team’s Small Community Feasibility Coordinator develops economic, technological, and environmental feasibility tools to scale our program’s support for small communities working to improve water quality. This work includes connecting with communities and conducting technical work to support the development of robust policy proposals that maximize feasible water quality progress throughout Colorado. By evaluating cost-effective and practical approaches, the coordinator ensures that small communities have the resources and insights needed to implement sustainable improvements while considering their unique constraints.
An ideal candidate:
- Effectively translates engineering concepts for decision-makers and communities.
- Conducts independent research and develops clear, actionable resources.
- Understands policy, economics, and philosophy and their impact on water quality.
- Solves problems proactively, connecting people, data, and systems.
If you’re interested in this position, enjoy solving difficult problems, and having a meaningful impact, please reach out to blake.beyea@state.co.us with any questions or for more information. The official job announcement is expected to open (Spring 2025).
Environmental Technician, Marine Unit, Maine DEP (Anticipated Vacancy)
Location: Augusta, ME
Closing Date: April 25, 2025
For more information and to apply, click here.
Environmental Specialist
Location: Rochester, Marshall, or Detroit lakes, MN
Closing Date: May 7, 2025
For more information and to apply, visit Minnesota Careers.
Water Quality Program Manager (EMS Band 4)
Location: Thurston County, WA
Closing Date: May 8, 2025
For more information and to apply, visit Ecology Job Opportunities.
Information Officer – Education and Outreach
Location: Grand Isle, VT
Closing Date: May 11, 2025
To apply, submit your cover letter, resume and writing sample by email to jobs@neiwpcc.org. Please reference #25-LCBP-007 in the email subject line. Preference given to applicants who apply by May 11, 2025. Accepting applications until the position is filled. A full position description may be viewed at: https://neiwpcc.org/about-us/careers.
Program Manager – Education and Outreach
Location: Grand Isle, VT
Closing Date: May 11, 2025
To apply, submit your cover letter, resume, and writing sample by email to jobs@neiwpcc.org. Please reference #25-LCBP-006 in the email subject line. Preference given to applicants who apply by May 11, 2025. Accepting applications until the position is filled. A full position description may be viewed at: https://neiwpcc.org/about-us/careers.
Be sure to check out other opportunities on ACWA’s Job Opportunities page.
