News
EPA Announces Plans to Clarify 404 Program Assumption
EPA announced in the spring regulatory agenda its intention to clarify the 404 program assumption process for states interested in taking over the program. This action is in response to the NACEPT’s recommendations regarding how EPA could provide clarity on which waters are assumable pursuant to section 404(g)(1) of the CWA. Several ACWA member states participated in the NACEPT subcommittee that produced the report. EPA will engage in rulemaking to provide greater clarity on the requirements for state and tribal assumption of the Clean Water Act Section 404(g) program.
Oil and Gas Extraction Study
This week, EPA announced they will be pursuing a new study that will “take a holistic look at how EPA, states, and stakeholders regulate and manage wastewater from the oil and gas industry. The focus of this study will be to consider different approaches to manage wastewater from both conventional and unconventional oil and gas extraction at onshore facilities. The study will consider “how existing federal approaches to produce water management under the Clean Water Act can interact more effectively with state regulations, requirements or policy needs, and whether any potential federal regulations that may allow for broader discharge of treated produced water to surface waters are supported.” EPA will be reaching out directly to states and other stakeholders that regulate and manage the large volumes of wastewater generated by this industry. Currently, the most of this wastewater is injected underground. The challenges with injection are evident in some areas, and new approaches are becoming necessary. Likewise, some stakeholders are raising concerns with this practice in areas of the country where water is scarce and injecting it makes it unavailable for use. In the coming months, EPA plans to reach out to stakeholders — including states, industry and NGOs — to facilitate conversations. Following this study, EPA will determine if future agency actions are appropriate to further address oil and gas extraction wastewater. For more information please visit https://www.epa.gov/eg/study-oil-and-gas-extraction-wastewater-management.
EPA Releases Five-Year Review of the 2012 Recreational Water Quality Criteria
The EPA Office of Water released the Five-year Review of the 2012 Recreational Water Quality Criteria (RWQC), as required by the BEACH Act amendments to the Clean Water Act. The goal of the report was to determine if the revisions to the 2012 RWQC was necessary. The review focused on the science used in the protection of human health in water designated for primary contact. The report found it unnecessary to update the 2012 RWQC and that further research and analysis will contribute to the EPA’s future review of the 2012 RWQC. The report is available in full here.
Association Updates
Water Photos
Do you have scenic water photos from your state? We’d love for you to share! ACWA is looking for water photos from across the country to include in marketing materials, such as meeting agendas and the annual report. If you have any photos, please send them to Katie Foreman, with a description including the location of the photo and the photographer’s name and affiliation.
Member365 Frequently Asked Questions
We have added a new FAQ page to our website under the “Members” tab. If you are new to our association management system, Member365, or are still trying to get the hang of it, please see this page to help you get acquainted with some of Member365’s features.
Meetings
2018 Nutrients Permitting Workshop
The lodging deadline has been extended! If you are planning to attend the June 2018 Nutrients Permitting Workshop in Columbus, Ohio, you must make your reservation by Friday, May 17, 2018. Lodging is available at the Sheraton Columbus Hotel at Capitol Square. Please make your reservation ASAP!
The 2018 Nutrients Permitting Workshop will be held June 5-7, 2018 in Columbus, Ohio at the Riffe Government Center, 77 S. High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215. If you plan to attend the meeting, you must register. Please do so by Friday May 18, 2018. To register for the meeting, go here. To view the most recent draft agenda, go here.
For more information on the meeting, please contact Mark Patrick McGuire.
Job Opportunities
Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection is searching for an Assistant Director for Water Planning in the Water Planning and Management Division. The Planning Section of the Water Planning and Management Division oversees four functional units: Water Monitoring, Water Quality, Water Quantity, and Watersheds. The Assistant Director’s duties will be to assist in directing the policy, regulatory and technical programs associated with these units. For more information, go here.
Be sure to check out other opportunities on ACWA’s website!
Coming Soon…
ACWA Legal Affairs Committee Quarterly Call
Thursday, May 24, 2:00 – 3:15 pm EST
This call will focus on the various cases involving hydrologic connection currently in progress. The call will consist of a panel of experts briefly discussing relevant cases with discussion to follow. For call in information, contact Mark Patrick McGuire
MSA/Watersheds Committee Call
Topic: Automated Assessment
May 16, 2018, 2:30-4:00 pm EST
For more information email Julian Gonzalez
Watersheds Committee Call
May 24, 2018, 2:30-4:00 pm EST
For more information email Julian Gonzalez
