News
EPA Issues Final List of Contaminants for Potential Regulatory Consideration in Drinking Water, Significantly Increases PFAS Chemicals for Review
EPA published the Final Fifth Drinking Water Contaminant Candidate List (CCL 5), which will serve as the basis for EPA’s regulatory considerations over the next five-year cycle under the Safe Drinking Water Act. This update includes a substantial expansion of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), an important first step towards identifying additional PFAS that may require regulation under the Safe Drinking Water Act. In addition to a group of PFAS, the Final CCL 5 includes 66 individually listed chemicals, two additional chemical groups (cyanotoxins and disinfection byproducts (DBPs)), and 12 microbes.
More information on the final Fifth Contaminant Candidate List (CCL 5).
EPA Awards Research Grants to Identify and Measure Economic Benefits of Improved Water Quality
This week, EPA announced grants to four universities totaling $2,964,932 for research to refine the measurement of benefits of water quality improvements, either directly or through indicators. While quantifying these benefits can help support national, state, tribal, and local water quality decision-making, there are many gaps in the existing research, such as the valuation of water quality improvements in many areas, the benefits of improvements to coastal areas, and how water quality changes may impact underserved communities. To address these and other research gaps, the funded projects will evaluate economic benefits and costs, including predicting the environmental justice and other distributional consequences of surface water quality improvements nationwide.
The following universities are receiving awards:
- University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minn., to identify water quality improvements and river restoration along the Mississippi River to improve the understanding of the benefits, costs, and equity considerations of investments that improve water quality.
- University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wis., to collect data and select models quantifying stressors in watersheds to estimate the economic benefits of surface water quality improvements in nationwide locations in a scientifically valid manner.
- University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, to use a two-stage model to produce regional water quality valuation estimates for three under-studied regions.
- University of Missouri, Columbia, Mo., to conduct research with community partners to assess how different populations value water quality improvements and aquatic resources in Midwest reservoirs.
Association Updates
ACWA Responds to EPA’s Memo “Accelerating Nutrient Pollution Reductions in the Nation’s Waters”
This week, ACWA has sent a response letter to EPA regarding their memo “Accelerating Nutrient Pollution Reductions in the Nation’s Waters.” This response letter was headed by the Nutrients Policy Committee with input from many states and ACWA’s board. You can read the letter here.
Meetings and Webinars
2023 National NPDES Meeting
February 28 – March 2, 2023
Washington, DC
This is a closed meeting intended to help support states and EPA to build staff capacity, identify challenges & barriers to NPDES program implementation, highlight opportunities for permitting authority program improvement & enhancement, showcase NPDES program innovations, assist with analysis of training, guidance, tools, and other support material needs, improve administrative efficiencies, clarify roles and responsibilities, build stronger linkages to other programs, modernize permit terms, improve data management, discuss program performance measures, identify program areas where targeted technical assistance would be most beneficial, and attempt to solve some of the most intractable NPDES Program issues.
Updated information about this meeting can be found here.
Job Opportunities
Senior Environmental Engineer | Iowa Department of Natural Resources
Location: Des Moines, IA
Closing Date: November 4, 2022
Are you looking for a senior engineer position in water quality? Are you ready to assist the Iowa Department of Natural Resources in furthering its mission of conserving and enhancing our natural resources in cooperation with individuals and organizations to improve the quality of life in Iowa and ensure a legacy for future generations? If so, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources has an exciting opportunity for an Environmental Engineer Senior to lead waste load engineer and water quality standards teams that might be perfect for you! This vacancy is in the Water Quality Monitoring and Assessment Section of the Environmental Services Division’s Water Quality Bureau.
For more information, click here.
Environmental Analyst – Training Specialist | NEIWPCC
Location: Lowell, MA
Closing Date: November 13, 2022
This entry-level position is great opportunity to advance your wastewater knowledge; learn virtual and in-person training and presentation skills; participate in development of new self-paced learning; network with industry professionals; and grow over the long-term into leadership within a well-respected regional organization. NEIWPCC offers tremendous potential for learning and professional growth, in a fun, flexible, and inclusive environment.
For more information, click here.
