News
EPA Finalizes Rule to Require Enhanced PFAS Reporting to Toxics Release Inventory
EPA finalized a rule that improves reporting on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) to the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) by eliminating an exemption that allowed facilities to avoid reporting information on PFAS when those chemicals were used in small concentrations.
TRI data is reported to EPA annually by facilities in industry sectors such as manufacturing, metal mining, electric power generation, chemical manufacturing and hazardous waste treatment, as well as federal facilities that manufacture, process, or otherwise use notable quantities of TRI-listed chemicals. The data include quantities of chemicals that were released into the environment or otherwise managed as waste. Information collected through TRI allows communities to learn how facilities in their area are managing listed chemicals. The data collected also help support informed decision-making by companies, government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and the public. Among the updated online TRI tools, communities can use EPA’s TRI Toxics Tracker to map the locations of TRI-reporting facilities and find out about their chemical releases, other chemical waste management practices, and pollution prevention activities.
The 2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) initially added 172 PFAS to the list of chemicals covered by TRI for the 2021 reporting year and provided a framework to automatically add other PFAS in future years. The NDAA also required facilities to report on those chemicals if they manufacture, process or otherwise use more than 100 pounds of the substance, which is lower than the reporting threshold for most other TRI-listed chemicals. However, the previous Administration codified the NDAA provisions in a manner that did not address the availability of the de-minimis exemption or other burden reduction provisions to the reporting requirement that allowed facilities that report to TRI to disregard and avoid reporting on minimal concentrations of PFAS chemicals.
By designating PFAS as “chemicals of special concern” for TRI-reporting purposes, this rule eliminates the availability of that exemption for TRI-listed PFAS and requires facilities to report on PFAS regardless of their concentration in mixtures, since many PFAS are used in low concentrations in mixtures, and the continued availability of the exemption for PFAS would permit facilities to discount those uses when determining their TRI reporting responsibilities. The rule also makes the previous exemption unavailable for purposes of supplier notification requirements to downstream facilities for all chemicals on the list of chemicals of special concern, which also includes additional chemicals that, like PFAS, remain in the environment for long periods of time and build up in the body like lead, mercury, and dioxins. This change helps ensure that purchasers of mixtures and trade name products containing these chemicals are informed of their presence in mixtures and products they purchase.
National Stormwater Day – NMSA
The National Municipal Stormwater Alliance (NMSA) has officially established November 16th as National Stormwater Day in recognition of the day the MS4 program was established (November 16th, 1990). To honor this occasion, NMSA is hosting a free webinar on November 16th and has launched a website dedicated to National Stormwater Day – https://stormwater.day/. This website provides access to media toolkits associated with National Stormwater Day including logos, flyers and short videos associated with National Stormwater Day – all are welcome to use these resources to spread the word!
Association Updates
Updating ACWA’s Committee and Workgroup Rosters
In an effort to keep ACWA’s rosters up to date, ACWA Members recently received a request to update their state’s contact list. Please return these updated lists to Lexy Bailey by Tuesday, November 14, 2023. If you would like a list of committees/workgroups that state staff are currently on, please contact Lexy.
Meetings and Webinars
NMSA Webinar: National Stormwater Day
Date: Thursday, November 16, 2023
Time: 1:00-2:15pm (Eastern)
Register: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/1116795285340953686
Overview: This webinar will bring together stormwater professionals to reflect on the impacts of the MS4 program, consider the current level of awareness of stormwater infrastructure, discuss the status of the national MS4 program today and how this program may change in the future to meet the growing challenge of stormwater management.
Speakers:
– Scott Taylor, Atkins, Chair, NMSA (Moderator)
– Rachel Urban, Water Permits Division, USEPA
– Anna Denecke, Director, Infrastructure Initiatives, American Society of Civil Engineers
– Steve Dye, Legislative Director, Water Environment Federation
– Seth Brown, Ph.D., Executive Director, NMSA
CWA 401 Final Rule: EPA Briefing for States
On November 2, 2023, at 1:00 pm ET, ACWA will host a states/interstates-only briefing with EPA officials to discuss the recently finalized Clean Water Act Section 401 Water Quality Certification Improvement Rule. If you are interested in registering please contact Julia Anastasio or Ward Scott for a registration link. Please share any questions or comments regarding the new final rule that can be discussed during the call with Julia Anastasio or Ward Scott.
CWA 319 Guideline Revisions: EPA Briefing for States
On November 2, 2023, at 3:30 pm ET, ACWA will host a briefing with EPA officials to discuss current agency efforts to update and revise CWA Section 319 Nonpoint Source grant program guidelines. If you are interested in registering, please contact Julia Anastasio or Ward Scott for a registration link. Please share any questions or comments regarding the guideline revisions that can be discussed during the call with Julia Anastasio or Ward Scott.
Job Opportunities
Environmental Program Manager I or II
Location: Washington, D.C.
Closing Date: 11/1/2023
This position reports to and supports the Executive Director in the development and implementation of the Association’s mission and policies. The ideal candidate has working knowledge of Clean Water Act programs such as NPDES permitting, Water Quality Standards and Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) development; is versed in water quality topics like nutrient pollution; emerging contaminants and climate change; and has experience with project management.
How to Apply: Qualified applicants should send their cover letter, resumes and a writing/materials sample to:
Attn: Human Resources
aivey@acwa-us.org
Environmental Specialist III / Volunteer Monitoring Specialist
Location: Augusta, Maine
Closing Date: 11/6/2023
This position supports scientific staff in the Division of Environmental Assessment in their collaboration with volunteer water quality monitoring groups. Job tasks include coordinating various aspects of QA/QC (Quality Assurance/Quality Control) efforts, volunteer training, field support, and data management and reporting. The position will also participate in research projects, and develop new outreach and support activities targeted at existing or new volunteer groups in underserved communities. Following training, work is performed under limited supervision within the Division’s strong team and collaborative work environment particularly with the Division’s Marine Unit and Volunteer River Monitoring Program.
For more information, contact Susanne Meidel at (207) 441-3612 or susanne.k.meidel@maine.gov. Application deadline is November 6th. For more information, click here.
Director of the Office of Water
Location: Pierre, SD
Closing Date: 11/2/2023
Responsibilities include:
- manage the staff, administration, and work of the three Water Division programs: Drinking Water, Water Quality, and Water Rights;
- directly supervise the three program administrators and indirectly supervise approximately 50 staff members of the programs to ensure compliance with the state and federal statutes and regulations;
- be an effective member and participant in the leadership team of DANR;
- advise the Secretary’s Office in matters of water in South Dakota, EPA Region 8, and other federal agencies;
- advise the secretary’s office on legislative and budget issues;
- develop legislation as necessary to address water issues and participate in lobbying and testifying as necessary to support the department;
- work with the leadership team develop policies and promote a professional work place.
For more information and to apply, click here.
Total Maximum Daily Load Coordinator
Location: Salt Lake County, UT
Closing Date: 10/29/2023
- Develop, coordinate, lead and write Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) Studies, Alternative Restoration Plans or 9-Element Watershed plans to protect and restore water quality specifically for impaired waterbodies.
- Review, analyze, assess, and interpret water quality data (i.e., chemical, physical and biological data) as part of the TMDL, Alternative Restoration Plan or 9-Element Watershed plan process.
- Coordinate and communicate with local, state and federal government agencies, and other stakeholder groups during the development of TMDLs, Alternative Restoration Plans or 9-Element Watershed Plans
- Provide scientific, technical and policy guidance on TMDLs and other related water quality issues.
- Develop project plans for watershed characterization and water quality sampling, as well as data compilation, analysis, and interpretation.
For more information and to apply, visit State of Utah Job Opportunities.
Onsite Wastewater Specialist (Natural Resource Specialist 3 – Environmental Health Specialist)
Location: Bend, OR
Closing Date: 10/30/2023
You will serve as a water pollution control facility onsite specialist (WPCF-Onsite) for the Eastern Region. providing site evaluation, plan review, permitting, inspections and compliance. You will answer technical questions from the public regarding the program’s requirements and the care and maintenance of septic systems, investigate complaints regarding potential septic system violations, some of which can lead to enforcement actions. You will also provide technical assistance and respond to inquiries from other government agencies, policy makers and the general public.
For more information and to apply, visit Oregon Job Opportunities.
