News
WRDA Section 165 Public Comments
Notice for Comment for the environmental assessment of the implementation of Section 165 of the Water Resources Development Act of 2020 (WRDA). The Department of the Army is publishing a notice to solicit comment on an environmental assessment of the implementation of Section 165 of the Water Resources Development Act of 2020 which directs the Secretary of the Army to establish and implement a pilot program carrying out continuing authority projects in small or disadvantaged communities.
EPA Seeks Input on IRA Environmental and Climate Justice Program
EPA is seeking input on the Environmental and Climate Justice (ECJ) Grant program providing approximately $3 billion for program grants and technical assistance for environmental and climate justice efforts. Request public input includes on new and innovative strategies and approaches for competition design, community engagement, equitable distribution of financial resources, grantee eligibility for funding, capacity-building and outreach, and technical assistance. The comment period has been extended to April 10, 2023. Comments and information can be provided here: https://www.regulations.gov/docket/EPA-HQ-OEJECR-2023-0023
EPA Releases 2024 Integrated Reporting Memo
EPA has released the final version of the 2024 Integrated Reporting Memo, designed to assist the states and territories in preparing, and the regions in reviewing, 2024 Integrated Reports (IRs) in accordance with Clean Water Act (CWA) Sections 303(d), 305(b), and 314. This memorandum covers: 1) 2022-2032 CWA Section 303(d) Vision; 2) Clarification Regarding Priority Rankings and Total Maximum Daily Load Submission Schedules; 3) Environmental Justice; 4) Participatory Science; 5) Climate Change; 6) Indian Tribes and Tribal Water Resources; 7) CWA Section 303(d) Assessment/Listing for Trash-Related Impairments; 8) CWA Section 303(d) Assessment/Listing for Nutrient-Related Impairments; and 9) Identifying the Pollutants Causing or Expected to Cause an Exceedance of Applicable Water Quality Standards for Waters on the CWA 303(d) List.
ACWA and its members provided comments to EPA during the drafting period of this process and looks forward to continued discussions with EPA going forward.
The 2024 memo (and previous iterations) may be viewed here.
Effluent Limitations Guidelines and Standards for the Steam Electric Power Generating Point Source Category-Initial Notification Date Extension
EPA is taking direct final action because the agency views this as a noncontroversial action and anticipates no adverse comment because the rule extends the date for existing coal-fired power plants to submit a NOPP in the 2020 rule’s (85 FR 64650, October 13, 2020) subcategory for electric generating units (EGUs) permanently ceasing coal combustion by December 31, 2028, from October 13, 2021, to June 27, 2023. This direct final rule does not otherwise amend 40 CFR part 423 in any way. This rule is effective on May 30, 2023 without further notice, unless EPA receives adverse comments. If EPA receives adverse comment, the Agency will publish a timely withdrawal in the Federal Register informing the public that the rule will not take effect. The comment deadline is April 28, 2023.
Consumer Confidence Report Rule Revisions
EPA released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that would strengthen the Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) Rule, making annual drinking water quality reports with important public health information more accessible to residents and businesses across the country. A Consumer Confidence Report, sometimes called an “Annual Drinking Water Quality Report,” summarizes information about the local drinking water for the previous year. EPA’s proposal would support public education by more clearly communicating important information in water quality reports and improving access to the reports.
The proposed revisions support the goal of the SDWA “right-to-know” provisions by improving the CCRs so that people can make better decisions about their drinking water. EPA’s proposed CCR rule will work to further that goal by making sure important information in annual reports are accurate and accessible.
When finalized, EPA’s proposal would:
- Improve the readability, clarity, and understandability of water quality reports
- Enhance risk communication
- Encourage modern electronic delivery options
- Clarify information regarding lead levels and efforts to reduce lead in drinking water
- Provide translation for customers with limited English proficiency
- Require reports be issued twice a year (for systems that serve 10,000 or more people)
- Require states to submit compliance monitoring data to EPA
Additionally, EPA’s proposal would require states to submit compliance monitoring data to EPA. While states already collect compliance monitoring data, current EPA regulations limit the data available to the EPA. When final, this action will help EPA identify trends both geographically and demographically, which will improve transparency and accountability, and amplify best practices that maximize direct benefits in communities.
EPA is requesting public comment on the proposed regulation. The public comment period will open following the proposed rule publishing in the Federal Register.
Association Updates
2023 Nutrients Permitting Workshop – May 1-3, 2023
The 2023 Nutrients Permitting Workshop will be held May 1-3, in Denver, CO!
This workshop is part of a series of meetings focused on nutrients permitting through a grant between EPA, ACWA, and WEF. The workshop series is intended to help support states and EPA to further identify challenges & barriers to nutrient permitting program implementation, highlight opportunities for program improvement & enhancement, showcase innovations, assist with analysis of training, guidance, tools, and other support material needs, improve administrative efficiencies, clarify roles and responsibilities, promote program streamlining, build stronger linkages to WQS & TMDLs, modernize permit terms and data management, revise program performance measures, identify program areas where targeted technical assistance would be most beneficial, and attempt to solve some of the most intractable nutrients issues.
This is the eighth and final workshop under this grant. This workshop will focus state successes and lessons learned based on a variety of topics covered throughout the previous seven workshops in this series. A portion of the agenda will also look ahead at what States feel is the future of nutrients permitting.
A draft agenda may be found here. Rooms are available at the local per-diem rate here.
This workshop is for ACWA Members, who may register here.
2023 Clean Water Cross-Program Workshop – May 4-5, 2023
The 2023 Clean Water Cross-Program Workshop will be held May 4-5, in Denver, CO!
This workshop series is intended to help states and EPA better integrate the core CWA programs and improve how they respectively and collectively address current CWA challenges. The kickoff workshop theme, “Implementing WQS that are Challenging to Meet,” will focus on challenges the 303c, 303d, and 402 programs face when implementing certain WQS. For select parameters, meeting WQS may be very technologically challenging. The workshop will focus on:
- Enhancing cross-program implementation (e.g., by exploring solutions like WQ targets) based on feasible technologies and best management practices; and,
- Solutions which would optimize synergy in managing multiple pollutants; coordination among state programs; and collaboration with the regulated community.
The workshop’s target audience is the 1-3 personnel who manage or have deep experience in the 303c, 303d, and 402 programs in a state. This is the first of six planned workshops supported by a cooperative agreement.
More information can be found here; a registration link can be found here and an agenda will be posted on the webpage soon. Hotel rooms are available at the local per-diem rate here and potential attendees are encouraged to book their lodging asap.
2023 National Pretreatment Coordinators Workshop
May 15 at 8:00 am – May 16 at 5:00 pm
Boise, ID
This meeting is intended to help support states and EPA to build staff capacity, identify challenges & barriers to pretreatment program implementation, highlight opportunities for program improvement & enhancement, showcase pretreatment program innovations, assist with analysis of training, guidance, tools, and other support material needs, improve administrative efficiencies, clarify roles and responsibilities, build strong linkages to other programs, improve data management, identify program areas where targeted technical assistance would be most beneficial, and attempt to solve some of the most intractable pretreatment program issues.
A draft agenda is now available here on the meeting event page.
2023 Water Quality Modeling Workshop – Oct. 23 – 27
ACWA, in partnership with USEPA, will be holding the 2023 Water Quality Modeling Workshop in Salt Lake City, Utah. This workshop will take place the week of October 23, 2023. This workshop will have three breakout tracks, including two hands-on trainings models that are to be determined. The 2023 Water Quality Modeling Workshop supports implementation of state programs by continuing to build a community of practice among state agency staff who use or want to use water quality modeling in state water quality programs.
This workshop is a national meeting organized by ACWA, in partnership with USEPA, for state program managers and staff involved in water quality modeling, as well as for both Regional and Headquarters-based U.S. Environmental Protection Agency managers and staff. More information on lodging and a draft agenda will be shared at a later date.
ACWA is also looking for state staff who may be interested in joining the workshop planning team.
Meetings and Webinars
Revised Definition of “Waters of the United States” (2023 Rule) – Tribal and State Webinar Series
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of the Army (Army) published the final “Revised Definition of ‘Waters of the United States’” rule in the Federal Register on January 18, 2023; the rule will become effective on March 20, 2023. The agencies developed this rule with consideration of the relevant provisions of the Clean Water Act and the statute as a whole, relevant Supreme Court case law, and the agencies’ technical expertise after more than 45 years of implementing the longstanding pre-2015 “waters of the United States” framework. This rule also considers the best available science and extensive public comment to establish a definition of “waters of the United States” that supports public health, environmental protection, agricultural activity, and economic growth.
EPA and Army are hosting a series of webinars in March and April specifically for Tribes and States to learn about the final rule and implementation considerations. The agencies will first present an overview webinar and will then present three additional webinars on topics of specific interest to Tribes and States. Participants will have the opportunity to submit questions before each topical webinar, and the agencies will use those questions to inform development of the presentations.
All webinars will be held from 2-3:30 p.m. ET and include time for questions and answers. Please submit questions in advance to wotus-outreach@epa.gov. Questions must be received at least one week in advance of the webinar to be considered.
Tribal and State officials can register for individual webinars listed below. Participants should register with their Tribal or State email address, if available so that EPA can ensure attendance is limited to participants from Tribal and State government agencies and member organizations. The webinars, but not the Q&A sessions, will be recorded and posted to EPA’s website at https://www.epa.gov/wotus.
Please reach out to epa@horsleywitten.com with logistical questions about these webinars or to arrange for accommodations (e.g., sign language interpreters or translation). Accommodations will be provided if received no later than a week prior to each webinar.
Significant Nexus Standard — April 5, 2023, 2-3:30 p.m. ET
Exclusions and Other Topics — April 12, 2023, 2-3:30 p.m. ET
If you are interested in registering for these webinars, please contact Julia Anastasio.
Underground Storage Tank Finder
Date: April 6, 2023
Time: 3:00pm – 4:00pm eastern
Register: Register for the training webinar on the Underground Storage Tank Finder!
There are 540,000 underground storage tanks in the US with 60,000 releases remaining to be cleaned up. The greatest potential threat from these sites is ground water contamination, the drinking water source for nearly half of the US population. Overburdened and underserved communities are disproportionately located near these facilities. Compounding this, climate change has a significant impact on these facilities with 33,000 in 100-yr floodplains, storing up to 250M gallons, in addition to coastal inundation where many facilities are located.
UST Finder was developed to better address the prevention and cleanup of these contaminated sites. UST Finder is a web map application containing comprehensive, state-sourced national data on underground storage tank (UST) and leaking UST (LUST) data. It provides the first-ever national picture of UST facilities and LUST sites for the US. ORD and the Office of Underground Storage Tanks in collaboration with other Agency Program Offices and Regions, States, Territories and Tribes developed UST Finder. It provides the attributes and locations of active and closed USTs, UST facilities, and LUST sites from states, Tribal lands, and US territories. UST Finder contains information about proximity of UST facilities and LUST sites to: surface and groundwater public drinking water protection areas; density of private domestic wells and people living nearby; and flooding and wildfires. UST Finder can import additional data layers and export UST facility and LUST site information for use by other software programs.
Urban Forest Connections Webinar Series
This webinar series creates a stage for experts to share the latest science, practice, and policy on urban and community forestry. Topics include issues affecting the health of people and the health of the trees and forests that communities depend on to moderate local climate extremes, and provide food, shelter, water, wildlife habitat, environmental justice, artistic expression and spiritual healing. Tune in every other month on second Wednesdays from 1:00pm – 2:15pm ET.
Next webinar: April 12th, 2023: A State to Local Model for Producing Climate Adapted Urban Trees
Presenters:
Fred Raley: Tree Improvement Coordinator, Texas A&M Forest Service
Carol Bada: Conservation Seedling Program Manager, New Mexico Forestry Division
A shrinking and changing palate of available and diverse trees to plant in communities, is one of many results of a changing climate. Communities are struggling with hotter and dryer climates in general, but in some areas of the United States, atmospheric rivers, arctic blasts and bomb cyclones are putting great stress on trees and people alike. Some tree species are more resilient than others in their range and climate zone adaptability, and it has long been critical for seed to be tagged and seedlings produced from local sources. State and federal nurseries specialize in this work to develop geographic- and climate-adapted trees for reforestation and planting projects. This webinar, with special guests, Fred Raley from Texas A&M Forest Service and Carol Bada of the New Mexico Forestry Division, will share a municipal partnership model for producing native seed and diverse tree species for local planting projects that can be replicated across America, including tree seed collection, production, testing, urban seed orchard establishment, and planting in partnership with commercial nurseries, arboreta, and local government using federal grants and other sources. Please join us to learn how you can take part in this initiative.
Join the webinar here. For more information on this webinar series, click here.
Job Opportunities
Environmental Analyst – Underground Storage Tank Program
Location: Providence, RI
Closing Date: 4/16/2023
As a NEIWPCC Environmental Analyst, you will become an essential component in the UST program,
assisting with implementing the UST Financial Responsibility Act. The UST Fund is a mechanism for
owners to comply with requirements and ensure leaks from USTs are cleaned up in an accordance with
regulations. You will conduct compliance reviews and inspections, review reimbursement applications,
oversee project budgets, maintain Quality Assurance Project Plans and Standard Operating Procedures,
and collaborate with research and government partners.
To apply: Submit a cover letter, resume, and writing sample by email to jobs@neiwpcc.org by April 16, 2023.
Please reference #23-RIDEM-001 in the email subject line. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling
basis, accepting applications until the position is filled.
For more information, click here.
Stewardship & Restoration Seasonal Intern
Location: Staatsburg, NY
Closing Date: 4/16/2023
As an intern for NEIWPCC, you’ll work alongside full-time staff to assess, protect, manage, and restore
priority Hudson River Estuary habitats, including shorelines, tidal wetlands, and submerged aquatic
vegetation (SAV) beds. You will also help assess and map reserve habitats and natural resources and
support water quality, sediment, vegetation, fish, and wildlife monitoring efforts. You will conduct
outreach and help coordinate volunteer activities, assist with data entry and analysis, prepare
environmental permit applications, coordinate with land management partners, and develop
stewardship content and updates for the reserve website. You will also have the opportunity to assist
other programs, including research, education, and estuary training. For all tasks, ample training will be
provided. Responsibilities will be delegated with the goal of developing the intern’s skillsets and
knowledge to provide a valuable, early-career experience.
To apply: Submit a cover letter, resume, and writing sample by email to jobs@neiwpcc.org by April 16, 2023.
Please reference #23-HRNERR-002 in the email subject line. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling
basis, accepting applications until the position is filled.
For more information, click here.
Intake & Permit Administrator / Permit Data Specialist (Environmental Specialist 3) (In-Training)
Location: Lacey, WA
Closing Date: Open until filled
In this role, you will work closely with a dynamic team within the Technical Services Unit to manage and maintain permit-related data in our water quality databases. You will focus primarily on the construction and industrial stormwater general permits, which each have the highest volumes of permittees. You will coordinate regularly with a range of stakeholders including permit applicants, consultants, operators, government agencies, Tribes, Ecology staff, and others.
For more information and to apply, click here.
Nonpoint Source Pollution Management Program Supervisor
Location: Carson City, NV
Closing Date: 4/5/23
Environmental Scientists perform program research, planning and development, permitting, compliance monitoring, inspections/enforcement, and technical support services in relation to air, water, waste, federal facilities, corrective action, mining, biology and other environmental programs.
Interested applicants MUST apply through the State of Nevada application system. For more information, click here.
Surface Water Quality Standards Analyst (Environmental Analyst III)
Location: Worcester, MA
Closing Date: Open until filled
MassDEP seeks applicants for an Environmental Analyst III position within the Surface Water Quality Standards (SWQS) Section, Watershed Planning Program, Bureau of Water Resources. The Watershed Planning Program is a statewide program with five Sections that each have a different technical focus under the federal Clean Water Act (CWA), such as the SWQS Section. The purpose of the Massachusetts SWQS is to restore, enhance, and protect the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of surface waters (e.g., lakes, streams, estuaries, etc.) in the Commonwealth under the authority of the federal CWA and Massachusetts Clean Waters Act. The SWQS are the foundation of all CWA programs in the Commonwealth, such as water quality monitoring and assessment to determine the status of surface waters, the issuance of effluent discharge permit limits, and the development of restoration efforts that aim to improve the quality of surface waters. The SWQS Section designates the most sensitive uses for surface waters; develops and/or revises minimum water quality criteria required to protect designated uses based on the latest available science; and engages internal and external stakeholders to promulgate revised SWQS to protect human health and aquatic life.
For more information and to apply, click here.
