News
Assistant Administrator Fox to Leave EPA
After serving three years at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Assistant Administrator for the Office of Water Radhika Fox announced that she will depart the agency at the end of February 2024. Appointed by President Biden and confirmed with robust bipartisan support by the U.S. Senate, Assistant Administrator Fox spearheaded EPA’s successful agenda to protect American communities from water pollution while embedding equity and environmental justice across its Office of Water programs. Fox has led EPA’s effort to implement billions of dollars of funding secured by President Biden under his Investing in America agenda to tackle water pollution from lead and PFAS, while advancing regulations to ensure every American has access to clean and safe water and can enjoy America’s natural resources. Assistant Administrator Fox is the first woman of color and the first person of Asian American descent to lead EPA’s Office of Water.
CEQ Solicits Feedback on EJ Scorecard
An opportunity has been announced to submit comments on the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ)’s online Environmental Justice Scorecard. The Scorecard is a government-wide assessment of federal efforts to advance EJ, with a goal of increasing accountability for federal agencies and providing transparency for the public. In its first phase, the website presents a baseline assessment of actions taken by 24 federal agencies in 2021 and 2022, in the following areas:
- Advancing the Justice40 initiative,
- Implementing and enforcing environmental and civil rights laws,
- Embedding EJ throughout the federal government.
The comment period will close on January 19 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern, and feedback will be used to inform future versions of the Scorecard. To submit a comment, please visit CEQ’s notice in the Federal Register.
EPA Finalizes Rule to Prevent Inactive PFAS from Reentering Commerce
EPA finalized a rule that prevents companies from starting or resuming the manufacture or processing of 329 per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) that have not been made or used for many years without a complete EPA review and risk determination. In the past, these chemicals, known as “inactive PFAS,” may have been used without review in many industries, including as binding agents, surfactants, in the production of sealants and gaskets, and may also have been released into the environment. Without this rule, companies could have resumed uses of these PFAS absent notification to and review by EPA. TSCA requires EPA to compile, keep current, and publish a list of each chemical that is manufactured (including imported) or processed in the United States for uses under TSCA, known as the TSCA Inventory. TSCA also requires EPA to designate each chemical on the TSCA Inventory as either “active” or “inactive” in commerce. An “inactive” designation means that a chemical substance has not been manufactured (including imported) or processed in the United States since June 21, 2006.
The final rule applies to all PFAS that are designated as “inactive” on the TSCA Inventory and which are not already subject to a SNUR. EPA has aligned the rule with reporting requirements for the Active-Inactive rule, which designated these “inactive” chemicals. If a company wants to use any of these 329 chemicals, they are required to notify EPA first. The Agency would then be required to conduct a robust review of health and safety information under the modernized 2016 law to determine if the new use may present unreasonable risk to human health or the environment and put any necessary restrictions in place before the use could restart. Any new uses of PFAS would be considered under EPA’s framework for evaluating new PFAS and new uses of PFAS, announced in June 2023.
EPA Requires Toxics Release Inventory Reporting for Seven Additional PFAS
EPA announced the automatic addition of seven per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) to the list of chemicals covered by the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI). TRI data is reported to EPA annually by facilities in designated industry sectors and federal facilities that manufacture, process, or otherwise use TRI-listed chemicals above set quantities. The data include quantities of such 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.
These seven PFAS were added to the TRI list pursuant to the Fiscal Year 2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which provides the framework for the automatic addition of PFAS to TRI each year in response to specified EPA activities involving such PFAS. For TRI Reporting Year 2024 (reporting forms due by July 1, 2025), reporting is required for these seven additional PFAS, bringing the total PFAS subject to TRI reporting to 196. The 2020 NDAA includes a provision that automatically adds PFAS to the TRI list upon the Agency’s finalization of a toxicity value. Six PFAS were automatically added for Reporting Year 2024 due to EPA having finalized a toxicity value during 2023. Only these particular salt forms of the acids are added to the list.
- Ammonium perfluorohexanoate; Chemical Abstract Service Registration Number (CASRN) 21615-47-4
- Lithium bis[(trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl] azanide; CASRN 90076-65-6
- Perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA); CASRN 307-24-4
- Perfluoropropanoic acid (PFPrA); CASRN 422-64-0
- Sodium perfluorohexanoate; CASRN 2923-26-4
- 1,1,1-Trifluoro-N-[(trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl] methanesulfonamide; CASRN 82113-65-3
EPA Announces New Resources for Marine Carbon Dioxide Removal and Solar Radiation Management
On January 12, EPA announced new web resources to support ocean-based climate change mitigation techniques. EPA administers two permitting programs under federal statutes that apply to marine carbon dioxide removal (mCDR) and marine solar radiation management (mSRM) activities. Researchers and other organizations proposing to conduct mCDR or mSRM activities in coastal waters or the ocean may need to seek authorization under a Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act (MPRSA) permit or CW NPDES permit. The EPA is pleased to share new web resources that include information about proposed mCDR and mSRM activities and provide further information on the EPA’s regulatory responsibilities for ensuring these emerging activities are conducted in a safe and responsible manner to protect human health, the marine environment and other uses of the ocean.
Regardless of whether the activity is permitted under the MPRSA or NPDES, the permitting process includes engagement with various local, state, Tribal and federal entities as appropriate, including those that administer federal statutes such as the Endangered Species Act, CWA Section 401, and the Coastal Zone Management Act. The public may also participate in opportunities for public review and comment on proposed MPRSA and NPDES permits for these activities. Proposed permits and supporting information for MPRSA permits will be docketed on Regulations.gov and updates will be added on the EPA’s MPRSA website. Any person may submit comments during the public comment period following the announcement of a complete application.
Association Updates
2024 Mid-Year Meeting Registration
Dates: March 26 & 27, 2024
Venue: The Washington Marriott Metro Center DC
Registration is live for the upcoming 2024 ACWA Mid-Year Meeting. This year’s meeting will take place on March 26 & 27, 2024, in Washington, D.C. This will be a closed meeting intended for state members and federal guests. The agenda is in development and will be updated as appropriate.
Make your room reservations today! The reservation group room rate ends March 1, 2024.
Register now for the Early Bird Rate! The Early Bird Rate will be ending on January 31st, 2024!
Check back here for more updates.
SAVE THE DATE! 2024 National CAFO Roundtable
Location: Kansas City, Missouri
Date: April 30 – May 3, 2024
Purpose: The 2024 National CAFO Roundtable supports the implementation of animal agriculture programs nationwide by helping support states and EPA to further identify challenges & barriers to Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO) program implementation, sharing new technologies, best management practices, showcasing innovative state programs and initiatives, facilitating discussion on national program enhancements and improvements, identifying state resource needs including tools, training and guidance, and proposing solutions to challenges and barriers faced by the agriculture industry and other stakeholders.
Attendees: The CAFO Roundtable is a meeting of state AFO/CAFO regulators and EPA regional and headquarters representatives. Attendees generally include:
- State program managers, permit writers and inspectors involved in regulating AFOs/CAFOs
- EPA Headquarter and Regional staff involved in AFO/CAFO regulation
- Partnering state and federal agency staff that provide technical and/or regulatory assistance to AFOs/CAFOs
- Invited Guests
ACWA Meeting Webpage: 2024 National CAFO Roundtable – Association of Clean Water Administrators (acwa-us.org)
2024 State Summit on Water Reuse – Registration Open
Registration is now open for the 2024 State Summit on Water Reuse. This year’s Summit will occur on March 11, 2024, in conjunction with the annual WateReuse Association Symposium (March 11-14) at the Hilton Denver City Center in Denver, CO.
The primary goal of the State Summit is to provide a place for state regulators to share and learn about a range of water reuse issues, network with state colleagues, and coordinate with representatives from select federal agencies. The Summit will feature perspectives from many states and provide an opportunity for participants to share their thoughts and key questions with colleagues from around the country.
Summit Registration and Travel Reimbursement: There is no registration fee for the State Summit, but registration will be limited to state officials. ACWA may be able to assist with reimbursement for costs relating to state travel expenses for Summit participation. However, space and reimbursement funds are limited. Please register for the Summit by contacting Ward Scott with ACWA or Ashley Voskuhl with ASDWA by January 19, 2024.
Discounted (Presenter) Registration to the WateReuse 2024 Symposium: Additionally, State Summit participants can receive discounted registration for the full WateReuse Association WateReuse Symposium and its many technical sessions. State Summit participants registering for the WateReuse 2024 Symposium should register by February 15 as “Presenters” to receive the discounted ($850.00) rate. Please click here for more information and to register for the WateReuse 2024 Symposium.
Notice – No Wrap Week of January 15, 2024
In observance of the holiday, ACWA will not post a Weekly Wrap the week of January 15, 2024. Look out for our next edition the week of January 22, 2024.
Meetings and Webinars
Decentralized Wastewater MOU Informational Webinar
ACWA, in partnership with EPA’s Decentralized Wastewater MOU team, is hosting a webinar to inform our members of the program and resources available to states on Wednesday, January 17th, 2024, from 2-3 pm ET. Please reach out to Lexy Bailey for the meeting invitation.
EPA Webcasts: CSO Communities Adapting to a Changing Climate – Hold the Dates and Register
U.S. EPA is hosting a webcast series on CSO communities adapting to a changing climate. The impacts of climate change, such as changes in annual precipitation, storm intensity, storm surge, and/or sea level rise, are anticipated to impact the performance of many combined sewer systems and influence the volume and frequency of combined sewer overflows, sanitary sewer overflows, and basement backups. Several CSO communities will share their stories of how they are impacted by and have adapted to climate change during webcasts scheduled for January 16th, January 30th, and February 6th from 1:00pm to 2:30pm eastern. More details can be found at the registration links here:
- 1/16: https://www.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_wElvvLD4ThGjHcb8sKy1ug
- 1/30: https://www.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_lay7_O_HR0amjL6lR5nLgA
- 2/06: https://www.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_l4LihgNATaK_6NNyfgxLqg
Additional information will be provided regarding presenters in the new year. Please reach out to Kathryn Kazior (Kazior.kathryn@epa.gov) if you have any questions in the meantime.
EPA Technical Assistance Webinar Series
NPDES Permit Overview and Reporting Requirements for POTWs: What Does Your Permit Say?
Monday, January 22, 2024, 1:00 – 2:30pm (EST)
Attendees of this webinar will learn how to read and understand a NPDES permit, and things permittees should do to ensure that permit requirements are met. The presentation will also include a discussion of some of the most common reporting requirements in NPDES permits.
This series is geared toward plant owners and operators of smaller systems with flow of less than 1 million gallons per day. Others include: WWTP owners and operators, design engineers, municipal leaders, NPDES technical assistance providers, permit writers, compliance staff from state, local, tribal, and federal governments.
For additional webinar info, contact: water.compliance@epa.gov.
Webinar series schedule and recordings:
https://www.epa.gov/compliance/technical-assistancewebinar-series-improving-cwa-npdes-permit-compliance
ACWA Nutrients Policy Committee – EPA Briefing for States
On January 23, 2024 at 2:00 pm ET, ACWA will host a briefing for states from EPA during which EPA will present a summary of work completed to date on the nutrient engagement efforts that occurred in the summer and fall of 2023 and provide a walkthrough of the outline of a Story Map that will serve to summarize and highlight state nutrient reduction efforts.
To register for the briefing, please contact Ward Scott.
Job Opportunities
Aquatic Invasive Species Boat Launch Stewards
Location: Lake Champlain, NY and VT
Closing Date: February 1, 2024
To apply, submit a cover letter and resume by email to jobs@neiwpcc.org; please reference #24-LCBP-001
in the email subject line. Application review will begin on February 1, 2024, and will continue on a
rolling basis until all positions are filled. A full position description may be viewed at:
https://neiwpcc.org/about-us/careers.
Interdisciplinary Engineer/Scientist
Location: Atlanta, GA
Closing Date: January 19, 2024
The US EPA, Region 4 Water Division’s Water Quality Standards and Modeling Section in Atlanta, GA is hiring a GS 11/12 Interdisciplinary Engineer/Scientist role, with applications being accepted on USAJOBS starting on Monday, January 8th, 2023 thru Friday, January 19th, 2023. Note that the role is interdisciplinary and open to candidates who meet qualifications as environmental engineers, life scientists, or physical scientists. The role is to serve as a modeling expert using watershed and water quality computer models and to evaluate model scenarios to recommend pollution load reductions to restore water quality.
Applicants can apply via the USAJOBS website using the following link: https://www.usajobs.gov/job/769337500
Biologist I
Location: Augusta, ME
Closing Date: January 29, 2024
The Aquatic Toxicology Unit is seeking an individual to join DEP’s team dedicated to monitoring and assessing toxic chemicals in Maine’s aquatic resources. The Aquatic Toxicology Unit focuses on fish, water, and sediment samples and coordinates with other DEP staff, the Maine Center of Disease Control and Prevention, and the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. This individual will share in overall program operations including field work to collect samples, working with labs, evaluating data quality, entering data, querying data, analyzing data, and communicating results. The individual will use advanced computer skills to modernize and improve recording data in the field, check data quality, create maps, analyze sampling results, and analyze spatial data.
For more information, contact Tom Danielson at (207) 441-7430 or thomas.j.danielson@maine.gov. Application deadline is January 29th. For more information, click here.
Quality Assurance Officer
Location: Santa Fe, NM
Closing Date: January 19, 2024
Job ID # 140002
Position # 12154
The Surface Water Quality Bureau (SWQB) preserves, protects, and improves New Mexico’s surface water quality for present and future generations. The Quality Assurance Officer (QAO) is a mission critical position that supports the SWQB by ensuring 1) quality assurance requirements are met in order to receive federal funds through EPA and 2) decisions and rule-making are conducted appropriately, defensibly, and ultimately with the goal to protect public health or welfare and enhance water quality. The QAO ensures environmental information operations products and services are of known and documented quality for their intended use(s). This position also assists with periodic water quality monitoring surveys and in developing or revising water quality standards.
If you are interested in applying, please visit NM’s Careers site to review the job posting and complete your application!
Federal Permit Manager
Location: Multiple Locations Statewide, WA
Closing Date: Continuous
For more information and to apply, visit State of Washington Job Opportunities.
Onsite Program Preparedness and Training Specialist
Location: Bend, Eugene, or Salem, Oregon (finalist may choose work location)
Closing Date: January 28, 2024
For more information and to apply, visit Oregon Job Opportunities.
Water Quality Standards Scientist
Location: Helena, MT
Closing Date: January 25, 2024
For more information and to apply, visit State of Montana Careers webpage.
Water Quality Modeler
Location: Helena, MT
Closing Date: February 4, 2024
For more information and to apply, visit State of Montana Careers webpage.
Water Quality Monitoring Technician (71770)
Location: St. Paul, MN; Brainerd, MN
Closing date: January 17, 2024
For more information and to apply, visit The Official Site of the State of Minnesota Careers.
Water Quality Monitoring Assistant (71754)
Location: St. Paul, MN
Closing date: January 17, 2024
For more information and to apply, visit The Official Site of the State of Minnesota Careers.
South Biological Monitoring Technician (71748)
Location: St. Paul, MN
Closing date: January 17, 2024
For more information and to apply, visit The Official Site of the State of Minnesota Careers.
South Biological Monitoring Assistant (71752)
Location: St. Paul, MN
Closing date: January 17, 2024
For more information and to apply, visit The Official Site of the State of Minnesota Careers.
Stream Crew Leader (71737)
Location: Brainerd, MN
Closing date: January 17, 2024
For more information and to apply, visit The Official Site of the State of Minnesota Careers.
North Biological Seasonal Technician (71750)
Location: Brainerd, MN
Closing date: January 17, 2024
For more information and to apply, visit The Official Site of the State of Minnesota Careers.
North Biological Monitoring Assistant (71772)
Location: Brainerd, MN
Closing date: January 17, 2024
For more information and to apply, visit The Official Site of the State of Minnesota Careers.
Be sure to check out other opportunities on ACWA’s jobs page.
