News
Administration Announces $41 Million in Available Grants to Upgrade Stormwater and Sewer Infrastructure
EPA announced the availability of nearly $41 million in funding through the Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Reuse Municipal Grant program to help communities address stormwater and sewer infrastructure needs. Safely managing stormwater is critical to preventing contaminants, including untreated sewage, from polluting waterways. EPA’s grant funding is available to states to support projects in cities and towns that will strengthen their stormwater collection systems to be more resilient against increasingly intense rain events made worse by the climate crisis.
Additional funding for stormwater and wastewater upgrades is available through President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and EPA’s Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) program. Through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, EPA is providing $11.7 billion to states to upgrade wastewater infrastructure through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund. Additionally, the seventh round of EPA’s WIFIA financing is available—with $6.5 billion through WIFIA and $1 billion through SWIFIA. EPA is currently accepting letters of interest for WIFIA and SWIFIA, a loan program exclusively for State infrastructure financing authority borrowers. Learn more about submitting a letter of interest for a WIFIA loan.
Congress Kicks Off Farm Bill 2024 Discussions
On November 19, 2023, Congress enacted a one-year extension (P.L. 118-22, Division B, §102) of the current farm bill (the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018; P.L. 115-334). The 2018 farm bill expired on September 30, 2023, and with the 2023 crop year (crops harvested in 2023). The extension continues authorizations until September 30, 2024, and for the 2024 crop year. The Senate and House Agriculture Committees released overviews of the 2024 Farm Bill. The Farm Bill is a broad-based authorization bill that includes 12 titles covering issues such as conservation, forestry, nutrition, and crop insurance programs. There are many programs that address water quality and non-point source pollution.
Association Updates
ACWA Submits FY2025 Appropriations Testimony
This week, ACWA submitted written testimony urging the Senate and House Appropriations Committees to preserve critical funding to state, interstate, and tribal water programs of this critical funding enables state programs to meet statutory requirements set forth in the Clean Water Acts, ensuring vital programs are in place for the protection of human health and the environment.
ACWA recommended an appropriations of $275.1M for water programs funded through the section 106 State and Tribal Assistance Grants (STAG), $190M for section 319 programs, and robust funding for geographic programs like the Chesapeake Bay, the Long Island Sound, Puget Sound and the Gulf Hypoxia Task Force. These investments will have tangible benefits for states, interstates, territories, and Americans across the country by making progress toward our nation’s water quality goals, not to mention the other benefits of stimulating economic growth, supporting tourism, providing recreation, and promoting nationwide health with a clean water supply. The states cannot do it alone, so we ask for a strong federal-state partnership through the FY25 appropriations process. Federal government support for ACWA’s work – and states’ work – is essential.
To view the letters in full, click here.
2024 Cross-Program Workshop – Registration Now Available!
Registration: Please reach out directly to Ward Scott for the meeting registration link. Workshop registration will be limited to state and federal officials. REGISTRATION WILL CLOSE FRIDAY, MAY 17.
Dates/Venue: June 6-7, 2024 at the National Conservation Training Center in Shepherdstown, WV
Objective: ACWA’s CWA Cross-Program Workshops are intended to bring together state and federal Clean Water Act (CWA) program administrators to discuss and share ways in which cross-program coordination and collaboration can be strengthened to more effectively and efficiently restore and protect the nation’s waters. The 2024 Workshop will focus on opportunities and challenges for state administrators of CWA Section 303(c), 303(d), and 402 in coordinating the planning and implementation of efforts to restore and protect the nation’s waters.
State and federal clean water leaders will identify cross-program challenges and barriers to CWA implementation; work toward solutions to cross cutting water quality topics; identify ways to improve technical capabilities; highlight opportunities for cross-program planning, implementation, and co-operation; and clarify linkages, roles, and responsibilities among CWA programs. Workshop discussions will center around states’ cross-program coordination to address issues including temperature pollution, nutrient reduction, environmental justice, and the prioritization and implementation of protection and restoration efforts.
Venue: We are excited that this year’s Workshop will be held at the National Conservation Training Center in Shepherdstown, WV, in conjunction with the Environmental Law Institute’s 2024 National Training Workshop on Water Quality Assessment and Plans. The Cross-Program Workshop will begin on the morning of June 6 and run through the morning of Friday, June 7. Workshop attendees are invited and encouraged to arrive on Wednesday, June 5 to participate in ELI’s Workshop sessions and events on Wednesday afternoon and evening.
Participants: The Workshop target audience will be state regulators from around the country with practical experience and responsibilities in supporting and managing CWA Section 303(c), 303(d), and/or 402 programs, as well as EPA representatives for each of the programs. Attendees should come prepared to discuss ways in which cross-program coordination has been an important aspect of successful program and/or restoration plan implementation, as well as cross-program challenges and needs.
Travel Support: ACWA plans to provide limited state travel support in the form of a post-Workshop reimbursement. Please contact Ward Scott directly if you know you will require travel support to attend the Workshop.
Travel Logistics: Coming from Dulles International Airport, attendees will be provided with free shuttle transportation to the NCTC on Wednesday, June 5, and back to Dulles at the conclusion of the Workshop on Friday, June 7.
Website: Future updates for the 2024 Cross-Program Workshop will be available on ACWA’s website Events page.
EPA Nonpoint Source Branch Technical Assistance Opportunities
The EPA HQ Nonpoint Source Management Branch has announced that it is administering a contract to provide technical assistance to states, territories, and/or Tribes to protect and restore surface water quality. Nonpoint source projects in the following categories are eligible for funding: Reduce Pollution from Agricultural NPS Activities; Mitigate NPS Impacts of Natural Hazards; Improve Equity of NPS Program Benefits and Outcomes; Provide Technical Assistance to SRF Programs to Advance NPS or Source Water Protection Priorities. All proposals must be submitted to EPA by June 7, 2024. Work on selected projects will start as early as July 1 and may proceed until completion or up to June 29, 2025, whichever comes first. Please contact Don Waye (waye.don@epa.gov) or Joseph Ziobro (ziobro.joseph@epa.gov) with EPA HQ NPS Management Branch for further information.
Meetings and Webinars
Introduction to the Clean Water State Revolving Fund
Date: Wednesday, May 15th
Time: 2:00 pm ET
Register: Here
Learn the basics of the U.S. EPA’s Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF), your key to one of the most robust sources of low-cost financing available for wastewater, stormwater, and many other infrastructure projects that help protect water quality. In addition to the CWSRF’s baseline funding, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) has invested $12.7 billion into the program, a significant portion of which is provided as loan forgiveness to disadvantaged communities or projects addressing emerging contaminants. In this webinar, you will learn:
How the CWSRF program works.
· What types of projects the CWSRF program can fund.
· How to successfully apply for financing.
· Real world examples and experiences from community recipients.
· What resources are available for information and technical assistance.
· Where to go for more information and breaking news about future opportunities!
The webinar will include an opportunity to submit questions. This presentation will be recorded and EPA will post a link to the recording and slides after the webinar.
EPA ORD Harmful Algal Blooms, Hypoxia, and Nutrients Research Webinar: Using Wetlands to Reduce Nutrient Loadings to Rivers and the Coast
Date: May 22, 2024
Time: 2:00 pm ET
Register: Here
On May 22, 2024, at 2:00 pm ET, EPA will host a webinar, EPA ORD Harmful Algal Blooms, Hypoxia, and Nutrients Research Webinar – Using Wetlands to Reduce Nutrient Loadings to Rivers and the Coast. Please click here to register for the webinar. Wetland restoration and construction are important to land management options for retaining nitrogen and phosphorus, thereby improving water quality locally, such as in streams. However, little is known about the cumulative influence of wetlands outside of floodplains (i.e., non-floodplain wetlands (NFWs)) on surface water quality at large scales. This presentation will discuss research: (1) assessing the potential for NFWs to reduce nitrate within small subbasins of the Upper Mississippi River as well as the river basin’s outlet; (2) exploring what NFW and NFW catchment characteristics influence nitrate reductions at these spatial scales; and (3) quantifying how far downstream NFW-mediated nitrate reductions are realized.
Redefining “Disadvantaged Communities” in a New Water Infrastructure Era
Date: May 30, 2024
Time: 2:30 – 4:00 PM Eastern Time
Register: Here
BIL created a number of opportunities for equitable outcomes for disadvantaged communities in the financing of water infrastructure. The law now requires SRF programs to provide 49% of BIL money to disadvantaged communities as principal forgiveness loans or grants. This allows additional communities that have struggled to access water infrastructure funding to receive the support they need. This webinar will share:
- How the SRF programs are given authority to determine what constitutes a “disadvantaged community” and this varies greatly across the country.
- How states have ensured their definitions bring about the most equitable outcome possible.
- The role public participation requirements had in modifying their definitions.
- Challenges states have had in implementing the funding.
- What clean water advocates can do to help states achieve the most equitable process possible for source water protection in their programs.
The webinar is targeted to states, water utilities, source water protection staff, state BIL funding program staff, source water collaboratives, federal agencies, and other water stakeholders.
Sign up here to receive notification about future BIL-related information and other news from the national Source Water Collaborative.
EPA Infrastructure Finance Webinar: Opportunities to Advance Water Reuse
Date: June 26, 2024
Time: 1:00 pm ET
Register: Here
On June 26, 2024 at 1:00 pm ET, EPA will host an Infrastructure Finance Webinar: Opportunities to Advance Water Reuse. The webinar will highlight different federal infrastructure financing programs available for water reuse projects – including EPA’s Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds, the Bureau of Reclamation’s WaterSMART Title XVI Program, and USDA’s Rural Development. Representatives from the federal agencies will briefly discuss their funding programs, application requirements, and examples of previous water reuse projects funded under those programs.
June 2024 In-person NPDES Permit Writers Course Announcement
Dates: June 10-14, 2014
Location: Baltimore, Maryland
Cost: Free
Registration: EPA NPDES Permit Writers Course – Baltimore, MD Mon, Jun 10, 2024 at 11:00 AM | Eventbrite
The objective of this course is to provide the basic regulatory framework and technical considerations that support the development of wastewater discharge permits required under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program. The course was designed for permit writers with six months to one year of experience in the NPDES program, but experienced permit writers wanting a refresher course and other water program staff wanting to learn more about the NPDES program also are welcome. Microsoft Teams will be utilized to provide electronic course materials and can be accessed through the desktop application or a web browser. Course materials will be provided on the Microsoft Teams classroom site for download by the participants prior to the start date. As a foundational course, the training does not address in detail specialized topics such as industrial and municipal stormwater, concentrated animal feeding operations and pesticide discharges. For more information on these specialized topics, please visit EPA’s NPDES Web site at www.epa.gov/npdes. If you have questions regarding the course, please contact Sean Ramach at npdestraining@epa.gov or call him directly at (202) 564-2865.
Job Opportunities
Information Officer – Contracts Administration
Location: Lowell, MA
Closing Date: May 12, 2024
To apply, submit a cover letter, resume, and a brief writing sample by email to jobs@neiwpcc.org by May 12. Please reference #24-Lowell-005 in the email subject line. Accepting applications until the position is filled. A full position description may be viewed at: https://neiwpcc.org/about-us/careers.
Water Reuse Program Developer
Location: Portland, OR
Closing Date: May 12, 2024
For more information and to apply, visit Oregon Job Opportunities.
Permit Program Specialist | Water Resource Professional II
Location: Santa Fe, NM
Closing Date: May 15, 2024
Job ID # 143864
Position # 10112172
The Surface Water Quality Bureau (SWQB) preserves, protects, and improves New Mexico’s surface water quality for present and future generations. This position supports the Bureau’s mission by helping to develop and implement a surface water quality State Permitting Program to regulate discharges that could contaminate surface waters, including rivers, streams, lakes, and wetlands. The position will focus on the compliance and enforcement aspects of the new program, including evaluating compliance of surface water dischargers and supporting enforcement actions.
If you are interested in applying, please visit NM’s Careers site to review the job posting and complete your application!
Permit and Certifications Municipal and Industrial Specialist | Water Resource Professional II
Location: Santa Fe, NM
Closing Date: May 15, 2024
Job ID # 143578
Position # 12118
The Surface Water Quality Bureau (SWQB) preserves, protects, and improves New Mexico’s surface water quality for present and future generations. This position supports the Bureau’s mission by implementing surface water discharge permits pursuant to the federal Clean Water Act (CWA) by evaluating information submitted with permit applications/renewals or Notices of Intent (NOI) to discharge; performing stream flow modeling, analyze water quality data, and evaluate other related assessments to determine the impact of discharges on surface water; preparing CWA 401 certifications or NOI approvals in accordance with applicable rules and regulations; reviewing discharge monitoring report (DMR) data to determine a facility’s compliance with permit limit conditions and reporting requirements; conducting in-person site visits, field investigations, and inspections related to surface water discharges; and collecting accurate and detailed information to assist in enforcement of federal and state surface water laws.
If you are interested in applying, please visit NM’s Careers site to review the job posting and complete your application!
Surface Water Quality Standards Specialist (NMED #29125)
Location: Albuquerque, NM
Closing Date: May 15, 2024
JOB ID: 143771
For more information and to apply, click here.
Idaho Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (IPDES) Compliance Officer – Analyst 3
Location: Boise, ID
Closing Date: May 15, 2024
For more information and to apply, click here.
Environmental Analyst – Drinking Water Program Assistant
Location: Albany, NY
Closing Date: May 19, 2024
To apply, submit cover letter, resume, and a brief writing sample by email to jobs@neiwpcc.org by May 19, 2024. Please reference #24-NYS-SW-DOH-003 in the email subject line. Accepting applications until the position is filled. A full position description and benefits listing may be viewed at: https://neiwpcc.org/about-us/careers.
Environmental Analyst – Technical Assistance Provider
Location: Augusta, ME
Closing Date: May 19, 2024
To apply, submit cover letter, resume, and a brief writing sample by email to jobs@neiwpcc.org by May 19, 2024. Please reference #24-DHHS-DWP-002 in the email subject line. A full position description may be viewed at: https://neiwpcc.org/about-us/careers.
WW Enforcement Coordinator – Analyst 3
Location: Boise, ID
Closing Date: May 22, 2024
For more information and to apply, click here.
Environmental Scientist 3 (Environmental Scientist 2 Underfill, Environmental Scientist 1 Underfill)
Location: Location: Carson, Minden, Gardnerville, Genoa, NV
Closing Date: May 23, 2024
Please note the applicant will need to evaluate the required experience and submit to the appropriate recruitment. For more information and to apply, click here.
Water Quality Permitting Scientist – Stormwater
Location: Helena, MT
Closing Date: May 24, 2024
For more information and to apply, click here.
Water Quality Permitting Scientist – Coal
Location: Helena, MT
Closing Date: May 24, 2024
For more information and to apply, click here.
Senior Loan Specialist, Clean Water State Revolving Fund (Loan Specialist 3)
Location: Portland, Eugene, or Salem, Oregon (finalist may choose work location)
Closing Date: May 27, 2024
For more information and to apply, click here.
Environmental Analyst – Assistant Scientist
Location: Grand Isle, VT
Closing Date: May 28, 2024
To apply, submit your cover letter, resume and writing sample by email to jobs@neiwpcc.org by May 28, 2024.
Please reference #24-LCBP-006 in the email subject line. Accepting applications until the position is
filled. A full position description may be viewed at: https://neiwpcc.org/about-us/careers.
Part-time Contracted Student Intern, Total Maximum Daily Load Section
Location: Worcester, MA
Closing Date: Open until filled (first consideration will be given to applications received within 14 days of the April 26th posting date).
MassDEP seeks applicants for a Contracted Student Intern within the Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) Section, Watershed Planning Program (WPP), Bureau of Water Resources. Under supervision of the TMDL Analyst, the Contracted Student Intern will assist TMDL Streamlining & Automation Initiative related to pathogen TMDL development. The part-time position will begin in June and end in October 2024 for a maximum of 22.5 hours per week. The position will be based in Worcester at the Watershed Planning Program’s office, 8 New Bond Street, but will operate within the Commonwealth’s current hybrid work model.
For more information and to apply, see MassCareers Job Opportunities
Environmental Analyst – Underground Storage Tanks
Location: Providence, RI
Closing Date: June 9, 2024
To apply, submit a cover letter, resume, and writing sample by email to jobs@neiwpcc.org by June 9, 2024.
Please reference #24-RIDEM-002 in the email subject line. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, accepting applications until the position is filled. A full position description and benefits listing may be viewed at: https://neiwpcc.org/about-us/careers.
Environmental Analyst – Water Quality Division
Location: Lowell, MA
Closing Date: June 9, 2024
To apply, submit cover letter, resume, and a brief writing sample by email to jobs@neiwpcc.org by June 9, 2024. Please reference #24-Lowell-008 in the email subject line. Accepting applications until the position is filled. A full position description may be viewed at: https://neiwpcc.org/about-us/careers.
Be sure to check out other opportunities on ACWA’s Job Opportunities page.
