» Clean Water Current Archive

March 30, 2012

EPA Responds Favorably to Requests to Keep Security Data off the Internet

In response to input from NACWA and the other water sector associations, as well as the House Committee on Energy & Commerce, EPA announced in an email  this week that it would be postponing indefinitely its plans to make certain Risk Management Plan (RMP) data available over the internet.  EPA had stated in a December 1 decision  that internet access to non-Off-Site Consequence Analysis (non-OCA) sections of the RMP database would begin in July 2012.  In a letter  earlier this month to EPA and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), NACWA and other water sector associations expressed serious concerns about this decision, which EPA said would help provide access to Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and DHS staff and to local responders.  The House Committee on Energy & Commerce also sent a letter  with concerns about the decision.  The Agency is now trying to find the balance between appropriate public access to chemical risks and keeping the information out of the hands of those who might misuse it.  The water sector associations will continue to work with EPA on this issue and NACWA will keep members informed about any further developments as they occur.

NACWA Recommends Revisions to Greenhouse Gas Inventory

NACWA submitted comments  this week to EPA on its draft Inventory of U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks: 1990-2010.  The annual inventory provides nationwide estimates of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions for various sectors, including wastewater treatment, and is intended to be used only for informational purposes.  The wastewater treatment category in the Inventory includes publicly owned treatment works (POTWs), septic systems, and industrial wastewater treatment systems, and consistently ranks in the top ten sectors for emissions of methane and nitrous oxide, although wastewater emissions are much smaller in magnitude than the highest ranked categories.

NACWA has commented on the five previous Inventories, and EPA has made corrections and clarifications that have been requested by the Association.   EPA, however, has not made any major changes to the methodology used in their emissions estimates, as recommended by NACWA, particularly for nitrous oxide emissions.  NACWA recommended that EPA use its own information from the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) database rather than using emission factors contained in guidelines published by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), which are based on very little research.  As stated in the comments, “Since EPA believes that further data of a broader and more representative scope are required before changing the Inventory, the NPDES database would certainly suffice as it represents every centralized POTW in the U.S.”  NACWA also asked that EPA consider the applicability of any new research on emissions to all types of POTWs, stating that “relying on studies that are not representative of utilities nationwide may actually increase the uncertainty of the emissions.”  NACWA will evaluate any changes made in the final 2010 Inventory and will continue to monitor all EPA actions on GHGs.

NACWA, Municipal Groups Talk Priority Issues with EPA Wastewater Office Leaders

NACWA staff and representatives from the Water Environment Federation (WEF) and National League of Cities (NLC) met with Jim Hanlon, Director of EPA’s Office of Wastewater Management and other key staff this week to discuss a range of clean water topics.  Integrated planning topped the agenda and Hanlon confirmed that senior water and enforcement office management will be briefed on the next version of the Agency’s integrated planning framework in early April.  The framework, which is expected to be released as a ‘living document’ in mid-April, was only slightly revised based on comments that EPA received.  EPA hopes that it can move quickly into the implementation phase and establish some success stories that can be featured as case studies for other communities.  Hanlon clarified that sanitary sewer overflows and blending will be addressed in the integrated planning context on a case-by-case basis, providing no further details.  He confirmed that there are no ‘behind the curtain’ efforts to move separate policies on SSOs or blending forward at this time.

On the stormwater front, EPA indicated that it is still negotiating with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation on a new deadline for proposing the post-construction stormwater rule.  EPA secured another temporary extension of the existing deadline until April 27, but is working on a long-term extension that would likely push proposal of the rule into the spring of 2013.  EPA continues to struggle with assessing the costs of stormwater controls and quantifying the environmental benefits of those controls, but indicated that all options, including retrofit requirements, are still on the table.  On nutrients, Hanlon indicated that his office will be engaged directly on the Agency’s work to respond to the recent lawsuit filed by NRDC and other environmental groups seeking to compel EPA to respond to a 2007 petition that sought inclusion of nutrient controls within the definition of secondary treatment.

EPA also provided an update on how budget cuts are requiring significant decreases in the Agency’s spending on outside contractors and travel.  Representatives of the Agency expressed appreciation to the groups’ efforts to ensure robust EPA funding.  NACWA discussed seeking EPA’s input into the development of an advocacy agenda focused on the concept of the Water Resources Utility of the Future and WEF provided an update on its Water’s Worth It messaging campaign.

NACWA Takes Clean Water Message to Key Audiences

NACWA continues to ensure broad awareness and support for its advocacy priorities by bringing its message to key groups in the clean water community.  The Association briefed the Association of Clean Water Administrators’ (ACWA) Nutrient Committee March 26 on NACWA’s March 2011 Issue Paper  summarizing the outcomes and recommendations from its 2010 Nutrient Summit.  ACWA’s Nutrient Committee remains focused on the potential benefits of technology-based approaches is working to develop a written policy statement on technology-based controls for nutrients.  NACWA used the opportunity to outline its concerns with one-size-fits-all technology solutions for nutrients.

NACWA staff also spoke this week at the Greater Buffalo Environmental Conference — a gathering of key New York State utilities that included both Association members and potential members.  At the conference, NACWA provided a presentation on the 40th anniversary of the Clean Water Act with a view to the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in the upcoming decades.

NACWA also gave a presentation on policies needed to improve energy efficiency and production at clean water agencies at the Energy Efficiency Global Forum in Orlando, Fla.  The panel on the nexus of water and energy efficiency discussed the opportunities and barriers facing utilities as they seek to use less outside energy sources and move towards becoming energy producers.

Association staff will join a representative from member agency DC Water at the annual meeting of the Council of Infrastructure Financing Authorities (CIFA), which represents state SRF managers.  NACWA and DC Water will be presenting on EPA’s integrated planning effort, as well as the Association’s Money Matters . . . Smarter Investment to Advance Clean Water™ campaign, the potential benefits of these programs to utilities, and the more efficient use of EPA’s SRF program.

The Policy Forum Is around the Corner – Hotel Reservation Deadline Extended

The deadline for making hotel reservations for NACWA’s 2012 National Environmental Policy Forum, April 22-25, in Washington, DC, at the Washington Marriott has been extended to April 4.  If you have not already done so, please register at the hotel today!

Hill Visits Offer Unique Opportunities
Member Agencies and Affiliates attending NACWA’s 2012 National Environmental Policy Forum, April 22-25, in Washington, DC, are encouraged to arrange Capitol Hill visits with your Congressional representatives during special time provided on April 24, from 2:00 to 5:00pm – or at other opportunities during the Forum.  These meetings serve as a vital opportunity to highlight some of the clean water community’s biggest advocacy issues, as well as build a lasting and productive relationship with Members of Congress and their staff.  For your convenience, NACWA will prepare short briefing papers on the Association’s top advocacy issues, including integrated planning and regulatory prioritization, reducing nutrient run-off from agricultural sources, the inclusion of biogas and biosolids in a clean energy standard, as well as funding for the State Revolving Funds (SRFs) and a Clean Water Trust Fund.  This information can be used as a reference during your meetings and as leave-behind documents for your congressional delegation and their staff.

To schedule a meeting, email the environmental aid of the Member you wish to meet with.  If you do not know who this person is, call the front desk to ask.  Contact information for your Representatives and Senators can be found on the House and Senate websites.  For any questions or for help scheduling a meeting, please contact NACWA’s Hannah Mellman at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Following the day of Hill visits NACWA will host its Capitol Hill Reception at the Old Ebbitt Grill Rooftop Terrace from 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm.  Members are encouraged to invite their Members of Congress to this event.  A 2012 Capitol Hill Reception invitation is available on NACWA’s website  for you to download and e-mail or forward to your guests.

One Week Remains to Apply for Peak Performance Recognition

The deadline to apply for NACWA’s Peak Performance Awards is next Friday, April 6. NACWA encourages all Member Agencies with facilities that have demonstrated excellence in meeting their NPDES permit limits to apply.  Visit the Awards page on the NACWA website to learn more about award requirements and applications.

Pretreatment’s Central Role in the “Utility of the Future” to be Explored at NACWA’s 2012 Workshop

Join your clean water colleagues for the only conference designed specifically for pretreatment professionals –NACWA’s National Pretreatment & Pollution Prevention Workshop.  This year’s Workshop, Pretreatment and the Utility of the Future: Where We Are Going and Where We Have Been, will provide a look back at 30 years of pretreatment program accomplishments and focus on the increasingly important role that pretreatment and other pollution prevention programs will play as utilities move from simply treating wastewater to recovering resources.  Presentation topics will include pretreatment for hydraulic fracturing, bio-cremation and funeral homes, and other new industries.  Legal case studies related to pretreatment will also be presented in the always-popular “Law & Order” panel.  In addition, staff from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will update participants on the current status of effluent guidelines development and national pretreatment programs.

Make your plans today by reserving a room at the Hilton Pensacola before April 17.