» Clean Water Current Archive

May 4, 2012

NACWA Seeks Member Input on Draft ‘Utility of the Future’ Concept Paper

NACWA encourages all members to provide comments on its draft Concept Paper, A 2020 Vision for Clean Water . . . The Transformational Role of Public Agency Leadership  by May 11, 2012.  The document provides a framework for engagement in key areas that are critical in defining The Water Resources Utility of the Future: energy conservation and production; water reuse and reclamation; product stewardship; green infrastructure; resource recovery; and, innovative management techniques.  These issues were explored in-depth at last month’s National Environmental Policy Forum’s Utility Executives Roundtable — Exploring the Water Resources Utility of the Future.  Broader comment is now being sought on the appropriateness of the identified areas and whether there are other utility initiatives that are also transforming the landscape.  In addition to this Concept Paper, the Association is developing a member survey to gather input into how its advocacy efforts can help remove barriers, or ensure opportunities are not lost, in seeking to implement the types of activities contemplated under The Water Resources Utility of the Future initiative.  Based upon Member input, NACWA will create an advocacy action plan for the coming year.  The advocacy action plan will receive attention at future Association meetings and conferences.  Please forward your comments to Adam Krantz at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it by May 11, 2012.

NACWA to File Brief in Biogenic Emissions Lawsuit, Member Input Needed by May 11

On April 22, NACWA’s Board of Directors approved the filing of an amicus curiae brief in the case of Center for Biological Diversity (CBD) v. EPA, which is currently before the U.S. Circuit Court for the District of Columbia Circuit.  NACWA’s brief will support EPA’s three-year deferral  of biogenic carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from Clean Air Act (CAA) Title V and Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) permitting requirements.  In response to comments  from NACWA, EPA specifically decided to provide a three-year deferral for emissions from wastewater treatment and the combustion of biogas and biosolids as they studied these issues further.  Although CBD’s arguments are aimed primarily at combustion of plant life, not emissions from publicly owned treatment works (POTWs), a decision by the court against EPA would almost certainly vacate the deferral for all biogenic CO2 emissions since the legal justifications for the deferral are the same for all biogenic emissions sources.

In its brief, NACWA plans to present evidence on the life cycle of POTW emissions – which is much shorter than for other biogenic sources such as trees and forest waste – and on the impacts on POTWs if the deferral is vacated.  NACWA members with information on biogenic emissions are asked to contact Cynthia Finley at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it by May 11 with information to support the Association’s filing.  Specific information needed includes life cycle analyses of biogenic POTW emissions, estimates of biogenic emissions at POTWs, and economic implications of complying with CAA requirements if biogenic emissions are included.  Advocacy Alert 12-07 provides more background information and additional details on the request for information.

NACWA Ramps Up Social Media Efforts to Strengthen Links to Members

At the National Environmental Policy Forum in Washington, D.C., last week, NACWA used Twitter and Facebook to keep members apprised of ongoing activities and important updates.  The Association plans to continue these efforts on an ongoing basis to keep members informed in real-time, and encourages all member agencies to follow @NACWA on Twitter and to "like" us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/nacwaorg.  Member agencies are also encouraged to participate in these online conversations.  Additionally, NACWA's blog, The Voice of Water, is scheduled to debut later this month.  The blog will provide thoughtful analysis of current events affecting the clean water community and will encourage input and discussion from member agencies and others.

EPA Webcast on Utility Sustainability to Feature NACWA Members

EPA is hosting a series of webcasts based on its new handbook, Planning for Sustainability: A Handbook for Water and Wastewater Utilities , released in February.  The first webcast, scheduled for Tuesday, June 12, 2012 from 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm Eastern, will include an overview of the handbook, as well as perspectives and examples from NACWA member utility managers, Andy Kricun, Executive Director, Camden County Municipal Utility Authority, N.J., and Tom Sigmund, Executive Director, Green Bay Metropolitan Sewerage District, Wis., who were involved in the development of the handbook.  Developed with significant input from utility managers, the handbook describes a series of core elements and steps utilities can take to build sustainability considerations into their existing planning processes.  The webcast is free.  Registration is available now at https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/519632424.  EPA’s flyer  on the webcast includes additional information and a list of future webcast topics and dates.

Pretreatment Officials from Across the Country to Meet Next Week

Pretreatment program practitioners and policy makers will meet in Pensacola next week for NACWA’s National Pretreatment & Pollution Prevention Workshop.  The Workshop’s compelling program and strong attendance are sure to make it a success.  The Association looks forward to seeing representatives from many Member Agencies at this important meeting – and wishes all safe travels.