Clean Water Current - October 12

October 12, 2012

NACWA, Water Sector Organizations Discuss Key Initiatives with EPA

NACWA and representatives from several other water sector organizations, including the Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies (AMWA), the National Association of Water Companies (NAWC), the Water Environment Federation (WEF) and the Water Environment Research Foundation (WERF), met with Ellen Gilinsky, Senior Policy Advisor for EPA’s Office of Water, and key water office staff this week to discuss a range of issues. At the top of the agenda was the NACWA, WEF and WERF collaboration on the Water Resources Utility of the Future. EPA expressed an interest in being engaged in the initiative and noted the many parallel efforts on sustainable utilities underway at the Agency.

During a discussion on integrated planning, which included the October 24 Region 3 workshop being co-convened by NACWA and the Association of Clean Water Administrators (ACWA) – (see September 28 Clean Water Current), EPA noted that it plans to initiate a dialogue with the U.S. Conference of Mayors on the issue of affordability in the context of consent decree negotiations and integrated planning. The Agency also updated the organizations on its ongoing Importance of Water effort that is exploring water’s impact on the U.S. economy. A synthesis report from a September 19, 2012 technical workshop will be available by the end of November and the Agency is planning a Public Symposium on the issue at American University on December 4, 2012. Registration for the symposium is open and can be accessed at http://water.epa.gov/action/importanceofwater/registration.cfm. During the meeting EPA also confirmed that Peter Grevatt will be the new director of the Office of Ground Water & Drinking Water in the Office of Water. Grevatt, who currently serves as the Director of the Agency’s Office of Children’s Health Protection, replaces long-time director Cynthia Dougherty who retired earlier this year.

Utility of the Future Task Force Holds First Workshop

The Utility of the Future Task Force held its first workshop this week, marking the beginning of its initiative to develop the Water Resources Utility of the Future (UOTF) Blueprint for Action. The Task Force is made up of representatives from public utilities, consulting/engineering firms, academia, and technology developers and manufacturers – nominated for participation by NACWA, the Water Environment Research Foundation (WERF), and the Water Environment Federation (WEF). The Task Force is chaired by Tom Sigmund, NACWA Utility Management Committee Chair, and Executive Director of the Green Bay Metropolitan Sewerage District.

During the Workshop, Task Force members engaged in a substantive discussion on the conceptual model of the water resources utility of the future and provided technical input into a draft outline of the Blueprint. The workshop was a productive forum that generated numerous comments and suggestions that will be followed up on as the Blueprint is developed. There was a general consensus that the array of issues the Blueprint would explore – whether energy conservation or production, water reuse, green infrastructure, or resource recovery – needed to focus on the benefits these activities would provide to the utility, the community/ratepayer, and to the environment/public health. Several members also underscored the importance that transformational leadership and sustainable utility management be discussed in the document.

The publication is anticipated to be finalized by January 2013 in order to serve as an informative post-election outreach vehicle to the Administration, members of 113th Congress, states, and other key stakeholders. Before that date, the Task Force will hold two more in-depth workshops to comment on a draft and continue to provide input to the final product. NACWA will update its members regularly as the project proceeds.

NACWA Meets with EPA to Discuss Water Quality Trading

NAWCA met with EPA this week to discuss recommendations

NACWA’s Water Quality Trading Working Group submitted to the Agency in July regarding their Water Quality Trading Policy. Specifically, NACWA urged EPA to clarify language regarding TMDLs and agricultural baseline requirements which the Association fears could limit trading and the broader establishment of regional water quality trading programs. While EPA has no plans to revise the Policy in the near future, NACWA was encouraged by their interest and pledged to continue work with the Agency on trading programs and policies that will yield tangible water quality improvements while addressing POTW affordability concerns.

EPA to Host Water Quality Trading Forum

EPA also noted that it will be hosting a web-based Water Quality Trading Forum on November 28, from 11:00am – 5:00pm EST. NACWA has been asked to present on behalf of potential credit ‘buyers’ in a water quality trading program, as well as comment on what the Association feels would best advance trading. The Association encourages its members to participate in this forum and will circulate a draft agenda and registration information as soon as they become available. To join NACWA’s Water Quality Trading Working Group, please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Critical Deadlines Approaching for Three Important Offerings –

One Week Remains to Apply for the 2013 National Environmental Achievement Awards

NACWA Public Agency Members are encouraged to submit applications for the 2013 National Environmental Achievement Award program. The deadline for applications is Friday, October 19, 2012. With both individual and agency categories available, Member Agencies have the opportunity to get recognized for innovative water quality and environmental protection projects initiatives or to recognize a local public official or board member that has made a significant impact on their agency and/or the environment.

Let us honor you for the true environmentalist you are! Nomination forms and award guidelines are available on the NACWA website. Contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , Director of Membership Development, for additional information.

Ken Kopocis to Keynote NACWA’s Law Seminar

The October 23 hotel registration deadline for NACWA’s 2012 Developments in Clean Water Law Seminar is quickly approaching, so hurry and make your plans today! This year’s Seminar is scheduled for November 14 – 16 in beautiful Seattle, Wash., and promises to address some of the most cutting-edge topics in clean water law. Ken Kopocis, Senior Advisor for EPA’s Office of Water and the pending nominee to be Assistant Administrator for Water, will give the opening keynote address.

Integrated planning will be a central discussion topic at the Seminar, with a panel of EPA officials and legal experts discussing its potential impacts on clean water utilities. Consent decree and enforcement issues will also take center stage, including a review of some of the most important recent enforcement developments. Other topics to be covered include stormwater, nutrients, key Clean Water Act cases of the past year, and an analysis of the impact from the 2012 elections on clean water priorities.

Additional information on registration, hotel accommodations, continuing legal education (CLE) credits, and an updated agenda are available on NACWA’s website. Join your clean water colleagues in Seattle for this valuable conference!

Leadership - Utility Style!

Designed specifically for water and wastewater utility executives, the Water & Wastewater Leadership Center provides a unique executive education experience for all who participate. Applications are currently being accepted for the 2013 Water & Wastewater Leadership Center being held February 24 – March 8, 2013 at the University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill’s Kenan-Flagler Business School. Submit your application by October 26, 2013 and begin your journey toward becoming a more effective leader!

Leadership Center participants will enhance their management skills and further develop their leadership style through participation in activities such as a 360 degree personal leadership assessment, virtual change management simulation, and course work that broadens their perspective on what is possible for their utility. Providing an intimate learning environment, the Leadership Center class size is limited to no more than 30 students. Interested individuals are encouraged to submit their applications early. Please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , for additional information.

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