» Clean Water Current Archive

October 29, 2010

NACWA Brings Message on Incineration to Public Hearing, Seeks Meeting with EPA Administrator

NACWA and Member Agencies from California, Missouri, Ohio, Virginia, and North Carolina came together today in Research Triangle Park, N.C., for a public hearing on the proposed maximum achievable control technology (MACT)-based standards for sewage sludge incinerators (SSIs).  Speakers were provided approximately 6 minutes each to speak.  NACWA used its opportunity to EPA that emissions estimates were vastly overstated – especially those for mercury – and that the cost of switching to landfills was vastly under-estimated in EPA’s proposal.  NACWA and its Members underscored the fact that the new standards will require the vast majority of existing SSIs to install additional pollution control devices at a capital cost of over $200 million dollars and an annual increase in costs of approximately $100 million, according to EPA estimates.  Additional concerns focused on NACWA’s belief that EPA has vastly overestimated the contribution of mercury from SSIs.  The Association will provide additional information on the public hearing in its upcoming Regulatory Update.

NACWA is also preparing a comprehensive set of legal and technical comments on the proposal — due November 29 — based on a highly-attended conference call with its incinerator members last week (October 22).  The Association has sent a letter to EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson seeking a meeting with her to discuss this issue.  As the letter states, “Given the cross-cutting nature of the rules governing sewage sludge management, involving multiple EPA offices and at least three different environmental statutes, including the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, the Clean Air Act and the Clean Water Act, NACWA believes the only way to ensure a viable outcome is through a meeting with you and your staff.”  NACWA will keep members informed of these efforts as they progress.

NACWA Meets with Leaders of ASIWPCA to Discuss Mutual Priorities

NACWA met with the Association of State & Interstate Water Pollution Control Administrators’ (ASIWPCA) President Andy Fisk, Director of the Bureau of Land & Water Quality with Maine’s Department of Environmental Protection; their new Executive Director & General Council Alexandra Dunn; and Deputy Director, Sean Roland.  The meeting offered NACWA an opportunity to welcome Alex Dunn — NACWA’s former General Counsel — to her new position and to discuss areas where the two organizations can work more closely together.  NACWA discussed the possibility of a follow-up meeting to the Association’s September Nutrient Summit where key municipal and state representatives can discuss shared priorities in terms of EPA’s nutrient approach.  The two groups also discussed the Money Matters — Smarter Investment to Advance Clean Water campaign and the importance of working with EPA on clearer direction in setting regulatory priorities.  The need to work together to secure and enhance federal funding options was also discussed with ASIWPCA President Andy Fisk reiterating their support for the clean water trust fund approach and a desire to work more closely with NACWA going forward.   NACWA also expressed its appreciation for ASIWPCA’s support of its Watershed Principles document (see related story).

NACWA Requests Member Input on Proposed Chesapeake Bay TMDL

NACWA is preparing comments on EPA’s draft total maximum daily load (TMDL) for the Chesapeake Bay, which may serve as a model for development of TMDLs in other watersheds.  While NACWA’s comments will primarily be based on input from the Association’s Chesapeake Bay Member Agencies directly affected by the TMDL, other member input is invited, as well.  During a conference call last week, NACWA’s Chesapeake Bay members expressed their concern with the science behind the models used in the TMDL, the ambiguity of the “reasonable assurance” requirements for nonpoint source controls, and the lack of funding for implementing improvements.  Another major concern – one that is potentially shared by utilities across the country – is the lack of regulatory stability, since requirements for wastewater utilities may change in response to TMDL goals not being met by other sources.  Comments are due November 8, with NACWA focusing on areas of concern for its Bay members that may also have implications for other clean water policy issues nationwide.  NACWA members should provide their input to Cynthia Finley at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it by November 3.

NACWA 2011 Winter Conference Sets Sights on New Paradigm for Wet Weather & Collection System Management

NACWA’s 2011 Winter Conference, Understanding the New Paradigm for Wet Weather & Collection System Management, is just around the corner.  This year’s Conference will take place February 1-4, 2011 at the Hyatt Regency Pier Sixty-Six in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.  Unlike past NACWA Winter Conferences, this conference will have a technical focus – with management issues being featured at the 2011 Summer Conference in Chicago.

The conference program will explore the increasing focus on wet weather issues for utilities resulting from the potential EPA rulemaking on sanitary sewer overflows (SSO), collection system management, and blending – as well as the major rule effort already underway for stormwater.  Clearly, combined sewer system projects and collection system management are experiencing greater scrutiny and broadened expectations.  The conference will explore new approaches, including green infrastructure and low impact development techniques, generally heralded as cost-effective and environmentally-beneficial alternatives to traditional gray infrastructure.  The agenda will examine difficulties that can arise with implementing these approaches and integrating them into existing regulatory programs.

Engaging satellite communities on collection system issues and dealing with privately-owned systems and laterals present major challenges whether the utility is situated in the Northeast or the arid Southwest – and will receive attention at NACWA’s 2011 Winter Conference.  Underlying all major collection system programs is the financial capability of the community and the existing burdens utilities are already facing for repair and replacement of aging infrastructure.  New requirements will only further strain budgets.  The conference program will build on NACWA’s Money Matters campaign and include discussions about the multi-faceted, cooperative efforts underway to seek relief for clean water agencies.  Look for more details about the conference in the Clean Water Advocate and on the NACWA website at www.nacwa.org/meetings.

2011 Water & Wastewater Leadership Center Applications Are Available

Don’t miss your opportunity to experience the ultimate in water sector executive education at the 2011 Water & Wastewater Leadership Center!  Applications are currently being accepted for this twelve-day, executive management program held at the Kenan Flagler Business School at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, March 6-18, 2011. Celebrating more than a decade of executive leadership, the Leadership Center prepares utility leaders and managers to meet the current and future demands of their customers with the highest level of service, quality and efficiency.  Visit the Leadership Center page of the NACWA website to view the 2011 brochure and application.  Space is limited and applicants are encouraged to apply early.  The deadline to apply is December 10, 2010.  For more information on the Leadership Center please contact Kelly Brocato at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Don’t Miss NACWA’s Developments in Clean Water Law Seminar

Space is still available for NACWA’s 2010 Developments in Clean Water Law Seminar, so hurry and register today to join your clean water colleagues in beautiful Santa Fe, N.M., for this exciting event!  The Seminar, scheduled for November 17-19, will address many of the most current topics in clean water law, including wet weather consent decrees and affordability issues; emerging new regulations from EPA involving stormwater and nutrients; a review of the most important clean water legal cases of the past year; and, a discussion of enforcement and citizen suit trends.   This Seminar will be a “can’t miss” event for both clean water attorneys and utility managers looking to better understand the complex legal and regulatory environment currently facing wastewater and stormwater agencies.  Continuing Legal Education (CLE) credits, including ethics credits, will be available to all participants.  Additional information on the Seminar, including a conference agenda and a full listing of CLE approvals, is available on NACWA’s website at www.nacwa.org/10law.  Rooms are limited at the conference hotel, so please call Robin Davis at 202.533.1802 as soon as possible to reserve your room.  We hope to see you in Santa Fe!