September 14, 2012
NACWA Weighs in with U.S. Supreme Court on Stormwater CaseNACWA joined with other municipal interests this week to file a brief with the U.S. Supreme Court in litigation over what qualifies as a stormwater discharge under the Clean Water Act (CWA). The brief in Los Angeles County Flood Control District v. NRDC outlines the municipal perspective for the High Court in this important case, and includes a request for review by the Court of the water transfers issue. The Supreme Court has previously ruled that transfers of water from one section of a waterbody to another do not qualify as a CWA discharge requiring a permit. The municipal brief urges the Court to reaffirm its prior legal finding.
NACWA Recommends Broader Study of Nanosilver Impacts During Registration ReviewNACWA submitted comments this week on EPA's registration review for nanosilver under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). Nanosilver is used in products for its anti-microbial properties. NACWA has been actively following issues relating to nanosilver for several years, given its potential for discharge to sewer systems. While little is known about the fate and effects of nanosilver, the clean water community is acutely aware that forms of silver can be toxic to aquatic life and prevent utilities from recycling their biosolids. NACWA’s letter underscored that while clean water agency pretreatment programs have been specifically designed to ensure that discharges of silver particles are minimized or eliminated, such programs do not have authority to control discharges of pollutants from domestic sources where products containing nanosilver are now increasingly common. EPA has acknowledged that data gaps are impeding its ability to complete a thorough assessment and evaluation of nanomaterials. The Association has recommended that EPA use the registration review process to fill these gaps before the Agency approves any additional products for use. NACWA also urged the Agency to evaluate all uses of nanosilver, not just its use in textiles, for potential environmental exposures and impacts on the treatment process. The Association’s letter also expressed support for the more detailed comments submitted by the Bay Area Clean Water Agencies (BACWA).Congress Works on Continuing Resolution Providing SRF Funding at FY2012 Levels
The House passed a six-month Continuing Resolution (CR) this week that will keep the government funded until March 27, 2013. The Senate is expected to pass the CR next week, and the President has indicated he will sign it. This CR maintains funding for the Clean Water and Safe Drink Water State Revolving Funds at Fiscal Year (FY) 2012 levels, although monies will likely not be disbursed until Congress passes a final omnibus appropriations package next year.
Queue the Music! Law & Order: SPU (Special Pretreatment Unit) Is Coming!On September 20, 2:00-3:30 pm ET, NACWA will present Law & Order: SPU (Special Pretreatment Unit), a web seminar featuring two case studies about local pretreatment programs that investigated and pursued legal action against illicit dischargers. This informative web seminar offers the perfect opportunity for your utility’s pretreatment staff to access these interesting and informative presentations. Register today!
Let NACWA Recognize Your Environmental AchievementsNACWA is currently accepting nominations for its National Environmental Achievement Awards – in both the Member Agency and Individual categories. Member Agencies are invited to take this opportunity to recognize a local public official or board member that has made a significant impact on their agency, environment and/or the local community. Additionally, Agencies are encouraged to submit applications that showcase the innovative projects and initiatives in which they are engaged that promote water quality and environmental protection.Applications are due Friday, October 19, 2012. Nomination forms and guidelines can be found on the NACWA website. Contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , Director, Membership Development, for additional information. |