Clean Water Current Archive

October 3, 2008

NACWA Works to Ensure Last Minute Hill Actions Reflect Clean Water Needs

As Congress was wrapping up business in advance of the elections, NACWA met with key congressional staff on a possible second economic stimulus package.   Work on the $60 billion package was quickly put on the back-burner as Congress diverted its attention to the financial system rescue measure.  NACWA’s work earlier in the month ensured that the House stimulus bill, which passed on September 26, did include $6.5 billion for the clean water state revolving fund (CWSRF), a vast improvement over the $689 million allocation in FY 2008.  The measure did not pass the Senate after Democrats failed to garner the 60 votes necessary to overcome a Republican filibuster, and it is currently unlikely that the Senate will take up the measure again in 2008.  Despite these delays, NACWA continues its aggressive efforts on behalf of its members to stress the importance of authorizing funding for water and wastewater projects that will create jobs, stimulate the economy, and benefit the environment.

NACWA Requests Peer Review from EPA on New Nutrient Standard Methodology

NACWA sent a letter (PDF) to EPA Administrator Stephen Johnson Sept. 29 requesting a peer review of a controversial new methodology for developing nutrient standards.  The methodology was recently used by EPA Region III to develop a total maximum daily load (TMDLs) and was discussed in depth during NACWA’s recent Late Breaking Legal Issues Call on Sept. 10.  NACWA’s letter expresses concern with the scientific validity of the new approach, including its reliance on a new and untested data evaluation procedure.  The letter further argues that peer review of the study is necessary due to the technical uncertainly surrounding the new methodology, and points out that a review is also warranted under existing EPA and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) policies.  Based on the questionable scientific methods employed in developing the methodology and the potentially high costs of compliance, NACWA’s letter requests that EPA schedule a peer review as quickly as possible and suspend any further application of the methodology pending completion of the review.  NACWA will continue to track this issue and report on any developments or response from EPA.

NACWA Join Coalition Requesting Congressional Hearing on Green Infrastructure

NACWA partnered with American Rivers and a coalition of environmental and conservation groups this week to deliver a letter to the House Transportation and Infrastructure (T&I) Committee requesting a hearing on the use of green infrastructure in roadway construction projects.  The letter (PDF) was sent in advance of the Committee’s reauthorization of the Transportation Bill next year and specifically requested an examination of green solutions to polluted stormwater runoff from transportation infrastructure such as highways, roads, and parking lots.  Among the benefits of green infrastructure outlined in the letter are its ability to reduce flooding, air pollution, and surface temperatures while also increasing wildlife habitat.  The request was well-received by T&I committee staff and NACWA looks forward to working with the committee and members of the coalition to ensure that green infrastructure and other methods to reduce water pollution are a key part of next year’s discussions on reauthorization of the Transportation Bill.

NACWA to Meet with EPA on Final Climate Change Strategy for Water

EPA’s Office of Water released the final version of its National Water Program Strategy: Response to Climate Change on October 2.  The document provides information on the potential effects of climate change on water resources and “describes specific actions the National Water Program will take to adapt program implementation in light of climate change.”  NACWA met with EPA in May to discuss the draft Strategy and submitted comments (PDF)  on the draft.  NACWA’s comments requested that EPA focus more on longer-term strategies and adaptation needs of the water sector, including consideration of financial resources that will be required for adaptation.  The comments also emphasized the need to address climate change impacts with a holistic watershed approach.  NACWA will review the final document and plans to meet with EPA to discuss how the Agency will implement the Strategy.

Top Speakers, Key Issues to Headline NACWA Law Seminar

Registration is now available for NACWA’s 2008 Developments in Clean Water Law seminar, scheduled for November 12-14 at the Fairmont Hotel in Washington, DC.  This year’s Seminar promises to be both engaging and informative; exploring some the hottest topics in clean water law and featuring top legal practitioners from around the nations as speakers.  Headlining the program are two top EPA officials --  Benjamin Grumbles, Assistant Administrator for Water, will discuss climate change, and Granta Nakayama, Assistant Administrator for Enforcement and Compliance Assurance, will highlight enforcement trends involving clean water utilities.  Amy Walter, editor of The Hotline and one of Washington’s best political commentators, will provide an analysis of the November elections and how the outcome may affect municipal utilities.  Other topics to be addressed during the Seminar include nutrient regulations, recent stormwater developments, biosolids management, green infrastructure, and understanding regulatory deference.  As in past years, continuing legal education (CLE) credits will be available.  More information on the Seminar, including a copy of the agenda and registration forms, is available on the NACWA website.  The deadline for hotel reservations at the Fairmont is October 21, so hurry and make your plans to attend today!

NACWA Confirms Nationwide Airings of Liquid Assets

Efforts by NACWA members and other clean water stakeholders are paying off as local PBS affiliates across the country are committing to air Liquid Assets: The Story of Our Water Infrastructure in the coming weeks.  The 90-minute film details the history of our nation’s water infrastructure as well as the need for further funding to support critical infrastructure repair and replacement projects.  The producers of the film, Penn State Public Broadcasting, touch on an array of themes as they discuss the three major water infrastructure systems, drinking water, wastewater and stormwater, including how such systems form the fundamental basis of our public health system, the innovative solutions being employed by the water sector to maintain the existing infrastructure, and the challenges that lie ahead as more of the nation’s buried assets reach the end of their useful lives.  NACWA has obtained a list (PDF) of current television air times for Liquid Assets in several communities nationwide and encourages its members in those communities where it is not yet scheduled to contact their local PBS affiliate and ask that this important film be shown.