Clean Water Current Archive

September 26, 2008

NACWA’s Board & Committee Leadership Meet to Set Course for the Future

NACWA’s Board of Directors and committee leaders gathered in Washington this week for the 2008 Fall Strategic Leadership Retreat, which had as its theme “Critical Action Issues for Clean Water Agencies — Altering the Clean Water Dynamic.”  Individual panels featuring guest perspectives from state water pollution officials, environmental activists, and other water sector organizations encouraged open discussion among these groups and NACWA’s leadership on issues of critical importance to the clean water community, particularly relating to nutrients, climate change, sustainable infrastructure and funding, chemical security, and emerging contaminants.  Clearly, these issues present the most pressing challenges for NACWA’s member agencies, and the discussions will help direct the Association’s strategy moving into the coming year when the new Administration and Congress are seated.

The Leadership Retreat also featured a lively discussion on NACWA’s draft 21st Century Watershed Act, which was distributed to members for comment via Member Update 08-13. Providing their input into this important effort were representatives from the Association of State and Interstate Water Pollution Control Administrators (ASIWPCA), the American Farm Bureau Federation, Clean Water Action, and the U.S. Conference of Mayors.  In addition, a separate panel included House and Senate staff members providing their views on the closing days of the 110th Congress and what can be expected in the new Congress.  NACWA looks forward to working with these organizations in the future to find areas of agreement and continue progress on water quality improvement.

NACWA’s Board of Directors met Sept. 23 and welcomed Tim Houghton, executive assistant City & County of Honolulu Department of Environmental Services, as a new appointee to at-large seat on the Association’s Board.  The board also heard updates on NACWA policies and approved $10,000 in Targeted Action Funds to update the Wet Weather Consent Decrees: Protecting POTWs in Negotiations (Consent Decree Handbook).

Clean Water America Alliance Launched to Change Paradigm of Water Management

NACWA participated in the launch Sept. 24 of the Clean Water America Alliance (CWAA) (http://www.cleanwateramericaalliance.org/), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose goal is to meet future challenges on a holistic, watershed basis, with a focus on sustainability and green cities.  Former NACWA President Dick Champion, director of the Independence Water Department in Independence, Mo., serves as the organization’s chair, and several NACWA members serve on the board.  Other board members include representatives from academia, water engineering firms, environmental advocacy groups, and various corporations.  At a press conference announcing the launch, Champion said the alliance "has brought together the best and the brightest to energize and focus the nation on the need for a new approach to providing clean and safe waters to future generations."

The alliance already has several initiatives underway, including a national watershed summit, a signature report, and the development of a U.S. Water Prize that will be awarded annually to one qualified organization or individual whose project or initiative characterizes a cutting-edge, progressive approach to water.  In addition, the organization is drafting a Memorandum of Understanding with the Conservation Fund to develop a Clean Water Academy.

The alliance also used the occasion to launch a Founder Campaign, providing a unique opportunity to both public and private entities to become founders of the organization.  NACWA members may look forward to hearing more about the Alliance in the coming weeks.

NACWA, Conservation Fund Continue Development of Green Infrastructure Course

NACWA and the Conservation Fund (TCF) held a conference call Sept. 25 to continue curriculum development for a joint green infrastructure seminar designed for municipal clean water utilities.  A design team made of NACWA and Conservation Fund members and staff has been working together since June on planning for the course, which will help educate utilities about how they might incorporate green infrastructure into their communities, focusing on environmental, economic, and regulatory factors.  The seminar will also provide information on implementing green infrastructure technologies, including how a utility can determine what kinds of projects might be appropriate for a specific community, and is structured for NACWA members to bring their elected officials or representatives from other municipal agencies to help foster a “team approach” when promoting the use of green infrastructure in their communities.  The inaugural pilot course is scheduled to be held in April 2009 at the National Conservation Training Center in Shepherdstown, WV, and will be open to all NACWA members.  Additional details and registration information for the course will be available in early 2009.