» Clean Water Current Archive

April 5, 2013

NACWA Hosts Region 10 Integrated Planning Workshop in the City of Roses

NACWA, the Association of Clean Water Administrators (ACWA), and the Water Environment Federation (WEF) are partnering, in conjunction with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), to offer a series of Integrated Planning (IP) Workshops around the country.  On April 3 more than 80 key stakeholders, including NACWA members, EPA staff, and state regulators, met for the Region 10 Workshop in Portland, Ore.  Utilities in the states of Idaho, Oregon and Washington were in attendance, some of which are currently working with their states to implement IP approaches.  Other attendees also actively engaged in the Workshop to determine the potential benefits of such an approach.  Much of the Workshop’s value was found in the unique opportunity for utility leaders to ask thoughtful questions to EPA Headquarters and Region 10 officials, as well as state regulators, on how IP may be applicable to their specific circumstances and situations.

EPA explained that its IP framework was, above all, about providing communities with greater flexibility in planning their clean water investments – and that the Agency’s role in the process was to assist the state regulators, however possible, to get plans off the ground.  Region 10 EPA and the states were passionate that, in their region, IP is important not just to meet Clean Water Act obligations, but also to maintain overall ecological health of their watersheds and protect vital water resources.  Washington Department of Ecology and Oregon Department of Environmental Quality leaders provided specific insight into how each state will be involved in the IP process.  Both states have put thought and staff effort into determining an internal process for handling community requests to engage in IP.  Each spoke about working across their internal “silos” (e.g. stormwater, water quality, enforcement) to make the process run efficiently, and encouraged local governments and utilities to do the same.  

The utility attendees were especially interested in all of the possible vehicles in which to embed Integrated Plans. The Workshop included extended dialogue of the pros, cons and implications of using a permit versus an enforcement, or hybrid, mechanism to house the plan.  NACWA appreciates all the attendees joining us and gives special thanks to the Oregon Association of Clean Water Agencies for providing on-site support.  The Association looks forward to the next Workshop, slated for Region 5, in Indianapolis, Ind., on May 1. Members in Region 5 that are interested in learning about or pursuing integrated plans are strongly encouraged to attend and register on NACWA’s website.  This is a rare and valuable opportunity to get all stakeholders in one room for a candid conversation – don’t miss out!

Rep. Latta to Reintroduce and Expand Clean Water Affordability Act

NACWA met with Representative Bob Latta’s (R-OH) office this week to discuss reintroduction of his bill, The Clean Water Affordability Act.  The legislation, as introduced last Congress, would require the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to revise its guidance on determining a community’s financial capability to meet Clean Water Act obligations.  NACWA has been working closely with Representative Latta to expand the bill to include additional provisions to codify Integrated Planning, extend EPA permit terms up to 25 years, and encourage the use of green infrastructure for managing wet weather.  These additional provisions are found in Senator Sherrod Brown’s (D-OH) bill by the same name.  Representative Latta has expressed interest in making the two bills more complementary, and is planning to introduce his bill later this spring.  Representative Latta has been invited to join us at our Congressional Reception  on April 23rd to speak more about his clean water priorities and rollout plans.  In the meantime, NACWA will provide relevant updates on both Representative Latta and Senator Brown’s legislation as they become available.

NACWA Issues March Healthy Waters Update

NACWA forwarded the March Healthy Waters Update this week to members of the Healthy Waters Coalition, a diverse group of municipal and state water and wastewater organizations, as well as conservation and sustainable agriculture groups from across the country.  The Coalition is focused on strengthening links between working agricultural lands and the quality of our Nation’s waters – with specific emphasis on agricultural nutrient run-off.

The Update provides members with an overview of press coverage in March covering key studies and research, and significant state/local activities related to nutrient issues.  A full archive of past monthly Healthy Waters Updates, can be found here.  NACWA members interested in receiving these Updates are invited to email the Healthy Waters Coalition at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Award Deadlines - It’s the Final Countdown!

NACWA is currently accepting award applications for two of its recognition programs – the Peak Performance Awards Program and the Excellence in Management Recognition Program.

The Peak Performance Awards Program deadline is today, April 5.  Acknowledging member agency facilities for excellence in wastewater treatment as measured by their compliance with their National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit requirements, the Peak Performance Award program recognizes your agencies’ commitment to excellence.  

The Excellence in Management Recognition Program’s deadline for nominations is next Friday, April 12.  NACWA encourages its Public Agency Members to submit a nomination for this comprehensive acknowledgement of your commitment to excellence in utility management.  Recognizing utilities for their efforts to implement and sustain successful programs that address the Ten Attributes of Effectively Managed Water Sector Utilities as well as Resource Efficiency & Protection Activities – this program covers all aspects of a utility’s operations and management.  

Visit the Awards Section of NACWA’s website for more information on eligibility/criteria, levels of recognition, sample successful entries, and how to apply for these prestigious recognition programs.  Please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , Director of Membership Development, should you have any questions.

NACWA’s National Environmental Policy Forum Is Only Two Weeks Away. . . Make Your Plans to Visit Your Congressional Delegation!  

Come participate in what is one of NACWA’s most dynamic Policy Forums to date.  With a nonstop program filled with the latest updates straight from the top experts at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Capitol Hill, the Association invites you to meet with your members of Congress, and help influence federal clean water policy.  

Things kick off on Monday, April 22 with NACWA committee meetings followed by the Utility Executives Forum, featuring several of the key Congressional staff who helped draft the original Clean Water Act (CWA). These key guests, along with utility executives from coast-to-coast, will explore whether the Act has accomplished its stated objectives and explore the changes needed to bring it into the 21st century.

On Tuesday, all eyes will be on Capitol Hill as key policy staff from the Senate and House of Representatives join us to share Committee priorities for water quality policies in the 113th Congress.  This will be followed by a session featuring leading DC-based organizations who will spotlight their policy work on issues of importance to NACWA members, including clean and renewable energy, climate adaptation and resiliency, and water infrastructure funding and financing.  Attendees will then head to the Hill for meetings with Members of Congress.  Additional information on schedul¬ing visits to Capitol Hill is available on NACWA’s Congressional Toolbox.  For any questions in the meantime, please contact NACWA’s Manager, Legislative Affairs, Hannah Mellman at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Members are requested to invite Members of Congress and their staff to NACWA's Congressional Reception on Tuesday April 23rd at 5:30 pm at 101 Constitution Ave., N.W.  A Reception Invitation is available for download and e-mailing.  NACWA has received a very positive response already and the following Representatives are planning to attend: Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), Bob Latta (R-OH), Bob Gibbs (R-OH), Carol Shea-Porter (D-NH), John Dingell (D-MI), Jim Clyburn (D-SC),  Jerry McNerney (D-CA), Albio Sires (D-NJ), Tom Latham (R-IA), Rick Nolan (D-MN), Elijah Cummings (D-MD), Jared Polis (D-CO).  Senators John Boozman (R-AR), and Sherrod Brown (D-OH) are also planning appearances.            

On Wednesday, April 24, attendees will hear directly from EPA about the Agency’s clean water initiatives and NACWA members will have the unique opportunity to exchange thoughts and ideas with EPA staff who manage the regulatory programs most affecting the clean water community.  

Visit www.nacwa.org/13nepf for information on the National Environmental Policy Forum.

Are Your Pretreatment Professionals Registered for the Only National Workshop Designed Specifically for Them?

For over two decades, pretreatment professionals from across the country have benefited from the utility-focused speakers and panels – and the unique networking opportunities – NACWA’s 2013 National Pretreatment & Pollution Prevention Workshop offers.  Here are just a few of the reasons your utility’s pretreatment staff should join NACWA in Portland, May 15-17:

•  Unparalleled access to Key Environmental Protection Agency Staff
• Access to Critical Pretreatment Topics & Information
• Opportunities to Re-focus & Re-energize Your Pretreatment Program
• Unmatched Networking Opportunities

Make plans today for your key pretreatment staff to attend.  Visit NACWA’s website for more details, and be sure to reserve a room at the DoubleTree by Hilton Portland before April 23.