ARCHIVE SITE - Last updated Jan. 19, 2017. Please visit www.NACWA.org for the latest NACWA information.
Member Pipeline
Clean Water Current - October 18
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October 18, 2013 Federal Shutdown Ends, Government Funded until January 15, 2014Congress agreed to reopen the federal government on Wednesday evening, ending a 16-day shutdown and returning federal employees to work yesterday. The Senate-crafted and House-approved deal includes a continuing resolution (CR) to keep the government funded at existing levels until January 15, 2014 when across-the-board non-discretionary spending cuts (known as sequestration) are set to take effect under the terms of the 2011 Budget Control Act. Discretionary Funds at EPA, DOE, DOI under EvaluationThe bill also sets a December 14 deadline for Congress to report on bicameral budget conference talks that could forge a path to a "grand bargain" on taxes, entitlements and discretionary spending. These talks are expected to begin this week and could trigger a broad evaluation of discretionary budgets for the EPA, the Department of Energy (DOE), and the Department of Interior (DOI) – all of which have seen funding dip under sequestration. The shutdown virtually brought to a halt all non-budget related legislative activity in Congress and regulatory activity at EPA. Now that the shutdown has ended, Congress is expected to resume work on reauthorization packages for the Farm Bill and the Water Resources Development Act. In addition, EPA is expected to proceed with clean water-related regulatory activity and is, for example, resuming its regular meeting schedule. Among their scheduled meetings is the Community Summit on Green Infrastructure hosted by EPA and Onondaga County, which will be taking place October 21-22 in Syracuse, New York. NACWA and several public agency members are participating in this meeting to explore the successful implementation of green infrastructure techniques. NACWA continued its focus on key issues during the shutdown, including upcoming meetings on affordability issues, green infrastructure, and the scheduling of a meeting with EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy. The Association will provide updates as post-shutdown activity ramps up, as well as on upcoming Congressional budget negotiations. Wastewater Utilities Identified on Online Chlorine Gas Interactive MapThe Center for Effective Government has published an article regarding facilities that store large amounts of chlorine gas, including wastewater treatment facilities. The article includes an interactive map that shows the location of these facilities, their names, and the number of accidents involving chlorine gas. Links are also provided for more detailed information about each facility as contained in EPA’s Risk Management Plan (RMP) database. NACWA signed a letter The article states that “In the past 15 years, over 600 accidents injuring almost 800 people have occurred at these facilities. However, safer alternatives are available, and many facilities have already turned to them, showing that these alternatives can be commercially successful.” The goal of the Center for Effective Government is for the federal government to require chlorine gas alternatives to be used. The position that NACWA and its fellow water sector associations advance is that water and wastewater utilities must have the ability to make their own choices about disinfection methods. NACWA members using chlorine gas should be aware of this article – and the interactive map – and, as always, have appropriate security measures in place to protect their stores of chlorine gas. The Association will continue to monitor the efforts of organizations that want to ban use of chlorine gas. NACWA members with concerns about this article or related issues should contact Cynthia Finley at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . NACWA Takes Message on Integrated Planning, Utility of the Future to PennsylvaniaNACWA carried its advocacy message on integrated planning and affordability issues to the 3 Rivers Wet Weather Sewer Conference this week, with over 300 people in attendance from utilities and collection systems across Pennsylvania. Association member, the Allegheny County Sanitation Authority (ALCOSAN), is working to secure approval of a new wet weather plan that seeks to incorporate more green infrastructure and other innovative approaches, and is looking to others in this arena, including Cincinnati, Philadelphia, DC, and Cleveland, as examples of how to ensure a successful effort with the public and their state and federal regulators. Adam Krantz, NACWA’s Managing Director of Government & Public Affairs, discussed the Association’s advocacy efforts on integrated planning, affordability, as well as the growing role of green infrastructure and other innovations in the context of its Water Resources Utility of the Future initiative. Krantz underscored the importance of participating in these advocacy efforts as vital tools for communities, like ALCOSAN and the large number of independent collection system communities, to deal with their array of wet weather, nutrient control and other compliance-based challenges. Unleash the Leader Within – Attend the Water & Wastewater Leadership CenterThe deadline for applications to the Water & Wastewater Leadership Center is next Friday, October 25, 2013. Specifically designed for utility professionals, the Leadership Center is a two-week, intensive residential executive education program focused on leadership development, strategic thinking, and effective management practices. Held in conjunction with the University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill, Kenan-Flagler Business School, the Leadership Center prepares utility executives with the management and leadership skills they need to meet today’s and tomorrow’s complex challenges. Key course elements include unlimited peer networking; a 360 degree personal leadership assessment; preparation of an individual action plan; and, experiential learning through change management simulations. With over a decade of experience educating and advising utility executives, the Leadership Center offers an unparalleled opportunity to enhance your management skills and further develop your leadership potential. The 2014 Water & Wastewater Leadership Center will be held March 9 – 21, 2014. Class size is limited to ensure an intimate and personalized learning experience. Applications are due Friday, October 25, 2013. For additional information visit the NACWA website or contact Program Manager, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . NACWA Blog of the Week:
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last year with other water sector associations requesting that EPA keep non-Off-Site Consequence Analysis (non-OCA) sections of the RMP database off of the internet. EPA complied with this request and non-OCA information is only available in Agency reading rooms or through Freedom of Information Act requests. Join NACWA Today
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