» Clean Water Current Archive

September 12, 2014

Senator Sherrod Brown Introduces Clean Water Affordability Act

This week, Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) introduced the Clean Water Affordability Act which contains several provisions that are priority goals in NACWA’s Money Matters agenda. Specifically, the legislation would codify EPA’s Integrated Planning framework as a standard regulatory approach for all requirements under the Clean Water Act that municipalities are subject to; require EPA to revise its 1998 Financial Capability Guidance for negotiating CSO Long Term Control Plans; and reauthorize the Wet Weather Grants program, prioritizing grants to POTWs that discharge into water bodies impaired for nutrients – an issue that has quickly topped Senator Brown’s clean water agenda since toxic algal blooms in Lake Erie shut down Toledo’s water supply.  Similar, though not identical, legislation was introduced in the House by Congressman Bob Latta (R-OH) earlier this year.   Though this session of Congress is quickly wrapping up its work, Senator Brown’s legislation will lay the groundwork for early action when Congress reconvenes next year.

Impact of Wipes on NACWA Members Featured on Dr. Oz

The impacts of flushable wipes and other wipe products were shown in graphic detail on The Dr. Oz Show on Tuesday, September 9, when Dr. Oz visited the Newtown Wastewater Treatment Plant of NACWA Member Agency the New York City Department of Environmental Protection. Dr. Oz was both surprised and interested to learn that although wipes may be flushed down the toilet, most of them are not breaking down before reaching the treatment facility. Back in the studio, Dr. Oz discussed the problem with Cynthia Finley, NACWA’s Director of Regulatory Affairs, who explained that the current voluntary flushability guidelines are not stringent enough to protect sewer systems. The segment is available on The Dr. Oz Showwebsite, broken into Part 1 and Part 2.

NACWA encourages Member Agencies to use this segment as an opportunity to engage in social media to raise the awareness of the wipes issue and NACWA’s Toilets Are Not Trash Cans! campaign. The Association is working on additional materials for the campaign that clean water agencies may also use in public education efforts. Additionally, the work of a Technical Workgroup comprised of representatives from NACWA, the Water Environment Federation (WEF), the American Public Works Association (APWA), and INDA (the trade association of the nonwoven fabrics industry), that is addressing the issues related to flushability guidelines, is nearing its conclusion.

NACWA, Milk Producers Sign Landmark MOU

On Tuesday, NACWA and the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to promote increased cooperation and communication between the two organizations and their members. NACWA President and CEO of Alexandria Renew Enterprises presided over the signing ceremony. Building on NACWA’s work that secured language in the Farm Bill’s Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) enabling clean water agencies to form regional partnerships with farmers, the MOU seeks to align utilities with nearby dairy farms to work together to improve water quality by improving manure management practices. The event and the Association received significant attention from key national policymakers, including Members of the House and Senate, EPA, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture as detailed in the joint press release.

Potential projects include cooperation on building anaerobic digesters, which can put manure to good use for generating electricity, and increasing production of water quality benefits through the use of nutrient separation technologies and land management practices, such as planting grass buffers near streams and using no-till planting in fields. As a part of the MOU, NACWA and NMPF have committed to work together to educate policymakers and regulators on the value of these partnerships and the need for clarity on whether clean water agencies can be credited for water quality improvements made upstream.

With the signed MOU in hand, NACWA and NMPF are now interested in identifying several pilot projects to demonstrate that these types of partnerships can work. Please contact NACWA’s Senior Director of Regulatory Affairs, Chris Hornback, at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it if your utility is interested in or is already working with a dairy.

Key Groups Take Water Works! Message to Capitol Hill

This week, water leaders from across the sector were in Washington, DC for a series of events co-hosted by members of The Value of Water Coalition, including NACWA, along with the American Society of Civil Engineers; the Bipartisan Policy Center; Building America’s Future; the National Association of Counties; the National League of Cities; the National Urban League; and, the U.S. Conference of Mayors. The events focused on a new report, National Economic & Labor Impacts of the Water Sector, released by the Water Research Foundation and the Water Environment Research Foundation. The report’s findings, and the range of the organizations participating in Water Works! – Investing Together for a Stronger America, demonstrated the growing recognition of the water sector’s economic importance and underscored that investment in our nation’s water and wastewater infrastructure puts people to work, spurs economic development, and builds a stronger America.

The report’s data confirms that 30 utilities from around the country, representing 25% of the U.S. population, will contribute approximately $524 billion to the U.S. economy over the next decade and support roughly 289,000 permanent jobs. These investments generate similar job impacts as compared to investments in the energy, transportation, and healthcare sectors – and generate more jobs per $1 million than investments in military spending or personal income tax. Simply put, the total annual employment impact of the water utility sector exceeds the total workforce of many major cities.

Focusing on the findings of the report, the leaders from a number of NACWA Member Agencies, and others, were in Washington for a number of events and media opportunities including a press conference and Congressional Briefing on Capitol Hill. The sector leaders showcased the report’s findings and sought federal support for three overarching objectives: 1) expanded access to low-cost loan and grant programs to accelerate water infrastructure projects; 2) the leveraging of private financing and partnership opportunities; and, 3) support for workforce development programs that prepare the next generation of workers who will be stewards of our nation’s water systems.

A Capitol Hill press conference featured Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD), Chair of the Senate Subcommittee on Water & Wildlife and Reps. Bob Gibbs (D-Ohio), Chair, and Tim Bishop (D-NY), Ranking Member, of the House Water & Environment Subcommittee. Each praised the new report, citing the importance of water infrastructure investment to their geographic regions – as well as their continued support for federal water infrastructure funding in its various forms, including the State Revolving Funds, new loan guaranty programs, and a clean water trust fund. Also participating in the press conference were San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer; National Association of Counties President and Maui County Council Member Riki Hokama; and Karen Pallansch, NACWA President and CEO of Alexandria Renew Enterprises.

Highlights from the afternoon’s Congressional Briefing included comments by NACWA Board Members, Julius Ciaccia, Executive Director of the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District, and Emily Lloyd, Commissioner of the New York City Department of Environmental Protection. Each noted their successful efforts to raise rates over the past decade and the vital role increased investments are playing in spurring development along the waterfronts of both Cleveland and New York City and sustaining and growing a local job base.

This week NACWA, along with several of its Member Agencies and representatives from the private sector, also participated in a White House Council on Environmental Quality dialogue on the role of private investment in the public water sector and how to get more private sector money off the shelf and into the public sector. While the discussion was wide-ranging, NACWA made the specific plea that the Administration and Congress not look to private sector funds as an alternative to maintaining the tax-exempt status of municipal bonds or ongoing federal support for the SRFs.

NACWA members are encouraged to visit the Water Works! campaign for additional information and view this informative and compelling video.

WaterWorks! Thunderclap Causes Storm on Social Media

You may have noticed on Wednesday something unusual on many Twitter and Facebook feeds – they all said the same thing: “Investing in water infrastructure puts people to work & drives the US economy. RT. #WaterWorks www.WaterWorksCampaign.org”   This tweet and post, found on over 500,000 individual feeds was the product of the Thunderclap for #WaterWorks, featured in the past two Clean Water Currents and in a previous e-mail from NACWA President Karen Pallansch.  Over 500 Twitter, Facebook and Tumblr accounts were signed up to receive the message on Wednesday, and for a short time, in what was a very busy news week, #WaterWorks was trending on social media.  Thanks for ‘making some noise’ on this important issue!

Court Hears Arguments in Key Stormwater Case

The Ohio Supreme Court held oral arguments Sept. 9 in a closely-watched legal case involving municipal stormwater management programs. The litigation in Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District (NEORSD) v. Bath Township, et al. addresses a challenge to a municipal stormwater management program instituted by NACWA Member Agency, the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District (NEORSD). Legal wrangling over the program and its related stormwater fee component reached all the way to the state Supreme Court after conflicting decisions by two lower courts.

Judges at this week’s arguments were well-prepared and very engaged during questioning. A number of judges on the seven member panel appeared to endorse arguments put forth by NEORSD in defense of the stormwater programs and seemed skeptical of contentions put forth by the challengers. Additionally, a significant number of the judges were attuned to, and concerned about, the environmental and flooding impacts related to stormwater management – and appeared to understand the need for robust and well-funded stormwater management programs. Full video coverage of the arguments is available here.

NACWA joined with the Association of Ohio Metropolitan Wastewater Agencies (AOMWA) to file a brief in the case supporting NEORSD and emphasizing the importance of municipal stormwater management and fee programs. Additional information on the case is available on the Association’s Litigation Tracking webpage. NACWA’s participation in this litigation is part of the Association’s aggressive advocacy to defend stormwater programs. The Association has engaged in similar cases in the past and will continue to do so. A decision from the court is expected in the coming months, and NACWA will report on any developments.

New Sewage Sludge Incineration Rule to be Focus of October 15 Call

If your utility operates a sewage sludge incinerator (SSI), please mark your calendar for Wednesday, October 15 from 3:00 - 4:30 pm Eastern for a conference call to discuss implementation of EPA’s new SSI rule.  The March 2016 federal deadline for compliance is quickly approaching and utilities across the country are working to meet the new requirements.  NACWA staff will provide a brief update on recent developments concerning the Association’s advocacy efforts, but the bulk of the call will be devoted to discussing topics like operator training; air emission testing issues; pH continuous metering and scrubber water issues; emission testing during malfunction/bypass; and, other topics.  Please contact Chris Hornback, NACWA’s Senior Director of Regulatory Affairs at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it if you are interested in participating in the call.

Executive Education You Don’t Want to Miss!

Celebrating 15 years of exceptional executive utility leadership education, the Water & Wastewater Leadership Center is now accepting applications for its 2015 class.  Held at the renowned Kenan-Flagler Business School at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the program will take place March 8-19, 2015.  The Center’s intensive 11-day curriculum is designed to equip utility executives with enhanced leadership and management skills and the knowledge to develop strategic goals that deliver measurable results.  Applications are due October 31, 2014.  Interested individuals may learn more about the program and download the application on the Water & Wastewater Leadership Center page of the NACWA website.  Space is limited and applicants are encouraged to apply early.  Contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , Program Manager, for more information. This program will greatly exceed your expectations!

Collaborative Advocacy Featured at WateReuse Symposium

Over 500 water professionals gathered for the WateReuse Symposium in Dallas, Texas this week to share information and tools to ensure sustainable water supplies through water reclamation and reuse.  During a panel, Maximizing Reuse Advocacy: Working Together to Achieve Success, NACWA joined leadership from the American Water Works Association, the Water Environment Federation, and The Ferguson Group, and to discuss federal advocacy strategy and collaboration with WateReuse Executive Director Melissa Meeker. Panelists briefed the audience on the status of the 2014 mid-term congressional elections, while describing how the major associations are working together to make water reuse a priority in anticipated legislative federal water policy and funding changes.  With the formation of a Water Reuse Working Group, and continued interface with the Obama Administration on resilience issues, NACWA is establishing itself as a strong advocate for reuse.  The Association has a strong relationship with the four organizations represented on the panel and looks forward to working with them as increasing numbers of Association Member Agencies explore water reuse. 

Reuse-Focused One Water Innovations Gala Planned for September 28

Later this month the WateReuse Association will host the inaugural One Water Innovations Gala to celebrate innovations in water reuse and success in developing unique water reuse partnerships. Taking place at WEFTEC14, the celebration will highlight creative partnerships among agencies, industries, and producers who have worked together to increase the amount of water resources available to meet public demand.  The goal of the event, which will take place at The Republic in New Orleans on September 28, is to illustrate the important and unacknowledged role reuse plays in producing the food we eat and the drinks we enjoy.  Interested in expanding the awareness and acceptance of reuse?  Reserve your ticket for the Gala today.

Web Seminar Examines Resource Recovery

More than 200 NACWA member representatives participated in the first of three web seminars in the Association’s Charting a Path to the Utility of the Future series this week.  Resource recovery was the theme for Tuesday’s webinar and four compelling presentations provided a range of perspectives.  Nate Cullen, Wastewater Treatment Department Director and Bruce Roll, Watershed Management Department Director for Clean Water Services in Hillsboro, Oregon, provided insights into their utility’s effort to recover struvite, including investment payback time and the marketing of a bagged product.  Alan Johnston, Wastewater Treatment Plant Senior Engineer for Gresham, Oregon, outlined his utility’s planning process and efforts to become energy independent.  With new equipment coming online in 2015, Gresham expects to be producing more energy than it needs to run is operation.  Texas and reclaimed water go hand-in-hand, but reuse is being taken to next level in two communities with direct potable reuse projects.  Brad Castleberry, Principal with the law firm Lloyd Gosselink Rochelle & Townsend in Austin, Texas, briefed participants on his work with Wichita Falls and Brownwood, Texas.  The web seminar concluded with a presentation from Ryan Bennett, Director of Government Relations for the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF).  Bennett highlighted the opportunities for NMPF member dairy cooperatives to work together with NACWA utility members on water quality projects, including nutrient recovery, in line with the Memorandum of Understanding signed September 9 (see related story).  Registration for the two remaining Seminars is still available. Register today!

Mark Your Calendar & Make Your Plans – Hot Topics Ahead

Looking to get caught up after the summer on regulatory, legislative and legal issues? Register today for one of the following NACWA offerings – there is something for everyone:

• • • Charting a Path to the Utility of the Future Web Seminar Series
      September 16 & 23, 2014, 2:00 - 3:30 pm ET
    • Hot Topics in Clean Water Law Web Seminar Part 4
      Wednesday, September 17, 2014, 2:00 - 3:30 pm ET
    • Utility Leaders Morning - Hot Topics Breakfast
      September 30, 2014, WEFTEC 14, New Orleans, LA
    • National Clean Water Law Seminar 
      November 19 – 21, 2014, The Loews Don CeSar Hotel, St. Pete Beach, FL