» Clean Water Current Archive

March 6, 2015

NACWA Urges Support for CWSRF and Tax-Exempt Municipal Bonds

This week, NACWA sent a letter  to the leaders of the House and Senate Budget Committees urging them to authorize $1.449 billion for the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) program and maintain full tax-exempt status of municipal bond investments as they craft the FY16 Budget Resolution. In early February, the Administration released its FY16 Budget Request proposing a steep, $330 million, cut to the Clean Water SRF – as well as a limitation on the amount of tax credit top earners can claim on investments in municipal bonds. Congress is now reviewing the request and preparing a budget resolution of its own to fund the Federal Government in the fiscal year beginning October 1. In its letter, NACWA argues that now is not the time to cut the CWSRF given the need that exists for replacing aging infrastructure, the costs of complying with Clean Water Act-related regulations, and the struggles ratepayers are already confronting in paying for clean water services.

NACWA also sent out an Advocacy Alert this week urging its members to have their Representatives in Congress sign onto a Dear Colleague letter opposing any scaling back of the municipal bond tax exempt status. The Association agreed, as well, to sign on to a letter with a coalition of national infrastructure groups being spearheaded by the U.S. Conference of Mayors, National League of Cities, and the National Association of Counties. The letter demands that Congress keep the tax-exemption in place.

Policy Committee Discusses Water Week Message

NACWA's Legislative & Regulatory Policy Committee met Tuesday via conference call to continue its discussion on the dialogue started by the NACWA Board of Directors in Charleston. The Policy Committee, comprised of the leadership from all of NACWA's Standing Committees, helps to direct the Association's advocacy efforts and strategic direction. Committee Chair David St. Pierre, Executive Director of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, and NACWA Board Member, plans to convene the Committee more regularly between its in-person meetings, and Tuesday's call laid the groundwork for this approach. In the coming weeks, the Policy Committee will be providing input to NACWA staff as it works to create a one-page advocacy document for use during the National Water Policy Forum, Fly-In & Expo, April 13-15, the anchor event of Water Week 2015. The Policy Committee will next meet in-person this July, during NACWA's 2015 Summer Conference, Financing, Funding & Rates for the Future of Clean Water, in Providence, Rhode Island.

NACWA ‘Test Drives’ EJSCREEN Tool

NACWA met with EPA staff this week to learn more about EPA’s new environmental justice screening tool, EJSCREEN, and explore many of the tool’s features and uses. EJSCREEN is intended to be an informational tool for use by EPA, states, the regulated community, and the public to screen for a variety of environmental, demographic, and economic factors that could be helpful to understand when making environmental compliance decisions. Additional information on the tool is available in the January 30 Clean Water Current.

NACWA continues to be impressed with the overall functionality of the tool, and believes it could be very useful to its Member Agencies. The Association is, however, pursuing discussions with EPA on how to improve the tool, especially with regard to the type of data it provides for water dischargers. The Agency is planning a late spring or early summer public release of EJSCREEN, and NACWA will continue meeting with EPA over the coming months to better understand the tool and suggest improvements. The Association is also planning a web-based overview and demonstration of the tool for its members in the coming weeks.

Legal Webinar to Address Compliance, Sediment Remediation Issues

NACWA’s March 18 Hot Topics in Clean Water Law webinar is just around the corner, and registration is free for Association members! The webinar series keeps utilities up-to-date on the hottest topics in clean water law.

The agenda for the March seminar features two presentations on trending issues that clean water agencies should be tracking. The first will address key issues and considerations regarding environmental compliance. The second presentation will examine potential legal issues that agencies can face over contaminated sediment, including possible “Superfund” liability. Be sure to reserve your space today!

Have You Registered for the National Water Policy Forum?

The National Water Policy Forum, Fly-In & Expo provides an unparalleled opportunity to make your voice heard in Washington and access the latest legislative, regulatory, and legal developments. Register today and consider bringing a delegation from your organization, state or region. Also, be sure to reserve your hotel room today by contacting the Westin Washington DC City Center Hotel at 202.429.1700 to guarantee the special conference rate of $289 single/double plus applicable taxes. Be sure to mention that you are a Water Policy Forum attendee.

Cutting Edge Insights, Analysis & Information Featured at Consent Decree Workshop

Registration and a preliminary agenda are now available for NACWA’s Wet Weather Consent Decree Workshop, scheduled for April 29 – 30 in Philadelphia, Penn. Designed for all clean water professionals – including utility managers and attorneys – the Workshop will provide cutting edge insights, analysis, and information for any utility anticipating, negotiating, or implementing a wet weather enforcement order.

Topics to be addressed include how to best understand your system and your finances in order to set the right targets for a consent decree; how to leverage concepts such as integrated planning and affordability considerations to negotiate the best deal; how to communicate about decree obligations to the public and elected leaders; and how to address decree implementation challenges, including the possibility of modification. There will also be opportunity for robust dialogue and conversation with fellow Workshop participants to exchange ideas, learn from the experience of others, and network. Make your plans today to join your clean water colleagues for this can’t miss event!

Excellence in Management Award Applications Now Being Accepted

NACWA is now accepting applications for its 2015 Excellence in Management (EIM) Recognition Program. The EIM Recognition Program recognizes the significant achievements of Member Agencies in the utility management arena. It honors Member Agencies that have adopted successful management practices and made progress toward implementation of the Ten Attributes of Effectively Managed Water Sector Utilities and Resource Efficiency & Protection Activities. Please see the Excellence in Management application  and accompanying listing of Attributes & Activities for all the information needed to apply. Applications should be forwarded electronically to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it no later than April 1, 2015.

Register for NACWA’s 2015 Pretreatment & Pollution Prevention Workshop

NACWA’s 2015 Pretreatment & Pollution Prevention Workshop will be held May 13 – 15 at the Hyatt Regency Greenville in Greenville, SC. Two different full-day, optional training sessions – an introductory course and an advanced course – will be offered on May 12 in conjunction with the Workshop. The agenda includes presentations on EPA’s proposed dental amalgam separator rule; the Ebola virus and other health issues; emerging contaminants; pretreatment program management; and, best management practices for industrial users. The Workshop will also include the popular EPA Regional and Pretreatment Issues Roundtable discussion sessions, allowing participants to network in smaller groups. The agenda for the Pretreatment & Pollution Prevention Workshop, as well as registration, hotel, and travel information, is now available. Hotel reservations at the group rate of $149/night are available through April 20, and reservations may be made online or by phone.

NACWA Blog of the Week:
March Water Madness

Did you know that there are a plethora of water-related “holidays” in March? Read on to find out more or better yet, subscribe to The Water Voice and never miss a post!