The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) announced the first major update to the agency’s Lead and Copper Rule (LCR) in nearly 30 years. This historic action strengthens every aspect of the LCR and accelerates actions that reduce lead in drinking water. The USEPA says the new LCR will better protect children and communities from the Read More
Comment Period Opens on Interim Guidance to Destroy and Dispose of Certain PFAS and PFAS-Containing Materials
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) released new interim guidance for public comment regarding destroying and disposing of certain per– and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and PFAS-containing materials. The new interim guidance outlines the current techniques and treatments that may be used to destroy or dispose of PFAS and PFAS-containing materials from non-consumer products, including aqueous Read More
USEPA Announces Interim Strategy to Address PFAS Through Wastewater Permits
Aggressively addressing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the environment continues to be an active and ongoing priority for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). The USEPA has issued a memorandum detailing an interim National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permitting strategy for addressing PFAS in USEPA-issued wastewater permits. In addition, USEPA released information on Read More
Utilities Should Request COVID-19 Vaccines for Staff
The Water Sector Coordinating Council (WSCC) and the American Water Works Association (AWWA) are urging U.S. water and wastewater utilities to contact their State and local public health agencies to ensure their staff are properly prioritized in their community’s COVID-19 vaccine distribution. As stated in the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) COVID-19 Read More
AWIA Deadline Approaches for Medium Size Water Systems
There is an America’s Water Infrastructure Act (AWIA) certification deadline quickly approaching for medium size community water systems. The systems that serve 50,000-100,000 people are required to submit an AWIA Risk and Resilience Assessment by December 31, 2020. Water systems within that population size (including consecutive system populations) need to be certified by the end Read More
Cold Weather + Holiday FOG = Sewer Clogs
The holidays may look a little different this year, with fewer people gathering in large groups due to COVID-19 concerns. But that doesn’t mean traditional foods like turkey, ham, prime rib, and gravy are off the menu. This time of year can mean big trouble for wastewater utilities when residents pour fat, oil, and grease Read More