President Donald Trump signed the Farm Bill on December 20, after the U.S. Senate and House passed the legislation which recognizes the importance of protecting drinking water sources from nutrient runoff. “This is truly a historic moment for source water protection,” said American Water Works Association (AWWA) CEO David LaFrance. “The policy included in this Read More
New Security & Emergency Response Requirements in America’s Water Infrastructure Act
New water supply security, resiliency, and emergency response requirements are included in the America’s Water Infrastructure Act (AWIA). The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) is expected to develop guidance materials for utilities by late summer of 2019, according to the American Water Works Association (AWWA). These materials should clarify what water providers need to do Read More
MPCA Requests Comments on Amendments to Operator Training Requirements
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is requesting comments on changes being considered for the training required to renew a Type IV land disposal facility certification. Type IV facilities apply biosolids from treated wastewater and industrial wastes on identified parcels of land for disposal. The MPCA plans to amend Minn. R. pt. 7048.1000 to reduce the number Read More
Cities Crack Down on Grease-Clogged Sanitary Sewers
Just in time for the holiday season, Minneapolis is the latest city in Minnesota to adopt an ordinance to prevent fats, oil and grease (FOG) from being dumped down drains, which can cause costly clogs in the sanitary sewer system. Clogs related to FOG are often noticed when homes and businesses experience sewer backups Read More
Public Input Requested on Draft Toxicity Assessments for PFAS Chemicals
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) is seeking public input on draft toxicity assessments for GenX chemicals and perfluorobutane sulfonic acid (PFBS), which are members of a larger group of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). PFAS are man-made chemicals used in a wide range of products because of their ability to repel water, grease, and Read More
Is Your Utility Safe from a Cybersecurity Attack?
The American Water Works Association (AWWA) has released a guide that highlights how water utilities can manage the risk of cyber-attacks on water infrastructure systems. The free online guide, titled Cybersecurity Risk & Responsibility in the Water Sector, notes that, “Cyber risk is the top threat facing business and critical infrastructure in the United States, Read More