Ohio Water Resources Center Newsletter
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Wastewater monitoring for SARS-CoV-2 ribonucleic acid is a novel surveillance tool that is being developed , in addition to clinical indicators, to monitor trends and changes in the occurrence of COVID-19 in communities. The Ohio Water Resources Center is coordinating an effort to develop a network of analytical laboratories at Ohio's universities to measure SARS-CoV-2 in raw wastewater.
This network will collaborate with water reclamation facilities that are willing to collect samples for analysis on a regular basis. This interdisciplinary project will involve scientists and researchers from diverse backgrounds in order to support the state in making science-based decisions. Ohio EPA, Ohio Department of Health and US EPA are important partners on this project.
We are actively seeking additional participants for the project to become part of our network of laboratories. If you are interested in participating and are a university laboratory with BSL-2 (or able to obtain BSL-2) and RT-PCR capabilities, contact us at
ohiowrc@osu.edu
.
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USGS 104(b) RFP Announcement
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The Ohio Water Resources Center (WRC) is seeking research pre-proposals to address current water resources issues in the State of Ohio. This annual competition for in-state researchers is made possible through the Water Resources Research Institute 104(b) Program. The aim of these grants is to stimulate water-related research relevant to Ohio to the point where a highly competitive external proposal can be developed.
The Ohio WRC will accept any pre-proposal related to Ohio water resources issues, but expects to give priority to proposals that address
water technology
(such as drinking, wastewater and stormwater treatment technologies, sensors, and modelling of distribution systems),
emerging issues
(such as PFAS, microplastics and wastewater based epidemiology), and
algal blooms & nutrients
(such as HAB events, nutrients related to HAB formation, and nutrient and HABs mitigation).
The application deadline for Ohio pre-proposals is 4:00 PM,
Friday, August 7, 2020
. Pre-proposal decisions and an invitation to submit a full proposal will be announced the week of September 14, 2020. Full proposals will be due October 23, 2020 by 4:00 PM and funding decisions will be made by January 19, 2021. Funding is anticipated to begin on March 1, 2021. Typically, the Ohio WRC will award $25,000-$35,000 to grant recipients
(
past recipients
).
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USGS Fills a Knowledge Gap for Radionuclide Occurrence in Groundwater
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Ingestion of low levels of naturally occurring radionuclides in drinking water has been linked to increased cancer risk, but until now, information on where lead-210 and polonium-210 occur in U.S. groundwater and at what levels has been lacking. With the gradual improvement of laboratory techniques, low-level measurement of lead-210 and polonium-210 in groundwater had become possible in 2010, and the USGS National Water Quality Program set out to characterize occurrence of these two radionuclides in 19 principal aquifers across the contiguous 48 states.
Using recently developed and sensitive laboratory methods, the USGS has documented where the radionuclides lead-210 and polonium-210 occur in principal aquifers of the U.S. used for drinking-water supply. Click
here
for the full report.
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Via WaterWorld, June 22, 2020
Via Water & Wastes Digest, June 22, 2020
Via cleveland.com, June 3, 2020
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Have a news article you'd like us to feature in our Newsletter? Email us at OhioWRC@osu.edu!
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Ohio Water Development Authority Research and Development Grant Program
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Pursuant to its power to engage in research and development with respect to wastewater, water management facilities, solid waste facilities, and energy resource development facilities, OWDA has established a grant program for qualifying research and development programs. The eligible participants are Local Government Agencies (Cities, Villages, and Counties), Water/Sewer Districts, Conservancy Districts, State agencies or Institutions of higher learning that perform research and/or development.
In response to concerns related to COVID-19, the Application Deadline for the 2020 Research and Development Grant Program has been changed to July 31, 2020.
See application detail
here
.
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US DOE EERE Funding Opportunity
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On Tuesday, the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) announced a $20 million funding opportunity to develop technology innovations that strengthen America’s water infrastructure and enable advanced water resource recovery systems that have the potential to be net energy positive.
Concept Paper Submission Deadline:
August 4, 2020 5:00 PM ET
.
Check
the link
for more information.
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NSF 20-090: Engineering Research to Advance Solutions for Environmental PFAS (ERASE-PFAS)
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The Environmental Engineering program in the Division of Chemical, Bioengineering, Environmental, and Transport Systems (CBET) in the Directorate for Engineering (ENG) announces a special funding focus on new science and technologies for the treatment and remediation of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) to improve and protect public and environmental health. Proposals relevant to this special funding focus should be submitted to the CBET Environmental Engineering program (1440). Please refer to the
Environmental Engineering program description
for further information regarding the typical budget and duration of CBET-funded projects. See
recent award abstracts
for examples of typical unsolicited Environmental Engineering awards.
No Deadline
- Proposals for this program will be accepted throughout the year.
More information
.
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ROSES 2020: New (Early Career) Investigator Program in Earth Science
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The New (Early Career) Investigator Program (NIP) in Earth science is designed to support outstanding scientific research and career development of scientists and engineers at the early stage of their professional careers. The program welcomes innovative research initiatives and seeks to cultivate diverse scientific leadership in Earth system science. The Earth Science Division (ESD) places particular emphasis on the investigators' ability to promote and increase the use of space-based remote sensing through the proposed research. Proposals with objectives connected to needs identified in most recent Decadal Survey Thriving on our Changing Planet: A Decadal Strategy for Earth Observation from Space are welcomed. Notices of Intent are requested by
August 18, 2020
and proposals are due by September 15, 2020.
More information
.
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The scholarship offers opportunities to student members and the relatives of members of the Water Management Association of Ohio (WMAO). The deadline of application has been extended to
September 1, 2020
at 5:00 p.m. EST. And award amount is $1000.
More information
on eligibility criteria.
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The Stockholm Water Prize honors individuals, organizations and institutions whose work contributes to the conservation and protection of water resources, and to the well-being of the planet and its inhabitants. All who have made extraordinary water-related achievements are eligible.
Call for nominations for the 2021 Stockholm Water Prize will be open March 24 until
September 30, 2020
.
More information
.
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Coastal Program - Great Lakes Restoration Initiative
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The Coastal Program‐Great Lakes Restoration Initiative is a voluntary, community‐based program that provides technical and financial assistance through cooperative agreements to coastal communities, conservation partners, and landowners to restore and protect fish and wildlife habitat on public and private lands within the Great Lakes watershed. Awards range in size from $40,000 - $200,000. The Closing Date for Applications is
September 30, 2020
.
More information
.
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Ohio's Large Rivers - Biological and Water Quality Survey Planning, 2020 - 2021
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The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency's Division of Surface Water (DSW) will be conducting a biological and water quality survey of Ohio's large rivers in 2020 and 2021. DSW has compiled a proposed list of sampling sites for this survey. At this time, Ohio EPA is accepting comments on the proposed selection of sites. Comments can be submitted by email to EPATMDL@epa.ohio.gov by the close of business,
July 8, 2020
.
More information
.
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Draft Ambient Water Quality Criteria Recommendations for Lakes and Reservoirs of the Conterminous United States: Information Supporting the Development of Numeric Nutrient Criteria
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EPA is requesting scientific views on its draft ambient numeric nutrient water quality criteria recommendations for lakes and reservoirs. Scientific views can be submitted on
regulations.gov
(Docket ID No. EPA–HQ–OW–2019-0675). The 60-day public comment period closes on
July 21, 2020
. Once final, these recommendations will replace those published by EPA in 2000 and 2001 for lakes and reservoirs:
EPA Water Quality Criteria
and
Recommendation for Lakes
.
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Proposed Rulemaking Governing Disadvantaged Community Loan Rules
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Notice is hereby given by the Director of Environmental Protection to address the criteria for an entity to be designated a disadvantaged community and to provide requirements to receive a loan for their public water system. The purpose of this rule making is to revise the definition of Disadvantaged assistance, change Pre-application to Nomination, remove the requirement to submit a complete application separate from the WSRLA loan application, clarify that the poverty rate in the area served by the applicant is determined by the most recent data of the US Census Bureau and clarify the percentage of capitation grant that may be available to provide subsidies to disadvantaged communities. Ohio EPA will be holding a virtual public hearing on the rules on
July 22, 2020
from 10:30 am to 11:30 am. The virtual hearing may be accessed through Ohio EPA’s website at:
http://epa.ohio.gov/virtual
.
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Southern Ohio River Tributaries (Turkey, Straight, Eagle) Draft Biological and Water Quality Report (2016)
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From 2013 through 2017, Ohio EPA evaluated 65 streams in the Southern Ohio River tributaries watershed including Turkey, Straight, and Eagle Creeks, for aquatic life, recreation, and public water supply beneficial uses. The Agency is releasing the results from this survey for review and comment. Comments are due by 5:00 p.m. on
July 23, 2020
to
EPATMDL@epa.ohio.gov
. Click
here
for more information.
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The Current Webinar Series: Harmful Algal Blooms
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Wednesday, July 8, 2020 • 2 PM CT
With summer in full swing, many folks enjoy spending time out on the water. However, harmful algal blooms, or HABs, can put a damper on summer fun. Tune in to the next edition of The Current to hear an update on the Network funded Reservoir Observer Student Scientists program as well as the latest HABs research. Register
here
.
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Wednesday, July 8 to Friday, July 10
•
09:00 am - 1:00 pm PST
During this difficult time, the health and well-being of our community is everyone's responsibility. Join water agency representatives, project owners, utility operators, public works directors, and industry online this July for three days dedicated to project delivery. Stay connected and stay informed. Discover new project opportunities and find ways to move your next project forward.
More information
.
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Ohio Sea Grant and Stone Laboratory Webinar: 2020 HABs Forecast
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Thursday, July 9, 2020 • 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. ET
Experts from NOAA and their government and academic partners will discuss the 2020 Seasonal Forecast of Harmful Algal Blooms (HAB) for Lake Erie and Ohio’s response to the problem during a free public webinar hosted by Ohio Sea Grant and Stone Laboratory. A Q&A session will follow the presentations.
More information
.
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WMAO/OhioWRC Water Luncheon Webinar: Ohio PFAS Action Plan and Sampling Update
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Wednesday, July 15, 2020 • 12 pm to 1 pm
The State of Ohio released a statewide action plan to analyze the prevalence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in Ohio’s drinking water. This talk, presented by Amy Klei, Chief, Division of Drinking and Ground Waters at Ohio EPA, will provide a summary of results to date and other Action Plan progress.
To register, click
here
.
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OSWA Workshop - MS4 Boot Camp Training
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Wednesday, August 26, 2020 • 9:00 am to 2:00 pm
Kalahari Indoor Waterpark, 7000 Kalahari Drive, Sandusky, OH
This training will provide all the information and tools your Community needs to manage a successful MS4 program compliant with the latest Ohio stormwater general permit. Ohio EPA will provide insight on the NPDES program and existing successful MS4 communities will share their perspectives on the “must know” and “what’s new” program elements. The session will culminate with a panel question and answer session, where you may ask all your program questions and receive program-experienced answers. Click
here
to register.
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OSWA Annual Meeting - Ohio 2020 Stormwater Conference
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The 2020 Conference is the 13th Annual Ohio Stormwater Conference and is being held at the Kalahari Resort and Conference Center located in Sandusky, Ohio on August 26, 2020. The conference will provide updates on environmental issues, new technologies, regulatory information and pollution prevention.
More information
.
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Ohio Sea Grant Webinar -
Understanding Algal Blooms: State of the Science Conference
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Wednesday, September 2, 2020 • 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
State of the Science Virtual Conference has been moved online this year. Research and outreach leaders will highlight current scientific knowledge related to algal blooms, present findings from recent studies and identify important areas of uncertainty. The conference is free to attend, but registration is required to receive log-in information for the WebEx event. Registration closes September 1, 2020. Please click
here
to register.
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Ohio Rivers 2020 Symposium
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Friday, September 11, 2020 • 9:30 am
ODOT Central Auditorium, 1980 West Broad Street, Columbus, OH
Presented by ODNR Division of Natural Areas & Preserves Scenic Rivers Program, Ohio Scenic Rivers Association and the Water Management Association of Ohio, this event brings together people who share an interest in Ohio’s rivers. Watershed professionals, naturalists, community members and all others who would like to learn and connect with other river advocates should attend. For more registration info, click
here
.
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OAWWA Virtual Education Summit
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The Ohio Section AWWA is pleased to announce the Virtual Education Summit on Sept. 28 - Oct. 2, 2020. During this education-focused week, join us for live webinars to earn contact hours and expand your knowledge on topics relevant to the drinking water industry.
More information
.
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2020 ORBCRE Symposium & ORBA Summit
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You’re invited to the 36th Ohio River Consortium for Research and Education Symposium & 10th Ohio River Basin Alliance Summit September 30 - October 2, 2020. To be hosted by the University of Louisville. For further information, to submit an abstract, or to register, visit
here
. Abstracts are due by July 15, 2020. Online registration closes September 1, 2020.
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49th Annual WMAO Conference and Symposium
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Save the Date: 49th Annual WMAO Conference and Symposium will be held on November 4 & 5, 2020 at Crowne Plaza Hotel Columbus North. Abstract due July 1, 2020
.
More information
.
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Have an event you'd like us to feature in our Newsletter? Email us at OhioWRC@osu.edu!
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Email
: OhioWRC@osu.edu
Phone
: 614-292-2807
Website
: https://wrc.osu.edu/
Address
: 311 Hitchcock Hall
2070 Neil Avenue
Columbus, OH 43210
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