Bringing you the latest news, events, and updates from NEIWPCC and our partners.

In This Issue

Clean Water Timeline Documents NEIWPCC and Industry Milestones

Meander through time with a new digital timeline to honor NEIWPCC's 75th anniversary and 50 years of the federal Clean Water Act. Beginning in 1899 with the Rivers and Harbors Act, the timeline catalogs key water-related events, legislation, and milestones at the national and regional level that helped to shape the industry, as well as NEIWPCC specific achievements.

New Report Informs Next Steps on Regional Sludge Management

Sludge management infrastructure in the Northeast is experiencing significant challenges, such as aging incinerators, reduced landfill capacity, and emerging contaminants. The Northeast Regional Sludge End-Use and Disposal Estimate report documents how nearly 800,000 tons of sewage sludge were disposed of or beneficially reused in the region in 2018.

NEIWPCC Launches Clean Water Podcast

Launching on the 50th anniversary of the Clean Water Act, The Clean Water Pod explores the challenges and successes of restoring and protecting water quality. Host Jeff Berckes will speak with environmental professionals from across the country to build an understanding of how to meet the goals of the Clean Water Act.

Seeking Presenters for TMDL Webinar Series

NEIWPCC is now accepting presentation proposals for the National 303(d)/TMDL Webinar Series. Since 2016, this EPA-funded program has offered training and technical assistance to advance Clean Water Act Section 303(d) implementation. The webinars focus on key topics for state, territory, and tribal 303(d) and TMDL programs and other partners who work with these programs.

EPA Honors NEIWPCC Commissioners with Regional Environmental Awards

For more than 50 years, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) New England has recognized those who have masde outstanding contributions to protect the region's environment. The 2022 Environmental Merit Awards, presented in a virtual ceremony on Oct. 12, included several NEIWPCC partners.

National Tanks Conference Draws 600 Attendees

There were many new faces at the National Tanks Conference in Pittsburgh this September. Like many other industries, the field of underground storage tank regulation and leak prevention has seen significant staff turnover in the last few years.

Upcoming Webinar on Watershed Prioritization Tool

The first webinar in the National 303(d) Restoring Our Impaired Waters Webinar Series will focus on the recently enhanced Recovery Potential Screening (RPS) Tool. The event is scheduled for November 30, 2-4 p.m. EST via Zoom. RPS is a comparative assessment for identifying differences among watersheds that inform the likelihood of a successful restoration.

More News

In Brief

PFAS “forever chemicals” have been found in detectable levels across 83 percent of waterways tested across the country, according to a new study.

The Southeast New England Program (SNEP) announced $1.9 million for 2022 SNEP Watershed Implementation Grants for 11 high-priority projects. This includes projects in Rhode Island and Massachusetts, and a NEIWPCC grant to support a water chestnut management project.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and New York Sea Grant announced three upcoming watershed training workshops to help inform municipal planning, zoning, and code enforcement boards about the impact of various land uses on local water quality and watershed health.

The EPA has updated and added new capabilities to EJScreen, the Agency's public environmental justice (EJ) screening and mapping tool. EJScreen combines environmental and socioeconomic information to identify areas overburdened by pollution.

Communities along the Hudson River Estuary will receive more than $1.4 million in grants for 23 projects to help improve water quality and enhance environmental education and stewardship.

An estimated 5,000 students participated in 20th annual “Day in the Life of the Hudson & Harbor,” sponsored by the Hudson River Estuary Program, Hudson River National Estuarine Research Reserve, and the Columbia Climate School's Lamon-Doherty Earth Observatory. Watch a video here.

New Hampshire looks to regulate PFAS contamination in soil to protect drinking water supplies.

New York has received nearly $207 million in clean water funding awarded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for water infrastructure improvements.

The Associated Press offers a reflection on the successes and remaining challenges of the Clean Water Act at 50.

Here from NEIWPCC's Director of Water Quality Programs, Richard Friesner about the Clean Water Act.

In this new video, NEIWPCC celebrates 50 years of the Clean Water Act. Richard Friesner, NEIWPCC's director of Water Quality Programs, explores the past, present, and future of clean water in the United States.

Accolades and Accomplishments

Susan Sullivan, executive director, received a Water Environment Federation (WEF) Volunteer Service Recognition Pin at WETEC in honor of her service as a member of the WEF Government Affairs Committee.

Job Opportunities

Employment opportunities and internships are posted as they become available. We are currently accepting applications for the following positions:

Director of Water Resource Protection Programs (Lowell, Mass.)
Environmental Analyst – Training Specialist (Lowell, Mass.)
Human Resources Intern – Talent Acquisition Assistant (Lowell, Mass.)
Environmental Analyst – Rule Specialist (Augusta, Maine)

NEIWPCC Careers

Events

Nov. 10, Green Mountain Water Environment Association Fall Tradeshow, Burlington, Vt.

Nov. 13-17, American Water Works Association Water Quality Technology Conference and Exposition, Cincinnati, Ohio

Nov. 30, 2-4 p.m., The National 303(d) Restoring Our Impaired Waters Webinar Series presents: Recovery Potential Screening Tool

Dec. 4-8, Restore America’s Estuaries Coastal and Estuarine Summit, New Orleans, La.

Jan. 22-25, 2023, NEWEA Annual Conference, Boston, Mass.

Feb. 6-8, NYWEA 95th Annual Meeting Technical Conference and Exhibition, New York, N.Y.

To submit your event for possible inclusion in a future issue, please send an email with a link to your event to: NEIWPCC.

View all NEIWPCC Events

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NEIWPCC is a regional commission that helps the states of the Northeast preserve and advance water quality.

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