Archive for October 2024

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recently proposed to add 16 individual per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and 15 PFAS categories representing more than 100 individual PFAS to the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI). The proposal aims to address the concerns surrounding the health and environmental impacts of these persistent contaminants.   This update will require…

The US Global Change Research Program (USGCRP) has launched a comprehensive online resource dedicated to sea level rise: SeaLevel.GlobalChange.gov. This website, developed by the US Interagency Task Force on Sea Level Change, offers the public a one-stop shop for information on this critical issue.   The new website offers the latest scientific research on sea…

The Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI), housed under the Safe Drinking Water Act regulatory framework, are now in effect. The final rule mandates that drinking water systems across the country identify and replace lead pipes within a decade. It will also require more rigorous testing of drinking water and a lower threshold requiring communities…

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recently announced a grant program offering up to $49 million to support small drinking water and wastewater systems, many of which serve rural communities. This funding will be used to provide technical assistance and training aimed at improving water quality and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.   Numerous…

The Klamath River has reached a significant milestone with the complete removal of four lower hydroelectric dams. This achievement marks the culmination of decades of advocacy to restore the river’s health.   The dams, which obstructed fish passage and water quality for over a century, have been removed. This opens up over 400 miles of…

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is seeking participation from small businesses, governments, and non-profit organizations in developing a regulation for perchlorate in drinking water. This regulation aims to protect public health by setting a national standard for perchlorate levels in public water supplies.   The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) authorizes the EPA to establish…

A new study sheds light on how wildfires are impacting water availability in the Western US. The research, conducted by a team from Colorado State University, focused on the aftermath of the 2020 Cameron Peak Fire, the largest wildfire in Colorado’s history. Key Findings: Earlier Snowmelt on South-Facing Slopes: The study revealed that snowmelt occurred…

As the world transitions to renewable energy sources, balancing energy supply and demand becomes increasingly challenging. A new Stanford study explores how water systems, often overlooked in energy discussions, can play a crucial role in enhancing grid stability and creating new revenue streams.   The study presents a framework to measure the value of energy…

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released several new tools to assist small, rural, and tribal communities that rely on lagoon systems for wastewater treatment. These tools aim to empower local decision-makers to navigate the complexities of lagoon management, ensuring public health protection, environmental compliance, and efficient asset management. Lagoon systems represent a significant…

The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) has completed a feasibility review of the proposed Marvin Nichols Reservoir project. This reservoir would be located on the Sulphur River in Northeast Texas. The review examined the project’s timeline, costs, land acquisition needs, and potential economic impacts.   A draft report outlining the findings of this review is…