Posts by shaina

Great news for those working on climate resilience and ecosystem restoration in drought-stricken communities.  The Department of the Interior has announced a significant funding opportunity through President Biden’s Investing in America agenda. Up to $95 million is available for projects that bolster water resources, advance ecosystem health, and support community resilience against drought and other…

A nationwide settlement between 3M and public water suppliers (PWS) regarding PFAS (“forever chemicals”) contamination has been finalized by a US District Court.   This settlement offers financial assistance to PWS facing PFAS contamination in their water systems.  The agreement covers past, present, and future PFAS detection, providing a broader scope of support.  Payments are…

PRESS RELEASE: Draft management plan open for 90-days of public comment. The Bureau of Land Management and US Department of Agriculture Forest Service are seeking public input on a draft plan to guide management of the Bears Ears National Monument, incorporating considerable input from the Bears Ears Commission, the State of Utah, other cooperating agencies,…

Researchers at Oregon State University have made a significant advancement in removing glyphosate, a common herbicide, from groundwater.     Key takeaways: A new metal-organic framework (MOF) called Sc-TBAPy has been shown to completely remove and break down glyphosate in water when exposed to light. This MOF offers advantages over other methods by acting more quickly…

Communities across the country are facing a growing wave of water challenges.  Increased flooding, worsening droughts, water scarcity, and pollution are straining traditional water supplies.  New approaches are needed to build resilience and ensure a sustainable water future for our cities.   Stormwater capture has emerged as a promising tool in this fight.  It offers…

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed adding the Upper Columbia River Site in northeastern Washington to the National Priorities List (NPL).  This designation would make the site eligible for cleanup financed under the federal Superfund Program.   Why is the EPA proposing this?   The EPA has determined that soils contaminated with lead…

Jacobs – an engineering and consulting firm – has joined forces with The Water Research Foundation to spearhead an essential development: a comprehensive environmental, social, and governance (ESG) framework and best practices guide tailored for water utilities within the United States.   Why a Dedicated ESG Framework for Water Utilities?   Water utilities shoulder a…

Beavers may hold unexpected value as natural firefighters.  A recent Geological Society of America study demonstrates the impressive wildfire protection provided by beaver-dammed waterways.   Researchers discovered that nearly 90% of beaver-dammed riverscapes qualify as fire refugia – offering protection for plants and animals during a wildfire – compared to only 60% of riverscapes without…

The Colorado River Water Conservation District’s (District) recent acquisition of the senior water rights associated with the Shoshone hydropower plant has raised concerns within Pitkin County.  While widely considered a positive step for the Western Slope, officials are examining potential repercussions for the upper Roaring Fork River. At the heart of the concern lies the…

On February 28th, 2024, Colorado state legislators issued a joint resolution expressing support for ongoing efforts to restore the clarity of Grand Lake. This marks a significant step forward for a project with a long history and potentially far-reaching implications for water management in the state. Grand Lake, Colorado’s largest and deepest natural lake, was…