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…
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recently unveiled a valuable tool for citizens and environmental advocates: the Water Quality Indicators (WQI) platform. This web-based screening tool offers a comprehensive and accessible way to explore water quality data from monitoring stations across the United States. By providing detailed information on nutrients, pathogens, and potential pollution…
The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) has taken a significant step towards mitigating flood risk in the state by adopting the first-ever statewide flood plan. This comprehensive plan provides a detailed assessment of flood hazards and offers recommendations for effective flood control strategies. The plan incorporates the findings of 15 regional flood plans, providing…
The Galveston Bay area faces a significant threat: toxic flooding. This occurs when floodwaters carry harmful chemicals from nearby industrial facilities, posing risks to the environment, public health, and infrastructure. A new website provides valuable insights into toxic flooding vulnerabilities in the region. Developed through the collaboration between the Environmental Defense Fund, the Galveston…
The Nevada Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is currently accepting applications for the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP), a valuable initiative designed to safeguard and restore agricultural lands and wetlands within the state. ACEP offers two distinct programs: Agricultural Land Easements (ALE) and Wetland Reserve Easements (WRE). ALE focuses on preserving cropland and grassland…
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a new round of funding for water infrastructure projects through its Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) program. This program offers low-interest loans to communities for investment in drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater systems. The $7.5 billion announced will be used to fund projects across…
The U.S. Forest Service has issued a draft record of the decision authorizing the resumption of mining operations at the Stibnite Mine in Central Idaho. This decision, if finalized, would mark a significant milestone for the gold, silver, and antimony mining industry in the United States. The proposed project, spearheaded by Perpetua Resources, involves…
Over the past two years, surveys conducted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have highlighted a pressing need for $1.2 trillion in water infrastructure upgrades over the next two decades. Aging infrastructure and climate change are driving these costs. The Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) provides some funding, but it falls short of…
The Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) have been awarded $2 million in federal funding to address critical maintenance and modernization needs at their salmon and steelhead hatcheries. The funds, part of a larger $240 million investment from the US government, aim to empower tribal nations by supporting hatcheries vital for fulfilling treaty-reserved…
The battle against “forever chemicals” – per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) – has taken a promising turn with a groundbreaking discovery by researchers at the University of California, Riverside (UCR). These insidious pollutants, notorious for their persistence in the environment and harmful effects on human health, may finally have met their match in the form…
After a five-decade long struggle, the Yavapai-Apache Nation in Arizona has achieved a monumental victory with the approval of its water rights settlement. This landmark agreement, reached through extensive negotiations with local communities, the Salt River Project, state and federal officials, and aided by a recent policy shift by Governor Katie Hobbs, ensures a secure…
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has implemented a new Federal Flood Risk Management Standard (FFRMS). This standard is designed to improve the flood resilience of communities facing growing flood risks due to climate change and other environmental factors. Here are the key takeaways for those involved in infrastructure and construction projects: Future-Proofing Projects: FFRMS…
In a move that underscores the growing urgency to address climate change and empower tribal communities, Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell, alongside Representative Derek Kilmer, have announced a substantial investment of $9.3 million for six community colleges in Washington State. This funding, made possible by the Inflation Reduction Act’s NOAA Climate-Ready Workforce initiative, is…
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a $1.5 million investment in three organizations through the Promoting Readiness and Enhancing Proficiency to Advance Reporting and Data (PREPARED) program. This initiative aims to enhance the ability of grant recipients, particularly small, underserved, and Tribal communities, to generate and utilize data for evaluating program outcomes and making…
The way New Mexico manages its water resources is undergoing a major transformation. With the passage of the Water Security Planning Act of 2023, the state is essentially starting from scratch with its water planning regulations. This presents a unique opportunity for residents to have a say in how this vital resource is managed in…
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is awarding $9.75 million in grants to coastal and Great Lakes communities to enhance their beach water quality monitoring and public notification programs. This funding, distributed under the Beaches Environmental Assessment and Coastal Health (BEACH) Act, will enable states, Tribes, and territories to conduct comprehensive testing for harmful bacteria…
The Department of the Interior announced a $700 million investment to fund long-term water conservation projects across the Lower Colorado River Basin. This significant investment, part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, aims to save over 700,000 acre-feet of water in Lake Mead and enhance the region’s drought and climate resilience. The funding is…
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has unveiled its 2024-2027 Climate Adaptation Plan. This plan outlines the agency’s strategy for addressing climate change impacts and building a more resilient nation. Below are some of the key components of this plan. Climate-Ready Workforce: EPA is investing in employee education and training to ensure staff understand climate…
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often referred to as “forever chemicals” due to their persistence in the environment, have become a major concern for public health and water quality. These man-made chemicals have been linked to various health problems and are increasingly being detected in drinking water supplies. A recent development in the ongoing…
A recent rule finalized by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) establishes a national framework for considering tribal treaties and reserved rights when setting water quality standards under the Clean Water Act. Key takeaways: Clear Framework for Tribal Rights: This rule replaces a case-by-case approach with a consistent national framework for considering tribal rights in…
The health of the Lower Duwamish River and Elliott Bay in Seattle, Washington, is at the centre of a recent lawsuit filed by the United States Department of Justice. The lawsuit names Crowley Marine Services, Inc., 8th Avenue Terminals, Inc., and the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) as defendants, alleging they are responsible for…
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the California Attorney General, on behalf of the San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board, filed a civil complaint against the city for alleged violations of the Clean Water Act (CWA). This lawsuit centers on the discharge of billions of gallons of untreated sewage from San Francisco’s…