Wastewater infrastructure needs total $271B, EPA survey says
WASHINGTON — Jan. 13, 2016 — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a survey indicating that $271 billion to maintain and upgrade the country’s wastewater infrastructure. The agency’s Water Infrastructure and Resiliency Finance Center was launched in January 2015 to help states and communities with finance strategies for drinking water, wastewater and stormwater infrastructure.
Infrastructure needs outlined in the survey include:
- Secondary and advanced wastewater treatment
- New conveyance systems and repairs for older systems
- Combine sewer overflow correction
- Stormwater management programs
- Recycled water distribution
You can find the full release here.
California Trash Control Policy designed to protect water quality
SAN FRANCISCO — Jan. 13, 2016 — California’s State Water Resources Control Board‘s plan to protect people and the environment by keeping trash out of wastewaters including the coast and ocean has been approved by the EPA. The plan calls for an elimination of trash in the state’s waters by 2026 in phases. Municipalities and other stormwater permit holders must install full trash capture systems or their equivalent and implement programs such as educational outreach. The Los Angeles and San Francisco Bay regions have successful similar programs in place.
You can find the entire release here.
2016 Environmental Merit Awards nominations due Feb. 12
BOSTON — Jan. 6, 2016 — EPA Region 1 is accepting nominations for its 2016 Environmental Merit Awards, open to individuals, businesses, government entities and other organizations who made environmental achievements over the last year. A new honor has been added this year: the Children’s Environmental Health Award, which will go to "an individual or group that has made significant progress, contribution, leadership toward protecting children from environmental health risks in schools, homes, and childcare environments in New England." Nominations must be made online by Feb. 12.
Click here for more information.
Region 2 accepting Environmental Champion Awards nominations
NEW YORK — Jan. 13, 2016 — Winners of the EPA Region 2’s (New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands and eight Indian Nations) annual Environmental Champion Awardees will be honored on May 13. The awards recognize individuals, business and organizations that made significant contributions to the environment and protecting public health. Nominations will be accepted until March 1. Winners are recognized across six categories:
- Business and Industry
- Individual Citizen
- Nonprofit Organization, Environmental or Community Group
- Environmental Education
- Federal, State, Local or Tribal Government or Agency
- Media
Click here for more.
