The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) recently finalized the Fifth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR5) to establish nationwide monitoring for 29 per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and lithium in drinking water. This action marks a significant milestone in the PFAS Strategic Roadmap developed by the USEPA. The USEPA uses the UCMR to monitor for priority Read More
USEPA Announces Intent to Strengthen Lead & Copper Regulations
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) will begin refining a new regulation to better protect communities from exposure to lead in drinking water. USEPA announced its intention to collaboratively work with local, State, and Federal partners to make rapid progress on the goal of removing 100% of lead service lines, with a focus on prioritizing communities Read More
Regulatory Recap and Looking Ahead
The year 2021 was a busy time for water and wastewater regulations. While many small actions were taken, the two main topics were the Lead and Copper (LCR) Rule and perfluorinated alkylated substances (PFAS). These regulatory topics were complex and multifaceted. Lead and Copper Rule On January 15, 2021, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) Read More
Comment Period Extended & Listening Session Scheduled for Draft PFAS Monitoring Plan
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has extended the public input period for the draft PFAS monitoring plan until Friday, January 21, 2022. The updated deadline will allow interested parties to review the MPCA PFAS sampling guidance and the revised PFAS analytical guidance. MPCA has an online PFAS monitoring plan comment form to gather input. Read More
USEPA & WEF Launch Program to Reduce Nutrients in Waterways
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and Water Environment Federation (WEF) announced the launch of the NutrientSmart (NSmart) program to help reduce nutrient loadings in waterways and recognize the water utilities that are leaders and innovators. NSmart will begin as a pilot program and encourage the adoption of enhanced nutrient management practices by water utilities Read More
Public Comments Accepted on WOTUS Definition
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and U.S. Department of the Army (Army) announced a proposed rule to re-establish the pre-2015 definition of “waters of the United States” (WOTUS) with updates to reflect consideration of Supreme Court decisions. USEPA says the action advances the goal of establishing a durable definition of WOTUS that protects public Read More