A little-known provision within the Clean Water Act (CWA) could soon have a very big impact on how stormwater is regulated.
It was a long buildup to the federal lead-free rule, characterized by some last-minute changes, but the moment has finally arrived.
The steady march of water-related mandates was afoot in 2013, though a bit slow and meandering. The following is an overview of the EPA’s rulemaking progress over the past year.
Inspired by new technology and an evolved philosophy, the EPA changes its approach to pollution-control rulemaking and compliance.
If Congress were to get a grade for their recent work on water and wastewater matters, it would be “incomplete.” Here’s what they did (or didn’t) get done in Washington this year.
Each year, the American Water Works Association (AWWA) surveys water professionals to identify the industry’s biggest challenges and concerns, while also providing key data to help support the development of solutions. In looking at the executive summary of this year’s State of the Water Industry report, I noticed some very familiar themes, but I was also struck by a few surprises.
The clock is ticking, counting down to the new “lead free” mandate, effective Jan. 4, 2014, which will be considerably stricter than the current federal requirement. Under the Reduction of Lead in Drinking Water Act, signed Jan. 4, 2011, “lead free” will be redefined as “not more than a weighted average of 0.25% lead when used with respect to the wetted surfaces of pipes, pipe fittings, plumbing fittings, and fixtures.”
“Government overreach” is a phrase bandied about a lot these days and — politics being what they are — it’s usually wise to consider the source. This time, however, the charge comes from a federal judge, who recently ruled that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) overstepped its authority in attempting to regulate stormwater flow into a Virginia watershed.
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