SEWAGE POLLUTION RIGHT TO KNOW UPDATE:
POTWs and POSSs Apply to Use the NY-Alert System
To assist in complying with the law, DEC has worked with the NYS Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Services to modify the NY-Alert system to accommodate reporting sewage releases and distribution of this information to the public. The principal executive officer or ranking elected officer for publicly owned treatment works (POTWs) is required to:
2014 marks the 40th anniversary of the Safe Drinking Water Act. The Act was passed to protect public health by regulating the nation’s public drinking water supply. We have made great progress over the past 40 years, but many challenges remain. EPA is committed to working with states, tribes, water sector partners and the public to meet the challenges ahead and protect public health.
Congratulations to Gary Biekert, Chief Operator for the Village of Mayville in Chautauqua County on his recent retirement. Gary handled the water system for the village for the past three decades and oversaw many system improvements. Gary plans to travel to a warmer climate for the winter months with his wife and their new RV. From all of us here at the NYRWA, thank you Gary for a job well done and here’s to a long, happy, and healthy retirement!!!
A $10.8 million no-interest loan was awarded to the eastern Sullivan County Town of Fallsburg last week so it can upgrade a wastewater treatment plant.
The state Environmental Facilities Corporation’s board of directors announced the money will go toward improvements at the Loch Sheldrake Wastewater Treatment Plant, which was built in 1938 and last renovated in 1980. Upgrades will include a membrane bioreactor for secondary treatment at the plant and an ultraviolet light system for disinfection.
EPA has released the Interim Final version of the Revised Total Coliform Rule Assessments and Corrective Actions Guidance Manual.
The guidance manual is currently available online at http://water.epa.gov/lawsregs/rulesregs/sdwa/tcr/regulation_revisions.cfm.
There is a free water loss control webinar that will review effective tools, policies, and programs.
The Office of Water and Region 8 are pleased to announce the 8th in a series of monthly 1-hour webinars on best practices in the implementation of the National Water Program. The next webinar is scheduled for Thursday, July 17th from 2 to 3 pm (Eastern Daylight Time). Representatives from EPA’s Region 3 Office will provide a presentation on using CWSRF funds for septic system repairs by partnering with state housing agencies. Tune into the webinar next Thursday to hear how they did it.
On May 29, 2014, EPA will host a webcast on public engagement opportunities to address harmful algal blooms entitled, “The Role of Citizen Scientists in Harmful Algal Bloom Monitoring and Response”. This webcast is the beginning of a series with a discussion of involvement with volunteer monitoring initiatives, and how people can get involved in a project to monitor for potentially toxic algal species and collect meaningful data from their local, state, or federal agency.
USDA Rural Development Celebrates Earth Day by Supporting Water Quality Projects in 40 States and Puerto Rico
2014 Farm Bill Enables Record USDA Investments in Rural Water Systems
WASHINGTON, April 22, 2014 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today celebrated Earth Day by announcing record support for 116 projects that will improve water and wastewater services for rural Americans and benefit the environment.