From National Association of Clean Water Agencies…
A “zero-discharge” standard for sanitary sewer overflows is impossible to achieve, and any Environmental Protection Agency rule addressing such overflows should shield utilities from enforcement or lawsuits for overflows that are beyond their reasonable control, a municipal wastewater treatment official said July 13.
Chris Hornbeck, senior director of regulatory affairs for the National Association of Clean Water Agencies, was one of several municipal, industry, and environmental group representatives speaking at an EPA “listening session” on National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit requirements for sanitary sewer systems. Sanitary sewer systems are designed to carry sewage only, while combined sewer systems carry both sewage and stormwater. EPA issued a combined sewer overflow policy in 1994, but has not issued a final policy on sanitary sewer overflows.
For the entire article, go here>>
admin NPDES / MS4 clean water, NPDES, sanitary sewer systems, US EPA, wastewater treatment, water quality, zero discharge
Date: June 17, 2010
From: Brady Russell, Clean Water Action
Campaign for Clean Water Members:
Great news! Today, with 54 legislators weighing in, thousands of citizen comments and lots of support from the groups in this campaign, we passed both revisions to Chapter 102, which will give us 150 foot stream buffers, and revisions to Chapter 95, which will give us a higher standard for natural gas drillers wastewater.
Both rules passed by IRRC votes of 4-1.
It’s a great day for this campaign. Everyone worked really hard on these measures and this is a big victory. Please spread the word to media and legislators and your members today!
The General Assembly still has to review the revisions, but they are unlikely to take action. Provided they don’t, we’ve got these rules in place!
Best,
Brady Russell, Clean Water Action
See the press release from Penn Future for more details>>
admin Chapter 102 Regs, Stormwater Regulations 150 foot stream buffers, buffers, Chapter 102 regulations, Chapter 95, gas drilling, Marcellus Shale, wastewater, wastewater treatment
From the Maryland Department of the Environment
(Baltimore, Maryland) April 21, 2010 - Grants Will Reduce Nutrient Pollution in the Bay and Improve Drinking Water
The Maryland Board of Public Works approved $2.35 million in grants to reduce pollution and improve water quality by upgrading wastewater treatment plants and collection systems.
These projects significantly reduce nitrogen pollution and put people to work across the state.
–Governor Martin O’Malley
Projects approved include the following: Williamsport Inflow and Infiltration Reduction Project in Washington County, Havre de Grace Infiltration and Inflow Reduction in Harford County, and Cumberland Combined Sewer Overflow Elimination on Evitts Creek in Allegany County
Media Contact: Kim Lamphier or Jay Apperson at 410-537-3003
admin Chesapeake Bay Chesapeake Bay, CSO, infiltration, nitrogen pollution, nutrient reduction, wastewater treatment, water quality
