Regulatory
Arizona introduces legislation to protect critical water infrastructure from cybersecurity threats
The legislation establishes a new governing body, the WRRO, with cyber and water infrastructure expertise to develop and enforce cybersecurity requirements for drinking and wastewater systems. The WRRO will work in partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to ensure cybersecurity measures are both practical and beneficial.
EPA fines California's East Bay cities, utilities over sewage discharges
The EPA and the San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board have announced fines totaling $372,876 for sewage discharge violations in the East Bay. Penalties target EBMUD and six cities for failing to prevent untreated sewage from entering San Francisco Bay.
Study reveals presence of 'forever chemicals' in New Mexico water sources, prompting EPA action
So-called forever chemicals have been found in water sources across New Mexico, according to recent studies by the U.S. Geological Survey and state environment officials.
Fire in Mexico City's storm drain highlights underground infrastructure strain amid water shortage
Amid a severe drought in central Mexico, water authorities grapple with mounting challenges, including a recent fire in one of Mexico City's storm drains, highlighting the strain on underground infrastructure. Struggling to address the water scarcity, authorities have decided to halt water extraction from the Valle de Bravo reservoir, home to an upscale lakeside community.
Wisconsin governor vetoes a Republican-backed bill targeting PFAS chemicals
Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers and Republicans have not been able to agree on the best way to combat pollution from PFAS. Both have stated that fighting the chemicals is a priority, but they have yet to come to a consensus on how to address the issue.
DeLa Express seeks FERC approval for Permian-to-Louisiana gas pipeline project
The DeLa Express project, which is poised to significantly impact the energy landscape, entails the construction of an approximately 690-mile, 42-inch diameter natural gas transportation mainline pipeline.
EPA recognizes outstanding clean water and drinking water projects
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has acknowledged the outstanding achievements of 32 infrastructure projects in clean water and drinking water sectors. These projects were honored under EPA’s AQUARIUS and PISCES national recognition initiatives.
California governor unveils updated water plan amid climate challenges
In response to the ongoing climate crisis, Governor Newsom's Administration has announced an updated Water Plan aimed at safeguarding California's water supplies and bolstering the state's resilience against extreme weather events.
Illinois EPA issues updated permit to Chicago for combined sewer overflows
The Illinois EPA has issued a new National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit to the city of Chicago that will bring additional oversight and monitoring of combined sewer overflows to Chicago area waterways.
Georgia officials table proposed “rain tax” that would fund stormwater infrastructure upgrades in Cobb County
Stormwater infrastructure in Cobb County features 50 year-old piping that causes frequent leaks, flooding and sinkholes. Budget constraints and maintenance bottlenecks exacerbate the problem.
Oregon OSHA fines Portland company after workers rendered unconscious in stormwater sewer
(UI) — The Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division (Oregon OSHA) has fined a Portland environmental and emergency services company $118,800 for breaching job safety standards aimed at safeguarding workers in confined spaces.
House passes Rep. Duarte's legislation to streamline water permitting processes in the Valley
The legislation addresses existing ambiguities in NPDES permits, which have been susceptible to legal challenges, potentially stalling vital energy and infrastructure projects.
Inside infrastructure: Safety debate continues to address new, controversial subjects
Every four or five years, multiple committees in Congress undertake the responsibility of reauthorizing the nation’s pipeline safety program and the federal agency that oversees it.
OSHA hits Georgia-based company with $300,000 fine after fatal trench collapse
A Georgia-based company faces a hefty fine exceeding $300,000 from the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) due to alleged safety breaches stemming from a trench collapse incident that resulted in the death of a worker in Macon.
Enstor eyes FERC nod to double underground gas storage capacity at Mississippi Hub
Enstor Gas LLC has submitted an application to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for an expansion of its underground natural gas storage facility located in Simpson County, Mississippi.
OSHA penalizes Houston contractor over safety violations resulting in worker's death
A federal inquiry into safety practices following a fatal trench collapse near Fulshear, Texas, has resulted in penalties exceeding $250,000 for a Houston-area contractor.
Shreveport, La., enhances water and sewer bill assistance program, expanding relief for residents
The Shreveport Water Assistance Program (SWAP), designed to provide relief for water and sewer bills, reflects a concerted effort to ensure equitable access to essential services for all citizens.
California regulators greenlight program to accelerate electric infrastructure undergrounding
The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has introduced a new initiative aimed at accelerating the undergrounding of electric distribution infrastructure across the state. This program, mandated by Senate Bill (SB) 884, targets increased system resilience and climate adaptation.
Texas launches $1 billion water fund as first step in addressing water woes
While Texas enjoys a significant budget surplus, its water woes persist, underscoring the need for innovative solutions beyond mere financial injections. Recognizing this, lawmakers have established the Texas Water Fund, earmarking $1 billion for water infrastructure.
Arkansas governor allocates $42 million for water infrastructure projects
In a move to bolster Arkansas' water infrastructure, Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced more than $42 million in financial assistance for six water and wastewater projects across the state.
Cross-border pipeline to Mexico LNG plant receives U.S. regulatory approval
U.S. regulators have granted approval for a cross-border pipeline, facilitating the export of approximately 2.8 billion cubic feet per day of natural gas from Texas to the Mexico Pacific's Saguaro LNG export facility on Mexico's western coastline.
Court upholds Mountain Valley Pipeline eminent domain challenge dismissal despite recent legal shift
A federal appeals court has once again dismissed a challenge brought by landowners against the Mountain Valley Pipeline's utilization of eminent domain.
EPA expands technical assistance program to improve wastewater infrastructure nationwide
To date, the Closing America’s Wastewater Access Gap initiative has helped provide communities with no-cost technical assistance that helps identify affordable options for accessing wastewater infrastructure.
House Republicans aim to expedite infrastructure permitting process with new water legislation
Floor action for the bill, titled “Creating Confidence in Clean Water Permitting” Act, could begin as early as Monday, Feb. 12.
Canadian regulators deny FortisBC Energy’s natural gas pipeline plans
The British Columbia Utilities Commission denied FortisBC Energy Inc.’s application for its Okanagan Capacity Upgrade project, which includes the construction, installation, and operation of approximately 30 km of new natural gas pipeline.
Developers want water policy changes in response to construction limits on metro Phoenix’s fringes
Developers plan to seek changes to Arizona’s decades-old laws restricting construction in areas without adequate water supplies after the state said this summer that it won’t issue permits for new subdivisions in some areas on metro Phoenix’s fringes.
Drought-prone California OKs new rules for turning wastewater directly into drinking water
California regulators on Tuesday approved new rules to let water agencies recycle wastewater and put it right back into the pipes that carry drinking water to homes, schools and businesses.
Wisconsin DNR preps 2024 grant program for small water systems to deal with PFAS contamination
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is creating a new grant program to help small public water systems reduce PFAS and manganese contamination levels.
Governor Hochul allocates $479 million for 156 local water projects in New York
(UI) — Governor Kathy Hochul has announced $479 million in grants for critical water infrastructure projects. The funding, announced on Dec. 12, is projected to save local ratepayers an estimated $1.3 billion and create 24,000 jobs across the state.
Missouri couple facing charges after audit uncovers theft from Bootheel sewer district
A husband and wife duo are each facing two dozen counts of felony stealing after a state audit found they tapped a small-town sewer district for more than $160,000 in personal proceeds.
- OSHA cites Florida contractors for trench safety violations at sewer and excavation sites
- Cadiz to reuse steel from terminated Keystone XL pipeline for California groundwater project
- Lynchburg, Va., breaks ground on largest-ever Blackwater CSO tunnel project
- Biden-Harris administration invests $849 million in aging water infrastructure, drought resilience
- The EPA announces $6.2 billion in funding for Iowa and Kansas water infrastructure