Regulatory
Federal agency aims to reduce methane leaks with new natural gas pipeline rules
The proposal by the Transportation Department’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration would significantly improve the detection and repair of leaks from natural gas pipelines, keep more product in the pipes and prevent dangerous accidents, officials said
Tennessee announces $232 million in additional funding for water infrastructure
(UI) — The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) has announced 102 grants totaling $232,709,981 of which TDEC is administering in the form of drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure grants.
Water associations unveil plan for federal low-income water assistance program
As part of their recommendations, the groups also released a detailed analysis, “Low-Income Water Customer Assistance Program Assessment Study,” which establishes that water affordability is a significant challenge for 20 million U.S. households and puts the annual need for federal funding to address this challenge as high as $7.9 billion.
Mississippi governor signs water billing law based on consumption
The Republican governor signed House Bill 698 months after Ted Henifin, who was appointed in November by a federal court to help improve Jackson’s water infrastructure, released a proposal calling for billing water based on property values rather than personal use.
83 projects awarded $585 million to improve aging water infrastructure, advance drought resilience
(UI) — The Biden-Harris administration has awarded nearly $585 million in funding to 83 projects across 11 states to increase drought resilience and improve water delivery systems.
US judge temporarily blocks Biden’s clean water rule in 24 states
A federal judge on Wednesday temporarily blocked a federal rule in 24 states that is intended to protect thousands of small streams, wetlands and other waterways throughout the nation.
Inside infrastructure: House Republicans move early on major energy package
When taking control of the House of Representatives in January, GOP leaders made it clear that a top priority in the 118th Congress would be to roll back some of the harmful climate change policy that was included in recent legislation backed by the Biden White House, and to reinstate commonsense policy that would “unleash American energy” and lower energy costs for American families.
Biden administration outlines two plans to conserve Colorado River water in Western states
One option would be more beneficial to California and some tribes along the river that have high-priority rights to the river’s water. The second option is likely to be more favorable to Nevada and Arizona, who share the river’s Lower Basin with California and say it’s time for an approach that more fairly spreads the pain of cuts.
EPA releases 7th Drinking Water Infrastructure Needs Survey and Assessment
(UI) — The Safe Drinking Water Act requires that the EPA conduct a survey and assessment every four years to examine the needs for infrastructure improvements and maintenance at public water systems. The 7th DWINSA estimates that $625 billion will be needed for infrastructure improvements over the next 20 years — a 32% increase from the $472.6 billion projected in 2022.
Biden vetoes bill that sought to toss EPA water protections
Defending his administration's actions on clean water, President Joe Biden on Thursday vetoed a congressional resolution that would have overturned protections for the nation's waterways that Republicans have criticized as overly intrusive.
EPA: 9.2 million homes in U.S. have lead pipes, issues funding to upgrade water infrastructure
The agency’s drinking water infrastructure survey will be used to steer billions of dollars from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to water infrastructure upgrades like finding and removing lead pipes in states that need it most.
Nevada lawmakers consider bill to “buy back” groundwater rights in diminished basins
The Nevada bill — still awaiting a Senate committee vote — could be amended further as its sponsor, Republican state Sen. Pete Goicoechea, addresses concerns over implementation and funding, including the $5 million price tag that some say isn’t enough.
Military members file claims for fuel in Hawaii Navy drinking water
A Navy sailor, an Army colonel and an Army major are the first active-duty military members taking the initial step toward suing the U.S. government over jet fuel that contaminated drinking water in Hawaii.
North Carolina lawmakers propose $2 billion investment plan for water, sewer projects
Rep. Dean Arp, a Union County Republican and one of the chief budget writers, said the House plan includes $3.6 billion on infrastructure investments over the next two years, along with $2 billion for local and regional water and sewer system projects.
Congress approves measure to toss Biden’s water protections
Congress on Wednesday approved a resolution to overturn the Biden administration’s protections for the nation’s waterways that Republicans have criticized as a burden on business, advancing a measure that President Joe Biden has promised to veto.
Mountain Valley secures water permits for pipeline project in Virginia
(UI) — The 303-mile proposed pipeline is permitted to pass through the state's streams and wetlands thanks to a permit issued by Virginia's Department of Environmental Quality, according to the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.
Army Corps further delays decision on Great Lakes oil tunnel
The Army Corps' Detroit district office said it revised the schedule after receiving more than 17,000 public comments during an initial “scoping” period. The agency in December ordered Enbridge to redo measurement of wetlands that could be damaged from roads and structures for tunnel construction.
ACWA applauds California governor’s Executive Order easing drought restrictions
“ACWA also appreciates the governor’s continued emphasis on streamlining the regulatory approval process for critical water infrastructure projects and his commitment to making groundwater recharge a priority," said Executive Director Dave Eggerton.
Texas lawmakers prepare to set aside billions to upgrade state’s aging water system
(UI) — A critical first step was made on March 20 toward advancing legislation that may rebuild Texas' deteriorating water infrastructure and develop new water sources for the state's expanding population. The proposed bills would establish a new Water Supply for Texas Fund, which the Texas Water Development Board would run, to pay for infrastructure improvements and new water projects.
Tech Tips: Understanding and using ASTM standards in your specifications
(UI) — Nearly every municipal project specification contains a reference section detailing a variety of ASTM standards that are critical to the material performance, installation performance, and quality control of most products and projects. To many in the engineering field, this list of references can be somewhat confusing and require detailed understanding to make sure one is using the correct standard for the product or process that is being specified.
Burleigh County will require permits for pipeline set to store carbon underground
County commissioners voted 4-0 Monday night with one member absent to approve the proposal. Commissioners, however, acknowledged the ordinance is likely to draw a lawsuit from carbon-capture pipeline developer Summit Carbon Solutions, the Bismarck Tribune reported.
FERC Moves Forward Tentatively on Pipeline Rates, Affiliates
A blog post from the law firm Akin Gump stated: “FERC policy often uses the ‘last litigated ROE’ as a proxy for just and reasonable rates when it is developing initial rates for existing facilities being acquired by a new pipeline.
EPA to limit toxic ‘forever chemicals’ in drinking water
The Environmental Protection Agency on Tuesday proposed the first federal limits on harmful “forever chemicals” in drinking water, a long-awaited protection the agency said will save thousands of lives and prevent serious illnesses, including cancer.
Las Vegas water agency seeks power to limit residential use
State lawmakers on Monday are scheduled to discuss granting the power to limit what comes out of residents’ taps to the Southern Nevada Water Authority, the agency managing the Colorado River supply to the city. If lawmakers approve the bill, Nevada would be the first state to give a water agency permanent jurisdiction over the amount of residential use.
Mississippi lawmakers stop effort to take over Jackson water
Mississippi lawmakers are giving up on an effort to create a state-dominated board to oversee the troubled water system in the state’s capital city.
House GOP votes to overturn Biden administration’s water protection rule
House Republicans used the Congressional Review Act, which allows Congress to block recently enacted executive-branch regulations. The measure now heads to the Senate, where Republicans hope to attract Democratic senators wary of Biden’s environmental policies.
Alabama to spend $400 million in funding on water, sewer infrastructure; $260 million on broadband
Alabama will spend the remaining $1 billion of its pandemic relief funds largely on a mixture of water and sewer infrastructure, broadband expansion and healthcare reimbursements, under a bill introduced Wednesday.
Construction entities call for punishment for pipeline attacks, improved mapping in pipeline safety
(UI) — The Distribution Contractors Association (DCA) and the United Association of Union Plumbers and Pipefitters (UA) have published a letter urging Congress to take action to address the enduring problem of physical attacks on critical energy infrastructure.
EPA rejects Texas claim that new water rule leads to “regulatory uncertainty”
“Plaintiffs’ claims of harm are premised on either a complete disregard for the Rule’s similarity to the status quo they seek to maintain,” the Environmental Protection Agency said.
Groups accuse Alabama of discrimination in wastewater funds
Environmental organizations filed a civil rights complaint against Alabama on Monday, accusing the state of discriminating against minority communities in how it distributes funding for wastewater infrastructure, including money for families who need help dealing with raw sewage in their yards.
- 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