Heather Syverson The most recent hurricane season devastated parts of Texas, Florida, and areas of adjacent States, as well as Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. As the post-storm cleanup costs mount, other parts of the country are also faced with financial impacts from the powerful storms. Fuel prices are typically the first to be affected. … Read more
The Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) anticipates approximately $900,000 in funding for nonpoint source water pollution projects available under the Federal Clean Water Act. Nonpoint source water pollution stems from many sources and is often generated by land use such as agricultural and forestry activities, urban and suburban development, and runoff from abandoned mine … Read more
It appears 2017 will be a good year to construct or replace underground infrastructure. Thanks to relatively favorable interest rates, infrastructure projects are more affordable right now. “The interest rates in Federal and State funding programs such as the Drinking Water and Clean Water State Revolving Funds (DWSRF/CWSRF) and USDA Rural Development funding are at … Read more
The deadline for completing the 16th Annual Rate Survey questionnaire is Monday, March 20, 2017. The digital and print versions of the survey were sent out in late January. Each year, AE2S conducts a survey of water, wastewater, stormwater, and solid waste utility rates throughout the region. Two unique reports are prepared based on community population. … Read more
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) has finalized a rule to amend its Risk Management Program (RMP) regulations. The update aims to reduce the likelihood of accidental releases at chemical facilities and improve emergency response activities when those releases occur. “This rule is based on extensive engagement with nearly 1,800 people over the last two … Read more
The U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate passed separate versions of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2016 in September. The Senate passed S. 2848, WRDA, in mid-September. WRDA includes a key water infrastructure provision of $70 million. The funding would allow the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) loan program to … Read more