Water News
EPA Literature Review of Chemicals of Emerging Concern
EPA has published the results of an extensive review of the recent literature on wastewater treatment technologies and their ability to remove a number of chemical contaminants of emerging concern (CECs). EPA has also made available a computer-searchable format of the data from this literature review. EPA developed this information to provide an accessible and comprehensive body of historical information about current CEC treatment technologies. Wastewater treatment plant operators, designers, and others may find this information useful in their studies of ways to remove CECs from wastewater. The report is not designed to promote any one technology nor is it intended to set agency policy or priorities in terms of risk. The literature review report and the searchable file were peer-reviewed for completeness and usability.
The report can be found at: http://epa.gov/waterscience/ppcp/studies/results.html
DEQ Recommends Caution On Oklahoma's Lakes and Streams
As the July 4th holiday approaches, many Oklahomans may be planning a trip to one of the state’s lakes, rivers, or streams to enjoy swimming, boating, canoeing and other water activities. The Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) wants to remind residents to be cautious when taking advantage of Oklahoma’s natural water bodies.
Certain bacteria, viruses and protozoa can be present in untreated bodies of water. Some of these microorganisms occur naturally while others are carried into surface waters from a variety of sources. Some of these microorganisms are harmful and can cause mild problems such as ear infection, swimmers itch, intestinal diseases, or relatively rare but serious conditions such as eye infections and some forms of meningitis. Learn more...
EPA Issues Report on Water Pollution Control Needs for Next Two Decades
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a new report that estimates that nationwide capital investment needs for wastewater and stormwater pollution control will be more than $298 billion over the next 20 years. The 2008 Clean Watersheds Needs Survey summarizes the results of the agency's 15th national survey on publicly owned treatment works needs. The estimate includes $192 billion for wastewater treatment and collection systems, $64 billion for combined sewer overflow corrections and $42 billion for stormwater management.
The report documents a $43 billion (17 percent) increase (in constant 2008 dollars) in investment needs over the previous 2004 report. The increase is due to a combination of improved reporting, aging infrastructure, population growth and more protective water quality standards. In addition to the $298 billion in wastewater and stormwater needs, other needs for nonpoint source pollution prevention ($23 billion) and decentralized/onsite wastewater systems ($24 billion) are included in the report.
The report is a collaborative effort between 47 states, the District of Columbia, U.S. territories, and EPA. From February 2008 through April 2009, states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories collected and provided data for the report.
More information on the report: http://www.epa.gov/cwns
Recent EPA numbers showing Oklahoma ranked among the best states in controlling non-point source pollution
State Legislators announce recent EPA numbers showing Oklahoma ranks among the best states in controlling non-point source pollution. Oklahoma conservation programs are shown to be improving water quality. The work of farmers, ranchers and other landowners to control non-point source pollution through voluntary programs administered by the Oklahoma Conservation Commission and local conservation districts is paying off, according to new water quality numbers recently released by EPA. read more...
Oklahoma Comprehensive Water Plan Town Hall Meeting May 24-26, 2010
The Oklahoma Water Resource Research Institute (OWRRI) will be hosting a Town Hall meeting in Norman. Approximately 150 Oklahomans will be invited to consider the alternative water resource management strategies that were formulated in the planning workshops and reach agreement on a series of recommendations for inclusion in the Oklahoma Comprehensive Water Plan. The Institute will issue invitations to nominees who are knowledgeable about Oklahoma water issues and are committed to generating recommendations that can gain broad public support. The recommendations will be delivered to the OWRB for its use in preparing a draft of the water plan, more...
EPA Regional Administrator, State Leaders Praise Oklahoma's Stimulus Program
February 10, 2010 - During Oklahoma's Water Appreciation Day at the State Capitol on Tuesday, the newly-appointed regional director of the Environmental Protection Agency joined state legislative and appointed officials in recognizing the substantial work accomplished by state agencies and communities in implementing federal stimulus water and wastewater projects.
"We are proud of what Oklahoma has been able to do under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act," according to Al Armendariz, Administrator of EPA's Region Six, which includes Oklahoma. "When the Act provided an opportunity to preserve and create jobs, and invest in critical environmental areas like water infrastructure, Oklahoma seized that opportunity. It was one of the first states in the country to qualify for and to spend their money on needed projects - to clean polluted waters and to improve drinking water. We congratulate the State of Oklahoma for their hard work, taking full advantage of all that the Recovery Act could provide for the people and environment of Oklahoma."
Armendariz contributed remarks during a brief ceremony in the House Chamber, which was hosted by Rudy Herrmann, Chairman of the Oklahoma Water Resources Board, and J. D. Strong, Former Oklahoma Secretary of Environment and OWRB Executive Director. "Dr. Armendariz and others specifically recognized Water Board and Department of Environmental Quality staff for their dedication in administering more than $ 63 million in federal stimulus funding in less than a year's time. Without a doubt, that recognition is much-deserved," according to Strong.
"We are the first state in the region to obligate its ARRA funds ahead of schedule and I commend the OWRB, DEQ, and our cities and towns for that significant accomplishment. While the work was difficult and time-consuming, it was well worth the effort in that it benefited not only our state's economy but our environment as well," said Lt. Gov. Jari Askins. More than a dozen of the 44 Oklahoma communities who received stimulus funds were also in attendance at Water Appreciation Day. The OWRB and its Financial Assistance Program, consisting of five loan and grant offerings, was also recognized for exceeding the $ 2 billion funding level since its inception in 1982.
On Tuesday, the House of Representatives passed a resolution designating February 9, 2010, as "Water Appreciation Day" in Oklahoma. Numerous state agencies and organizations were on hand at the Capitol to demonstrate their respective efforts in managing and protecting the state's water resources.
Also on hand at the Water Day ceremony were Speaker Chris Benge and Senator David Myers, who expressed their gratification to the many water agencies and communities who work collectively to foster vital infrastructure improvements throughout the state. "Water is of such importance to Oklahoma and that is especially evident in the number of water issues that we address each year in the State Legislature. And I don't see that changing anytime soon," said Speaker Benge. "Too often, we take our water resources for granted. But there is nothing as important as reliable water supply, especially in rural areas of our state," added Senator Myers. DEQ Executive Director Steve Thompson, State Auditor/Inspector Steve Burrage, and OWRB Financial Assistance Division Chief Joe Freeman also contributed remarks during the event. Water Appreciation Day is an annual event sponsored by the OWRB. For more information, contact Mike Melton at 405-530-8800.
Oklahoma Leads Region in the Obligation of Stimulus Water Project Funds
January 21, 2010 - OKLAHOMA CITY, OK -The Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and the Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB) and have expedited the last of funding derived from state water and wastewater infrastructure stimulus money obtained through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.
"I applaud the hard work of everyone involved in this important process. With the help of these funds, we will advance important water projects in dozens of communities around the state, improve water quality, and boost economic activity in the process," said Gov. Brad Henry.
J. d. Strong, Former Oklahoma Secretary of Environment, echoed the Governor's sentiments. "I am extremely proud of both state agencies, as all Oklahomans should be, in that we were one of only three states in the country and the first in the region to have all water and wastewater stimulus funds obligated and under contract well in advance of the February 17 Congressional deadline," he says.
According to OWRB Executive Director Duane Smith, finalized contracts for 56 projects, approved by the nine-member Water Board since last April, are now in place. "Working under an aggressive timeline over the past nine or 10 months, our financial assistance staff has been incredibly efficient in getting ARRA funds out the door and on the ground in the form of much-needed water and sewer projects for Oklahoma communities. At the same time, they've had to comply with unprecedented federal oversight and intense interest from the public and media."
By leveraging the initial $63 million dollar ARRA appropriation through the existing Clean Water State Revolving Fund (SRF) and Drinking Water SRF programs, the OWRB and Department of Environmental Quality derived more than $ 183 million in total funding for 56 water and wastewater projects throughout Oklahoma. The estimated interest savings to Oklahoma communities is more than $168 million. The total infrastructure investment is almost $244 million.
"This effective partnership between the DEQ and Water Board puts Oklahoma in a strong position to address the state's anticipated five billion dollar water and wastewater infrastructure gap over the next 20 years," according to Steve Thompson, DEQ Executive Director. The DWSRF, which targets water supply system projects, is administered cooperatively by both the OWRB and DEQ while the CWSRF, which focuses on wastewater system construction, is directed solely by the OWRB.
In addition to more traditional DWSRF and CWSRF projects-such as treatment plant construction, upgrades, and rehabilitation; new and replaced lines; and stormwater detention basins-Oklahoma ARRA project funding expanded purposes to include "green" projects that innovatively seek to improve water and energy efficiency and that are beneficial to the environment. Examples include implementation of automated meter reading systems, riparian restoration, and "green" roofs specially designed to save energy and improve water quality.
For more information on Oklahoma's stimulus water projects, contact Shellie Chard-McClary, director of the DEQ’s Water Quality Division, at 405-702-8100 or Joe Freeman, chief of the OWRB's Financial Assistance Division, at 405-530-8800.
Oklahoma Clean Lakes and Watersheds (OCLWA) just held their 19th Annual conference on April 8, 2010. This year it was held at the Oklahoma City Zoo. Speakers covered topics varying from municipal stormwater and non-point/point source implementation projects to programs estimating the condition of our state’s waters to green projects funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The keynote talk was a discussion of Oklahoma City’s green projects! Learn more...
