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News this week sponsored by: Invensys/Foxboro

NEWS CATEGORY - REGULATORY/LEGISLATIVE
Half of Americans Want Stricter Water Quality Laws, Survey Finds    May 9, 08   WQA
Poll results come as Congress begins hearings on pharmaceuticals in water
California Water Softener Ban Bill Heard in Appropriations Committe    May 9, 08   PWQA
Bill sent to "suspense," expected to be heard on or about May 21
Senate Hearing Puts Pressure on EPA to Develop Rocket Fuel Drinking Water Standard    May 7, 08   The Associated Press
EPA still weighing benefits of regulating percholate, a toxic rocket fuel ingredient, in drinking water
California Water Supply Cut by 600,000 Acre-Feet    Apr 14, 08   The State Water Contractors
Public water agencies are receiving 35% of their annual water allocation from the State Water Project
ISO Launches Committee to Develop International Standard for Energy Management    Apr 10, 08   ISO
Standard could have influence on as much as 60% of world's energy demand
House Passes Ocean Observation Bill    Apr 3, 08   Consortium for Ocean Leadership
Act will create integrated ocean observing system to monitor conditions
EPA Proposes Aircraft Drinking Water Regulations    Mar 31, 08   EPA
Regulations will tailor drinking water regulations to aircraft public water systems
WQA Identifies Major Issues for 2008    Mar 27, 08   WQP
Droughts, population shifts and water degradation will drive legislation and regulations
WQA Gold Seal Certification Program Complies with California’s New Regulations    Mar 24, 08   WQA
Change won’t affect fee companies pay for WQA certification
California Adopts More Stringent Requirements into Waterworks Standards    Mar 10, 08   NSF International
New NSF/ANSI Standard 61 and NSF/ANSI Standard 60 regulations effective March 9
Healdsburg, Calif., Wastewater Discharge Ruling May Have Statewide Impact    Feb 25, 08   The Press Democrat
City loses appeal; must stop discharging year-round into quarry pit near river
EPA Seeks Public Comment on Possible Contaminants    Feb 21, 08   U.S. EPA
Agency evaluated 7,500 chemicals and microbes, selected 104 possible contaminants
Supplemental Budget to Aid in Puget Sound Cleanup    Feb 19, 08   The Olympian
Budget and other legislation will improve environmental conditions in Puget Sound area
Washington State Revises Water Laws    Feb 13, 08   U.S. EPA
EPA has approved the revisions, which will protect aquatic life
IBWA Opposes Proposed Hawaii Bottled Water Tax    Feb 1, 08   IBWA
Association claims the tax is bad for the state’s consumers and businesses
New EPA Guidebook to Help Water Utilities Improve Energy Management    Feb 1, 08   U.S. EPA
Guidebook to help utilities assess practices and set performance goals
EPA’s Electronic Notice of Intent System Improved    Jan 31, 08   EPA
Forms can now be filed electronically
End in Sight for Truckee River Water Dispute    Jan 28, 08   San Diego Union-Tribune
Study concludes proposed agreement would boost water quality
Public Comment Period on Water Infrastructure Security Professional Standard    Jan 18, 08   ASCE/EWRI
Comment period for new standard will be Feb. 20 to April 7
Ga. Water Council Approves Water-Use Plan    Jan 10, 08   The Associated Press
Plan must be approved by state’s General Assembly before it can take effect
Colo. Air Force Academy Improves Water Efficiency    Jan 9, 08   EPA
U.S. EPA recognizes achievement
Lawsuit Filed to Overturn Chicago Bottled Water Tax    Jan 7, 08   IBWA
Suit claims tax is in violation of state's constitution
Va. Ordinance Relaxes Development Restrictions, Causes Dispute    Jan 4, 08   Richmond Times-Dispatch
Chairman feels board was misled into approving ordinance
Fla. Water District Receives Support in State-Federal Water Dispute    Jan 3, 08   Environment News Service
Environmental groups contend district pollutes lake; district appeals issue of federal-state jurisdiction
Energy Bill Emphasizes Low Impact Development Practices for Federal Projects    Jan 2, 08   EPA
Interagency committee will help develop implementation procedures
Congress sets aside $66 million for Tijuana River sewage treatment    Dec 19, 07   San Diego Union-Tribune
The U.S. Congress recently set aside up to $66 million for a new sewage treatment facility on the Tijuana River.
Southern Governors Working to Speed Up Water Deal    Dec 18, 07   Associated Press
Governors pledge to speed up talks on sharing water during drought
City of Portland Petitions for Variance from EPA    Dec 14, 07   The Oregonian
Portland’s city engineers have begun studying water treatment options to rid city water of Cryptosporidium after a court recently rejected the city’s plea to avoid federal regulations, according to the The Oregonian.
IBWA Urges Conservation and Stewardship of All Water Resources During Congressional Testimony    Dec 12, 07   IBWA
IBWA President and CEO Joe Doss presented testimony to the U.S. House of Representatives Domestic Policy Subcommittee Government Reform and Oversight Committee about the bottled water industry’s minimal use of groundwater resources to produce a healthy, safe and convenient packaged beverage product.
Michigan Township Plans Treatment Plant Upgrade    Dec 10, 07   The Ann Arbor News
Two-phase project would replace old building section, equipment
Portland, Ore., May Seek Drinking Water Variance    Dec 10, 07   The Oregonian
Officials gathering evidence on current water quality, pursuing legal exemption
Water Works Coalition Forms to Protect Jobs and Resources    Dec 6, 07   Water Works Coalition
Group urges lawmakers to reject a House package of bills and adopt Senate approach to Great Lakes
Storm Water Runoff to Be Required of Smaller Town    Dec 6, 07   Salem News; Salem, Ohio
Within 10 years, Salem, Ohio will face an EPA mandate to control storm water runoff
Storm Water Standards to Reduce Erosion    Nov 28, 07   The Charlotte Observer; Charlotte, N.C.
City council members hope that new storm water standards in Charlotte, N.C., will help reduce erosion and runoff.
Runoff Rules May Be Revised    Nov 21, 07   Asheville Citizen-Times; Asheville, N.C.
Asheville, N.C. may increase storm water rule violation fines from $5,000 to $25,000 per day.
WEF Supports Clean Water Restoration Act    Nov 21, 07   Water Environment Federation
The WEF has sent a letter to the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee in support of the Clean Water Restoration Act.
SFES First to Receive ACS Registration through NSF    Nov 20, 07   NSF
A cooperative agreement between LSEHL and NSF allows American companies to have market acceptance in France.
Plainfield Considering Storm Water Variance    Nov 20, 07   The Herald News; Joliet, Ill.
A Plainfield, Ill. builder hopes to be granted a storm water variance.
Citizens Say “Reused,” but the Law Says “Waste”    Nov 12, 07   The Charlotte Observer
Despite drought conditions, state law prohibits any water headed for the drain to be used outdoors.
Veto Not Supported in House    Nov 7, 07   Winston-Salem Journal
Storm water and drought-related projects may still receive funding, as the House voted to override President Bush’s $23 billion veto.
Bush Vetoes Water Bill Despite Likely Overrides    Nov 5, 07   Chicago Tribune
President Bush may be looking at his first veto override after vetoing a $23 billion water projects bill.
Tennessee Town Ran Out of Water    Nov 5, 07   The Associated Press
Many towns are concerned about water conservation, but for one southwest town, their worst fears have come true—they have run out of water.
Parking the Floodwater Underground    Oct 29, 07   Evansville Courier & Press; Evansville, IN
The Evansville mayor is considering a fee for each landowner based on how much concrete is on their property.
More Guidelines Sought for Biosolids    Oct 29, 07   Times Daily; Florence, Muscle Shoals, Sheffield, Tuscumbia and Northwest Alabama
Colbert County, Ala., plans to create more stringent guidelines about the application of treated biosolids; these guidelines may even be more stringent than the EPA.
New WQA Recertification Policy    Oct 26, 07   Water Quality Association
Professional recertification will no longer cause professionals to lose the credits that have gone beyond the minimum requirements.
Clean Water Act Turns 35    Oct 23, 07   WQA
The 35th anniversary of the Clean Water Act celebrates the marked improvement in water quality that the Act has facilitated.
New Storm-Water Charge Affects Non-Profits    Oct 18, 07   Saint Louis Post-Dispatch
St. Louis plans to implement a tax for impervious surfaces; the hope is to make customers more aware of their property’s make-up.
USEPA Adopts Long-Ignored Groundwater Rule    Oct 16, 07   Maine Division of Environmental Health Drinking Water Program
The EPA has finalized the groundwater rule, which defines the testing and treatment requirements for all systems using groundwater.
Tougher Rules Likely for Storm Runoff    Oct 15, 07   The News & Observer; Raleigh, N.C.
North Carolina’s Division of Water Quality wishes to toughen stormwater rules, as they are concerned about how runoff affects both shellfish and human health.
Indiana Seeks to Ease Rules for Lake Polluter    Oct 12, 07   Chicago Tribune
The state offered U.S. Steel a pass on some regulations.
Bill to Keep Drugs Out of Drinking Water Needs Only Schwarzenegger's Signature    Oct 5, 07   San Jose Mercury News; San Jose, CA
The new bill would require all Americans to carefully dispose of their medications rather than adding to the “pharmacological soup.”
ADA Updates Environmental Recommendations for Handling Waste    Oct 3, 07   American Dental Association
The new standards have been embraced since the ADA began to create best management practices since their introduction in 2003.
CA Adopts Emergency Regulations for Perchlorate-Containing Materials    Sep 28, 07   California Department of Health Services
California has changed its standards regarding drinking water contaminant perchlorate.
NSF Develops New Testing Protocol for Septic Tank and Grease Trap Separating Devices    Sep 28, 07   NSF International/Labrie Environmental Group
The NSF recognizes the heath effects of septic tank and grease trap separating technology; these concerns are addressed with a new NSF protocol.
Durham Residents, Businesses Brace for Water Restrictions    Sep 21, 07   The Herald-Sun
The city will run out of water in early December if rain relief or conservation efforts are not reached.
NSF Announces New Requirements for Lead to Further Protect Public Health    Sep 20, 07   NSF
The NSF/ANSI Standard 61 has been updated to include guidelines regarding lead, which has helped ease public concerns.
Government Regulations Drive Industries to Outsource Treatment of Wastewater Services    Sep 18, 07   Frost & Sullivan
New analysis from Frost & Sullivan North American Industrial Water Services & Outsourcing Market reveals that the market earned revenues of $6.5 billion in 2006.
Georgia Plan Raises Questions    Sep 17, 07   The Augusta Chronicle
Georgia’s draft water plan will be revised by the state Water Council.
Ballast Water Legislation in Jeopardy    Sep 4, 07   Water and Wastewater Equipment Manufacturers Association, Inc.
Water industry professionals interested in promoting the passage of ballast water discharge legislation are being encouraged to write to their senators.
EPA Issues Order to Army at Fort Meade    Aug 28, 07   US Environmental Protection Agency
The EPA has ordered the Department of the Army to clean up 14 hazardous waste sites.
EPA Helps Public Water Systems Comply with Ground Water Rule    Aug 27, 07   US Environmental Protection Agency's Office
New EPA guidance will help states understand the requirements of the Ground Water Rule.
China Considers Law to End Caps on Water Pollution Fines    Aug 27, 07   Guardian Unlimited
China is considering putting in place reforms that would remove caps on fines for firms that dump waste into water.
Swimming in Sewage    Aug 22, 07   American Rivers
Nonprofit group American Rivers examines national legislation and actual reporting for 11 states regarding sewage spills in swimming areas.
SFWMD Files Appeal in Water Transfer Case    Aug 20, 07   WaterWeek staff
The result of a battle between drought-plagued Florida farmers and the SFWMD may alter the way the USEPA interprets water transfers.
Chicago Mayor Considering Tax on Bottled Water    Aug 15, 07   Chicago Sun Times
Chicago’s Mayor Daley endorses a proposal to place a tax of up to 25 cents on the cost of every bottle of water sold in the city.
Senate Passes Infrastructure Improvement Act    Aug 13, 07   Awwa
The U.S. Senate unanimously passed the National Infrastructure Improvement Act to address the deteriorating condition of America's bridges, roads, drinking water systems, dams and other public works.
U.S. Congress Works to Increase Support for Global Safe Drinking Water    Jul 31, 07   Water Advocates
Senate and House appropriators from both parties are recommending a significant increase in funding for safe drinking water to implement the Senator Paul Simon Water for the Poor Act.
EPA Grants NYC New Waiver For Filtering Drinking Water    Jul 31, 07   EPA
Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg announced that EPA will continue allowing the city to enjoy unfiltered drinking water from the Catskill/Delaware system for a ten-year period.
Citgo Found Guilty of Killing Birds, Manager Exonerated    Jul 23, 07   Citgo
Citgo was found guilty of three misdemeanor counts of killing birds at its Corpus Cristi refinery, but former environmental manager, Philip Vrazel, was exonerated of all charges.
Legislators Ask BP to Reconsider Additional Dumping into Lake Michigan    Jul 23, 07   Office of Senator Dick Durbin
U.S. Representative Rahm Emanuel (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) have requested that BP recondsider dumping more ammonia into Lake Michigan.
Environmental Groups Await Decision on VX Shipments    Jul 20, 07   The Southeast Texas Record
Environmental groups are waiting for a federal judge to make a decision in terms of permanently stopping the U.S. Army from making shipments of VX to Port Arthur, Texas.
President of Physical Acoustics South America Receives ABNT Appointment    Jul 17, 07   MISTRAS Group Inc.
Pedro Feres, president of Physical Acoustics South America, has been appointed Chairman of ISO/TC 135/SC9 for a six-year term.
Toronto Mayor Calls for Ban on Inefficient Toilets    Jul 16, 07   National Post
Toronto Mayor David Miller and the mayors of 28 other Great Lakes municipalities have called for a ban on inefficient toilets.
BP Allowed to Dump More Sludge Into Lake Michigan    Jul 16, 07   Chicago Tribune
The BP oil refinery in Whiting, Ind., will now be allowed to dump more ammonia and industrial sludge into Lake Michigan.
Major Regulatory Deadlines Loom for California Cities    Jul 3, 07   PBS&J
California cities and agencies that operate sanitary sewers should ensure that they have completed, or are on track to complete, the next steps mandated by the state's Waste Discharge Requirements (WDRs).
China’s New Drinking Water Standard Takes Effect    Jul 2, 07   Xinhuanet.com
China’s new national standard for drinking water quality should take effect this week.
WRT Receives California License Approval to Operate a Uranium Removal System in Bass Lake    Jun 27, 07   WRT
A new California state license will allow the operation of a new treatment system by Water Remediation Technology, LLC.
NSF International Obtains Permanent Injunction for Certification Mark Infringement    Jun 21, 07   NSF International
NSF International announced that it successfully enforced its certification mark rights against Duso Chemical Co, Inc.
Army Ceases VX Wastewater Shipments Until Hearing    Jun 21, 07   Southeast Texas Record
The U.S. Army has agreed to stop shipping VX nerve gas wastewater to Port Arthur, Texas, until a federal judge is able to hear the case.
Vancouver Democrats Want Stricter Cruise Dumping Regulations    Jun 18, 07   Canadian Press
Two federal New Democrats in Canada are demanding tougher regulations for the cruise industry to avoid pollution from dumping.
EPA Proposes Indiana Drinking Water Rules to Protect Public Health    Jun 15, 07   EPA
EPA Region 5 seeks comments on its tentative decision to approve three changes to Indiana’s drinking water regulations to enhance protection of public health.
Motor Vehicle Waste Disposal Wells Banned, EPA to Ensure Closures    Jun 13, 07   EPA
U.S. EPA Region 8, under its responsibility in Colorado, Montana, South Dakota and Indian Country, plans to ensure closure of all motor vehicle waste disposal wells.
New Bill Aims to Protect People from Swimming in Sewage    May 24, 07   American Rivers
Every year hundreds of billions of gallons of raw and partially treated sewage are dumped into the rivers and lakes of America and people living nearby are not aware.
Senate Passes $14 Billion Water Bill    May 18, 07   Houston Chronicle
A $14 billion water bill passed by the Senate should help restore the Louisiana coast, as well as authorize hundreds of projects that senators wanted approved for their states.
Minnesota Supreme Court Reverses Wastewater Discharge Ruling    May 18, 07   TwinCities.com
The Supreme Court in Minnesota ruled that the state Pollution Control Agency is authorized to allow future wastewater discharge even if it increases pollution into certain rivers and lakes.
Court Ruling to Help California Communities Fund Storm Water Programs    May 16, 07   Coalition for Practical Regulation
A recent decision by the California Court of Appeals will bring funding to local communities to help pay for state mandates relating to clean storm water and pollution-prevention measures.
California Central Valley Approves New Water Quality Dairy Rules    May 7, 07   Fresno Bee
A new rule has passed that attempts to help control the manure-laden waste at dairies in California’s Central Valley.
Court Declares Calgon Carbon Patent Invalid    May 1, 07   Calgon Carbon Corp.
The United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit affirmed the decision of the United States District Court in regards to a Calgon Carbon patent.
Lawsuit Filed to Stop New Oil and Gas Drilling on Forest in Wake of Disastrous Spill    Apr 25, 07   Center for Biological Diversity
On the heels of a major oil spill in California’s Los Padres National Forest, three conservation groups have filed a lawsuit over plans to expand oil and gas drilling in Los Padres.
House Adopts Key Corps Engineers Reform    Apr 23, 07   American Rivers
The U.S. House of Representatives has passed a key amendment to reform the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as part of H.R. 1495, the Water Resources Development Act of 2007.
Florida Strengthens Protection for the Everglades    Apr 4, 07   South Florida Water Management
The South Florida Water Management District has formalized a rule to protect and restore America’s Everglades.
Ontario to Introduce Bill to Protect Great Lakes Water Quality    Apr 3, 07   AP
Legislation designed to better protect water in the Great Lakes will be introduced in the Ontario legislature.
California State Water Contractors Dispute Court Ruling on Pumping Permits    Mar 28, 07   PR Newswire
The State Water Contractors are disputing a proposed legal decision that found the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) not in compliance with California Endangered Species Act (CESA) requirements related to its State Water Project (SWP) pumping operations.
Panel Stresses Need to Invest in Water Infrastructure on Final Day of EPA Conference    Mar 26, 07   AWWA
North America is at a “turning point” in its need to replace aging water infrastructure, a panel of experts told a gathering on the final day of the Paying for Sustainable Water Infrastructure conference in Atlanta.
NSF International and CARSO-LSEHL Sign Cooperative Agreement    Mar 20, 07   NSF International
NSF International and CARSO-Laboratoire Santé et Environnement Hygiène de Lyon (LSEHL) today announced a first-of-a-kind agreement to offer testing services for the French Attestation de Conformité Sanitaire (ACS) registration.
Court Sides With Tribes Over Arizona Wastewater Snow    Mar 15, 07   Independent
A federal court agreed with 13 Southwest tribes that the use of recycled sewage water to make artificial snow on sacred land would violate the tribes’ religious freedom.
Senate Passes Colorado Water Pollution Bill    Mar 13, 07   The Coloradoan
The Senate unanimously passed a bill allowing some Colorado counties to enforce water pollution regulations.
House Approves Great Lakes Water Study    Mar 12, 07   Lansing State Journal
The house has approved a proposal that would require the study of wastewater treatment plants that discharge into Great Lakes.
House Approves Fix for Crumbling Sewage Systems