SESWA Forecast - July 2010 Edition

Green Infrastructure Bill Introduced to Address Stormwater Runoff
Senators Tom Udall (D-NM) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) have introduced a bill to encourage the research, development, and promotion of new technologies and designs that use natural processes to combat polluted stormwater runoff.

The Green Infrastructure for Clean Water Act (S. 3561 ) would establish three to five regional centers of excellence that would spearhead the research and development of new stormwater management techniques. The legislation would also establish a green infrastructure program within U.S. EPA's Office of Water to coordinate and promote the use of new stormwater techniques.

Senate EPW Approves Bill Requiring Federal Agencies to Pay SW Fees
The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee approved legislation (S.1816) requiring the federal government to pay local fees for treating and managing stormwater runoff. The bill states that such a fee, assessment or charge "shall not be considered to be a tax or other levy subject to an assertion of sovereign immunity, and may be paid using appropriated funds." Earlier this year, some federal agencies had stated that they would not pay such fees because they considered them a tax, not a fee for services rendered. The bill will need to now be approved by the full Senate.

National Stormwater Treatment Regulations?
EPA has embarked on an effort to create, via NPDES permits, a national stormwater treatment program. An information collection request has already been published and an Advisory Committee is being formed, to which SESWA will be making recommendations for membership.

EPA Pesticide Regulations
EPA is proposing new permit regulations concerning pesticides that will likely affect local stormwater programs in at least two ways. First, such programs will be required to comply with the new policies if you use pesticides or herbicides in mosquito or aquatic weed control programs. Second, the general MS4 permittee may be required to address pesticides/herbicides flowing into it's systems that were applied by other entities, such as private applicators or in private developments.

National Flood Insurance Program Extended
President Obama signed the National Flood Insurance Extension Act of 2010 into law on July 2, 2010, extending the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) to September 30, the last day of FY 2010 and the fourth such extension of the Program.

Georgia

FY 2011 319h Grant Application
The Georgia Environmental Protection Division (GaEPD) has announced the opening of the FY 2011 319h grant application process. The pre-application process is beginning in July and will continue on through October. The final applications are due to the GaEPD by the end of November. Successful applicants will be notified in May 2011.

Georgia Water Stewardship Act of 2010
Governor Sonny Perdue signed the Georgia Water Stewardship Act of 2010 in early June. The act requires the following water conservation efforts statewide:
     - State agencies must incorporate water conservation measures in their program areas.
     - Water systems must work to reduce water loss.
     - No outdoor watering is permitted between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
     - Sub-metering is required in certain new buildings.
     - The state plumbing code is changed such that only 1.28 gallons-per-flush toilets can be sold in the state after July 1, 2012.

Coastal Stormwater Supplement
The Coastal Regional Commission, located in Brunswick, GA is providing training sessions on the Coastal Stormwater Supplement (CSS). The CSS adds to the multitude of information found in the Georgia Stormwater Management Manual (GSMM) by providing specific guidance for Georgia's coastal communities. The Coastal Stormwater Supplement can be used to shift the focus of Coastal Georgia's post-construction stormwater management efforts onto the prevention, rather than the mitigation of the negative impacts of the land development process. The CSS along with the GA Stormwater Management Manual can be found on the Atlanta Regional Commission website.

Kentucky

Governor Beshear Signs Affordability Legislation
House Bill 504, a law requiring regulators to consider "affordability" in Clean Water Act compliance efforts for Kentucky communities, was signed by Governor Steve Beshear on April 14, 2010. This legislation was promoted and advocated by Sanitation District 1 (SD1) on behalf of its customers and many other sewer customers in Kentucky.

Tennessee

Governor's Environmental Stewardship Awards Program
Governor Phil Bredesen and Environment and Conservation Commissioner Jim Fyke announced the winners of the 2010 Governor's Environmental Stewardship Awards on June 24, 2010. The 14 winners will be recognized for their achievements and positive impact on the state's natural resources in an awards ceremony to be held in Nashville on June 24. The Aquatic Resource Preservation award was presented to the City of Athens and the Athens-McMinn Family YMCA for its work on a the construction of low-impact techniques stormwater project. View the complete list of winners.

Welcome New Members

Welcome to SESWA!

Imbrium Systems Corporation, Laddie Fromelius

Retention Pond Services, Edward Coleman

Don't see news from your state? Please contact us with your news or share your comments on our newsletter by emailing us at SESWA@ksanet.net.

Sincerely,

The Southeast Stormwater Association

www.SESWA.org

(866) FOR-SESWA (367-7379)