News
Government Funding Lapses; Shutdown Begins
The federal government entered a shutdown on October 1 after Congress failed to pass a Fiscal Year 2026 Continuing Resolution (CR). Congressional leaders are pushing for a “clean” CR that would extend government funding through November 21. They argue this extension would allow appropriators time to complete the remaining appropriations bills and finalize the FY 2026 budget. Opponents of the current proposal are seeking to extend health care subsidies and are refusing to support the current drafts. No negotiations are currently planned, and the duration of the shutdown remains uncertain. EPA has instructed employees to prepare for potential furloughs, but for now, the agency will remain fully operational by relying on carryover funds. Once these funds are depleted, according to reports, staffing levels will be reduced by approximately 89%, and functions that will be impacted include the issuance of permits and the approval of TMDLs and water quality standards.
Steam Electric Power Generating Effluent Guideline Updates
This week EPA announced two rulemakings associated with the Steam Electric Power Generating Effluent Guidelines. The first direct to final rule would delay the compliance deadlines for existing steam electric power plants to decide whether to submit a notice of planned participation (NOPP) for the permanent cessation of coal combustion subcategory from the 2024 Supplemental Steam Electric Reconsideration Rule. The deadline would be extended from December 31, 2025, to December 31, 2031. Any adverse comment on the direct final rule must be submitted within 30 days after publication of this action for the EPA to withdraw the action. The final rules effective date will be 60 days after publication in the federal register next week.
The proposed rule is taking action to provide near-term compliance flexibility to coal-fired power plants by extending a multitude of compliance and providing additional flexibilities for power generators to enhance the service life coal plants. The proposed rule is also requesting information on technology-based implementation challenges related to the 2024 ELG rule to inform potential future rulemaking to “evaluate costs and technology performance and support practical, feasible, on the-ground implementation of wastewater pollution discharge limits.” The public comment period for the proposed rule will be 30 days following publication in the Federal Register. More details and supporting documents can be found on EPA’s website. For additional information, contact Richard Benware at (202) 566-1369 or benware.richard@epa.gov. Presuming the government shutdown does not impact the date, EPA is hosting a related webinar for the public on October 14, 2025. Webinar Registration – Zoom
EPA’s National Sewershed Dataset
This week EPA announced the release of the new National Sewersheds webpage and map application! https://www.epa.gov/cwns/sewersheds This dataset is made up of a combination of sewersheds obtained from public sources, such as state agencies or utility websites, and estimated sewersheds that were derived using EPA’s machine learning models. This dataset is meant to be iterative, and we are excited for the opportunity to receive feedback and improve it. Please do not hesitate to email EPA at schlaudt.elisabeth@epa.gov. In the near future EPA will be providing a feedback portal that the public can use to submit suggestions, shapefiles, or edits to the sewershed polygons. A more formal rollout of this new sewersheds dataset will be coming in November and will include a overview webinar.
Association Updates
ACWA 2026 Mid-Year Meeting – Lodging & Draft Agenda Now Available!
Dates: March 25-26, 2026
Location: Alexandria, VA
Reserve your room now by calling 1-800-Hiltons (1-800-445-8668) and using group code 92N, or click here.
Group Rate: $276/night
View the draft agenda here.
Check our event webpage for more information.
2026 Water Quality Standards Workshop – Registration is Open!
Dates: April 21-23, 2026
Location: Little Rock, AR
Registration is open for the 2026 Water Quality Standards Workshop! This workshop will take place April 21-23, in Little Rock, AR. This workshop is a national meeting organized by ACWA for state staff involved in state water quality standards programs, as well as for both Regional and Headquarters-based U.S. Environmental Protection Agency managers and staff. The workshop will be held at the DoubleTree by Hilton Little Rock.
You may register here!
The workshop will be held at the DoubleTree by Hilton Little Rock. Reserve your hotel room here. ACWA does anticipate having travel support for state staff.
When available, more information can be found on ACWA’s events page.
ACWA 2026 Annual Meeting – Save The Date!
Dates: August 5, 2026 at 8:00 am – August 7, 2026 at 12:00 pm
Board of Directors will meet August 4, 2026.
Venue: The Eldorado Hotel and Spa, Santa Fe, NM
Check back here for more information regarding registration, lodging, and agenda.
Meetings and Webinars
SERA-46 Lunch and Learn Series – Basin Breakthrough: Early Career Leaders in Mississippi River Basin Water Quality Research
Monday, October 6, 2025, 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm ET
REGISTER HERE
This three-part virtual seminar series will feature early career leaders in Mississippi River Basin water quality research to illuminate innovative solutions for improving agricultural water quality across the watershed. Each date will feature talks from three up-and-coming scientists across the upper, middle, and lower basins. Upcoming webinars will take place on October 20 and November 3. Click here for more information about SERA-46 events.
SERA-46 is Southern Extension and Research Activities committee number 46. It is one of a group of formal USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) and land-grant university funded committees designed to promote multi-state research and extension activities. SERA-46 brings together researchers and extension specialists who share a common interest and expertise related to the environmental, social, and economic factors that contribute to nutrient loss from agricultural lands and hypoxia in the Gulf of Mexico.
Ask Me Anything SRF Office Hours
This initiative will expand your knowledge and enhance your ability to navigate the SRFs. These sessions are tailored for state agencies, utility operators, and stakeholders who support water infrastructure projects. Each session will open with a specific theme, providing clarity, strategies, and practical insights for preparing and managing an SRF-funded project. The remainder of the session will be devoted to ‘Ask Me Anything’. Participants can attend all sessions or select those that best meet their needs. Submit your questions in advance or bring them to the session for real-time support from our experts.
Wed., 11/5, 11-1 EST: What is an Intended Use Plan?
Meeting Registration – Zoom
Mon., 11/17, 2-4 EST: Summary of what was covered over the AMA sessions
Meeting Registration – Zoom
ITRC: Overview of the Tire-Derived Chemicals 6PPD & 6PPD-quinone Training
Tuesday, October 7, 2025, 1:00PM-2:30PM EDT
REGISTER HERE
In October 2024, ITRC released the 6PPD & 6PPD-quinone Guidance Document to provide environmental professionals and communities with information about the current science and regulatory framework of 6PPD and 6PPD-quinone (6PPD-q). 6PPD-q is a contaminant of emerging concern and is a transformation product of the tire anti-degradant (6PPD), an antiozonant used in tires. Join us for this ITRC training course to get a basic overview of the science and policy measures surrounding the Tire Anti-Degradants 6PPD and 6PPD-q. Attendees will gain insight into the current state of knowledge on topics such as: background and use of 6PPD in tires, toxicity in aquatic species and humans; occurrence, fate, and transport; measuring, mapping, and sampling; mitigation measures; and policy, regulations, and laws. Currently, 6PPD is used in all tires and can contaminate stormwater and surface water anywhere tires are used. 6PPD-q was identified as a chemical fatal to coho salmon in 2020. Since that time, it has been documented as acutely toxic to multiple trout species found throughout the United States. 6PPD and 6PPD-q have been found in waterways, aquatic organisms, soils, air, and humans.
This training will introduce you to the ITRC 6PPD & 6PPD-quinone Guidance Document which provides more technical detail than can be covered in this training course.
ITRC: PFAS Chemistry Training
Thursday, October 9, 2025, 1:00PM-3:00PM EDT
REGISTER HERE
The Interstate Technology & Regulatory Council (ITRC) is presenting an introductory training on the basics of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) chemistry. This training supplements the ITRC PFAS Introductory training and ITRC Beyond the Basics Training sessions. You can find ITRC PFAS training resources online at https://pfas-1.itrcweb.org/pfas-training/. PFAS are an emerging group of contaminants that present unique challenges in many areas including: widespread use and presence in the environment, sampling and analysis, fate and transport, and remedial approaches. This training session will provide PFAS practitioners with an understanding of the unique aspects of PFAS chemistry that guide fate and transport, treatment, regulations, and decision-making on PFAS sites. Resources and further details included in this training are in the ITRC Guidance Document (PFAS-1).
ITRC: Contaminants of Emerging Concern (CEC) Identification Framework Training
Tuesday, October 14, 2025, 1:00PM-3:00PM EDT
REGISTER HERE
In 2023, the ITRC Contaminants of Emerging Concern (CEC) Framework was published to help environmental regulatory agencies and other stakeholders identify, evaluate, and manage CEC’s while acknowledging uncertainties in their environmental fate and transport, receptor exposure, and/or toxicity. Such an approach can be conducive to improved allocation of regulatory response resources and provide a foundation for communicating potential risk to stakeholders.
The ITRC framework is comprised of a white paper and four associated fact sheets. In the white paper, CEC are defined as: “substances and microorganisms including physical, chemical, biological, or radiological materials known or anticipated in the environment, that may pose newly identified risks to human health or the environment.” The framework is meant to help environmental regulatory agencies and other stakeholders by providing examples of CEC monitoring programs and guiding the user through the process of identifying CEC key characteristics, how to communicate real and perceived risk from CEC to the public, and how laboratory analytical methods can be used in the identification process. Participants are encouraged to review the ITRC CEC Framework prior to the class.
EPA Webinar: PFAS Destruction using a Hazardous Waste Incinerator
Date: 10/15/2025
Time: 3:00pm – 4:00pm eastern
Register: Webinar Registration – Zoom
U.S. EPA will hold a webinar to discuss the destruction of PFAS in hazardous waste incinerators. Presenters will discuss new EPA report PFAS Destruction by a Hazardous Waste Incinerator: Testing Results, as well as the use of Appendix A of EPA’s 2024 Interim Guidance on the Destruction and Disposal of PFAS and Materials Containing PFAS, to evaluate thermal treatment technologies.
EPA Webinar: Cybersecurity Procurement Checklist Webinar
Date: October 15, 2025
Time: 1:00pm eastern
Registration: Meeting Registration – Zoom
Join EPA for an informative webinar introducing the newly released Cybersecurity Procurement Checklist—a practical tool designed to help water and wastewater utilities integrate cybersecurity into their procurement processes. This session will guide participants through the checklist, demonstrate its application when acquiring new technologies and services, and explain how it supports broader resilience goals.
Michigan: Microplastics Virtual Conference
Date: October 22, 2025
Time: 8:30am – 5:00pm eastern
Register: Great Lakes Microplastics Summit – Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy
Michigan is hosting a free virtual summit on microplastics. The Great Lakes Microplastics Summit is sure to be of interest beyond the Great Lakes states, as the agenda focuses on microplastics fate and transport, microplastics analysis methods, human and ecosystem impacts, and interactions with other contaminants. From cutting-edge research to real-world challenges, this summit dives into the latest knowledge on microplastics in surface water and drinking water. Through engaging presentations and interactive discussions, we’ll explore four key areas:
- Where Do Microplastics Go? Understanding Their Movement in the Environment
- How Do We Detect Them? Advances in Microplastic Research Methods
- What Are the Risks? Impacts on Human and Environmental Health
- How Do They Interact? Microplastics and Other Contaminants
Whether you’re a researcher, environmental advocate, policymaker, or simply curious about the health of our waters, this summit offers a valuable opportunity to learn, connect, and collaborate. Join us as we advance the conversation on microplastics in the Great Lakes.
EPA Webinar: Quarterly Cybersecurity Vulnerability Snapshot Webinar
Date: October 30, 2025
Time: 1:00pm eastern
Registration: Meeting Registration – Zoom
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) will provide the third quarterly overview of the most common cybersecurity vulnerabilities identified at water and wastewater systems via CISA’s Free Cyber Vulnerability Scanning for Water Utilities and EPA’s Proactive Vulnerability Identification Program for Water and Wastewater Systems. EPA and CISA will share cybersecurity best practices for water and wastewater systems to limit exposure to these common vulnerabilities. Participants may ask questions and will learn about the free cybersecurity tools and technical resources offered by both agencies to improve cyber defenses.
ITRC: PFAS Introductory Training
Thursday, November 6, 2025, 1:00PM-3:00PM EST
REGISTER HERE
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large and complex class of anthropogenic compounds whose prevalence in the environment are an emerging, worldwide priority in environmental and human health. The ITRC PFAS Team, formed in 2017, has prepared readily accessible materials to present PFAS information to stakeholders, regulators, and policy makers. The PFAS team represents a diverse cross-section of expertise and experience working on PFAS.
This training will include emerging science on PFAS, including topics such as Properties of PFAS, Fate and Transport, Sampling and Analysis, and Treatment Technologies. The technical presentations will be focused on those who are relatively new to PFAS. The training will last approximately 90 minutes and include time for questions.
ITRC: Microplastics Training
Thursday, November 13, 2025, 1:00PM-3:00PM EST
REGISTER HERE
In response to one of the biggest emerging environmental concerns, ITRC formed the Microplastics Team in 2021 to develop the Microplastics Guidance Document. Plastics have become pervasive in modern life and are now used in a wide range of commercial and industrial applications. Microplastics may result from the degradation and fragmentation of larger plastics, or they may be intentionally produced for specific applications and products. Regardless of their origin, microplastics are now ubiquitous in our environment. Because of their small size and pervasiveness in the environment, microplastics, along with any other contaminants which are adhered to the microplastics, may be inadvertently consumed by humans and other organisms. The target audience for the guidance and this training course includes state regulators and environmental consultants, as well as community and tribal stakeholders.
The guidance and this associated training course uses a conceptual site model to navigate microplastics in the environment and explore the following general areas. Prior to attending the training class, participants are encouraged to view the associated ITRC Microplastics Guidance Document.
ACWA / EPA Water Reuse Webinar
Wednesday, December 3, 2025, 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm ET
REGISTER HERE
ACWA and EPA will host a second Water Reuse Webinar on December 3, 2025 at 2:00 pm ET. This second webinar for state regulators will focus on water reuse issues surrounding data centers. Presentations and discussions will include considerations for permitting, treatment and cooling technologies. Participation in this event will be limited to state and federal regulators.
Job Opportunities
Science Communicator – Long Island Sound Partnership
Location: Lowell, MA
Closing Date: October 5, 2025
To apply, submit cover letter, resume, and two writing samples by email to jobs@neiwpcc.org by October 5, 2025. Please reference #25-LIS-Lowell-001 in the email subject line. Accepting applications until the position is filled. A full position description and benefits may be viewed at: https://neiwpcc.org/about-us/careers. Additional information about LIS Partnership can be found at: https://lispartnership.org/.
Environmental Specialist III (TMDL Developer)
Location: Tallahassee, FL
Closing Date: October 6, 2025
For more information and to apply, click here.
Remediation Project Coordinator – Environmental Specialist 4
Location: Duluth, Brainerd, St. Paul, Rochester, Detroit Lakes, Marshall or Mankato, MN
Closing Date: October 7, 2025
For more information and to apply, visit Minnesota Careers.
Environmental Specialist 1 or 2 – Inspector
Location: Mankato and Brainerd, MN
Closing Date: October 7, 2025
Please note that this posting will be used to fill 2 vacancies. Visit Minnesota Careers for more information and to apply.
Be sure to check out other opportunities on ACWA’s Job Opportunities page.
