This Week in Washington is a weekly publication of the Water Environment Federation’s Government Affairs department. It provides updates on the latest legislative and regulatory developments that affect the water and wastewater communities.

Metro Denver Wastewater Mourns Passing of District Manager Robert Hite
Metro Denver Wastewater Reclamation District announced the death on Dec. 4 of longtime District Manager Robert W. Hite. The 71-year-old Hite had served as district manager since 1988.  He also served on the Metro District’s board of directors from 1971-1988, including serving an unprecedented three terms as its chairman from 1980-1983. The accomplishment Hite most cherished was leading the Metro District from being just a large sewage treatment plant to becoming a major force in environmental stewardship.  He conceived and spearheaded the 1990 effort to change the District's name from the Metropolitan Denver Sewage Disposal District No. 1 to the Metro Wastewater Reclamation District.  Other significant accomplishments include rationalizing the Metro District’s business practices, extending Metro’s planning horizon, nurturing lines of communication between Metro and its various regulatory authorities, and improving employee benefits and working conditions.  As a result, Metro has won numerous national awards and is now recognized as one of the preeminent wastewater treatment authorities in the nation.

During his time at the Metro District, Hite also served as president of the Association of Metropolitan Sewerage Agencies (now called the National Association of Clean Water Agencies), as chairman of the National Biosolids Partnership, and on the board of Water for People.  More information is available on the NBP web page at www.biosolids.org.

Water Sector Gathers to Discuss Climate Change
On Dec. 3 and 4, individuals from the water and wastewater utility community gathered at a forum to discuss their activities related to climate change, current national policy and emerging legislation, and how national water organizations can work together.  The forum, sponsored by WEF, the National Association of Clean Water Agencies, the Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies, and the Western Coalition of Arid States, included presentations by Martin Chavez, Mayor of the City of Albuquerque; Brad Udall, Director of the Colorado University-NOAA Western Water Assessment; and Jeff Peterson, Senior Policy Advisor in EPA’s Office of Water. 

In his remarks, Udall stressed the need for more coordination among the various agencies and institutions conducting climate change research and for models that can predict impacts on a smaller scale.  He also emphasized the need for information being generated by scientists related to climate change to get to policy makers and decision-makers, both nationally and at the local level.  While he sees federal legislation as a trigger for additional mitigation efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the drivers for adaptation actions are not as clear.  Udall explained that it is hard to determine what actions to take to adapt to the impacts of climate change because models are not currently able to make good predictions on a small-scale about potential impacts. 

During the course of the 2-day meeting, water and wastewater utilities described a variety of projects and efforts underway related to climate change, including water conservation, recycling, and reuse, energy saving measures, and other cooperative initiatives among utilities and their communities.  Attendees at the meeting called on national water organizations to coordinate efforts to influence federal legislation and regulations on climate change by developing a unified message for water.  They expressed frustration with the perception that climate change is an air industry issue and stated repeatedly that “water is the biggest impact of climate change” and “may be a luxury in the next century.” 

EPA and District of Columbia Agree to Green Infrastructure Measures in Storm Water Permit
On Dec. 4 EPA announced an agreement with the District of Columbia to implement major green infrastructure enhancements to minimize storm water runoff to the Potomac and Anacostia rivers.  In modifications to a Clean Water Act permit, the District has agreed to use natural systems such as trees, green roofs, and vegetated buffers to reduce storm water flow.  “This is the most advanced set of green infrastructure controls for urban storm water that we have seen in the Mid-Atlantic Region. The District’s commitment to employ sustainable, and measurable solutions for wet weather pollution demonstrates leadership for the Chesapeake Bay watershed,” said EPA Regional Administrator Donald S. Welsh in an EPA press statement.  Highlights of the new measures include planting and maintaining at least 13,500 additional trees, devising a low impact development plan which will include converting paved areas into green space, creating a tax-incentive plan for the installation of green roofs, implementing enhanced street sweeping and trash removal programs, and installing 50 rain gardens and 125 rain barrels.  The enhancements to the storm water controls and management practices were outlined by District government in a letter to EPA Region 3 on Nov. 27 and are being incorporated into a municipal storm water permit being renewed for the City by EPA.  Additional information is available at www.epa.gov/reg3wapd/npdes/dcms4.htm.

EPA Recognizes Leaders in Water Conservation
On Dec. 3 EPA recognized winners of the 2007 Water Efficiency Leader (WEL) awards for their efforts in reducing, reusing, and recycling water. Winners were chosen based on leadership, innovation and water saved.  EPA established the WEL awards to help foster a nationwide ethic of water efficiency, in addition to other initiatives such as a product labeling under the WaterSense program and a national organization to foster water efficiency.  Winners of the 2007 WEL Awards are: Intel Corp., Ocotillo Campus (Chandler, Ariz.); Santa Clara Valley Water District (San Jose, Calif.); Frito-Lay (Plano, TX); Lackland Air Force Base (Lackland, TX); the Kentucky Pollution Prevention Center at the University of Louisville (Louisville, Ky.); and Allan Dietemann, Seattle Public Utilities (Seattle, Wash.).  Additional information about the winners is available at www.epa.gov/water/wel.  

Orange County Utilities in Orlando, FL Receives NBP EMS Certification
The National Biosolids Partnership (NBP) announced on Dec. 4. that the Orange County Utilities in Orlando, FL became the 19th wastewater agency in the U.S. to have its biosolids environmental management system (EMS) certified by the NBP.  Orange County Utilities’ EMS program was successfully verified on Nov. 30 by the audit firm of KEMA-Strategic Quality, Inc.  An EMS celebration will be planned at the facility in the near future, along with a presentation to the mayor.  There are 100 wastewater organizations located in 35 states and the District of Columbia participating in the NBP EMS program.  The Orange County Utilities audit report is available at www.biosolids.org/docs/Orlando_FL_EMSAuditReportAudit_KEMA_11307.pdf.  To view the Orange County Utilities web page, visit: www.orangecountyfl.net/cms/DEPT/utilities/biosolids.htm.  For a complete listing of NBP EMS certified agencies, visit: www.biosolids.org/docs/WhatisNBPCert.pdf.

Senate Committee Approves Global Warming Bill
After rejecting several amendments, the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee approved the climate change bill S. 2191, formally known as America’s Climate Security Act of 2007.  The legislation would create a cap-and-trade system for carbon emissions and mandate a 70 percent cut in greenhouse gas pollution by 2050.  The vote fell strictly along party lines with the exception of Virginia Republican and bill sponsor John Warner.  The bill represents the first action by Congress to advance mandatory greenhouse gas emission reductions since global warming emerged as an issue in the 1980’s.  Senate leaders plan to vote on the legislation next year, but the prospects for passage remains unclear. 

Quote of the Week:
“The present is the ever moving shadow that divides yesterday from tomorrow.  In that lies hope.”
- Frank Lloyd Wright

To receive This Week in Washington via e-mail, contact Martha Ravenhill at mravenhill@wef.org.