Charting Our Course Assessing Nitrogen Removal Retrofits - Also: neiwpcc
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CONNECTICUT • MAINE • MASSACHUSETTS • NEW HAMPSHIRE • NEW YORK • RHODE ISLAND • VERMONT
Charting
Our Course
Removal Retrofits
Assessing Nitrogen
Also:
Spring 2021
FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
I
t has been over a year since states began issuing
stay-at-home advisories to prevent the spread
of the coronavirus; over a year since all of our
Chair: Mark Klotz lives changed overnight. Faced with the challenges
Vice Chair: Peter LaFlamme • Treasurer: Harry Stewart
presented by the pandemic’s strict quarantine,
Connecticut: Energy and Environmental Protection
Commissioner Katie Dykes, Acting Public Health NEIWPCC quickly pivoted our way of working, and
Commissioner Deidre Gifford, Michael Bisi, Yvonne Bolton, continued to carry on with our commitment to help
Denis Cuevas, Jane Stahl, Lori Mathieu
the states of the Northeast preserve and advance
Maine: Environmental Protection Acting Commissioner
Melanie Loyzim, Health and Human Services Commissioner water quality.
Jeanne Lambrew, Michael Abbott, Brian Kavanah,
Brian Tarbuck, Stacy Thompson, David Van Slyke
Now, as more and more Americans get vaccinated, businesses open
up, and we find a new “new normal,” I am focusing on how we will keep
Massachusetts: Environmental Protection Commissioner
Martin Suuberg, Public Health Commissioner Monica Bharel, evolving in 2021 and beyond.
Kathleen Baskin, Jana Ferguson, Paul Hogan, John Sullivan,
Adam Yanulis In this issue of “Interstate Waters,” we explain the five programmatic
New Hampshire: Environmental Services Commissioner priorities we established in 2020: contaminants of emerging concern,
Robert R. Scott, Thomas Ballestero, Frederick McNeill, watershed planning and waterbody protection, infrastructure
Thomas O’Donovan, Nelson Thibault, Robert Varney
improvements, Clean Water Act modernization, and training and
New York: Environmental Conservation Commissioner
Basil Seggos, Health Commissioner Howard Zucker, certification for wastewater and other environmental professionals.
Mark Klotz, Richard Lyons, Roger Sokol
These priorities will serve as a road map for NEIWPCC through 2025
Rhode Island: Environmental Management Director Janet and a way for us to measure progress on preserving and advancing
Coit, Health Director Nicole Alexander-Scott, Janine Burke-
Wells, Russell Chateauneuf, Amy Parmenter clean water in the Northeast.
Vermont: Environmental Conservation Commissioner Peter We also describe some of our new initiatives around the region,
Walke, Health Commissioner Mark Levine, Lori Cragin, Peter
LaFlamme, Dennis Lutz including a chloride pollution collaborative with the states of the
Executive Director: Susan Sullivan Northeast, and our program partners’ efforts to address racism in
NEIWPCC is a regional commission that helps the states of the environmental field. We relay lessons learned from a project that
the Northeast preserve and advance water quality. We engage recommended improvements to wastewater treatment plants in the
and convene water quality professionals and other interested
parties from New England and New York to collaborate on Long Island Sound watershed.
water, wastewater, and environmental science challenges
across shared regions, ecosystems, and areas of expertise.
We also include a new department in this issue, a roundup of
NEIWPCC news posted on our website. To read these news posts
in full, readers can visit our website or subscribe to our e-newsletter,
“Streamlined.” I encourage all of you to subscribe by emailing
Volume 5, Number 1 • Spring 2021
communications@neiwpcc.org.
Editor: Amy Magin
Contributing Editors: Kale Connerty, Michelle St. John Finally, this past winter, we launched a weekly social media
Contributor: Audra Martin campaign where we shared photos of wastewater operators in the
Circulation: Lee-Ann Wilder
Northeast, to give our support to them and raise awareness about
Graphic Design: Newcomb Studios
these essential workers. Their work is often unseen and taken for
“Interstate Waters” is published by NEIWPCC. granted, but these everyday heroes have ensured we have access to
It is funded by a grant from the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency and distributed free of clean water throughout the pandemic. Those photos are shared on
charge to subscribers. To subscribe, email
communications@neiwpcc.org. Type “Subscribe” in the pages 14-15.
subject field and provide your full mailing address. In the My sincerest gratitude goes out to these essential workers, to our
body of your email, indicate whether you also wish to
receive our monthly e-newsletter, “Streamlined.” staff, and to our other partners in clean water. I eagerly look forward to
all of us being together in-person again soon.
The opinions and information stated in “Interstate Waters”
are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the
opinions of NEIWPCC. Articles in “Interstate Waters” may
be copied and distributed, except as noted. Please credit
NEIWPCC.
NEIWPCC
650 Suffolk Street, Suite 410, Lowell, ma 01854
Susan J. Sullivan
Tel: 978-323-7929
www.neiwpcc.org neiwpcc Executive Director
2 Interstate Waters • Spring 2021
SPOTLIGHT
Christina Stringer is NEIWPCC’s become involved in the environmental Nora Lough, Narragansett Bay
new Wastewater and Onsite Programs sector through the “Youth and the Commission biologist and a wastewater
Division director, moving from her Environment Program.” training instructor for NEIWPCC,
previous role as program manager “Across New England, the professionals received the Clair N. Sawyer Award from
for NEIWPCC ’s operating wastewater treatment NEWEA for outstanding service in the
Water Resource plants, and the municipalities and state wastewater industry.
Protection Division. environmental agencies that support
Stringer has led them, are essential to keeping our Colleen Hickey, NEIWPCC information
NEIWPCC ’s efforts environment healthy by protecting officer, was recognized by the EPA
to explore PFAS water quality,” said EPA New England Region 1 with a 2020 Environmental
topics, residuals, Acting Regional Administrator Deborah Merit Award, for her accomplishments
and environmental Szaro. “It’s not every day you come across benefitting the communities and
surveillance efforts someone as dedicated as Mr. Kennedy ecosystems of the Lake Champlain Basin.
through her role in is and I am proud to acknowledge his
the Emerging Contaminants and Ground outstanding contributions to help protect Julia Twichell, NEIWPCC environmental
Water and Source Water Protection public health and water quality for so analyst, won the Best Interagency
workgroups. many years and give him the credit he Collaboration Award from Esri, a
deserves. Mr. Kennedy’s impact will geographic information system (GIS)
Don Kennedy, NEIWPCC training surely continue to make a difference in software provider, for a new StoryMap she
coordinator, was honored by the U.S. our region for years to come.” created with colleagues at the EPA. The
Environmental Protection Agency’s Kennedy was also honored by the map, “How Do We Use Our Coasts?” can
(EPA) New New England Water Environment be viewed through the Narragansett Bay
England Office for Association (NEWEA) with the 2020 Estuary Program’s GIS Data Hub.
outstanding service James J. Courchaine Collection
throughout his Systems Award. The award recognizes Janine Burke-Wells, NEIWPCC
career. He received outstanding efforts and dedication in the commissioner, was featured in a Water
a 2020 Lifetime collection systems field. Environment Federation podcast,
Achievement Award discussing how PFAS regulations
for his many years of John Sullivan, NEIWPCC commissioner, impact biosolids programs. Burke-Wells,
providing training received the Elizabeth Cutone Executive executive director of the North East
and technical Leadership Award from NEWEA Biosolids & Residuals Association, also
assistance to wastewater professionals for leadership leading to significant talked about technologies for PFAS
in New England. Kennedy, who recently advances in a water, wastewater or other treatment and productive regulatory
retired, but will continue with NEIWPCC environmentally focused organization. approaches by states. The podcast series,
in a part-time capacity, is well known for Sullivan has worked for the Boston Water “Words on Water,” features conversations
his enthusiasm while providing training and Sewer Commission for more than 30 with influential people from the water
to the wastewater employees as well as years and has served as its chief engineer sector and news from the Water
encouraging the younger generation to since 1990. Environment Federation.
Welcome to Our New Commissioners
Michael Abbott Stacy Amy
Maine Thompson Parmenter
Michael Abbott is an Maine Rhode Island
associate director of Stacy Thompson is Amy Parmenter
the Maine Center deputy director for the is serving as
for Disease Control Saco Water Resource interim chief
and Prevention, Recovery Department. and supervising
leading the Division She oversees the environmental
of Environmental daily operations for scientist for the
and Community the treatment facility Rhode Island
Health, which includes the drinking and the 29 pump stations located Department of Health’s Center for
water program, health inspection, throughout the city. Thompson is a Drinking Water Quality. She protects
radiation control, and environmental past president of the Maine Water and promotes health and safety by
and occupational health. Abbott is also Environment Association (MEWEA). ensuring the quality of the state’s
a licensed professional engineer and public drinking water supplies.
certified geologist in Maine.
Volume 5, Number 1 • Interstate Waters 3
HIGHLIGHTS FROM NEIWPCC AND OUR PARTNERS
Connections Protection
Binational Partnership Studies Pollution in New Handbook Guides Hudson River
Missisquoi Bay Landowners
The increasing persistence of algal blooms in the Missisquoi “Creating and
Bay led to NEIWPCC’s involvement in a binational water Maintaining
quality report on the Lake Champlain Basin. Missisquoi Hudson River
Bay, the northern-most sub-basin shared between the Views: A
Province of Québec and Vermont, has been chronically Handbook for
afflicted by excessive phosphorus loads. NEIWPCC and Landowners”
the Lake Champlain Basin Program partnered with the provides
Québec watershed group Organisme de basin versant de guidance for
la baie Missisquoi to conduct a comprehensive review of historic sites,
the bay’s nutrient problems. The recommendations from land trusts, and
this collaborative effort were incorporated into a final owners of other
report, “Nutrient Loading and Impacts in Lakes Champlain large properties
and Memphramagog,” provided to the American and to use the best methods for environmental stewardship,
Canadian governments. The report provides an overview of for scenic vistas that balance aesthetic and historic goals
scientific knowledge related to regional nutrient loading and with the protection of habitat and natural areas. Landscape
recommendations for restoring the bay. architect and engineering firm Saratoga Associates, through
a NEIWPCC contract in partnership with the Hudson River
Estuary Program, developed and produced the handbook,
which is accompanied by a three-part training video series. The
handbook is available on the New York State Department of
Environmental Conservation website.
A New Plan to Protect the Peconic
The Peconic Estuary Partnership’s (PEP) new management
plan has a rededicated focus on cultivating relationships with
new and existing partners. With support from NEIWPCC, PEP
updated the plan for the first time since 2001. Climate change,
nitrogen pollution, and other threats to water quality, including
loss of shoreline wetlands, are some of the challenges facing
Updated Resource Compiles, Compares
Water Regulations in the Region
NEIWPCC updated its water quality standards matrix,
comparing how the Northeast states regulate different water
quality parameters. The matrix, available on NEIWPCC’s
website, includes criteria for 30 water quality parameters—
pollutants or characteristics—that some or all the states
regulate, from the aesthetics of water bodies to tritium
concentrations (a radioactive hydrogen isotope). The criteria
describes what states mean by “clean water,” and are based
on the main ways people and wildlife use a water body. Under
the Clean Water Act, the EPA usually delegates their authority
to regulate water quality to the states. The states often follow
the EPA’s recommendations, but they can also set science-
based standards which better reflect their own unique natural
conditions and water resource needs.
4 Interstate Waters • Spring 2021
the Peconic Estuary, which lies between Long Island’s north 2020 State of
and south forks. Partnership will be key to addressing these
issues. A stronger network will reinforce PEP’s goals, which
the Hudson
include resilient communities prepared for climate change, Report
clean waters for ecosystem health and safe recreation, and a New York State
healthy ecosystem with abundant, diverse wildlife. Department of
Environmental
Quality Management: Critical to Sound Conservation (DEC)
Science and the New York-
New Jersey Harbor
NEIWPCC’s Quality Management Program—a requirement & Estuary Program
of the U.S. EPA’s Quality Program—safeguards the scientific have released
integrity of all of our environmental data projects. Projects the “2020 State of the
collecting or analyzing data for decision-making are required Hudson.” The report was prepared with support from the New
to have an approved quality assurance project plan (QAPP) York State Environmental Protection Fund in partnership with
to help ensure high-quality data, yielding reliable and useful NEIWPCC. It documents the status and trends of the Hudson
results. In 2020, NEIWPCC conducted five field assessments River Estuary’s water quality, its natural communities and
to ensure that all approved procedures in a QAPP were being inhabitants, and the health of the landscape that nurtures the
followed. The projects included: the planning and design Hudson and its tributaries. This compilation of recent scientific
of a bog restoration project in Freetown, Massachusetts; data and historical information allows program managers,
a municipal road stream crossings resiliency project in partner organizations, and interested members of the public to
Saugerties, New York; the development of a data collection measure and communicate progress toward state and federal
and management protocol for potential restoration sites goals for conserving and restoring the estuary ecosystem. The
in Bethlehem, New York; invasive mussel impact on native report also identifies environmental areas of need.
freshwater mussel communities in Lake Champlain (Vermont);
and an aquatic invasive species survey, map creation,
management plan and boat steward initiative in Bristol, Education
Vermont.
L.U.S.T.Line
New Culvert Constructed Delves into
Following a New Normal
management for Tanks
plan developed
by Trout The latest issue
Unlimited and of “L.U.S.T.Line”
funded by the focuses on how state
Hudson River underground storage
Estuary Program tanks (UST) programs
in partnership have adjusted to
with NEIWPCC, COVID-19’s impact,
the town of as well as other topics
Copake, New on virtual inspections,
York completed PEI RP100, and
the construction of a new road culvert, replacing one severely operator training.
in need of repair. The old culvert presented a barrier to aquatic The issue was the
organisms, impeding fish passage and reducing opportunities last for longtime
for spawning and survival, which can impact the population editor, Ellen Frye, who has been
sustainability for migratory fish such as trout. The new culvert’s associated with the publication since its inception. “L.U.S.T.Line”
design allows the stream bed to remain intact so that the water serves as the publication of record for UST matters nationwide,
flows naturally and fish are able to move easily through the covering issues such as clean-up funds, spill remediation, and
stream at ground level. It will also improve the town’s flood prevention technologies; informing state, tribal, territorial, and
resiliency, protecting both public safety and the health of the federal UST regulators, consultants, contractors, and tank
ecosystem. Estuary program staff were involved in the project’s owners.
launch, educating the community and stakeholders on the The publication is produced twice a year with support from
importance of well-designed road stream crossings for aquatic the EPA’s Office of Underground Storage Tanks. NEIWPCC
connectivity and ecology, water quality and flood resiliency. maintains a full archive of past issues and an index, organized
by topic, at www.neiwpcc.org.
Volume 5, Number 1 • Interstate Waters 5
HIGHLIGHTS FROM NEIWPCC AND OUR PARTNERS
pioneer species, then an intermediate tube-building species,
which today appears to be giving way to a mature and diverse
A Year for the Ages: Serving our States community.
in 2020
The fiscal year 2020 state summaries, now available on A Day in the Life
the NEIWPCC website, describe how NEIWPCC helped of the Hudson and
the Northeast preserve and advance water quality during
a year dominated by the COVID-19 crisis. Despite barriers
Harbor Interactive
to in-person collaboration, NEIWPCC worked closely Videos
with its partners to face public health and clean water Last October, educators from
challenges. From protecting the Peconic Estuary down the New York State Department
in New York to ensuring clean drinking water up in Maine, of Environmental Conservation
and everything in between: the summaries highlight on- (DEC) and more than 50
the-ground work in each member state as well as the environmental education
collective benefits from participating in our commission. organizations traveled to the
shores of the Hudson River
estuary and piers of New York
Recovery on the Sea Floor Harbor to study the Hudson’s
The Narragansett Bay Estuary Program (NBEP) released fish and invertebrates, track the river’s tides and currents, and
a StoryMap—an interactive, Esri GIS-based tool—to share examine water quality and chemistry, during the annual event,
research on the Narragansett Bay’s sea floor in an accessible “Day in the Life of the Hudson
and engaging way. Readers can scroll through text, photos, and Harbor.” However, this
cartoons, and maps, gradually unfolding 30 years of science year’s event took place
and history at the bottom of the Bay. In 1988, the Narragansett without the 5,000 students
Bay was heavily polluted, and the sea floor became and teachers who typically
uninhabitable. However, water quality in the Narragansett participate, so educators
estuary has greatly improved over the last three decades; filmed their activities to bring
upgrades to wastewater treatment plants and other changes the event to students. The DEC
have decreased nutrient pollution in the watershed. The produced three interactive
StoryMap walks through the species succession scientists videos demonstrating how
saw happening as water quality improved—starting with a to measure the river’s water
6 Interstate Waters • Spring 2021
Engagement
Proposed Funding Formula for Sewer
Overflow and Stormwater Reuse
In a letter last fall, NEIWPCC weighed in on the U.S. EPA’s
proposed allotment formula for the Sewer Overflow and
Stormwater Reuse Municipal Grants program, addressing
the proposed funding that will help manage combined sewer
overflows (CSOs), sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs), and
stormwater. NEIWPCC noted that the proposed formula relies
on old data; approximately 83 percent is based on the 2012
Clean Watersheds Needs Survey (CWNS) and the 2010 U.S.
Census. Also, the 2012 CWNS did not include complete CSO,
SSO, and stormwater infrastructure needs. The letter requested
that the EPA increase the weighting factor in the proposed
formula for average annual precipitation, and focus on only the
urban population where issues with CSOs, SSOs (municipal
temperature, dissolved oxygen, and salinity and show students sewer systems) and stormwater are most prevalent.
how to identify fish species. The videos, available on the DEC
website, are accompanied by online data sheets for students to
record the results of the activities.
Streamgage Network Funding
NEIWPCC urged Congress to increase federal funding for
Developing A Climate Resilience Vision the United States Geological Survey Streamgage Network, in
a letter last October. The program provides invaluable data for
Waterfront communities on the tidal Hudson face rising water resource management, collecting real-time water flow
sea levels and flood risk for important infrastructure, homes, data in rivers and streams across the country. The network is
and businesses. To help plan in addressing these threats, the currently supported with federal and state matching funds, but
Hudson River Estuary Program has created two short videos the financial burden on states has grown unsustainable. Federal
on the history and future of the Hudson. The videos, funded by appropriations have not kept up with the rising maintenance
NEIWPCC, are designed to show communities how they can costs. NEIWPCC suggests federal appropriations be adjusted
adapt to climate change while prioritizing ecological and social with a roughly 50-50 cost-sharing split.
resiliency. They are available with both English and Spanish “Without current and historical streamgage data, we cannot
subtitles. accurately predict how to safely repair, replace, or construct
One video looks back to when pollution was prevalent infrastructure and development,” wrote Executive Director
along the Hudson River, showing the life-changing impact Susan Sullivan. “Continuous investment in streamgage
of environmental cleanups, and improvements to public placement, maintenance, and research is critical to water
access by the New York State Department of Environmental resource management, including forecasting and responding
Conservation (NYSDEC) and other leading organizations. to water resource emergencies.”
Another video highlights how communities along the Hudson
are envisioning the future in response to the
climate change crisis and sea level rise. A key
message of the video is that everyone, including
low-income communities and communities of
color, must be meaningfully represented in a
vision for the future and the process for creating
it. The NYSDEC’s website features additional
videos offering guidance and more information on
adaptive action.
For more information about these stories, go
to the News page on neiwpcc ’s website, at
www.neiwpcc.org. You can also get our online
news posts sent straight to your inbox! Email
communications@neiwpcc.org to subscribe
to our e-newsletter, “Streamlined.”
Volume 5, Number 1 • Interstate Waters 7
A Roadmap for Preserving and
Advancing Water Quality
by Michelle St. John snapshot of the evolving water-
related topics in which NEIWPCC
N
eiwpcc ’s mission, to is best positioned to realize
preserve and advance progress and are of importance to
clean water in the our member states.
Northeast through collaboration The process in which we
with, and service to, our member determined the five priority topics
states, is articulated through our centered on a comprehensive
work to connect, protect, train, analysis of a stakeholder survey
educate, and engage those within distributed to commissioners,
the water community. partners, and staff. The multi-
Every five years we review our month effort was led by
complete body of work in respect NEIWPCC Wastewater and
to the needs of our member states, and under the shadow of the COVID-19 Onsite Systems Division Director
determine which water program topics pandemic and aligned with the launch Christina Stringer and Environmental
should take priority. of our new name, strategic plan, critical Analyst Peter Zaykoski.
Our goals are illustrated through objectives, mission, vision, and values in NEIWPCC’s current water program
NEIWPCC ’s water program priorities, 2020 (“Interstate Waters,” September priorities include: contaminants of
which serve as a roadmap and will guide 2020). emerging concern, watershed planning
our work over the next several years. Unlike previous years, the 2020 and waterbody protection, infrastructure
This latest iteration was developed update provides a narrowed number of improvements, Clean Water Act
topics, each representing a key area of modernization, and training and
Michelle St. John is an information officer concern among member states. Five certification for wastewater and other
in NEIWPCC’s Communications Division. were ultimately selected to represent a environmental professionals.
8 Interstate Waters • Spring 2021
2020 NEIWPCC Water Program Priorities
■ Contaminants of Emerging Concern
■ Watershed Planning and Waterbody Protection
■ Infrastructure and State Revolving Fund
■ Clean Water Act Modernization
■ Training and Certification
each water priority topic to three from these and other CECs through
critical objectives from our strategic regular discourse during workgroups,
plan—funding, workforce development, commission meetings, and other
and engagement. By connecting our gatherings. For example, our efforts to
objectives and priorities, we are ensuring support the Northeast sewage sludge
that NEIWPCC and our partners remain infrastructure as it addresses stressors
focused on the most critical issues facing related to PFAS impacting regional
our region today. capacity for effective waste management
continues to evolve.
The Five Priorities NEIWPCC ’s residual workgroup
is a major generator of ideas, meeting
Contaminants of Emerging monthly to address deficiencies in
Concern regional wastewater sludge treatment,
As with the 2015 water program transportation, and disposal options.
priorities, contaminants of emerging Throughout the next several years,
concern (CEC) remain a significant issue NEIWPCC will continue to develop
for NEIWPCC’s member states. Per- opportunities and strategies to translate
and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) lessons learned into proactive and
have emerged as an inexorable and standardized approaches to addressing
intensifying threat to the environment CECs in the future.
and humans alike. PFAS contaminants
are persistent and can easily travel Watershed Planning and
through the environment—in wastewater, Waterbody Protection
residuals, and surface water. A priority for NEIWPCC since 1947
In 2016, the U.S. Environmental when NEIWPCC set out to establish
Protection Agency (EPA) issued a lifetime water quality standards, watershed
health advisory level of 70 parts per planning and protection is an ongoing
trillion for two major PFAS compounds- issue. Watershed planning and protection
Water Priorities — perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and comprises water quality monitoring,
New Considerations perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS). pollution budgets—also known as
Tumultuous social justice events that Many states have adopted the EPA’s total maximum daily loads (TMDLs),
continue to bring light to inequities health advisory level, while others have permitting, and the development of best
across our nation, coupled with access to developed more stringent standards management practices. Much of this
clean water in communities such as Flint, or guidelines and expanded guidance work is carried out through our program
Michigan, led NEIWPCC to emphasize to include other PFAS compounds. partners—the Hudson River Estuary
our commitment to environmental The variety of approaches to defining Program, Hudson River National Estuarine
justice. NEIWPCC ’s mission—to standards/guidance and the resulting Research Reserve, Lake Champlain
advance clean and sustainable water disparity in drinking water values has Basin Program, Long Island Sound Study,
throughout the Northeast—is further exacerbated challenges related to risk Narragansett Bay Estuary Program, and
nuanced by a commitment to clean communication in many states. Peconic Estuary Partnership.
water for all, especially in communities More recently, NEIWPCC and its Beyond our partners, regional and
with lower socio-economic status and member states have expanded their state-federal collaboration is orchestrated
larger minority populations. We are not purview to include the impact PFAS through NEIWPCC’s longstanding
achieving our mission and realizing our (and other CECs) may have on ambient workgroups, including the Northeast
vision until all of our communities have surface water. Preliminary research and aquatic biologists, monitoring, water
access to clean and safe water. planning, currently in progress, will serve quality standards, National Pollutant
Climate change and resiliency, which to inform and guide how NEIWPCC Discharge Elimination System (NPDES),
was identified as a stand-alone priority can best support this effort, which is still nonpoint source, TMDL, and stormwater.
in previous versions, is being addressed largely at the state level. Annual conferences and workshops
within each priority topic. NEIWPCC is leading efforts to bring water professionals together to
Additionally, NEIWPCC linked address the cross-cutting impact address issues, offer potential solutions
Volume 5, Number 1 • Interstate Waters 9
and explore best management improve funding opportunities,
practices. Future efforts, supported and expand the national
by NEIWPCC commissioners, conversation to include other
include a regional monitoring NEIWPCC program priorities
network, PFAS, MS4 stormwater including infrastructure funding
permits, nutrient criteria, a water and workforce development.
quality standards academy, a
collaborative tracking and Training and Certification
accounting initiative, and a Since 1968, NEIWPCC has
potential update to the regional been committed to providing
mercury TMDL. professional development
and training opportunities for
Infrastructure and wastewater, drinking water and
State Revolving Fund other environmental professionals
Aging infrastructure throughout preparing for state licensure and
the Northeast is a growing re-certification. These programs
problem. It is estimated that over are a NEIWPCC essential offering
the next 20 years, wastewater and continue to be a priority for
and drinking water infrastructure our member states. Without trained and
needs will hover close to $100 billion. access to clean water. certified operators, clean water would be
Infrastructure improvements are funded With these concerns in mind, at risk for all.
through the Clean Water and Drinking NEIWPCC ’s recent efforts include a Training opportunities continue to
Water State Revolving Fund programs. 2020-21 virtual webinar series designed evolve and be responsive to member
Many of the water distribution and to develop a national response to this state’s needs. NEIWPCC ’s regional in-
collection systems are close to being in critical water problem. person training program, which has had
continuous use for a hundred years. With a long and robust presence within the
age, comes issues—water main breaks Clean Water Act Modernization wastewater operator training community,
and combined sewer overflows (CSOs) Ensuring that the Clean Water Act came to a full stop when the COVID-19
are common occurrences. CSOs have a (CWA) provides adequate tools to solve pandemic hit. In a matter of weeks,
direct effect on public health, with each our nation’s 21st century water challenges NEIWPCC staff pivoted this program
overflow dumping untreated wastewater continues to be a priority for NEIWPCC. into a live, virtual training opportunity,
into local waterways. Several cities Increasingly complex issues—nutrients, which continues to grow and expand well
throughout our members states still have contaminants, stormwater, nonpoint into 2021.
combined sewer systems. source pollution, jurisdiction rulings, NEIWPCC has deep roots
Federal funds are crucial for improving climate change—necessitate the focus on supporting wastewater operator
our water infrastructure. NEIWPCC Clean Water Act modernization to better training, certification exams, and license
taps into our core abilities—our serve our current needs and current renewals in Maine, through the Joint
knowledge, resources, and collaborative reality. Environmental Training Coordinating
approach—to address this priority. We Much of this work is realized through Committee and in Massachusetts. Our
are currently partnering with the New NEIWPCC ’s representation of our work in ensuring wastewater operators
York City Department of Environmental member states in national discussions, gain new skills and prepare for entry and
Protection (NYC DEP) to upgrade and legislative monitoring, and subsequent advancement into the water workforce
maintain wastewater treatment facilities comment letters addressing proposed is adaptable. NEIWPCC partners with
in watersheds from which they receive amendments. Through dedicated states and the EPA to offer training
drinking water. Another NEIWPCC/NYC engagement with our Congressional courses on a range of priority topics—
DEP partnership delegation, whole effluent toxicity, permit writing,
oversees the NEIWPCC ’s staff extreme weather events, and municipal
funding to and extended cybersecurity.
communities network lend
in the East of expertise to the
conversations, to
On the Horizon
Hudson watershed
to address ensure that the Throughout the next five years,
inadequate collective voice NEIWPCC will be illustrating our
wastewater of our member progress against each priority topic,
treatment and states are heard offering case studies, reports, news
protect drinking in the national updates and featured stories in our digital
water supplies for conversation. With and print publications, presentations, and
New York City. modernization, other public-facing opportunities. Our
This priority is a we are better strengths lie in our ability to convene and
keen example of positioned to collaborate with interested individuals
the environmental address climate connected to a myriad of water quality
justice issues change and issues. Roadmap in hand, we invite you to
plaguing equal resiliency issues, join us on our journey.
10 Interstate Waters • Spring 2021Assessing Nitrogen that others did not attempt the study’s
recommendations included concerns
Removal Retrofits
over damage to the plant and reduced
performance, significant maintenance
requirements, and preference for more
traditional treatment methods. The
feedback suggests that future studies
should combine computer-simulated
by Audra Martin Figure 1. Nitrogen removal actions design recommendations with on-
I
taken by 21 wastewater treatment the-ground experiences and include
n 2013, NEIWPCC commissioned facilities involved in a 2015 study. additional facility training or support to
a study funded by the Long Island Unknown: 1 successfully implement recommended
Sound Study to assess the feasibility retrofits.
of low-cost nitrogen removal retrofits to Permit requirements are the primary
wastewater treatment plants in the upper incentive for increased nutrient removal.
Long Island Sound (LIS ) watershed. The Alternate For most facilities, any actions are entirely
approach: 4 None:
study, completed by JJ Environmental, 12 voluntary as they are meeting their
llc in 2015, presented a suite of cost- current National Pollutant Discharge
efficient retrofit and process modification Elimination System (NPDES) permits.
recommendations for 21 plants in Partial or Most of the facilities’ permits require that
Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and attempted: 4 they monitor and report total nitrogen
Vermont. concentrations in wastewater effluent,
Five years later, NEIWPCC contacted nitrogen removal using low-cost retrofits, but do not specify a limit. Little incentive
the facilities to learn about any nitrogen predicting additional nitrogen removal exists to perform voluntary upgrades,
removal upgrades and operational totaling about 2,313 pounds per day or although sometimes a plant can save
changes made since the study’s 844,525 pounds per year at a capital cost money by changing its operation or
completion. of $5 million. is eligible for funding not available
As shown in Figure 1, of the 21 facilities Of the eight facilities that attempted for meeting permit requirements.
included in the study, eight made or partially implemented the study’s A host of barriers may deter action,
some type of upgrade, of which half recommendations, the practices to including budget constraints, limited
attempted to implement the study’s achieve nitrogen reduction involved support from community leadership,
recommendations and the other half better control of dissolved oxygen levels and higher priorities for their limited
chose an alternate approach to the at the facilities, including the addition funds such as addressing water quality
recommendations presented. Two of the of automatic controls and timers and contaminants of increased concern like
facilities were required to make changes installation of new variable frequency PFAS/PFOA. However, several facilities
in order to meet permit requirements, drives, pumps, aerators, and/or blowers. are anticipating changes to their next
while changes were voluntary at the Another plant began operating with five-year permit, at which time they will
other six. Twelve facilities made no simultaneous nitrification/denitrification, initiate changes to meet newly specified
changes, and one could not be reached. which is an accepted nitrogen removal nitrogen limits.
Excess nitrogen has long been the strategy. Other facilities are undergoing A review of the study shows that it
dominant water quality concern in LIS. In complete upgrades which will include did influence wastewater treatment
2001, the EPA approved a total maximum nitrogen optimization. Several facilities facilities, but with relatively minor
daily load (TMDL) for dissolved oxygen received supplemental funding from reductions to nitrogen reaching the
in LIS. Nitrogen pollution in the Sound programs including the Massachusetts Sound. Our findings suggest that
reduces dissolved oxygen to unhealthy Clean Water State Revolving Fund, presenting facilities with a conceptual
levels, and the TMDL is designed to Massachusetts Clean Energy Center, and design and cost estimate per additional
reduce the amount of nitrogen reaching the Long Island Sound Futures Fund. pound of potential nitrogen removal
the Sound from both point and non-point The study motivated one plant to did not prove sufficient to spur action in
sources throughout the LIS watershed, implement changes, but it did not follow most cases. A more successful—albeit
which includes portions of all the states in the recommendations due to higher more costly approach—might include a
the Northeast except Maine. than expected costs. To stay ahead of comprehensive facility plan, including an
The study created conceptual designs any possible mandates, that facility took iterative and adaptive implementation
using BioWin simulations that took into an alternate approach, accomplishing approach using more traditional
account current facility configuration, nitrogen improvements with no increase treatment methods and providing
operation and maintenance costs, in operating costs. Three facilities funding for implementation. NEIWPCC
and effluent nitrogen concentration reported conducting additional studies remains committed to help improve
to recommend the most practical, on their own. water quality in Long Island Sound.
cost-effective upgrades. The report The study’s recommendations raised For more information, contact
found that 20 facilities could improve concerns for many facilities. Two of the Richard Friesner, director of the
plants tried to incorporate operational Water Quality Programs Division,
recommendations for several years but at rfriesner@neiwpcc.org.
Audra Martin is a former environmental
encountered problems. The reasons
analyst with NEIWPCC.
Volume 5, Number 1 • Interstate Waters 11New Regional Initiative to While the states in the Northeast
have diverse approaches to
Address Salt Pollution addressing chloride impairments in
their waters, there are many areas
of overlapping need. NEIWPCC is
Keeping highways and other paved areas clear of exploring several ways to support
ice and snow is taking a toll on the region’s waters. our states, including by facilitating
further discussions for environmental
officials, hosting webinar
presentations, compiling a resource
N
EIWPCC is launching a new Elevated salt concentrations in database, and/or leading a regional
collaborative to help our drinking water can be harmful to human education and outreach effort.
member states address chloride health. In rivers, lakes, and streams, too Some of the initiatives happening
contamination in drinking water and much salt can harm the fish, amphibians, in NEIWPCC member states
surface water, which is caused primarily and bugs that are adapted to live in include:
by application of salt to roads, parking freshwater environments. ⏴ The United States Geological
lots, and sidewalks. Household and In December 2020, NEIWPCC held Survey is conducting both
industrial water softening systems also two meetings for environmental staff to targeted, local research and
contribute to this problem. share data and strategies their states long-term trend monitoring
Some states in the Northeast, such as have taken to reduce road salt use and to investigate chloride and
New Hampshire and Vermont, have been raise awareness about the issue. specific conductivity levels in
monitoring chloride pollution in their To learn more or to get involved Connecticut surface waters.
waters for decades. Other states do not in NEIWPCC’s regional chloride ⏴ The University of Rhode Island
have comprehensive chloride monitoring coordination efforts, contact Christina conducted a study to assess
programs in place, but are nonetheless Stringer at cstringer@neiwpcc.org saltwater intrusion into drinking
seeing the cumulative effects on their or Emma Gildesgame at water wells.
watersheds of millions of tons of road salt egildesgame@neiwpcc.org.
applied over the years. ⏴ The Massachusetts Department
of Transportation is testing out
new technology on their trucks to
reduce road salt use.
⏴ New Hampshire has a robust
Green Snowpro certification
program, which teaches
municipalities best practices
for snow and ice management.
Connecticut has begun hosting
similar trainings.
⏴ The Sustainable Winter
Management program (SWiM),
by WIT Advisors, will educate
landowners and property
managers in Long Creek, Maine
about salt contamination.
⏴ New York recently passed
the Randy Preston Road Salt
Reduction Act, establishing the
Adirondack Road Salt Reduction
Task Force that will research
road salt alternatives to be
implemented in a three-year pilot
program.
⏴ The Vermont Department of
Environmental Conservation is
using continuous stream data
to investigate the potential for
TMDL plans to improve water
quality in a chloride-polluted
stream.
12 Interstate Waters • Spring 2021Eliminating Systemic
Racism in the
Environmental Field
N
EIWPCC recognizes that we topics. These programs extend to staff
cannot achieve the vision of who support NEIWPCC program
advancing clean and sustainable partners.
water until all of the communities in These small, preliminary steps are
the Northeast have equitable access to only the beginning in addressing the
these resources, and diverse minority ways that systemic racism prevents
populations have representation in our NEIWPCC from advancing clean
environmental workforce. Therefore, water in the Northeast.
NEIWPCC and our program partners
have joined together to address the
issues of environmental justice, and
diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in the
organization and industry. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
The Long Island Sound Study’s Citizen
Advisory Committee and Science and Commitment Statement
Technical Advisory Committee held a NEIWPCC is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of
joint meeting in the fall of 2020 about diversity, equity and inclusion.
equitable public access to the Sound’s Our people are the most valuable asset we have. The collective sum of the
shores. The Peconic Estuary Partnership individual differences, life experiences, knowledge, inventiveness, innovation,
is inviting community members to self-expression, unique capabilities, and talent that our employees invest
join their new workgroup for Inclusion in their work represents a significant part of not only our culture, but our
and Environmental Justice. The Lake reputation and achievement as well.
Champlain Basin Program is conducting We embrace and encourage our employees’ differences in age, color,
a needs assessment to improve diversity, disability, ethnicity, family or marital status, gender identity or expression,
equity, and inclusion in their program language, national origin, physical and mental ability, political affiliation, race,
and partner watershed organizations. religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, veteran status, and all other
The Narragansett Bay Estuary Program characteristics that make our employees unique.
is undertaking a similar assessment and NEIWPCC’s diversity initiatives are embedded in all our policies and
held a DEI training for staff. The Hudson practices which include (but are not limited to) talent acquisition, professional
River Estuary Program also held a virtual development and training, compensation and benefits, and a work environment
DEI workshop. that supports our mission, strategy, and core values.
NEIWPCC has developed a DEI A key component of NEIWPCC’s mission is recognizing communities
confirmation statement that was with lower socio-economic status and those with larger minority populations
unanimously approved by our executive who disproportionally contend with serious water quality issues and threats
committee and our commissioners. to their access to clean and safe water. Our work in service of underserved
This statement has been provided to and underrepresented groups is a key aspect of our priorities. NEIWPCC
all NEIWPCC employees to ensure understands that we are not achieving our mission and realizing our vision until
understanding and support. Training all of our communities have access to clean and safe water.
programs are provided throughout the In addition, our strategic plan is the foundation for us to continue to build
year on various diversity and inclusion a more diverse and inclusive water quality workforce and to draw upon our
organizational values to strengthen culture and create a sense of community
for staff in support of our workforce development objective. NEIWPCC is
Dr. Jacqueline Echols, board committed to continued progress in this arena.
president of the South River All employees of NEIWPCC have a responsibility to treat others with dignity
Watershed Alliance, presented and respect at all times. All employees are expected to exhibit conduct that
a webinar on environmental reflects inclusion. All employees are also required to attend and complete
justice under water quality annual diversity awareness training to enhance their knowledge to fulfill this
programs as part of NEIWPCC’s responsibility.
National 303(d)/TMDL Webinar NEIWPCC is an organization comprised of many people with diverse back-
Series on March 29, 2021. The grounds, education, experiences and ideas who come together and strive to
webinar recording is available on make our vision a reality: Clean and Sustainable Water throughout the Northeast.
NEIWPCC’s website.
Volume 5, Number 1 • Interstate Waters 13NEIWPCC Thanks
Clean water is essential and so
CRYSTAL
COOPER,
Senior
Wastewater
Operator,
Portland Water
District
(Maine)
JIM LAMB,
Operator and
DEREK
ALBERTSON,
Superintendent,
Montville
Water Pollution
Control Authority
(Connecticut)
GREGGORY BISI, Plant Operator II, Metropolitan
District Commission-Rocky Hill (Connecticut)
MATTHEW SERRANO, Crew
Leader I/Operator III, Metropolitan
District Commission-Rocky Hill
(Connecticut)
SCOTT GOODINSON, HARDY CUMMINGS,
Superintendent, Narragansett WRRF, Greater Augusta Utility District
(Rhode Island) (Maine)
14 Interstate Waters • Spring 2021Water Operators!
STEVE
VURNAKES,
Distribution
Operator,
are water and wastewater workers
Greater Augusta
Utility District
(Maine)
NORA LOUGH, Biologist, Narragansett Bay Commission;
PETER CONNELL, President, Rhode Island Clean Water
Association; JANINE BURKE-WELLS, Executive
Director, North East Biosolids & Residuals Association
and former Superintendent, Warwick Sewer Authority
(Rhode Island)
BRIAN RYAN MATTHEW
FORTIN, STARKEY, ONDRA,
Lead Operator, Operator II, Laboratory
Bennett Warwick Manager,
Environmental Sewer Rockland
Associates, LLC Authority Pollution
(Massachusetts) (Rhode Control
Island) Facility
(Maine)
York Sewer Department: KIM JOYCE, THERESA TUCKER, TOM CARDONA, TIM HASKELL,
PHIL TUCKER, TERRY BLANCHARD, KEVIN EATON, TRAVIS PELLETIER, JORDAN STEVES,
TONY COTE, JUSTIN BARNETT (Maine)
Volume 5, Number 1 • Interstate Waters 15Wannalancit Mills
Non-profit Org
Suite 410
U. S. Postage
650 Suffolk Street
PAID
Lowell, MA 01854
Manchester, NH
Permit No. 724
The Missisquoi Bay algal bloom photo on page 4 is from the Québec Ministère du Développement durable, de l’Environnement et de la Lutte contre les
changements climatiques. The four photos of children on pages 6 and 7 are from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
EVENTS
Water Environment Federation Residuals and Biosolids (virtual)
Innovative topics, peer-to-peer networking opportunities,
and informative sessions from forward-thinking leaders in the
water sector.
May 11-13 • www.wef.org
NEWEA 2021 Spring Meeting and Exhibit (virtual)
Annual three-day technical meeting for water quality professionals
in the wastewater industry.
Date TBD • www.newea.org
NYWEA 2021 Spring Technical Conference and Exhibition
(virtual)
June 15-17 • www.nywea.org
31st Annual Nonpoint Source WEF Stormwater Summit (virtual)
Pollution Conference Innovative topics, peer-to-peer networking opportunities,
and informative sessions from forward-thinking leaders in the
A Virtual Watershed Moment water sector.
June 22-23 • www.wef.org
This premier event in the northeast for sharing
information on NPS pollution issues and projects American Water Works Association, Membrane Technology
will move to a virtual format, continuing to Conference and Exposition
Explore how the latest developments in membrane technology
provide an engaging forum for networking, can enhance water reliability and quality.
demonstration, and coordination. July 19-22, West Palm Beach, Florida • www.awwa.org
May 20, 25, 27
www.neiwpcc.org
16 Interstate Waters • Spring 2021You can also read
