WaterNews for September 24, 1998

WaterNews is a weekly on-line publication that announces publications, policies, and activities of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Office of Water.

Inside this week's WaterNews:
1) EPA Publishes Final Pharmaceutical Effluent Guidelines
2) New TEA-21 Funds Available from the Federal Highway Administration
3) Water Environment Federation Holds Annual Technical Conference in Florida
4) 10th Annual National Estuaries Day is October 3

1) EPA Publishes Final Pharmaceutical Effluent Guidelines

On September 21, the EPA published the Final Effluent Guidelines and Standards for the Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Industry. This final regulation will control the discharge of waterborne pollutants from the pharmaceutical manufacturing category into navigable waters of the United States and into publicly owned treatment works by existing and new facilities. EPA estimates that compliance with this final regulation will reduce the discharge of conventional, nonconventional and priority pollutants by at least 31.1 million pounds per year. Additional information can be found on the Internet at http://www.epa.gov/waterscience/guide/pharm.html.

2) New TEA-21 Funds Available from the Federal Highway Administration

Established by the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21) ten percent of surface transportation funds ($3.3 billion over 6 years) are available for "transportation enhancements" that can include water quality projects. Furthermore, twenty percent of the cost of a project may be used for environmental mitigation. Visit http://www.epa.gov/owow/tea/ for more information on environmental funding opportunities.

In addition, TEA-21 established the Transportation and Community System Preservation Pilot (TCSPP) program will demonstrate transportation strategies that incorporate short- and long-term environmental, economic, and social needs of communities. The TCSPP program is modeled after successful planning initiatives in several states such as Oregon, Florida, and Maryland. Funding for the pilot is $20 million in FY 1999 and $25 million per year for FY's 2000 through 2003. Public comments and letters of intent from potential grantees are due by November 15 for FY 1999 funds. For more information, visit the Department of Transportation's web site at http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/tea21/fedreg3.htm.

3) Water Environment Federation Holds Annual Technical Conference in Florida

On October 3-7, WEF will hold its 71st annual conference and exposition at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. WEFTEC is the largest wastewater and environmental technology exposition in North America. Highlights will include speakers; such as David Brinkley and David Zach, numerous exhibitors and information sessions, and fun and educational activities for families. EPA will present the Wastewater Management Excellence Awards, which recognize municipalities, facilities, and individuals for outstanding commitment to protecting and improving the quality of the nation's waters. Additional information can be found on the Internet at http://www.wef.org/ or by calling Joe Vitalis at 202-260-7172.

4) 10th Annual National Estuaries Day is October 3

EPA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration have jointly designated Saturday, October 3, as National Estuaries Day. The theme of this year's event is "Estuaries--Gateways to the Ocean." The two agencies will join with local communities to observe the day with educational activities, exhibits, and festivities and will use Narragansett Bay, R.I. as the focal point for the national celebration. Estuaries are transitional coastal areas where freshwater from upland streams and rivers mixes with the sea water from the ocean. They are among the most productive ecosystems in the world.

Under its National Estuary Program, EPA is working with state and local governments, environmental and business groups and citizens to protect and restore living resources and improve water quality of 28 nationally significant estuaries around the country. More information can be found on the Internet at http://www.epa.gov/owow/estuaries/calendar.htm or by calling EPA's Coastal Management Branch at 202-260-6502.

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