Sustainable Infrastructure & Financial Assistance News

EPA Releases Revised Draft WaterSense New Home Specification – EPA is pleased to announce the release of the revised draft specifications for water-efficient single-family new homes. This draft includes comments and revisions to existing criteria based on public feedback on previously released drafts. Notable changes from previously released drafts occurred in the criteria for hot water delivery systems, water softeners, landscapes, irrigation systems, and homeowner education. EPA will conduct a public meeting on the revised draft specifications in June, 2009 in Washington D.C. For interested parties unable to attend this meeting, comments and/or suggestions may be submitted to watersense-newhomes@erg.com until July 7, 2009. These draft specifications are an important step towards the goal protecting and preserving our nation’s limited water supply for future generations. Once finalized, these specifications will allow for new single-family homes to be “WaterSense Certified” through conforming to the high water-efficiency standards set forth in these regulations. The homeowner education component of the draft specifications will impact present and future generations of the importance of protecting and preserving our water supplies. WaterSense Helpline: (866) 987-7367, or email watersense@epa.gov.

City of Alexandria, VA Teams with WaterSense – On May 29, 2009, the City of Alexandria joined forces with EPA's WaterSense program. Alexandria has taken a big step forward as an environmental steward by pledging to foster a more water-efficiency culture. Using water resources more efficiently helps preserve water for future generations and reduces the cost of water and wastewater infrastructure by reducing unnecessary water consumption.

WaterSense Welcomes New Partners – With the fundamental goal of protecting our nation’s water supply for future use, EPA is promoting and enhancing the market for water efficient products and programs through the WaterSense program. On March 2009, the Blacksburg Christiansburg VPI Water Authority, VA; the City of Suffolk, VA, Department of Public Utilities; and the North Wales Water Authority, PA have taken the first step to join forces with EPA’s WaterSense program, by signing the partnership agreement they have come forward as environmental stewards, pledging to foster a more water-efficiency culture. Partnering with a program such as WaterSense provides water systems with a nationally recognized brand as a platform upon which it can build solid water-efficiency programs as well as a solid reputation. Besides saving water, water-efficiency brings many other benefits to communities. WaterSense is a voluntary public-private partnership program launched as part of the Agency’s sustainable infrastructure efforts.

Anne Arundel County, MD Teams with WaterSense – With the fundamental goal of protecting our nation’s water supply for future use, EPA is promoting and enhancing the market for water efficient products and programs through the WaterSense program. On February 2, 2009, Anne Arundel County Department of Public Works, Bureau of Utilities Division joined forces with EPA’s WaterSense program. Anne Arundel County has taken a big step forward as an environmental steward by pledging to foster a more water-efficiency culture. With this new partnership EPA' Mid Atlantic Region is now ranked 5 in the nation with a total of 40 WaterSense promotional partners. Partnering with a program such as WaterSense provides water systems with a nationally recognized brand platform upon which it can build solid water-efficiency programs as well as a solid reputation. Using water resources more efficiently helps preserve water for future generations and reduces water and wastewater infrastructure cost by reducing unnecessary water consumption. WaterSense is a voluntary public-private partnership program launched as part of the Agency’s sustainable infrastructure efforts.

Pennsylvania and Virginia Drinking Water State Revolving Fund program receive American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) Grants - On August 20 ARRA capitalization grants to the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST) and the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) were awarded. The States are committed to using these grants to provide assistance to water systems for capital improvement projects that will quickly proceed to construction, create jobs and further the public health protection objectives of the Safe Drinking Water Act. Both States have met the 50% principal subsidy requirement. VDH received $16.6 million (80%) of the $20.7 million provided by ARRA. The remaining $4.1 million will be soon awarded for projects that incorporate green infrastructure, water and energy efficiency, and environmentally innovative solutions. Pennvest received an ARRA award of $20.4 million and will soon receive an additional $45.2 of which $20.6 million will be transferred to the CWSRF grant. Pennvest has met its green project reserve requirement of $8.8 million.

Another $260 Million for Water Quality Improvements in Virginia in FY 2009 - On August 13, 2008, Virginia’s Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ)received its FY2009 award for Clean Water State Revolving Fund base program. The award included $13.9 million in Federal funds and $2.8 million in state match. DEQ is combining these grant funds with a leveraging package that will make $260 million available for wastewater infrastructure projects that will improve water quality throughout the Commonwealth. This funding is in addition to the $80 million of ARRA (American Recovery & Reinvestment Act) funds awarded to DEQ. Leveraging is the process of issuing bonds in the open market, thereby making more money available sooner then just the current year’s grant and repayments. Included among the projects to receive funding this year are enhanced nutrient removal, improvements to existing infrastructure to address infiltration/inflow, sanitary sewer overflows, and Consent Orders, and implementation of Combined Sewer Overflow Long Term Control Plans.

Virginia Received Over $80 Million in Stimulus Funding – On August 18, EPA presented an $80.2 million check to the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality for the Virginia Clean Water State Revolving Fund loan program. Funding for this award was provided by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), and will help the state and local governments finance many improvements to water projects that are essential to protecting public health and the environment across the state. Virginia has committed to provide at least 20% of the award amount for projects that incorporate green infrastructure, water and energy efficiency, and environmentally innovative activities. In addition, Virginia will provide 100% principal forgiveness for every ARRA loan.

Maryland Receives $957K in Stimulus Funding – The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) will receive an award of $957,393 for the Section 604(b) Grant program. This award provided by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) will support the state in promoting economic recovery through the investment in water quality management planning projects. As required under Section 205(j)(3), each state must allocate at least 40% of its grant to Regional Public Comprehensive Planning Organizations (RPCPOs)/Interstate Organizations (IOs). MDE has allocated 53.3% of the ARRA Section 604(b) funds for the purpose developing nutrient criteria, TMDLs and achieving a sustainable watershed through comprehensive scenario planning in Charles County, MD. These projects, and associated tasks, will preserve and create jobs and promote economic recovery through the investment in water quality management planning projects.

Delaware ARRA Program is Right on the Money! Good news from Delaware's Drinking Water State Revolving Fund program: The State is the first in the Region to close 100% of its loans under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) grant. The Office of Drinking Water in the Department of Health and Social Services closed loans for six projects totaling $18 million, including a $3.9 million green project for the City of Wilmington for solar panels. Delaware may be small, but they are efficient.

Recovery Shovels at the Ready in Delaware - On June 12, Delaware’s Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control received a CWSRF $19,239,100 award of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funding. The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control will receive this award at 100% funding because the ARRA waived the customary 20% state match requirement. The ARRA award will provide funding to construct 14 projects that will create jobs, promote green jobs, as well as improve water quality and protect public health. EPA awarded $3,847,820 of the total grant award to targeted projects that fit the criteria for funding within the Green Projects Reserve. This Reserve was established in the ARRA for an amount up to 20% of the State’s allotment for green infrastructure, water and energy efficiency, and environmentally innovative activities. In addition, as required by ARRA the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control will provide additional subsidization to eligible borrowers in the form of principal forgiveness. At present, 50% of the grant award is intended to be used to provide the additional subsidization.

West Virginia DWSRF Grant Award under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act – On June 12, 2009 the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, Bureau for Public Health, Office of Environmental Health Services received a capitalization grant under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA). The State is committed to using the $15.6 million grant to provide assistance to water systems for capital improvement projects which will quickly proceed to construction, create jobs and further the public health protection objectives of the Safe Drinking Water Act. The $15.6 million is 80% of the $19.5 million provided by ARRA for award to the West Virginia DWSRF program. The remaining 20% ($3.9 million) will be awarded later in 2009 for projects that incorporate green infrastructure, water and energy efficiency, and environmentally innovative solutions. Through the ARRA, West Virginia will provide funding to at least seven water systems to provide safe drinking water for at least 37,000 residents. In compliance with the Act, the State is offering 50% loan forgiveness to six of the projects proposed for funding under the ARRA.

Residents in the City of Milton, WV Can Look Forward to a Safe, Reliable Drinking Water System - The City of Milton, West Virginia was awarded a $956,000 grant to replace 43,000 Linear Feet (LF) of existing 2”-3” water lines in the east-end distribution system with brand new 8” water lines. The EPA grant will help pay for 55% of the estimated $4,322,000 project cost with the balance of the project financed by loans. The existing east-end distribution system is seriously deteriorated, causing significant water loss through leakage and the potential for contamination. The City will also extend the water distribution system to serve residents in three areas north of the City by constructing five miles of 2”-6” water lines and a 350,000 gallon water storage tank. These areas now get their drinking water from private wells that do not produce water that meets the Safe Drinking Water Act standards and do not provide an adequate water supply. The new system will help to improve public health for the residents of Milton previously served by the old, deteriorated system by eliminating the possibility of contamination and for the residents whose private wells are unsafe and inadequate. Construction began in August 2008.

Safe, Dependable Supply of Water for the Residents of Somerset County - A $1,933,700 earmark grant increase has been awarded to the Somerset County General Authority, Pennsylvania, to provide additional funding of the Quemahoning Reservoir Water Supply project. The amount of funds for this project total $2,656,900 ($1,933,700 from FY 2001 and $723,200 from FY 2004). The grant increase will provide additional funding for the water treatment plant building, three -1 MGD water filtration units, raw water pump station, clear well pump station and a SCADA/telemetry system. Construction has been underway since February 2008. The project includes the construction of storage tanks, a filtration plant, pumps, and a transmission main to service the boroughs and townships between the Quemahoning Reservoir and Somerset, Pennsylvania.

Halifax, Virginia, and the Town of South Boston Connect Drinking Water Service - EPA has awarded a $481,100 grant to Halifax for the construction of an interconnecting water line between Halifax and the Town of South Boston. For more than 45 years, Halifax relied on a small water treatment plant for their drinking water. This plant needed to be upgraded to meet current design standards and new drinking water rules, such as the disinfection byproducts rule. The estimated cost of upgrading the plant is significantly more than interconnecting the two water systems. Since South Boston has lost several major manufacturing industries, their plant has sufficient capacity to meet the combined water needs for at least 25 years. The interconnecting line is about 1,400 feet in length. Halifax will also be upgrading 4,000 feet of existing water line because of its deteriorated condition. This grant is being funded at a Federal share of 55%, based on an eligible project cost of $874,730.

The Ringgold Area of Pittsylvania County, Virginia, gets Public Drinking Water - EPA has awarded a $656,200 grant to Pittsylvania County for extending public water to the Ringgold service area. This service area is on the east side of the City of Danville. The county will be installing 18,200 feet of drinking water line which will provide drinking water from the Danville water system to the Witcher Road community and the Mount Zion Acres subdivision. The Witcher Road community is a low income, minority population consisting of 20 homes. Seventeen of these homes have no indoor plumbing. A Community Development Block Grant from HUD will provide for water and sewer services along Witcher Road and install indoor plumbing facilities in the occupied homes. The Mount Zion Acres subdivision currently uses a well to provide water to its 45 homes. The well water consistently exceeds the limits set by the Lead and Copper rule. This project will provide safe drinking water to these communities. This grant is being funded at a Federal share of 55%, based on an eligible project cost of $1,193, 091.

Jane Lew Public Service District Residents Now Enjoy Safe, Reliable Source of Drinking Water - The Jane Lew Public Service District in Jane Lew, West Virginia was awarded a $96,200 grant to replace existing old galvanized water mains and service lines, and gate valves. The Jane Lew drinking water system has a signifcant amount of leaks, estimated to be as much as a 36% water loss throughout their system. The leaks in the system can lead to possible contamination of the drinking water. In addition, residents of certain sections of the system are without drinking water at periods of time during system repair due to inoperable gate valves. The new system will improve public health for the residents of Jane Lew served by the old, deteriorated system by eliminating the possibility of contamination, and eliminate total water loss for certain residents during system repairs. At the same time, the District will be conserving water while saving energy. The EPA grant will help pay for 55% of the estimated $174,910 project cost while the balance of the project will be financed by a 0% loan from the West Virginia Infrastructure and Jobs Development Council. Construction is estimated to start in August 2009.

EPA Grant to Hammond Public Service District Provides a Safe, Reliable Source of Drinking Water - The Hammond Public Service Districtin Wellsburg, West Virginia was awarded a $52,900 grant to extend its existing drinking water system to the Lazears Lane section of the District. Residences and businesses in this area currently rely on water that is brought in by trucks and stored in cisterns. Potentially, this source of drinking water is unsafe and susceptible to bacterial contamination, and is not subject to any state or federal agency drinking water requirements. The project will eliminate the use of water brought in by trucks to serve the residents and businesses along Lazears Lane. As a result, the new customers will have a safe, reliable source of potable water that will meet federal and state drinking water standards. In addition, they will have a water supply that will provide adequate fire protection. The EPA grant will help pay for 55% of the estimated $154,900 project cost; construction is expected to begin in January 2008.