2007 Annual Report

Connecticut Maine Massachusetts Building on a New Hampshire Legacy of Leadership New York Rhode Island Vermont 60th Anniversary

New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission 1947-2007 New Hampshire Thomas Burack, Esq., Commissioner, Department of Environmental Services Represented by Harry Stewart, P.E., Department of Environmental Services NEIWPCC Officers* NEIWPCC Commissioners* Robert Cruess, P.E., Amherst Nelson Thibault, P.E., Nottingham NEIWPCC 2007 Annual Report Frank Thomas, P.E., Merrimack Chair: Harry Stewart, Connecticut Robert Weimar, P.E., Auburn A Production of the New Hampshire Gina McCarthy, Commissioner, New England Interstate Water Vice-Chair: Alicia Good, Department of Environmental Protection New York Pollution Control Commission Represented by Yvonne Bolton, Esq., Pete Grannis, Commissioner, Rhode Island 116 John Street Department of Environmental Protection Department of Environmental Conservation Treasurer: Richard P. Kotelly, Represented by Sandra Allen, Esq., Lowell, MA 01852 J. Robert Galvin, M.D., M.P.H., Commissioner, Massachusetts Department of Environmental Conservation Department of Public Health p. 978-323-7929 Richard Daines, M.D., Commissioner, Astrid Hanzalek, Suffield Concept/Writer/Project Manager: www.neiwpcc.org Department of Health Stephen Hochbrunn, NEIWPCC Edwin Pearson, Esq., Ridgefield Represented by Richard Svenson, P.E., Department of Health, Environmental Health Protection Cover design and layout elements/design: Maine Albert Bromberg, P.E., Schenectady Cindy Barnard, NEIWPCC David Littell, Commissioner, Leo J. Hetling, Delmar Department of Environmental Protection Layout, design, and production: Represented by Andrew Fisk, Salvatore Pagano, P.E., Clifton Park Ricki Pappo, Enosis – The Environmental Outreach Group Department of Environmental Protection Brenda Harvey, Commissioner, Rhode Island Contributing writers: Department of Health and Human Services W. Michael Sullivan, Ph.D., Director, NEIWPCC staff (most notably Beth Card, Laura Chan, Tom Groves, Department of Environmental Management Albert Curran, P.E., Gorham Susy King, Kara Sergeant, Kerry Strout, Marianna Vulli, Represented by Alicia Good, Becky Weidman) William Taylor, Esq., Yarmouth Department of Environmental Management David Gifford, M.D., M.P.H., Director, Department of Health Special thanks to Beth Card and Susy King for assistance with Massachusetts historical research. Additional thanks to Beth Card for legislation Donald Pryor, Providence Laurie Burt, Esq., Commissioner, summary (page 6). Department of Environmental Protection Represented by Glenn Haas, P.E., Vermont All photos by NEIWPCC unless otherwise noted. Department of Environmental Protection George Crombie, Secretary, Agency of Natural Resources Represented by John Sayles, Paul Cote, Commissioner, Department of Public Health Agency of Natural Resources Charles Button, P.E., Framingham Sharon Moffat, R.N., M.S.N., Commissioner, James Rogers, P.E., Chelmsford Department of Health Printed on recycled paper containing 30% post-consumer waste. * As of September 30, 2007. Lester Sutton, P.E., Sharon David Clough, P.E., Williston • 1 From the Chair When most of us reach a milestone in our lives, we can’t help but look back at what we have done and ponder where we are going. It is the same for organizations. In fiscal 2007, the New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission marked its sixtieth year in existence. For those of us who have been involved with NEIWPCC for some of those years, it was only natural to reflect on how far the Commission has come. In its early years, the focus was on basic pollution control in interstate waters. As water and wastewater issues grew more subtle and complex, NEIWPCC adapted and evolved. While surface water protection remained an emphasis, substantial attention and resources also had to be paid to such matters as nonpoint source pollution, stormwater, and underground storage tanks. Today, NEIWPCC stands as an indispensable player in the region on so many levels—and for evidence, I need point no further than to this annual report. As the pages that follow make perfectly clear, fiscal 2007 was, by any measure, a highly productive year. Amid the many significant accomplishments, one in particular stands out in my mind: the Northeast Regional Mercury TMDL. Without NEIWPCC, and more specifically the tireless work of Beth Card and Susy King of its staff, this landmark effort to reduce mercury pollution from out-of-region sources likely would never have happened. In NEIWPCC, the seven member states had the ideal partner, the ideal vehicle through which to work together on this complex and controversial issue. Allow me to point to another essential achievement—the conference on pharmaceuticals and personal care products. Held in Portland, Maine, in August, it was arguably the most successful specialty conference to date for state regulators on what few would dispute is an emerging issue of tremendous importance. Anyone who attended the conference walked away with a much fuller understanding of what we currently know about PPCPs and their impact on aquatic and human health, and what more we need to know to begin crafting effective policies. I cite these two accomplishments because of their significance and also because of what they represent—the continuing need for NEIWPCC. In the water and wastewater world, new issues are emerging all the time that require the Commission’s steady, supportive hand. Sixty years from now, will NEIWPCC be celebrating its one hundred and twentieth anniversary? Will it still be as vital? If the past is any indication, the answer is yes on both counts. Within this report are year-by-year highlights from NEIWPCC’s history, and while they capture just a small fraction of the achievements, they convey the breadth, importance, and impact of NEIWPCC’s activities since its founding. Over the years, NEIWPCC has built up a proud legacy of leadership that was only enhanced by the activities in 2007. Given this track record, it is hard not to believe the Commission will play a prominent role in the region long into the future. As for the immediate future, NEIWPCC and all of us who work to protect water resources have a role to play in a change that will shortly be upon us—a new administration in Washington. The process of change and the establishment of new priorities affords us an opportunity to promote water program needs. With NEIWPCC’s support, the states have already begun the process of preparing a water-conscious regional agenda for consideration by transition team members and the yet-to-be-determined leadership of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. It is a crucial process in which the Association of State and Interstate Water Pollution Control Administrators is also actively engaged. As the current president of ASIWPCA, I joined with its board members to initiate the association’s efforts to bring a national perspective to the discussion of priorities, and I am pleased with the progress of this endeavor. I can also assure you that with so many NEIWPCC staff members and Commissioners in leadership roles with ASIWPCA, the priorities of New England and New York State are well represented in all that it does. As NEIWPCC’s Chair in 2006 and 2007, I was afforded a view of this extraordinary organization that was not unlike a front-row seat at Fenway Park. You see the same activity everybody else is seeing, but you see it more closely, more clearly, and with no obstructions. And what I saw—the professionalism of the staff, the commitment to results, the passion for progress—impressed me greatly. It was an honor to serve as Chair, and I thank all who made it a rewarding experience: the NEIWPCC staff, my fellow Commissioners, and the representatives from EPA, especially Region 1 Regional Administrator Bob Varney, whose support for NEIWPCC has never wavered. I am proud of what NEIWPCC achieved during my tenure as Chair, and I am excited to see what accomplishments are in store in the years ahead. Something tells me the best is yet to come.

Harry Stewart NEIWPCC Chair 2006-2007 Director, Water Division, New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services TIMELINE: A Legacy of Leadership

New England Interstate CONTENTS 1947 – 1951 Water Pollution Control Commission From the Chair ...... 1 • 1949 • Annual Report 2007 Governance and Direction ...... 3 • 1947 • Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Since 1947, NEIWPCC has been a leader in the fight for Water Quality ...... 8 Rhode Island, with the clean water. As a not-for-profit interstate agency, we Wastewater and Onsite Systems ...... 17 approval of the federal serve and assist our member states—Connecticut, government, ratify the Drinking Water...... 24 New England Interstate Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Underground Storage Tanks ...... 27 Water Pollution Control York, Rhode Island, and Vermont—by: Regional Research Initiative ...... 30 Compact, which • Coordinating activities and forums that creates NEIWPCC. The Education and Outreach ...... 32 encourage cooperation among the states. Compact states that Partnerships ...... 35 “the abatement of • Developing resources that foster progress on pollution in interstate Field survey staff collect water samples water issues. Financial Information ...... 40 waters [those which to analyze extent of pollution in a New flow through or are York river. • Representing the region in matters of federal bound by two or policy. TIMELINE: A Legacy of Leadership more states] can • Training environmental professionals. This year-by-year review of NEIWPCC’s achievements best be accomplished through begins on this page and is woven throughout the the establishment of an interstate agency.” To • Initiating and overseeing scientific research establish NEIWPCC, the three states contribute $2,500, the projects. report. The need for brevity means only a few of the Commission’s total revenue for the year. • Educating the public. many highlights each year are included. While not • 1948 • NEIWPCC’s most visible role in our early years begins as • Providing overall leadership in water comprehensive, the timeline does provide an accurate the Commissioners tentatively approve water classification management and protection. snapshot of the leadership provided by NEIWPCC standards submitted by NEIWPCC’s Technical Advisory since 1947. Board. Standards exist in nine categories, such as “Color and According to our Compact, NEIWPCC is to be turbidity” and “Coliform bacteria,” and sampling and lab testing 1947-1951 ...... 2 will determine a status of Class A (suitable for public water overseen by 35 Commissioners—five from each supply), Class B (suitable for bathing and irrigation), Class C member state—who are appointed by their state 1952-1956 ...... 5 (suitable for recreational boating and habitat for wildlife), or governors. However, the number of NEIWPCC 1957-1961 ...... 9 Class D (suitable for transportation of sewage and industrial wastes). Commissioners from each state can vary slightly from 1962-1966 ...... 13 year to year due to the gubernatorial appointment 1967-1971 ...... 18 • 1949 • New York State joins NEIWPCC, and the four member states begin extensive water sampling in advance of submitting process. Each state’s delegation always includes 1972-1976 ...... 22 classifications of their interstate waters for present conditions the commissioners of its environmental and health 1977-1981 ...... 25 and proposed highest use. If a section of a river meets Class B agencies (or their designees), with the rest of the standards, for example, but a state desires it to be Class A, then 1982-1986 ...... 29 delegation consisting of individuals appointed to the the state must establish programs to treat sewage and industrial 1987-1991 ...... 31 wastes to a level where the highest use standards are being Commission by virtue of their experience and interest achieved. in water and wastewater issues. 1992-1996 ...... 34 • 1950 • Vermont and New Hampshire ratify the Compact and join 1997-2001 ...... 38 NEIWPCC staff, under the direction of Executive the Commission. All the member states are actively surveying 2002-2006 ...... 40 and sampling waterways, and building wastewater treatment Director Ronald Poltak and Deputy Director Susan plants to clean up polluted waters. NEIWPCC selects the Sullivan, develop and carry out programs endorsed Pawtucket River Basin as a test case for the actual application of classification standards, and receives a $10,000 federal grant to by the Commissioners. The directors of our three research industrial waste problems in the region. main divisions—Water Quality, Wastewater and • 1951 • Research sponsored by NEIWPCC shows manufacturing Onsite Systems, and Drinking Water—oversee the plants are discharging an alarming amount of untreated organic majority of our programs. waste into the region’s waters. To address the problem, the Commission begins working with associations concerned with This report covers NEIWPCC’s accomplishments the treatment of industrial wastes, such as the National Council during fiscal year 2007, which began on for Stream Improvement (of the Pulp, Paper, and Paperboard Industries). The construction of municipal wastewater treatment Oct. 1, 2006, and ended on Sept. 30, 2007. plants in the region continues at a rapid pace. GovernanceGovernance andand Direction • 3 Governance and Direction Within Article IV of the Act of Congress that created NEIWPCC is this simple sentence: “Meetings shall be held at least twice a year.” It is a directive that we have never failed to follow. In fact, it has long been customary for NEIWPCC to hold three meetings each year involving all our Commissioners, and six meetings of our Executive Committee, which is made up of the states’ environmental agency commissioners or their designees. This was indeed the case in fiscal 2007, and as usual, each of the Grand Occasion The ballroom of the Hawthorne meetings featured the type of frank, friendly exchange of information that helps NEIWPCC assess our states’ Hotel in Salem, Mass., provides an elegant setting for NEIWPCC’s 200th Commission Meeting. needs and how we can meet them, and helps our states learn about new ways to manage increasingly complex water and wastewater challenges. Although we are in contact with our member states on an informal basis throughout the year, the full Commission and Executive Committee meetings provide the ideal setting for direct and productive communication.

Of the meetings in fiscal 2007, one in particular stood ence NEIWPCC’s agenda (see page 6 for details). out: on May 17-18 at the Hawthorne Hotel in Salem, He also spoke about the need for the Commission Mass., we gathered for the 200th Commission meeting to move forward on setting an agenda for dealing in NEIWPCC’s history. What’s more, the meeting hap- with issues related to climate change. Ron intro- pened during a year in which we were marking our duced Robert Cruess, one of our Commissioners sixtieth year in existence. The dual milestones inspired us from New Hampshire, who spoke about the efforts to fully document the meeting in pictures, a few of which of his company, TFMoran, to incorporate “green” you see here. (To see more photos, visit www.neiwpcc. technology, such as porous pavement, into its devel- org/newsroom/200thphotos.) In many other respects, opment projects. (For details on our Climate Change though, the meeting in May was no different than any Initiative, see page 5.) other NEIWPCC Commission meeting; the focus was on • EPA New England Regional Administrator Robert the work being done and yet to be done. Below are some Varney, a frequent special guest at Commission Center of Attention NEIWPCC’s Commissioners listen as Roger of the highlights: meetings, spoke about his priorities, including step- Janson (second from left), Chief of EPA New England’s Municipal • NEIWPCC staff delivered presentations on some ping up enforcement against environmental violators NPDES Permit Program, leads a discussion on nutrient removal technology. At left is Tom Groves, of the projects covered in this report, such as (particularly in cases of data fraud) and an increased NEIWPCC’s Director of Wastewater the Mercury TMDL (see page 8), the Capacity, emphasis on monitoring of coastal beaches. He also and Onsite Programs. Management, Operations, and Maintenance project applauded the efforts being made by the Metropolitan (page 17), the New England Lakes and Ponds Study District Commission in Hartford, Connecticut, on (page 11), and our proposal to provide training and controlling combined sewer overflows that pollute technical assistance at wastewater treatment plants the Connecticut River. (See page 9 for details on our Study in Concentration Ron Poltak, involved in Connecticut’s nitrogen trading program extensive projects related to the Connecticut River.) NEIWPCC’s Executive Director since (Connecticut’s Department of Environmental 1983, focuses during a presentation at the meeting in Salem. The gathering was Protection later approved this proposal; see page 19). Since environmental programs and projects are only the seventy-fifth Commission meeting • NEIWPCC Executive Director Ron Poltak informed as strong as the funding to support them, budgetary since Ron began his association with the Commissioners of the status of several critical matters were also a topic of conversation at the May NEIWPCC in 1980 as a Commissioner pieces of legislation in Washington that could influ- gathering, as they are at any NEIWPCC meeting. During from New Hampshire. 4 •• ABuilding Legacy ofon Leadership a Legacy of Leadership

the Executive Committee session on May 17, each state longevity means that NEIWPCC’s staff is led by those with reviewed its environmental budget status, and similar to the experience to not only serve and assist our member what we heard throughout the year, the news was mixed. states, but to provide leadership on issues that demand it. While New York, for example, was adding environmen- It should be noted that in 2007, we did welcome one tal staff, Rhode Island was talking about layoffs for the new addition to our Commissioners’ slate: John Sayles, first time in many years. Regarding the federal budget, the deputy secretary of Vermont’s Agency of Natural which NEIWPCC carefully tracks for our member states, Resources, who represented the agency’s secretary, Ron Poltak pointed out that the federal government was George Crombie, at our meetings. The presence of a new working under a continuing resolution for the fiscal 2007 voice is always appreciated, and we are pleased that more budget. This meant some critical water programs, such new Commissioners are joining us in fiscal 2008. This as the Clean Water Revolving Fund, avoided cuts they periodic infusion of new perspectives is one source of would have sustained under President Bush’s proposed our strength. At the same time, we applaud and honor 2007 budget. But it also meant no earmarks, which while those who have displayed a long-term commitment to controversial, can also support legitimate needs. The lack our cause. One such person is Harry Stewart, Director of of earmarks in 2007, for example, meant our partners the Water Division of the New Hampshire Department of Partners in Progress Participants in NEIWPCC’s 200th Commission Meeting pose in the lobby of the Hawthorne Hotel. at the Lake Champlain Basin Program had to temporar- Environmental Services. A Commissioner since 1998, he Seated (left to right): Tom Groves, Becky Weidman, Beth Card, ily suspend their local implementation grants program. served as our Chair in 2006 and 2007. In December 2007, Susy King, Susan Sullivan (all NEIWPCC), Denise Springborg (The grants program, we are happy to report, is back in Stewart presided over his final meeting as NEIWPCC (formerly NEIWPCC, now MassDEP). Standing (left to right): action, thanks to the restoration of earmarks in the fiscal Chair, as Alicia Good formally assumed the post. Good, a Al Curran, Maine; Frank Thomas, N.H.; Bill Taylor, Maine; Leo 2008 budget.) longtime Commissioner herself, is the Assistant Director Hetling, N.Y.; Nelson Thibault, N.H.; Alicia Good, RI DEM; Charlie Button, Mass.; Astrid Hanzalek, Conn.; Dick Svenson, A key factor in the success of the May 2007 meeting of Water Resources at the Rhode Island Department NYSDOH; Sandi Allen, NYSDEC; Ron Poltak, NEIWPCC; and our meetings throughout the year was the par- of Environmental Management. She is the first female Jeanette Bengtson, NEIWPCC; Roger Janson, EPA; Bob Varney, ticipants; to a person, our Commissioners are highly Chair in NEIWPCC’s history—one more milestone in a EPA; Stephen Perkins, EPA; Clough Toppan, ME DHHS; Harry knowledgeable experts in their fields who all share two milestone year. Stewart, NHDES; Yvonne Bolton, CT DEP; Andy Fisk, ME DEP; traits—a passion for making progress on water quality, Les Sutton, Mass.; Don Pryor, R.I.; Mike Jennings, NEIWPCC; Al and an eagerness to engage in spirited dialogue about Bromberg, N.Y. PARTNERS IN PROTECTION the efforts to do so. That dialogue is all the more fruitful due to the consistency year-to-year in the faces around Besides our Commissioners and NEIWPCC staff, the table. For example, despite the changes in environ- NEIWPCC’s Executive Committee and Commission mental agency commissioners in Massachusetts, New meetings consistently feature one other key player: the Hampshire, and New York in fiscal 2007, their repre- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Representatives sentatives at NEIWPCC meetings remained the same. from EPA attended each of the meetings in fiscal 2007, This familiarity breeds mutual respect and strong rela- and their presence allowed for vital interaction with the tionships among individuals who, over the years, have states on potentially divisive issues. Our partnership with learned to count on each other for ideas and expertise. EPA is a strong one, and grants from the agency continue The consistency among NEIWPCC senior staff is also to fund the majority of our programs. It is a mutually a tremendous asset, as it inspires truly trustful relation- beneficial relationship, but it does not prevent us from ships between the Commissioners and those who manage joining with our states in constructive criticism of EPA NEIWPCC’s activities on a daily basis. In 2007, Executive actions and proposals when we and our states believe it Director Ron Poltak marked his twenty-fourth year with is warranted. We have found over the years that when Be Prepared Through our Climate Change Initiative, we will be NEIWPCC, Deputy Director Susan Sullivan marked we speak on behalf of our states, EPA listens. Of course, working with our member states to develop strategies for adapting her eighteenth year, Director of Wastewater and Onsite the vice versa is also true: when EPA has a viewpoint to to consequences from climate change, such as the potential for increased stormwater inflows to wastewater treatment plants. Programs Tom Groves his seventeenth, and Director express, our Commission meetings provide the forum to of Water Quality Programs Beth Card her ninth. This communicate it directly to our member states. TIMELINE: A LegacyGovernanceGoGovev rnrn ofann cecLeadership aandndd DDirectioniri eecctit onn • 5 • 5

In 2007, we also maintained our typically strong Director Ron Poltak serves on ASIWPCA’s board as the relationships with our sister interstate organizations, the representative of all interstate commissions. Maine DEP’s 1952 – 1956 Northeast States for Coordinated Air Use Management Andy Fisk, a NEIWPCC Commissioner, also serves on the • 1954 • (NESCAUM) and the New England Waste Management board as the representative of Region 1 (New England), • 1952 • The Commission Officials Association (NEWMOA). Executive Director and Sandi Allen, a longtime NEIWPCC Commissioner formally approves the Pawtucket River Basin Ron Poltak and Deputy Director Susan Sullivan met on from New York State, is Co-Chair along with Ron Poltak classification submitted by a quarterly basis with NESCAUM and NEWMOA senior of ASIWPCA’s State Funding and Legislation Task Force. Connecticut and Rhode staff to discuss issues of mutual concern and explore Beth Card, our Director of Water Quality Programs, is Island. In an editorial on July 31, the Providence opportunities for collaboration. Out of these talks grew Chair of ASIWPCA’s Legal Affairs Task Force. Our staff Journal raves: “Because the plan to work together on a series of documents and Commissioners take on such roles with ASIWPCA it represents the first describing the success of mercury reduction programs in and other organizations because they provide additional attempt at pollution control on an interstate the region. Details on this effort are on page 9. means of serving our states and leading the way on water basis anywhere in New NEIWPCC Commissioners discuss Our association with the Environment Committee management and protection. England, the stream the proposed classification for the of the New England Governors’ Conference continued classification program Connecticut River at a public meeting in proposed for the Springfield, Massachusetts. in 2007, and at a meeting early in the year attended by TAKING THE INITIATIVE ON CLIMATE CHANGE Pawtucket River Basin the environmental agency commissioners of all six New is tremendously important.” England states, Executive Director Ron Poltak urged the As recently as five years ago, it’s unlikely you would have • 1953 • NEIWPCC approves more classifications, including commissioners to share their air and water priorities with heard the term “climate change” uttered at a NEIWPCC one for the Quinebaug River Basin that reveals the extent Washington. The response was positive, and NEIWPCC Commission meeting. How things have changed. of work to be done. In virtually every upper section of the Quinebaug and French Rivers, the present class is at least assisted in the drafting, review, and submission to Capitol Amid evidence that global temperatures are rising at an one class below the approved highest use. In a sign of Hill of a letter signed by the commissioners that clearly alarming rate, climate change has rapidly become an issue progress, NEIWPCC analysis shows that since 1949, more spelled out the region’s environmental priorities: air of growing concern in our region—and a very real issue than $106 million has been spent on building wastewater pollution, including interstate transport pollutants and for NEIWPCC, our member states, and all involved in treatment plants in the region. mercury; climate and energy; water quality, including sus- protecting our water resources and related infrastructure. • 1954 • Membership in the Commission is complete as Maine tainable water and wastewater infrastructure, and “build- The expected climactic changes in the Northeast becomes a signatory to the Compact. After extensive sampling, Massachusetts and Connecticut submit and ing on our successes,” including further reduction of include changes in precipitation patterns and amounts, receive NEIWPCC approval for the classification of New in-region sources of mercury and expanded flexibility for temperature rise, sea level rise, reduced snowpack and a England’s major interstate waterway, the Connecticut innovative approaches to environmental protection. This shorter snow season, and increased frequency and severity River. The Commissioners urge the establishment of a national policy for developing and conserving water letter was accompanied by detailed comments on EPA’s of extreme weather events. The degree of these changes resources, but legislation to do so stalls in Congress. Draft Fiscal 2008 National Program Manager’s Guidance, will determine the severity of their impacts, but potential • 1955 • Although approval of interstate water classifications and one of those comments—on the need to clarify the water-related effects include increased water demand, remains NEIWPCC’s main function, activities continue documentation of environmental improvement associ- altered streamflow, degraded water quality, saltwater to expand with projects underway in public relations, ated with Section 404 wetlands permits—resulted in revi- intrusion of coastal aquifers, drought, and coastal flooding. radioactive waste control, and boat pollution control. Industrial waste research remains a priority, with NEIWPCC sions by EPA. And the possibility of climate change impacts worries publishing a study on reducing pollution from synthetic Throughout the year, NEIWPCC played an active role more than just scientists and policymakers; a recent survey fiber mills. The Commission’s quarterly newsletter is sent in many organizations, including the National Onsite showed that a large majority of the nation’s wastewater to nearly 1,000 subscribers at pollution control and water resource agencies throughout the world.. Wastewater Recycling Association (see page 21) and the treatment plant managers are concerned about an increase Association of State and Interstate Water Pollution Control in stormwater inflows due to climate change. • 1956 • To address growing concerns about the discharge of sewage from boats, NEIWPCC sponsors a conference of Administrators (ASIWPCA), which after a brief period of At the request of our member states, NEIWPCC pollution control agencies, boat builders, marine equipment instability is once again playing a crucial role in promoting launched a Climate Change Initiative in 2007 to keep our makers, and yachting interests at the National Motor communication and collaboration among state, interstate, member states apprised of developments in this arena and Boat Show. Attendees endorse a statement calling on states to consider requiring sewage treatment devices on and territorial officials who work to protect and improve to pursue regional approaches to climate change-related boats. NEIWPCC analysis shows that 61 percent of the total water quality. NEIWPCC’s 2006-2007 Chair Harry issues. As part of this effort, NEIWPCC is establishing population of sewered communities in the region are served Stewart is currently ASIWPCA’s president, and Executive a Climate Change Workgroup, made up of state water by wastewater treatment plants, up from 39 percent ten years earlier. 6 • ABuilding Legacy on of aLeadership Legacy of Leadership

TRACKING THE ACTION ON CAPITOL HILL Every year NEIWPCC carefully program and climate change program staff, and staff from tracks developing legislation that is important to our member states and could have a direct impact on water federal agencies including EPA and the U.S. Geological programs. In fiscal 2007, many bills caught our eye in terms of potentially supporting or hindering efforts that fall Survey. The workgroup will examine options for climate under our priorities. At the time this report went to print, most of these bills were in limbo, having been neither change mitigation—that is, reducing the greenhouse gases defeated nor successfully pushed through the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives. Below is a sample of what responsible for climate change, so that less change occurs. we watched in 2007 and in most cases are still watching: While general mitigation strategies are being addressed HR 720: The “Water Quality Financing Act of 2007” reauthorizes the Clean Water State Revolving Fund by by larger regional, national, and global efforts, we will be authorizing appropriations under the Clean Water Act. (The CWSRF provides low-interest loans for water quality exploring opportunities to reduce greenhouse gas emis- projects.) Representative Oberstar (D-MN) introduced the bill in January 2007, and the House passed it a month sions from the water sector. The workgroup will also focus later. It was subsequently referred to the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works. The bill, which has on critical ways for adapting current water resources policy 32 cosponsors, authorizes appropriations of $14 billion over four years for the capitalization of state revolving funds. and management to the climate change that is inevitable, HR 569: The “Water Quality Investment Act of 2007” provides $1.8 billion over five years in grants for projects regardless of mitigation efforts. Through the workgroup, that reduce sanitary sewer overflows. Representative Pascrell (D-NJ) introduced the bill in January 2007, and it has NEIWPCC will work with our member states to develop a since been referred to the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works. The bill amends the Federal Water set of recommendations that can provide the framework Pollution Control Act by authorizing appropriations for sewer overflow control grants as follows: $250 million in fiscal for state and regional adaptive water resources manage- 2008, $300 million in fiscal 2009, $350 million in fiscal 2010, $400 million in fiscal 2011, and $500 million in fiscal ment strategies. To do so, we will rely heavily on the climate 2012. The bill has 19 cosponsors including several from the Northeast. change expertise of the regional research universities, such HR 2421: The “Clean Water Restoration Act of 2007” amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to clarify as the University of New Hampshire and UMass Amherst. the jurisdiction of the federal government over the nation’s waters. Currently, the act states that waters must be While the initiative is our most prominent effort “navigable” for there to be federal jurisdiction; the bill strikes the term “navigable” and provides a new definition for related to climate change, it is not our only one. For years, what is considered a “water of the United States.” Representative Oberstar (D-MN) introduced the bill in the House NEIWPCC has held training sessions on reducing energy in May 2007. Two months later, Senator Feingold (D-WI) introduced a companion piece (S.1870) in the Senate with usage at wastewater treatment plants, primarily because of 19 cosponsors, including eight from NEIWPCC’s member states. Hearings in the House sparked a national debate the cost savings. (EPA and the Department of Energy esti- on whether the bill was overly broad in expanding federal jurisdiction and whether it provided the intended mate about $4 billion is spent annually for energy costs to clarification. That debate is ongoing. run drinking water and wastewater utilities.) Those train- S.2191: “America’s Climate Security Act of 2007” would establish a federal program for controlling greenhouse ing sessions take on all the more meaning now that there gas emissions substantially enough by 2050 to prevent catastrophic climate change-related events. This would is a powerful environmental incentive: by reducing energy be done through an emissions cap-and-trade approach. Senator Lieberman (ID-CT) introduced the bill to the usage, we reduce emissions of the greenhouse gas carbon Environment and Public Works Committee, which passed it in December 2007. The bill went to the full Senate, with dioxide, which is released when fossil fuels are burned supporters hoping for passage in 2008 but recognizing it may be more feasible to wait until 2009 when there is a to create electricity. In fiscal 2007, our Environmental new administration. Training Center held two forums for wastewater treat- S.843: The “Comprehensive National Mercury Monitoring Act” was introduced by Senator Collins (R-ME) on ment plant managers and regulatory officials on strategies behalf of herself and Senators Lieberman (ID-CT) and Clinton (D-NY) in March 2007 and has been referred to the for cutting energy use (for more on all our training pro- Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. The legislation declares that more than 630,000 children born grams, see page 18). We also worked closely with EPA on each year in the United States are exposed to elevated methylmercury in the womb and are at risk of impaired planning and cosponsoring two workshops on innovative neurological development. To combat this problem, the bill provides for the establishment of a national mercury energy management that were held in fiscal 2008. monitoring program. The introduction of the legislation occurred just before NEIWPCC’s public release of the At our Commission meeting in May, EPA’s Stephen Northeast Regional Mercury TMDL (see page 8). The two efforts share a similar theme and message. Perkins announced that EPA New England had challenged HR 1495: The “Water Resources Development Act of 2007” provides for the conservation and development of municipalities across the region to improve their energy water resources by authorizing the Secretary of the Army to construct various projects for improvements to the efficiency by 10 percent in public buildings, including nation’s rivers and harbors. This includes a number of projects and studies in the Northeast, including flood damage drinking water and wastewater treatment plants. It is a reduction in the Blackstone River basin and channel navigation improvements in Fall River Harbor. The House and goal we wholeheartedly endorse, and one we are helping Senate passed the bill, and after President Bush vetoed it, both bodies of Congress successfully overrode the veto. to achieve through our training sessions. The water project authorization bill became Public Law No. 110-114 on November 8, 2007. Governance and Direction • 7

SUSTAINING OUR INFRASTRUCTURE quality management into the work we do ourselves or any contractor does for us. In fiscal 2007, we revised The aging of America’s drinking water and wastewater our Quality Management Plan (QMP), which describes infrastructure, much of which was built in the first decade NEIWPCC’s system for implementing, documenting, and of NEIWPCC’s existence, has been well documented. assessing data collection to ensure the data is scientifically Thankfully, the issue is also getting serious attention in valid, defensible, and of known and acceptable precision Washington. In one recent sign of progress, Congressional and accuracy. The new QMP incorporates a two-stage leaders asked the Government Accountability Office to self-assessment program for all NEIWPCC staff and a look at ways to finance a Clean Water Trust Fund that more formalized field audit process. In December 2006, would provide at least $10 billion a year to maintain and EPA approved the plan for use through 2011. upgrade wastewater treatment and collection systems. Our commitment to quality extends into financial The GAO has until January 2009 to deliver its report. management, in which we excel thanks to the efforts At NEIWPCC, we have long been aware of the need of Comptroller Linda Agostinelli and her support staff, for action. In 2006, our Executive Committee expressed Going Green NEIWPCC has formed a Sustainability Committee at and Treasurer Dick Kotelly. In 2007, they did what they our Lowell headquarters to implement policies and practices to make support for the establishment of an infrastructure trust have done for years; that is, track our financial transac- our workplace more environmentally friendly. Committee members fund. And throughout fiscal 2007, NEIWPCC staff kept tions with extreme precision and timeliness, allowing are working to reduce waste and energy use through a variety of our Commissioners informed of developments on the initiatives. Committee members include (left to right) Beth Card, our projects and programs to proceed with a thorough, issue. In a sign of our commitment to finding solutions, Kerry Strout, Susy King, Susan Sullivan, and Michelle Lendway. accurate understanding of their financial foundation. If NEIWPCC joined with EPA in sponsoring a “Sustainable anyone needed proof of the high quality of their work, Infrastructure Forum” in Groton, Connecticut, on April it came at the May Commission Meeting. Dick Kotelly 30-May 1, 2007. The forum brought together senior offi- delivered the results of our fiscal 2006 audit, in which cials and decision-makers from across the region for a the auditors once again gave us the highest opinion an series of discussions on how to promote sustainable organization can receive. practices that will help reduce the current massive gap Even our internal activities in 2007 revealed our between the funds needed to improve our infrastructure quality-driven approach. For example, our staff crafted a and the available monies. At the forum, the attendees detailed, closely reviewed emergency response plan that discussed ideas and experiences, with a particular focus meticulously describes how NEIWPCC will respond and on understanding the financial obstacles and how to continue to function in the event of a crisis that affects potentially overcome them, the need for improved com- operations. And we continued to emphasize the impor- munication with elected officials, and the necessity of tance of internal communications in structured set- energy efficiency. While nobody has all the answers on tings. NEIWPCC’s senior staff met on a monthly basis to Commanding Presence Former EPA Assistant Administrator how to rehabilitate and replace the Northeast’s declining for Water G. Tracy Mehan delivers an address at the Sustainable review projects and assess progress, the entire staff in our infrastructure so future generations aren’t saddled with Infrastructure Forum in Groton, Conn., which was cosponsored by Lowell headquarters met bi-monthly, and NEIWPCC an exorbitant bill, it is forums like this that generate the NEIWPCC and EPA. Mehan is now a principal with the Cadmus staff throughout our member states took part in our Group, a Boston-based consulting firm. right questions and inspire the search for solutions. annual two-day All-Staff Meeting in June. These meet- ings promote open discussions between staff, provide High Marks COMMITMENT TO QUALITY opportunities for feedback and constructive criticism on At the NEIWPCC projects and plans, and underscore NEIWPCC’s drive to In the pages that follow, you will read about the many Commission consistently fulfill our organizational vision—to take a Meeting in May, projects that NEIWPCC was involved in during fiscal proactive leadership role on regional and national issues our Treasurer 2007, and many of those projects generate environmental while developing and implementing water programs Dick Kotelly data—data that can drive critical decisions on water delivers the complementary to and supportive of the statutes, goals, issues. How do we ensure the data is of the very highest impressive results and programs of our member states, EPA, and other quality? By thoroughly integrating a strict process of from our fiscal federal, state, and local entities. 2006 audit. While the quality of the waters in our member states has been NEIWPCC’s focus since our founding, it would have been impossible for our first Commissioners to have conceived of how vast and complex the field of water quality Water Quality has become. Our Water Quality staff concentrate on a wide range of threats and potential solutions, and one of the threats to emerge in recent years as demanding of serious attention—the atmospheric deposition of mercury—was the target of one of NEIWPCC’s most significant projects of the year. The Northeast Regional Mercury TMDL and the rest of the achievements of our Water Quality staff are documented in the following pages. As the volume of work shows, fiscal 2007 was a very busy year.

MERCURY As fiscal 2007 drew to a close, NEIWPCC’s Water river miles are impaired for fish consumption due to Quality staff were working intensely on coordinating mercury pollution. But one TMDL covering the entire the development of the final draft of a plan that was region, rather than multiple TMDLs for individual water nearly two years in the making—the Northeast Regional bodies, was different—though not entirely unique. A Mercury TMDL. After several more weeks of tweaking, plan covering an entire state, the Minnesota Statewide the plan was in its final, finished form. On October Mercury TMDL, had been approved by EPA in March 24, 2007, NEIWPCC and the Northeast states officially 2007, so the precedent had been set for a TMDL on a submitted the plan to EPA. The TMDL, which stands for larger scale. Total Maximum Daily Load, identifies specific steps to be The TMDL calls for mercury reductions in the region taken to reduce mercury in the region’s waters. to occur in three phases, corresponding with the goals Briefing Sessions NEIWPCC’s Susy King (left) and Beth Card The need for the effort was clear: mercury, a known of the Mercury Action Plan endorsed by the Conference (right), our Director of Water Quality Programs, explained neurotoxin, primarily originates from air pollution of the New England Governors and Eastern Canadian the Northeast Regional Mercury TMDL during eight public sources such as coal-fired power plants, and once in the Premiers (NEG-ECP) Committee on the Environment. informational meetings held throughout our region after the release of a draft version of the plan on April 11, 2007. Fourteen groups air, it over time falls into surface waters or onto land, In Phase I, which began in 1998 and ended in 2003, we commented on the draft, and after making revisions based on the where it can be carried by runoff into waterways—a required reductions of 50 percent. Phase II runs from feedback, we submitted the final version to EPA, which ultimately phenomenon known as atmospheric deposition. In the 2003 to 2010, and has a reduction goal of 75 percent. approved the TMDL. water, bacteria convert the metal to methylmercury, Phase III begins in 2010, but its final reduction goal and Identifying the Sources a form that bioaccumulates in fish. When we eat the end date won’t be determined until Phase II is complete As a next step in our work fish, we’re exposed to the toxic mercury inside. Despite and all relevant data evaluated. Within the region, the on mercury, NEIWPCC our states’ success in reducing mercury emitted by in- reductions would be achieved by states continuing on has contracted with region sources, the levels of mercury in Northeast waters their successful mercury reduction paths (see next page). our sister interstate remained dangerously high. The main culprit: deposition As for the rest of the country, the TMDL asks EPA to agency, the Northeast of mercury from sources outside the region. enact a rule that would require 90 percent mercury States for Coordinated Air Use Management The Northeast states had long been aware of this control from all coal-fired power plants as a first step. (NESCAUM), to conduct problem, but with the TMDL, we were trying a powerful On December 20, 2007, came the news we’d been a study to further pinpoint new tactic. That a TMDL was needed wasn’t a question; waiting for: EPA had officially approved the plan. Then where the mercury that the Clean Water Act requires that states develop TMDLs, later in fiscal 2008 came the word that a federal court had lands in Northeast waters which specify the maximum amount of a pollutant a vacated the Clean Air Mercury Rule and ordered EPA to is coming from, and how much of the mercury in our water body can receive and still meet its water quality rework its mercury rules for utilities. It all provided new waters can be attributed standards, for all impaired waters. And in the Northeast, hope that someday everyone will once again be able to to those sources. The study over 10,000 lakes, ponds, and reservoirs, and over 46,000 safely eat fish caught in the waters of the Northeast. will be completed in fiscal 2008. TIMELINE: A Legacy of Leadership • 9

Success Stories CONNECTICUT RIVER In conjunction with 1957 – 1961 In a coastal ecosystem, excess nitrogen can cause an the development increase in the growth of algae, leading to low levels of • 1960 • of the Northeast dissolved oxygen in the water and as a result numerous • 1957 • The total of approved Regional Mercury interstate water classifications water quality problems, including fish kills. This is TMDL, NEIWPCC rises to 11 with NEIWPCC’s precisely what has been happening in the western portion approval of the classification and our sister of Long Island Sound, and it has led to an extensive submitted by Massachusetts interstate agencies, and Rhode Island for the effort to reduce nitrogen flowing to the Sound from all the Northeast States Blackstone River. The sources, including its largest source of freshwater—the length of the river from for Coordinated Air Connecticut River. Worcester to Grafton earns Use Management a present condition of Over the last decade, NEIWPCC has worked with (NESCAUM) and Class E—unsatisfactory the Long Island Sound Study and our member states waters that represent the Northeast NEIWPCC Executive Secretary Joseph to develop a nitrogen reduction strategy for the upper “nuisance conditions”— Waste Management but the approved highest Knox (left) looks on as Maine’s Governor Connecticut River basin—that is, the Massachusetts, New John Reed signs legislation classifying Officials’ Association (NEWMOA), collaborated to use of Class D means the waters of the Piscataqua River Basin. Hampshire, and Vermont portion of the Connecticut treatment facilities must produce four reports that document the impressive results River watershed. From 2003 to 2005, we worked with the be built to upgrade of regional mercury reduction programs. The report seen the river’s water quality. Amid U.S. Geological Survey to regularly sample 13 tributary, above, Northeast States Succeed in Reducing Mercury in the a surge in use of atomic energy and nuclear three mainstem, and 10 municipal and paper wastewater materials, NEIWPCC’s Technical Advisory Board coordinates Environment, provides an overview of the innovative and treatment facilities in the river’s upper basin; results put the monitoring of interstate waters for possible radiological effective programs that are resulting in tangible, significant contamination. the estimated annual nitrogen load leaving the upper progress on reducing mercury from in-region sources. basin at 21.6 million pounds per year. In fiscal 2007, USGS • 1958 • A standard for radioactivity is added to NEIWPCC’s The other three reports go into greater detail about the standards of quality for interstate waters. For all classes, it continued this monitoring effort at six locations in the accomplishments in the air, water, and waste arenas. All states, “Within limits approved by the appropriate state Connecticut River watershed. During the year, USGS also agency with consideration of possible adverse effects… four reports can be accessed at NEIWPCC’s mercury web fine-tuned, with the help of NEIWPCC, a journal article from discharge of radioactive wastes.” NEIWPCC publishes page (www.neiwpcc.org/mercury). a report on the treatment of textile waste; the report is on a related study that the two organizations completed distributed to all textile mills in the region. in 2005. That study estimated the amount of nitrogen Mercury-Fish Workgroup entering the upper basin that is lost through natural • 1959 • A public meeting in Farmington, Connecticut, on the NEIWPCC’s Mercury-Fish Workgroup met twice in our proposed classification of the Farmington River Basin draws processes as it travels to Long Island Sound. Results a crowd of 150 people. A month later, NEIWPCC approves Lowell headquarters in fiscal 2007, as it has every year the classification. At the request of NEIWPCC, the federal since we formed the group in 2004. The workgroup is Public Health Service begins a study of the problems made up of representatives from our states’ environmental resulting from oil spills, sewage pollution, and other and public health agencies, as well as staff from EPA discharges from Navy ships and large commercial vessels. Regions 1 and 2. • 1960 • With slow progress being made on classifying the The meeting agendas covered a range of issues, but stretches of the Connecticut River in New Hampshire and Vermont, NEIWPCC adopts a pollution abatement statement one frequent topic of discussion was how to evaluate the that sets minimum standards for treatment by Connecticut effectiveness of efforts to get out the word to the public on River communities in the two states. Approval of the statewide fish consumption advisories, which have been classification of the Piscataqua River Basin means NEIWPCC has approved classifications for waters in 18 of the 27 issued for all of the New England states. In particular, the interstate drainage basins in the Compact area. workgroup members shared their insights on developing • 1961 • NEIWPCC’s Technical Advisory Board begins drafting a materials for posting at fish counters at supermarkets. guide for the design of sewage works, a forerunner of what Effectively publicizing fish consumption advisories is will become the Commission’s most requested publication critical when you consider mercury’s toxic nature and the (TR-16). The goal of the guide is to establish uniformity of practice among NEIWPCC’s member states to help the seriousness of the health threat it poses, particularly to engineers who prepare plans and the regulatory agencies developing fetuses. that decide whether to approve them. 10 • Building on a Legacy of Leadership

and associated costs for the different scenarios; the result LEGAL EXPERTISE Beth Card, NEIWPCC’s Director of Water was a series of cost curves depicting the cost per pound Quality Programs, is also a licensed attorney in Massachusetts, and the Commission of nitrogen removed for various BMP implementation has greatly benefited from her acumen in legal matters. Beth is often called upon scenarios. to review the language in contracts and to provide a legal perspective on NEIWPCC All of the results from the work described above will projects and programs. She is also a regular contributor to NEIWPCC’s newsletter play a vital role in assessing nitrogen reduction targets Interstate Water Report as the writer of the “LegalLines” column, which provides in the revised Long Island Sound TMDL for dissolved clear, in-depth analysis of water-related legal developments. oxygen, which is expected to be completed in 2009. For The value of Beth’s legal erudition hasn’t gone unnoticed outside the organization more information about AVGWLF, or to download a either. As mentioned earlier in this report, she chairs the Legal Affairs Task Force of copy of the model, visit www.neiwpcc.org/AVGWLF. the Association of State and Interstate Water Pollution Control Administrators. And in fiscal 2007, she participated on a panel with attorneys from across the country at the National Association of Clean Water Agencies’ (NACWA) Clean Water Law Seminar. The WETLANDS panel reviewed the watershed approach to monitoring, management, reporting, and There are many types of wetlands—swamps, bogs, enforcement, and discussed how it can be made legal and workable for all parties. marshes, and vernal pools, to name just a few—but they all have one thing in common: they play a critical role in ecosystems, and hence must be preserved and protected. Timely Topic Attendees showed little or no nitrogen attenuation in the study areas Unfortunately, all too often that hasn’t happened. It’s listen to a during the spring high-flow months, but in the summer, estimated that the lower 48 states have lost more than presentation at when the river’s flow was lower, roughly 18 percent of half of their wetlands since colonial times. NEIWPCC’s the Vulnerable the nitrogen entering the system in a specific stretch of member states have long understood the need for Wetlands the river was lost due to natural in-stream processes. The wetlands protection and restoration, and through our Forum, held on November article on the study is expected to be published in the Wetlands Workgroup, we support and augment the 9, 2006, in journal Biogeochemistry in 2008. states’ efforts. Westford, Mass. The USGS studies also played a role in perhaps the The workgroup is comprised of wetlands staff from Organized by most significant development related to the Connecticut our member states, our federal partners (EPA, U.S. NEIWPCC, the forum examined the latest science and policy regarding River during the year—the completion and refinement Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, vernal pools and headwater wetlands, a compelling subject after the of the watershed-scale model known as the Northeast and the National Resources Conservation Service), June 2006 Supreme Court ruling that cast doubt over the way wetlands are regulated under the Clean Water Act. AVGWLF (Generalized Watershed Loading Function and partners from regional universities and wetlands with an ArcView GIS interface). NEIWPCC collaborated organizations. The group met three times in fiscal 2007, Fitting Role Kerry Strout, a with Dr. Barry Evans from Pennsylvania State University and two topics that generated a great deal of discussion NEIWPCC Environmental and our member states to develop the model, which were the United States Supreme Court decision on the Analyst and coordinator of all was completed in early fiscal 2007 and is intended to landmark wetlands case, Rapanos et al v. United States, our wetlands programs, was named a non-voting member help support TMDL and nonpoint source pollution and the proposed national wetlands mapping standard. of the board of the Association programs in the region. Shortly after it was completed, In the Rapanos case, the Court ruled in 2006 that of State Wetland Managers. our Connecticut River Workgroup worked with Dr. regulators may have misinterpreted the federal Clean Strout is the only board member Evans to utilize the model in the development of the Water Act when they refused to allow two Michigan representing a region rather Connecticut River nitrogen reduction strategy. Using property owners to build on wetlands they own. In than a state. Also on the board the USGS data, the workgroup recalibrated AVGWLF for June 2007, EPA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers are NH DES’s Collis Adams and VT DEC’s Alan Quackenbush, the Connecticut River basin, then examined various best released guidance to address questions about Clean both of whom are members management practice (BMP) implementation scenarios Water Act jurisdiction raised by the Rapanos decision. of NEIWPCC’s Wetlands and their impacts on nitrogen loading to the river. The In our workgroup discussions, it was obvious the states Workgroup, which Strout workgroup studied both nitrogen reduction efficiencies felt the guidance didn’t provide the clear direction they’d coordinates. Water Quality • 11 been hoping for. In January 2008, NEIWPCC submitted STUDIES a comment letter to EPA representing the views of our member states, who feel the guidance needs additional Lakes and Ponds clarifying language to adequately advise federal agencies As the days grew shorter in the fall of 2007, staff at the EPA New England Regional Laboratory and regional and states on how to proceed in determining jurisdiction collaborators from state agencies and universities put away their gear for the winter, having sampled over waters of the United States. over 100 lakes and ponds in the region as part of two studies. In 2007, the New England Lakes and Ponds The states’ views were far more favorable on the Study, otherwise known as NELAP, entered its second year of sampling, while EPA’s National Lakes Assessment proposed national wetlands mapping standard released (NLA) completed its first and only year of sampling. NEIWPCC is a partner in both studies, which share the by the Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC). same goal—to assess the health of lakes and ponds using a statistically-valid sampling design—but the scale The intent of the standard is to 1) streamline mapping is different: NELAP is regional, while NLA is national in scope. efforts for greater consistency and efficiency as mapping During the summer of 2007, scientists visited each of the selected lakes and ponds, and collected water and technology shifts from paper-based map products to sediment samples that were analyzed for a suite of nutrients, chemicals, metals, and other constituents. The technology-based products, 2) facilitate consistent scientists also made a visual observation of each site, noting the presence of invasive species, development, and mapping layers that can be used across geopolitical other relevant biological and man-made features. The sampling techniques for both the national and regional and watershed boundaries, and 3) assure long-term study are almost identical, so in many cases one sample sufficed for both studies. usability of the data and minimize the need for revisions The NLA sampling was completed during the summer of 2007; EPA is expected to release a report and updates over time. Our member states agreed to documenting the results in 2009. Sampling for the NELAP study will be finished in 2008. The results of both comment on the standard as it potentially impacts the studies will identify trends in ecosystem health as well as provide a snapshot of the current status of lakes and way wetlands are mapped at a state and regional level. ponds in this region and the nation. As our November 2007 letter stated, the states find it beneficial to have a consistent approach to mapping Connecticut Stream Flow wetlands for interstate comparison purposes, so that In recent years, many states have begun work that will provide the necessary information to balance uses they can be regulated and managed properly. Currently, of water resources with protection of the ecological integrity of river systems. States are working toward this consistency is lacking and the states are concerned establishing in-stream flow requirements that will protect rivers—that is, stream flows of a particular that the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, which magnitude, frequency, and timing that will ensure a river system remains environmentally healthy. is responsible for mapping U.S. wetlands, does not have Throughout 2007, NEIWPCC continued to support a study that began the previous year to improve the resources necessary to update the National Wetlands the understanding of low flow characteristics in Connecticut streams. The Connecticut office of the Inventory on a continual basis. U.S. Geological Survey used existing streamflow data to calculate flow durations, low flow frequencies, and monthly median stream flows. Data were used from 91 stream gaging stations that had at least ten years of Regional Support recorded data. This is the first phase of a three-phase project that will provide critical information to be used NEIWPCC continued to play an active role in the New England Biological Assessment of Wetlands Workgroup by state and local governments in making decisions about the use of water resources. NEIWPCC is working (NEBAWWG), in which state and federal wetland with USGS in 2008 to support the remaining phases of the project. managers and academic scientists work together to improve how we biologically evaluate the health of the region’s wetlands. NEIWPCC staff worked closely with During the NEBAWWG annual meeting, the group in Lowell, Mass., and attracted more than 40 attendees the staff of our member states and EPA to develop an suggested that NEIWPCC organize and host two technical from across the region. The session with John Mack will agenda and coordinate preparations for NEBAWWG’s trainings: a National Wetlands Inventory training with take place in May 2008 at the Wells National Estuarine annual meeting in March 2007 in West Dover, Vermont. Ralph Tiner of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and an Research Reserve in Wells, Maine. The meeting, which was held in conjunction with the Ohio Rapid Assessment Method (ORAM) training with Through our NEBAWWG funding from EPA New England Association of Environmental Biologists, John Mack from Ohio EPA. The Ralph Tiner session, Region 1, NEIWPCC also provides much needed travel featured presentations by our member states and staff entitled “New Developments in Wetlands Mapping: assistance to wetlands staff in our member states, from EPA headquarters. Regionally and Nationally,” took place in October 2007 allowing them to go to regional and national meetings. 12 • Building on a Legacy of Leadership

For example, our travel support allowed eight state Through our workgroups and related outreach staff to attend the National Wetlands Monitoring and activities, NEIWPCC is facilitating a dialogue between Assessment Workgroup (NWMAWG) Meeting in the Stormwater Center and watershed stakeholders. Kansas City, Missouri, in September 2007. One recipient, We present our Stormwater and Nonpoint Source Jan Smith, executive director of the Massachusetts Bays Workgroup members with important findings and Program, sent us a note revealing how much our support is results from the center, while collecting and compiling appreciated in the states. “Thank you for the opportunity feedback from workgroup members on the needs and to attend the [NWMAWG] meeting,” Smith wrote. “It goals of state programs regarding stormwater research, added significantly to my effort to move forward with education, training, and outreach. the development of a RAM [rapid assessment method] “Input on the current and pressing research needs for New England coastal wetlands.” from state and federal regulators in this region is imperative to helping the center remain focused on the most critical research areas,” says Dr. Robert Roseen, the STORMWATER Stormwater Center’s director. Listening and Learning One of the field trips offered at the NEIWPCC’s Stormwater Workgroup is among our most But this relationship is not just about communication. annual Nonpoint Source Pollution Conference took attendees active and engaged workgroups, and for good reason: the In fiscal 2007, U.S. EPA awarded funds to NEIWPCC to the University of Rhode Island Onsite Wastewater Training problems caused by stormwater runoff are particularly for a project with the Stormwater Center to investigate Center. Here, George Loomis, the center’s director, explains one of acute in heavily populated areas, of which there are the nutrient removal mechanisms of constructed gravel the systems used during its training programs. many in NEIWPCC’s member states. As rainwater and wetlands used for stormwater control in a northern snowmelt move across hard, impervious surfaces such climate. NEIWPCC is managing the project and providing as streets and parking lots, the water picks up pollutants input from state and federal regulators for overall project and carries them to water bodies or sewer systems direction. The center is providing technical expertise and that discharge to surface water. It is a problem that is oversight of the project, with its researchers utilizing not easily solved, and in fiscal 2007, our Stormwater the constructed gravel wetlands at the center’s field site Workgroup met four times to discuss everything from and directing the laboratory analysis of samples. Both best management practices to a study on the effects organizations will disseminate the results of the project of road salt on water quality in the northern United in the technology transfer phase. States. Guest speakers were common: at the meeting on May 9, 2007, for example, a concrete industry expert NONPOINT SOURCE POLLUTION spoke about the use of pervious concrete as a means of reducing stormwater runoff volume. Many types of urban and agricultural runoff fall under While our coordination of the Stormwater Workgroup the umbrella term of nonpoint source pollution, meaning is a key aspect of our work in this arena, it is far from that unlike polluted discharge that comes from a discrete everything. In 2007, we strengthened our partnership with conveyance and can be traced to a specific source, the the University of New Hampshire Stormwater Center. pollution comes from many diffuse sources. Often it’s Located in Durham, N.H., the center is the only facility of hard to pinpoint exactly where the contamination is its kind in the nation. Its mission: to further the research coming from. That makes controlling NPS pollution and development of stormwater treatment systems and a particularly complex challenge. In most states, NPS to provide resources to communities that are designing pollution is the leading remaining cause of water quality Expert Advice Ralph Tiner of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife and implementing measures to meet federal stormwater problems. At NEIWPCC, there is no doubt of our Service, a nationally recognized wetlands expert, leads regulations. Currently, the center is conducting side-by- commitment to finding solutions. a NEIWPCC-sponsored training session on wetlands side comparison tests of 15 stormwater management For the eighteenth consecutive year, we coordinated mapping. Tiner has more than 30 years of experience in mapping and delineating wetlands. systems, under strictly controlled conditions. the Annual NPS Conference, bringing together all those TIMELINE: A Legacy of LeadershipWaterWaW tee r QuQQualityalaliti y • 1313 in the Northeast and beyond involved in NPS pollution practices at the UNH Stormwater Center. In late management, including participants from state, 2007, the NPS workgroup took to the road to tour the 1962 – 1966 • 1962 • federal, and municipal governments; the private sector; stormwater treatments at a demonstration workshop at academia; and watershed organizations. The conference, the Stormwater Center. • 1962 • NEIWPCC publishes which was held on May 21-23, attracted some 175 Guides for Sewage Works Design as well as attendees, a considerable increase over the previous year. NPDES an Operating Manual We must give the location some of the credit; the setting for Small, Extended for the conference rotates among our member states and Since the creation of the National Pollutant Discharge Aeration, Activated Sludge Treatment in 2007, it was held in scenic Newport, Rhode Island, Elimination System (NPDES) in 1972, all facilities— Plants. The latter is with the Rhode Island Department of Environmental industrial, municipal, or other—have had to obtain distributed to plant Management serving as co-host. But the compelling coverage under a NPDES permit in order to discharge operators, pollution control agencies, agenda was also a major factor. The conference carried pollutants from a point source directly into surface consulting engineers, A researcher in Vermont poses beside the theme “Seeking New Solutions to Old Problems: The waters. It’s a program that’s been responsible for and technical libraries. the state’s mobile laboratory, which was Nonpoint Source Program at 20 Years” and a diverse array significant improvements to our nation’s water quality— Demand is so great being used in the classification work on the that a second printing Batten Kill River. NEIWPCC approved the classification in 1965. of sessions focused on innovative NPS solutions. The but there’s room for improvement. Too many facilities is necessary. conference addressed several critical questions including: across the country are discharging pollutants into water • 1963 • The Secretary of What are the right tools for controlling NPS pollution? bodies without an up-to-date version of their NPDES Health, Education, and Welfare calls for a What can we do differently? What are the challenges, old permit. And we continue to hear from our member conference to address his concerns that pollution in the New and new, in our watersheds? Field trip options included states that existing NPDES measures and processes are Hampshire portion of the Androscoggin River is affecting the health of residents in Maine. NEIWPCC, New Hampshire, and a tour of several sites in the Providence area showcasing not addressing environmental priorities. Maine refuse to participate, claiming insufficient time to innovative urban best management practices. Scott Wolf, To help address the concerns, NEIWPCC worked in prepare. After the conference, NEIWPCC’s Chair presents HEW executive director of Grow Smart Rhode Island, delivered fiscal 2007 on planning a one-day NPDES Innovations with a statement concurring with Maine and New Hampshire the keynote address. Workshop, with the assistance of EPA, Connecticut DEP, that an “orderly interstate program” is already in place to control pollution on the Androscoggin. In a letter of response to In 2008, the Connecticut Department of Environ- and New York State DEC staff. The idea was to bring NEIWPCC, HEW says the program for the river meets pollution mental Protection is our co-host for the conference, together staff from all our member states to explore control requirements. which will stress the importance of partnerships and ways to streamline the permitting process and optimize • 1964 • The Commission enters into an agreement to conduct integrated programs among local, regional, state, environmental outcomes. After months of planning, the a research study on the legal aspects of water rights and the and federal agencies. Highlights include a one-day workshop took place on October 3, 2007, at the EPA operation of dams and other flow regulation structures. The decision to initiate the study comes amid reports that the training workshop on “Stormwater Funding and Utility Regional Laboratory in Chelmsford, Mass. More than 20 structures are interfering with the attainment of water quality Development” taught by Andrew Reese of AMEC Earth participants listened to presentations and took part in classifications. A report, cosponsored by NEIWPCC, on the & Environmental. discussions on such topics as increasing NPDES program effect of pesticides on the waters and aquatic life in the Connecticut River Basin is completed. We should stress our commitment to NPS solutions efficiencies, EPA’s Permitting for Environmental Results is not limited to the annual conference. Members of our process, and New York State’s Environmental Benefit • 1965 • At NEIWPCC’s annual meeting, the Commissioners approve the classification of a 50-mile stem of the Merrimack NPS Workgroup convened quarterly to discuss important Permit Strategy. The workshop provided NEIWPCC staff River in Massachusetts. The classification calls for a general issues facing federal and state NPS managers. A priority with great insight into how we can foster collaboration upgrading of water quality in nearly all sections. In the of the workgroup is to stay informed on research and and offer assistance to our states on NPDES permitting meantime, Massachusetts health officials request a construction program that would result in eight new sewage emerging technologies for reducing the impact of NPS issues. plants along the Merrimack’s main stem. Estimated cost of the pollution, and those involved in such work were invited One NPDES issue that drew a great deal of attention plants and associated sewer connections: $80 million. to present the findings of their research to the group. throughout the year was EPA’s proposal to provide a • 1966 • The Commission expands on its water rights study by In 2007, Dr. Sukalyan Sengupta of UMass Dartmouth financial incentive for states to generate a greater share adding a second phase that will examine more effective legal spoke about the use of denitrifying bioretention systems of the funding for their permitting programs, which methods of requiring minimum streamflows as part of an overall water pollution control program. NEIWPCC analysis to control nonpoint sources of nitrogen, and Dr. Tom currently are supported through a blend of federal shows that since the Commission’s founding in 1947, 225 Ballestero of the University of New Hampshire presented monies, state revenues, and fees paid by facilities that municipal wastewater treatment plants have been built in the data from research on stormwater best management receive permits. In early 2007, EPA released the proposed Compact area. 14 • Building on a Legacy of Leadership

PROGRAM SUPPORT Since 2005, NEIWPCC has managed the Long Island Sound least help put the process of Study’s (LISS) Enhancement Grants Program, which provides support for the implementation of the formally adopting the rule management, restoration, and stewardship goals established in the Long Island Sound 2003 Agreement and on hold. At the moment, the the LISS Comprehensive Conservation Management Plan. To date, NEIWPCC has awarded six Enhancement sense in the environmental Grants; projects range from the development of a habitat and restoration projects database for Long Island community is that EPA in- tends to move forward with Sound to the creation of an aquatic nuisance species management plan for the Sound. Upon the conclusion of the rule, and that a new draft the 2007 “Request for Proposals,” NEIWPCC awarded its sixth Enhancement Grant to the Tidewater Institute for will appear before the end of a project to assist with the adoption of Connecticut River Estuary riparian buffer regulations. 2008. NEIWPCC continues to assist EPA Region 2 in managing the New York-New Jersey Harbor Estuary Program. NEIWPCC and EPA staff work together to manage the program’s grants process and its funded projects. Through the Habitat Restoration Planning Grants program, funding was awarded in fiscal 2007 to WATER QUALITY STANDARDS Weston Solutions to conduct field studies, coordination activities, and conceptual restoration design services In NEIWPCC’s early years, the setting of water quality for fish passage improvements at the Rahway River Water Supply Dam in Rahway, New Jersey. Completion of standards for interstate waters was our domain. In this project is crucial to the effort to allow anadromous fish populations to reach historical upstream spawning Article V in our 1947 Compact, it states, “The commission grounds in the Rahway River that are currently inaccessible due to dams and other water control structures. shall establish reasonable physical, chemical and Throughout the year, NEIWPCC also continued to manage the Habitat Restoration Planning Grant bacteriological standards of water quality satisfactory awarded to the Eastern Queens Alliance in 2006. Funding is being used for a portion of a multi-phase project for various classifications of use.” It is not a role we play to restore, protect, and increase public access to the wetlands of Idlewild Park in Jamaica, New York. This anymore. Federal regulations now require that states and site, which is located in the Jamaica Bay watershed, was selected by the HEP Habitat Workgroup as a highest tribes establish the standards that define the water quality priority site for habitat restoration. goals of a waterbody. But as in so many other areas, NEIWPCC provides vital assistance and leadership. In recent years, much of the talk about water Collaborative Effort rule, which calls for setting aside $5 million in Clean quality standards has focused on nutrients. Nitrogen Heather Gilbert, a Water Act funds to share only among states that increase and phosphorus are essential ingredients for healthy NEIWPCC intern, the portion of their permit program funding generated waterbodies, but sometimes there is too much of a good programs a sophisticated sampling device by facility fees to at least 75 percent. In February 2007, thing. Excess nutrients can lead to unsightly algal blooms so that it captures we submitted a comment letter to EPA summarizing that not only impair aesthetic uses, but also deplete the samples of influent to our member states’ many concerns about the rule. water’s dissolved oxygen, thereby creating unsuitable the constructed gravel The letter pointed out that to qualify for the incentive, habitat for fish and other aquatic life. Most states have wetlands at the UNH states would have to dramatically increase their permit established narrative water quality criteria for nutrients, Stormwater Center in Durham, N.H. fees, putting a bigger burden on facilities often run by but efforts are now underway in all of our states to NEIWPCC and the financially strapped municipalities; that the rule would develop numeric nutrient criteria. Because nutrient Stormwater Center are shift the measure of success of a permit program from effects and responses differ in lakes, streams, estuaries, working together on improvements in water quality to increases in fees; and wetlands, states are attacking this task by addressing the research, which is and that by financing the incentive with Clean Water each type of waterbody separately. examining the ability NEIWPCC’s primary way of supporting our states’ of constructed gravel Act funds dedicated to the states, EPA would in effect to remove nutrients be cutting state funding. At an EPA public hearing on efforts in this arena is through our leadership of the from stormwater in a the rule held in Washington, Beth Card, NEIWPCC’s region’s Nutrient Regional Technical Assistance Group, northern climate. The Director of Water Quality Programs, testified before EPA or Nutrient RTAG for short. EPA established RTAGs sampling will wrap up Headquarters staff on our states’ concerns. It was clear at throughout the nation years ago as a means of getting a in October 2008, with a the hearing that our states were hardly alone in criticizing region’s EPA and state representatives to work together final report on the results expected in 2009. the proposal, and the broad opposition did at the very to accomplish common goals. But our region’s Nutrient Water Quality • 15

RTAG hadn’t met for a long time when we reconvened demonstrated for the other states that stormwater it in 2006. The group now meets once a year, and the TMDLs can be done, and done effectively. 2007 meeting took place in November at the EPA New Another big issue for the workgroup in 2007: England Regional Laboratory. Staff from the states that bacteria TMDLs. All our states have them, but all are are furthest along on developing nutrient criteria spoke also looking into new and more effective ways of doing about their experiences, allowing those from states that them. Massachusetts, for example, broke new ground aren’t quite so far along to learn and even adapt their by developing a watershed-wide bacteria TMDL for the approaches based on what they heard. EPA staff also took Charles River. EPA approved the TMDL in late fiscal the opportunity to comment on the states’ approaches. 2007. Through our workgroup, NEIWPCC is leading In New York State, where nutrient criteria the conversation in the region on the complexities and development is currently focusing on lakes, wadeable obstacles associated with innovative TMDLs, which hold streams, and large rivers, our support extends to a specific great promise but can also pose a great challenge for our and significant project. Since 2006, NEIWPCC has states. been coordinating work in New York State to examine During the year, NEIWPCC’s TMDL staff also nutrients in large rivers. Field work that began in 2006 supported an important effort in the New York City area. and was completed in the summer of 2007 consisted of EPA Region 2 and the states of New York and New Jersey collecting water chemistry, macroinvertebrate, and algae are collaborating to plan TMDLs for toxic contaminants, data. Analysis of these data will continue into 2008 and nutrients, and pathogens in the New York-New Jersey will be used in developing draft numeric nutrient criteria Harbor Estuary. From April to October 2007, NEIWPCC for the state’s large rivers. Establishing these criteria assisted in this project by supporting modeling used to will allow for better protection of recreational uses and develop lists of toxic contaminants for which TMDLs River Work NEIWPCC intern Chris Tran collects water aquatic life in the future. are or are not necessary. A private company, HydroQual, samples for a study of nutrients in New York State’s developed the lists by comparing contaminant levels large rivers. NEIWPCC is coordinating the collection of in water and biota to endpoints provided by EPA. the study data, which will be used in developing draft TOTAL MAXIMUM DAILY LOAD HydroQual previously developed models as part of numeric nutrient criteria. While our coordination of the Northeast Regional the Contamination Assessment and Reduction Project Mercury TMDL was NEIWPCC’s most notable TMDL- (CARP), and data collected under the CARP project will related work in fiscal 2007, it was not our only effort be used with these models to develop TMDLs for the in this area. For years NEIWPCC has coordinated a Harbor Estuary. In a related project, NEIWPCC began workgroup that focuses on TMDLs, which specify the supporting modeling in early fiscal 2008 that will be used maximum daily load of a pollutant a waterbody can safely in the development of nitrogen and carbon TMDLs in assimilate, and allocate how much of that load can come the Harbor Estuary. NEIWPCC anticipates continued from point and nonpoint sources of the contaminant. collaboration with EPA and the states on projects to During the year, the TMDL Workgroup met three improve water quality in this vital area. times in our Lowell headquarters, and the conversation frequently focused on so-called innovative TMDLs. For AQUATIC NUISANCE SPECIES example, many of our member states are just beginning to focus on developing TMDLs that address stormwater- Aquatic ecosystems are fragile things, and the impaired waters, with only Connecticut, Maine, and introduction of nonnative plants, fish, and other LCBP Meg Modley, Vermont having actually developed any. During the organisms can and often does wreak havoc on the delicate Launch Patrol NEIWPCC staff at the Lake Champlain Basin workgroup discussions, TMDL staff from the three states biological balance. Combating these harmful invaders Program coordinated a program that placed stewards at high-use boat launches on the lake during the summer of 2007. The stewards shared their experiences, including the arduous process requires a coordinated effort among many stakeholders, informed boaters about aquatic nuisance species (ANS) spread they went through to get EPA approval. Their success and as a key member of the Northeast Panel on Aquatic prevention, collected data for an ANS survey, and performed courtesy invasive species boat inspections. 16 • Building on a Legacy of Leadership

Nuisance Species (NEANS), NEIWPCC is working to Concerns about another problematic ANS inspired developed an ANS guidance document for the state increase visibility of ANS problems in the Northeast and a separate regional effort in which NEIWPCC is and collaborated on the development of warning signs facilitate funding and grant awards to the region. In a involved. Our staff is working on a Proclamation for to post at boat ramps and public lake access points. In sign of our commitment, NEIWPCC’s Susy King is now the Conference of New England Governors and Eastern Worcester, Mass., NEIWPCC’s Richard Chase developed serving as Co-Chair of NEANS and is involved in the Canadian Premiers that will provide better support for standard operating procedures for state field crews to organization’s regional effort to deal with a troublesome conducting multi-state, multi-province ANS efforts. use to avoid spreading invasive organisms to unaffected new invader—a microscopic alga called didymo or, in The appearance in the region of hydrilla, which has areas. And in Vermont, NEIWPCC’s Meg Modley of the layman’s parlance, rock snot. The algae have been found been destroying habitat in the southern United States Lake Champlain Basin Program trained and supervised in rivers and streams in northern New England, and there for decades, provided the initial impetus to develop the four stewards who worked at boat launches on both the are growing concerns that they could choke native plants Proclamation, but the effort has broadened to apply Vermont and New York sides of the lake. The stewards and impair the habitat for aquatic life. NEANS’s initial to the eradication of any invasive species, marine or informed boaters of ANS spread prevention strategies, focus is on developing consistency in the message sent to freshwater. The Proclamation is expected to be finalized inspected boats for the presence of invasive species, and the public on how to prevent the spread of the species. in 2008. collected important survey data on the boats and boaters Officials believe didymo moves between waterbodies NEIWPCC staff based outside of our Lowell head- to help resource managers craft more effective responses when the algae attach to the clothing and equipment of quarters led other significant ANS projects in fiscal 2007. to ANS invasions. fishermen. In Rhode Island, NEIWPCC’s Katie DeGoosh

Water Quality L • O • O • K • I • N • G A • H • E • A • D ………………………………… In the world of water quality, there is never any shortage of work to be done, but the Regulating out-of-region air sources, and even in-region air sources for that matter, challenges do evolve. What will be the pressing issues in fiscal 2008 and beyond? As states requires strong federal controls and state air programs that are willing to go above and continue to work towards the development of numeric nutrient criteria for lakes, rivers, beyond the norm. This poses a difficulty for state water programs in that effectuating and streams, nutrient pollution (phosphorus and nitrogen) continues to impact and those controls—in a sense, marrying programs under the Clean Water Act and Clean impair our waters. We know a lot about how to control nutrients discharged by point Air Act—takes tremendous coordination and political will. Undoubtedly this issue will sources, but nutrients from nonpoint sources are another matter. NPS pollution comes continue to consume us in the years to come. from everyday activities such as gardening and very necessary activities such as farming. Another tough issue that isn’t going away: how to translate information about Because there is little enforcement that can be done to stop or modify these activities, the ecological health of a wetland into appropriate policy and rulemaking. States are outreach and social changes are big parts of the solution. As we know, it takes a long time developing more advanced scientific methods to assess wetlands and often come to an for behavioral changes to occur, so there will be pressure to perform continual work and impasse when developing appropriate rules and policies because of the inherent challenge coordination on helpful efforts such as nutrient management planning for small farms. of the wide range of wetland types and conditions. In the future, it will become critical to Stormwater pollution will remain a high priority issue. In the Northeast, we are bridge this gap between assessment and policy within the Northeastern states. always going to have plenty of hard impervious surfaces in our communities that contain Finally, on legal matters: there has been endless discussion and debate over what the bacteria, sediments, and nutrients that stormwater picks up on its way to lakes, rivers, is truly a “water of the United States” ever since the U.S. Supreme Court decision in and bays. So the stormwater challenges of today will most certainly be the challenges of SWANCC in 2001. This poses a challenge for our states, EPA, and the U.S. Army Corps tomorrow. What we do about them, however, is beginning to change. States are already of Engineers when making decisions about how to regulate more vulnerable waters. looking ahead with new ideas about green infrastructure, low impact development, Down the road, we anticipate struggles of consistency in terms of federal guidance on permitting programs, funding opportunities, and public outreach. implementation of the Clean Water Act 402 and 404 programs. Without question, the One of the greatest challenges that we face in state water programs is how to control legal maneuvering will continue as lower courts feel their way through various questions what is quite literally out of our control. Significant amounts of pollutants such as of law involving headwater streams, isolated wetlands, and seasonal flows. It will not be a mercury and nitrogen end up in our waterways through atmospheric deposition. short process, but the end result may well provide the clarification we need. While innovations such as new water reuse technologies are attracting interest, there remains for most Americans Wastewater and Onsite Systems two ways of handling wastewater: either it takes a short trip to a septic tank or takes a longer journey via sewers to a wastewater treatment plant. Either way can be an effective solution, but neither is without its challenges. At NEIWPCC, the issues posed by wastewater treatment—whether done on-site or at a multi-million dollar plant—have been a priority for 60 years. We have worked side-by-side with our member states in the pursuit of improvements that have led to cleaner, healthier waters. This pursuit of progress continued in earnest in fiscal 2007.

WASTEWATER TREATMENT views, and observed field practices in Saratoga County Municipal sanitary sewer collection systems—the and Somersworth as they prepared to finalize their eval- pipelines, pumping stations, force mains, and other uations of the CMOM programs in those two commu- equipment—are the means by which wastewater is nities. At the end of the fiscal year, it was estimated that conveyed from its point of origin to a treatment plant. the project was roughly 65 percent complete, with the It is an absolutely critical role in the modern wastewater expectation that the remaining tasks will be finished by treatment process, but over the years many communities September 2008. have neglected collection system maintenance and repair. When the project is done, the model evaluation All too often the result has been sanitary sewer overflows process will provide a guide for municipalities through- or SSOs, those dangerous releases of raw sewage that out the Northeast to use when developing measures and occur when the capacity of a collection system is activities to prevent, reduce, and ultimately eliminate exceeded, primarily during heavy rain. water pollution from sanitary sewer overflows. Given the In fiscal 2007, NEIWPCC staff made great prog- significant threat that SSOs pose to human health and ress on an innovative project designed to help ensure the environment, their elimination would be no small the region’s wastewater collection systems work as accomplishment. they should. Working with staff from New York State’s Department of Environmental Conservation, we are Field Guides Under Observation NYSDEC’s Tim Miller (foreground, developing a model capacity, management, operation In 1973, EPA published Estimated Staffing for Municipal green jacket) observes workers in Saratoga County, N.Y., and maintenance (CMOM) evaluation process, which Wastewater Treatment Facilities, a guide that describes as they prepare to clean a segment of sewer prone to grease will spell out in detail the recommended systems and a four-step method which state regulatory agencies accumulation from an upstream restaurant. NEIWPCC’s Mike procedures for addressing collection system perfor- and plant managers can use to determine the staffing Jennings (who took the photo) accompanied Miller during the field observation, which is one of many the two have conducted mance and preventing SSOs. In developing the process, needs of a wastewater plant. The guide was, and still is, during the development of a model evaluation process for NEIWPCC and NYSDEC are working with three com- important and influential. It is also dated. Many changes addressing collection system capacity, management, operation munities—Saratoga County, N.Y.; Somersworth, N.H.; have occurred in the wastewater field since 1973, such and maintenance (CMOM). and Boonville, N.Y.—that represent the needs and as the use of computer applications and telemetry, capabilities of communities with large, medium, and and the development of new treatment processes such small collection systems, respectively. During the year, as sequencing batch reactors. When NEIWPCC staff NEIWPCC’s Mike Jennings and NYSDEC’s Tim Miller reviewed the 1973 guide, it was clear an update was led workshops, conducted collection system staff inter- needed. TIMELINE: A Legacy of Leadership

In 2006, we began the process of producing a new Wastewater Training and Technical Assistance 1967 – 1971 and improved version of the guide, under the guidance NEIWPCC’s involvement in the training of wastewater • 1971 • of an advisory committee made up of NEIWPCC staff, operators stretches back to 1968, when we sponsored our • 1967 • NEIWPCC makes regional 104(g) members, contract service providers, very first courses (see Timeline on this page). Back then, its standards of water and superintendents from wastewater treatment facili- we cited a simple reason for our involvement: “Regardless quality for interstate waters more specific ties. Charts were developed showing hourly estimates of capital investment, no facility can function efficiently to ensure compliance to complete tasks in operations, maintenance, sludge without skilled individuals trained in the sophisticated with the Water Quality handling, laboratory tests, yard work, and automation technology of wastewater treatment,” as one of our Act of 1965. The coliform bacteria (SCADA). In fiscal 2007, NEIWPCC’s John Murphy and annual reports put it. That simple reason still drives our standard for Class Tom Bienkiewicz of the Massachusetts Department of training efforts today. In fact, the increasingly complex A waters, for Environmental Protection visited 22 wastewater treat- technology employed in wastewater plants and the example, had been “Within limits An aerial photo of the Connecticut River ment plants in New England to get feedback from the stringent operator certification requirements adopted approved by State in Massachusetts reveals a discharge plants’ staff on the accuracy of the charts, and to observe by our member states have made training for operators of wastewater. NEIWPCC funded and Department of coordinated aerial surveys to further how the facilities were operated and maintained. In early essential throughout their careers. In a variety of ways, Health for uses evaluate conditions in and along rivers. involved.” The fiscal 2008, the advisory committee met to discuss the NEIWPCC provides what our states and their operators 1967 standard is “Not findings from the visits and determine how to incorpo- need. to exceed a median of 100 per rate what was learned into the charts and final guidance. The bulk of our wastewater training is offered through 100 ml nor more than 500 in more than 10% of samples collected.” The guide is expected to be published in the summer our Environmental Training Center, which is based in of 2008, and made available for use by municipal waste- our Lowell headquarters but offers courses throughout • 1968 • A subcommittee of NEIWPCC’s Technical Advisory Board is appointed to develop wastewater training programs; its water treatment plant managers, municipal officials and New England and New York State. In 2007, as in every first act is to conduct a survey of wastewater operators, which town managers, consultants, contract service providers, year, we went to great lengths to provide courses that reveals that at least a third have no formal training in and federal and state technical assistance providers. It delivered the precise training needed by operators in our the field. The subcommittee recommends the initiation will be an important tool in the effort to reduce inad- member states, and our success in doing so could be seen of a training program for operators, and NEIWPCC acts quickly. Eight courses are conducted in Topsfield, Mass., with equate treatment plant staffing, which EPA has identified by the heavy attendance at many sessions. Consider the operators from all six New England states attending. (New York as one of the top reasons why plants can fail to comply turnouts on just one spring day: on May 31 in Hanover, State initially elected not to participate since it was already with their NPDES permits. N.H., 36 people turned out for “Troubleshooting the conducting its own wastewater courses.) In a separate effort, NEIWPCC has begun develop- Activated Sludge Process,” led by Michael Gerardi, one • 1969 • Utilizing grants from the New England Regional ment on a guide to assist municipalities in evaluating of the nation’s leading authorities on wastewater biology. Commission, NEIWPCC launches the New England Regional Wastewater Institute (NERWI) on the campus of the whether to utilize membrane bioreactors (MBRs) at their On the same day in Yorktown Heights, N.Y., 37 people Southern Maine Vocational Technical Institute in South wastewater treatment plants, and to help designers of attended “Basic Electricity, Motors, and Instrumentation Portland, Maine. Space at the school is converted into MBRs be fully aware of the issues that need to be consid- for Wastewater Treatment Plants” led by Don Kennedy, dormitories and classrooms for NERWI’s use. In June, eight men complete the Institute’s first course, a 12-week program in ered. In an MBR, membranes are used to filter out sus- a NEIWPCC Training Coordinator. Bear in mind this basic wastewater treatment plant operation. pended solids, including harmful microorganisms such is in a field where a typical training session may attract • 1970 • NEIWPCC’s Commissioners vote to initiate a regional as viruses, bacteria and cysts. Their ability to efficiently as few as half a dozen people. All told in fiscal 2007, the water quality surveillance program, which calls for extensive achieve high levels of wastewater treatment has never Environmental Training Center conducted 65 courses sampling to determine the progress of water pollution been in doubt, but for cost reasons, MBRs used to be rel- attended by a total of 1,346 students. abatement in interstate waters. The Commission announces a 50 percent increase in its research funding, with the bulk of atively rare. Not anymore. Competition among makers While many of the classes offered by NEIWPCC’s the money going to five new projects. The largest is a study of of MBRs has resulted in the technology becoming com- training staff are geared for a general audience of opera- the effects of applied street salt on the streamflow quality of parable in cost to other treatment alternatives, and that tors who need the knowledge and the training contact suburban waterways. has driven an increase in usage. With that growth has hours to meet certification requirements, we also offer • 1971 • The training program at NERWI gets a tremendous boost come a corresponding increase in our knowledge about more targeted on-site technical assistance and training in from a grant of more than $82,000 from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. NEIWPCC significantly expands its public MBRs that needs to be shared. The MBR guide will be a four of our member states. Connecticut, Massachusetts, information and education program, and begins production supplement to our continually popular TR-16: Guides for New York, and Rhode Island direct to NEIWPCC the on a half-hour film on wastewater treatment plant operation. the Design of Wastewater Treatment Works. funds they receive through Section 104(g) of the Clean Wastewater and Onsite Systems • 19

New and Improved Protection to provide classroom training and on-site www.neiwpcc.org/training NEIWPCC unveiled a technical assistance at wastewater treatment plants in FALL 2007 revamped, larger training Course Connecticut to help them meet their nitrogen removal catalog in 2007, designed Catalog by NEIWPCC’s Cindy goals, specifically during cold or wet weather. The pro- Barnard. The response posal called for NEIWPCC’s Charles Conway and a team was overwhelmingly of technical experts to visit 10 wastewater treatment positive, as seen in this plants that would benefit from technical assistance, then unsolicited email from the conduct more in-depth assistance at five of the 10 plants. MWRA’s Charlie Tyler to NEIWPCC’s Tom Groves, In fiscal 2008, the proposal was approved, the contract who initiated the redesign: finalized, and the visits began. Each of the five plants in “The inside front-cover the second phase will receive final reports recommend- contents by state is a ing modifications and changes that could be made to winner all the way—muchh Training Environmental Professionals throughout New England and New York optimize biological nutrient removal. more user-friendly. The magazine size also seems In addition to our training programs and technical less awkward somehow— assistance offerings, we also provide customized instruc- even thought it’s larger, the fewer pages make it seem more compact. tion on a contractual basis to municipalities and com- Expert Instruction Jim LaLiberte, a NEIWPCC Training Nice job on the design.” Thank you, Charlie, for the kind words. panies. In fiscal 2007, we conducted courses for New Coordinator, conducts a course in the operation and maintenance York City and at a number of locations in Massachusetts, of wastewater collection systems at the MDC Training Center in Water Act, under the understanding that we will develop including Intel in Hudson, Shire Chemical in Cambridge, Hartford, Connecticut, in June 2007. NEIWPCC staff develop and conduct many of our training programs; others are led by contracted courses in consultation with them and also offer the Distrigas in Everett, Garelick Farms in Lynn, UMass experts from both the public and private sectors. courses at substantially reduced fees to operators in Amherst, and the Massachusetts Water Resources Connecticut and Rhode Island. (Section 104(g) autho- Authority. rizes funding for training to address the problem of non-compliance at small publicly-owned wastewater Massachusetts Certification and Training treatment plants—that is, those with a discharge of less As we have done for the past several years, NEIWPCC than 5 million gallons per day.) In a major development coordinated Massachusetts’s extensive wastewater late in fiscal 2007, NEIWPCC’s Manager of Training operator certification and training program. Due to Operations Charles Conway worked with Bill Patenaude state budget cuts, the Massachusetts Department of of Rhode Island’s Department of Environmental Environmental Protection shifted the program in 2005 to Management to develop a 10-month program to intro- a consortium of training organizations led by NEIWPCC, duce wastewater operators to the responsibility of plant and our role has been expanding ever since. MA DEP and management. Fourteen operators with management the state’s Board of Certification remain members of the potential from wastewater plants throughout Rhode consortium and still handle some aspects of the work, Island were nominated by their facilities and selected for but the majority of the tasks are in our hands. During the classes, which began on September 27. The instruc- fiscal 2007, for example, our training staff coordinated tion should help Rhode Island plants avoid an increas- 27 courses for the program, which attracted a total of 540 ingly common predicament at treatment facilities around students. NEIWPCC instructors led many of the classes, Management Training NEIWPCC’s Charles Conway (standing) the country—vacancies at the management level due to and we are constantly looking to develop new courses leads the first class in a multi-session wastewater management an aging workforce, and few if any operators prepared to that meet the operators’ evolving needs. program for 14 Rhode Island operators who were nominated to attend the program because of their management potential. fill the openings. Much of the work, however, is administrative, and In another development of note outside our core during the year, our role grew to include not only the training program, NEIWPCC submitted a proposal processing of wastewater operators’ applications for to the Connecticut Department of Environmental license renewals, but also the processing of emergency 20 • Building on a Legacy of Leadership

SPARK PLUG At the National Operator Trainers Conference in Orlando, Florida, on June 10- certifications, reciprocity, and status changes. In the 13, NEIWPCC received the 2007 Clean Water Act 104(g) Spark Plug Award. The award acknowledges our efforts meantime, we continued to schedule and coordinate to support the CWA 104(g) Wastewater Operator Training and On-Site Technical Assistance Program. Specific operator certification exams. The exams are offered tribute was paid to the work performed in 2006 by NEIWPCC’s Director of Wastewater and Onsite twice a year, in May and November, at various loca- Programs, Tom Groves; Manager of Training Operations, Charles Conway; and our Training Coordinators, Don tions across the state, and they typically attract a strong turnout. Nearly 500 people took the May 2007 exams, Kennedy and Jim LaLiberte. In his letter nominating NEIWPCC for the award, EPA’s Dave Chin wrote, “NEIWPCC with 50 percent passing (roughly the historical average). has been providing necessary and timely wastewater operator training to all of our New England states for A deeper analysis of the passing rates reveals the value many years… NEIWPCC’s level and range of involvement in the wastewater and CWA 104(g) areas is expansive.” of NEIWPCC training. For example, of those who took “It is very gratifying for our efforts to be the Municipal Grades 1 and 2 exam, 57 percent passed. recognized in this way,” NEIWPCC’s Groves said. “By But counting only those who took our exam prep class, taking a regional approach to training and technical the passing rate was 63 percent. In some cases, the diver- assistance, we feel we’ve been able to accomplish a gence was even higher. Roughly 78 percent of those who great deal with a relatively small amount of funding.” took our custom training class at Garelick Farms passed the Municipal Grades 3 and 4 exam, while the overall passing rate was just 38 percent. We made great progress on a new addition to the Welcome Tribute NEIWPCC’s Tom Groves holds the 2007 Clean Water Act 104(g) Spark Plug program: a searchable database of all Massachusetts Award, flanked by (left to right) Dave Chin, EPA operators. Development of the database continued New England; Jim LaLiberte, Charles Conway, throughout the year, and it will be accessible through Don Kennedy (all NEIWPCC); and Jay Pimpare, NEIWPCC’s website in 2008. The database will allow EPA New England. employers to easily access information about their employees’ grades and status, and will allow employers looking to hire operators to search for candidates based Worthy Recipients During the Maine Wastewater Control on certain parameters, such as ZIP code of residence or Association’s annual convention in September 2007, Scott current grade level. In the past, anyone looking for such Perry of the Ogunquit Sewer District (right) received the 2007 JETCC Founders Award, which recognizes wastewater treatment information had to call the state, an inherently ineffi- plant staff for outstanding service to the community and to cient process. The database is one more example of how the profession of treatment plant operation. Perry has been NEIWPCC is working to streamline and improve this responsible for the Ogunquit Sewer District’s 13 pump stations important program. and sewer lines for 23 years. In the center is Phil Pickering, Perry’s supervisor. At left is JETCC Coordinator Leeann Hanson, who Training in Maine received some recognition of her own at the convention. JETCC’s Board of Directors and staff presented her with a plaque of For Maine’s Joint Environmental Training Coordinating appreciation for her “unparalleled dedication and commitment” Committee (JETCC), which NEIWPCC has managed in carrying out her duties and responsibilities. Both tributes were since 1985, fiscal 2007 was yet another year of major very well deserved. Congratulations, Scott and Leeann! training responsibilities with very minor financial support from the state. As recently as 2003, Maine’s Department of Environmental Protection was allocating $40,000 to JETCC. In 2006, that number dropped to $9,500 due to an overall shrinking of the state budget, prompting JETCC staff and board members to appeal to the state legislature for additional funds in 2007. The effort resulted in a one-time supplement of $10,000, but Wastewater and Onsite Systems • 21 a significant gap remained between revenue and costs. ONSITE LEADER In December 2006, NEIWPCC’s Given the budget strains, Director of Wastewater and Onsite Systems, Tom Groves, began a JETCC was forced to raise two-year term as Vice President/President-Elect of the National Onsite fees for its training programs, Wastewater Recycling Association. NOWRA’s mission is to advance and a regrettable but unavoid- grow the onsite and decentralized wastewater industry by promoting able development. But in one sustainable wastewater management on a watershed basis. Groves will other crucial respect, nothing begin his two-year term as NOWRA’s President on December 1, 2008. changed. JETCC continued In 2007, Groves helped coordinate NOWRA’s Annual Technical to deliver an extensive array Education Conference held in conjunction with the 1st U.S. International of training programs on wastewater and drinking water Program on Decentralized Systems in Baltimore, Md.; spoke on the topics, including multi-week classes on chemistry and U.S. perspective of onsite/decentralized system management at the one-day sessions on everything from facility opera- First National Workshop on Decentralized Systems held in Venice, Italy; tion in cold climates to using corrosion control tech- coordinated NOWRA’s committees and task forces; and chaired a task nologies for increasing energy efficiency. JETCC helped force that worked with NOWRA’s state and member affiliates. He and ME DEP’s Non-Point Source Training Center with its courses on erosion control and other NPS topics, and NEIWPCC’s John Murphy assisted with the further development of our partnered with other organizations to put on a popular region’s NOWRA affiliate—the Yankee Onsite Wastewater Association series of workshops for onsite system installers. And the (YOWA). Groves serves on YOWA’s board and Murphy participates on the staff coordinated the always popular two-day North Outreach Committee. YOWA was formed in 2006, and already has Country Convention, which is held every other year and 80 members from throughout the region. combines training sessions with a trade show. Held on November 1-2, 2006, in Presque Isle, Maine, the conven- tion attracted 138 attendees. For the year, JETCC either program in Lowell, Mass. The program stresses hands- directly coordinated or assisted with 51 training sessions, on work experience and academic training to introduce which reached a total of more than 1,800 students. disadvantaged inner-city high school students to That’s not all. JETCC’s two-person staff, Coordinator professional opportunities in the environmental field, Leeann Hanson and Assistant Deb Merrill, also worked with a particular emphasis on careers in the wastewater throughout the year on coordinating Maine’s wastewa- industry. In 2007, we hired an intern to coordinate the ter operator certification program. As in Massachusetts, activities of four students who worked at the Lowell plant budget cuts prompted the state to look for somebody else in a variety of capacities, studied environmental issues, to take over the program, and the shift from ME DEP to and went on educational field trips. As this annual report JETCC began in 2006. In fiscal 2007, Hanson and Merrill went to press, the prospects of receiving funding to run conducted all recordkeeping and correspondence for the program in 2008 were not encouraging, raising the the program, including processing license applications, very real possibility that the 2007 participants will be the coordinating certification exams, and tracking train- last graduates of this long-running program. ing credits. The program serves more than 700 licensed wastewater treatment plant operators in Maine. ONSITE SYSTEMS Career Exposure In 1997, EPA issued a report to Congress which stated For the eighteenth consecutive year, NEIWPCC, EPA, clearly that, when properly managed, onsite and and the Lowell Regional Wastewater Utility collaborated decentralized wastewater treatment systems do indeed Rewarding Experience The 2007 Lowell Youth and the in conducting the Youth and the Environment summer provide adequate protection of public health and Environment Program students at the Seacoast Science Center in Rye, N.H. Clockwise from left: Sabrina Tuy, Michael Lam, Enock Mukiibi, Esthelver de Jesus. TIMELINE: A Legacy of Leadership

environmental quality. At NEIWPCC, we couldn’t agree Massachusetts Onsite Program 1972 – 1976 more. But we also can’t overlook the fact that many onsite With more than 30 percent of the homes in Massachusetts • 1975 • systems are not properly managed, and that improperly having onsite wastewater systems, the Commonwealth • 1972 • In October, Congress functioning septic systems are a significant contributor isn’t taking any chances. Title 5 of its Environmental Code passes a new Federal of pollutants (especially nitrogen) and microbiological requires the proper siting, construction, and maintenance of Water Pollution Control Act (a.k.a. the Clean Water pathogens to groundwater and surface waters. all onsite wastewater disposal systems. It also mandates that Act), which sets a goal For many years, we have led an Onsite Workgroup, individuals who inspect onsite systems for Title 5 approval of zero discharge of which allows staff from our member states and EPA the or evaluate the soil in which the systems are located have pollutants to the nation’s waters by 1985. Our opportunity to engage in productive dialogue about the the right credentials and be properly trained. Since 2004, member states select challenges associated with onsite systems and to col- NEIWPCC has coordinated Massachusetts’s program for NEIWPCC Executive laborate on projects. In fiscal 2007, the group’s meet- Title 5 Onsite Wastewater Training and Examination of Secretary Al Peloquin to represent them at Students pose for a graduation photo ings focused on a wide range of issues including new System Inspectors and Soil Evaluators. This involves a great after completing a nine-month program meetings of a new at NEIWPCC’s New England Regional onsite regulations in the states and the latest approved deal of administrative work—renewal reminder notices State/EPA Workgroup Wastewater Training Institute. technologies. The meetings frequently featured pre- must be sent to thousands of inspectors and evaluators, formed to discuss implementation sentations from guests, such as George Heufelder of renewals processed, approval cards mailed, exams of the law’s complex the Barnstable County [Mass.] Department of Health conducted and corrected—as well as a fair amount of provisions. NERWI, the Commission’s and the Environment, who oversees operations at the training in the classroom and in the field. NEIWPCC’s training facility in Maine, begins operating a mobile training van to bring wastewater instruction directly to Massachusetts Alternative Septic System Test Center. At Rosemary Decie oversees all of this activity, and operators throughout New England. the workgroup’s December 2006 meeting, Heufelder dis- her responsibilities extend to leading the training • 1973 • To help resolve the many implementation problems cussed the latest projects at the center, which was built in sessions. In fiscal 2007, Decie conducted three classes associated with the Clean Water Act, NEIWPCC coordinates 1998 to evaluate the performance and costs of new, inno- at various locations throughout Massachusetts in Soil monthly meetings of the water pollution control administrators vative wastewater disposal technologies in a controlled, Evaluator Certification and four classes in System of the six New England states and staff from EPA New unbiased manner and to provide this information to Inspector Certification. Each class drew at least England. The New England Regional Commission transfers management responsibility for the Nashua River Program regulators and consumers. 30 students, with a total attendance during the year of to NEIWPCC. The goal of the program is to bring together Another series of meetings in 2007 concerned 247. NEIWPCC works closely with the Massachusetts state, federal, and local agencies in an effort to expedite the one of NEIWPCC’s major events of 2008—the 3rd Health Officers Association and MA DEP to coordinate cleanup of the severely polluted Nashua River. Northeast Onsite Wastewater Treatment Short Course this program. • 1974 • A growing workload prompts NEIWPCC to add an and Equipment Exhibition on March 11-13 in Groton, environmental engineer and an environmental biologist to Connecticut. Held every three years, the Northeast Onsite the staff at its Boston headquarters. In his letter in our annual RESIDUALS report, NEIWPCC Chair Edward Kehoe, the head of Vermont’s Short Course brings national experts to our region to lead Fish and Game Department, praises the Commission as being educational sessions on onsite developments. Through The treatment of wastewater at a modern treatment plant “unique among regional organizations serving the New England area in that it has been able to obtain substantial field trips and the equipment exhibition, attendees also get generates a liquid effluent as well as organic, nutrient- amounts of federal funds to supplement state efforts in water a firsthand look at innovative technologies. NEIWPCC’s rich residual solids that the plant removes from the waste pollution control.” John Murphy coordinated meetings throughout fiscal stream. When treated and processed, these residuals • 1975 • After much review and revision, NEIWPCC begins 2007 of the event’s Planning Committee, which included can be recycled and applied as fertilizer to improve and implementing a regional water quality surveillance plan. To some of the Northeast’s maintain soils and stimulate plant growth. This practice determine whether Commission-approved water quality classifications are being achieved, NEIWPCC is analyzing data most prominent experts remains controversial in some circles despite strict from state and EPA sampling stations in 23 interstate rivers and on onsite systems. As treatment standards, and through NEIWPCC’s Residuals tributaries. NEIWPCC did in 2002 Workgroup, we work with our member states to address • 1976 • NEIWPCC adds a director of public affairs to its Boston and 2005, we coordi- residuals issues, initiate projects, and develop resources. staff as the Commission initiates a comprehensive public nated all logistics for NEIWPCC’s Mike Jennings coordinates the work- information program. Publications during the year include Career Opportunities in Water Pollution Control and Four Keys to the 2008 event. group, which is comprised of the residuals coordinators New England Water Quality. To provide guidance in the design from our member states’ environmental agencies along of wastewater treatment plants, NEIWPCC publishes a report with EPA staff. The group met quarterly in fiscal 2007, on chemical and clarifier selection. Wastewater and Onsite Systems • 23

discussing among other things the issues they’d like to Learning by Doing Participants dig into their address in the next five years if funding is available. The work during a Title 5 Soil Evaluator Certification issues identified by the workgroup include drinking class, led by NEIWPCC’s Rosemary Decie. water treatment residuals management, contaminants of emerging concern in residuals, management of non- traditional residuals (manures, food waste, etc.) and their impacts on water quality if mismanaged, and energy recovery during residuals management. During the year, the workgroup also discussed how to conduct further outreach and training associ- ated with The Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators Guide to Biosolids Sampling Plans, which NEIWPCC published in 2006. The guide has proven to be particu- larly helpful for staff at small- to medium-sized treat- ment plants, who often aren’t experienced at sampling residuals and may be unfamiliar with working with laboratories. The report is still available in hard copy by contacting NEIWPCC or it can be downloaded for free at www.neiwpcc.org/biosamplingguide.asp.

Wastewater and Onsite Systems L • O • O • K • I • N • G A • H • E • A • D s Perhaps the most acute challenges of the future in wastewater treatment are in the assistance money that has been available has been all but phased out. New funding area of personnel. The workforce at the region’s wastewater facilities is aging, particu- sources are being explored, such as a possible infrastructure trust fund (see page 7), but larly in the management ranks. A study conducted by NEIWPCC in 2005 found that the any assistance they might provide is far down the road. Once again, it appears to be a average age of plant managers was over 50, and nearly a third of all plant employees had case of doing more with less. The need for each community to understand and manage passed the half-century mark. At NEIWPCC, we have embarked on several initiatives to these difficult financial issues is making concepts such as asset management even more address this issue, such as our training for prospective managers in Rhode Island (see vital every year. page 19), but more work remains to be done on grooming management’s next gen- One unexpected challenge to centralized wastewater treatment has come from those eration. We must also work to convince more talented young people to join the field who oppose it for a reason unrelated to funding or performance. Rather, they fight the as operators, and to continue to properly train and certify those already in the indus- construction or expansion of collection systems and wastewater treatment plants as a try. Regional certification and examinations are a distinct possibility in the future, and means of preventing further development in their communities. Unfortunately for those NEIWPCC is poised to fully assist our states with this effort. who’ve adopted this stance, developers have an attractive alternative to centralized treat- Another inescapable challenge: funding. Municipal budgets are getting tighter and ment: the advent of new onsite technologies means septic systems can now be installed expenses need to be controlled. This will put a premium on energy reduction, since the just about anywhere. In fact, much of the new development in NEIWPCC’s member energy used at a wastewater treatment plant can be the largest source of energy consump- states has relied on onsite and decentralized wastewater treatment systems. This is not a tion for a municipality. (Energy reduction has the added benefit of being good for the worrisome trend; if properly sited and maintained, onsite wastewater systems provide a environment by helping to reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.) Another sustainable, environmentally friendly approach to wastewater management. But they are funding concern is the ongoing availability of money for infrastructure replacement not the solution for everyone. Developments that rely on onsite technology can expect and state technical assistance. Clean Water State Revolving Funds have been reduced, to see systems fail unless they are managed with a centralized approach. Ensuring this Congressionally approved grants have come under scrutiny, and what little technical happens is one more challenge we face in the wastewater world. Since 1994, NEIWPCC has had a highly active Drinking Water team that works closely with our Drinking Water states’ drinking water programs to foster regional cooperation and to support initiatives addressing the requirements of the Safe Drinking Water Act. Through our programs and projects, we continued in fiscal 2007 to work to enhance the states’ abilities to deliver drinking water through their public water systems that is safe and pure according to state and national standards.

As it does every year, our Drinking Water not only identify what drinking water sources are viewed Administrators Workgroup convened in fiscal 2007 on as impaired according to the Clean Water Act, but to also a quarterly basis at our headquarters in Lowell for meet- examine the similarities and differences between state ings carefully coordinated by NEIWPCC staff. At the water quality standards for surface waters used as public meeting on November 30, 2006, members discussed drinking water supplies. By the spring of 2007, the analy- their concerns about regulating wholesale public water sis was complete, and a draft report was sent to members suppliers, which sell their water to other public water of our Drinking Water Administrators, Groundwater systems, and the systems that buy the water, known and Source Protection Managers, and Water Quality as consecutive systems. By contrast, the meeting on Standards Workgroups for review. After a few final revi- March 22 focused on a much different area—issues sur- sions, the report was complete, and in fiscal 2008, we rounding water allocation, permitting, and withdraw- distributed it to our member states. The report provides als. During that meeting, we also asked the workgroup source protection managers with an enhanced under- members to present information on how their drinking standing of water quality classifications and standards water programs interacted with their states’ water quality that will allow them to be more effective in prioritizing programs in the setting and enforcement of water quality source protection efforts, in communicating with water standards. Not surprisingly, they said the interaction left quality programs, and in promoting adequate protection room for improvement, pointing to the need not only of both intrastate and interstate waters. for greater collaboration between states but within them as well. Groundwater and Source Protection This issue of water quality standards and how they Through our Groundwater and Source Protection relate to drinking water sources was more fully explored in Managers Workgroup, NEIWPCC provides a forum a project that moved forward significantly in fiscal 2007. for those who coordinate state programs that protect NEIWPCC received a grant from EPA to collect infor- the bodies of water that supply drinking water—that mation on surface water bodies that are used for drink- is, surface waters designated as sources of public water ing water supplies, and in the fall of 2006, NEIWPCC’s supply, and the underground aquifers tapped into by A Sharing of Views Jane Downing of EPA New England makes Kara Sergeant combed through our states’ lists of the many systems that draw their water from wells. The a point during the September 2007 meeting of NEIWPCC’s impaired waters—that is, those that failed to meet state workgroup meets quarterly every year in Lowell, and Drinking Water Administrators Workgroup. Taking notes is water quality standards—to determine what waters on during our fiscal 2007 meetings, a new federal rule got NEIWPCC’s Kara Sergeant, who now coordinates all of our the lists were also functioning as drinking water sources. plenty of attention. In October 2006, EPA officially issued drinking water programs. She then conducted further research to determine the its Ground Water Rule, which the agency first introduced nature and extent of the impairment at the point where in 2000. The rule requires actions to protect groundwater drinking water is withdrawn. This process allowed us to sources of public drinking water supplies from disease- TIMELINE: A Legacy of Leadership • 25 causing viruses and bacteria, such as E. coli. Those viruses Publications in and bacteria are not an idle threat: the Centers for Disease Demand 1977 – 1981 Control and Prevention have reported that, between 1991 Developing effective • 1977 • and 2000, groundwater systems were associated with 68 communications prod- • 1977 • NEIWPCC completes outbreaks that caused nearly 11,000 illnesses. ucts on water issues— a research project on the physical and chemical States have two years to adopt the rule, which has four whether the intended treatment of combined major requirements: 1) regular sanitary surveys of the audience is the public sewer overflows. A paper critical components of a public water system such as the or public officials—is on the project, written by NEIWPCC staff, is distribution system and water storage, 2) triggered source a priority at all levels at published in the February water monitoring when a system that doesn’t already suf- NEIWPCC, and it is no issue of the Journal of the ficiently disinfect drinking water gets a positive sample different in the drinking Water Pollution Control Federation. After 88,000 for total coliform, 3) implementation of corrective action water arena. In 2007, miles of service and NEIWPCC Executive Secretary Al by groundwater systems with a so-called significant defi- NEIWPCC completed visits to more than 220 Peloquin (right) and staff from NEIWPCC’s New England Regional ciency or evidence of fecal contamination in their source a guide written and wastewater treatment Wastewater Institute in front of NERWI’s plants, the original new mobile training van. water, and 4) compliance monitoring to ensure that designed for the New mobile training van systems which are sufficiently disinfecting drinking water Hampshire Department operated by NEIWPCC’s are effectively removing pathogens. The rule offers states of Environmental Services. The guide provides owners training facility in Maine is replaced by a a lot of flexibility in how they meet these requirements, of transient non-community water supplies (gas stations, newer, smaller vehicle. which means there are plenty of decisions to be made. restaurants, etc.) with basic information on operating a • 1978 • Through NEIWPCC’s efforts, an interstate discharge dispute is resolved. The case involves a developer applying to discharge To help the states talk through the issues and learn from system and meeting state and federal Safe Drinking Water treated sewage into a tributary of the Siscowit Reservoir, which each other’s implementation efforts, NEIWPCC created a Act requirements. Once it was completed, and the design lies within Connecticut and New York. Connecticut’s laws Ground Water Rule subcommittee, which meets via con- and text approved by a scrupulous group of reviewers, at the time prohibit such a discharge, while New York’s do ference call. As the states get closer to the rule’s various we sent the final version of the file to NH DES, which not. NEIWPCC and its legal counsel negotiate and draft a settlement that requires subsurface disposal of the sewage and deadlines, this subcommittee will only grow in impor- handled distribution. While the guide was developed mandates that it be highly treated. tance as a vehicle for NEIWPCC and the states to discuss for a New Hampshire audience, the information can • 1979 • Under a contract with the Massachusetts Department policy decisions and approaches. certainly be helpful to readers elsewhere in the region, a of Environmental Quality Engineering, NEIWPCC provides Members of NEIWPCC’s Groundwater and Source fact not overlooked by state staff in Massachusetts and staff to assist the state in identifying types of nonpoint source Protection Managers Workgroup also participated in a Connecticut. They asked to use the guide as a template pollution and developing “best management practices” to reduce contamination from nonpoint sources. At the request of the special session designed to address the problem of pes- for creating their own versions, and we encouraged them Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, the ticides. On May 3, 2007, workgroup members traveled to do so—it was one more way to spread an important Commission agrees to provide assistance in implementing Rhode to EPA New England’s Regional Laboratory for a joint message. (For details on a similar guide we are creating Island’s new certification program for wastewater treatment plant operators. meeting with the agency’s Pesticides/Water Quality usingg undergroundg storage tank funds, see page 29.) Workgroup. As the groups discussed, most people don’t NEIWPCC also collaborated • 1980 • After examining the member states’ current and future needs, NEIWPCC’s Commissioners agree to broaden the think twice about what happens to the fertilizer or other with several partners, including Commission’s activities to include acid rain and groundwater common garden products they use at home. But many of Massachusetts’s Drinking Water issues. NEIWPCC consequently hosts a meeting of state and EPA these products are actually pesticides, and can find their Program, on the development of water and air pollution staff, which leads to the establishment of a task force to assess the environmental impact of acid rain way into drinking water supplies if not applied properly. a brochure for owners and staff at in the Northeast. The Commission releases a revised version of While states have a good understanding of the practices childcare facilities in Massachusetts. TR16—Guides for the Design of Wastewater Treatment Works, first of commercial applicators, they are much less aware of The brochure outlines the dangers published by the Commission in 1973. what is being done at the residential level. As the discus- that lead in drinking water poses • 1981 • Working in conjunction with the acid rain task sion came to a close, both workgroups deemed the joint for children, and offers specific force, NEIWPCC produces and distributes a 72-page technical report on atmospheric deposition and acid rain in the meeting a success and made plans for a second session, guidance on how childcare facilities Northeast. Also produced is a public information brochure called which will focus more closely on opportunities for can test for lead in their water and “A Cause for Alarm,” which describes the long-range transport working together to protect source water. what to do if the test results show and deposition of air pollutants in the region. 26 • ABuilding Legacy on of aLeadership Legacy of Leadership an unsafe level of the metal. NEIWPCC contracted with For homeowners with private wells that test high for We are also awaiting a final report on an arsenic a designer to produce the brochure, which similar to the arsenic, the simplest solution can be to install a treat- study conducted with the New Hampshire Department New Hampshire guide, underwent a rigorous review ment system designed to remove the toxin. But how of Environmental Services. In this study, we focused on process. Once approved by all parties, we submitted the effective are these systems? That’s the question we’ve wells producing water with arsenic just above the com- file to the Massachusetts Drinking Water Program for been trying to answer in a study done in collaboration pliance level. Researchers tried different approaches of distribution. with the Maine Center for Disease Control. In fiscal geologically altering the wells to prevent inflow to them 2007, our Drinking Water staff continued to coordinate from fractures in the bedrock with high arsenic concen- Arsenic Studies visits to households in Maine with high concentrations trations. In one well, the results indicated a drop in the In northern New England, arsenic has been found in many of arsenic in their groundwater supplies; by September, arsenic level. The finding points to the possibility that drinking water wells—but there’s no mystery about how all 100 visits called for in the study were complete. Initial well alterations may be a viable option for bringing a it got there. Much of the area is rich in rocks laden with analysis of the results from water samples taken from the well into compliance with the arsenic standard. arsenic, which can result in naturally high concentrations homes indicated that in many cases their home treat- of arsenic in the groundwater. If the arsenic isn’t ment units weren’t getting the job done. Samples taken adequately removed before the water is consumed, the from almost half the homes showed a level of arsenic threat is real: long-term exposure to arsenic in drinking that exceeded the standard of 10 parts per billion. A final water can cause everything from changes in skin color to report on the project is expected to be published before cancer of the bladder and kidney. the end of fiscal 2008.

Drinking Water L • O • O • K • I • N • G A • H • E • A • D..... Similar to the situation we see at wastewater treatment plants across the region, the demand; it also keeps water local, an important goal workforce at drinking water facilities is aging, with many operators reaching retirement for regulators. Consider too that by treating storm- age. Who will fill their shoes? There is no easy answer, and NEIWPCC’s member states water to remove contaminants and directing it into are becoming increasingly concerned about the potential for a shortage of certified groundwater, there’s less polluted runoff tainting the drinking water operators. NEIWPCC isn’t waiting around to see if the predictions of a water quality of surface waters, which in some cases shortage come true. We are already working proactively with the states and other partner may be used as public drinking water supplies. groups on a collaborative approach to dealing with this challenge. One possibility is a If there’s anything we can count on in the drink- unified effort with those in the wastewater arena, given the similarity of the circum- ing water world, it is challenging new federal regula- stances. Setting up such an arrangement will take time and a great deal of coordination, tions. And implementation is invariably a complicated, which only increases the importance of acting early and working consistently on this lengthy process. In 2006, it was the Stage 2 Disinfectants issue. and Disinfection By-Products Rule, and the Long Another challenge that drinking water facilities share with their wastewater equiv- Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule. In alents is the need to curb energy usage. Water suppliers are working hard to reduce 2007 came promulgation of the Ground Water Rule, which puts strict new requirements energy costs, and EPA has invested considerable resources into helping the utilities keep on the states without any increase in federal funds to support the mandated changes (see costs down and “green” their facilities. With concerns continuing to grow about climate previous page for details). While the rule doesn’t become effective until December 2009, change, the need to function in as environmentally sound a manner as possible will the time will pass quickly. Through our Ground Water Rule Subcommittee, we will be remain a priority for the foreseeable future. supporting and assisting our states throughout the implementation process. And don’t While stormwater is generally considered a water quality concern, the management look now, but on the horizon is yet another regulatory hurdle: the Total Coliform Rule is of stormwater is getting increased interest from drinking water programs. Stormwater being revised. Here too the states can count on a commitment from NEIWPCC to assist reuse by water suppliers could be a great help to communities struggling to meet water in every way possible, and to lead the way when leadership is needed. When most people fill up at a gas station, they’re usually thinking about the price at the pump, not about where the gasoline streaming Underground Storage Tanks into their car is stored. At NEIWPCC, we’ve been thinking about underground tanks that store gasoline and other hazardous substances for a very long time. There’s nothing intrinsically wrong with storing these substances underground; the problems occur when the tanks are incorrectly designed, installed, operated, or maintained, and their contents are released into the environment. Gas from a leaking tank seeps into the surrounding soil and can easily contaminate groundwater.

Since 1984, when Congress passed legislation requir- program. It is an arduous development process, in which ing EPA to develop a comprehensive regulatory program many factors unique to an UST training program must for underground storage tanks (USTs), great progress be considered. For example, how do you ensure every has been made on this issue—and continues to be made. operator in the region is adequately trained when many According to EPA figures, 450 cleanups of contaminated facilities with USTs, such as gas stations, are notorious for UST sites were finished in fiscal 2007 in New England high employee turnover? But at NEIWPCC, we learned alone, bringing the region’s total number of completed long ago that solutions exist for even the toughest prob- cleanups since 1984 to 13,155. However, in a sign there lems. And our vast experience in wastewater training and still is a way to go, EPA reports there were 289 confirmed certification is proving to be an asset as we move forward tank releases in the region during the year. And across in discussions on this topic with our member states and the country, there are more than 100,000 cleanups that industry. In fiscal 2008, we expect to present the states have been initiated but not yet completed to the satisfac- with a detailed proposal for a regional UST training and Subterranean Hazards At the end of fiscal 2007, EPA reported that tion of regulators. certification program. since 1984 more than 1.6 million substandard USTs had been closed Those who work in the UST field benefit greatly from so they pose little if any threat of contaminating groundwater and soil. However, more than a third of the nation’s tanks are still not in discussing tanks issues on a regular basis, and NEIWPCC Report Response significant operational compliance with release prevention and leak provides a forum to do just that—our regional All-States In February 2007, the U.S. Government Accountability detection requirements. Workgroup. The group, which is comprised of federal Office released a report on the use of public funds for and state tanks program staff, convened three times in cleaning up sites contaminated by leaking underground fiscal 2007. The meetings focused primarily on the states’ storage tanks (LUSTs). The report urged EPA to take efforts to meet the requirements of the Underground steps to ensure more effective use of public funding, Storage Tank Compliance Act, a subsection of the 2005 and identified obstacles that may prevent fast and

Energy Act. The law contains challenging mandates United States Government Accountability Office effectivee cleanups: lack of viable GAO Report to Congressional Requesters for the states, including a requirement that each state owners,o solvency of the state February 2007 LEAKING conduct routine tank inspections every three years—no UNDERGROUND fundsffu earmarked for cleanups, small feat for the bulk of our states, which have nowhere STORAGE TANKS effectivenesse of state versus EPA Should Take Steps to Better Ensure near enough inspectors to satisfy this mandate. the Effective Use of privatep funds, LUST Trust Fund Public Funding for The act also requires that states develop programs Cleanups distribution,d the future cost of to train UST owners and operators, consistent with EPA cleanups,c and disincentives. guidelines. Working in conjunction with a subcommit- On behalf of our member Light Moment Margaret Guerriero, director of EPA Region 5’s Waste Pesticides and Toxics Division, at the tee of the All-States Workgroup, we are developing a a states,s NEIWPCC responded to podium during the breakfast plenary at the National Tanks framework for a regional UST training and certification GAO-07-152 thetth GAO report in a comment Conference and Expo in San Antonio, Texas. 28 • Building on a Legacy of Leadership

Policy—which provided a bounty of options; instructors TECHNICAL TRAINING NEIWPCC teamed up with the American covered everything from “Leak Detection: The Next Petroleum Institute and the Interstate Technology and Regulatory Council to offer a Generation” to “Innovative Approaches to Speeding two-day training course on technical issues related to fuel oxygenate characterization Cleanup and Closure.” Attendees also had the option of and remediation. Held on November 2-3, 2006, in Westford, Mass., the session attracted taking part in workshops offered on the Sunday before 85 attendees. The success inspired interest in holding similar trainings elsewhere the conference officially began, such as a full-day session in the country, and in early fiscal 2008, we cosponsored oxygenates sessions in on soil data acquisition and analysis. The Expo, always Portland, Oregon; and Atlanta. a highlight at this event, featured booths from 31 paid exhibitors, and provided attendees with a firsthand look at the latest tanks products and services. Each year, NEIWPCC tries to make the conference letter to Susan Parker Bodine, Assistant Administrator of better than the year before, and the changes imple- EPA’s Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response. In mented in fiscal 2007 contributed to the success of the the letter, we tackled many of the issues GAO raised, such San Antonio event. For example, we set up a system that as the solvency of state funds. The report suggests that allowed conference moderators, speakers, and exhibitors the solvency of the funds, which are generated by gaso- to post their information directly onto the conference line taxes, impacts the timeliness of a cleanup. While this website, which we develop and host. Another improve- may be true in some cases, it is also important to consider ment allowed moderators and speakers to upload their whether the complexity of contaminated sites and the presentations to the site, which gave attendees quick extensive technology required to remediate them may be and easy access to information from sessions they may the reason cleanups have not been completed. Although have missed. And after the conference, we and our tra- Close Watch Members of NEIWPCC’s All-States Workgroup the states would like all sites to be remediated and closed, ditional cosponsors, EPA and the Association of State look on as a group of exhibitors (black shirts) demonstrate an they must factor cost into their decisions. States under- and Territorial Solid Waste Management Officials, scru- innovative technology in the National Tanks Conference standably direct the use of public monies toward sites tinized the attendee and exhibitor evaluations, looking exhibit area. where active remediation is necessary to reduce the risk for improvements to consider for the 2008 conference to human health and the environment. While it is unclear in Atlanta. whether the GAO report will lead to new policies regard- Many of the San Antonio attendees offered glowing ing state funds or the cleanup backlog, NEIWPCC felt it reviews, including these lines in a letter from Jennifer was important for our member states to respond to the Pruett of New Mexico’s Petroleum Storage Tank Bureau: report’s conclusions. “I was really impressed by the variety and quality of the presentations, and I made a huge number of great con- National Gatherings tacts… I know we will be able to use many of the ideas As we have for many years, NEIWPCC played a heard at the conference to make our work more effective leadership role in the planning and coordination of the and efficient.” Such positive feedback was tremendously premier national event on the UST calendar—the annual rewarding to the NEIWPCC staff who work so hard each National Tanks Conference and Expo. NEIWPCC staff, year to make this event a success. and in particular Michelle Lendway, Kara Sergeant, and Fund Forum NEIWPCC’s tradition of cosponsoring another Cindy Barnard, spent countless hours preparing for Version 3.0 major tanks event, the annual State Fund Administrators the 2007 conference, which took place in San Antonio, Late in fiscal 2007, NEIWPCC released the results of the Conference, also continued in 2007. The administrators Texas, on March 5-7. The work paid off handsomely as third version of a national survey we first conducted in manage state funds generated by gasoline taxes earmarked for covering the costs of cleaning up leaks and spills at tank sites. the more than 500 attendees participated in unparalleled 2000. In the first version, we focused on how states were We played an active role in the planning committee, created learning opportunities. Sessions were offered in three remediating soil and groundwater contaminated with and hosted the website, and coordinated other logistics for the tracks—Prevention, Contamination and Cleanup, and methyl tertiary-butyl ether (MtBE), the fuel additive that event, which took place on June 3-6 in St. Petersburg, Florida. TIMELINE: A Legacy of Leadership • 29 oxygenates gas but also poses a health threat when present February 2007 LUSTLine 1982 – 1986 in drinking water. In the 2003 survey, we broadened the was particularly notable • 1985 • focus to examine state experiences with all fuel oxygenates. in that it featured a cover Our focus in 2007 was captured in the survey’s title: “State article by NEIWPCC’s • 1982 • Recognizing the need Experiences with Petroleum and Hazardous Substance Kara Sergeant. In the for interaction among water, air, and solid waste Releases at LUST Sites, Heating Oil Tanks, and Out of piece, she challenged programs, NEIWPCC Service Tanks.” state UST/LUST and coordinates the first NEIWPCC’s contractor on the project, Ellen Frye of drinking water program joint meeting with the Northeast States Enosis – The Environmental Outreach Group, coordi- managers to be as pro- for Coordinated Air nated the survey, which was divided into 12 areas: state active as possible in Use Management standards for specific gasoline additives/blends, fuel protecting drinking (NESCAUM) and solid waste program blend/additive analysis, site assessment, drinking water water by going beyond representatives. The NEIWPCC Environmental Scientist impacts, remediation, remediation cost impacts, vapor- federal standards, by working with each other, and by attendees identify Jennie Bridge receives EPA New England’s highest honor, an intrusion pathway, hazardous substance USTs, heating educating both tank owner/operators and municipal shared priorities, such Environmental Merit Award. as waste oil handling oil tanks, out-of-service tanks, ethanol, and miscellanea. officials. Kara was writing from experience. In recent and disposal, and State LUST managers from all 50 states responded elec- years, she has coordinated meetings in Massachusetts, agree to form a task force tronically through a password-protected website. Among Illinois, and Minnesota that have brought together state to make recommendations on courses of action. NEIWPCC mediates discussions that lead to an the findings: States do not feel MtBE increases a site’s UST, LUST, State Fund, and groundwater and source water agreement allowing Salem, N.H., to send wastewater across cleanup costs, though the chemical continues to be a program staff in an effort to foster greater collaboration state lines to the Greater Lawrence [Mass.] Sanitary District. concern because of its well deserved reputation for being between the programs. • 1983 • Transition at the top: Al Peloquin resigns after difficult to remediate and its potential impact on drinking Issues of LUSTLine are available in their entirety 16 years as NEIWPCC’s Executive Secretary. Taking his water wells and human health. The survey also showed online at www.neiwpcc.org/lustline.asp, where you can place, and getting the new title of Executive Director, is the key factors in the cost of a cleanup are the length of also view online-only supplements, peruse listings of past Ron Poltak, former director of the New Hampshire Division of Parks and Recreation. At the Southern Maine Vocational the contamination plumes and the need for monitoring. articles in the LUSTLine Index, and obtain subscription Technical Institute in South Portland, Maine, new facilities The longer the plume, and the more extensive the moni- information. for NEIWPCC’s New England Regional Wastewater Institute toring, the higher the cost. are officially opened. These are just two highlights from the extensive Gas Station Guidance • 1984 • NEIWPCC’s member states vote unanimously to survey results, which will be useful to state and federal Underground storage tank funds received from EPA are financially support an expanded groundwater program at the Commission. As part of the program, NEIWPCC will hire government staff as well as industry personnel interested supporting an effort to help gas station owners who must a full-time groundwater coordinator to assist the states in in LUST trends. For the complete results, visit the survey not only worry about safe operation and maintenance implementing groundwater protection strategies. section on our website (www.neiwpcc.org/mtbe.asp), of their fuel storage tanks, but also the quality of their • 1985 • As part of a joint effort with NESCAUM to where you can also find detailed information on the 2000 station’s drinking water. As fiscal 2007 ended, NEIWPCC help states more fully understand the risks of toxic and 2003 surveys. was near completion on an educational booklet that states substances, NEIWPCC hosts two specialized meetings: one examines ways to research and monitor the effects of toxics and tribes can use to educate owners of gas stations and on fish, while the other focuses on pesticides in drinking Publication of Record convenience stores that have their own water supply. water and related health problems. The Commission One of NEIWPCC’s ongoing UST/LUST projects is They’re known as transient non-community public receives a grant from EPA to create a newsletter on state and federal underground storage tank activities. The first issue of LUSTLine, our national bulletin covering underground water supply systems, and if they supply water to 25 or the newsletter, called LUSTLine, is distributed in August. storage tank issues, activities, and technologies. First more people a day, they are required to meet certain state • 1986 • NEIWPCC forms four new workgroups—Drinking Water published in 1985, LUSTLine covers the issues of criteria to ensure the quality of the water is adequate. and Health, Aquatic Toxicity, Risk Assessment, and Wetlands importance to the tanks community with a depth and The NEIWPCC guide explains these drinking water Protection—which bring together NEIWPCC, state, and an expertise that cannot be found anywhere else. As we regulations and how to comply with them. The guide EPA staff to discuss issues of mutual concern. In a sign of increased attention to issues raised by leaking underground do every year, we published three issues in fiscal 2007, all shares the design and structure of a similar publication storage tanks, NEIWPCC sponsors a training symposium for produced by Ellen Frye, the longtime editor of LUSTLine we produced for the state of New Hampshire (see state and federal staff on volatile organic contamination who also coordinated our survey of tanks programs. The page 25). monitoring and cleanup techniques. Since the very early years of NEIWPCC’s existence, the Commission has supported and coordinated scientific research. In 1950, we received Regional Research Initiative our first federal research grant, which funded a study of industrial waste problems in the region. This led quickly to many more studies, and by 1959, we had established a Research Committee to oversee what had become a major priority for NEIWPCC. Over the ensuing decades, research would remain a high priority, but in 2004, we took our commitment one step further. With the full support of our member states, the Commission established the NEIWPCC Regional Research Initiative. Through this effort, we are enhancing NEIWPCC member states’ understanding of critical water resource issues; advancing research that will have a broad impact on and benefit to the protection, management, and preservation of NEIWPCC member states’ water resources and public health; and promoting coordination and cooperation between NEIWPCC member states’ water resource and public health agencies and research stakeholders, including federal agencies, academia, and industry.

Through input from the water programs in our states’ environmental agencies, we determined in 2006 the top five research priorities shared by our states. The priorities include research on the effectiveness of best management practices in reducing stormwater and non- point source pollution, which we are pursuing through our partnership with the University of New Hampshire Stormwater Center (see page 12). Another priority: research into the fate, transport and toxicity of existing and emerging chemicals of concern, such as pharmaceu- Rapt Audience Empty seats were virtually impossible to find ticals and personal care products (PPCPs). In fiscal 2007, at the 2007 Northeast Water Science Forum, which focused on NEIWPCC addressed this need of the states with one pharmaceuticals and personal care products. NEIWPCC led the preparations for the conference, which was held on March 8-9 in of our major projects of the year—the 2007 Northeast Portland, Maine. Water Science Forum. On-Air Exposure Maine Public Broadcasting Network’s Jeanne Held in Portland, Maine, on August 8 and 9, the event Baron (right) interviewed Dr. Rolf Halden of Johns Hopkins University (center) after his presentation at the Northeast Water carried the theme “Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Science Forum. The interview aired on August 8 and can still be Products: State of the Science.” It brought together some heard online at www.mpbn.net/asx/070808chemicals.asx. Also Position of Influence NEIWPCC 160 scientists, regulators, water and wastewater profes- pictured, NEIWPCC’s Marianna Vulli, the organizer of the forum Deputy Director Susan Sullivan is a sionals, environmental advocates, industry experts, and and coordinator of our Regional Research Initiative. member of the Water Environment Research Foundation’s Research others to disseminate and evaluate the latest scientific Council, which evaluates strategic information on PPCPs in the water environment. PPCPs such as cosmetics, fragrances, and shampoos. They enter plans for research in WERF’s include prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vet- the environment when they are excreted, flushed down program areas and makes erinary drugs, and the chemicals in personal care items the toilet, rinsed down the drain, or put in the trash. funding recommendations based on subscriber priorities and the maximum impact on water quality. TIMELINE: A Legacy of Leadership • 31

The forum in Maine featured more than 30 pre- forward during the year with our plans to form a sentations from some of the country’s most prominent PPCP Workgroup. While NEIWPCC coordinates many 1987 – 1991 researchers, who shared what they’ve learned about the workgroups, getting a new one off the ground is never • 1991 • presence of PPCPs in surface waters and groundwater, a simple matter; potential members must be queried • 1987 • In an early example the effects they have on aquatic and human health, and on their interest, the value of regular meetings must of NEIWPCC’s efforts to encourage cross-program the removal of them from the waste stream. The speakers be assessed, funding must be identified, and most coordination, the included Edward Furlong of the U.S. Geological Survey, importantly it must be determined that a workgroup Commission holds a joint which cosponsored the forum. Furlong discussed several is in the best interest of our member states. As the meeting of our Water current USGS studies, including one in Colorado where fiscal year ended, the PPCP Workgroup was still in the Quality Management and Wetlands Protection samples taken at a wastewater treatment plant’s point planning stages. We are pleased to say the workgroup did Workgroups. The main of discharge showed a surge in levels of the female sex meet for the first time in fiscal 2008, and we are excited topic: using the Clean hormone estradiol in the water. He said that downstream about its potential to generate discussion, coordination, Water Act Section 401 certification process Students in the Youth and the of the plant, the estradiol levels were still significant and and collaboration on PPCP issues in our region. and antidegradation Environment Program, coordinated by policies to protect NEIWPCC and EPA New England, take a always above the “effects level.” hike to the head of the Merrimack River. Furlong was referring to levels that could potentially New Relationship wetlands. Production begins on an under- affect aquatic life, but among the public, the burning As part of NEIWPCC’s ground storage tank training question is whether people can possibly be affected. On commitment to the video called Tank Closure Without Tears: An its website, EPA emphasizes that, “to date, no evidence advancement of high- Inspector’s Safety Guide. has been found of human health effects from PPCPs in quality, applied water • 1988 • The UST training video is completed and shown across the environment.” But the impact on humans is still an resources research, the nation in a satellite broadcast. Free copies are also distributed in NEIWPCC’s member states. In response to open question, and scientists are continually learning we have joined the Water Environment Research the 1987 reauthorization of the Clean Water Act and the more about PPCPs and their effects. Foundation. WERF is a national leader in water quality impending phase-out of the federal construction grants While talks about research, past and present, domi- research and supports millions of dollars of research program, NEIWPCC prepares a manual for municipal officials entitled Transition—Grants to Loans: Financing Wastewater nated the forum agenda, it wasn’t all about science. annually on wastewater treatment and collection, Treatment Construction with State Revolving Funds. Several speakers shared their stories of success in keeping watersheds and ecosystems, human health effects, and • 1989 • In the wake of the Clean Water Act amendments, EPA PPCPs out of wastewater in the first place through stormwater. This membership-driven, results-oriented proposes that states develop State Clean Water Strategies, in drug take-back programs and other initiatives. Among organization funds peer-reviewed research to advance essence long-range plans for achieving water quality goals them: Ann Pistell of Maine’s Department of Environ- science and technology and to find solutions for priority with limited resources. NEIWPCC helps the New England states develop these strategies in a consistent manner, particularly mental Protection, who spoke about Maine’s pharma- wastewater and water quality issues. with regard to public involvement programs. After receiving ceutical mail-back legislation and the state’s practice of In an exciting development, NEIWPCC’s Deputy funds to participate in the Merrimack River Initiative, a holding large one-day drug collection events. Director Susan Sullivan accepted an invitation to serve cooperative effort to help restore the waterway, NEIWPCC This was the first Northeast Water Science Forum, on WERF’s Research Council, which oversees the orga- establishes a Merrimack River Workgroup. and its success invigorated plans to make it a regular nization’s strategic direction and makes research funding • 1990 • NEIWPCC forms a Nonpoint Source Pollution Workgroup event. NEIWPCC is now exploring topics for future decisions based on member priorities and environmental and coordinates an annual meeting on nonpoint source issues in Laconia, N.H. The meeting brings together staff forums, and as details become available, they will be need. Susan is working to represent the Northeast states’ from throughout the region and will become an enduring posted on our website (www.neiwpcc.org). For more on priority research needs as part of this group. tradition. NEIWPCC and EPA New England join forces to the PPCP forum, including access to many of the presen- NEIWPCC feels strongly that our membership launch the Youth and the Environment Program, an eight- week training experience for high school students at the tations, visit www.neiwpcc.org/ppcpconference. in WERF will promote our states’ research needs and Lowell, Mass., wastewater treatment facility. enhance our states’ ability to make sound water resources • 1991 • NEIWPCC’s On-Site Sewage Disposal Task Force completes New Workgroup policy and management decisions. For more informa- a document analyzing typical septic system problems and The forum in Maine may have been our primary effort tion about WERF research, please visit www.werf.org. offering suggestions for a regulatory framework that could in 2007 related to pharmaceuticals and personal care For information on NEIWPCC’s other research efforts, help prevent system failures. The Commission’s second UST video, What Do We Have Here? An Inspector’s Guide to Site products, but it wasn’t the only one. We also moved visit www.neiwpcc.org/research.asp. Assessment at Tank Closure, wins a Gold Screen Award from the National Association of Government Communicators. Education and Outreach Since NEIWPCC’s inception, a key role of the organization has been to keep our member states informed on water and wastewater issues through resources and activities that educate and explain, and that provoke discussion and engender understanding. The efforts of our education and outreach staff inform people at many levels—federal and state staff, environmental professionals, educators, and the public.

Traditionally, the resources NEIWPCC produced Following the launch of the new website, we contin- were printed products, and we certainly did much in this ued to fine-tune and enhance it—and in fact the addi- vein in fiscal 2007. But increasingly, the Internet is the tion of new features and improvement of existing ones is chosen vehicle for communication, and in recent years, a never-ending process. Some of the changes made later we have made NEIWPCC’s website a top priority. After in 2007 weren’t even visible to our visitors on the Web, many months of planning and preparation, we launched such as the addition of a function that allows NEIWPCC a dramatically improved website on February 17, 2007. project managers to develop their own online registration NEIWPCC Graphic Designer Cindy Barnard designed and forms for events. But visible or not, the changes added developed the revamped site, which incorporates the latest efficiency and increased the site’s effectiveness. technology in Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) design. CSS If you have not visited our website before or if it’s been wwwwww.neiwpcc.orgwww.neiwpcc.or neiwpcc orgg is the most common a while, we encourage you to check out our new look at code used to style web www.neiwpcc.org. And if you’re a regular visitor, we hope pages, allowing the you’ll come back often. We will do our best to ensure you author control over have a seamless, rewarding experience. the entire site with just one document. DESALINATION UNDER SCRUTINY What’s more, CSS can be used in con- New England has long been regarded as a water-rich junction with other region, but a plant on the shores of the Taunton River in applications to create Dighton, Mass., is a vivid sign that some communities powerful interac- cannot quench their thirst. The plant is the first major tive media. The site’s desalination facility in New England, and when it’s structure and naviga- completed sometime in 2008, it will pull brackish water out tion were also signifi- of the Taunton, remove the salt and other contaminants, cantly simplified and and via a 16-mile pipeline, deliver sparkling clean fresh improved, so as to water primarily to Brockton, Mass. The construction make the vast amount of the plant provided the impetus for a detailed special of information within report on desalination in the Winter 2007 edition of our it more accessible to newsletter Interstate Water Report, which is distributed to agency staff in our nearly 3,000 subscribers. Written by IWR editor Stephen member states and Hochbrunn, the article examined in great depth the the countless others environmental, economic, and regulatory issues raised who visit us online. by desalination and the increased interest in it in our Education and Outreach • 33

The positive response served as powerful evidence that with the article, we had met our goal—to provide IWR readers with the broad, in-depth understanding they need to be informed when discussing and debating the pros and cons of embracing desalination as a means of supplementing traditional sources of water supply. The desalination special report as well as articles from the current IWR and all previous issues are available online at www.neiwpcc.org/iwr.asp, where you can also obtain information on subscribing to receive print versions of upcoming IWRs free-of-charge.

NEW FROM NEIWPCC Shortly after fiscal 2007 drew to a close, NEIWPCC Digging Deep Among the other articles in the Winter 2007 debuted an entirely revamped version of a publication IWR was a piece by NEIWPCC’s Becky Weidman on the New England Lakes and Ponds Study. As part of the study, researchers we’ve been doing for years, our Resource Catalog. Written collected sediment cores, which provided insight into the historic by NEIWPCC’s Stephen Hochbrunn and designed by environmental health of the selected waterbodies’ ecosystems. More Ricki Pappo of Enosis – The Environmental Outreach details on the study are on page 11. region and around the world. A great deal of research and Group, the catalog features short descriptions and ordering reporting went into the writing, including visits to the instructions for the vast array of publications, CDs, construction site in Dighton and to a small desalination videos, and other resources available from NEIWPCC, facility on MacMahan Island in Maine. most of which we developed. The materials listed are This was actually the second time since the launch of diverse, ranging from complex operations guides to IWR in 2003 that we published a special report. The first special report, published in 2005, explored the chal- lenges faced by states as they attempt to maintain a well- trained wastewater workforce, and drew an extremely positive response from readers. The same can be said for the response to the desalination report. In fact, the Winter 2007 issue generated more positive feedback than any previous IWR, and we received frequent requests for additional copies, including one from a professor at the University of New Hampshire who wanted mul- Eye-Opening Visit In August 2007, NEIWPCC’s Stephen tiple copies for the students in his water resources class. Hochbrunn and Susy King visited Merrimack Station, a coal-fired power plant in Bow, N.H., to learn about plans for In another example, organizers of the “Water for Rhode reducing the facility’s mercury emissions. It was part of the Island—Today and Tomorrow” conference held in March reporting done for a series of articles in a fiscal 2008 issue of 2007 in Providence requested 125 copies for distribu- IWR on mercury and the Northeast Regional Mercury TMDL. tion at the meeting. Experts at the conference praised the For more on the Mercury TMDL, see page 8. article as balanced and very informative, and said it was being used as a resource during a meeting of a new group, the Coalition for Water Security. TIMELINE: A Legacy of Leadership

educational curriculum supplements. They can be used YEAR IN REVIEW 1992 – 1996 by a wide variety of audiences, including environmental • 1996 • Among our major outreach products in fiscal 2007 was professionals, government agencies, water and wastewater NEIWPCC’s fiscal 2006 annual report, which highlighted • 1992 • NEIWPCC forms a treatment facilities, schools, and the public. our achievements during that year as well as updated Stormwater Workgroup We plan to produce a very limited number of hard to strengthen readers on the water and wastewater challenges in our copies of the catalog, which will primarily be used as interstate efforts to member states and the progress being made. The theme deal with stormwater a display piece at our booth at conferences and other was “Nexus of Collaboration, Commitment to Results” discharges. To achieve events. If you would like to order a hard copy, contact similar regional and throughout the report, we emphasized the tangible NEIWPCC at 978-323-7929. You may also download coordination on results achieved by our programs and projects, and by controlling water the catalog from the Publications and Resources section our commitment to a collaborative work process. quality impacts of our website (www.neiwpcc.org/publications.asp) or from combined sewer overflows, a simply browse that section itself, which is being revised to CSO Workgroup is NEIWPCC Executive Director Ron mirror the structure and content of the printed catalog. Poltak at the Merrimack River Initiative formed. NEIWPCC Conference in Merrimack, N.H. participates as a full partner in the SPREADING OUR MESSAGE kickoff of the Merrimack River Initiative, which aims to coordinate In an example of our outreach to the public in fiscal the efforts of various agencies to protect the river. 2007, NEIWPCC’s Susy King traveled to the West Parish • 1993 • The innovative “Mr. and Mrs. Fish Water Conservation and Church in Andover, Mass., on September 9, 2007, to Reuse Program,” developed by NEIWPCC, is performed for more than 2,500 students at schools throughout New England. With oversee our display at the church’s Earth Expo. The event a grant from New Hampshire, NEIWPCC completes two new featured displays on a variety of environmental topics, videos—one on septage management and the other on services and products. NEIWPCC has long recognized disposal options for wastewater sludge, including beneficial that keeping the public informed and educated on water use. and wastewater issues helps breed support for programs • 1994 • NEIWPCC initiates a project in Salem, N.H., to evaluate and policies that protect water resources and public 

 water quality impacts to the town’s ground and surface water supplies, and to develop a source protection plan. The health. project is designed to serve as a regional example of a comprehensive, multi-barrier approach to water supply management. The Commission receives an EPA grant to The primary reason for producing an annual report produce a report on the economic impact to communities of is to illustrate to our grantors that their money is being complying with wastewater treatment, drinking water, and solid waste management requirements. spent effectively and efficiently. This is not difficult to capture, since each year, NEIWPCC’s accomplishments • 1995 • Utilizing the 1994 EPA grant, NEIWPCC publishes the influential Projected Household Costs of Mandated Environmental point to the benefits accrued by the monies we receive. Infrastructure Investments report, which provides cost But to make such a review of achievements an enjoyable, projections in terms of “annual cost” and “percent median educational experience—that is quite a different chal- household income” for the roughly 300 communities involved in the project. Also published: Version 1 of our Field Indicators lenge. We hope you are enjoying the fiscal 2007 report, for Identifying Hydric Soils in New England, which for the first and invite you to view our archive of annual reports at time provides the region with a consistent and uniform www.neiwpcc.org/annualreport.asp. approach for identifying wetlands soils. • 1996 • NEIWPCC produces two more widely used publications: Source Protection: A Guidance Manual for Small Surface Water Supplies in New England and That Magnificent Ground Water Connection: A Resource Book for Grades K-6. Kirk Laflin, the head of NEIWPCC’s training center, receives the National Environmental Training Association’s prestigious Environment Education Award. While much of the work done by NEIWPCC is conducted by the staff at our Lowell headquarters, Commission staff based Partnerships outside of Lowell also perform work of great importance. These staff members work directly with state environmental agencies or with programs that target the needs of a specific area. Their work varies, from producing publications to tracking the movements of Atlantic sturgeon, but they all help NEIWPCC achieve one of our fundamental goals—to meet the needs within our member states and the region.

NEW YORK STATE SUPPORT In another effort related to New York’s Water Quality NEIWPCC supports the work of New York State’s Improvement Project program, NEIWPCC’s Bruce Department of Environmental Conservation through Mussett continued his oversight of the New York City our staff based in Albany and elsewhere in the state. Watershed Protection Program. Utilizing federal Safe In fiscal 2007, our staff continued to play a significant Drinking Water Act funds provided to NYSDEC, the role in the Department’s Water Quality Improvement program provides financial assistance for projects aimed Project (WQIP) program. The WQIP program at protecting and enhancing the quality of source waters provides grants to municipalities and Soil and Water of the New York City water supply system. A number of Conservation Districts for projects addressing nonpoint significant projects were underway in fiscal 2007 includ- source pollution, including stormwater, aquatic habitat ing one that is evaluating the effectiveness of alternative restoration, and wastewater infrastructure. In 2007, the onsite wastewater treatment technologies to assist design- Tools of the Trade Sampling equipment is laid out and WQIP program provided more than $10.8 million to 58 ers and regulators in selecting appropriate, cost-effective double-checked as NEIWPCC staff and other researchers projects. To promote the WQIP program, NEIWPCC’s systems in the watershed west of the Hudson River. In prepare to head out to sample waters for the Long-Term Water Quality and Biological Monitoring Project for Lake Jeremy Campbell attended a series of workshops across another key project, researchers are assessing the occur- Champlain. New York State to further inform potential grant rence and concentrations of pharmaceutical and other applicants about the program. organic wastewater compounds in the New York City In recent years, projects addressing stormwater Watershed through focused sampling of key points in have been a priority of the WQIP program. The high- the New York City reservoir system, wastewater effluent light is the funding provided to regulated communities at select wastewater treatment plant sites, and receiving to assist with implementation of Phase II Stormwater streams above and below the plants’ outfalls. Regulations. Since 2002, New York State has provided Among other achievements of note by our staff in more than $11 million to assist communities with Albany was Erik Posner’s assistance in the overhaul of implementing Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System NYSDEC’s website. He coordinated the Division of (MS4) permits. The dedicated funding has played a Water’s conversion and migration of approximately 250 key role in helping communities meet their Phase II web pages to the new look and structure. The content was Stormwater requirements and achieve a high level of reorganized by subject matter in order to make it easier permit compliance. If the funding wasn’t available, for users to locate information. more time and effort would have been spent by both the Working out of the NYSDEC office in Ray Brook, Public Information NEIWPCC staff are assisting in the MS4s and the state in seeking and determining compli- NEIWPCC’s Christopher Lassell spent many hours on development of a brochure to make the public aware of the ance with permit requirements. Lake Champlain samplings its waters for the Long-Term environmental issues that are confronting Lake Champlain and how these issues are being addressed through the Long- Term Monitoring program. 36 • ABuilding Legacy on of aLeadership Legacy of Leadership

Water Quality and Biological Monitoring Project for partners, and for years, our staff has coordinated its Lake Champlain, which began in 1992. NYSDEC and the education and outreach efforts. Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation In fiscal 2007, NEIWPCC’s Robert Burg wrote and are coordinating the program with funding provided by coordinated the production of Protection and Progress, the two states and the Lake Champlain Basin Program LISS’s 2005-2006 biennial report, which highlights how (see page 38). Researchers take samples at 15 on-lake the organization responds to environmental threats sites and near the mouths of 18 tributaries, measuring facing the Sound. The report describes the many collab- for such things as phosphorus, temperature, and dis- orative efforts undertaken to restore habitats, improve solved oxygen. The goal of this intensive effort is to detect water quality, protect valuable coastal lands, and monitor and document long-term environmental changes in the animal and plant species. It also highlights projects lake, and to assess the management efforts that have been funded under the Long Island Sound Futures Fund, a implemented to improve water quality. new grant program led by LISS and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, which awarded more than $1.8 million in 2005 and 2006. LONG ISLAND SOUND Among his other activities in 2007, NEIWPCC’s Burg Sign of Progress In Beacon, N.Y., swimmers enjoy the waters of the once heavily polluted Hudson River by using a floating pool built with Formed in 1985, the Long Island Sound Study (LISS) is began planning for a series of community-based social a grant from the Hudson River Estuary Program. NEIWPCC’s Beth a partnership comprised of federal and state agencies, marketing workshops. The workshops will examine ways Waterman manages the grants program. user groups, organizations, and individuals dedicated that LISS and its partners can get an interested public to restoring and protecting Long Island Sound, the to “do the right thing” to improve water quality. The estuary that lies between Long Island and the coast effort follows up on a public perception survey released of Connecticut. NEIWPCC is proud to be one of the by LISS in April 2007. The survey showed Long Island Sound residents care about the environment, but are not fully informed about the primary causes of pollution affecting the Sound. It also revealed that an ill-informed public is engaging in negative environmental behaviors that diminish water quality. The social marketing work- shops will be held in the fall of 2008. A workshop that already took place was another high- light of our staff’s work related to Long Island Sound. As part of the Long Island Sound Habitat Restoration Initiative, NEIWPCC’s Heather Young organized a Dam Safety and Fish Passage Workshop that was held on May 2, 2007, in Riverhead, N.Y. The workshop addressed a challenge associated with anadromous fish, which require fresh and salt water to complete their life cycle. The fish benefit greatly from fish passage devices that allow them to get around the many dams in our region’s Sonic Tracking The summer of 2007 marked the second season of Progress Report The Long Island Sound Study’s 2005-2006 Biennial coastal rivers, but getting the dam safety permit typically sampling for adult Atlantic sturgeon in the Hudson River Estuary. Seen Report highlights programs and projects undertaken to improve required for a fish passage project can be an arduous here attaching an external sonic tag on a sturgeon are (left to right) water quality, restore and protect natural areas, better understand the process. Young’s workshop was designed to take some of NEIWPCC’s Amanda Higgs, Robert Adams, and Mark DuFour. The Sound’s environmental issues through scientific research, and increase the mystery out of that process, and it attracted more sonic tags allow researchers to follow the sturgeon and pinpoint their the public’s awareness of the Sound. NEIWPCC’s Robert Burg wrote than 60 attendees from a wide variety of organizations. location. The monitoring helps biologists identify the most important the report and coordinated its production. habitats of the fish, allowing the state to focus its habitat restoration efforts for sturgeon in the proper places. Partnerships • 37

They heard from an NYSDEC expert on dam safety reg- and several other NEIWPCC staff work with NYSDEC’s ulations, visited a dam that had been approved for a fish Hudson River Fisheries Unit year-round, and in fiscal passage project, and engaged in detailed, productive dis- 2007 they spent many long days on the river sampling for cussions. One important outcome of the workshop was juvenile and adult Atlantic sturgeon, adult striped bass, an increased dialogue before the initiation of a project and American shad. The study results help researchers between NYSDEC Dam Safety Engineers and the various identify desired fish habitats that must be protected, and sectors interested in fish passage. in the case of striped bass and shad, help officials adjust During the planning process for the May 2 event, fishing regulations to sustain healthy populations of fish the need for an additional workshop became apparent. species. In September 2007, NEIWPCC’s Dan Miller and Emily During the year, NEIWPCC staff also prepared for Hauser hosted and organized a Dam Safety Workshop at upcoming studies, including one of particular inter- the Hudson River Estuarine Research Reserve. It attracted est—an exploration of the opportunities for restoring more than 40 people interested in furthering fish passage the eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica) to the lower efforts in the Hudson River Estuary. Hudson River, where the oysters were once abundant Grounds for Concern For years, NEIWPCC staff have assisted before overharvesting and disease decimated the popu- with spawning stock surveys of fish in the Hudson River Estuary, lation. The project involves growing oysters in enclosures HUDSON RIVER including American shad. In the 2007 season, only 196 shad were at five locations south to north along a salinity gradi- caught and tagged, the lowest number in years and another sign Since 1999, NEIWPCC has been providing funding and ent. The oysters will be monitored weekly for two years that shad populations along the coast are in decline. Emergency shad staff to New York State programs that work to protect, to determine growth and mortality rates, reproductive fishing regulations, for both commercial and recreational fishing, were enacted in the spring of 2008 to lessen the strain on the species. conserve, restore, and enhance the Hudson River and its potential, and occurrence of disease. NEIWPCC’s Dan estuary. In fiscal 2007, our staff at NYSDEC’s Hudson River Miller, a Hudson River Habitat Restoration Coordinator, Estuary Program worked on numerous vital projects, is managing the study, which begins in 2008 and will including managing the program’s grants. Typically be watched closely by the region’s scientific commu- the grant recipients’ projects are straightforward—boat nity. Oysters provide a wide range of ecosystem benefits launches, watershed plans, educational programs, and including improving water quality and fish habitat. the like—but occasionally they are unexpectedly creative. NEIWPCC staff also work on research, educa- Such was the case with a project submitted by a group tion, and interpretation programs at the Hudson River in Beacon, N.Y., with the urging of legendary folksinger National Estuarine Research Reserve, which is part of a Pete Seeger. The group proposed testing the feasibility of nationwide system of areas set aside as field laboratories a floating pool in the Hudson, similar to those that were for estuarine research and education. In 2007, our staff so prominent in the river in the early twentieth century. led numerous activities, such as educational canoe trips After receiving funding from the Hudson River Estuary through the reserve and popular workshops on invasive Program, the group sampled the water at its chosen site plants. In one particularly notable activity, NEIWPCC’s in Beacon, confirmed the water quality was acceptable, Emilie Hauser collaborated with the Hudson River obtained the necessary permits, and ultimately built Estuary Program to organize and host a focus group a floating pool that anchors in deep water but has a discussion on Sept. 17, 2007, about a stormwater train- shallow interior depth for young children. The pool, ing course being developed by the University of New which operates seasonally, is a potent symbol of the Hampshire Stormwater Center. Seventeen stormwa- improvement in the estuary’s water quality in recent ter professionals took part in the focus group session, School Sessions As she does every year, NEIWPCC’s Rebecca Houser decades. which was one of several similar discussions that the presented programs at schools throughout the Hudson River Valley. Houser, a watershed educator and school program specialist with Much of our staff’s work related to the Hudson UNH Stormwater Center held around the country. The the Hudson River Estuary Program, also conducted teacher training River takes them out onto the river on a daily basis, Stormwater Center is using the information gained from on a Hudson River curriculum guide for grades 3-5, which she was when weather allows. Kris McShane, Amanda Higgs, the talks to refine the audience, goals, and objectives instrumental in developing. TIMELINE: A Legacy of Leadership

for the training course. For details on NEIWPCC’s to switch to phosphorus-free (P-free) lawn fertilizers. 1997 – 2001 partnership with the Stormwater Center on other proj- Outreach was conducted through televised public service • 1998 • ects, see page 12. announcements, local media stories, retailers, lawn and • 1997 • A regional pilot garden shows, master gardeners, and through a website project for evaluating created by the LCBP, www.lawntolake.org. innovative and alternative LAKE CHAMPLAIN BASIN PROGRAM onsite wastewater technologies receives Fiscal year 2007 marked the fifteenth year of our a coveted EPA partnership with the Lake Champlain Basin Program, Environmental Merit Award. NEIWPCC is which coordinates and funds a wide range of efforts to a key player in the restore and protect the lake and its basin. NEIWPCC project, and our serves as program adviser and financial manager to Onsite Systems Task Force is responsible the LCBP; our support includes managing personnel, for reviewing the Teachers receive training in the use contract, grant and budget-related tasks, and providing of That Magnificent Ground Water new technologies. Connection: A Resource Book for input on the program’s activities through our partnership Production continues Grades 7-12, on a software published by NEIWPCC. with the LCBP Steering Committee. package entitled Performance Analysis System for Publicly-Owned Treatment Works (POTWs), which will enable treatment plants to perform self-audits to ensure compliance, prevention, and appropriate corrective actions. • 1998 • NEIWPCC begins assisting Massachusetts and EPA with research on the distribution of sediment contaminants in the lower Charles River, with a special focus on high-use areas where the restoration of swimming is being considered. After Hands-On Experience Vermont and New York educators seine for four years of writing, reviewing, and editing, the Commission publishes the 1998 edition of TR16: Guides for the Design of fish as part of the 11-day “Watershed for Every Classroom” educator Wastewater Treatment Works, one of NEIWPCC’s most widely training program initiated in 2007 by the LCBP and its educational used documents. partners. • 1999 • A partnership with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s Hudson River Estuary Program is initiated, with the goal of preserving and restoring the Hudson River through conservation and public In another major effort, 17 Vermont and New York education. NEIWPCC employs staff to work year-round with educators participated in an 11-day field-based educator the program, on everything from river bottom mapping to training program initiated by the LCBP and its educa- contract management. At the National Operators Training Conference, cosponsored by NEIWPCC, the Commission unveils tional partners through the Champlain Basin Education its performance analysis software for POTWs. Brochure designed Initiative. Working through all four seasons, they seined by NEIWPCC’s for fish, defined littoral zones, identified aquatic native • 2000 • In conjunction with EPA, NEIWPCC coordinates a Vernal Nicole Ballinger Pool symposium at the University of Rhode Island. More than and invasive plants, monitored rivers, dug soil pits, of the Lake 500 people attend the two-day event. Working with several explored geology atop Mt. Philo, toured a local paper partners including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, NEIWPCC Champlain Basin conducts a fish tissue study on the Connecticut River. The Program plant, and practiced skills used by nautical archeologists. research focuses on contaminant concentrations in fish from the Each training day, educators teamed up with scientists, river’s mainstem; subsequent sampling will be done to detect In 2007, the Lake Champlain Basin Program engaged technical experts, and CBEI partners to explore topics any trends in concentrations. in a number of high-profile activities, but perhaps none in depth, then shared resources and practiced hands-on • 2001 • At the request of the Environment Committee of the more so than its “Don’t ‘P’ on Your Lawn” outreach classroom activities and techniques. The LCBP believes New England Governors’ Conference, NEIWPCC prepares and publishes a three-volume report, Health, Environmental, and campaign. Conducted in collaboration with several that by providing these 17 dynamic educators with the Economic Impacts of Adding Ethanol to Gasoline in the Northeast local partners, the campaign encouraged homeowners proper knowledge and tools, they will motivate up to States. Commission staff participate in the formation and planning of the Northeast Panel on Aquatic Nuisance Species. Partnerships • 39

1,200 new students to care for their local watershed in the IN-STATE SUPPORT Each year, NEIWPCC staff based outside our Lowell headquarters next three years alone. coordinate and participate in an extensive array of programs and projects, far more than we can capture in this These were just two of the activities conducted by the annual report. Pictured here are just two more examples of the work they do, and the invaluable service they LCBP in a very busy year for the organization. To learn provide to our states’ environmental agencies. more about all that the program does, visit its website at www.lcbp.org. Team Effort NEIWPCC’s Richard Chase, who is based at the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection offices in Worcester, collaborated with the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management and EPA New England to plan and implement sampling and analysis for low-level metals concentrations in the Ten Mile River. Data from the study will be used to determine whether sampled reaches in the Ten Mile River are meeting state surface water quality standards for dissolved metals, and whether development of a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) is needed. Chase took this photo, which shows MA DEP and RI DEM staff sampling for metals in the Ten Mile River at the border between the two states.

Philatelic Celebration In honor of the 400th anniversary of Samuel de Champlain’s arrival at Lake Champlain, which will be celebrated in 2009, the LCBP organized the first ever international and interstate stamp cancellation in September 2007. The event included ceremonies on Isle La Motte, Vermont; at Champlain, New York; and Focus on Wetlands NEIWPCC’s in Lacolle, Quebec. Christine Caron, who works with the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, spent considerable time in fiscal 2007 coordinating preparations for a wetlands training workshop for consultants at RI DEM headquarters in Providence. The workshop, which was held in early fiscal 2008, provided the consultants with information to improve compliance with avoidance and minimization requirements, the completeness of wetlands permit applications, and the predictability of outcomes. Many of the sessions highlighted changes to the revised Wetlands Rules and Regulations that were promulgated in June 2007. TIMELINE: A Legacy of Leadership

2002 – 2006 From the Comptroller • 2005 • • 2002 • After the This page contains the results of the latest audit of NEIWPCC’s program revenue and expenditures for the September 11 fiscal year ending September 30, 2007. The Commission is a not-for-profit organization, exempt from taxes under attacks, NEIWPCC Section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code. moves quickly to address water-related We continue to receive the majority of our funding from the United States Environmental Protection Agency security concerns. In in the form of grants and cooperative agreements. From our member states, we receive direct financial support conjunction with EPA in the form of annual dues, as well as substantial funding for projects pertaining to specific waterbodies. Our and the New England Water Environment training and certification programs also generate significant revenue, including those we now conduct for the Association, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the State of Maine. You will note that we list the fees generated from these Commission develops programs as separate sources of revenue. and conducts six one-day security Learning and networking opportunities Fiscal 2007 was again a generally good year financially for NEIWPCC, with total revenue exceeding total and emergency abound at the Northeast Onsite Short Course and Equipment Exhibition. operating expenditures. This resulted in an increase in net assets, which provides a reserve for the organization to preparedness draw upon when necessary to temporarily support operations. Such a reserve is particularly important in these training workshops for wastewater facilities uncertain economic times. Independent auditors perform an audit of NEIWPCC’s financial records, as required in the region. NEIWPCC also coordinates by our compact and our various grants and contracts. It is conducted in accordance with U.S. generally accepted an initiative to visit treatment plants in five states to assess auditing standards, issued by the Comptroller General of the United States. their vulnerability to security breaches. • 2003 • NEIWPCC begins working with the U.S. Geological Survey on Linda Agostinelli, C.P.A. a nitrogen monitoring program in the Upper Connecticut River Basin. Sites throughout the watershed are sampled in an effort NEIWPCC Comptroller to quantify the contribution of the major sources of the river’s nitrogen load. NEIWPCC and EPA bring together major petroleum New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission marketers and regional underground storage tank managers for Statements of Program Activities a summit-style meeting on ways to increase regional compliance Years Ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 with tank regulations. • 2004 • With the full support of our member states, the Commission Revenue 2007 2006 launches NEIWPCC’s Regional Research Initiative to advance Federal Grants $ 6,045,821 $ 6,568,975 water research in the Northeast. A survey of our states’ research needs uncovers many shared priorities, including stormwater Member State Support 148,664 147,849 and nutrients. NEIWPCC publishes Water Today… Water State Contracts 1,521,178 1,511,036 Tomorrow? Protecting Drinking Water Sources in Your Community: Training 686,526 874,281 Tools for Municipal Officials, and establishes a new Mercury-Fish Interest Income 152,786 102,943 Workgroup. Donated Services 510,913 392,460 • 2005 • NEIWPCC takes the lead role in developing and coordinating Other Income 14,948 16,769 the 2nd Northeast Onsite Wastewater Treatment Short Course and Equipment Exhibition. With nearly 350 people attending, the Other Contracts 218,026 160,491 event is an overwhelming success. Another event largely License Renewal Fees 350,165 88,930 coordinated by NEIWPCC is also a major success: the National Certification Exam Fees 87,025 53,525 Tanks Conference attracts more than 500 attendees. Contributions 68,116 5,890 • 2006 • The talks with our member states about developing a Northeast Regional Mercury TMDL get serious, and NEIWPCC takes the lead on data-gathering and performing the necessary Total Revenue 9,804,168 9,923,149 calculations. The Commission publishes The Cost of Clean and Safe Water, a report on what households will pay to sustain Operating Expenditures 9,526,709 9,693,196 our water and wastewater infrastructure, and The Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators Guide to Biosolids Sampling Plans. NEIWPCC Executive Director Ron Poltak receives an EPA Increase in Net Assets $ 277,459 $ 229,953 Lifetime Achievement Award, a tribute to the leadership both he and NEIWPCC have provided over the years. New Hampshire Thomas Burack, Esq., Commissioner, Department of Environmental Services Represented by Harry Stewart, P.E., Department of Environmental Services NEIWPCC Officers* NEIWPCC Commissioners* Robert Cruess, P.E., Amherst Nelson Thibault, P.E., Nottingham NEIWPCC 2007 Annual Report Frank Thomas, P.E., Merrimack Chair: Harry Stewart, Connecticut Robert Weimar, P.E., Auburn A Production of the New Hampshire Gina McCarthy, Commissioner, New England Interstate Water Vice-Chair: Alicia Good, Department of Environmental Protection New York Pollution Control Commission Represented by Yvonne Bolton, Esq., Pete Grannis, Commissioner, Rhode Island 116 John Street Department of Environmental Protection Department of Environmental Conservation Treasurer: Richard P. Kotelly, Represented by Sandra Allen, Esq., Lowell, MA 01852 J. Robert Galvin, M.D., M.P.H., Commissioner, Massachusetts Department of Environmental Conservation Department of Public Health p. 978-323-7929 Richard Daines, M.D., Commissioner, Astrid Hanzalek, Suffield Concept/Writer/Project Manager: www.neiwpcc.org Department of Health Stephen Hochbrunn, NEIWPCC Edwin Pearson, Esq., Ridgefield Represented by Richard Svenson, P.E., Department of Health, Environmental Health Protection Cover design and layout elements/design: Maine Albert Bromberg, P.E., Schenectady Cindy Barnard, NEIWPCC David Littell, Commissioner, Leo J. Hetling, Delmar Department of Environmental Protection Layout, design, and production: Represented by Andrew Fisk, Salvatore Pagano, P.E., Clifton Park Ricki Pappo, Enosis – The Environmental Outreach Group Department of Environmental Protection Brenda Harvey, Commissioner, Rhode Island Contributing writers: Department of Health and Human Services W. Michael Sullivan, Ph.D., Director, NEIWPCC staff (most notably Beth Card, Laura Chan, Tom Groves, Department of Environmental Management Albert Curran, P.E., Gorham Susy King, Kara Sergeant, Kerry Strout, Marianna Vulli, Represented by Alicia Good, Becky Weidman) William Taylor, Esq., Yarmouth Department of Environmental Management David Gifford, M.D., M.P.H., Director, Department of Health Special thanks to Beth Card and Susy King for assistance with Massachusetts historical research. Additional thanks to Beth Card for legislation Donald Pryor, Providence Laurie Burt, Esq., Commissioner, summary (page 6). Department of Environmental Protection Represented by Glenn Haas, P.E., Vermont All photos by NEIWPCC unless otherwise noted. Department of Environmental Protection George Crombie, Secretary, Agency of Natural Resources Represented by John Sayles, Paul Cote, Commissioner, Department of Public Health Agency of Natural Resources Charles Button, P.E., Framingham Sharon Moffat, R.N., M.S.N., Commissioner, James Rogers, P.E., Chelmsford Department of Health Printed on recycled paper containing 30% post-consumer waste. * As of September 30, 2007. Lester Sutton, P.E., Sharon David Clough, P.E., Williston 2007 Annual Report

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New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission 1947-2007