Talking Under Water

In this episode of Talking Under Water co-hosts Bob Crossen and Mandy Crispin, along with Water Group Editor Alex Cossin share the trends they witnessed at AWWA ACE24 in Anaheim, California. Then, the hosts are joined by fellow co-host Katie Johns to discuss recent industry news, including $60 million in funding from the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Association to build a climate-ready workforce; and $65 million from the Department of Labor for workforce development in the U.S. with some specifically targeting the water sector. Also, hosts share information about microplastics legislation, Portland Maine’s lawsuit against DuPont and 3M for PFAS in wastewater, and microplastics legislation.   Show Notes:   White House announces $60 million to build climate-ready workforce U.S. EPA publishes 2024-2027 climate adaptation plan Portland, Maine, Water District joins wastewater class action lawsuit against PFAS manufacturers Bill requiring study of microplastics in drinking water passes assembly health committee U.S. Department of Labor awards $65 million in grants to community colleges to expand access to training Timestamps:  Cold open | 0:00 Host introduction and episode summary | 0:40 The "as a service" business model trend in water | 1:35 AWWA | 6:23 OCWD tour's value for editors | 7:55 NOAA's $60M plan for a climate-ready workforce | 9:13 Department of Labor investment in workforce | 11:23 Microplastics monitoring begins in California | 13:32 Portland, Maine files lawsuit against PFAS manufacturers | 14:48 Housekeeping | 16:30 Resources:  Meet the new AWWA President Cheryl Porter Ace 2024 opening general session thread About the Podcast    Talking Under Water is the premier podcast for the water industry, including municipal and industrial water and wastewater, residential water treatment, storm water management and erosion control. It is produced in coordination between Wastewater Digest (WWD), WaterWorld and Storm Water Solutions (SWS). The podcast covers topics under the One Water movement including the municipal and industrial water and wastewater, point of use, point of entry, residential, storm water and erosion control markets. Talking Under Water highlights news, trends, new technologies, industry discussions and on-site interviews with experts for WWD, WW and SWS. New episodes of the podcast are released on the third Friday of every month. Logo Images: Anatoly Tiplyashin / Romolo Tavani / stock.adobe.com.   Contact the Talking Under Water podcast editors by emailing talkingunderwater@endeavorb2b.com  engaging with them on Twitter @TUWpodcast. Join the conversation by commenting or using the hashtag #talkingunderwaterpod on social media.  

In this episode of Talking Under Water, Duke McCall, partner in Environmental Counseling & Litigation at Morgan Lewis, discusses the 1-year anniversary of the Sackett vs. EPA ruling. The Supreme Court’s decision on Sackett v. EPA significantly altered ‘waters of the United States,’ only allowing the regulation of wetlands that are indistinguishable from a protected body of water. In this interview, McCall discusses what has happened in the year since the ruling, work that has been done since and how the ruling has impacted it and where the industry goes from here. Show Notes:    Supreme Court weakens Clean Water Act’s wetlands protections Talking Under Water Episode 81: WOTUS & The Clean Water Act EPA, Army amend WOTUS to align with Supreme Court wetlands decision More than wetlands at stake in WOTUS fight Timestamps:    Introduction and episode summary | 0:00 Interview starts | 1:02 What's happened since the Sackett v. EPA ruling | 1:37 How does the election year impact these kinds of regulations? | 5:01 Have water professionals changed how they work? | 6:20 Slow rollout generations uncertainty | 7:37 Where do we go from here? | 8:44 Housekeeping | 10:59 Resources:  SWS Top Project Nominations WWD Top Project Nominations About the Podcast   Talking Under Water is the premier podcast for the water industry, including municipal and industrial water and wastewater, residential water treatment, storm water management and erosion control. It is produced in coordination between Wastewater Digest (WWD), WaterWorld and Storm Water Solutions (SWS). The podcast covers topics under the One Water movement including the municipal and industrial water and wastewater, point of use, point of entry, residential, storm water and erosion control markets. Talking Under Water highlights news, trends, new technologies, industry discussions and on-site interviews with experts for WWD, WQP and SWS. New episodes of the podcast are released on the third Friday of every month. Logo Images: Anatoly Tiplyashin / Romolo Tavani / stock.adobe.com.     Contact the Talking Under Water podcast editors by emailing talkingunderwater@endeavorb2b.com  engaging with them on Twitter @TUWpodcast. Join the conversation by commenting or using the hashtag #talkingunderwaterpod on social media.  

In this episode, hosts discuss recent industry news, including DuPont's plans to spin off into multiple companies, in which the holding company’s electronics and water divisions will split from its core industrial chemical businesses. The hosts also discuss recent State Revolving Fund support across the water sector, Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Reuse Municipal Grant funding, the 2024 hurricane season and Yute Tribe water system funding. Show Notes:    NOAA predicts above-normal 2024 Atlantic hurricane season U.S. EPA announces over $2.8 million in funding for stormwater infrastructure in Region 7 From IndustryWeek: DuPont Preps Split Into Three Companies   Timestamps:    Cold open | 0:00 Host introduction and episode summary | 0:36 Overview of SRF Programs | 1:12 Funding programs for sewers | 3:11 Hurricane season predictions | 3:48 Dupont spins off water business | 4:49 Federal grants for water scarcity | 7:16 Housekeeping | 8:50 Resources:  SWS Top Projects   WaterWorld May/June Issue WasteWater Digest Top Projects About the Podcast    Talking Under Water is the premier podcast for the water industry, including municipal and industrial water and wastewater, residential water treatment, storm water management and erosion control. It is produced in coordination between Wastewater Digest (WWD), WaterWorld and Storm Water Solutions (SWS). The podcast covers topics under the One Water movement including the municipal and industrial water and wastewater, point of use, point of entry, residential, storm water and erosion control markets. Talking Under Water highlights news, trends, new technologies, industry discussions and on-site interviews with experts for WWD, WW and SWS. New episodes of the podcast are released on the third Friday of every month. Logo Images: Anatoly Tiplyashin / Romolo Tavani / stock.adobe.com.    Contact the Talking Under Water podcast editors by emailing talkingunderwater@endeavorb2b.com  engaging with them on Twitter @TUWpodcast. Join the conversation by commenting or using the hashtag #talkingunderwaterpod on social media.  

In this episode of Talking Under Water, co-host Katie Johns interviews Roland Jones, market director for the Mid-Atlantic Region for the Clean Water Partnership and Corvias Infrastructure Solutions. The two discuss various aspects of flood control, including funding, flood mitigation challenges and implementing flood control measures.  

In this episode of Talking Under Water, we touch on recent industry news, including the looming biosolids crisis in Maine following the state's ban on land application due to biosolids. Incinerators and landfills have limited what they will accept and the only state-run landfill expects to run out of capacity by 2028. We also touch on funding for the Chesapeake Bay as well as some news about cybersecurity and infrastructure investments. We are trying something new and separating news into its own episode, so you won’t hear an interview today. We are doing this to give us more space to discuss the news in more depth. Since it is an experiment, be sure to let us know your thoughts!   Show Notes Industry warns of biosolids crisis in Maine EPA announces $206M in grants to protect Chesapeake Bay Timestamps Cold open | 0:00 Host introduction and episode summary | 0:34 Industry warns of biosolids crisis in Maine | 1:18 Chesapeake Bay funding from EPA | 6:00 Cybersecurity round up for water systems | 7:02 Housekeeping | 11:08      About the Podcast    Talking Under Water is the premier podcast for the water industry, including municipal and industrial water and wastewater, residential water treatment, storm water management and erosion control. It is produced in coordination between Wastewater Digest (WWD), WaterWorld and Storm Water Solutions (SWS). The podcast covers topics under the One Water movement including the municipal and industrial water and wastewater, point of use, point of entry, residential, storm water and erosion control markets. Talking Under Water highlights news, trends, new technologies, industry discussions and on-site interviews with experts for WW, WWD and SWS. New episodes of the podcast are released on the third Friday of every month. Logo Images: Anatoly Tiplyashin / Romolo Tavani / stock.adobe.com.    Contact the Talking Under Water podcast editors by emailing talkingunderwater@endeavorb2b.com  engaging with them on Twitter @TUWpodcast. Join the conversation by commenting or using the hashtag #talkingunderwaterpod on social media.  

On April 10, 2024, the EPA announced the final National Primary Drinking Water Regulation (NPDWR) for six PFAS contaminants. This is the first brand new Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) set by the EPA since arsenic was updated in 2001. In this episode, four industry professionals; Miles Menyhert,  liquid phase applications engineer at Jacobi Carbons; Ken Sansone, partner at SL Environmental; Kyle Thompson, national PFAS lead at Carollo Engineers and; Tom Muilenberg, chemical engineer and the global product manager at De Nora, discuss what this means for the water industry.   Show Notes:    EPA designates PFOA and PFOS as hazardous substances under CERCLA EPA announces final PFAS Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCL) Water industry responds to EPA's PFAS MCL ruling Water Coalition Against PFAS applauds House introduction for PFAS liability Timestamps:    Episode summary | 0:53 EPA adds PFAS chemicals to CERCLA | 4:44 View from a chemical engineer | 7:08 The value of source identification | 14:00 Vew from a lawyer holding polluters accountable | 16:37 Follow the money and the litigation | 22:05 View from a PFAS practice leader | 25:07 Supply and demand for PFAS treatment | 36:51 View from a product manager for PFAS treatment | 42:14 Human health impacts | 51:51 Housekeeping | 52:34 About the Podcast    Talking Under Water is the premier podcast for the water industry, including municipal and industrial water and wastewater, residential water treatment, storm water management and erosion control. It is produced in coordination between Wastewater Digest (WWD), WaterWorld and Storm Water Solutions (SWS). The podcast covers topics under the One Water movement including the municipal and industrial water and wastewater, point of use, point of entry, residential, storm water and erosion control markets. Talking Under Water highlights news, trends, new technologies, industry discussions and on-site interviews with experts for WWD, WQP and SWS. New episodes of the podcast are released on the third Friday of every month. Logo Images: Anatoly Tiplyashin / Romolo Tavani / stock.adobe.com.    Contact the Talking Under Water podcast editors by emailing talkingunderwater@endeavorb2b.com  engaging with them on Twitter @TUWpodcast. Join the conversation by commenting or using the hashtag #talkingunderwaterpod on social media.  

In this episode of Talking Under Water, the hosts discuss how the Water Coalition Against PFAS testified on Capitol Hill during a PFAS hearing; share news about California's Department of Water Resources completing a groundwater mapping project; and the White House’s plans to work with state administrations to address cyber risk in the water industry. Finally, this week's interview is with Andrew Ginter, vice president of industrial security for Waterfall Security Solutions. Ginter talks about cybersecurity risk and what utilities need to think about when upgrading systems to smart technology.  Show Notes:    Waterfall Security 2024 Threat Report  Engineering-grade OT Security — A Manager’s Guide  Cybersecurity for small water systems by Andrew Ginter   Water coalition testifies before Congress on importance of PFAS exemption for utility comapnies Timestamps:   Host introductions | 1:05 Episode summary | 1:19 Water Coalition Against PFAS testifies in D.C. California Department of Water Resources groundwater mapping project | 4:04 EPA invites governors to meeting about cybersecurity for water systems | 5:11 Interview begins | 6:28 WaterFall Securities Threat Report | 7:16 Cyberattacks in the water industry | 10:11 What is different now? | 11:32 What exactly is ransomware? | 15:50 Cybersecurity always carries a cost | 20:05 What poses the greatest threat to security? | 21:16 What is too risky to conduct in the cloud? | 26:13 Finding the balance between smart systems and security | 34:49 Housekeeping | 41:41 Resources:  Subscribe to Stormwater Solutions  Subscribe to Wastewater Digest Subscribe to WaterWorld    About the Podcast    Talking Under Water is the premier podcast for the water industry, including municipal and industrial water and wastewater, residential water treatment, storm water management and erosion control. It is produced in coordination between Wastewater Digest (WWD), WaterWorld and Storm Water Solutions (SWS). The podcast covers topics under the One Water movement including the municipal and industrial water and wastewater, point of use, point of entry, residential, storm water and erosion control markets. Talking Under Water highlights news, trends, new technologies, industry discussions and on-site interviews with experts for WWD, WQP and SWS. New episodes of the podcast are released on the third Friday of every month. Logo Images: Anatoly Tiplyashin / Romolo Tavani / stock.adobe.com.    Contact the Talking Under Water podcast editors by emailing talkingunderwater@endeavorb2b.com  engaging with them on Twitter @TUWpodcast. Join the conversation by commenting or using the hashtag #talkingunderwaterpod on social media.  

In this episode of Talking Under Water, get to know the new acting assistant administrator to the U.S. EPA Office of Water, Bruno Pigott. Pigott was promoted to this role in February, and in this interview with Co-host Bob Crossen, Pigott touches on his vision for the future of water; issues to tackle, such as PFAS; how he hopes his past experiences and professional relationships can help the industry tackle certain challenges; water funding and much more.   Show Notes:   EPA's future depends on water and wastewater professionals EPA Office of Water appoints Bruno Pigott to lead office Time Stamps Introduction | 0:00 Biggest issues facing the water industry today | 2:02 Highest priorities for EPA's Office of Water | 4:51 Bruno's vision fo the future of the water industry | 9:56 The role of the EPA Water assistant administrator in orchestrating vision | 12:53 Parting thoughts and bits of wisdom | 14:47 The value of generational infrastructure | 17:41 Housekeeping | 19:28 Resources:  Subscribe to Stormwater Solutions  Subscribe to Wastewater Digest Subscribe to WaterWorld    About the Podcast    Talking Under Water is the premier podcast for the water industry, including municipal and industrial water and wastewater, residential water treatment, storm water management and erosion control. It is produced in coordination between Wastewater Digest (WWD), WaterWorld and Storm Water Solutions (SWS). The podcast covers topics under the One Water movement including the municipal and industrial water and wastewater, point of use, point of entry, residential, storm water and erosion control markets. Talking Under Water highlights news, trends, new technologies, industry discussions and on-site interviews with experts for WWD, WQP and SWS. New episodes of the podcast are released on the third Friday of every month. Logo Images: Anatoly Tiplyashin / Romolo Tavani / stock.adobe.com.    Contact the Talking Under Water podcast editors by emailing talkingunderwater@endeavorb2b.com  engaging with them on Twitter @TUWpodcast. Join the conversation by commenting or using the hashtag #talkingunderwaterpod on social media.  

In this episode of Talking Under Water, we share our final episode celebrating Women’s History Month. Co-host Bob Crossen interviews Kathy Romans, water and wastewater segment manager for the protective and marine coatings division of PPG for US and Canada. Romans was the first woman president of NASSCO where she played a vital role in influencing safety practices and industry standards; and is a chemist who has developed into a respected and notable business professional in water. Romans shares her career path, how more women have entered the industry over time and the impact that has had, as well as advice for aspiring young professionals.    Show Notes  Talking Under Water: Building a network with Womxn in Water Career beginnings with erosion: How it helped build relationships and shape my professional future WaterWorld Women in Water 2024 Women in Water 2024 Closing the gap for women in science and water Timestamps Introduction | 0:00 Interview starts | 1:04 What it means to be a woman in the water industry | 1:24 Water takes us to our roots | 4:04 Did you find water or did water find you? | 5:29 Women in water over the years | 6:36 Why water is an industry for strong careers | 8:13 Catering to the next generation of water workers | 10:41 Lessons for aspiring water workers | 14:23 What piece of media has influenced you most | 17:28 Housekeeping | 20:21 Resources Subscribe to Stormwater Solutions Subscribe to Wastewater Digest Subscribe to WaterWorld About the Podcast    Talking Under Water is the premier podcast for the water industry, including municipal and industrial water and wastewater, residential water treatment, storm water management and erosion control. It is produced in coordination between Wastewater Digest (WWD), WaterWorld and Storm Water Solutions (SWS). The podcast covers topics under the One Water movement including the municipal and industrial water and wastewater, point of use, point of entry, residential, storm water and erosion control markets. Talking Under Water highlights news, trends, new technologies, industry discussions and on-site interviews with experts for WWD, WQP and SWS. New episodes of the podcast are released on the third Friday of every month. Logo Images: Anatoly Tiplyashin / Romolo Tavani / stock.adobe.com.       Contact the Talking Under Water podcast editors by emailing talkingunderwater@endeavorb2b.com  engaging with them on Twitter @TUWpodcast. Join the conversation by commenting or using the hashtag #talkingunderwaterpod on social media.  

In this episode of Talking Under Water, the hosts discuss the recent leadership changes and movement in the EPA Office of Water, a letter from water leaders urging Congressional leaders to reinstate the complete funding of the SRF programs for drinking water and clean water, and Water Research Foundation's request for project pre-proposals. Finally, our interview this episode features Amanda Jones, project manager for Tucson Water and founder of Womxn in Water. Amanda talks about being a woman in the water industry, finding Womxn in Water, her career and much more. Show Notes: EPA Office of Water appoints Bruno Pigott to lead office  Radhika Fox appointed Senior Advisor at Xylem  WRF seeks pre-proposals for One Water research projects  Water leaders urge Congress to fully fund SRF programs for water  Career beginnings with erosion: How it helped build relationships and shape my professional future    Show Notes: EPA Office of Water appoints Bruno Pigott to lead office  Radhika Fox appointed Senior Advisor at Xylem  WRF seeks pre-proposals for One Water research projects  Water leaders urge Congress to fully fund SRF programs for water  Career beginnings with erosion: How it helped build relationships and shape my professional future  Timestamps:  Cold open | 0:00 EPA Water leadership changes | 1:42 Water leaders urge Congrss to fund SRF | 3:57 Water Research Foundation seeks pre-proposals | 5:22 Interview with Amanda Jones begins | 7:08 Amanda's career path | 7:33 The founding of Womxn in Water | 9:12 Womxn in Water events and gatherings | 11:20 How DEI is about more than just race | 12:58 Mentorship | 15:03 What it means to be a woman in the water industry | 16:40 Women involvement in the water industry | 18:32 How industry involvement shapes careers | 20:11 Advice for young women entering the industry | 22:39 Overcoming impostor syndrome and being vulnerable | 24:56 Final thoughts | 27:14 Housekeeping | 28:14 Resources:  SWS Top Projects Nominations  StormCon Registration  WaterWorld Young Pros Nominations   About the Podcast    Talking Under Water is the premier podcast for the water industry, including municipal and industrial water and wastewater, residential water treatment, storm water management and erosion control. It is produced in coordination between Wastewater Digest (WWD), WaterWorld and Storm Water Solutions (SWS). The podcast covers topics under the One Water movement including the municipal and industrial water and wastewater, point of use, point of entry, residential, storm water and erosion control markets. Talking Under Water highlights news, trends, new technologies, industry discussions and on-site interviews with experts for WWD, WQP and SWS. New episodes of the podcast are released on the third Friday of every month. Logo Images: Anatoly Tiplyashin / Romolo Tavani / stock.adobe.com.     Contact the Talking Under Water podcast editors by emailing talkingunderwater@endeavorb2b.com  engaging with them on Twitter @TUWpodcast. Join the conversation by commenting or using the hashtag #talkingunderwaterpod on social media.