The U.S. Senate recently passed an updated National Defense Reauthorization Act (NDAA) that includes language phasing out firefighting foams containing PFAS, and also establish reporting requirements and stricter standards for environmental contamination.

Both Corpus Christi Utilities and the City of Marble Falls used good press from their local TV stations to educate citizens about the wastewater collections process, and how non-potable reuse for irrigation offers huge savings potential.

Most legal repercussions for pollution or illegal dumping rely on data reported to or collected by state regulatory agencies, but a recent case involving a plastics plant on Lavaca Bay relied on data collected by citizen volunteers. Formosa Plastics awaits a final judgment in September to determine their financial liability for illegally dumping raw plastic products in Lavaca Bay and its tributaries.

The TCEQ is accepting comments on a proposedchange to rules concerning effluent ponds and land application. There will be a public hearing July 25, comments will be accepted through July 30.

Austin will host the One Water Summit on September 20. Put on by the US Water Alliance, the summit brings in national leaders in water management and policy. Water Alliance CEO Radhika Fox announced the conference, calling Austin ‘the perfect home for One Water 2019.”

The EPA’s Region 6 will host a stormwater conference July 28 through August 1 in Denton.