Rural Community Assistance Partnership

Practical solutions for improving rural communities
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December 2010

Control and Mitigation of Drinking Water Losses in Distribution Systems

Posted Tue, 2010/12/21 - 9:58am by RCAP

EPA is releasing the Control and Mitigation of Drinking Water Losses in Distribution Systems guidance document. This guidance provides information on flexible tools and techniques that may help a public water system (PWS) tailor a program to meet its water-loss prevention needs and maintain its infrastructure to deliver clean, safe drinking water to customers – often a significant challenge for the operator of PWSs and particularly for small water systems.

The Rural Blog: As states seek disclosure, drilling companies try more environmentally friendly fracking fluids

Posted Tue, 2010/12/21 - 9:53am by RCAP

Much of the controversy around hydraulic fracturing has centered on whether chemicals used in the process can contaminate drinking water supplies, "but despite an increase in the number of such reports nationally, environmentalists’ claims have been undermined by the fact that no scientific links have been established between fracturing — which involves blasting a solution of water, sand and chemicals deep underground to free natural gas — and reports of contaminated water," John Gramlich of Stateline writes in a good

EPA seeks comments on new web-based tool for accessing wastewater pollutant discharge information

Posted Fri, 2010/12/17 - 3:23pm by RCAP

 The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released a “beta” version of a new web-based tool that allows anyone to search and identify the amount, type, and location of wastewater pollutant discharges and the identity of the discharger. EPA is seeking comments on how to improve this tool and on the accuracy of the discharge monitoring data supporting it.

EPA recognizes nation’s first WaterSense-labeled homes

Posted Fri, 2010/12/17 - 3:16pm by RCAP

Water-efficiency program aims to help homebuyers save money on utility bills while cutting their water and energy use

WASHINGTON (EPA) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced Nov. 23 the first WaterSense-labeled homes in the country. WaterSense is a partnership program sponsored by EPA that seeks to protect the future of our nation’s water supply by offering people a simple way to use less water.

Aspen Institute highlights 10 ways EPA has strengthened America over past 40 years

Posted Fri, 2010/12/17 - 3:11pm by RCAP

List by group of environmental thought leaders unveiled as Agency commemorates 40th anniversary

WASHINGTON (EPA) – The Aspen Institute, an international nonprofit dedicated to fostering enlightened leadership and open-minded dialogue, today unveiled a list of ten ways the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has strengthened America over the past 40 years. The unveiling of the Aspen Institute list, which was compiled by a group of more than 20 thought leaders, kicked off a week of events to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the EPA.

EPA marks 40th anniversary

Posted Fri, 2010/12/17 - 12:56pm by RCAP

WASHINGTON (EPA) – Dec. 2 marked the 40th anniversary of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, an event commemorated both by EPA staff and by outside groups and individuals in a variety of ways throughout the week.

Information on EPA’s 40th anniversary events

EPA launches website to increase transparency of regulatory activity

Posted Fri, 2010/12/17 - 12:47pm by RCAP

WASHINGTON (EPA) - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has launched a new website called Reg Stat that will enhance public understanding of its regulatory process and the number, type, and range of regulatory documents developed each year by the agency. This new resource is part of the EPA’s continuing efforts to enhance the accessibility and transparency of its regulatory activities.

EPA announces 2010 enforcement and compliance results

Posted Fri, 2010/12/17 - 12:20pm by RCAP

More than 1.4 billion pounds of harmful air, land, and water pollution to be reduced

WASHINGTON (EPA) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced today the release of its annual enforcement and compliance results. In fiscal year (FY) 2010, EPA took enforcement and compliance actions that require polluters to pay more than $110 million in civil penalties and commit to spend an estimated $12 billion on pollution controls, cleanup, and environmental projects that benefit communities.

Obama administration convenes environmental leaders at historic White House environmental justice forum

Posted Fri, 2010/12/17 - 12:14pm by RCAP

WASHINGTON (EPA) – Five Cabinet secretaries and senior officials from a wide range of federal agencies and offices participated in the first White House Forum on Environmental Justice today, illustrating the Obama administration’s commitment to ensuring all Americans have strong federal protection from environmental and health hazards.

EPA seeks public comment on Policy for Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribes

Posted Fri, 2010/12/17 - 11:43am by RCAP

Goal is to enhance dialogue between tribes and EPA officials

WASHINGTON (EPA) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is seeking comment on the agency’s proposed “Policy on Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribes.” The goals of the policy are to involve tribal officials when EPA is taking actions or implementing decisions that may affect tribes.