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Environmental Finance Center Network: Daily Summaries Delivered
by EFCN
The Environmental Finance Center Network (EFCN) is a university-based organization originally created by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EFCN works with states, tribes, local governments, and the private sector to promote sustainable environmental solutions through innovative training and assistance focused on actionable results.
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- 5 days ago36 min
Clean Water SRF Series: Septic System Success in Northwest Arkansas
Hosts: Eva Schwendimann & Shā Lager, Water Utility Trainer and Support Specialists, Southwest Environmental Finance Center Guest: Morgan Keeling, Associate Director of the Illinois River Watershed Partnership Episode Description: In recognition of EPA’s SepticSmart Week, we give you the first Clean Water State Revolving Fund (SRF) podcast of a multi-episode series highlighting how innovative funding can help communities address failing septic systems and protect local water quality. We had the opportunity to speak with Morgan Keeling, the Associate Director of the Illinois River Watershed Partnership (IRWP) in Northwest Arkansas. She spoke specifically about a wonderful program that she formerly managed, but still oversees at the IRWP, called the Septic Tank Remediation Program (STRP), where CWSRF funds are used through a combination of zero-interest loans and non-repayable grant funds to repair or replace residential failing septic systems. Morgan shares with us how the STRP was designed, lessons learned in the process, and community impact. The STRP starts in residents of Northwest Arkansas’ backyards, but the benefits of this program resonate throughout the Illinois River Watershed. Timestamps: Illinois River Watershed Partnership and Septic Tank Remediation Program Intro: 01:34 Mission of CWSRF Podcast Series: 06:00 Why the STRP is a priority for the community and watershed: 08:19 Obstacles in application or construction processes of the CWSRF: 15:09 Timeline from application to project completion: 22:39 Ways compliance has improved under the STRP: 25:19 Unexpected positive outcomes from the project: 26:17 Major takeaways from STRP to consider in other projects: 29:07 Learn More About EPA’s SepticSmart Program Here: EPA 2026 SepticSmart Week EPA’s SepticSmart Program Additional Resources: EFCN Animation | Septic Tanks: DON'T MAKE THESE MISTAKES EFCN Blog | Public Problem, Private Property: How Outreach and Incentives Drive Smarter Septic System Management
- 3 weeks ago23 min
Aging Equipment: Repair, Upgrade, or Replace?
Does your wastewater or water system have aging equipment? Looking for a way to continue operating safely and prepare for the future? Nick Willis with Wichita State University EFC, invites us to consider a few things as we evaluate the criticality, the risk, and probability of failure when it comes to systems with older equipment!Additional Resources:EFCN Blog Series | Turning Data into Action Part 1: Beyond the inventory – What Asset Management Planning Really MeansEFCN Blog Series | Turning Data into Action Part 2: Start Small – Building an Asset Management Plan that Works for YouEFCN Blog Series | Turning Data into Action Part 3: Turning Sense into Dollars – Using Asset Management for Financial Decisions
- 3 weeks ago14 min
Wastewater Funding: Fact or Fiction?
Think you know how wastewater funding works? You might be surprised. In this episode, we’re playing Fact or Fiction and taking a closer look at some of the assumptions that can make funding seem more complicated than it is. From how the Clean Water State Revolving Fund actually works to what happens when a community has a project but isn’t sure where to turn... We’re separating some common misconceptions from what systems really need to know.Additional Resources:EFCN Funding TablesEFCN Animation | SRF Funding Process: How To Get Funding For Your UtilityEFCN Blog | Funding Pipeline: How to Apply for Infrastructure FundingEFCN Blog | What Funding Is Available for Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Projects?
- Aug 18, 202627 min
PFAS Series, Part 3: PFAS Treatment Technologies
This episode focuses on the technologies used to treat PFAS. Dr. Li discusses the science behind granular activated carbon (GAC), ion exchange, reverse osmosis, and nanofiltration, comparing their performance, operational requirements, and cost considerations. The conversation also explores PFAS disposal after treatment, emerging remediation approaches, and key factors small water systems should consider when planning for PFAS treatment.Listen to Parts 1 and 2 of the PFAS Podcast Series Here:PFAS Series, Part 1PFAS Series, Part 2Additional Resources:EFCN Blog | PFAS Monitoring: What Small Systems Need to KnowEFCN Blog | A Guide for Water Operators Preparing for PFAs Sampling and RegulationsEFCN Animation | The PFAS Problem
- Aug 14, 202622 min
Wastewater Treatment Plant Types 101
In this episode, join Dawn, AJ, and Mike of the Southwest Environmental Finance Center (SW EFC) to discuss the main types of wastewater treatment plants including their benefits, downsides, and best use cases for each plant type. The three main types of WWTPs discussed are:Lagoons - Facultative Lagoons- Aerated Lagoons- Anaerobic Lagoons- Polishing Ponds- Evaporative LagoonsFixed-Film Plants - Trickling Filters- Rotating Biological Contactors (RBCs)Suspended Growth Plants- Activated SludgeAt the heart of each of these plant types is the kind of biological treatment used. Whether you are totally new to wastewater treatment or a seasoned operator or plant manager considering upgrades to your plant given evolving regulations and discharge permit requirements this episode is for you! Additional Resources:EFCN Podcast | Small Wastewater Systems: How Lagoons Treat WastewaterEFCN Blog | Seasonal Challenges, Smart Solutions: Summer Operation of Wastewater Lagoons
- Aug 11, 202620 min
Think Outside the Tank: How to reach out to your community
We know you are passionate about water, but is there something else you love to do? If so, how can you tap into that to reach your community? Meet Marissa! She invites us to think "outside the tank" and make connections with everyone!Additional Information: Oscoda Citizens For Clean Water | Pirates and Mermaids FestivalEFCN Blog | Understanding Public Notice Requirements and Communicating Water Issues to Your CommunityEFCN Blog | Building Community Support for Wastewater Projects
- Aug 7, 202616 min
How the EPA Creates Wastewater Regulations and What Small Communities Can Do
Small systems do not need to be caught off guard when it comes to new regulations! Listen in on this conversation where the whole process is explained and what small systems can do to stay in the knowAdditional Information:EPA | National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES)EFCN Blog | Big Picture: EPA Regulations and NPDES Permits
- Aug 4, 202617 min
Design Strategies for Green Schoolyards
Learn about the myriad considerations for green schoolyard design from a landscape architect's perspective. Adam De Foor-White, PLA, ASLA shares his insights and experience for those who may be considering a green schoolyard for their school. This podcast is a companion to our three-part webinar series Green Schoolyards as a Stormwater and Community Resilience Strategy, which covers funding strategies and considerations for green schoolyards.Watch the Environmental Finance Center Network’s, “Green Schoolyards as a Stormwater and Community Resilience Strategy,” webinar series moderated by Greenprint Partners here: Part 1: Green Schoolyards as Stormwater & Community Resilience Strategy Part 2: Lessons from MilwaukeePart 3: Lessons from Chicagoland
About Environmental Finance Center Network
The Environmental Finance Center Network (EFCN) is a university-based organization originally created by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EFCN works with states, tribes, local governments, and the private sector to promote sustainable environmental solutions through innovative training and assistance focused on actionable results.
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