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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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- Yesterday19 min
Smoke Testing 101: It’s Not a Pipe Dream!
In this episode, Eva Schwendimann from the SW EFC discusses the basics of sewer smoke testing in sanitary sewer systems with Mike Rivera. Mike is a Water and Wastewater Utility Specialist at the SW EFC and has a background of working with Water and Wastewater in New Mexico systems for over 20 years. This episode walks listeners through why and how a smoke test is conducted, the equipment needed, best case weather conditions for testing, and how to collect and manage data from a smoke test. Episode Chapters: Podcast Intro - 0:00:00Mike’s experience with smoke testing - 0:01:22 Summary of smoke test procedure - 0:04:25What can a smoke test detect? - 0:05:02 What is Infiltration and Inflow? - 0:05:22 Equipment needed - 0:08:32 Step by step procedure - 0:09:38 How effective is smoke testing?- 0:12:18 Best weather conditions - 0:13:14 How to collect and manage data - 0:14:08Podcast Outro - 0:18:57Links to additional resources: NPDES: Stormwater Best Management Practice, Preventing Stormwater Contamination from Sanitary Sewage Sewer Smoke Testing | Fulcrum EFCN Blog | The Impacts of Changing Precipitation Patterns on Wastewater and Stormwater Systems
- 1 weeks ago19 min
Cybersecurity: How to Start
Learn why cybersecurity matters for every water and wastewater utility and how leaders can take simple, proactive steps to safeguard their operations and the communities they serve.Additional Resources:Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)EFCN | Request Assistance with Cybersecurity or Request a Cybersecurity Training
- 2 weeks ago48 min
Preparing a Small Utility for Capital Improvements
In this episode James Markham from the Southwest Environmental Finance Center interviews Angelina Grey, Associate Planner at the Northwest New Mexico Council of Governments in New Mexico about guidance for small utilities that are looking for help with capital improvement planning, with a focus on what needs to be done to get ready for the process. Getting your regulatory and financial house in order are the biggest items to complete when doing capital improvement planning.
- 3 weeks ago24 min
Clean Water Act: Costs, Compliance, and Long-Term Benefits
More than 50 years after the passage of the Clean Water Act, what can we learn from its impact on small communities? In this episode, Dr. Rhiannon Jerch discusses how the Clean Water Act shaped municipal finances, improved water quality, and influenced long-term community growth. We explore how small municipalities financed major wastewater infrastructure investments, the role of user fees and federal funding, and what these findings can teach today's communities as they plan for future water infrastructure challenges.
- 4 weeks ago39 min
Backflow Prevention and Beyond: Lessons from Mount Vernon’s Cross-Connection Control Program
Cross-connection and backflow risks may not always be obvious, but they can pose serious threats to drinking water systems and public health when left unaddressed. In this episode, Alice Kilkelly from the Syracuse University Environmental Finance Center speaks with Elizabeth Belezaire, Water Quality Analyst at the Board of Water Supply for the City of Mount Vernon, New York, about the city’s efforts to strengthen its cross-connection control program. Over the past year, Mount Vernon has worked to move beyond paper-based systems, build a more complete inventory of backflow prevention devices, and improve communication with businesses and residents about their role in protecting water quality. The conversation offers practical insights for utilities and communities looking to start or strengthen their own cross-connection control efforts. Learn more about Mount Vernon’s Cross Connection Control Program today by visiting: https://www.mountvernonny.gov/2055/Cross-Connection-Control-and-Backflow-Pr
- Jun 23, 202620 min
Navigating Federal Funding for Small Water Systems
Small water systems face many of the same regulatory requirements and financing complexities as larger utilities, but with fewer staff and resources to manage them. In this episode, we examine how finance professionals can effectively navigate the landscape of federal funding opportunities available to small water systems.Joined by finance expert Kevin Wachtel, Senior Manager at GFOA, the discussion addresses key funding sources including federal grants and loan programs as well as critical considerations for evaluating and selecting among financing instruments. Additionally, the conversation explains the importance of financial readiness, long-term capital planning, and the strategic role of debt financing in supporting essential infrastructure investments.This Podcast offers valuable insights for finance leaders seeking to strengthen their utility's financial position and ensure the sustainability of vital water infrastructure.Additional Resources:10 Steps to Developing Utility Rates
- Jun 9, 202630 min
PFAS Series, Part 2: Understanding PFAS Risks and Regulations
PFAS are increasingly being detected in drinking water systems across the country. In this episode, Dr. Li explains what PFAS are, how they enter our water supplies, current regulations, risks to communities and private well owners as well as actionable measures individuals can implement within their households to mitigate the presence of these pollutants.
- May 8, 202643 min
Prepared, Compliant, and Resilient: Emergency Readiness for Water Utilities
In this episode of the Environmental Finance Center Network podcast, hosts Anthony Craven and Eric Williams are joined by Bill Moody of the Mississippi Department of Health’s Water Division and David DeWitt of Taylor Power Systems. Together, they share practical guidance for water utilities on maintaining regulatory compliance and responding effectively during emergencies. Drawing on real-world experience, the conversation focuses on severe weather events, prolonged power outages, and steps utilities can take to prepare, respond, and recover while continuing to protect public health.
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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