Today’s Local Environment—The Compliance Podcast

Recent wildfire smoke events have highlighted the value of air quality measurement. But how does it really work, anyways? From the latest technologies and regulations to the unique challenges faced by local governments and Tribes, this week's guests discuss the transforming landscape of air quality monitoring. Join hosts Georgia Ray and Ella Stack and guests Chet Wayland from the EPA, Christopher Lee from Tribal Air Monitoring Support Center, and Miles Keogh from the National Association of Clean Air Agencies for the discussion. This episode was completed in partnership with ELI's People Places Planet Podcast. 

In This Episode We Cover:

·      How the onset of new monitoring and
data technologies is shifting the air monitoring paradigm

·      What the surge in air quality
participatory science means for rulemaking

·      Why local governments and Tribes
are so well situated to address air pollution

 

Hosts: Georgia Ray and Ella Stack, Environmental Law Institute

Guests: Chet Wayland, EPA, Christopher Lee, Tribal Air Monitoring Support Center, and Miles Keogh, National Association of Clean Air Agencies

The water sector has untapped potential for Americans looking for a fulfilling career working with ever-advancing technologies and serving the public. Building this pipeline is increasingly critical as long-time workers retire and others leave the industry, with repercussions for communities across the nation—particularly in our smaller towns and rural areas. How can drinking water utilities and local governments attract and train a diverse, skilled workforce and adapt to retain these new employees over the long term? Join ELI’s Cynthia R. Harris and Ella Stack in a conversation with Shannon Walton (National Rural Water Association), Connie Stevens (Alliance of Indiana Rural Water) and Sophia Overton (Del Mar Water Treatment Department) for a look at how the industry is changing, the invaluable role of apprenticeships to the sector’s future, and how water utilities can help build the next generation of utility workers.

Hosts: Cynthia R. Harris & Ella Stack, Environmental Law Institute

Guests: Shannon Walton, National Indiana Rural Water, Connie Stevens, Alliance of Indiana Rural Water & Sophia Oberton, Del Mar Water Treatment Department

In This Episode We Cover:

Who the “water workforce” includes and what these roles entail in an evolving field

The certification, licensing, and training processes required to become a water or wastewater operator

How the water sector is responding to and maximizing technological advancements

Steps utilities can take to recognize the value of a diverse workforce and improve representation in the field

Advice for improving succession planning and retention

How utility companies can take advantage of and start their own apprenticeship programs

Additional Resources:

National Rural Water Association

Alliance of Indiana Rural Water

Del Mar Water Treatment Department

LGEAN Wastewater

LGEAN Drinking Water

LGEAN Stormwater

EPA resources on Safe Drinking Water Act Operator Certification

Renewing the Water Workforce study

Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators: Occupational Outlook Handbook: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (bls.gov)

World Toilet Day

World Water Day

The LA County Chief Sustainability Office set out in 2020 to accomplish a monumental task: assess the risks and challenges that a changing climate will bring to over 10 million people and physical infrastructure spanning 182 square miles—while incorporating the needs and priorities of the County’s most vulnerable populations. The result of this collaboration with Climate Resolve is the County of Los Angeles Climate Vulnerability Assessment (CVA), an impressive document that centers equity and represents extensive community outreach. ELI’s own Cynthia R. Harris sits down with LA County’s Sustainability Program Director Kristen Torres Pawling and Climate Resolve’s Director of Climate Planning and Resilience Natalie Hernandez to walk through LA County’s experience and learn how every municipality, large or small, can learn from LA County’s experience in carrying out their own equity-centered CVA and prepare to meet their community’s needs in a changing climate.

In This Episode We Cover

What a Climate Vulnerability Assessment is and why every local government should adopt a CVA

Most important components of a strong CVA: physical assessment, social assessment, and cascading impacts

Identifying your most vulnerable communities and questioning your assumptions about them

Centering equity and effective outreach to your most vulnerable community members

Leveraging your CVA to bring in grants and loans to fund critical infrastructure

Building strong community partnerships to carry out your CVA and implement your Climate Adaptation Plan

And so much more!

Local communities are increasingly turning towards green infrastructure as a cost-effective and successful solution to address the growing challenges presented by stormwater management. Green infrastructure represents a shift away from aging, gray infrastructure (pipes, gutters, and tunnels) and towards systems that mimic nature to sustainably filter stormwater and improve water quality. Localities that have implemented green infrastructure are reaping numerous benefits, such as reduced localized flooding, water quality improvements, climate resiliency, and enhanced community quality of life. It's no surprise the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) champions green infrastructure for local jurisdictions to meet Clean Water Act requirements. Join ELI’s Linda Breggin and Shehla Chowdhury in conversation with Jacob Lunn (EPA Water Enforcement Division), Dennis Sayre (environmental engineer at EPA Region 4), and David Johnson (Louisville Metropolitan Sewer District) to learn from these experts how frontline localities successfully implement green infrastructure to generate resilient communities.

Hosts: Linda Breggin & Shehla Chowdhury, Environmental Law Institute

Guests: Jacob Lunn, EPA, Dennis Sayre, EPA Region 4 & David Johnson, Metropolitan Sewer District of Louisville and Jefferson County

Additional Resources:

General GI Resources

EPA Municipal Ombudsman

EPA Permitting and Enforcement Series with case studies and example language

EPA Green Infrastructure Modeling Toolkit

Transcript available on https://lgean.net/podcasts.php

Lead-based paint is still present in many houses, apartments, and public buildings, making it a critical issue of health and safety for communities. Lead poisoning can cause permanent damage to a person’s brain, nervous system, and other organs, and is especially hazardous to children and pregnant women. Though the federal government banned lead-based paint in 1978, it is still commonly found in older buildings. The U.S. Environmental Protection (EPA) has adopted the Lead Renovation, Repair, and Painting Rule (RRP Rule) to help prevent further exposures. Join EPA Scientist Carol Baillie, and Mike Wilson, Project Manager for EPA's National Programs Chemical Division, in this episode of Today’s Local Environment—the Compliance Podcast to learn more about how local governments can promote compliance with the RRP rule and protect their residents.

Host:

Carol Baillie, Physical Scientist, Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance, U.S. EPA

Guest:

Mike Wilson, Project Manager, National Program Chemicals Division, Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics, U.S. EPA

A transcript of this episode is available at https://lgean.net/podcasts.php.

Additional Resources:

EPA RRP Program Rules

EPA RRP Rule Compliance Resources

LGEAN’s Materials of Concern Page