Today’s Local Environment—The Compliance Podcast Local Government Environmental Assistance Network (LGEAN)

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

The United States produces nearly 300 million tons of municipal solid waste each year, about a third of which is recycled or composted. As foreign markets begin to crack down on the importation of solid wastes for recycling abroad, it is vital that the U.S. advance and improve its current waste management practices. To achieve the National Recycling Goal of 50% by 2030, the EPA consulted with stakeholders and developed  the National Recycling Strategy, released this past November. Join ELI’s Jim McElfish as he speaks with David Biderman, Executive Director and CEO of the Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA), to learn how local governments can engage with this strategy – from accessing funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to upgrade facilities, to improving communication with customers to enhance worker safety and prevent contamination.

Guests:

David Biderman, Executive Director and CEO, Solid Waste Association of North America

Additional Resources:


EPA National Recycling Strategy
National Recycling Strategy FAQ
SWANA Recycling Initiative
SWANA Recycling Resources