Environmental Finance Center Network

EFCN
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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.

  1. JAN 5

    Small System Challenges and Shared Solutions

    Small water systems are struggling to keep up with compliance and rising costs. In this episode, we explore how new policy tools, partnerships, and restructuring can unlock solutions for the future. This episode is hosted by Danish Kumar, Climate Change Program Manager at The University of Maryland Environmental Finance Center, with Ellen Kohler, Director of Applied Research and Policy at The Water Center at the University of Pennsylvania.

    33 min

  2. 10/15/2025

    An Intro to PFAS with Dr. Clare Pace from Berkeley's Water Equity Science Shop (WESS)

    In this episode, we talk with Dr. Clare Pace (PhD, MPH) a postdoctoral researcher for the University of California, Berkeley Water Equity Science Shop (WESS). Dr. Pace shares insights about PFAS for small and rural water systems. Starting with the basics, we discuss what PFAS are, where they come from, known and unknown health risks, the current PFAS regulatory landscape for water and wastewater systems in the United States, and advice for water systems and policymakers who are thinking about PFAS.

    12 min

  3. 09/26/2025

    Permit to Protect: Inside Municipal Wastewater Operations

    What happens behind the scenes to ensure clean, safe water leaves our communities? In this episode, host Anthony Craven talks with Dr. Jason Barrett, Director of the Mississippi Water Resources Research Institute at Mississippi State University, and Eric Williams, Senior Project Manager at the MWRRI, about the municipal wastewater permitting process. Together, they break down why permits matter, how the process works, and the critical role it plays in protecting public health and the environment.

    26 min

  4. 09/23/2025

    Water Under Pressure: The Future of Our Infrastructure

    Aging pipes, outdated meter reading systems, and strained budgets are putting more pressure than ever on our nation’s water utilities. In this episode, host Anthony Craven sits down with Eric Williams, Senior Project Manager with the Mississippi Water Resources Research Institute at Mississippi State University, and Dr. Jason Barrett, MWRRI Director, to unpack the biggest challenges facing utilities today. From infrastructure upgrades to modern billing technologies, they explore what’s at stake and how communities can prepare for a more resilient water future.

    26 min

  5. 09/19/2025

    Prepping Your Septic System for the Future

    Changing weather patterns and climate are putting new pressure on septic systems. From rising groundwater to more frequent flooding, many communities are already seeing the impacts. In this episode, Dr. Andrew Lazur and Dr. Allison Reilly explore how climate change is affecting septic system performance, the public health risks that come with system failures, and practical steps homeowners and local leaders can take to prepare for the future. The conversation also covers options for upgrading systems, connecting to centralized sewer, and building long-term community preparedness with a data-driven approach.

    30 min

  6. 09/05/2025

    Ensuring Water Quality Through Treatment - Part 2

    In this second episode of a two-part series, University professor and water quality expert Kerry Howe and Ryan Magee, technical assistance provider at the Southwest Environmental Finance Center, continue their conversation about the meaning behind the term water quality as it applies to public water systems. From turbidity to different types of source water to chlorination, Kerry helps clarify how water systems use various layers of treatment to ensure that the water coming out of a tap is safe for public consumption. If you haven't listened to Episode 1, it was published on August 26, 2025, and can be found here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0wb18ZmRAedU1VnBQR1FXs

    31 min

  7. 08/26/2025

    Ensuring Water Quality Through Treatment - Part 1

    In a two-part series, University professor and water quality expert Kerry Howe explains the meaning behind the term water quality as it applies to public water systems. From turbidity to different types of source water to chlorination, Kerry helps clarify how water systems use various layers of treatment to ensure that the water coming out of a tap is safe for public consumption. Your host for this episode is Ryan Magee, a technical assistance provider at the Southwest Environmental Finance Center, in Albuquerque, NM.

    21 min

  8. 08/15/2025

    Building Your Green Infrastructure Workforce: A case study from Tucson

    One of the greatest challenges that communities face when planning and managing green infrastructure programs is maintenance and upkeep of their green infrastructure installations. Green infrastructure (water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure that uses natural systems to mitigate water quality and quantity) requires management and maintenance – but do you have a knowledgeable, reliable, and enthusiastic workforce to get it all done? The City of Tucson’s Storm to Shade program does. Listen in on a conversation with Brooke Bushman, the City of Tucson’s Storm to Shade Program Green Stormwater Infrastructure Maintenance Manager. She develops communication and technical systems to oversee and coordinate the upkeep of the city’s 800+ legacy and new green stormwater assets. In this interview with Shannon Sloane Pepper from the Southwest Environmental Finance Center, Brooke shares key insights, processes, and suggestions for anyone looking to develop or advise on green infrastructure workforce development.

    35 min
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About

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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