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July 23, 1999
AMSA Conference Examines Unified Urban Wet Weather Programs
Gathering in Philadelphia this week for AMSA's 1999 Summer Conference, Unifying Urban Wet Weather Programs, Association members discussed the potential benefits and barriers to integrating municipal programs, recognizing that unified approaches would likely yield the maximum environmental and economic advantage to their communities. The conference drew speakers from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Congress and state and local governments who shared their perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing municipalities as they move forward in addressing the complexities of urban wet weather flows. Key issues identified by speakers and AMSA members were; funding, legislation and upcoming developments in the regulation of stormwater and combined and sanitary sewer overflows (CSOs, SSOs).Philadelphia Mayor, Edward G. Rendell kicked off the meeting by welcoming AMSA and calling for a long-term, dedicated source of federal funding in the form of a Clean Water Trust Fund. The Mayor, who serves as the chair of the Rebuild America Coalition, is a leading proponent of increased federal funding for all forms of infrastructure including transportation, schools and water utilities. Increased funding in these areas, he said, would allow cities to increase the quality of life for their citizens. “Burdening our children with an infrastructure deficit” is irresponsible public policy, he told the conference attendees. Mayor Rendell thanked AMSA for its prominent role in bringing the wastewater funding issue to the nation's attention.
The AMSA membership also heard from an interdisciplinary group of panelists including EPA Office of Wastewater Management Director Mike Cook, House Water Resources & Environment Staffer Carrie Jelsma, Association of State & Interstate Water Pollution Control Administrators President Arleen O'Donnell and Philadelphia Watershed Division Director Howard Neukrug. The panelists offered their perspectives on the urban wet weather challenges facing local governments across the country.
Mike Cook pointed out that there is “success story after success story” associated with locally led watershed efforts. Cook said that AMSA members will be instrumental in making such local initiatives work. An integrated approach to wet weather programs will release the “untapped potential of urban streams,” unlocking tremendous benefits. Carrie Jelsma, speaking for the House Water Resources & Environment Subcommittee was optimistic about obtaining full funding for the Clean Water State Revolving Loan Fund. She also said the publication The Cost of Clean has been an “invaluable resource” for helping House members understand that “business as usual” will not allow local governments to achieve their clean water goals. She also offered hope for legislation dealing with SSOs and CSOs, but the passage of grants programs would be unlikely, given tough federal budget cap laws.
Overall, the meeting was very productive, considering the high priority AMSA has assigned to wet weather and funding issues. Numerous sessions offered AMSA members insights into the important linkages between wet weather programs and water quality standards, total maximum daily loads and emerging technologies. Look for full coverage of AMSA's 1999 Summer Conference in the August Clean Water News.