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Federal standards for per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) for public drinking water systems were updated on April 10, 2024, including 4.0 ppt for PFOA and PFOS compounds. The upcoming PFAS threshold for municipal action will be significantly lower. Learn what these changes mean for your municipality.
A new option to fund replacing private lead service lines (LSLs) has just been introduced. This option allows municipalities to create a new program utility that is completely separate from their water utilities. This new utility would loan money to property owners to fund replacing their LSLs.
Before a public utility can change water rates and begin billing those rates, the utility must receive approval from the PSC. For water rate cases, utilities have the option to file either a Conventional Rate Case (CRC) or a Simplified Rate Case (SRC). A CRC is recommended if your utility is making more substantial changes to rates. Learn how we can help you process your next municipal conventional water rate case with the PSC.
Two common forms of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are now scheduled to become designated as “hazardous substances” and be subject to the federal Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability (CERCLA) Act in the fall of 2023. Learn more about the potential implications of these changes.
Water Utilities must apply to the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSCW) in order to receive a Certificate of Authority (approval) for most water-related construction projects. PSC § 184.03 provides details on the types of construction projects that would require PSCW construction authorization.
Water rate cases now allow utilities to include projects that will be completed at any point in the year after the test year. Before this change, utilities could include costs only for projects that would be completed in the first half of the year following the test year. This change expands how useful conventional rate cases are for utilities, especially with many utilities experiencing project delays due to supply chain or labor issues.
Since the state of Wisconsin passed legislation that changed the standards for phosphorus in surface waters, wastewater treatment facilities (WWTFs) have been preparing for increasingly stringent effluent requirements for total phosphorus (TP). Phosphorus filtration can help your municipality significantly reduce its TP effluent concentration and comply with the updated TP effluent requirements. Learn about the various types of phosphorus filters available, how they work, and what the advantages and disadvantages are for each system, so you can make the right choice for your WWTF.
All applications for FFY 2023-2026 BIL funding through the STP, Local Bridge, and/or CMAQ Improvement Programs are due by 5:00 PM on Friday, June 3, 2022. Learn what your municipality needs to know to take advantage of the $1.3 billion in federal funding now available for WI transportation projects.
The City of Kenosha and R/M were named 2022 Engineering Excellence Award winners by the American Council of Engineering Companies of Wisconsin. Learn more about this award winning project and its positive impact on the City.
President Biden signed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill into law on November 15, 2021. This $1.2 trillion bill includes $550 billion in new spending over the next eight years, roughly doubling the impact of status-quo infrastructure funding levels. Learn how this new funding will impact your next municipal infrastructure project.
The U.S Treasury released final guidance on how municipalities can use American Recovery Plan Act (ARPA) funds. Learn which additional infrastructure projects are eligible for ARPA funding under the final rule.
The US Treasury distributed the first allotment of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds in June of this year, however, many Wisconsin municipalities are taking a wait-and-see approach when it comes to allocating their payment. However, ARPA Legislation states that municipal relief funds must be allocated by December 2024, and early planning is paramount to getting your projects off the ground on time. Here are answers to the questions we’ve heard most often surrounding ARPA to help keep your planning process moving forward.
The new Lead and Copper Rule Revisions are expected to require all regulated water systems must complete a comprehensive materials inventory by the anticipated compliance date of October 16, 2024. The inventory must include all service lines connected to the public water distribution system regardless of ownership status. Learn how to complete your materials inventory effectively and efficiently with tips from our experts.
Variable frequency drive (VFDs) can greatly improve efficiencies when used in pumping stations and aeration systems in wastewater treatment facilities.
Learn how the City of Columbus uses VFDs to significantly decrease power demands and reduce energy costs at their WWTF.
Revit allows users to create a single, integrated building information model to conceptualize, design, and document a project. Learn how the experts at R/M use Revit to improve virtually all aspects of the project design process and help clients visualize their projects long before construction begins.
The American Public Works Association of Wisconsin has named the Racine Water & Wastewater Utility Water Expansion Project as the 2020 Public Works Project of the Year. Learn how R/M successfully navigated one of the largest water projects ever in the state of Wisconsin.
The U.S. Department of the Treasury recently released updated guidance on the use of American Rescue Plan Act Local Fiscal Recovery Funds. The Interim Final Rule offers an expanded interpretation regarding the types of sewer, water, and broadband infrastructure projects that qualify for funding. Find out if your next infrastructure project is eligible for Local Fiscal Recovery Funding.
The American Rescue Plan Act will provide historic, direct federal payments to all 19,000 municipal governments in the United States. For some municipalities, this relief will offer a once-in-a-generation opportunity for community betterment. To help you consider your options and get a head start on necessary preparation, our experts developed a list of 25 water and sewer related infrastructure improvement projects that may be eligible for ARPA relief funding.
In partnership with R/M, the Racine Water & Wastewater Utility (RWWU) and the Village of Mukwonago were named 2021 Engineering Excellence Award State Finalists by the American Council of Engineering Companies of Wisconsin. Learn more about these award winning projects and their positive impact on local communities.
The deadline to comply with America’s Water Infrastructure Act (AWIA) is rapidly approaching. Utilities serving 3,301 to 49,999 individuals must submit a RRA certification of completion to the EPA by June 30th, 2021. Learn what tools are available to protect your utility and remain compliant with the EPA.
