MS4 Annual Report Deadlines, Compliance Tips, and Funding Opportunities

MS4 Annual Report Deadlines, Compliance Tips, and Funding Opportunities

It’s February in Wisconsin, and you know what that means! ‘Tis the season for polar vortexes, snow blowers, and MS4 Annual Reports. All permittees must submit their 2020 Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Annual Report to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) by March 31, 2021 .

How Does America's Water Infrastructure Act Impact Your Municipality?

How Does America's Water Infrastructure Act Impact Your Municipality?

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.

Transportation Utilities: FAQs

Transportation Utilities: FAQs

An increasing number of Wisconsin municipalities are considering a new source of funding for their transportation systems: transportation utilities. Our experts put together this list of FAQ’s to help you better understand the buzz surrounding this new utility and decide if it’s the right fit for your community.

Top 5 Articles of 2020

Top 5 Articles of 2020

We’re looking forward to bringing you exciting new articles and videos in 2021, and to kick things off, we’re rounding up our top articles from last year. From community awards to road funding, here are the articles you enjoyed the most in 2020.

7 Tips to Secure Grant Funding For Your Next Project

7 Tips to Secure Grant Funding For Your Next Project

Many essential municipal projects cannot be realized without the help of grant funding, but the process of securing these funds can be overwhelming. Our experts created these 7 tips to help your team navigate the application process, stay organized, and get your project funded.

Early Bird Gets The Worm: It's Time for a Wetland Delineation

Early Bird Gets The Worm: It's Time for a Wetland Delineation

With the promise of sunshine and spring flowers ahead, it’s time to line up the field surveys needed for project approvals. To avoid unanticipated delays, wetland and other environmental screenings and/or field work should be handled early in the project design process. Set your next project up for success and learn the who, what, where, and why of wetland delineations.

Best Practices for Water Rate Increase Applications

Best Practices for Water Rate Increase Applications

The Wisconsin Public Service Commission (PSC) regulates water utilities, and before a utility can raise its rates, it must file for a rate increase with the PSC. This process can be slow and labor intensive, so we’re sharing 8 best practices to make your life a little easier.

That's a Wrap, 2020!

That's a Wrap, 2020!

2020 has been a year unlike any other, and though we’re all ready for 2021 to get here, we think it’s important to pause and reflect on the many highlights this challenging year gave us. From client awards to highway cleanups, here’s what we loved most about 2020 (and a sneak peek at what’s coming in 2021!).

Best Practices for Preparing Your PSC Annual Report

Best Practices for Preparing Your PSC Annual Report

The final stretch of the year is a busy time for municipal utilities, and while we hate to add to your long to-do list, there’s one thing you don’t want to ignore: preparing your Public Service Commission (PSC) Annual Report.

Village of Mukwonago Awarded for Economic Development

Village of Mukwonago Awarded for Economic Development

The Village of Mukwonago has been nationally recognized by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) for the success of its Business Retention and Expansion program and the new Mukwonago Industrial Park. The Village won two Excellence in Economic Development Awards

City of Kenosha Awarded for Investment in Community Infrastructure

City of Kenosha Awarded for Investment in Community Infrastructure

R/M is proud to recognize the City of Kenosha with the Investment in Infrastructure Achievement Award, a distinction given to communities that put forth exceptional effort to better the lives of their residents through improvements in infrastructure.

Crunching the Numbers: When to Replace Sanitary Sewer Main

Crunching the Numbers: When to Replace Sanitary Sewer Main

As sanitary sewer main ages, the potential for groundwater infiltration from tree roots, failing joints, and other forces greatly increases. Replacing aging sanitary sewer main ultimately allows utilities to avoid the cost creep from infiltration year after year, but the upfront expense for a main replacement is often significant. How can your utility determine the best financial strategy for mitigating infiltration?

Water Utility Risk and Resilience Assessments & Emergency Response Plans

Water Utility Risk and Resilience Assessments & Emergency Response Plans

America’s Water Infrastructure Act (AWIA) requires municipal water systems serving more than 3,300 people to complete a Risk and Resilience Assessment and develop an Emergency Response Plan. Many communities must submit proof of completion before 2021. Here’s what your utility needs to know in order to protect your utility and remain compliant with the EPA.

WASTEWATER TREATMENT FACILITY PFAS UPDATE

WASTEWATER TREATMENT FACILITY PFAS UPDATE

The WDNR has launched a statewide initiative to mitigate per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in our drinking water. Learn why there’s increasing concern over PFAS in the environment, the possible human health effects caused by PFAS exposure, and how potential new state regulations may impact your municipal wastewater treatment facility.

Interns Make R/M the Place to Be

Interns Make R/M the Place to Be

We proudly partner with local colleges and technical schools to offer a variety of internships here at R/M. This year’s summer interns worked through unprecedented circumstances with dedication, tenacity, and positive attitudes. They were also kind enough to offer some insight on their experience in order to help others learn a little bit about what makes R/M #ThePlaceToBe.

New Funding Option for Wisconsin Streets Projects

New Funding Option for Wisconsin Streets Projects

With strict tax levy limits and declining state aid, Wisconsin communities find themselves between a rock and a hard place when it comes to funding roads projects. Fortunately, there may be a new way to secure funding for your community’s streets: transportation utilities.

Avoid Delays with an Assured Wetland Delineator

Avoid Delays with an Assured Wetland Delineator

It’s tough to imagine on these beautiful summer days, but fall is fast approaching, and now is the time to schedule necessary wetland delineations for your development project. Learn how you can avoid the long WDNR approval process and get a head start on your project’s planning, design, and permitting by working with our Professionally Assured Wetland Delineator.

R/M Named Top Workplace 3rd Year in a Row!

R/M Named Top Workplace 3rd Year in a Row!

Ruekert & Mielke Inc. (R/M) is excited to announce that we’ve been named a Top Workplace by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel for the third year in a row. R/M has grown in size and service offerings since our last Top Workplaces win, but our commitment to our employees and clients remains our top priority.

Easily Boost your Water Utility’s Revenue

Easily Boost your Water Utility’s Revenue

During these uncertain times, water utilities may find themselves struggling to secure necessary resources. Fortunately, the PSC gives municipal utilities a simple and convenient option to increase rates by filing a Simplified Rate Case. Read more to find out if you water utility qualifies and how to apply for this program.

Meet our Industry Experts

Meet our Industry Experts

Whether you’ve worked with us for years, or you’re just learning about all that R/M has to offer, we’d like you to get to know our industry experts a little better. Learn why they chose their career path, what they wish they’d known when they were younger, what they love about our team, and more.