Clean Water Current

(March 13, 2018) - NACWA submitted comments on March 9 regarding EPA’s Draft Inventory of U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks: 1990-2016.  The annual Inventory provides nationwide estimates for greenhouse gas (GHG) emission for different sectors, including wastewater treatment, and is intended to be used only for informational purposes.  The wastewater treatment category in the Inventory includes publicly owned treatment works (POTWs), septic systems, and industrial wastewater treatment systems. 

NACWA has reviewed and commented on the Inventory since 2007, recommending revisions to more accurately characterize POTW GHG emissions.  Although EPA has made clarifications over the years, NACWA recommended this year that EPA continue to update the sources of information used in the Inventory and develop methodologies specific to GHG emissions from POTWs, rather than relying on international methods and factors.  The guidelines developed by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change in 2006 are currently being revised and updated, and this may result in improvements to the Inventory in future years.  Members with any questions can contact Cynthia Finley, NACWA’s Director of Regulatory Affairs.