(April 3, 2020) – EPA’s newly appointed Municipal Ombudsperson, Jamie Piziali, met virtually with NACWA staff on March 30 to discuss NACWA’s long-standing work on Integrated Planning initiatives, including the importance of having an Ombudsperson office within EPA’s Office of Congressional and Intergovernmental Relations serve as  a liaison between EPA Headquarters, municipalities, state regulators and EPA Regional Offices.

NACWA discussed with Ms. Piziali several top concerns for the clean water utility sector, including post Long-Term Control Plan (LTCP) compliance and the next phase of Clean Water Act (CWA) permitting for these communities. The Municipal Ombudsperson will be a direct line for regulated municipalities to communicate their top CWA issues to EPA policy makers.

As EPA continues to define the Municipal Ombudsperson’s charter and role, NACWA will facilitate a conference call or virtual event for members to “Meet the Municipal Ombudsperson.” Soon, EPA hopes to publish a webpage with relevant materials and frequently asked questions.

If members have questions on this initial call with Ms. Piziali, please contact Emily Remmel, NACWA’s Director of Regulatory Affairs.