The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a new framework intended to help local governments meet their Clean Water Act obligations by reducing overflows from wastewater systems and pollution from stormwater.
The Integrated Municipal Stormwater and Wastewater Planning Approach Framework was developed to assist EPA regional offices, states, and local governments to develop voluntary storm and wastewater management plans and implement effective integrated approaches that will protect public health.
According to the EPA, this framework outlines new flexibility to pursue innovative, cost-saving solutions, like green infrastructure, and will help communities as they develop plans that prioritize their investments in storm and wastewater infrastructure. The EPA says the framework also highlights the importance of controlling and managing releases of storm and wastewater into the nation’s waters.
In developing the framework, the EPA says it worked in close coordination with a variety of stakeholders, including publicly owned treatment works, state water permitting authorities, local governments, and nonprofit environmental groups.
The framework document is available on the EPA”s website, where the agency will also provide examples of how municipalities are implementing this approach, as they become available. For more information click here.
