The Environmental Finance Center Network (EFCN) is a university-based organization originally created by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EFCN works with states, tribes, local governments, and the private sector to promote sustainable environmental solutions through innovative training and assistance focused on actionable results.
Every time it rains, water washing off roads and highways carries pollutants into nearby streams, rivers, and estuaries. One of the most concerning pollutants is 6PPD-quinone (6PPDQ), a chemical byproduct of a common tire rubber additive that is among the most toxic substances known to aquatic life. This podcast introduces 6PPDQ to planners and technical staff who may be encountering it for the first time and shows what communities can do about it. Speakers from Washington State DOT, Herrera Inc, and Stewardship Partners will share lessons learned from using green stormwater infrastructure as a solution and discuss how municipalities, transportation agencies, and nonprofits can work together to deploy solutions, engage their communities, and access funding. Speakers: Tony Bush, Stormwater Branch Manager, Washington Department of Transportation (WSDOT) Dylan Ahearn, Principal Scientist, Herrera Inc Soumi Gaddameedi, Grants & Development Manager, Stewardship Partners Katie Harris, Greenprint Partners (moderator) Additional Resources: EFCN Webinar | Cleaning Our Waterways: Green Infrastructure Solutions for 6PPDQ EFCN Blog | When It Rains, It Runs Off: What Every Community Should Know About 6PPDQ WSDOT | Stormwater Retrofit Prioritization Web Map Stewardship Partners | Adopt A Downspout
In this episode, Eva Schwendimann from the SW EFC discusses the basics of sewer smoke testing in sanitary sewer systems with Mike Rivera. Mike is a Water and Wastewater Utility Specialist at the SW EFC and has a background of working with Water and Wastewater in New Mexico systems for over 20 years. This episode walks listeners through why and how a smoke test is conducted, the equipment needed, best case weather conditions for testing, and how to collect and manage data from a smoke test. Episode Chapters: Podcast Intro - 0:00:00 Mike’s experience with smoke testing - 0:01:22 Summary of smoke test procedure - 0:04:25 What can a smoke test detect? - 0:05:02 What is Infiltration and Inflow? - 0:05:22 Equipment needed - 0:08:32 Step by step procedure - 0:09:38 How effective is smoke testing?- 0:12:18 Best weather conditions - 0:13:14 How to collect and manage data - 0:14:08 Podcast Outro - 0:18:57 Links to additional resources: NPDES: Stormwater Best Management Practice, Preventing Stormwater Contamination from Sanitary Sewage Sewer Smoke Testing | Fulcrum EFCN Blog | The Impacts of Changing Precipitation Patterns on Wastewater and Stormwater Systems
Learn why cybersecurity matters for every water and wastewater utility and how leaders can take simple, proactive steps to safeguard their operations and the communities they serve. Additional Resources: Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) EFCN | Request Assistance with Cybersecurity or Request a Cybersecurity Training
In this episode James Markham from the Southwest Environmental Finance Center interviews Angelina Grey, Associate Planner at the Northwest New Mexico Council of Governments in New Mexico about guidance for small utilities that are looking for help with capital improvement planning, with a focus on what needs to be done to get ready for the process. Getting your regulatory and financial house in order are the biggest items to complete when doing capital improvement planning.
More than 50 years after the passage of the Clean Water Act, what can we learn from its impact on small communities? In this episode, Dr. Rhiannon Jerch discusses how the Clean Water Act shaped municipal finances, improved water quality, and influenced long-term community growth. We explore how small municipalities financed major wastewater infrastructure investments, the role of user fees and federal funding, and what these findings can teach today's communities as they plan for future water infrastructure challenges.
Cross-connection and backflow risks may not always be obvious, but they can pose serious threats to drinking water systems and public health when left unaddressed. In this episode, Alice Kilkelly from the Syracuse University Environmental Finance Center speaks with Elizabeth Belezaire, Water Quality Analyst at the Board of Water Supply for the City of Mount Vernon, New York, about the city’s efforts to strengthen its cross-connection control program. Over the past year, Mount Vernon has worked to move beyond paper-based systems, build a more complete inventory of backflow prevention devices, and improve communication with businesses and residents about their role in protecting water quality. The conversation offers practical insights for utilities and communities looking to start or strengthen their own cross-connection control efforts. Learn more about Mount Vernon’s Cross Connection Control Program today by visiting: https://www.mountvernonny.gov/2055/Cross-Connection-Control-and-Backflow-Pr
Small water systems face many of the same regulatory requirements and financing complexities as larger utilities, but with fewer staff and resources to manage them. In this episode, we examine how finance professionals can effectively navigate the landscape of federal funding opportunities available to small water systems.Joined by finance expert Kevin Wachtel, Senior Manager at GFOA, the discussion addresses key funding sources including federal grants and loan programs as well as critical considerations for evaluating and selecting among financing instruments. Additionally, the conversation explains the importance of financial readiness, long-term capital planning, and the strategic role of debt financing in supporting essential infrastructure investments. This Podcast offers valuable insights for finance leaders seeking to strengthen their utility's financial position and ensure the sustainability of vital water infrastructure. Additional Resources: 10 Steps to Developing Utility Rates
PFAS are increasingly being detected in drinking water systems across the country. In this episode, Dr. Li explains what PFAS are, how they enter our water supplies, current regulations, risks to communities and private well owners as well as actionable measures individuals can implement within their households to mitigate the presence of these pollutants.
In this episode of the Environmental Finance Center Network podcast, hosts Anthony Craven and Eric Williams are joined by Bill Moody of the Mississippi Department of Health’s Water Division and David DeWitt of Taylor Power Systems. Together, they share practical guidance for water utilities on maintaining regulatory compliance and responding effectively during emergencies. Drawing on real-world experience, the conversation focuses on severe weather events, prolonged power outages, and steps utilities can take to prepare, respond, and recover while continuing to protect public health.
Severe weather events, natural disasters, and power outages pose serious challenges for wastewater public utilities, yet essential services must continue when communities need them most. In this episode of the Environmental Finance Center Network podcast, hosts Anthony Craven, Jason Barrett, and Eric Williams sit down with Mr. David DeWitt of Taylor Power Systems to explore how wastewater utilities can prepare for emergencies and maintain safe, reliable operations during crises. Drawing from his experience in designing generator systems for wastewater and water utility facilities, DeWitt emphasizes that emergency power planning is essential for utility resilience. The conversation covers key considerations for backup power systems, including generator sizing, fuel selection, load planning, routine testing, and long‑term reliability. Together, they discuss how planning and thoughtful design can help utilities respond effectively to hurricanes, tornadoes, flooding, winter storms, and other severe weather events. This episode also highlights the operational, financial, and public health implications of power loss at wastewater facilities and why investing in preparedness before disaster strikes can save time, money, and environmental harm. Whether you are a utility manager, operator, engineer, or local decision‑maker, this discussion offers practical insights into building resilient wastewater systems that protect communities and the environment when emergencies occur.
Join Brian Bohnsack, Tyler Cotner and John Colcazier from the Wichita State University EFC as they share their experiences working with wastewater and water boards and some of the most common issues they have encountered.
This podcast outlines how to frame the funding challenges, how to understand the Funding Landscape, ways to identify funding sources for you utility, the best ways to stay organized, how to manage multiple funding sources, and how Technical Assistance can help. Hosted by Wichita State University EFC Program Manager Analisa Munhall, with Anna Archer, who is also a WSU EFC Project Manager.
This episode explores how the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement has evolved since its inception. The conversation breaks down pollution diets and nutrient reduction goals, highlights effective stormwater best management practices, and discusses workforce development programs that are helping small communities move from regulatory compliance to community-focused action that protects local waters and builds long-term capacity. Hosted by Danish Kumar, Program Manager at the University of Maryland EFC, with special guest David Wood, Executive Director, Chesapeake Stormwater Network
Cold weather can pose unique challenges for on-site wastewater systems—but with the right preparation, problems can be prevented before they start. In this episode, host Anthony Craven is joined by Jason Barrett, Associate Professor with the Mississippi State University Extension Service and Director of the Mississippi Water Resources Research Institute, to discuss best practices for maintaining on-site wastewater systems during the coldest months of the year. Listeners will gain practical, research-based tips to help protect systems from freezing temperatures, ensure continued performance, and avoid costly wintertime issues.
This episode explores the growing energy and water demands of data centers as artificial intelligence is driving rapid expansion across the country. The discussion highlights how AI-focused data centers differ from traditional facilities, why their electricity and water use is increasing, and what this means for small and rural communities. The conversation also explores how local governments and small water systems can prepare when data centers move into their region. This episode is hosted by Danish Kumar, Climate Change Program Manager at The University of Maryland Environmental Finance Center, with with energy expert Dr. Rakesh Radhakrishnan.
Small water systems are struggling to keep up with compliance and rising costs. In this episode, we explore how new policy tools, partnerships, and restructuring can unlock solutions for the future. This episode is hosted by Danish Kumar, Climate Change Program Manager at The University of Maryland Environmental Finance Center, with Ellen Kohler, Director of Applied Research and Policy at The Water Center at the University of Pennsylvania.
In this episode, we talk with Dr. Clare Pace (PhD, MPH) a postdoctoral researcher for the University of California, Berkeley Water Equity Science Shop (WESS). Dr. Pace shares insights about PFAS for small and rural water systems. Starting with the basics, we discuss what PFAS are, where they come from, known and unknown health risks, the current PFAS regulatory landscape for water and wastewater systems in the United States, and advice for water systems and policymakers who are thinking about PFAS.
What happens behind the scenes to ensure clean, safe water leaves our communities? In this episode, host Anthony Craven talks with Dr. Jason Barrett, Director of the Mississippi Water Resources Research Institute at Mississippi State University, and Eric Williams, Senior Project Manager at the MWRRI, about the municipal wastewater permitting process. Together, they break down why permits matter, how the process works, and the critical role it plays in protecting public health and the environment.
Aging pipes, outdated meter reading systems, and strained budgets are putting more pressure than ever on our nation’s water utilities. In this episode, host Anthony Craven sits down with Eric Williams, Senior Project Manager with the Mississippi Water Resources Research Institute at Mississippi State University, and Dr. Jason Barrett, MWRRI Director, to unpack the biggest challenges facing utilities today. From infrastructure upgrades to modern billing technologies, they explore what’s at stake and how communities can prepare for a more resilient water future.
Changing weather patterns and climate are putting new pressure on septic systems. From rising groundwater to more frequent flooding, many communities are already seeing the impacts. In this episode, Dr. Andrew Lazur and Dr. Allison Reilly explore how climate change is affecting septic system performance, the public health risks that come with system failures, and practical steps homeowners and local leaders can take to prepare for the future. The conversation also covers options for upgrading systems, connecting to centralized sewer, and building long-term community preparedness with a data-driven approach.
