Nemura, Adrienne

Presented at WEFTEC 2023.

Titles from this speaker

Description: Addressing Nutrient Impairment in Illinois Watersheds: Challenges for...

Addressing Nutrient Impairment in Illinois Watersheds: Challenges for Watershed-based Permitting

Abstract

Excess nutrients from point sources (e.g., wastewater treatment plants and municipal separate storm sewer systems [MS4s]) and nonpoint sources (e.g., stormwater runoff, agricultural runoff) have impaired many water bodies around the United States. Nutrient-related impairments, including harmful algal blooms (HABs), threaten freshwater and marine ecosystems, recreation in surface waters, and public drinking water supplies. Since 2000, EPA has been working with states, US territories, and tribes to address nutrient-related impairments. For example, in 2018, the Illinois EPA, the Illinois Association of Wastewater Agencies, and environmental nongovernmental organizations negotiated the Nutrient Assessment Reduction Plan (NARP) special conditions for National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits for major publicly owned treatment works (POTWs). The NARP conditions allow POTWs to understand the relative contribution of sources and the benefits (or lack of benefits) of reducing point sources, nonpoint sources, and other measures (such as dam removals). Illinois EPA allows the POTWs to develop a stand-alone NARP or adopt a watershed-based approach by working with other POTWs and local stakeholders to address the phosphorus-related impairments. Joining a watershed group enhances stakeholder engagement and provides cost savings but may require a longer timeline to complete the NARP. While the NARP requirements allow POTWs to understand the system and determine an effluent phosphorus limit based on site-specific conditions, it can be a significant undertaking for smaller municipalities discharging to large rivers like the Mississippi and Illinois rivers. Furthermore, regional agencies might be better suited to lead the assessment of nutrientrelated impairments on larger rivers often impacted by nutrient loads from multiple states. Lessons learned from addressing nutrient impairment at a watershed-based level can be applied to other impaired waters around the United States.

Nutrient pollution in surface waters threatens freshwater and marine ecosystems, recreation, and drinking water supplies. Illinois EPA developed the Nutrient Assessment Reduction Plan special condition for discharge permits for major publicly owned treatment works. The conditions include a watershed-based and a stand-alone approach, each with pros and cons. Lessons learned from Illinois' NARP efforts can benefit other impaired waters nationwide.

SpeakerQasem, Karoline

Presentation time

14:30:00

14:50:00

Session time

13:30:00

15:00:00

SessionNutrient Management: Growing Water Quality

Session locationRoom S504a - Level 5

TopicIntermediate Level, Nutrients, Watershed Management, Water Quality, and Groundwater

Author(s)

Qasem, Karoline

Author(s)K. Qasem 1; A. Nemura 2 ; K. Qasem 1;

Author affiliation(s)Geosyntec Consultants 1; Geosyntec Consultants 2 ; Geosyntec Consultants 1;

SourceProceedings of the Water Environment Federation

Document typeConference Paper

PublisherWater Environment Federation

Print publication date Oct 2023

DOI10.2175/193864718825158998

Volume / Issue

Content sourceWEFTEC

Word count11

Description: Fox River Implementation Plan: A Roadmap for Improved Water Quality for the Fox...

Fox River Implementation Plan: A Roadmap for Improved Water Quality for the Fox River, Illinois

Abstract

The Fox River Implementation Plan (FRIP) is a roadmap to address water quality impairments in Fox River, Illinois. The FRIP identifies four main management actions for implementation to address water quality impairments dam removal, wastewater treatment plant upgrades, upstream load reductions, and tributary load reduction. This paper discusses the overview, stakeholder engagement, implementation obstacles, and funding sources for each recommended management action. It also describes an adaptive management framework for assessing the performance of management actions and responding to potential challenges. The information presented in this paper would be useful to wastewater treatment plants and stakeholders in developing their implementation plans to address water quality issues in other larger watersheds.

The Fox River Implementation Plan (FRIP) is a roadmap for improving water quality in the Fox River, Illinois. The FRIP identifies four main recommended actions for implementation: dam removal, wastewater treatment plant upgrades, upstream load reductions, and tributary load reduction. The information presented in this paper would be useful to wastewater treatment plants and stakeholders in developing their implementation plans to address water quality issues in other larger watersheds.

SpeakerMahajan, Rishab

Presentation time

09:00:00

09:15:00

Session time

08:30:00

10:00:00

SessionLet Me Know About BMPs

Session locationRoom S405 - Level 4

TopicIntermediate Level, Small Communities and Decentralized Systems, Utility Management and Leadership, Watershed Management, Water Quality, and Groundwater

Author(s)

Mahajan, Rishab

Author(s)R. Mahajan 1; A. Nemura 2 ; R. Mahajan 1; C. Skrukrud 3;

Author affiliation(s)Geosyntec Consultants 1; Geosyntec Consultants 2 ; Fox River Watershed Group 3;

SourceProceedings of the Water Environment Federation

Document typeConference Paper

PublisherWater Environment Federation

Print publication date Oct 2023

DOI10.2175/193864718825159154

Volume / Issue

Content sourceWEFTEC

Word count16

Description: Roadmap! Taking Integrated Planning for Municipal Wastewater and Stormwater on the...

Roadmap! Taking Integrated Planning for Municipal Wastewater and Stormwater on the Road

Abstract

Current Clean Water Act regulations affecting municipal wastewater and stormwater discharges inhibit collective efforts as individual stakeholders are forced to address rigid and narrowly focused regulations. EPA’s Integrated Municipal Stormwater and Wastewater Planning Approach Framework (EPA, 2012) applies systems thinking based on a one water principle, coupled with local accountability. A more effective one-water regulatory framework can create more economical and sustainable outcomes that result in better overall water quality. Integrated planning is a concept that supports prioritization of capital investments in all forms of water infrastructure designed to protect human health and the environment, and to incorporate societal objectives in the most cost-effective, affordable way. Integrated planning also provides more coordination and up-front planning at the local level along with local stakeholder accountability. The result is less overall cost to achieve ultimate goals, compliance with regulations, and successful outcomes. While the framework has existed for a decade and is now part of the Clean Water Act, less than 0.5 percent of municipalities are taking advantage of it.

This paper was presented at WEFTEC 2023 in Chicago, IL.

SpeakerNemura, Adrienne

Presentation time

08:30:00

10:00:00

Session time

08:30:00

10:00:00

SessionRoadmap! Taking Integrated Planning for Municipal Wastewater and Stormwater on the Road

Session locationRoom S401a - Level 4

TopicFundamental Level, Stormwater and Green Infrastructure, Utility Management and Leadership, Watershed Management, Water Quality, and Groundwater

Author(s)

Nemura, Adrienne

Author(s)A. Nemura 1; B. Koltz 2 ; J. Phillips 3; S. Dominick 4; S.W. Vallabhaneni 5;

Author affiliation(s)Geosyntec Consultants 1; Brandon Koltz Water and Environmental Consulting, Carthage College and Milwaukee School of Engineering 2 ; Parametrix 3; Hazen & Sawyer 4; AECOM 5;

SourceProceedings of the Water Environment Federation

Document typeConference Paper

PublisherWater Environment Federation

Print publication date Oct 2023

DOI10.2175/193864718825158979

Volume / Issue

Content sourceWEFTEC

Word count13