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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.

EFCN


    • Jun 16, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • every other week NEW EPISODES
    • 24m AVG DURATION
    • 88 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Environmental Finance Center Network

    Wastewater Sampling: Where do I Begin?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 16, 2025 18:49


    In the world of wastewater treatment, operators often wear many hats—including that of the sampler. Sampling is not just a regulatory requirement; it's a cornerstone of effective plant operation and environmental protection. Yet, many operators face challenges due to limited access to proper tools and training.In this first episode of a two-part series, the Environmental Finance Center Network's own Mike Rivera—a seasoned operator and plant manager—shares practical guidance on how to get started with sampling and how to ensure your procedures are accurate and compliant. From choosing the right equipment to avoiding common pitfalls, Mike offers actionable tips that every operator can use.Tune in to learn how to improve your sampling practices and continue safeguarding your community and the environment.

    Water Quality Sampling: An Operator's Perspective

    Play Episode Listen Later May 27, 2025 19:06


    Veteran operator, Mike Rivera, shares real-world water sampling insights—from compliance prep and troubleshooting to working in tough environments. Practical tips for small system water operators.

    The Benefits of Capital Improvement Planning

    Play Episode Listen Later May 23, 2025 14:16


    Join the Environmental Finance Center Network as we explore how capital improvement planning can lead to a more financially resilient utility. In this episode, Southwest EFC Research Engineer A.J. Barney speaks with Rose Fenton, the Wastewater Plant Operations Manager at the Village of Jemez Springs, NM. Rose shares her firsthand perspective on the journey of developing a Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) from the ground up. Whether you're new to capital planning or looking to refine your approach, you'll gain valuable insights into:Starting the process with no prior experienceOvercoming common challenges in plan developmentUnderstanding the long-term benefits of a well-crafted CIPPractical steps other systems can take to get started Tune in and take the first step toward building a stronger future for your system.

    Solar Planning for Small Wastewater Facilities

    Play Episode Listen Later May 6, 2025 21:14


    This podcast features an interview with Nicole Rentz, the Director of Market Development and Policy for New Columbia Solar, a company that specializes in commercial and industrial solar energy solutions. The discussion revolves around the use of solar energy in wastewater treatment plants, covering topics like the benefits of solar, assessing feasibility, costs, financing options, technical and site requirements, and common pitfalls to avoid while planning for solar at your facility.Presenter: Danish Kumar, UMD EFC

    Community Science and Stewardship: Inspiring Wastewater Action in Las Curías / Ciencia y Gestión Comunitaria: Inspirando Acción sobre Aguas Residuales en Las Curías

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 1, 2025 29:42


    For decades, a Community Based Organization have been stewards of the Las Curías lake in San Juan, Puerto Rico. In this Spanish-language episode, we talk with limnologist Jorge Ortíz about an outreach project developed by Syracuse University EFC in collaboration with the University of Puerto Rico. This Community Science and Stewardship project provides opportunities for collaborative learning, allowing participants to explore scientific concepts and communications engagement strategies among community members and environmental science students, focusing on the impacts of decentralized wastewater systems on water quality to increase best management practices and environmental stewardship.Durante décadas, una Organización Comunitaria ha participado en el manejo de los recursos ambientales del lago Las Curías en San Juan, Puerto Rico. En este episodio en Español, conversamos con el limnólogo Jorge Ortíz, acerca de un proyecto participativo, desarrollado por el Centro para el Financiamiento Ambiental de la Universidad de Syracuse en colaboración con la Universidad de Puerto Rico. Este proyecto de Ciencia y Gestión Comunitaria Ambiental ofrece oportunidades de aprendizaje colaborativo, permitiendo a los participantes explorar conceptos científicos y estrategias de comunicación entre miembros de la comunidad y estudiantes de ciencias ambientales. Enfocándose en el impacto de los sistemas descentralizados de aguas residuales en la calidad del agua, para así fomentar las mejores prácticas de manejo y de gestión comunitaria ambiental.

    Dirty Water: Why Engaging the Community Matters

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 21, 2025 20:29


    A discussion with Carmen Guzman-Simpliciano from the community of Waianae, Oahu Hawaii on the importance of engaging communities from the beginning of a project. Carmen is the Director and cofounder of the community based organization Kingdom Pathways, and is also Capacity Collaborative's Manager for Hawaii and the Pacific Islands. Carmen is interviewed by Sarah Diefendorf (Director) and Elaine McCarty (Associate Director) of Capacity Collaborative.

    Surveillance of Pathogens in Wastewater

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 7, 2025 18:22


    In this episode Daryl J. Gotham, PE, Senior Research Engineer at the Great Lakes Environmental Infrastructure Center interviews Dr. Ishi Keenum of Michigan Technological University (MTU) about the surveillance of pathogens in wastewater. Ishi has Bachelor's and Master's degrees in environmental engineering and a PhD in Civil engineering. She is an Assistant Professor at MTU.

    The Benefits of Cleaning and Televising Wastewater Collections Systems

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 21, 2025 14:32


    In this episode Daryl J. Gotham, PE, Senior Research Engineer at the Great Lakes Environmental Infrastructure Center interviews Jean Inman, P.E. about the benefits of cleaning and televising wastewater collection systems. Jean is a licensed professional engineer with Spicer Group of Saginaw, Michigan with over 28 years of experience with municipal wastewater collection systems and treatment plants.

    The Benefits of Wastewater Collection System Preventative Maintenance

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 14, 2025 14:17


    In this episode Alex Radke of the Center for Technology and Training at Michigan Technological University interviews Daryl J. Gotham, PE, Senior Research Engineer at the Great Lakes Environmental Infrastructure Center about the benefits of wastewater collection system preventative maintenance. Daryl was previously the Director of the Department of Public Services for a large Michigan Township.

    The National Pretreatment Program: Rules and Implementation

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 9, 2024 14:56


    In this episode Daryl J. Gotham, PE, Senior Research Engineer at the Great Lakes Environmental Infrastructure Center interviews Anne Tavalire of the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) about the national pretreatment program rules and implementation. Anne is a Regional Pretreatment Program Specialist with EGLE.  

    Takeaways from the "Closing America's Wastewater Access Gap" Pilot

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 29, 2024 23:08


    In this Podcast Dawn Nall and A.J. Barney discuss their recent experience providing technical assistance as part of the EPA's "Closing America's Wastewater Access Gap" Pilot projects. They discuss what they liked about this project, how the pilot provided a unique strategy for address, and how communities may benefit from similar future projects.

    Fee Schedules for FOG Pretreatment Programs

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 22, 2024 13:06


    In this episode we discuss fee schedules for fats, oils, and grease (FOG) Pretreatment programs. We discuss how fee schedules can be developed to effectively enforce Pretreatment regulations and how different strategies can be used for different Pretreatment programs. We also discuss how fees can be used as more than just a form of punishment, but also as a tool to encourage and help FOG producers protect their business and the community around them. Presenters: Dawn Nall & AJ Barney, Southewest Environmental Finance Center

    Preliminary Engineering Reports for small disadvantaged communities.

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 8, 2024 31:55


    Join us for a discussion with two Regional Environmental Finance Centers (EFCs) who have the ability to provide a qualified engineer to do a preliminary engineering report (or PER) for small disadvantaged communities. Hosted by John Sullivan, PE from the Great Lakes Environmental Infrastructure Center at Michigan Technological University, the EFC in EPA Region 5.

    Navigating the Funding Process for Smaller Communities; A Conversation with Charlie Philion from the Division of Homes and Community Renewal

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 13, 2024 35:53


    The funding landscape is often treacherous, filled with complexities and challenges that can feel overwhelming, especially for smaller communities. Problems undoubtedly arise, from securing the right grants to fostering collaborations among various agencies. Understanding these hurdles and learning from those who are on the other side of this process can make a significant difference. Please join us for an informative conversation with Charlie Philion who brings years of experience, a multitude of knowledge, and an expert understanding of the funding landscape.

    Combined Heat and Power Units

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 5, 2024 21:03


    This podcast discusses the topics of power generation and heating using biogas produced during the digestion process in wastewater treatment. The focus of the discussion is the equipment required for power and heat production, related costs, and considerations related to the cost-benefit of potential heat and power projects. Presented by Tim Colling and Daryl Gotham

    units combined heat and power
    History of Wastewater Treatment

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 19, 2024 29:31


    Join Program Associate Mike Tate as he goes through the long history of wastewater treatment.

    Collaborating With Your Design Engineer

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 17, 2024 32:06


    In this podcast you will hear from Heather Himmelberger, Dawn Nall, and Mike Rivera on their perspectives of what you need to talk to your engineer about during both the planning and design phase of your project. Heather and Dawn are both engineers and Mike is a certified water and wastewater operator. They share their experiences and what they have learned by working with water systems around the country about collaborating with your design engineer.

    One Experience With the Closing America's Wastewater Access Gap Pilot Project?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 29, 2024 46:05


    Moonshot Missions (a partner of the EFCN) discusses the experiences they've had with the San Carlos Apache Tribe, one of the communities participating in EPA's and USDA's Closing America's Wastewater Access Gap Pilot Project. San Carlos Apache Tribe worked alongside EPA, USDA, IHS, EFCN, contractors and many others to develop a solution plan for issues they are facing with aging wastewater infrastructure. Challenges encountered and Important takeaways from this pilot project are highlighted in this podcast.

    Why Communicating Is So Important

    Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2024 18:59


    In this episode Dawn Nall from the Southwest Environmental Finance Center interviews Sarah Diefendorf and Elaine McCarty from the EFC West, or soon to be Capacity Collaborative, on the importance of communicating in the wastewater industry. Sarah and Elaine reflect on their vast experience focusing on community outreach and education to share what they've learned about communication in wastewater, especially the importantance of learning about your stakeholders, maintaining engagement with them, creating trust, and catering your outreach to the individual community.

    What We Don't Know We Don't Know About Septic

    Play Episode Listen Later May 8, 2024 18:34


    In this episode Dawn Nall from the Southwest Environmental Finance Center interviews Sarah Diefendorf and Elaine McCarty from the EFC West, or soon to be Capacity Collaborative, on the impact unknowns have on septic systems and the communities they influence. Septic systems are an important tool used to meet the wastewater needs of many communities and individuals that can't access centralized wastewater treatment, but due to their nature as private systems officials and even the owners themselves often don't know the full extent of their functionality. Sarah and Elaine discuss strategies for addressing these knowledge gaps and the importance in protecting public and environmental health from septic issues.

    Using Recycled Wastewater for Landscape Irrigation. Celebrating 40 Years: The City of Tucson's Reclaimed Water System

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 29, 2024 46:22


    Interview City of Tucson, AZ staff: John Kmiec, Tucson Water Director; James MacAdam, Administrator, Conservation & Stormwater Resources, Tucson Water; Andrea Achilli, Associate Professor, Chemical and Environmental Engineering Department at the University of Arizona (UA) and deputy director of the UA Water and Energy Sustainable Technology (WEST) Center.

    Embarking on Bold Initiatives: Unveiling the Vision of Moonshot Missions

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 21, 2024 20:54


    Embark on an exploration of the transformative odyssey undertaken by Moonshot Missions as we delve into the origins of this innovative initiative. In this enlightening podcast, Nathan Coey articulates the genesis of Moonshot Missions and recounts his personal involvement in fostering the growth of Moonshot Missions to its present prominence.

    Providing Reliability: Interview With Paul Crocker and George Williams of Reliability X

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 13, 2024 24:16


    We want our assets doing their intended function as much as possible, but how do we make that happen? One way is the concept of reliability. Reliability helps us ensure we are doing the right maintenance activities to keep our assets in proper working order as much as possible. It helps us prevent catastrophic failures and can even improve operator safety. In this podcast we are joined by George Williams and Paul Crocker from Reliability X to talk about their experience integrating reliability into their work flow. Join us to learn all about how you can implement reliability and use it to optimize maintenance and protect your assets.

    Big Picture - Collection Systems and Pretreatment

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 20, 2023 15:23


    In this episode, we dive into collection systems. We discuss the basic components that make-up collection systems and their objectives. Wastewater starts at your homes, then travels to the wastewater treatment plant, and we will discuss all the parts that get it there. Finally, we talk about what it takes to maintain that system and what is done to protect it. Please join us for this in-depth journey from your drains through the sewers!

    How Are Wastewater Systems Adapting to Climate Change?

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 27, 2023 33:09


    Severe storms and flooding can cause problems for wastewater systems whenever they occur, but these events are happening more frequently and with more intensity due to climate change. The impacts of these events on wastewater systems are not limited to more frequent flooding, power outages, and service interruptions, but also may include sewer overflows, reduced treatment effectiveness, and changing operations and maintenance needs. What steps can wastewater managers take to improve their ability to handle these issues and become more resilient to the impacts of climate change? In this podcast episode, we speak with Dr. Christine Kirchhoff, Ph.D., P.E., who has conducted extensive research on this topic. She shares her findings from work in Connecticut and beyond on the factors that contribute to utilities' resilience and support their adaptation efforts, whether they are large or small, coastal or inland. We also discuss innovative adaptation strategies and helpful resources and guidance for wastewater systems that are interested in learning what they can do to improve their resilience now and in the future.

    Speaking for the River: An Interview With Justinn Overton, Executive Director Coosa Waterkeeper

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 17, 2023 18:44


    Justinn Overton, Executive Director Coosa WaterKeeper located in Birmingham Alabama patrols and documents the Coosa River and its tributaries from the land, water, and air, looks for pollution problems, responds to citizen complaints, researches and analyzes polluters' permits, collects pollution samples for laboratory analysis, educates the public about the beauty of the river and threats to it, advocates compliance with environmental laws, and works on finding solutions to pollution problems. In short – she speaks for the Coosa River. In this interview she discusses the river's wastewater challenges and offers some solutions.

    Lagoons and Septics: Covering the Basics

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 15, 2023 39:07


    Dr. DeAnn Presley, PhD, a Professor of Environmental Soil Science and Management discusses how soil conditions impact different home waste systems with Tonya Bronlewee, Director at the WSU EFC.

    Flood Disaster Lessons and Mitigation Successes at a Small Wastewater System in Vermont

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 7, 2023 26:40


    Many communities' wastewater treatment plants and related infrastructure are located in or near floodplains, which makes sense given how these facilities work. However, this also means that they are prone to flooding. The Town of Waterbury, Vermont experienced catastrophic flooding during Hurricane Irene in 2011, as did the rest of the state. Their wastewater pump station was inundated and rendered inoperable for several days. To reduce the chances of this happening again, they implemented several flood mitigation measures at the facility over the next few years. Then, in 2023, major floods hit the Town again, putting their mitigation projects to the test. In this podcast, Bill Woodruff, the Town's Public Works Director, recounts their experiences and lessons learned from both events and shares the many ways that the Town has worked to improve all of their infrastructure's resiliency to flooding.

    Fostering a Culture of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion in the Water Sector with Dr. Mercy Umeri

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 24, 2023 27:40


    On this episode, we are delighted to welcome Dr. Mercy Umeri from the Hugo Wall School of Public Affairs at Wichita State University as our guest. Dr. Umeri shares valuable insights on the importance of implementing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion practices in the water sector. She also speaks on the significance of conflict resolution and provides us with helpful tips on how to improve our conflict resolution skills.

    Customer Empathy and Customer Impact

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 17, 2023 13:02


    Join Jeff Severin, Program Manager from Wichita State University EFC as he discusses how we can better understand the burden that our utility may be placing on our customers and how we can utilize empathy to better serve them.

    10,000 + 1 Marketing: How Water and Wastewater Utilities Can Increase Outreach

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 13, 2023 10:10


    Marketing research has found that we are exposed to as many as 10,000 marketing/outreach messages daily. This podcast by Wichita State University Program Manager Brian Bohnsack focuses on practical ways wastewater and water utilities can increase their outreach and marketing messages.

    Integrated Water Resource Management: A Conversation with the Derry Township Municipal Authority

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 6, 2023 18:16


    There are many benefits of more holistic or integrated water resource management, whether that is across "types" of water resources or across municipal boundaries. The Derry Township Municipal Authority (DTMA) in south-central Pennsylvania has served as the local wastewater utility for several decades. Recently they took over management of the Township's stormwater system. Mike Postick, an engineer, has been involved with DTMA for several years and is currently the DTMA's Stormwater Program Manager. In this podcast interview, he recounts their experience of adding stormwater to the Authority's responsibilities and shares advice for other communities considering this type of integration.

    The 3 Facets of NPDES Permit Development

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 13, 2023 30:51


    Mike Tate discusses the development of an NPDES permit. He goes over the three facets of developing NPDES Permits: Technology Based Limits, TMDL Specified Limits and Water Quality Based Limits. Better understand your permit today!

    7 Common Issues with Lagoons and Lagoon Operation

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 7, 2023 42:08


    Join Mike Tate who spent a bulk of his 40 year career working with smaller communities and their lagoon systems. He goes over 7 common issues that he encountered over his years and offers practical advice on how to prevent and solve these issues.

    Source Water Protection - Martha Graham, NMRW

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 27, 2023 39:09


    Martha Graham, Source Water Protection Specialist at New Mexico Rural Water Association, discusses the importance of a source water protection assessment and plan with the EFCN team. We dive into source water protection for small water systems and water systems in New Mexico including resources for those interested in implementing source water protection at their system.

    Benefits of Using the SCAP Tool

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 24, 2023 15:15


    Linda Hills from ERG, the organization who developed the SCAP Tool, discusses how the tool was created, the benefits to small systems who need to develop an asset inventory, and how the tool can be used to design, update, and maintain an asset management plan.

    Small Wastewater Systems: Asset Management Plans and Implementation

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 17, 2023 15:11


    This podcast discusses the importance of asset management, what issues an asset management plan helps to address, and plan implementation.

    Small Wastewater Systems: Decentralized Systems

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 13, 2023 14:02


    This podcast compares centralized and decentralized wastewater systems and describes the advantages and disadvantages of each system type.

    Small Wastewater Systems: Setting Service Rates

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 10, 2023 21:01


    This podcast explains different service rate structures, methods and resources used to set service rates, and the challenges small systems face in setting rates.

    Small Wastewater Systems: How Lagoons Treat Wastewater

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 3, 2023 26:40


    This podcast provides an overview of how treatment lagoons are used for wastewater treatment, the types of treatment lagoons, and how to maintain an effective treatment lagoon.

    Buffalo Blizzard of ‘22: Impacts from the Perspective of Buffalo Sewer Authority

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 31, 2023 20:17


    In December of 2022, Buffalo, NY experienced a once-in-a-generation blizzard. Extensive snowfall and high winds impacted the city, devastating neighborhoods, and leaving community members stranded. In this episode, the Syracuse University Environmental Finance Center's communications intern, Mya Bonney, interviews Rosie B. Nogle, a Principal Sanitary Engineer for the Buffalo Sewer Authority. Join us for a conversation on what happened before, during, and after the storm from the perspective of a wastewater treatment facility.

    Wastewater Systems Sustainability: Spotlight on Easton Utilities

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 30, 2023 11:34


    Easton Utilities won the MD Green Registry's Sustainability Leadership Award for installing a 2-megawatt photovoltaic solar array, which produces more than 100% of the energy needed for its wastewater treatment facility and removing up to 95% of pollutants through wastewater treatment system and selling the resulting biosolids to local farmers as fertilizer, among other things. This podcast will explore why they chose to do this, how they did it, and what financial and community benefits they've garnered from it.

    Interview with Elin Betanzo: Revised Lead and Copper Rule Compliance and Lessons Learned from the Flint Water Crisis

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 27, 2023 54:32


    This insightful interview with water quality expert Elin Warn Betanzo P.E. sheds light on the topic of lead contamination and compliance with the revised lead and copper rule. In this podcast you will be introduced to new research regarding lead sampling and monitoring, learn new ways to approach lead service line replacement projects, and find out how the Flint MI and Washing DC lead contamination events have taught us valuable lessons about maintaining water quality and protecting public health.

    Big Picture - EPA Regulations and NPDES Permit

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 23, 2023 28:05


    In this podcast we will discuss the basic of NPDES permit regulations. We talk to Ben Zimmerman, a data analyst and NPDES permit enforcement coordinator with the Albuquerque Water Authority, about typical permit requirements and program details. Processes for conducting compliance sampling, submitting EPA reports, the available resources, and enforcement are all touched upon in this interview.

    Small Wastewater Systems: Safety

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 20, 2023 37:07


    This podcast describes the various safety concerns associated with wastewater treatment plants and details safe practices and procedures operators should implement to ensure a safe working environment.

    Work in Water Internship

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 7, 2023 23:03


    Tonya Bronleewe, Director at Wichita State University EFC sits down with two interns that participated in the Work in Water program. Learn more about developing a work in water internship at www.wichita.edu/workinwater.

    Small Wastewater Systems: Operator Roles and Responsibilities

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 2, 2023 18:30


    This episode explores the roles and responsibilities of wastewater treatment plant operators.

    Why Emergency Response Planning is Necessary for Your Utility

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 22, 2023 24:30


    Today we will be discussing why emergency response planning is necessary and the three areas of emergency response that your utility can being to brainstorm to jump start your emergency response planning efforts.

    Small Wastewater Systems: The Nature of Wastewater and Its Effects

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 17, 2023 25:21


    This podcast describes the typical waste constituents found in wastewater, the importance of treatment, and general National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit requirements.

    Big Picture - Activated Sludge

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 10, 2023 14:29


    This episode describes the process and purpose of activated sludge. The different components of a typical activated sludge process are provided, as well as duties and observations operators should be familiar with.

    Small Water Systems: Lead and Copper Rule (LCR) - Overview and Requirements

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 9, 2023 24:37


    This podcast episode covers the latest version of the Lead and Copper Rule that came out in December 2021. This episode will focus on: action and trigger level exceedances, sampling and testing locations and requirements, lead service line replacement programs and their implementation, and notification and education requirements.

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