July 2025, Volume 20, Issue 4

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Communications Sponsors

President's Corner

Measuring success can be as simple as counting brochures or as complicated as running regression models on a logarithmic scale…okay, I made that last part up, but success can be really hard to measure. 

SESWA measures success not only by counting membership numbers, but by considering levels of engagement. If you are clicking, submitting, watching, and attending, the Association knows we are succeeding. Just consider our most recent webinar with the City of Nashville, Reaching Beyond Residents – Smarter Public Education for Your MS4. Over 150 people attended to learn and benefit from this wonderful presentation.

SESWA’s Community Forum has dozens of topics with hundreds of replies from members who engaged and shared their stories and as a result, gained valuable knowledge and insight. This is a great tool to enhance your membership experience. With regard to this article, I encourage each of you reading this to post your story about how you measure success in your stormwater program. Is it reaching a higher level of service or reducing maintenance requirements? Is it enhancing community engagement or developing resilient and sustainable infrastructure? Qualitative or quantitative? Limited by permit requirements or above and beyond? No matter how you measure success, we can all learn from your story.

Let’s not forget the upcoming Annual Conference in Hilton Head. It’s SESWA’s 20th Anniversary and there is a lot in store for you this year! Registration is open and filling up fast. This is perhaps the best chance of the year to engage with your peers in learning and networking. With a special opening session planned to commemorate this year’s anniversary, a huge exhibit hall filled with vendors and products you need to know about, and another full agenda of presentations given by your peers from throughout the Southeast, you can’t afford to miss this event!

In preparing for SESWA’s next 20 years, measuring success and reaching new heights will be in clear focus for the Board of Directors, committees, and leadership. However, our success as an Association depends on our members’ innovation and ambition to keep stormwater moving forward to protect our water, enhance our communities, and build strong infrastructure. No matter how you measure it, SESWA is success in stormwater!

John Butler
SESWA President
Gwinnett County, GA

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Strengthen Your Career and Find Innovative Solutions with SESWA

Active SESWA members consistently say that their membership value extends beyond the many services, like continuing education opportunities, stormwater-specific regulatory updates, and online resources. It’s also about the people: a powerful peer-to-peer network and experienced mentors who can help advance your professional career. As you grow your stormwater connections, you’ll discover new, cost-effective ways to tackle everyday challenges, solutions that save time, money, while protecting water quality. 

If your organization hasn’t renewed its membership for the upcoming year (July-June), this could be your final newsletter! After your 30-day grace period, your membership will end on July 31st. Don’t miss your chance to remain part of our vibrant community of more than 1,700 stormwater professionals across the Southeast, all working together to safeguard our environment.

Renewal details were emailed to your organization’s primary contact, or you can reach out to us directly anytime at [email protected]—we’re always glad to assist.

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Help Us Celebrate SESWA's 20th Anniversary - Share Your Story!

SESWA is celebrating its 20th Anniversary and we’re turning the spotlight to you, our members. To mark this special occasion, we're creating a video featuring your stories, reflections, and experiences to be premiered at the SESWA Annual Conference. Help us showcase the strength, impact, and heart of our network! Hurry, the deadline is July 31st! Click here to learn more and submit your video!

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SESWA 20th Annual Regional Stormwater Conference Will Feature 20th Anniversary Celebrations

This year marks a major milestone, 20 years of the Southeast Stormwater Association bringing together professionals dedicated to protecting and improving water quality across the Southeast. We're celebrating two decades of education, innovation, and collaboration at our 20th Annual Regional Stormwater Conference, and we want YOU to be part of it! The Wednesday Pre-Conference Workshop will focus on Innovative Approaches to Stormwater Management and Asset Planning, and the Thursday/Friday Conference will highlight an array of stormwater topics from experienced presenters throughout the Southeast. Registration is now closed as we have reached full capacity for the Conference. However, you may add your name to the Waitlist in case spots become available.

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SESWA Photo Contest - And the Winners Are...

Thank you to the members who participated in the 2025 SESWA Photo Contest! This year's contest saw winners displaying completed projects, how developing technology can be used, and what happens when a community comes together. The winning photos are now featured on the SESWA homepage and other submittals can be found throughout the website. The winners of the 2025 Photo Contest are...”

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SESWA Webinar - There is Still Time!

Did you miss SESWA’s Webinar Reaching Beyond Residents – Smarter Public Education for Your MS4? We have some good news! SESWA members can view the webinar presentation and recording online at no cost, thanks to our 2025-2026 Communications Sponsors. 

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SESWA Community Forum - Join the Conversation

SESWA is committed to being a trusted resource and maintaining open channels of communication. As a member of SESWA, you have access to an online Forum to post questions, share information, and discuss emerging issues with your peers throughout the Southeast! Visit the Forum today and be sure to subscribe to the topics that interest YOU!

Here's the latest from the Forum:

Share Your Story! SESWA's 20th Anniversary Video Request
John Butler, Gwinnett County, GA
SESWA's 20th Anniversary is upon us and in preparation for some festivities at the annual conference, we are putting together a brief video compiling your stories! All you need to do to participate is record a short video of yourself (40 seconds max) on your phone or computer. Read more…

Tech Capabilities in Stormwater Management
Madison Smith, City of Lawrenceville, GA
I was recently approached by a colleague of mine about the various ways stormwater could utilize drones, either in stormwater asset management, inspections, maintenance task identification, and inventory verification. I was wondering if there were any jurisdictions or individuals who were... Read more...

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2025 SESWA Stormwater Utility Report Now Available

SESWA's 2025 Stormwater Utility Report was published in April 2025, and a complimentary copy of the Report was provided to current SESWA member contacts as well as non-members who participated in the Survey. The Report provides easy access to questions concerning stormwater utility rates, structure, billing methods, and many other related practices throughout the Southeast. SESWA members can access the digital report at no cost via the Report link above. Non-members can purchase digital access to the Report for $50 by completing an order form. SESWA would like to thank our generous Stormwater Utility Report sponsors – Ardurra, Bolton & Menk, CDM Smith, Geosyntec Consultants, McAdams, and Rymar Waterworks.

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EPA WOTUS Rulemaking Priority Statement
Kevin Coyne, SESWA

In June, EPA announced that updating the WOTUS wetland regulatory rule is a federal priority, with the potential for a revised rule to be introduced later this year. The June 17th statement highlighted the substantial input gathered by EPA and the Army Corps through various listening sessions. These sessions included targeted discussion with specific stakeholder groups as well as open forums for the general public, resulting in an overwhelming number of comments submitted for consideration. A key theme emerging from stakeholder feedback is the need for state flexibility in the implementation of the WOTUS rule. Many participants emphasized the diversity of states, from the nature of the landscape to unique ecology, the ability for states to implement an approach best suited to their needs is a high priority. It is anticipated that the forthcoming WOTUS framework will address exemptions for ditches/man-made channels and may also consider further exemptions for wetlands that are not physically connected to any surface waters. SESWA submitted written comments during the open comment period, and a copy of the submitted letter is available on the SESWA Advocacy webpage. As the EPA moves forward, it is crucial that federal regulators take into account the diverse perspectives shared by stakeholders to ensure that the updated WOTUS rule effectively balances environmental protection with state-specific needs.

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“10 for 1” Approach Impacting Environmental Rules 
Kevin Coyne, SESWA

When the new federal administration started to implement President Trump’s priority to de-regulate federal government oversight, one notable approach that emerged was the “10 for 1” rule. This strategy, which advocates for the elimination of ten existing regulations for every new regulation introduced, is not entirely unprecedented; similar deregulation efforts have been undertaken in the past. However, this latest initiative represents significant escalation beyond previous attempts at regulatory reform.

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South Carolina 303d List Amendments from EPA
James Riddle, Woolpert

After a lengthy review period, the EPA disapproved portions of the draft 2024 South Carolina 303d list by proposing the addition of three site/parameter combinations. This included two locations in Greenville County, SC that were below standards for pH and one such exceedance in Newberry County, SC due to lead. The South Carolina Department of Environmental Services did not include these sites on the draft 303d list “based on the presence of a healthy biologic community as demonstrated by macroinvertebrate sampling at these locations”. The concept is that the sensitivity of the macroinvertebrate community, demonstrated through the abundance and diversity of these healthy organisms, should supersede concerns related to physical and chemical water quality data. This approach follows the state’s documented methods and rules for 303d assessment and is not uncommon. Furthermore, the EPA stated that they are “deferring action” pending additional information for 151 dissolved oxygen and pH assessments not presently included on the draft 303d list.

Although EPA will be providing their own public comment period for these additions, the schedule is currently unclear. SESWA members across the region should keep a close eye on these developments. Similar EPA action in other states could ultimately affect 303d listings and subsequent MS4 and land development permitting in your communities..

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Changes to the Florida Cycle 5 Phase I MS4 Permits 
Steve Peene and Robert Potts, Geosyntec

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) is presently issuing updates to Phase I MS4 permits in the state. This update is considered Cycle 5 of the permit history, and these updates, include a number of new more stringent requirements. The most significant is the Catch Basin and Inlet Management Program. Currently, the permit requires permittees to develop a plan within Year 1 and begin implementation in subsequent years. Requirements include increased inspection frequencies and reporting on activities to retrofit catch basins or inlets for water quality improvements. Another new aspect to the permit is the requirement for permittees to inventory and inspect non-major outfalls. This adds a significant burden to cities, counties or state agencies who presently do not have these in their inventory. Other new requirements include: development of a map and establishment of required frequencies for street sweeping activities; requirements for legal authority; requirements to demonstrate fiscal capability to execute programs under the permit; requirements for development of written and approved Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for each permit element; changes to requirements relative to TMDL implementation plans; and new requirements for personnel training for stormwater inspections.

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Charlotte Ranks Among Top Communities Nationwide for Flood Management
Don Ceccarelli, Mecklenburg County, NC

The City of Charlotte, North Carolina is honored to be recognized as a Class 2 community by FEMA's Community Rating System (CRS). Charlotte is among the top 1% of more than 1,500 communities nationwide participating in the program and the top-rated community in North Carolina. The upgraded designation creates a discount of up to 40% on National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) policies and is estimated to save residents $1 million or more in annual flood insurance premiums.

The new rating, which became effective April 1, 2025 is a result of hard work by City and County staff across Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services to protect the public from the risks of flooding. That includes communicating flood safety information, providing floodplain mapping resources and offering alert systems such as the Flood Information Notification System.

CRS is a voluntary FEMA program that recognizes and encourages community floodplain management activities that exceed minimum NFIP standards. Communities are asked to meet three goals: reduce flood losses, facilitate accurate insurance rating, and promote the awareness of flood insurance. The program includes ten different class rating levels, and each class advancement brings in additional reduction in flood insurance premiums.

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Chattanooga is North America’s First National Park City
Maria Price, City of Chattanooga, TN

Chattanooga, TN, is the first city in North America to be named a National Park City, a designation that honors its dedication to nature, outdoor culture, and community well-being. Once one of the most polluted cities in the U.S. during the 1970s, Chattanooga has transformed into a vibrant outdoor destination and biodiversity hotspot.

The Chattanooga National Park City campaign drew broad support from grassroots organizations, local businesses, the City of Chattanooga, and residents. This collective effort reflects a shared vision to create a greener, healthier, and more connected city.

A key part of that vision includes continued investment in green infrastructure across parks and public spaces—such as rain gardens, native plantings, and natural stormwater systems—that enhance ecological resilience while improving community access to nature. These features not only support biodiversity and clean water but also help create beautiful, functional spaces where people can gather, play, and connect.

The designation celebrates Chattanooga’s commitment to expanding green space, fostering civic pride, and uplifting the natural and cultural assets that define the Tennessee River Valley. It’s a people-first approach to conservation—focused on health, beauty, art, and joy—that encourages long-term stewardship of the places we love.

While not part of the U.S. National Park Service, the National Park City movement shares a similar mission: to protect and enrich our most treasured resources, not just for today, but for generations to come.

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NACWA Corner

Congress Takes Up Stormwater Funding Measures

The House Committee on Appropriations has approved the FY 2026 Interior and Environment Appropriations bill, which proposes a 23% cut to the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) overall budget.

While this reduction is not as severe as the 55% cut to EPA and nearly 90% cut to the State Revolving Funds (SRFs) proposed in President Trump’s budget request, it would still significantly impact critical water infrastructure investments and other essential clean water programs, including the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF), the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) program, and EPA’s geographic watershed initiatives.

Key details from the House Appropriators’ EPA budget proposal include:

• EPA Total – $7.01 billion (a $2.12 billion cut from the FY 2025 enacted level)
• State and Tribal Assistance Grants (STAG) Total – $3.7 billion (a $679.8 million decrease)
• Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) – $1.2 billion (a $430 million cut)
• Of that, $559 million is directed toward Community Project Funding (earmarks). A list of earmarks is available [here].
• Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Reuse Grant Program – $44 million (a $3 million increase)
• WIFIA – $64.6 million (a $7.7 million reduction)
• Geographic Programs – $651 million (a $31 million decrease)

On a more positive note, the bill includes report language highlighting the importance of EPA’s Stormwater Centers of Excellence. It provides $2 million for the grant program to support both short- and long-term stormwater challenges and urges EPA to establish the centers as expeditiously as possible.

The Committee also acknowledges the value of addressing the service life of stormwater and sewer systems as a critical component of long-term infrastructure planning. It encourages EPA to work with states to prioritize projects that incorporate strategies to extend the useful life of water infrastructure, thereby supporting more sustainable and cost-effective investments that enhance system reliability and resilience.

Beyond funding levels, the bill includes several policy riders. Notably, one provision prohibits the use of funds to finalize or implement the Draft Sewage Sludge Risk Assessment for perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS).

During the markup, Rep. Mike Simpson (R-ID), Chair of the Interior and Environment Subcommittee, acknowledged the overall 23% cut but emphasized that the bill continues to support important state grants and water infrastructure projects. In contrast, Ranking Member Rep. Chellie Pingree (D-ME) criticized the deep cuts, warning that they would weaken EPA’s ability to protect public health and the environment, and shift the burden of infrastructure investment onto states.

While a final version of the FY 2026 is not completed, NACWA expects that the Senate will propose fewer reductions to EPA and water infrastructure funding than the House. NACWA will provide a summary of the Senate bill once it becomes available.

Congress must reconcile differences between the House and Senate versions of all 12 appropriations bills before the end of the fiscal year on September 30, 2025, to avoid a government shutdown. Given the tight timeline, it is likely that Congress will enact a short-term Continuing Resolution (CR) to maintain current funding levels while negotiations continue. There is also the possibility of a full-year CR, which—given expected cuts—could end up being the best-case scenario for water programs if it preserves FY 2025 funding levels.

The House’s rejection of the Administration’s most extreme proposed cuts signals that the message about the critical importance of federal investment in water infrastructure is resonating on Capitol Hill.

Please contact Matthew McKenna, NACWA’s Director of Government Affairs, with questions.

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