Ofwat Proposes £44.7m Enforcement for Wastewater Failures
Ofwat has proposed a £44.7 million enforcement package for Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water due to serious and unacceptable breaches in operating and maintaining its wastewater treatment works and network. This proposed action follows a consultation period, with a final decision pending.
OFWAT Investigation into Castle Water Dispute
The UK's water regulator, OFWAT, has opened an investigation into Castle Water following a complaint regarding a water market dispute. The investigation is being conducted under section 17E of the Water Industry Act 1991.
Ofwat Proposes £22m Fine for South East Water Supply Failures
Ofwat has proposed a £22 million fine for South East Water following an investigation into repeated supply failures between 2020 and 2023. The failures affected over 286,000 customers and were attributed to inadequate planning, poor infrastructure maintenance, and a lack of resilience. A public consultation on the proposed fine is now open.
Ofwat Responds to CMA's Final Water Price Control Decisions
Ofwat has responded to the Competition and Markets Authority's (CMA) final decision on price controls for five water companies. The response acknowledges the CMA's work and indicates that Ofwat will consider these decisions for future price reviews.
Ofwat investigates Dŵr Cymru sewage spills and network harm
Ofwat has opened an enforcement investigation into Dŵr Cymru for alleged breaches related to sewage treatment works and network management, leading to environmental harm. The company has proposed undertakings valued at £44.72m, including a redress package, in lieu of a £40.6 million financial penalty.
DEC Advises Caution in Adirondacks and Catskills Due to Dynamic Conditions
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has issued an advisory urging extreme caution for recreationists in the Adirondack and Catskill backcountry regions. Dynamic conditions, including washed-out bridges, flooding, and unstable snowpack, pose significant risks, prompting the DEC to recommend reconsidering or adjusting outdoor plans.
MassDEP Fines Contractor $51,000 for Hazardous Waste Violations
The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) has fined AMPM Restoration LLC $51,000 for violating hazardous waste and waste site cleanup regulations. The company transported hazardous waste to an unlicensed facility without proper licensing and failed to respond to MassDEP's information requests.
EPA Extends PFOA/PFOS Drinking Water Compliance Deadlines to 2031
The EPA announced it will maintain existing Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) for PFOA and PFOS in drinking water but will extend compliance deadlines for public water systems from 2029 to 2031. The agency also intends to rescind and reconsider regulations for other PFAS compounds.
EPA Actions on PFAS: Drinking Water, CERCLA, and Water Quality
The EPA has finalized a national drinking water standard for PFAS, designated PFOA and PFOS as hazardous substances under CERCLA, and published water quality criteria for PFAS to protect aquatic life. These actions aim to reduce PFAS exposure and improve cleanup accountability.
EPA Highlights PFAS Actions and Proposed TSCA Rule
The EPA highlighted its first-year actions on PFAS, including $945 million for water contamination and proposed TSCA reporting changes. The agency detailed efforts in testing, community support, and regulation to address PFAS risks.
EPA Adds PFHxS-Na to Toxics Release Inventory
The EPA has finalized a rule adding sodium perfluorohexanesulfonate (PFHxS-Na) to the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI), bringing the total number of tracked PFAS to 206. Businesses in covered industries must now track and report releases of PFHxS-Na, with a reporting threshold of 100 lbs.
EPA Proposes Changes to PFAS Reporting Requirements
The EPA has proposed changes to its PFAS reporting requirements under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) to reduce regulatory burdens on businesses. The proposal aims to make reporting more practical and implementable, while still collecting essential use and safety information. The agency is seeking public comment on these proposed modifications.