Oregon lawmakers are working to modernize the state's water allocation system through a series of bills aimed at improving collaboration among resource agencies. The legislation focuses on streamlining permitting, enhancing data collection and shifting the state's approach from "regulation" to "management" of water resources.
The goal is to address over-drawn basins and a significant backlog of contested water rights cases, recognizing that the state has likely over-allocated its existing water supply.
Vermont Legislators Debate Biosolids Ban
Vermont legislators are currently debating bills that propose to ban the land application and sale of "septage, sludge and biosolids," as well as products containing them, due to concerns about PFAS contamination.
This comes despite Vermont already having stringent screening standards for PFAS in materials intended for land application. Wastewater utilities and environmental agencies are working to educate lawmakers on the implications, including significantly increased disposal costs for municipalities if these materials are diverted from land application to landfills.
Study Shows How Water Systems Could Offer Grid Flexibility
A recent Stanford University study claims that water systems, including desalination and wastewater treatment plants, can significantly contribute to power grid flexibility. These facilities, which consume up to 5% of U.S. electricity, could help balance supply and demand by adjusting their operations to align with real-time energy needs, effectively acting as "virtual batteries."
The research developed a framework to assess the value of this energy flexibility from both water system and grid operators' perspectives. Read more about it here.
