S11 E9: Ahead of the Regulation Curve with Blair Corning

In this episode of DooDoo Diva's Smells Like Money, host Suzan Chin-Taylor sits down with Blair Corning, Deputy Director of South Platte Renew, to discuss the rapid influx of new regulations in the wastewater industry. This is the first part of a two-part series, where Blair shares how South Platte Renew, which serves 300,000 residents in the Southwest Denver metro area, is proactively staying ahead of regulations related to PFAS, phosphorus, microplastics, and more. Blair and Suzan dive deep into the challenges wastewater treatment plants face in meeting new, stricter environmental standards and how facilities like South Platte Renew are using innovative strategies and technology-driven solutions to stay compliant. They discuss topics such as Colorado's unique regulations like Reg 85, the Voluntary Incentive Program (VIP), and how the industry is shifting toward a more innovative mindset to address regulatory hurdles. Key Discussion Points: - Navigating the evolving regulatory landscape, including PFAS, phosphorus, and microplastics - Colorado's regulatory approach and how it's impacting wastewater facilities - The challenges of meeting new standards and the role of technological innovation - How South Platte Renew is intensifying existing infrastructure to maximize efficiency - Real-world success stories like their aeration basin revamp Blair emphasizes the importance of staying proactive, being open to new ideas, and fostering collaboration to meet both current and future regulations. Tune in for an informative discussion that provides valuable insights and strategies for wastewater operators, municipalities, and anyone interested in environmental regulations. Quotes: "We’re trying to keep our eye on the ball so we don’t get stuck when new regulations hit us." "The mindset has to shift—we can’t automatically say 'no' to new ideas. We have to ask, 'How can we make this work?'" Resources Mentioned: South Platte Renew’s Master Plan for facility upgrades Colorado’s Reg 85 and future Reg 31 for nutrient limits Voluntary Incentive Program (VIP) for exceeding nutrient removal standards Connect with Blair Corning: Deputy Director - South Platt Renew, Colorado LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/blair-corning-ba323723 Email: [email protected] Stay tuned for part two, where Suzan and Blair will continue to explore how utilities can stay ahead of the regulatory curve! Connect with Suzan Chin-Taylor, Host of DooDoo Diva's Smells Like Money Podcast: Website: creativeraven.com | thetuitgroup.com LinkedIn: Suzan Chin-Taylor Email: [email protected] Phone: +1 760-217-8010 Listen & Subscribe: You can find us on your favorite platforms: Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Cast Box, Overcast, Pocket Casts, YouTube, Spotify, and more. https://creativeraven.com/smells-like-money-podcast/ ➡️ Subscribe to the Smells Like Money Podcast Interested in being a guest? Schedule here: https://calendly.com/thetuitgroup/be-a-podcast-guest Check Out my NEW Digital Marketing E-Course & Coaching Program just for Wastewater Pros: https://store.thetuitgroup.com/diy-digital-marketing-playbook-for-wastewater-pros #WastewaterManagement #EnvironmentalRegulations #WaterReclamation #Sustainability #InnovationInWater #ProcessIntensification #UtilityOperations #CleanWater #WastewaterTechnology #WaterTreatment Let us know your thoughts, and don’t forget to subscribe for more industry insights and innovations! 💧🎙️ #WastewaterManagement #EnvironmentalRegulations #WaterReclamation #Sustainability #InnovationInWater #ProcessIntensification #UtilityOperations #CleanWater #WastewaterTechnology #WaterTreatment