PODCAST · science
Environmental Finance Center Network
by EFCN
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.
Episodes
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Growing a Career in Wastewater
Hosts: Anthony Craven, Eric Williams, & Dr. Jason Barrett, Mississippi Water Resources Research Institute (MWRRI) Guest: David Karr of Mitchell Technical Services Following their discussion on workforce challenges and opportunities, hosts Anthony Craven, Eric Williams, and Dr. Jason Barrett...
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Wastewater Workforce Wisdom
Hosts: Anthony Craven, Eric Williams, & Dr. JasonBarrett of the Mississippi Water Resources Research Institute (MWRRI) Guest: David Karr of Mitchell Technical Services In "Wastewater Workforce Wisdom," hosts AnthonyCraven, Eric Williams, and Dr. Jason Barrett welcome wastewater veteran David Karr...
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Preparing Water Utilities For An Aging Workforce
Hosts: Anthony Craven & Eric Williams, Mississippi Water Resources Research Institute Guest: David Karr of Mitchell Technical Services Water utilities nation wide are facing a critical workforce challenge as experienced operators, managers, and technicians approach retirement. In this episode of...
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PFAS Series, Part 4: Navigating PFAS Drinking Water Standards and Regulatory Changes
PFAS drinking water regulations present significant planning, financial, and operational considerations for local governments and water utilities. As requirements and timelines continue to develop, communities must understand not only what compliance may involve, but also what funding,policy, and...
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Clean Water SRF Series: Septic System Success in Northwest Arkansas
Hosts: Eva Schwendimann & Shā Lager, Water Utility Trainer and Support Specialists, Southwest Environmental Finance Center Guest: Morgan Keeling, Associate Director of the Illinois River Watershed Partnership Episode Description: In recognition of EPA’s SepticSmart Week, we give you the first…
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Aging Equipment: Repair, Upgrade, or Replace?
Does your wastewater or water system have aging equipment? Looking for a way to continue operating safely and prepare for the future? Nick Willis with Wichita State University EFC, invites us to consider a few things as we evaluate the criticality, the risk, and probability of failure when it…
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Wastewater Funding: Fact or Fiction?
Think you know how wastewater funding works? You might be surprised. In this episode, we’re playing Fact or Fiction and taking a closer look at some of the assumptions that can make funding seem more complicated than it is. From how the Clean Water State Revolving Fund actually works to what...
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PFAS Series, Part 3: PFAS Treatment Technologies
This episode focuses on the technologies used to treat PFAS. Dr. Li discusses the science behind granular activated carbon (GAC), ion exchange, reverse osmosis, and nanofiltration, comparing their performance, operational requirements, and cost considerations. The conversation also explores PFAS...
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Wastewater Treatment Plant Types 101
In this episode, join Dawn, AJ, and Mike of the Southwest Environmental Finance Center (SW EFC) to discuss the main types of wastewater treatment plants including their benefits, downsides, and best use cases for each plant type. The three main types of WWTPs discussed are: Lagoons - Facultative...
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Think Outside the Tank: How to reach out to your community
We know you are passionate about water, but is there something else you love to do? If so, how can you tap into that to reach your community? Meet Marissa! She invites us to think "outside the tank" and make connections with everyone! Additional Information: Oscoda Citizens For Clean Water |...
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How the EPA Creates Wastewater Regulations and What Small Communities Can Do
Small systems do not need to be caught off guard when it comes to new regulations! Listen in on this conversation where the whole process is explained and what small systems can do to stay in the knowAdditional Information: EPA | National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) EFCN Blog |...
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Design Strategies for Green Schoolyards
Learn about the myriad considerations for green schoolyard design from a landscape architect's perspective. Adam De Foor-White, PLA, ASLA shares his insights and experience for those who may be considering a green schoolyard for their school. This podcast is a companion to our three-part webinar...
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Cleaning Our Waterways: Green Infrastructure Solutions for 6PPDQ
Every time it rains, water washing off roads and highways carries pollutants into nearby streams, rivers, and estuaries. One of the most concerning pollutants is 6PPD-quinone (6PPDQ), a chemical byproduct of a common tire rubber additive that is among the most toxic substances known to aquatic...
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Smoke Testing 101: It’s Not a Pipe Dream!
In this episode, Eva Schwendimann from the SW EFC discusses the basics of sewer smoke testing in sanitary sewer systems with Mike Rivera. Mike is a Water and Wastewater Utility Specialist at the SW EFC and has a background of working with Water and Wastewater in New Mexico systems for over 20...
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Cybersecurity: How to Start
Learn why cybersecurity matters for every water and wastewater utility and how leaders can take simple, proactive steps to safeguard their operations and the communities they serve. Additional Resources: Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) EFCN | Request Assistance with...
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Preparing a Small Utility for Capital Improvements
In this episode James Markham from the Southwest Environmental Finance Center interviews Angelina Grey, Associate Planner at the Northwest New Mexico Council of Governments in New Mexico about guidance for small utilities that are looking for help with capital improvement planning, with a focus…
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Clean Water Act: Costs, Compliance, and Long-Term Benefits
More than 50 years after the passage of the Clean Water Act, what can we learn from its impact on small communities? In this episode, Dr. Rhiannon Jerch discusses how the Clean Water Act shaped municipal finances, improved water quality, and influenced long-term community growth. We explore how...
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Backflow Prevention and Beyond: Lessons from Mount Vernon’s Cross-Connection Control Program
Cross-connection and backflow risks may not always be obvious, but they can pose serious threats to drinking water systems and public health when left unaddressed. In this episode, Alice Kilkelly from the Syracuse University Environmental Finance Center speaks with Elizabeth Belezaire, Water...
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Navigating Federal Funding for Small Water Systems
Small water systems face many of the same regulatory requirements and financing complexities as larger utilities, but with fewer staff and resources to manage them. In this episode, we examine how finance professionals can effectively navigate the landscape of federal funding opportunities...
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PFAS Series, Part 2: Understanding PFAS Risks and Regulations
PFAS are increasingly being detected in drinking water systems across the country. In this episode, Dr. Li explains what PFAS are, how they enter our water supplies, current regulations, risks to communities and private well owners as well as actionable measures individuals can implement within...
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Prepared, Compliant, and Resilient: Emergency Readiness for Water Utilities
In this episode of the Environmental Finance Center Network podcast, hosts Anthony Craven and Eric Williams are joined by Bill Moody of the Mississippi Department of Health’s Water Division and David DeWitt of Taylor Power Systems. Together, they share practical guidance for water utilities on...
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Keeping Wastewater Systems Running When Disaster Strikes
Severe weather events, natural disasters, and power outages pose serious challenges for wastewater public utilities, yet essential services must continue when communities need them most. In this episode of the Environmental Finance Center Network podcast, hosts Anthony Craven, Jason Barrett, and...
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Common Board Issues
Join Brian Bohnsack, Tyler Cotner and John Colcazier from the Wichita State University EFC as they share their experiences working with wastewater and water boards and some of the most common issues they have encountered.
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Navigating Wastewater Funding with Limited Capacity
This podcast outlines how to frame the funding challenges, how to understand the Funding Landscape, ways to identify funding sources for you utility, the best ways to stay organized, how to manage multiple funding sources, and how Technical Assistance can help. Hosted by Wichita State University...
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From the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement to Action: BMPs and Workforce Programs
This episode explores how the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement has evolved since its inception. The conversation breaks down pollution diets and nutrient reduction goals, highlights effective stormwater best management practices, and discusses workforce development programs that are helping…
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Winter Wisdom: Best Practices for Cold Weather Operations
Cold weather can pose unique challenges for on-site wastewater systems—but with the right preparation, problems can be prevented before they start. In this episode, host Anthony Craven is joined by Jason Barrett, Associate Professor with the Mississippi State University Extension Service and...
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Water and Energy Use of AI Data Centers and Small System Communities
This episode explores the growing energy and water demands of data centers as artificial intelligence is driving rapid expansion across the country. The discussion highlights how AI-focused data centers differ from traditional facilities, why their electricity and water use is increasing, and…
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Small System Challenges and Shared Solutions
Small water systems are struggling to keep up with compliance and rising costs. In this episode, we explore how new policy tools, partnerships, and restructuring can unlock solutions for the future. This episode is hosted by Danish Kumar, Climate Change Program Manager at The University of…
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PFAS Series, Part 1: An Intro to PFAS with Dr. Clare Pace from Berkeley's Water Equity Science Shop (WESS)
In this episode, we talk with Dr. Clare Pace (PhD, MPH) a postdoctoral researcher for the University of California, Berkeley Water Equity Science Shop (WESS). Dr. Pace shares insights about PFAS for small and rural water systems. Starting with the basics, we discuss what PFAS are, where they come...
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Permit to Protect: Inside Municipal Wastewater Operations
What happens behind the scenes to ensure clean, safe water leaves our communities? In this episode, host Anthony Craven talks with Dr. Jason Barrett, Director of the Mississippi Water Resources Research Institute at Mississippi State University, and Eric Williams, Senior Project Manager at the...
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Water Under Pressure: The Future of Our Infrastructure
Aging pipes, outdated meter reading systems, and strained budgets are putting more pressure than ever on our nation’s water utilities. In this episode, host Anthony Craven sits down with Eric Williams, Senior Project Manager with the Mississippi Water Resources Research Institute at Mississippi...
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Prepping Your Septic System for the Future
Changing weather patterns and climate are putting new pressure on septic systems. From rising groundwater to more frequent flooding, many communities are already seeing the impacts. In this episode, Dr. Andrew Lazur and Dr. Allison Reilly explore how climate change is affecting septic system...
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Ensuring Water Quality Through Treatment - Part 2
In this second episode of a two-part series, University professor and water quality expert Kerry Howe and Ryan Magee, technical assistance provider at the Southwest Environmental Finance Center, continue their conversation about the meaning behind the term water quality as it applies to public...
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Ensuring Water Quality Through Treatment - Part 1
In a two-part series, University professor and water quality expert Kerry Howe explains the meaning behind the term water quality as it applies to public water systems. From turbidity to different types of source water to chlorination, Kerry helps clarify how water systems use various layers of...
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Building Your Green Infrastructure Workforce: A case study from Tucson
One of the greatest challenges that communities face when planning and managing green infrastructure programs is maintenance and upkeep of their green infrastructure installations. Green infrastructure (water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure that uses natural systems to mitigate water...
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Risk Management for Water Systems: A Case Study of Goleta Water District in Santa Barbara County, California
This podcast features Goleta Water District in Santa Barbara County, California. The district operates to provide water to over 87,000 people living in the greater Goleta Valley with an infrastructure of more than 270 miles of pipeline. GFOA worked with the Goleta Water District on a risk-based...
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Managing Decentralized Systems in Mobile Home Parks
In this podcast, host Danish Kumar speaks with Jennifer Egan, Program Manager at the UMD EFC about the pressing but often overlooked issue of wastewater management in mobile home parks and rural communities. They explore the challenges posed by aging septic systems, deferred maintenance, and...
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A Day in the Life of a Wastewater Sampler
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…
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Wastewater Sampling: Where do I Begin?
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…
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Water Quality Sampling: An Operator's Perspective
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.
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The Benefits of Capital Improvement Planning
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...
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Solar Planning for Small Wastewater Facilities
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…
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Community Science and Stewardship: Inspiring Wastewater Action in Las Curías / Ciencia y Gestión Comunitaria: Inspirando Acción sobre Aguas Residuales en Las Curías
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…
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Dirty Water: Why Engaging the Community Matters
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...
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Surveillance of Pathogens in Wastewater
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...
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The Benefits of Cleaning and Televising Wastewater Collections Systems
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,...
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The Benefits of Wastewater Collection System Preventative Maintenance
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....
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The National Pretreatment Program: Rules and Implementation
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…
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Takeaways from the "Closing America's Wastewater Access Gap" Pilot
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 progress, and how...
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Fee Schedules for FOG Pretreatment Programs
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...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
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.
HOSTED BY
EFCN
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Environmental Finance Center Network have?
Environmental Finance Center Network currently has 126 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Environmental Finance Center Network about?
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...
How often does Environmental Finance Center Network release new episodes?
Environmental Finance Center Network publishes regularly with 126 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Environmental Finance Center Network?
You can listen to Environmental Finance Center Network on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Environmental Finance Center Network?
Environmental Finance Center Network is created and hosted by EFCN.
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