November 2026

In Brief

The EPA launched a first ever agency-wide PFAS Technology, Evaluation, Coordination, and Harmonization (PFAS TECH) strategy. This new effort will help advance technology innovation on PFAS while supporting practical tools, funding, and technical assistance to benefit communities addressing local PFAS challenges. 

The EPA is seeking proposals from eligible entities for approximately eight awards totaling $5.3 million in innovative restoration grant funding under EPA's Southeast New England Program (SNEP). The funding will support priorities related to coastal watershed restoration across southeast New England.

The Long Island Sound Partnership shared the “Long Island Sound Eelgrass Mapping and Intercomparison Study” final report, which looked at the advantages and limitations of map products from three different remote sensing platforms.

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection is accepting proposals for the Aquatic Invasive Species Grant Program for the 2026-2027 grant cycle. Applications will be accepted through December 10.

Vermont’s Clean Water Board is seeking public input on the State Fiscal Year 2028 Clean Water Budget by November 12. Vermonters can weigh in on how they would like to prioritize approximately $43 million in funding for projects to protect and improve rivers, lakes, ponds, and wetlands.

An opinion piece by Mary Barry, executive director of the New England Water Environment Association, on the state of New England’s water industry was published in the Concord Monitor. She addresses the challenges and opportunities of workforce development.

The Hudson River National Estuarine Research Reserve’s monitoring network tracked summer flood events, looking at rainfall, precipitation frequency estimates, and turbidity.

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) New England Water Science Center launched two new web applications that use color to indicate the status of certain water conditions at USGS streamgages. Both web tools are colorful, interactive maps that visually depict whether a gage is above or below typical water levels or within certain state-required baseflow limits.

The EPA announced $26 million in funding for states and territories to address lead in drinking water at schools and childcare facilities. 

New York State announced more than $249 million in grants for 181 projects to further improve water quality. The grants support projects that help protect drinking water, update aging water infrastructure, reduce contributors to harmful algal blooms and improve aquatic and terrestrial habitat in communities statewide.

Several NEIWPCC staff attended the Long Island Sound Partnership Management Committee Meeting in October. The committee gathered on Long Island to share and promote continuous improvements toward the overall health of the watershed. Participants also toured the new research vessel, the “Sound Outlook.”

Announcements

NEIWPCC has named Mitzi Johnson as director of its Lake Champlain Programs Division. In this role she will oversee activities conducted by the Lake Champlain Basin Program and the Champlain Valley National Heritage Partnership.

NEIWPCC is inviting abstracts for the 37th Annual Nonpoint Source (NPS) Conference, to be held April 6-8, 2027 in Newport, Rhode Island.

The Patrick Leahy Lake Champlain Basin Program, in partnership with NEIWPCC, seeks proposals for education and outreach projects that will enhance public understanding and stewardship of the Lake Champlain basin. Grants of up to $15,000 will be awarded, with approximately $320,000 in total funding available.

The recordings of the six-part Reimagining Residuals: Innovations, Impacts and Insights Webinar Series are now available for purchase. The series featured the technologies shaping the future of sludge and biosolids management as well as established approaches like dewatering and drying. The series ran from July-Oct. 2026, and was hosted by NEIWPCC in partnership with the North East Biosolids and Residuals Association (NEBRA)’s Research Committee.

Accolades

Robert Burg, information officer and Long Island Sound Partnership communications coordinator, presented about communications projects during the Long Island Sound Partnership Management Committee Meeting.

Jennifer Lichtensteiger, environmental engineer, participated in a panel discussion after a screening of the film, “Unless Something Goes Terribly Wrong,” at UMASS Lowell. She also moderated a panel after another screening at the Northeast Residuals and Biosolids Conference. 

Meg Modley, environmental analyst and Lake Champlain Basin Program aquatic invasive species management coordinator, was a presenter for the Lake Champlain Committee’s Aquatic Invasive Species Webinar Series. 

Job Opportunities

Employment opportunities and internships are posted as they become available. We are currently accepting applications for the following positions:

• Environmental Analyst – Trainer and Technical Assistance Provider (Part-time in the Northeast)
• Information Officer – Land Acquisition Specialist (Full-time in Albany, N.Y.)

Upcoming Events

Nov. 3-6, North American Lake Management Society Conference, Kelowna, British Columbia

Nov. 5, Green Mountain Water Environment Association Fall Tradeshow, South Burlington, Vt.

Nov. 11-13, NACWA National Clean Water Law and Enforcement Seminar, Santa Monica, Cali.

Nov. 12, NY-NJ Harbor and Estuary Program 2026 Conference, New York City, N.Y.

Nov. 15-19, American Water Works Association Water Quality Technology Conference and Exposition, Memphis, Tenn. 

Nov. 18, Asset Management Workshop for Water Infrastructure, Pembroke, N.H.

Nov. 19, 2-3:00 p.m., Stony Brook Seaweed Fertilizer Webinar, hosted by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and NEIWPCC.

Dec. 4, New Hampshire Water Pollution Control Association Winter Meeting, Nashua, N.H.

To submit your event for possible inclusion in a future issue, please send an email with a link to your event to: NEIWPCC.