Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD), Chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works Water and Wildlife Subcommittee, praised the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for its latest effort to help local governments protect the public health from stormwater pollution and wastewater overflows.

“One of our most important priorities is to ensure that all Americans have clean, safe drinking water and that our aging national water infrastructure can handle all that we ask of it. I want to commend EPA for its release of an Integrated Planning system to help local governments to meet their water quality challenges.  Communities in Maryland and across the nation are charged with replacing aging infrastructure while meeting the demands of a growing population – all while coping with the aftermath of the economic recession.  An integrated planning approach allows cities to tailor their water quality investments to their specific needs, so that resources are deployed efficiently and effectively.  I look forward to continuing to work with EPA, local governments, water providers, and community members to ensure that everyone has access to pollution-free water.”

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued new framework to help local governments meet their Clean Water Act obligations. The Integrated Municipal Stormwater and Wastewater Planning Approach Framework assists EPA regional offices, states, and local governments to develop voluntary storm- and wastewater management plans and implement effective integrated approaches that will protect the public.