USDA Marks Earth Day by Announcing Water Quality Improvement Projects Across America

Posted by John Padalino, Acting Administrator, USDA Rural Utilities Service in Conservation Rural

Apr 22, 2013

Engineer checking a flowmeterand V-notch weir on a dairy farm in California.

Earth Day is one of our favorite days at USDA Rural Development because we get to showcase the important work that we do to improve water quality for millions of rural Americans. As a part of our Earth Day Celebration this year, USDA Rural Development is announcing 43 projects that will bring new and improved water and waste disposal service to rural communities in 32 states.

For example, one of the projects we’re announcing is in Texas. Buffalo Gap, a rural community outside of Abilene will construct a first-ever wastewater collection system. The community currently is all-septic. The funds will allow construction of sewer lines, manholes, lift station and cleanouts. The system will collect sewage and pump it to Abilene’s wastewater treatment plant. This is just one example of a small community doing big things to help its residents this Earth Day.

Insituform’s Mack Meher checks the water flow that fills the white resin impregnated fabric lining that goes down the manhole here, and through the existing 50 year old sanitary sewer pipe, to the next manhole, on Tuesday, July 19, 2011; part of Buena Vista Township Phase II Sewer Project, in Michigan, where the United States Department of Agriculture funded the refurbishment and rehabilitation of 45,500 linear feet of defective sewer pipe, and more than 200 manholes; on Tuesday, July 19, 2011. The project includes the construction of an off-site excess flow basin; construction of a pump station; and improvements at the wastewater treatment plant. The system will serve 2,349 residential and 177 commercial customers and will bring the township into compliance with environmental regulations regarding pollutant discharges. — Insituform’s Mack Meher checks the water flow that fills the white resin impregnated fabric lining that goes down the manhole here, and through the existing 50 year old sanitary sewer pipe, to the next manhole as part of Buena Vista Township Phase II Sewer Project, in Michigan, where USDA funded the refurbishment and rehabilitation of 45,500 linear feet of defective sewer pipe, and more than 200 manholes.

Another project being announced today will relocate and upgrade the wastewater treatment facility in Richland Center, Wisconsin. This project will move the treatment facility from downtown to a location 5 miles outside of the city limits.

We are also announcing a project in The Borough of Clayton, New Jersey. Today’s Earth Day celebration marks the continuation of USDA-supported efforts to improve the quality of water provided in the community.

To learn more about how USDA is helping improve water quality in rural America click here. To hear an interview with Administrator Padalino about funding available to rural communities click here.

Category/Topic: Conservation Rural

Tags: Earth Day Environment New Jersey Rural Development Texas water Wisconsin