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*FEBRUARY 2025*

In this issue:

* Legislative Update - $50,000,000 Water Quality Bond. [ #link_1389912064779 ]
* MRWA Launches New Wastewater Apprentice Program in Summer 2025. [ #link_1389912066563 ]
* Is my Facility Vulnerable to a Cyber-Attack? [ #link_1 ]
* Patrick Wiley Receives Trainer of the Year Award. [ #link_1389912072571 ]
* Certification and Training Update. [ #link_3 ]
* For Practice. [ #link_2 ]

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Legislative Update - $50,000,000 Water Quality Bond.

Drop of Water image

The Department of Environmental Protection has submitted a Department bill for a $50,000,000 bond that would provide grants to publicly owned treatment works for infrastructure projects facilitating proper management and disposal of wastewater sludge or biosolids, such as dryer and digestor projects.  The bill is *LD 25, *"*An Act to Authorize a General Fund Bond Issue to Fund Wastewater Treatment Facility Planning and Construction of Infrastructure Projects*.  "The intent of the bill is to address current concerns with state sludge disposal capacity.  The bill can be tracked here:  [link removed]

The Department has discussed this bill with MeWEA, MWUA, and MRWA and we expect these associations will be reaching out to their members and other partners to promote this important bill and garner support.  LD 25 will be heard by the Appropriations and Legislative Affairs Committee:  [link removed]

Typically, there are many bond requests in each legislative session and only a few are approved by the legislature.  Those that are approved by the legislature must then go to the voters for final approval.  Voter approval for bonds is typically in November.



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MRWA Launches New Wastewater Apprentice Program in Summer 2025.

In a bold move to address the growing need for skilled workers in Maine’s rural water and wastewater sectors, the Maine Rural Water Association (MRWA) is excited to announce the launch of its new Wastewater Apprentice Program, set to begin in the summer of 2025. This program aims to provide essential training and hands-on experience to individuals interested in pursuing careers in wastewater management, ensuring the sustainability and improvement of vital infrastructure across the state.

*Program Overview*

The Wastewater Apprentice Program is designed to equip participants with the skills necessary to maintain and operate wastewater treatment systems, which are crucial for protecting public health and the environment. The program will provide a structured learning path that includes both classroom instruction and on-the-job training, allowing apprentices to gain real-world experience while earning a competitive wage.

Apprentices will work alongside experienced professionals in the field, learning key aspects of wastewater treatment, including system operation, maintenance, regulatory compliance, troubleshooting, and safety protocols. Over the course of the apprenticeship, participants will focus on preparing for the Wastewater Operation Certification exam.

*Addressing the Workforce Shortage*

With Maine’s rural communities facing significant challenges in recruiting and retaining skilled workers, the Wastewater Apprentice Program is a timely and much-needed initiative. Many municipalities are struggling to fill critical positions in their wastewater treatment plants, and this program aims to bridge that gap by nurturing a new generation of qualified professionals who are committed to serving their communities.

“The launch of this apprenticeship program is a game-changer for our rural communities,” said Kirsten Hebert, MRWA Executive Director. “It’s an investment not only in the future of our water systems but also in the long-term economic and environmental health of Maine. We’re thrilled to offer this opportunity and look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on the workforce and the communities we serve.”

*How to Apply*

The Wastewater Apprentice Program will be open to individuals of all backgrounds, including those with no prior experience in the wastewater field. Applications for the first cohort will open in May of 2025, and interested candidates are encouraged to apply early through the National Rural Water Association website ([link removed]). More information about eligibility requirements, program details, and how to apply will be available on the MRWA website in the coming months or feel free to contact our Apprenticeship Coordinator, Ken Johnson directly at: (207) 530-4405 or [email protected].

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Is my Facility Vulnerable to a Cyber-Attack?

Cyber Attack image

Cyber-attacks against the United States’ critical infrastructure sector have increased nationwide, including in Maine. The Water & Wastewater sector are considered prime targets for cyber-related incidents because of their critical role in supporting primary human functions, disease control, and hygiene.

While cyber-threats against Maine Water & Wastewater systems are real, there are also basic steps that a water/wastewater facility can take to better protect their systems. This monthly column will examine ways of organizing security concepts into categories that can make security more manageable.

*Operational Technology (OT) and Information Technology (IT) systems*

There are two broad categories of computer systems that may be found at a water/wastewater facility: Operational Technology (OT) and Information Technology (IT) systems.

OT systems control and monitor physical equipment and processes. They focus on real-time management to ensure efficiency and safety. OT includes Process Control Systems (PCS) such as SCADA, PLCs, etc.

IT systems, on the other hand, are designed to collect, process, and store data, assisting in business decision-making and communication. They include HR, finance, and other business-critical systems (BCS).  

A water/wastewater facility should never allow a process control system (PCS) to connect directly to a machine on the business-critical system (BCS) or a machine on the internet. Although the facility’s PCS may not directly face the internet, a connection still exists if those systems are connected to a part of the network that has a communications channel to external (non-trusted) resources (e.g. to the internet).

*Human Machine Interfaces (HMIs)*

Water/wastewater facilities use Human Machine Interfaces (HMIs) to enable operational technology (OT) owners and operators to read SCADA systems connected to PLCs and other applications. Remote access to HMIs via cell phones, tablets, etc. can be a source of exposure of cyber-security breaches. __

*How Do I Begin to Evaluate the Computer Systems at my Facility for Cyber Vulnerabilities?*

A good place to start with evaluating your cybersecurity vulnerabilities is to identify and inventory physical hardware and software assets within the organization, including an inventory of all internet-exposed devices. This will help you understand what you need to protect.

Developing an inventory of control system devices, including software and hardware assets will help you identify exposure of this equipment to networks outside the water/wastewater system. Any channels between devices on the Process Control System (PCS) and equipment on other networks should be eliminated to reduce network vulnerabilities. These include web-facing connections such as SCADA, PLCs and other control systems. Focus initial efforts on internet-connected devices and devices where manual operations are not possible. Use monitoring to identify the devices communicating on your network.

Facilities may not realize all of the connection from their organization to cyberspace exist, but a persistent cyber threat actor can find pathways and use them to access and exploit process control systems to attempt to create a physical consequence. Therefore, organizations are encouraged to conduct thorough assessments of their systems to determine potential pathways.

Some questions to ask as you go through the inventory:

a) Is there an accurate and up-to-date inventory of all critical systems, including (PCS) and (BCS)?

b) Are software applications and platforms identified and inventoried?

c) Are the personnel or entities responsible for operating and maintaining critical systems identified in the above-mentioned inventory?

d) Are there updated physical and logical access control and administrative privileges lists of all facility and non-facility (i.e. vendors) personnel with access to critical systems?

e) Is access only granted to those who are actively using the control system? When someone leaves the organization, is their access removed?

f) Are the data flows mapped?

g) Are the external/cloud-based resources catalogued?

*Identifying HMIs*

If possible, disconnect HMIs and all other accessible and unprotected systems from the public-facing internet. If it is not possible to disconnect the device, secure it by creating a username and strong password to prevent a threat actor from easily viewing and accessing the devices. Change factory default passwords.

In conclusion, maintaining an accurate inventory of Control System Devices and eliminating any exposure of this equipment to external networks will go a long way to protecting your facility from cyber threats.

*Resources to Help *

The U.S. Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has tools available for free to help your organization maintain cyber hygiene. CISA uses automated tools to conduct vulnerability scanning on your external networks. These tools look for vulnerabilities and weak configurations that adversaries could use to conduct a cyberattack.

Here are links to additional resources to help with your cybersecurity assessments:


* Cybersecurity for the Water Sector [ [link removed] ] (EPA)
* Water and Wastewater Cybersecurity [ [link removed] ] (CISA)
* WaterISAC [ [link removed] ]
* Cyber Hygiene Services | CISA [ [link removed] ].


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Patrick Wiley Receives Trainer of the Year Award.

Congratulations are in order to Patrick Wiley, PhD, recipient of the 2024 EPA Regional Wastewater Trainer award for the State of Maine!

Dr. Patrick Wiley holds a PhD in Environmental Systems from the University of California and serves as the lead instructor for the Water Treatment Technology program at Southern Maine Community College (SMCC) in South Portland. The program is designed to train the next generation of water and wastewater professionals through its associate and certificate degree programs.

Patrick has built an impressive state-of-the-art laboratory at the SMCC campus. He teaches in-person and remote classes, often providing customized programs to students juggling educational goals with full-time employment.

Patrick also teaches a very popular Exam Prep course through JETCC that has helped many wastewater operators achieve their certification goals.

The water/wastewater community is fortunate to have such quality training available. For more information on the Water Technology program, visit Water Treatment Technology Associate Degree & Certificate - Southern Maine Community College [ [link removed] ].

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Certification and Training Update.

*March 1, 2025 Renewals Odd-Numbered Operator Certifications*

If your certification ends in an odd number, you will need to renew your certification by March 1, 2025. Renewal notices were sent out by mail. If you have moved or changed your address, please contact Spring Connolly, [email protected] or call 207-253-8020.

You can renew online with a credit card at [link removed]

Not sure if you still need contact hours to renew? Scroll down the page to the blue tab, View TCH Summary, to check your continuing education hours, listed by certification number. This report is updated on the first business day of the month.

"*Save the Date for these Conventions and Trade Shows:*"

*NEWEA’s 2025 Annual Conference & Exhibit January 26-29, 2025 in Boston, MA*

*Work for Water: For the Communities. For the Environment*

NEWEA is excited to connect in person with our water industry colleagues at the 2025 Annual Conference & Exhibit, taking place at the Boston Marriott Copley Place, Boston, MA, January 26-29, 2025.

The NEWEA Annual Conference is a great forum to meet colleagues, professional allies, make new friends and exchange information. For more information or to register, go to Annual Conference - NEWEA Annual Conference [ [link removed] ].

*MWUA 99th Annual Conference, February 5 & 6, 2025 at the Augusta Civic Center*

Join MWUA for the 99th Annual Conference & Tradeshow - February 5th & 6th, 2025 at the Augusta Civic Center. Use this link to register and for more info. MWUA Annual Tradeshow & Conference - MWUA [ [link removed] ]. We look forward to seeing you there!

*JETCC’s North Country Convention (NCC), April 2 & 3 in Presque Isle*

Registration is now open for the North Country Convention (NCC), a two-day educational event and trade show held at the Northern Maine Community College (NMCC) in Presque Isle.

The NCC is held every two years for both wastewater and drinking water operators. The convention features a variety of technical sessions, exhibitor interaction, luncheon speakers, and opportunities to network with others. Water and wastewater operators receive up to six training contact hours (TCHs) for each day attended. Participation in the entire conference offers 12 hours of TCHs.

Join NEIWPCC-JETCC in “The County” for this exciting event in northern Maine. *Click here to register online.* [ [link removed] ]

*NEWEA’s Spring Meeting & Exhibit May 11-14, 2025 in Portland*

NEWEA’s Spring Meeting & Exhibit is an annual three-day technical meeting for water quality professionals in the wastewater industry that will be held this year at the Holiday Inn by the Bay in Portland on May 11-14, 2025.

We expect about 300 engineers, consultants, scientists, operators, and students to join us for technical sessions, exhibit displays, networking opportunities, Operations Challenge and more.

For more information go to NEWEA Spring Meeting - NEWEA Spring Meeting [ [link removed] ].

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For Practice.

Match the wastewater terms listed below with the letter that describes the correct definition.

Wastewater Terms

1. PRELIMINARY TREATMENT _______

2. SHEER PIN ______

3. PUTRESCIBLE _____

4. STORM SEWER _______

5. GRIT ______

6. AEROBIC DECOMPOSITION ______

7. HYDROGEN SULFIDE _________

8. PRE-AERATION ______

9. RACK _______

10. SCREEN ____

11. LIMIT SWITCH __________

12. HEADWORKS _________

13. RAW WASTEWATER ________

Definitions

A. The addition of air at the initial stages of treatment to freshen the wastewater, remove gases, add oxygen, and promote flotation of grease.

B. A gas with a rotten egg odor, produced under anaerobic conditions.

C. A device consisting of bars, rods, wires, grating or wire mesh used to remove suspended or floating objects in wastewater. It generally has openings that are uniform in size in order to retain objects larger than the openings.

D. A separate pipe conduit or open channel (sewer) that carries runoff from storms, surface drainage, and street wash, but does not include domestic and industrial wastes.

E. A straight pin that will fail (break) when a certain load or stress is applied. The purpose is to protect equipment from damage due to excessive loads or stresses.

F. The decay or breaking down of organic material in the presence of free or dissolved oxygen.

G. The heavy material present in wastewater such as sand, coffee grinds, eggshells, gravel, and cinders.

H. Evenly spaced, parallel bars or rods located in the influent channel to remove rags, rocks, and cans from wastewater.

I. The facilities where wastewater enters the treatment plant. It may consist of bar screens, comminutors, and a wet well and pumps.

J. Material that will decompose under anaerobic conditions and produce nuisance odors.

K. Plant influent or wastewater BEFORE treatment.

L. The decay or breaking down of organic material in an environment containing no free or dissolved oxygen.

M. The removal of metal, rocks, rags, sand, eggshells, and similar material that may hinder the operation of a treatment plant, including equipment such as racks, bar screens, comminutors, and grit removal systems.

N. A device that regulates or controls the travel distance of a chain or cable.

*Answers*

1. M
2. E
3. J
4. D
5. G
6. F
7. B
8. A
9. H
10. C
11. N
12. I
13. K

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