The 34th Annual Nonpoint Source (NPS) Conference was held in coastal Old Saybrook, Connecticut in early April. This year’s theme, “Climate Resiliency through NPS Outreach and Implementation,” underscored the vital role of nonpoint source pollution management in building sustainable communities. The two-day conference attracted more than 120 attendees from diverse sectors, including federal and state governments, watershed organizations, the education sector, and private industry leaders.
The plenary sessions featured Mike Scozzafava, NPS Management Branch chief with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); Emma Cimino, deputy commissioner at the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (CT DEEP); and Mike Bisi, a NEIWPCC commissioner and former superintendent of sanitation for the town of Glastonbury, Connecticut. The speakers discussed Clean Water Act Section 319 guideline revisions, current and future water quality initiatives in Connecticut, and NEIWPCC’s work to support our member states.
The various presentations, workshops, and networking opportunities provided a platform for attendees to share innovative NPS pollution management strategies, discuss the latest water quality trends and insights, and explore partnerships for stronger watershed protection. The presentations covered a wide range of topics such as dam removal, classroom engagement, and cranberry bog restoration.
At the conclusion of the conference, more than 35 attendees participated in a field trip to the Hole-in-the-Wall stormwater classroom in East Lyme. Town engineers provided guests with a hands-on look at innovative stormwater management practices, such as permeable parking lots, catch basins, and other stormwater capture measures.
The event was sponsored by GZA, Fuss & O’Neill, McIntosh Controls, and FB Environmental Associates.