Environmental Finance Center Network

Hosts: Eva Schwendimann & Shā Lager, Water Utility Trainer and Support Specialists, Southwest Environmental Finance Center 
Guest: Morgan Keeling, Associate Director of the Illinois River Watershed Partnership 
Episode Description: 
In recognition of EPA’s SepticSmart Week, we give you the first Clean Water State Revolving Fund (SRF) podcast of a multi-episode series highlighting how innovative funding can help communities address failing septic systems and protect local water quality. 
We had the opportunity to speak with Morgan Keeling, the Associate Director of the Illinois River Watershed Partnership (IRWP) in Northwest Arkansas. She spoke specifically about a wonderful program that she formerly managed, but still oversees at the IRWP, called the Septic Tank Remediation Program (STRP), where CWSRF funds are used through a combination of zero-interest loans and non-repayable grant funds to repair or replace residential failing septic systems. Morgan shares with us how the STRP was designed, lessons learned in the process, and community impact. The STRP starts in residents of Northwest Arkansas’ backyards, but the benefits of this program resonate throughout the Illinois River Watershed.  
Timestamps: 
Illinois River Watershed Partnership and Septic Tank Remediation Program Intro: 01:34 

Mission of CWSRF Podcast Series: 06:00 

Why the STRP is a priority for the community and watershed: 08:19  

Obstacles in application or construction processes of the CWSRF: 15:09 

Timeline from application to project completion: 22:39 

Ways compliance has improved under the STRP: 25:19 

Unexpected positive outcomes from the project: 26:17 

Major takeaways from STRP to consider in other projects: 29:07 

Learn More About EPA’s SepticSmart Program Here: 
EPA 2026 SepticSmart Week 

EPA’s SepticSmart Program  

Additional Resources: 
EFCN Animation | Septic Tanks: DON'T MAKE THESE MISTAKES 

EFCN Blog | Public Problem, Private Property: How Outreach and Incentives Drive Smarter Septic System Management

Does your wastewater or water system have aging equipment? Looking for a way to continue operating safely and prepare for the future? Nick Willis with Wichita State University EFC, invites us to consider a few things as we evaluate the criticality, the risk, and probability of failure when it comes to systems with older equipment!

Additional Resources:
EFCN Blog Series | Turning Data into Action Part 1: Beyond the inventory – What Asset Management Planning Really Means
EFCN Blog Series | Turning Data into Action Part 2: Start Small – Building an Asset Management Plan that Works for You
EFCN Blog Series | Turning Data into Action Part 3: Turning Sense into Dollars – Using Asset Management for Financial Decisions

Think you know how wastewater funding works? You might be surprised. In this episode, we’re playing Fact or Fiction and taking a closer look at some of the assumptions that can make funding seem more complicated than it is. From how the Clean Water State Revolving Fund actually works to what happens when a community has a project but isn’t sure where to turn... We’re separating some common misconceptions from what systems really need to know.
Additional Resources:
EFCN Funding Tables
EFCN Animation | SRF Funding Process: How To Get Funding For Your Utility
EFCN Blog | Funding Pipeline: How to Apply for Infrastructure Funding
⁠EFCN Blog | What Funding Is Available for Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Projects?

This episode focuses on the technologies used to treat PFAS. Dr. Li discusses the science behind granular activated carbon (GAC), ion exchange, reverse osmosis, and nanofiltration, comparing their performance, operational requirements, and cost considerations. The conversation also explores PFAS disposal after treatment, emerging remediation approaches, and key factors small water systems should consider when planning for PFAS treatment.

Listen to Parts 1 and 2 of the PFAS Podcast Series Here:
PFAS Series, Part 1
PFAS Series, Part 2

Additional Resources:
EFCN Blog | PFAS Monitoring: What Small Systems Need to Know
EFCN Blog | A Guide for Water Operators Preparing for PFAs Sampling and Regulations
EFCN Animation | The PFAS Problem

In this episode, join Dawn, AJ, and Mike of the Southwest Environmental Finance Center (SW EFC) to discuss the main types of wastewater treatment plants including their benefits, downsides, and best use cases for each plant type. The three main types of WWTPs discussed are:
Lagoons 
- Facultative Lagoons
- Aerated Lagoons
- Anaerobic Lagoons
- Polishing Ponds
- Evaporative Lagoons
Fixed-Film Plants 
- Trickling Filters
- Rotating Biological Contactors (RBCs)
Suspended Growth Plants
- Activated Sludge

At the heart of each of these plant types is the kind of biological treatment used. Whether you are totally new to wastewater treatment or a seasoned operator or plant manager considering upgrades to your plant given evolving regulations and discharge permit requirements this episode is for you! 

Additional Resources:
EFCN Podcast | Small Wastewater Systems: How Lagoons Treat Wastewater
EFCN Blog | Seasonal Challenges, Smart Solutions: Summer Operation of Wastewater Lagoons