Announcements 2026.7.20

[Walker, Jane]

2026 Virginia Water Monitoring Council Conference -- September 29, 2026 -- Hanover, VA – Learn about the social and ecological impacts of salt in freshwater streams, hear how water quality monitoring connects to tribal engagement, discover how to participate in research on coastal flooding impacts through the Catch the King and Measure the Muck programs, and more. Information is available at https://vwmc.vwrrc.vt.edu/conferences/. Hurry, early-bird registration rates are only in effect until July 31, 2026 (5pm). 
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1.) Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) Events – Various Dates, Starting: July 24, 2026
2.) James River Association (JRA) Events – Various Dates, Starting: July 24, 2026
3.) Blue Ridge Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management (PRISM) Events – Various Dates, Starting: July 29, 2026
4.) Potomac Riverkeeper Network (PRKN) Events -- Various Dates, Starting: August 1, 2026
5.) Call for Posters: 2026 Chesapeake Watershed Forum – Submissions Due: August 7, 2026; Poster Session: November 13, 2026
6.) Comments Accepted: Proposed 6^th Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR 6) Monitoring Rule -- Webinars: August 11, 2026 and August 12, 2026; Comments due: August 31, 2026
7.) Funding Opportunity: Technical Assistance and Training for Rural, Small and Tribal Municipalities and Wastewater Treatment Systems – Applications Due: August 14, 2026
8.) Middle James Roundtable 2026 Annual Meeting -- September 3-4, 2026
9.) Comments Accepted: Draft Guidance for Reducing Risk from PFOA and PFOS in Biosolids -- Comments Due: September 4, 2026
10.) 2026 Groundwater Protection Council (GWPC) Annual Forum -- September 15-17, 2026
11.) EPA's Water Finance Center Resources and Tools
12.) Drought Information for Farmers
   ++ Webpage: Disaster Recovery Resources for Farmers
   ++ Emergency Loans
   ++ AgriStress Helpline^®
13.) Water Center Jobs Board – https://www.vwrrc.vt.edu/jobs/
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See recent announcements and learn more about the Virginia Water Monitoring Council (VWMC) at www.VirginiaWMC.org. Feel free to forward these announcements. When forwarding, please acknowledge the VWMC. If you have a water-related announcement of regional or statewide interest, send it to vw...@vt.edu and ask that it be distributed to the VWMC membership. If someone forwarded this message to you, you can join the VWMC for free by sending your name, water-monitoring affiliation (if applicable), and contact information (email address, mailing address, and phone number) to vw...@vt.edu.  Thank you to Julia Porter, VWMC intern, for developing and organizing this week’s set of VWMC announcements.
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1.) Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) Events – Learn more at https://events.wm.edu/calendar/upcoming/vims/. Unless otherwise shown, all events occur in Gloucester Point, VA.
   ++ Fridays: Batten School & VIMS Public Tour Series -- July 24, 2026-August 28, 2026
   ++ Special After Hours Lecture: "Shark Tank: Batten School & VIMS Edition" -- July 30, 2026
   ++ After Hours Lecture Series: Talkin' Terrapins -- August 20, 2026 (6:30-8pm)
   ++ Discovery Lab: Exploring the Deep! -- September 15, 2026 (6-8pm)
   ++ Marine Life Day at Eastern Shore Laboratory -- September 19, 2026 (12-4pm) -- Wachapreague, VA
   ++ Marine Science Mad Lab & Trunk-or-Treat! -- October 23, 2026 (6:30-8:30pm)
   ++ Discovery Lab: Blue Crabs! -- November 17, 2026 (6-8pm)
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2.) James River Association (JRA) Events – Learn more about these events and others at https://thejamesriver.org/events/.
   ++ James River Watch – Updated Fridays -- https://thejamesriver.org/james-river-watch/ -- This water quality monitoring program communicates river conditions across the James River basin.  View the map or sign up for email notifications.
   ++ Invasive Species Removal at Chapel Island -- July 24, 2026 and August 14, 2026 (9-11am) -- Richmond, VA
   ++ James River Association’s EcoFest -- September 12, 2026 (11am-4pm) -- Richmond, VA
   ++ Virginia Buffer Summit and Celebration -- October 14, 2026 (9am-4pm) -- Marion, VA
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3.) Blue Ridge Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management (PRISM) Events -- For more information about these events and others and to register, see https://blueridgeprism.org/events.
   ++ Webinar: Stream Health and Invasive Plants -- July 29, 2026 (12-1 pm)
   ++ Webinar: Boots on the Ground: Advancing Invasive Species Management in an Urban Park -- August 13, 2026 (12-1pm)
   ++ Webinar: Herbicide Heroes: Volunteers Dabbing Invasives -- September 17, 2026 (12-1 pm)
   ++ Virginia Invasive Plant ID & Control Tool – This online tool helps individuals identify invasive plant species. Learn more and access the tool at https://blueridgeprism.org/plants.
   ++ 2026 Annual Virginia Retail Garden Center Survey -- Help survey Virginia retail garden centers for invasive plants -- https://virginiainvasives.org/garden-center-survey
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4.) Potomac Riverkeeper Network (PRKN) Events -- For more information about these and other events, see https://potomacriverkeepernetwork.org/events-calendar/.
   ++ Splash and Dash: All Out Open Water Swim w/ District of Columbia Aquatics Club -- August 1, 2026 (8-11am) (Fundraiser for PRKN)
  ++ Trash Free Boat Brigade – August 7, 2026 (8am-12pm) -- Help access and clean hard to reach areas of the Potomac such as the backs of marshes, steep banks, and tree/root log jams. This event requires that participants bring your own boat, kayak or canoe. Contact Annaleigh at anna...@prknetwork.org.
   ++ Explorations with Your Riverkeeper: Goodbye Summer Blowout w/ Potomac Riverkeeper -- August 22, 2026
   ++ Adopt A Water Quality Site -- https://potomacriverkeepernetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Adopt-A-Site-Flyer.pdf
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5.) Call for Posters: 2026 Chesapeake Watershed Forum – Submissions Due: August 7, 2026; Poster Session: November 13, 2026 (7pm) -- Shepherdstown, WV – Theme: “Practical Solutions for People and Planet” – Accepting posters that spotlight a case study or introduce new projects. For more information and to submit, see https://www.allianceforthebay.org/event/chesapeake-watershed-forum/. Organized by the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay.
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6.) Comments Accepted: Proposed 6^th Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR 6) Monitoring Rule -- Webinars: August 11, 2026 and August 12, 2026; Comments due: August 31, 2026 – The rule proposes sample collection for 30 chemical contaminants between 2028 and 2030 using analytical methods developed by the EPA. For the list of proposed contaminants, minimum reporting levels, and more, see https://www.epa.gov/dwucmr/proposed-sixth-unregulated-contaminant-monitoring-rule.  Register for a webinar at https://www.epa.gov/dwucmr/unregulated-contaminant-monitoring-rule-ucmr-meetings-and-materials. Learn more at https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/07/01/2026-13263/revisions-to-establish-the-sixth-unregulated-contaminant-monitoring-rule-ucmr-6-for-public-water.  Submit comments using Docket ID: “EPA-HQ-OW-2023-0469” at https://www.regulations.gov/. Published by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
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7.) Funding Opportunity: Technical Assistance and Training for Rural, Small and Tribal Municipalities and Wastewater Treatment Systems – Applications Due: August 14, 2026 – This program supports efforts to identify water challenges, develop plans, build technical, financial, and managerial capacity, comply with Clean Water Act requirements, and access water infrastructure funding. For more information and to apply, see https://www.epa.gov/small-and-rural-wastewater-systems/training-and-technical-assistance-ta-program-rural-small-and#announcement. Offered by the EPA.
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8.) Middle James Roundtable 2026 Annual Meeting -- September 3-4, 2026 -- Luray, VA -- This meeting will focus on the state of outdoor recreation in the watershed. It is open to anyone with an interest in protecting and promoting the middle section of the James River. There will be opportunities to enjoy Shenandoah National Park as well as informational sessions. A block of rooms is reserved at Skyland Resort for overnight stays, but lodging reservations must be made by July 30, 2026. For more information and to register, see http://www.mjrt.org/2026-annual-meeting.html. Organized by the Middle James Roundtable.
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9.) Comments Accepted: Draft Guidance for Reducing Risk from PFOA and PFOS in Biosolids -- Comments Due: September 4, 2026 -- The intent of the draft guidance memorandum is to provide non-binding or voluntary recommendations for how to mitigate risks from perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) in sewage sludge and biosolids based on information currently available to the EPA. Learn more at https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/07/06/2026-13615/draft-guidance-for-reducing-risk-from-perfluorooctanoic-acid-pfoa-and-perfluorooctane-sulfonic-acid and https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-seeks-public-comment-draft-guidance-reducing-risk-pfoa-and-pfos-biosolids-make. Submit comments using Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OW-2026-2509 at https://www.regulations.gov/. Published by U.S. EPA.
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10.) 2026 Groundwater Protection Council (GWPC) Annual Forum -- September 15-17, 2026 -- Anaheim, CA -- This forum focuses on groundwater protection, water quality, and underground injection control best practices and regulations. For more information and to register, see https://www.gwpc.org/annual-forum-information/. Organized by GWPC.
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11.) EPA's Water Finance Center Resources and Tools
   ++ Real Water Technical Assistance (RealWaterTA) -- Connects communities to experts who help assess and implement solutions for drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater -- https://www.epa.gov/water-infrastructure/forms/real-water-technical-assistance-realwaterta-request-form
   ++ Water Finance Clearinghouse -- A portal of information and resources for communities to address drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure financial needs. -- https://www.epa.gov/waterfinancecenter/water-finance-clearinghouse-portal
   ++ Water Affordability Website -- This website explores creative strategies, resources, and pricing structures that support affordable drinking water and wastewater services. -- https://www.epa.gov/waterfinancecenter/water-affordability
   ++ Water Infrastructure and Capacity Assessment Tool (ICAT) -- An interactive map that helps users identify drinking water and wastewater utilities that may benefit from water infrastructure technical assistance. -- https://www.epa.gov/waterfinancecenter/water-infrastructure-and-capacity-assessment-tool
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12.) Drought Information for Farmers
   ++ Webpage: Disaster Recovery Resources for Farmers -- Includes links to the following: Virginia Hay Clearing House, Virginia Cooperative Extension Producer Drought Advice, Virginia Cattlemen’s Association Emergency Drought Management Webinar, and List of USDA Emergency/Disaster Loan and Financial Programs. Provided by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS).
   ++ Emergency Loans -- Farmers in eligible localities have eight months from the date of disaster declaration to apply for emergency loans. For more information and to verify exact filing deadlines, contact your local USDA Farm Service Agency office.
   ++ AgriStress Helpline^® -- A free and confidential crisis and support line available 24/7. If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 833-897-2474.
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13.) Water Center Jobs Board – View a listing of current job opportunities and employment resources on the Jobs Board at https://www.vwrrc.vt.edu/jobs/. Developed by the Virginia Water Resources Research Center (Water Center).
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The VWMC announcements are provided with support from the Virginia Water Resources Research Center with funding from the U.S. Geological Survey. Thank you to our sponsors!

You too can sponsor the VWMC announcements.  Tax-deductible contributions can be made to the VWMC to support information updates and other VWMC activities.  Make checks payable to: “The Virginia Tech Foundation” and on the memo portion of the check include “VWMC Fund #872802.” Mail contributions to the Virginia Water Resources Research Center (0444, Attn: Jane Walker) at 210 Cheatham Hall, Virginia Tech; 310 West Campus Drive; Blacksburg, VA 24061.