"U.S. EPA finalized a policy [Tuesday] intended to help cash-strapped cities facing expensive environmental mandates for cleaning up sewer overflows."

"The final draft of the 'Integrated Municipal Stormwater and Wastewater Planning Approach Framework' is being hailed by both industry and environmental groups as a step forward in dealing with mounting financial obligations facing cities under the Clean Water Act.

But both camps say that how EPA implements the policy will be critical to evaluating its success.

Adam Krantz, director of government and public affairs for the National Association of Clean Water Agencies, a major water-utility industry group, called the framework 'a very impressive effort.'"

Paul Quinlan reports for Greenwire June 13, 2012. [2]