20071315 Ver 1_Emails_20090113

Subject: UNC TV Interview Questions
From: Daniel Blaisdell <Daniel.Blaisdell:a,ncmail.net>
Date: Tue, 13 Jan 2009 12:21:01 -000
To: Coleen Sullins <Coleen.Sullins dncmail.net>
CC: Frances Candelaria <Frances.Candelariaa,ncmail.net>
*Coleen,
Here are draft answers to the last two questions that my be helpful. I watched the
entire documentary last evening and was not surprised to hear some of these same themes
from those interviewed by Penn State. We have a couple of copies of the DVD in the
office if anyone's interested.
Thanks,
Dan
Question) What is needed in the future to continue to meet the needs of North Carolina's
water infrastructure?*
*
/Answer) Ideally, to jump start efforts to replace or repair existing systems, a
permanent source of funding in the form of low interest loans is needed (would be
helpful). This would also help to ensure North Carolina's water infrastructure is able
to support the State's citizens, our economy, and our quality of life. An adequate and
sustainable water infrastructure is central to the economic welfare of any state. In
North Carolina some of the wastewater collection, transmission and treatment systems
have outlived their useful lives and are in need of replacement. In order to meet these
needs, which may exceed $10 billion, the communities in the State also need to realize
and understand the importance of these systems and once funded take "ownership". This
may naturally lead to better ongoing operation and maintenance of the State's overall
water infrastructure facilities.
Question) In the documentary, Liquid Assets, much is said about the enormous need and
task of replacing aging water pipes across the country. In your opinion, what are NC
cities and municipalities facing in efforts to protect their public water and waste
water infrastructures?
/Answer) As I mentioned in my previous answer, North Carolina cities and municipalities
are facing unprecedented pressures to provide new and expanding water infrastructure
facilities to meet the demands of a growing state population. At the same time,
existing systems continue to age, many having outlived their useful lives years ago.
From the Division's perspective, it is imperative that local governments plan and
budget for the costs to provide ongoing maintenance and repair or replacement of key
water infrastructure components. (Some examples are: deteriorated sewer lines with I/I;
aging and failing pumps that could contribute to SSO's; and water and wastewater
treatment processes and equipment needed to meet more stringent water quality and
drinking water limits.)
In the documentary the assistant EPA Administrator for the Office of Water also refers
to "full cost" or "whole cost" pricing for water and wastewater services. //This simply
means charging user fees that are adequate to sustain our water infrastructure systems
over time. //While //potentially u//npopular and expensive, full cost pricing along
with asset management should be just some of the tools considered by NC municipalities
to aid their efforts in protecting the State's water .infrastructure.

Daniel M. Blaisdell, P.E. <Daniel.Blaisdel[U ncmail.net>
Chief, Construction Grants & Loans Section
DENR
Division of Water Quality
l of 1 1/13/21109 12:18 PM