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60 The Authority │ August litigation against the manufacturers responsible for contamination, Pittsburgh Water demonstrates its commitment to preserving affordability for its ratepayers. New Solutions for Pennsylvania Municipal Authorities Utility leaders know the importance of proactive planning to protect budgets against current and potential future costs. This has led many to explore alternative funding options such as litigation to help fill PFAS management funding gaps left by traditional sources. Many claims against PFAS manufacturers over wastewater contamination have been grouped into the Aqueous Film-Forming Foam multi-district litigation (AFFF MDL). The AFFF MDL streamlines the legal process by combining lawsuits filed over PFAS from courts all over the country into a single proceeding. While the AFFF MDL has already led to settlements totaling over $14 billion (www.pfaswatersettlement.com/) for drinking water providers, claims for PFAS impacts to wastewater will continue to be litigated and are expected to be resolved by future settlements or litigation. That means there is still time for municipalities impacted by PFAS contamination of wastewater and/or soil to explore potential claims that may lead to funding opportunities. While the shifting regulatory landscape may cause disruption, municipal authorities can be better prepared by understanding potential risks and funding options. Proactive leadership goes a long way toward building resilience and a safer, more affordable future for Pennsylvania communities. S 26 p rojeCts A dVAnCinG C leAner A ir , w Ater , e nVironmentAl s tewArdship A Cross p ennsylVAniA r eCoGnized w ith 2026 G oVernor ’ s A wArd for e nVironmentAl e xCellenCe On June 19, 2026, the Department of Environmental Protection announced 26 projects from across the Commonwealth that received the 2026 Governor's Awards for Environmental Excellence (www.pa.gov/agencies/dep/about-dep/awards/governors-award- environmental-excellence) , honoring innovative efforts that are improving air and water quality, reducing pollution, restoring ecosystems, and building healthier, more sustainable communities throughout Pennsylvania. Applications were evaluated for their degree of environmental protection, innovation, collaboration, economic impact, climate resilience, sustainability, environmental justice, and measurable results. Dauphin County One of the award winners in Dauphin County was Capital Region Water – Balancing Beauty and Resilience: Stormwater Innovation for Bellevue Park's Historic Ponds: Capital Region Water (www. capitalregionwater.com) retrofitted two historic man-made ponds that had degraded from stormwater inflows. The revamped ponds significantly reduced stormwater runoff volumes and wet-weather discharges from a 55-acre urban watershed served by Harrisburg’s combined sewer system. In its first year of operation, the project reduced the volume of stormwater discharged during rain events by approximately 86 percent. Visit DEP’s 2026 Governor's Awards for Environmental Excellence (www.pa.gov/agencies/dep/about-dep/awards/governors-award- environmental-excellence) webpage for more information on this award program. Source: [Posted: June 22, 2026] PA Environment Digest (www. paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/)