Brett Walton

About Brett Walton

Brett writes about agriculture, energy, infrastructure, and the politics and economics of water in the United States. He also writes the Federal Water Tap, Circle of Blue’s weekly digest of U.S. government water news. He is the winner of two Society of Environmental Journalists reporting awards, one of the top honors in American environmental journalism: first place for explanatory reporting for a series on septic system pollution in the United States(2016) and third place for beat reporting in a small market (2014). He received the Sierra Club's Distinguished Service Award in 2018. Brett lives in Seattle, where he hikes the mountains and bakes pies. Contact Brett Walton

Entries by Brett Walton

Remembering Michigan’s PBB Crisis

September 25, 2018/in Water Management, Water News, Water Risk/by Brett Walton

Contamination of the food-supply chain in Michigan in the 1970s was one of the worst mass poisonings in U.S. history. The events still resonate today.

Brett Walton

Brett writes about agriculture, energy, infrastructure, and the politics and economics of water in the United States. He also writes the Federal Water Tap, Circle of Blue’s weekly digest of U.S. government water news. He is the winner of two Society of Environmental Journalists reporting awards, one of the top honors in American environmental journalism: first place for explanatory reporting for a series on septic system pollution in the United States(2016) and third place for beat reporting in a small market (2014). He received the Sierra Club’s Distinguished Service Award in 2018. Brett lives in Seattle, where he hikes the mountains and bakes pies. Contact Brett Walton

circleofblue.org/author/brett

Drip by Drip, Septic Systems Foul Michigan Waters

September 25, 2018/in Groundwater, Water News/by Brett Walton

The state relies on backyard sewage treatment more than most.

Brett Walton

Brett writes about agriculture, energy, infrastructure, and the politics and economics of water in the United States. He also writes the Federal Water Tap, Circle of Blue’s weekly digest of U.S. government water news. He is the winner of two Society of Environmental Journalists reporting awards, one of the top honors in American environmental journalism: first place for explanatory reporting for a series on septic system pollution in the United States(2016) and third place for beat reporting in a small market (2014). He received the Sierra Club’s Distinguished Service Award in 2018. Brett lives in Seattle, where he hikes the mountains and bakes pies. Contact Brett Walton

circleofblue.org/author/brett

Fastest-Growing Michigan County Reckons With Groundwater Pollution and Depletion

September 25, 2018/in Groundwater, Water News/by Brett Walton

Ottawa County leaders recognize the need to act on groundwater.

Brett Walton

Brett writes about agriculture, energy, infrastructure, and the politics and economics of water in the United States. He also writes the Federal Water Tap, Circle of Blue’s weekly digest of U.S. government water news. He is the winner of two Society of Environmental Journalists reporting awards, one of the top honors in American environmental journalism: first place for explanatory reporting for a series on septic system pollution in the United States(2016) and third place for beat reporting in a small market (2014). He received the Sierra Club’s Distinguished Service Award in 2018. Brett lives in Seattle, where he hikes the mountains and bakes pies. Contact Brett Walton

circleofblue.org/author/brett

Federal Water Tap, September 24: Lead Service Line Data Is Scarce, Says GAO

September 24, 2018/in Federal Water Tap/by Brett Walton

The Rundown The GAO investigates what is known about the number of lead pipes into homes — and finds no reliable national number. The EPA announces grants to test drinking water in schools and day cares for lead. Federal agencies compile data and images on Hurricane Florence while the EPA assesses damage at Superfund sites. […]

Brett Walton

Brett writes about agriculture, energy, infrastructure, and the politics and economics of water in the United States. He also writes the Federal Water Tap, Circle of Blue’s weekly digest of U.S. government water news. He is the winner of two Society of Environmental Journalists reporting awards, one of the top honors in American environmental journalism: first place for explanatory reporting for a series on septic system pollution in the United States(2016) and third place for beat reporting in a small market (2014). He received the Sierra Club’s Distinguished Service Award in 2018. Brett lives in Seattle, where he hikes the mountains and bakes pies. Contact Brett Walton

circleofblue.org/author/brett

Thirsty Cities Drill for Water

September 18, 2018/in Cities, Drought, Groundwater, Infrastructure, Water & Climate, Water Management, Water News/by Brett Walton

When reservoirs drop, cities turn to groundwater.

Brett Walton

Brett writes about agriculture, energy, infrastructure, and the politics and economics of water in the United States. He also writes the Federal Water Tap, Circle of Blue’s weekly digest of U.S. government water news. He is the winner of two Society of Environmental Journalists reporting awards, one of the top honors in American environmental journalism: first place for explanatory reporting for a series on septic system pollution in the United States(2016) and third place for beat reporting in a small market (2014). He received the Sierra Club’s Distinguished Service Award in 2018. Brett lives in Seattle, where he hikes the mountains and bakes pies. Contact Brett Walton

circleofblue.org/author/brett

Federal Water Tap, September 17: Appeals Court Says Dominion Coal Ash Ponds Not Regulated by Clean Water Act

September 17, 2018/in Federal Water Tap/by Brett Walton

The Rundown A federal appeals court further muddies the question of groundwater and the Clean Water Act. The House passes a big water infrastructure package. Near the end of the session, a gusher of water-related bills in the House. An EPA environmental justice advisory committee makes water infrastructure recommendations. The EPA adds five sites to […]

Brett Walton

Brett writes about agriculture, energy, infrastructure, and the politics and economics of water in the United States. He also writes the Federal Water Tap, Circle of Blue’s weekly digest of U.S. government water news. He is the winner of two Society of Environmental Journalists reporting awards, one of the top honors in American environmental journalism: first place for explanatory reporting for a series on septic system pollution in the United States(2016) and third place for beat reporting in a small market (2014). He received the Sierra Club’s Distinguished Service Award in 2018. Brett lives in Seattle, where he hikes the mountains and bakes pies. Contact Brett Walton

circleofblue.org/author/brett

Federal Water Tap, September 10: Forest Service Reverses Proposed Obama-era Minnesota Mining Moratorium

September 10, 2018/in Federal Water Tap/by Brett Walton

The Rundown The U.S. Forest Service reopens land in northern Minnesota near a wilderness area for mining. A House subcommittee’s PFAS hearing discusses drinking water regulation. FERC sets environmental review schedules for a dozen LNG export terminals. The Trump administration revokes funds for Colorado River research programs. The Interior Department seeks comments on potential changes […]

Brett Walton

Brett writes about agriculture, energy, infrastructure, and the politics and economics of water in the United States. He also writes the Federal Water Tap, Circle of Blue’s weekly digest of U.S. government water news. He is the winner of two Society of Environmental Journalists reporting awards, one of the top honors in American environmental journalism: first place for explanatory reporting for a series on septic system pollution in the United States(2016) and third place for beat reporting in a small market (2014). He received the Sierra Club’s Distinguished Service Award in 2018. Brett lives in Seattle, where he hikes the mountains and bakes pies. Contact Brett Walton

circleofblue.org/author/brett

Federal Water Tap, September 4: EPA Sets Target for Reducing Drinking Water Violations

September 4, 2018/in Federal Water Tap/by Brett Walton

The Rundown The EPA wants to reduce by one-quarter the number of drinking water systems with health-based violations by 2020. The EPA has not initiated a Columbia River basin restoration program that Congress ordered, the GAO finds. The EPA also has not finished a plan for cleaning up abandoned uranium mines on Navajo Nation lands. […]

Brett Walton

Brett writes about agriculture, energy, infrastructure, and the politics and economics of water in the United States. He also writes the Federal Water Tap, Circle of Blue’s weekly digest of U.S. government water news. He is the winner of two Society of Environmental Journalists reporting awards, one of the top honors in American environmental journalism: first place for explanatory reporting for a series on septic system pollution in the United States(2016) and third place for beat reporting in a small market (2014). He received the Sierra Club’s Distinguished Service Award in 2018. Brett lives in Seattle, where he hikes the mountains and bakes pies. Contact Brett Walton

circleofblue.org/author/brett

Federal Water Tap, August 27: EPA Coal Ash Rule Is Too Weak, D.C. Circuit Court Concludes

August 27, 2018/in Federal Water Tap/by Brett Walton

The Rundown The EPA must revise sections of its rule guiding coal ash disposal, a federal appeals court says. A Senate hearing investigates response to potential Great Lakes oil spill in the Straits of Mackinac. The Trump administration aims to send more water to Central Valley farmers. The Bureau of Reclamation leases Colorado River basin […]

Brett Walton

Brett writes about agriculture, energy, infrastructure, and the politics and economics of water in the United States. He also writes the Federal Water Tap, Circle of Blue’s weekly digest of U.S. government water news. He is the winner of two Society of Environmental Journalists reporting awards, one of the top honors in American environmental journalism: first place for explanatory reporting for a series on septic system pollution in the United States(2016) and third place for beat reporting in a small market (2014). He received the Sierra Club’s Distinguished Service Award in 2018. Brett lives in Seattle, where he hikes the mountains and bakes pies. Contact Brett Walton

circleofblue.org/author/brett

Federal Water Tap, August 20: Judge Reinstates Clean Water Rule in 26 States

August 20, 2018/in Federal Water Tap/by Brett Walton

The Rundown District judges weigh in on Clean Water Rule and Keystone XL pipeline. Bureau of Reclamation forecasts show that a lower Colorado River shortage declaration is likely in 2020. The U.S. government commits $350 million for a water supply project in Mongolia’s capital. The U.S. Supreme Court appoints a new special master to oversee […]

Brett Walton

Brett writes about agriculture, energy, infrastructure, and the politics and economics of water in the United States. He also writes the Federal Water Tap, Circle of Blue’s weekly digest of U.S. government water news. He is the winner of two Society of Environmental Journalists reporting awards, one of the top honors in American environmental journalism: first place for explanatory reporting for a series on septic system pollution in the United States(2016) and third place for beat reporting in a small market (2014). He received the Sierra Club’s Distinguished Service Award in 2018. Brett lives in Seattle, where he hikes the mountains and bakes pies. Contact Brett Walton

circleofblue.org/author/brett

Federal Water Tap, August 13: Trump Wildfire Tweet Inspires Policy

August 13, 2018/in Federal Water Tap/by Brett Walton

The Rundown Commerce Department tries to facilitate water for firefighting in California, even if it’s not needed. The Army Corps opens a national levee database to the public and attempts to expand state permitting authority for the Clean Water Act. The USGS reports on nutrient flows in the Chesapeake Bay and algal toxins in Florida. […]

Brett Walton

Brett writes about agriculture, energy, infrastructure, and the politics and economics of water in the United States. He also writes the Federal Water Tap, Circle of Blue’s weekly digest of U.S. government water news. He is the winner of two Society of Environmental Journalists reporting awards, one of the top honors in American environmental journalism: first place for explanatory reporting for a series on septic system pollution in the United States(2016) and third place for beat reporting in a small market (2014). He received the Sierra Club’s Distinguished Service Award in 2018. Brett lives in Seattle, where he hikes the mountains and bakes pies. Contact Brett Walton

circleofblue.org/author/brett

Federal Water Tap, August 6: Pipeline Industry Cheers Senate Bill to Limit Clean Water Act Permitting

August 6, 2018/in Federal Water Tap/by Brett Walton

The Rundown Republican senators introduce a bill to restrict use of state water quality permitting under the Clean Water Act. The White House chooses a science adviser. Congress passes a four-month extension of the National Flood Insurance Program and approves a new Wild and Scenic River designation in Montana. EPA finalizes a $200 million groundwater […]

Brett Walton

Brett writes about agriculture, energy, infrastructure, and the politics and economics of water in the United States. He also writes the Federal Water Tap, Circle of Blue’s weekly digest of U.S. government water news. He is the winner of two Society of Environmental Journalists reporting awards, one of the top honors in American environmental journalism: first place for explanatory reporting for a series on septic system pollution in the United States(2016) and third place for beat reporting in a small market (2014). He received the Sierra Club’s Distinguished Service Award in 2018. Brett lives in Seattle, where he hikes the mountains and bakes pies. Contact Brett Walton

circleofblue.org/author/brett

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About Brett Walton

Entries by Brett Walton