Training Event: Understanding Targeted Cyber Attacks
Iowa Homeland Security & Emergency Management is hosting a free training event AWR 376 Understanding Targeted Cyber Attacks on October 24 at the State Emergency Operations Center. 
This course provides students with specific information regarding targeted cyber attacks, including advanced persistent threats. This information will place them in a better position to plan and prepare for, respond to, and recover from targeted cyber attacks. This course will fill the gap in threat-specific training for cybersecurity as a community-driven course that focuses on the phases of targeted cyber attacks and the attacker methods used during each phase. Participants will also receive valuable information on cyber attack prevention, mitigation, and response.
More details can be found on the training event website.

EPA Formally Withdraws its Cybersecurity Memorandum
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has chosen to rescind the interpretive memorandum issued on March 3, 2023, Addressing Public Water System Cybersecurity in Sanitary Surveys or an Alternate Process.
While the memorandum is being withdrawn due to litigation, cybersecurity continues to pose a serious and increasing threat to drinking water and wastewater utilities. As such, EPA remains committed to using all available tools and resources to help protect communities from cyber-threats. The agency will continue providing technical assistance in the form of cybersecurity risk assessments, subject matter expert consultations, and training. The Agency will also support infrastructure investments that strengthen cybersecurity while assisting systems as they apply for funding from the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, Clean Water State Revolving Fund, Infrastructure Resilience and Sustainability Grants, and other funding sources.
Read the full October 11th Withdrawal of Cybersecurity Memorandum here. 

EPA Notice of Consultation Meeting - Iowa SRF Programmatic Agreement
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 7, the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, and the Iowa DNR State Revolving Fund (SRF), in consultation with the Iowa State Historic Preservation Office, are developing a new statewide programmatic agreement for the Clean Water SRF and Drinking Water SRF Programs. This programmatic agreement will guide compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act under 36 Code of Federal Regulations Part 800. 
The EPA invites interested parties to attend a public meeting that will be held virtually on Wednesday October 25, 2023 at 4:00 pm CST.  Additional information, resources, and the meeting Zoom link can be found at iowasrf.com/section-106 .
Questions regarding the public meeting can be sent to: Karrie.Darnell@dnr.iowa.gov 
Comments on the programmatic agreement materials can be sent to: IA-Exclusion-PA@epa.gov  

Operator Certification: Continuing Education Opportunities 
Online and virtual training opportunities are being created and offered through community colleges, state industry associations, national industry associations, EPA, and other state industry partners. All operators should continue to monitor their emails and the Training Calendar on the Iowa DNR Operator Certification Database.  Look at the calendar often, as there are new opportunities posted throughout the week. 
Please contact Laurie Sharp at (515) 725-0284 with any questions concerning operator certification training.