NWIOA
North West Indiana Operator's Association
Re-established 2004
Welcome!
The North West Indiana Operator's Association (NWIOA) provides a venue for members of the wastewater community in north west Indiana to network with their peers. The NWIOA also provides industry professionals with the opportunity to keep up to date with current technologies and regulations, while earning CEUs.
Officers:
President: Don Smales
Vice-President: Trey Hardesty
NWIOA Representative to the IWEA Executive Board: Kathleen Janatik
Secretary / Treasurer: Jay Niec
Info from NWIOA Representative to the IWEA Executive Board Kathleen.
Subject: IRWA / AWWA Operator Boot Camp -- August 25, 2009 -- Peru -- More Details
Hi, Everyone -
As you know, the IRWA / AWWA Operator Boot Camp is coming up on Tuesday, August 25, 2009. We are awaiting contact hour approval from IDEM, but attendees will be able to earn up to 6 water and 6 wastewater contact hours.
We wanted to share more detailed information on the 20 different demonstrations from which you can choose on that day. Each demo will be presented twice - once in the morning and once in the afternoon. The exact schedule is still being determined
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ONE FITTING FOR VAVLE INSERTION or LINE STOPPING presented by Advanced Valve Technologies (applied for ½ hour water and ½ hour wastewater) -- This demonstration will cover: Installing the valve assembly on the pipe; Explaining and demonstrating the cutting process; Final tightening of retaining bolts; Installation of the completion plug.
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FIRE HYDRANT CARE and MAINTENANCE presented by American Flow Control (applied for ½ hour water) -- Complete disassembly and reassembly of Waterous and American Darling brands of fire hydrants. Discussion includes basic maintenance considerations of hydrants of all brands, similarities and differences.
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HYDRO EXCAVATION presented by Brown Equipment Co. (applied for 1 hour water and 1 hour wastewater) -- The purpose of the demonstration is to show an alternative to digging up lines and valve boxes with a backhoe or other earth-moving equipment by utilizing hydro excavation equipment. Hydro excavation is a non-destructive excavation method which uses pressurized water and a vacuum system to dig. Conventional methods of digging holes require shovels, bobcats, backhoes and bulldozers.
This process virtually eliminates the risk of damaging underground infrastructure, including fiber optic cables, electric cables, water pipes and natural gas lines. In a just a few minutes, depending on soil conditions, you can dig a 3'x4' hole or trench a water or sewer line and leave a clean excavation site.
Common applications for hydro excavation are:
" Utility Poles
" Light Pole Bases
" Slot Trenching
" Piling Holes
" Culvert Cleansing
" Shoring
" Potholing
" Tree Planting
" Drainage Piping
" Elevator Pits
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DISINFECTING WITH DRY CHLORINE presented by Chemical Systems, Inc. (applied for ½ hour water and ½ hour wastewater) -- The purpose of the presentation is to demonstrate the use of a dry chlorine feeder for drinking water and wastewater disinfection.
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REPAIRING PAINT COATINGS presented by DECO Group and Tnemec (applied for 1 hour water and 1 hour wastewater) -- This demonstration will show how to fix or repair a paint failure. Samples will be shown on pipes, hydrants, and block wall systems.
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MIXING WITH A BLAST presented by DW Squared Inc. (applied for ½ hour water and ½ hour wastewater) -- Demonstration and exhibit of Luminescent Dissolved Oxygen monitoring equipment. Demonstration will include operation and air calibration of permanent sensors and hand-held sensors.
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PUMP MAINTENANCE presented by Fluid and Thermal Systems (applied for 1-1/2 hours water and 1-1/2 hours wastewater) -- Pump maintenance will be covered, including pump testing, servicing the pump (changing oil, greasing, packing, etc.), record keeping, and more.
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MAINTENANCE & REPAIR TECHNIQUES TO AVOID SYSTEM SHUTDOWN presented by Hydra-Stop (applied for ½ hour water and ½ hour wastewater) -- Line Tapping, Line Stopping, and Valve Insertion techniques provide a safer and more productive method of maintaining and repairing systems without complete system shutdown.
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CHANGES TO THE "CALL BEFORE YOU DIG" LAW presented by Indiana 811 (applied for ½ hour water and ½ hour wastewater) -- This presentation will discuss the various changes to the "Call Before You Dig" laws in Indiana.
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BORING and FUSING PIPE presented by ISCO, Robinson Trenching, and Vermeer (applied for 1 hour water and 1 hour wastewater) -- This session will demonstrate the various methods of connecting HDPE to itself and other materials (ductile iron pipe, PVC, etc.). We will also discuss methods to repair HDPE in emergency situations.
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SEWER and CATCH BASIN CLEANING and HYDRO-EXCAVATING presented by Link Environmental Equipment (applied for 1-1/2 hours water and 1-1/2 hours wastewater) -- This session will demonstrate high pressure water jetting used for cleaning sewers, drains, laterals, culverts, conduits, and industrial process pipe systems. This versatile technology can also complete surface preparation, water blasting, and water jet cutting projects. Pressures range from 2,000 PSI to over 20,000 PSI with water flows from 5 gpm to over 80 gpm.
Also demonstrated with be hydro-excavators.
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PREPARATION and TROUBLESHOOTING CHEMICAL PUMP ADDITION SYSTEMS presented by MainStream, LLC (applied for 1 hour water and 1 hour wastewater) -- This demo will cover:
a) Document your decision to add a chemical including in: Construction Permit Application; Additional dissolved solids in the finished water; and Different water properties
b) Determine exactly where along the piping to inject the chemical
c) Read the chemical pump manual and the chemical MSDS
d) Observe the Safety Precautions
e) Run the needed conduit and piping or put in a good durable electrical supply and system.
f) Use the suction stainer - it will save you considerable problems.
g) Avoid dust, dirt and residuals contamination of the chemical.
h) Utilize a "Day Tank" as it will: Make for more accurate measurements; Limit possible over addition; Easy to clean
i) Demonstration of: Check valves; Anti siphon system; Cross connection control
j) Review of LMI and Stenner Pumps
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HYDRANT and VALVE MAINTENANCE presented by Mueller Co. (applied for ½ hour water) -- This fire hydrant demonstration will discuss routine maintenance, basic operating features, and breakdown tips. This informative session will show how a fire hydrant works and the different parts.
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WELL TESTING and PUMP MAINTENANCE presented by Ortman Drilling and Water Services (applied for ½ hour water) -- This presentation will cover the proper technique for well testing and routine pump maintenance. Operators will learn how to use the data collected to determine if the loss in capacity is related to the well or the pump, or both. They will be shown the correct way to perform routine maintenance on their pump and motor.
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CONTROLS 101 (presented by Peerless-Midwest, Inc. (applied for ½ hour water and ½ hour wastewater) - This demonstration on controls will include basic set-up, operation and maintenance issues pertaining to controls.
We will cover, primarily, a two (2) pump control system, demonstrating how the pumps start and stop. Also discussed will be lead lag pumps, and alternating pumps. We will use one of our controllers to demonstrate these processes and have it available for viewing.
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HDPE PLASTIC PIPE SYSTEMS IN THE FIELD presented by Plastics Pipe Institute (applied for 1-1/2 hours water and 1-1/2 hours wastewater) -- This demonstration will involve pipe, fittings, and fusion processes used to join these components.
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GIS - Geographic Information Systems presented by E.J. Prescott, Inc. (applied for 1 hour water and 1 hour wastewater) -- GIS - Geographic Information Systems are a great tool for utilities of all sizes. This session will discuss the GIS concept, the efficiencies realized, and ways small utilities can afford to take advantage of this technology and improve their operations.
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PIPELINE INSPECTION presented by R/S Video Equipment (applied for 1 hour water and 1 hour wastewater) -- This presentation will cover camera equipment, data acquisition, pipeline assessment, and data management.
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RESIDENTIAL METER APPLICATIONS presented by Sensus Meters (applied for ½ hour water and ½ hour wastewater) -- Residential Meter Applications will discuss the different designs of residential meters as well as proper sizing installation. We will conduct a hands-on disassembly of meters to highlight proper maintenance and operation.
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CONTROL VALVES presented by Watts/Ames ACV (applied for ½ hour water and ½ hour wastewater) -- This presentation will compare the operation and design of piston operated valves vs. diaphragm operated valves. Additionally it will identify the manufacturers of both styles and the design differences and similarities between them. We will then discuss application and sizing issues, and review some typical installations.
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Attached is a registration flyer for your use. We hope you can join us for this fun, educational day!!
Best regards,
Odetta
Odetta Cross Cadwell, Executive Director
317-402-7349
or
MaryJane Miller, Office Manager
812-988-6631
www.indianaruralwater.org
Technical Assistance and Outreach for Pathogen Indicator Forecasting Tools:
Project Description and Update
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is providing technical assistance and outreach on tools that can help beach managers predict pathogen indicator levels that pose health risks to beachgoers and coastal communities. This work is part of a larger Advanced Monitoring Initiative project titled “Developing Water and Land Tools to Forecast Bacterial Exposure in Beach Settings.” A description and status report follow below.
I. Project Background and Objectives
II. Progress to Date
III. Upcoming Events
If you have any questions or would like additional project information, please contact Adam Mednick at Wisconsin DNR (Adam.Mednick@Wisconsin.gov).
I. Project Background and Objectives
The contamination of nearshore recreational waters in the Great Lakes with pathogenic microorganisms has led to increased public concern in recent years. Because beach water quality assessments are primarily based on counts of fecal indicator bacteria and can take up to a day to complete, swim advisories may not be reflective of actual exposure. At the same time, beach managers need improved tools to help identify sources of contamination.
A multi-agency Advanced Monitoring Initiative project entitled “Developing Water and Land Tools to Forecast Bacterial Exposure in Beach Settings” was initiated in 2007 to develop, synthesize, compare, and promote tools that can provide early warnings about pathogen indicator levels. Led by researchers and tool developers from EPA, USGS, NOAA, state and local governments, and universities, this project integrates several approaches that link environmental observations to the forecasting of microbial exposure, including statistical, hydrodynamic/process-based, and non-point source pollution models.
As part of this project, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) is conducting technical assistance and outreach to promote available decision-support tools that enable beach managers to predict recreational water quality in real-time. The principal focus has been on “Virtual Beach-Model Builder” (VBMB) software, which was developed by EPA to provide beach managers with a free, user-friendly tool for building and deploying multiple linear regression (MLR) models for predicting beach water quality based on meteorological, nearshore, and onshore conditions.
MLR models provide a useful approach for predicting short-term fluctuations in fecal indicator bacteria and have proven to be more accurate than the “persistence model;” i.e., the previous day’s monitoring results. Operational “nowcast” models have been deployed at several beaches in Porter County Indiana (Swimming Advisory Forecast Estimate, “SAFE”), Lake County Illinois (“SwimCast”), and Cuyahoga County, Ohio (“Ohio Nowcast”), and recently in Ozaukee County Wisconsin. WDNR’s technical assistance and outreach work is aimed at laying the groundwork for a more widespread transfer of nowcast methodologies and decision-support technology in order to reduce the number of closures, advisories, and false non-advisories issued across the Great Lakes.
II. Progress to Date
WDNR’s technical assistance and outreach work to date has included the evaluation of existing pathogen indicator forecasting tools, a pilot training workshop on Virtual Beach-Model Builder (VBMB), field-testing of VBMB, providing feedback to tool developers, and developing a guide on accessing online data for model building.
Evaluating Existing Tools
WDNR evaluated two public-domain pathogen indicator forecasting tools: VBMB and Virtual Beach “Advisor.” VBMB guides users through the process of building and evaluating multiple linear regression (MLR) models for any beach, including the ability to add, remove and transform variables and observations on-the-fly, view scatter plots, identify and remove outliers, test for statistical significance, identify best linear unbiased models, and evaluate models according to ‘false-negatives’ and ‘false-positives’. VB Advisor contains pre-estimated model parameters and an automated, Web-based data retrieval system; however, it is only applicable to those beaches for which it is pre-programmed. Using data from several Great Lakes beaches, in-depth testing was conducted on VBMB. Based on this testing, EPA made several modifications to the software, including the removal of extraneous tabs, the creation of a new real-time predictions tab, and the addition of alternative variable transformations.
VBMB Training Workshop
Following initial testing and modifications to VBMB, a day-long training workshop for beach managers was held on April 30 in Mequon, Wisconsin. Hosted by the Concordia University Center for Environmental Stewardship, the workshop helped identify the most effective training activities and materials, while generating additional feedback for software developers and laying the groundwork for a wider technology transfer. Following the training, nearly all of the participants reported that they felt they could use VBMB on their own and that they understood how it could help them with their work. Based on participant comments and suggestions, a second wave of modifications was made to the software, aimed at making the real-time prediction tab easier to use in an operational setting, plus additional changes focused on overall usability/interpretability.
Field-Testing
WDNR is working with beach managers in Ozaukee County and the City of Racine to field-test the revised VBMB software. The Racine Health Department previously developed predictive models using the beta version of VBMB in conjunction with its sanitary survey, and is currently updating these models using the revised software and more recent data. Similarly, the Ozaukee County Public Health Department previously developed its own “rainflow” model in conjunction with its sanitary survey. Using additional data and the updated VBMB software, WDNR and the local beach manager have developed nowcasting models for this season. Results to date suggest that local beach managers can successfully build and implement operational nowcast models in conjunction with regular monitoring and sanitary survey work. Significant barriers, however, still exist to more widespread adoption. These include the lack of regular data on beach conditions in many locations, limited training opportunities and technical assistance, and the complexity and amount of time required to locate, access, and properly format relevant earth observation data needed for model building.
User Guide on Accessing Online Data
To help facilitate the transfer of nowcasting methodologies and decision-support technology to additional beaches, WDNR is producing a user guide on where and how to access earth observing data (e.g., rainfall, wind, waves, and streamflow) that can be used to build and implement pathogen indicator forecasting models. Titled “Accessing Online Data for Building and Evaluating Real-Time Models to Predict Beach Water Quality,” this guide includes a comprehensive list of online sources of archived- as well as real-time data on meteorological, nearshore, and onshore conditions, which can be used to help build predictive models, plus detailed instructions on how to access and format these data for use in VBMB or other statistical packages. WDNR will publish the guide as a technical report this fall.
III. Upcoming Events
State of Lake Michigan/Great Lakes Beach Association Conference (Milwaukee, WI, Sept 29-Oct 1, 2009)
This year’s joint State of Lake Michigan (SOLM)/Great Lakes Beach Association (GLBA) conference will include a session on Watershed Management and Decision Support Tools, and a session on Rapid Assessment Methods and Predictive Models for Beach Management. The latter session will include a presentation titled: “A Predictive Modeling Tool for Local Beach Managers: Virtual Beach-Model Builder,” which will highlight the VBMB tool, WDNR’s technical assistance and outreach work, and the results of local field-testing.
Hands-on Training Workshop at SOLM/GLBA Conference (Milwaukee, WI, Oct 1, 2009)
As an add-on to the SOLM/GLBA Conference, WDNR will conduct a hands-on training workshop on VBMB geared toward local beach managers. The workshop will take place on Thursday, October 1st, and will be conducted in two parts: a morning session on data and model-building, and an afternoon session on model evaluation and nowcasting. We will introduce the software and provide hands-on training through a real-world case study. An invitation to register will follow shortly.
Adam C. Mednick, AICP
Senior Research Scientist
Science Information Services
Bureau of Science Services
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
phone: (608) 261-6416
e-mail: adam.mednick@wisconsin.gov
NWIOA News:
Upcoming Meeting(s) & Events.
September 22, 2009 12:00pm at Schererville Town Hall
10 E. Joliet Street Schererville, IN 46375
IDEM
IDEM's wastewater certification manual is available for download at the NWIOA documents page.
IWEA
|
WEF
This Week in Washington is a weekly publication of the Water Environment Federation’s Government Affairs department. It provides updates on the latest legislative and regulatory developments that affect the water and wastewater communities.
In this Issue:
- EPA Revises Nationwide Waiver for Buy American Provision for Water Infrastructure Projects Financed Through ARRA
- Senate Approves $124 Billon for FY 2010 USDA Programs
- EPA Approves Alternative Testing Methods for Measuring Drinking Water Contaminants
- Senate Approves Two EPA Nominees
- EPA Announces Upgrade to eRulemaking Program for Accessing Federal Regulations
- EPA Seeks Public Input on Clean Water Enforcement Action Plan Through Online Forum
- WEF Offers New Opportunity for Online Education
- European Union Commission Report Finds Variances in Wastewater Treatment Among Member Countries
- Manufacturers Study Finds House Climate Change Bill Would Lead to Job Loss and Slower Economic Growth
EPA Revises Nationwide Waiver for Buy American Provision for Water Infrastructure Projects Financed Through ARRA
EPA announced in the August 10 Federal Register that it is revising the nationwide waiver of Section 1605 (Buy American Requirement) of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) for de minimis incidental components of eligible water infrastructure projects where such components cumulatively comprise no more than a total of 5 percent of the total cost of the materials used and incorporated into a project. This action revises the terms under which incidental components qualify for coverage under the public interest de minimis waiver signed and effective on May 22, 2009, and permits the use of non-domestic iron, steel, and manufactured goods when they occur in de minimis incidental components of such projects funded by ARRA that may otherwise be prohibited under section 1605(a). The effective date of this notice is July 24, 2009.
Water infrastructure projects typically contain a relatively small number of high-cost components incorporated into the project that are iron, steel, and manufactured goods, such as pipe, tanks, pumps, motors, instrumentation and control equipment, treatment process equipment, and relevant materials to build structures for such facilities as treatment plants, pumping stations, pipe networks, etc. In bid solicitations for a project, these high-cost components are generally described in detail via project specific technical specifications. For these major components, utility owners and their contractors are generally familiar with the conditions of availability, the potential alternatives for each detailed specification, the approximate cost, and the country of manufacture of the available components.
Every water infrastructure project also involves the use of literally thousands of miscellaneous, generally low-cost components that are essential for, but incidental to, the construction and are incorporated into the physical structure of the project, such as nuts, bolts, other fasteners, tubing, gaskets, etc. For many of these incidental components, the country of manufacture and the availability of alternatives is not always readily or reasonably identifiable prior to procurement in the normal course of business; for other incidental components, the country of manufacture may be known but the miscellaneous character in conjunction with the low cost, individually and (in total) as typically procured in bulk, mark them as properly incidental.
According to the Federal Register notice, assistance recipients who wish to use this waiver should, in consultation with their contractors, determine the items to be covered by this waiver, must retain relevant documentation as to those items in their project files, and must summarize in reports to the State the types and/or categories of items to which this waiver is applied, the total cost of incidental components covered by the waiver for each type or category, and the calculations by which they determined the total cost of materials used in and incorporated into the project.
Senate Approves $124 Billon for FY 2010 USDA Programs
The Senate approved on August 4 a FY 2010 agriculture appropriations bill to boost conservation, energy and nutrition programs with an 80-17 vote. The bill, H.R. 2997, would provide $23.7 billion in discretionary funding for the Agriculture Department, the Food and Drug Administration and other related agencies. The bill also oversees $101 billion in mandatory spending for agriculture accounts -- mostly for programs governed by the farm bill. Lawmakers made few changes to any program accounts and no significant changes to conservation or energy programs. With approval of the Senate bill, the House and Senate will now have to reconcile differences in spending between the two measures, including a major gap in renewable energy funding.
The Senate measure doubles the funding amount for rural energy programs as the House included in the bill it approved last month. The farm bill set new mandatory spending levels for the energy programs -- which do everything from helping farmers install methane digesters to providing loan guarantees for development of biorefineries. Senators opted to increase funding for renewable energy accounts beyond farm bill levels. The bill has $68 million in discretionary spending for the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP), on top of the farm bill authorization of $60 million. The $128 million total for REAP is in line with the Obama administration's request to boost spending for the program as part of a commitment to renewable energy. The total would more than double 2009 spending levels and provide five times as much for the program as it had two years ago.
EPA Approves Alternative Testing Methods for Measuring Drinking Water Contaminants
EPA announced in the August 3 Federal Register that it has approved six alternative testing methods that can be used to measure drinking water contaminants and to determine compliance with regulations under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). EPA used the expedited method approval process under SDWA to approve the alternative methods, rather than using the notice-and-comment rulemaking process, so that these new, equally effective methods will be available to our stakeholders more quickly. Approval time has been cut from several years to less than a year.
The final rule on the alternative testing methods is designed to give public water utilities greater flexibility in the selection of analytical methods. The six alternative methods include gas chromatography and mass spectrometry to detect 29 purgeable organic compounds (carbon compounds that can be purged and trapped for testing); laser measurement of turbidity (cloudiness from suspended particles); two methods of using light from light-emitting diodes to measure turbidity; spectrophotometry to determine concentrations of nitrate and nitrite; and gas chromatography and mass spectrometry to measure cyanide. The final rule is effective August 3, 2009. More information on expedited method approval process
Senate Approves Two EPA Nominees
The Senate on August 7 approved the nominations of Colin Fulton to be EPA general counsel and Craig Hooks as assistant EPA administrator for administration and resources management. Fulton and Hooks were among more than 60 of President Obama's nominees who were approved by voice vote just before the Senate broke for its August recess. Fulton has been acting deputy administrator of EPA since February and has spent 20 years at the agency. From 1990 to 1995, he held leadership positions in EPA's enforcement program, first as director of civil enforcement and subsequently as principal deputy assistant administrator for enforcement and compliance assurance. From 1995 to 1999, Fulton served as EPA's principal deputy general counsel, and from 1999 to 2007, he served as a judge on EPA's Environmental Appeals Board. In 2007, he became acting assistant administrator for international affairs. Hooks, who is acting assistant administrator for administration and resources management, has spent 21 years at EPA. Hooks served as director of the Office of Wetlands, Oceans, and Watersheds from January 2007 to February 2009; he was deputy director of the office from May 2002 to January 2007.
EPA Announces Upgrade to eRulemaking Program for Accessing Federal Regulations
EPA announced on August 3 that its eRulemaking Program has launched a significant upgrade to the Web site that provides one-stop, public access to information related to current and forthcoming regulations issued by the federal government. Enhancements to regulations.gov include improved search capabilities, new navigation tools, and easier access to areas for the public to provide comments on proposed regulations. EPA is the managing partner of the inter-agency eRulemaking Program, which operates regulations.gov. Visitors to regulations.gov can now streamline search results with date ranges, select specific U.S. government departments or agencies, and view results by docket or file folder. Other changes include interactive icons and links to common user tasks that pre-populate search fields to help users find regulations and comments. The Web site also provides quick access, simplified navigation and additional information sharing, such as social bookmarking and RSS feeds by specific government departments or agencies.
These enhancements were previewed publicly on Regulations.gov Exchange, an online forum featured in the White House Open Government Initiative. From May 21 to July 21, 2009, the public was able to explore proposed new designs and features, provide comments, and engage with other site visitors and the eRulemaking Program staff. Regulations.gov helps individuals provide written comments to agencies before regulations are finalized. The site supports more than 160 federal agencies accounting for 90 percent of all federal rulemaking production. On average, federal agencies, departments, and commissions issue 8,000 regulations annually. To date, the public can access more than 2 million documents on regulations.gov, and in the first half of 2009, visitors to the Web site submitted more than 200,000 comments on new or existing regulations. More information on the Web site
EPA Seeks Public Input on Clean Water Enforcement Action Plan Through Online Forum
EPA announced on August 7 that it has launched an online discussion forum to receive public input on the future direction of EPA’s national water enforcement program. The public will be able to provide feedback through the EPA Web site, between now and August 28, giving them a forum to address any concerns about EPA’s efforts to protect the water in their communities. The forum is part of a larger agency effort to improve the performance and enhance public transparency of state and federal Clean Water Act enforcement programs. In a memo issued on July 2, Administrator Lisa Jackson called for stronger enforcement performance at federal and state levels and a transformation of EPA’s water quality and compliance information systems. As part of this effort, Jackson directed the Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance to develop an action plan. All ideas from the public will be evaluated and considered for recommendations to the EPA Administrator about the future direction for EPA’s water enforcement program. Development of the clean water enforcement action plan. How to comment on action plan
WEF Offers New Opportunity for Online Education
WEF announced on August 6 the launch of its new “Access Water Training” Web site, an online training program that allows busy utility operators and other water professionals to pursue continuing education opportunities in a convenient distant learning format. Previously available only on CD-ROM, the site currently includes eight courses, each containing a set of modules and a final exam. Supplementary training manuals, which can be downloaded and printed, are also available and include information that helps users work through the course. Those completing the course and passing the final exam will receive an official Certificate of Completion with recommended Continuing Education Units. Current courses include: Purpose and fundamentals of wastewater treatment; Preliminary treatment; Primary treatment; Natural systems; Disinfection; Fixed film systems; Activated sludge; and Solids handling.
The system allows users to pause, stop, and restart the course as well as the opportunity to review a course and retake the exam up to six months from the time of purchase. Other features include a glossary, conversions chart, listing of common formulas, history of courses taken, and performance information. New courses on other topics, including utility management and collection systems, will be added in the future. Course prices vary and discounts are available for WEF members. More information
European Union Commission Report Finds Variances in Wastewater Treatment Among Member Countries
According to an August 7 report issued by the European Union (EU) Commission, poorer, newer members of the EU continue to lag behind their richer counterparts in the collection and treatment of wastewater. The Commission stated that while countries such as Austria, Denmark, and France collect and treat all or almost all of the wastewater generated by their urban areas, in Slovakia only 76 percent of the generated load is collected, while in Cyprus and Romania, the figures are 49 percent and 47 percent, respectively. The report showed that 87 percent of EU wastewater goes through treatment to reduce the biodegradable pollutants it carries, but there is also wide variance between countries in this respect. All wastewater in Denmark and the Netherlands is treated, but the portion drops to 65 percent in Slovakia and 28 percent in Romania. The report also indicated notable improvements in water quality but important number of shortcomings remained. The non-reporting countries were Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Malta, Poland, Spain, and the United Kingdom. As a result, the implementation report covered only 53 percent of the total EU wastewater load.
Manufacturers Study Finds House Climate Change Bill Would Lead to Job Loss and Slower Economic Growth
A study released on August 12 by the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) and the American Council for Capital Formation (ACCF) on the impact of The American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009, also known as the Waxman-Markey Bill (H.R. 2454),cites job losses and slower economic growth in the U.S. The bill aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to cap the amount of carbon that is emitted by U.S. industry. The legislation does so by mandating a cap and trade program and other provisions governing fuel choices available to businesses and consumers. This bill passed the House of Representatives by a slim margin (219-212) earlier this summer. The Senate is expected to release its version of climate legislation in September.
The study, which was commissioned by the NAM and ACCF and conducted by Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) using NAM and ACCF input assumptions, assesses the impact of the Waxman-Markey Bill on manufacturing, jobs, energy prices and our overall economy. The NAM and ACCF released national data as well as the analysis for 15 industrial states that would be impacted greatly if this or similar legislation is signed into law. The NAM/ACCF study accounts for all federal energy laws and regulations currently in effect. It accounts for increased access to oil and natural gas supplies, new and extended tax credits for renewable generation technologies, increased World Oil Price (WOP) profile, as well as permit allocations for industry and international offsets. Key findings include: Cumulative Loss in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) up to $3.1 trillion (2012-2030), Employment losses up to 2.4 million jobs in 2030, Residential electricity price increases up to 50 percent by 2030; and Gasoline price increases (per gallon) up 26 percent by 2030. The full report, including the data covering the remaining 35 states will be released in the coming weeks.
Quote of the Week
As a scientist, I am not sure anymore that life can be reduced to a class struggle, to dialectical materialism, or any set of formulas. Life is spontaneous and it is unpredictable, it is magical. I think that we have struggled so hard with the tangible that we have forgotten the intangible.
- Diane Frolov and Andrew Schneider, Northern Exposure, Zarya, 1994
Note: TWIW will be on hiatus until just prior to the Labor Day holiday. It will resume publication on September 4.
This Week in Washington is provided by the Water Environment Federation, Alexandria, VA and is available on-line . To receive by e-mail, please contact the Editor - Sam Hadeed - at shadeed@wef.org or call 703.684.2418 with questions.
IRWA / AWWA
NWIOA September Meeting
September 22, 2009 12:00 Noon at Schererville Town Hall
10 E. Joilet Street, Schererville, IN 46375
Lunch will be provided.
Please RSVP to Jay Niec.
To get directions enter your starting address and the address of the meeting site.
Be sure to check back for other events.
If you would like to leave a message or ask a question, do so on the contacts page.