The stuff you use every day affects your environment, your community, and your planet. EPA is sponsoring a video competition to raise awareness of the connection between the environment and the "stuff"
people use, consume, recycle, and throw away. We need your help in creating videos that will inspire community involvement, spread information and lead to action. Your passion, your creativity, and your ideas can make a difference. After all, it's our stuff, our planet, our choice
Last day to submit entries is February 16, 2010.
http://www.epa.gov/waste/wycd/video.htm
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
AP Enterprise: Feds mull regulating drugs in water
AP Enterprise: Feds mull regulating drugs in water
By JEFF DONN
Federal regulators under President Barack Obama have sharply shifted course on long-standing policy toward pharmaceutical residues in the nation's drinking water, taking a critical first step toward regulating some of the contaminants while acknowledging they could threaten human health.
A burst of significant announcements in recent weeks reflects an expanded government effort to deal with pharmaceuticals as environmental pollutants:
- For the first time, the Environmental Protection Agency has listed some pharmaceuticals as candidates for regulation in drinking water. The agency also has launched a survey to check for scores of drugs at water treatment plants across the nation.
- The Food and Drug Administration has updated its list of waste drugs that should be flushed down the toilet, but the agency has also declared a goal of working toward the return of all unused medicines.
- The National Toxicology Program is conducting research to clarify how human health may be harmed by drugs at low environmental levels.
The Associated Press reported last year that the drinking water of at least 51 million Americans contains minute concentrations of a multitude of drugs. Water utilities, replying to an AP questionnaire, acknowledged the presence of antibiotics, sedatives, sex hormones and dozens of other drugs in their supplies.
The news reports stirred congressional hearings and legislation, more water testing and more disclosure of test results. For example, an Illinois law goes into effect Jan. 1 banning health care institutions from flushing unused medicine into wastewater systems.
The EPA's new study will look for 200 chemical and microbial contaminants at 50 plants that treat drinking water. The list includes 125 pharmaceuticals or related chemicals. This research will help federal water officials decide if regulations are needed.
In the first move toward possible drinking-water standards, the EPA has put 13 pharmaceuticals on what it calls the Contaminant Candidate List. They are mostly sex hormones, but include the antibiotic erythromycin and three chemicals used as drugs but better known for other uses.
They join a list of 104 chemical and 12 microbial contaminants that the EPA is considering as candidates for regulation under the Safe Drinking Water Act. No pharmaceutical has ever reached the list in its 12-year history, but medicines now make up 13 percent of the target chemicals on the latest list "based on their potential adverse health effects and potential for occurrence in public water systems," the EPA said.
They take a place beside such better-known contaminants as the metal cobalt, formaldehyde, the rocket fuel ingredient perchlorate, and the disease germ E. coli.
"I think this does signal a change in the regulatory and research approaches," said Conrad Volz, a University of Pittsburgh scientist whose research raises questions about the risk of eating fish from waters contaminated with sex hormones. "What's happening is pretty amazing."
Several scientists within and outside government tied the stronger focus on human health to the Obama administration and the president's appointment of Lisa Jackson, a highly regarded former head of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, to run the EPA.
"I think we are trying to be as aggressive as we can. We understand it's a major national issue. We understand it's a major public concern," said Peter Silva, the new water administrator at the EPA.
However, making the candidate list provides no assurance that a chemical will reach full-blown regulation. In fact, no chemical on the list has ever been made subject to a national water quality standard, EPA officials acknowledge. They intend to make preliminary decisions on some of the latest contaminants by mid-2012.
"They've made a lot of good first steps, so now were waiting to see those carried through," said Nneka Leiba, a researcher at the Environmental Working Group in Washington.
Water utilities and drug makers are wary of the federal moves. Difficult scientific questions remain over the possible threat posed to humans by minuscule concentrations in drinking water, where drugs are typically found in parts per billion or trillion. That's way below medical doses.
However, some researchers fear that very small daily amounts of unwanted drugs in water could do cumulative harm to people over decades, possibly in combination with other drugs or in sensitive populations like children or pregnant women.
Alan Goldhammer, a vice president of the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, said such trace amounts "really do not pose a human health issue."
"We do get concerned if we think that somebody is going to require that the consumers spend money and not get any health benefit," added Tom Curtis, a lobbyist for the Denver-based American Water Works Association.
The U.S. Geological Survey first began taking notice of pharmaceutical contamination several years ago. But until now the federal government has focused on the presence of pharmaceuticals in rivers and streams.
A recently released EPA study found more than 40 pharmaceuticals - everything from antibiotics to heart medicine to antidepressants - at nine publicly owned wastewater treatment plants. The drugs appeared in concentrations measured in parts per billion and trillion. Many passed right through the plants.
Linda Birnbaum, who is director of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and also oversees the National Toxicology Program, said some program research is focusing on how much environmental pharmaceuticals can reach animal blood and tissues and how that might compare with humans.
Waste pharmaceuticals reach the environment when people take medicine and excrete the unmetabolized portion. Millions of pounds of waste drugs also escape into waterways from hospitals, drug plants and other factories, farms and the drains of American homes, the AP has reported.
On its new list, the FDA, which regulates medicines, says only 10 active ingredients in controlled-substance drugs need to be flushed to keep them away from children, abusers and pets.
At the same time, the agency announced it is working with partners to develop programs to return unused drugs instead of flushing them down the drain. The agency wants "to encourage their development and future use for all drugs," declared Dr. Douglas Throckmorton, deputy director of the FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. Returned drugs are usually incinerated, which destroys most active ingredients. Community drug takeback programs have increased considerably since the AP's PharmaWater reports.
The recent announcements have been striking in their speed and breadth. Just last year, Ben Grumbles, Silva's predecessor at the EPA Office of Water under President George W. Bush, said only one pharmaceutical was under consideration for the list of candidates for water standards. And it was the heart medicine nitroglycerin, better known as an explosive.
Yet some environmentalists say the government should take even bolder action. "Identifying the nature and scope of the problem is not the same thing as addressing the causes of the problem," said George Mannina, an environmental lawyer in Washington.
He said the EPA should do more to keep drugs out of the nation's water supplies and not rely on expensive filtering systems at water treatment plants.
Jon Holder, a vice president at Vestara, a seller of equipment to manage waste drugs, said the EPA should be more aggressive about enforcing hazardous waste laws that already apply to some drugs used by hospitals.
"We applaud the light that's being shined on it, but we also recognize that the simple enforcement of existing law would go a long way," he said.
By JEFF DONN
Federal regulators under President Barack Obama have sharply shifted course on long-standing policy toward pharmaceutical residues in the nation's drinking water, taking a critical first step toward regulating some of the contaminants while acknowledging they could threaten human health.
A burst of significant announcements in recent weeks reflects an expanded government effort to deal with pharmaceuticals as environmental pollutants:
- For the first time, the Environmental Protection Agency has listed some pharmaceuticals as candidates for regulation in drinking water. The agency also has launched a survey to check for scores of drugs at water treatment plants across the nation.
- The Food and Drug Administration has updated its list of waste drugs that should be flushed down the toilet, but the agency has also declared a goal of working toward the return of all unused medicines.
- The National Toxicology Program is conducting research to clarify how human health may be harmed by drugs at low environmental levels.
The Associated Press reported last year that the drinking water of at least 51 million Americans contains minute concentrations of a multitude of drugs. Water utilities, replying to an AP questionnaire, acknowledged the presence of antibiotics, sedatives, sex hormones and dozens of other drugs in their supplies.
The news reports stirred congressional hearings and legislation, more water testing and more disclosure of test results. For example, an Illinois law goes into effect Jan. 1 banning health care institutions from flushing unused medicine into wastewater systems.
The EPA's new study will look for 200 chemical and microbial contaminants at 50 plants that treat drinking water. The list includes 125 pharmaceuticals or related chemicals. This research will help federal water officials decide if regulations are needed.
In the first move toward possible drinking-water standards, the EPA has put 13 pharmaceuticals on what it calls the Contaminant Candidate List. They are mostly sex hormones, but include the antibiotic erythromycin and three chemicals used as drugs but better known for other uses.
They join a list of 104 chemical and 12 microbial contaminants that the EPA is considering as candidates for regulation under the Safe Drinking Water Act. No pharmaceutical has ever reached the list in its 12-year history, but medicines now make up 13 percent of the target chemicals on the latest list "based on their potential adverse health effects and potential for occurrence in public water systems," the EPA said.
They take a place beside such better-known contaminants as the metal cobalt, formaldehyde, the rocket fuel ingredient perchlorate, and the disease germ E. coli.
"I think this does signal a change in the regulatory and research approaches," said Conrad Volz, a University of Pittsburgh scientist whose research raises questions about the risk of eating fish from waters contaminated with sex hormones. "What's happening is pretty amazing."
Several scientists within and outside government tied the stronger focus on human health to the Obama administration and the president's appointment of Lisa Jackson, a highly regarded former head of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, to run the EPA.
"I think we are trying to be as aggressive as we can. We understand it's a major national issue. We understand it's a major public concern," said Peter Silva, the new water administrator at the EPA.
However, making the candidate list provides no assurance that a chemical will reach full-blown regulation. In fact, no chemical on the list has ever been made subject to a national water quality standard, EPA officials acknowledge. They intend to make preliminary decisions on some of the latest contaminants by mid-2012.
"They've made a lot of good first steps, so now were waiting to see those carried through," said Nneka Leiba, a researcher at the Environmental Working Group in Washington.
Water utilities and drug makers are wary of the federal moves. Difficult scientific questions remain over the possible threat posed to humans by minuscule concentrations in drinking water, where drugs are typically found in parts per billion or trillion. That's way below medical doses.
However, some researchers fear that very small daily amounts of unwanted drugs in water could do cumulative harm to people over decades, possibly in combination with other drugs or in sensitive populations like children or pregnant women.
Alan Goldhammer, a vice president of the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, said such trace amounts "really do not pose a human health issue."
"We do get concerned if we think that somebody is going to require that the consumers spend money and not get any health benefit," added Tom Curtis, a lobbyist for the Denver-based American Water Works Association.
The U.S. Geological Survey first began taking notice of pharmaceutical contamination several years ago. But until now the federal government has focused on the presence of pharmaceuticals in rivers and streams.
A recently released EPA study found more than 40 pharmaceuticals - everything from antibiotics to heart medicine to antidepressants - at nine publicly owned wastewater treatment plants. The drugs appeared in concentrations measured in parts per billion and trillion. Many passed right through the plants.
Linda Birnbaum, who is director of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and also oversees the National Toxicology Program, said some program research is focusing on how much environmental pharmaceuticals can reach animal blood and tissues and how that might compare with humans.
Waste pharmaceuticals reach the environment when people take medicine and excrete the unmetabolized portion. Millions of pounds of waste drugs also escape into waterways from hospitals, drug plants and other factories, farms and the drains of American homes, the AP has reported.
On its new list, the FDA, which regulates medicines, says only 10 active ingredients in controlled-substance drugs need to be flushed to keep them away from children, abusers and pets.
At the same time, the agency announced it is working with partners to develop programs to return unused drugs instead of flushing them down the drain. The agency wants "to encourage their development and future use for all drugs," declared Dr. Douglas Throckmorton, deputy director of the FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. Returned drugs are usually incinerated, which destroys most active ingredients. Community drug takeback programs have increased considerably since the AP's PharmaWater reports.
The recent announcements have been striking in their speed and breadth. Just last year, Ben Grumbles, Silva's predecessor at the EPA Office of Water under President George W. Bush, said only one pharmaceutical was under consideration for the list of candidates for water standards. And it was the heart medicine nitroglycerin, better known as an explosive.
Yet some environmentalists say the government should take even bolder action. "Identifying the nature and scope of the problem is not the same thing as addressing the causes of the problem," said George Mannina, an environmental lawyer in Washington.
He said the EPA should do more to keep drugs out of the nation's water supplies and not rely on expensive filtering systems at water treatment plants.
Jon Holder, a vice president at Vestara, a seller of equipment to manage waste drugs, said the EPA should be more aggressive about enforcing hazardous waste laws that already apply to some drugs used by hospitals.
"We applaud the light that's being shined on it, but we also recognize that the simple enforcement of existing law would go a long way," he said.
Friday, December 18, 2009
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
EFFECTIVE BACKFLOW PROGRAM SEMINAR - Jan 7 - Collinsville
ISAWWA BACKFLOW COMMITTEE PRESENTS: EFFECTIVE BACKFLOW PROGRAMS
Thursday, January 7, 2010 - Collinsville, IL
SPEAKER and BIOGRAPHY
Mike Eisenhauer, Backflow Solutions, Inc.
Mr. Eisenhauer’s professional biography includes:
• Licensed Illinois Plumber
• Licensed CCCDI in Illinois, Wisconsin and Mississippi
• Owner of Chicago Backflow, Inc. ( CBI tests 30,000 + backflow assemblies annually)
• Owner of Backflow Solutions ( BSI manages over 25 municipal cross-connection programs all over the country)
TOPIC
Effective Backflow Programs, IEPA Title 35 - What it says in Plain English - Learn how to effectively develop, implement, and enforce an effective cross-connection control program that meets all of the Illinois EPA requirements. Cross-Connection inspections, surveys and record keeping are the three key elements of all effective backflow prevention programs, how does each element relate to the others and how do you move forward from where you are at.
LOCATION
Collinsville Library
408 West Main Street
Collinsville, IL 62234
Ph: 618-344-1112
REGISTRATION and HOURS
Registration begins at 9:00am. The training will start at 9:30am and will conclude by 3:30pm. Earn up to 5 PDHs or RTC hours. Continental breakfast and lunch will be included.
To register call 866-521-3595 ext 2.
COST
$40.00 for AWWA members
$60.00 for non AWWA members
$70.00 for on-site registration
Thursday, January 7, 2010 - Collinsville, IL
SPEAKER and BIOGRAPHY
Mike Eisenhauer, Backflow Solutions, Inc.
Mr. Eisenhauer’s professional biography includes:
• Licensed Illinois Plumber
• Licensed CCCDI in Illinois, Wisconsin and Mississippi
• Owner of Chicago Backflow, Inc. ( CBI tests 30,000 + backflow assemblies annually)
• Owner of Backflow Solutions ( BSI manages over 25 municipal cross-connection programs all over the country)
TOPIC
Effective Backflow Programs, IEPA Title 35 - What it says in Plain English - Learn how to effectively develop, implement, and enforce an effective cross-connection control program that meets all of the Illinois EPA requirements. Cross-Connection inspections, surveys and record keeping are the three key elements of all effective backflow prevention programs, how does each element relate to the others and how do you move forward from where you are at.
LOCATION
Collinsville Library
408 West Main Street
Collinsville, IL 62234
Ph: 618-344-1112
REGISTRATION and HOURS
Registration begins at 9:00am. The training will start at 9:30am and will conclude by 3:30pm. Earn up to 5 PDHs or RTC hours. Continental breakfast and lunch will be included.
To register call 866-521-3595 ext 2.
COST
$40.00 for AWWA members
$60.00 for non AWWA members
$70.00 for on-site registration
Monday, November 30, 2009
drug disposal program developed in Pontiac
PONTIAC -- A prescription drug disposal program developed in Pontiac continues to spread across the country.
The Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant, which works for sustainable solutions to water contamination, soon will have curriculum that allows science teachers to share the Prescription Pill and Drug Disposal (P2D2) program.
"With this partnership (of the Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant), it gave us the tools necessary to keep going and to reach out to other educators and communities," said Paul Ritter, a science teacher at Pontiac Township High School.
The Illinois - Indiana Sea Grant is working on The Medicine Chest, which provides free educational material and activities on improper drug disposal and contamination, Ritter said.
P2D2 encourages people to discard unused or expired drugs at special collection sites, not simply to throw them in the trash or down a drain, where they pollute groundwater and drinking water.
P2D2 was developed in January 2008 by developed by Ritter; Eric Bohm, now assistant principal at PTHS; and several students.
"I think this program has been an excellent way to involve people in this kind of work, whether it's students, teachers, police departments, local officials or other community groups," said Dennis McMurray, manager of publications for the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency.
Ritter said P2D2 is in seven states and in 100 Illinois communities. About 87,500 pounds of drugs have been collected in Illinois since the program began.
"This has just been a dream come true," Ritter said.
Posted in Local on Sunday, November 29, 2009 4:30 pm Updated: 6:58 am.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
STRUCTURAL DESIGN OF TANKS USING AWWA D100-05
Illinois Section AWWA Presents:
STRUCTURAL DESIGN OF TANKS USING AWWA D100-05
Tuesday, December 1, 2009 – Bloomington, IL
REGISTRATION & HOURS
Registration begins at 8:30am. The training will start at 9:00am and will conclude by 3:00pm. Earn up to 5 PDHs or RTC hours. Continental breakfast and lunch will be included.
LOCATION
Doubletree Hotel and Conference
Center Bloomington Illinois
10 Brickyard Drive
Bloomington, IL 61701
Ph: 309-664-6446
COST
$40.00 for AWWA members
$60.00 for non AWWA members
$70.00 on-site registration
Call 866-521-3595 to register - extension 3 Sandi.
SPEAKER
Stephen W. Meier, P.E., S.E., Tank Industry Consultants
AGENDA
This seminar is intended for engineers and other highly technical individuals interested in learning more about detailed
design of water storage tanks in accordance with AWWA D100-05. The seminar will include example structural calculations
and structural theory, and a discussion of the behavior of tank shells and roofs.
• Overview of Changes to D100-05
• Design Loads Requirements of AWWA D100-05: Wind, Snow, Seismic
• Membrane Stress: Flat bottom Tank example, Elevated Tank example
• Ringwall Foundation Design: Flat Bottom Tank Example
• Roof Design: Self supporting Dome Example, Umbrella Roof Example
• Seismic Design: Flat Bottom Tank Example, Elevated Pedestal Tank Example
• Anchor Bolt Chair: Design Example
STRUCTURAL DESIGN OF TANKS USING AWWA D100-05
Tuesday, December 1, 2009 – Bloomington, IL
REGISTRATION & HOURS
Registration begins at 8:30am. The training will start at 9:00am and will conclude by 3:00pm. Earn up to 5 PDHs or RTC hours. Continental breakfast and lunch will be included.
LOCATION
Doubletree Hotel and Conference
Center Bloomington Illinois
10 Brickyard Drive
Bloomington, IL 61701
Ph: 309-664-6446
COST
$40.00 for AWWA members
$60.00 for non AWWA members
$70.00 on-site registration
Call 866-521-3595 to register - extension 3 Sandi.
SPEAKER
Stephen W. Meier, P.E., S.E., Tank Industry Consultants
AGENDA
This seminar is intended for engineers and other highly technical individuals interested in learning more about detailed
design of water storage tanks in accordance with AWWA D100-05. The seminar will include example structural calculations
and structural theory, and a discussion of the behavior of tank shells and roofs.
• Overview of Changes to D100-05
• Design Loads Requirements of AWWA D100-05: Wind, Snow, Seismic
• Membrane Stress: Flat bottom Tank example, Elevated Tank example
• Ringwall Foundation Design: Flat Bottom Tank Example
• Roof Design: Self supporting Dome Example, Umbrella Roof Example
• Seismic Design: Flat Bottom Tank Example, Elevated Pedestal Tank Example
• Anchor Bolt Chair: Design Example
Friday, November 13, 2009
EXCEL 301: FINESSE WEBINAR
Illinois Section AWWA Presents:
EXCEL 301: FINESSE WEBINAR
Thursday, November 19, 2009 – Your Computer
REGISTRATION & HOURS
This training webinar will begin at 12:00pm and conclude by 1:00pm. Earn up to 1 PDH or RTC hour. After registration, attendee will be furnished with all materials and links needed to participate in the webinar.
LOCATION
Webinar - Your Computer
COST
$10.00 for AWWA members
$20.00 for non AWWA members
AGENDA
This class is for operators who have an understanding of Excel and want to finalize their forms in Excel to use for reporting. Creating graphs and charts will also be covered.
Other topics included:
- Create borders
- Add in headers and footers
- Learn how to create a line graph
- Printing
*All Excel classes may be taken individually
SPEAKER
Tammy E. Hellings, MBA, Aqua Illinois, Inc.
Tammy Hellings has been the Production Manager for Aqua Illinois in Kankakee for the past five years. She is in charge of operations as well as engineering projects at the plant and holds an A license. Tammy also teaches management = leadership, business math, and statistics classes to adult learners at Olivet Nazarene University. Tammy holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from Northwestern University and a Master of Business Administration from Olivet Nazarene University.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Lisa Jordan - Education Coordinator
Phone: 866-521-3595x2
Email: lisa@isawwa.org
Fax: 866-521-3591
Website: www.isawwa.org
EXCEL 301: FINESSE WEBINAR
Thursday, November 19, 2009 – Your Computer
REGISTRATION & HOURS
This training webinar will begin at 12:00pm and conclude by 1:00pm. Earn up to 1 PDH or RTC hour. After registration, attendee will be furnished with all materials and links needed to participate in the webinar.
LOCATION
Webinar - Your Computer
COST
$10.00 for AWWA members
$20.00 for non AWWA members
AGENDA
This class is for operators who have an understanding of Excel and want to finalize their forms in Excel to use for reporting. Creating graphs and charts will also be covered.
Other topics included:
- Create borders
- Add in headers and footers
- Learn how to create a line graph
- Printing
*All Excel classes may be taken individually
SPEAKER
Tammy E. Hellings, MBA, Aqua Illinois, Inc.
Tammy Hellings has been the Production Manager for Aqua Illinois in Kankakee for the past five years. She is in charge of operations as well as engineering projects at the plant and holds an A license. Tammy also teaches management = leadership, business math, and statistics classes to adult learners at Olivet Nazarene University. Tammy holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from Northwestern University and a Master of Business Administration from Olivet Nazarene University.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Lisa Jordan - Education Coordinator
Phone: 866-521-3595x2
Email: lisa@isawwa.org
Fax: 866-521-3591
Website: www.isawwa.org
Thursday, November 12, 2009
UNIDIRECTIONAL FLUSHING AND HYDRANT MAINTENANCE
Illinois Section AWWA Presents:
UNIDIRECTIONAL FLUSHING AND HYDRANT MAINTENANCE
Tuesday, November 17, 2009 – Libertyville, IL
REGISTRATION & HOURS
Registration begins at 8:30am. The training will start at 9:00am and will conclude by 3:00pm. Earn up to 5 PDHs or RTC hours. Continental breakfast and lunch will be included.
DATE
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
LOCATION
Libertyville Sports Complex
1950 N Route 45 & Peterson Road
Libertyville, IL 60048
Ph: 847-367-1502
SPEAKERS AND TOPICS
Hydrant Maintenance - Mark Clark, East Jordan
Unidirectional Flushing - John Van Arsdel, M.E. Simpson Co., Inc.
COST
$40.00 for AWWA members
$60.00 for non AWWA members
$70.00 on-site registration
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Lisa Jordan - Education Coordinator
Phone: 866-521-3595x2 - Email: lisa@isawwa.org - Fax: 866-521-3591 -
Website: www.isawwa.org
UNIDIRECTIONAL FLUSHING AND HYDRANT MAINTENANCE
Tuesday, November 17, 2009 – Libertyville, IL
REGISTRATION & HOURS
Registration begins at 8:30am. The training will start at 9:00am and will conclude by 3:00pm. Earn up to 5 PDHs or RTC hours. Continental breakfast and lunch will be included.
DATE
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
LOCATION
Libertyville Sports Complex
1950 N Route 45 & Peterson Road
Libertyville, IL 60048
Ph: 847-367-1502
SPEAKERS AND TOPICS
Hydrant Maintenance - Mark Clark, East Jordan
Unidirectional Flushing - John Van Arsdel, M.E. Simpson Co., Inc.
COST
$40.00 for AWWA members
$60.00 for non AWWA members
$70.00 on-site registration
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Lisa Jordan - Education Coordinator
Phone: 866-521-3595x2 - Email: lisa@isawwa.org - Fax: 866-521-3591 -
Website: www.isawwa.org
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
OSHA 10-HOUR COURSE FOR GENERAL INDUSTRY WEBINAR
Illinois Section AWWA Presents:
OSHA 10-HOUR COURSE FOR GENERAL INDUSTRY WEBINAR
5 Week Course on Mondays Only - Monday, November 16 through Monday, December 14, 2009
REGISTRATION
Each webinar will begin at 11:30am and conclude by 1:30pm. Earn up to 2 PDH or RTC hours per webinar or 10 hours total. After registration, attendee will be furnished with all materials and links needed to participate in the webinar.
LOCATION
WEBINAR - Your Computer
COST
$50.00 for AWWA members
$100.00 for non AWWA members
DATE
MONDAYS ONLY 11:30am - 1:30pm
Monday, November 16 - December 14
AGENDA
November 16: Introduction to OSHA; Walking and Working Surfaces including fall protection
November 23: Exit Routes, Emergency Action Plans, Fire Prevention Plans, and Fire Protection; Electrical (lockout/tagout)
November 30: Personal Protective Equipment; Hazard Communication
December 7: Ergonomics; Confined Space
December 14: Hazardous Materials, Materials Handling, Machine Guarding, Bloodborne Pathogens, and other Safety/OSHA topics
SPEAKER
Jennifer Coon, Tank Industry Consultants
Jennifer Coon has a Master’s of Science degree in Environmental Engineering from Indiana University, with a concentration in Hazardous Materials Management. Her Bachelor’s degree, also from Indiana University, is in Public Affairs with a concentration in Environmental Science. She is a Certified Environmental Trainer and a Certified Hazardous Materials Manager.
Jennifer is the Safety Director for Tank Industry Consultants where she is responsible for developing, communicating, and monitoring TIC’s extensive Health and Safety program. Jennifer authored, updates, and enforces all aspects of TIC’s construction safety program which include Lead in Construction, Hazard Communication, Personal Protective Equipment, Confined Space, and Lockout/Tagout components.
FOR MORE INFORMATION AND REGISTRATION:
Visit www.isawwa.org or contact Lisa via phone, 866-521-3595 ext. 2 or email, lisa@isawwa.org
OSHA 10-HOUR COURSE FOR GENERAL INDUSTRY WEBINAR
5 Week Course on Mondays Only - Monday, November 16 through Monday, December 14, 2009
REGISTRATION
Each webinar will begin at 11:30am and conclude by 1:30pm. Earn up to 2 PDH or RTC hours per webinar or 10 hours total. After registration, attendee will be furnished with all materials and links needed to participate in the webinar.
LOCATION
WEBINAR - Your Computer
COST
$50.00 for AWWA members
$100.00 for non AWWA members
DATE
MONDAYS ONLY 11:30am - 1:30pm
Monday, November 16 - December 14
AGENDA
November 16: Introduction to OSHA; Walking and Working Surfaces including fall protection
November 23: Exit Routes, Emergency Action Plans, Fire Prevention Plans, and Fire Protection; Electrical (lockout/tagout)
November 30: Personal Protective Equipment; Hazard Communication
December 7: Ergonomics; Confined Space
December 14: Hazardous Materials, Materials Handling, Machine Guarding, Bloodborne Pathogens, and other Safety/OSHA topics
SPEAKER
Jennifer Coon, Tank Industry Consultants
Jennifer Coon has a Master’s of Science degree in Environmental Engineering from Indiana University, with a concentration in Hazardous Materials Management. Her Bachelor’s degree, also from Indiana University, is in Public Affairs with a concentration in Environmental Science. She is a Certified Environmental Trainer and a Certified Hazardous Materials Manager.
Jennifer is the Safety Director for Tank Industry Consultants where she is responsible for developing, communicating, and monitoring TIC’s extensive Health and Safety program. Jennifer authored, updates, and enforces all aspects of TIC’s construction safety program which include Lead in Construction, Hazard Communication, Personal Protective Equipment, Confined Space, and Lockout/Tagout components.
FOR MORE INFORMATION AND REGISTRATION:
Visit www.isawwa.org or contact Lisa via phone, 866-521-3595 ext. 2 or email, lisa@isawwa.org
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
BASIC MATH FOR WATER WORKS OPERATORS CLASS C & D - 2 DAY IN DEPTH TRAINING
Illinois Section AWWA Presents:
Wednesday, November 11 & Thursday, November 12, 2009 - St. Charles, IL
REGISTRATION & HOURS
Registration begins at 7:30am. The training will start at 8:00am and will conclude by 4:00pm. Earn up to 7 PDHs or RTC hours per day or 14 total. Continental breakfast and lunch will be included both days.
LOCATION
U of I Extension Office
535 S. Randall Rd.
St. Charles, IL 60174
866-521-3595 ext. 2
COST
$100.00 for AWWA members
$150.00 for non AWWA members
$170.00 on-site registration
ABSTRACT
This class is a more in depth look at the following topics:
• Basic mathematical operations
• Calculation of areas and volume detention times
• Hydraulic mathematics
• Chemical mathematics
SPEAKER
J. Warren Green, P.E., Lockwood Andrews & Newnam, Inc.
Mr. Green is a registered professional engineer with the engineering firm of Lockwood Andrews & Newnam, Inc. responsible for engineering management and supervision of complex water supply, treatment and transmission facility projects. He has guided water system improvements through all necessary phases including feasibility studies, pilot testing, design, financial evaluation, land acquisition, construction, start-up, and operation. Prior to joining his current firm, Mr. Green was responsible for the operation and management of a municipal water system utilizing both surface and ground water supplies. He has taught water operation certification courses for approximately 20 years.
FOR MORE INFORMATION AND REGISTRATION:
Visit www.isawwa.org or contact Lisa via phone, 866-521-3595 ext. 2 or email, lisa@isawwa.org
Wednesday, November 11 & Thursday, November 12, 2009 - St. Charles, IL
REGISTRATION & HOURS
Registration begins at 7:30am. The training will start at 8:00am and will conclude by 4:00pm. Earn up to 7 PDHs or RTC hours per day or 14 total. Continental breakfast and lunch will be included both days.
LOCATION
U of I Extension Office
535 S. Randall Rd.
St. Charles, IL 60174
866-521-3595 ext. 2
COST
$100.00 for AWWA members
$150.00 for non AWWA members
$170.00 on-site registration
ABSTRACT
This class is a more in depth look at the following topics:
• Basic mathematical operations
• Calculation of areas and volume detention times
• Hydraulic mathematics
• Chemical mathematics
SPEAKER
J. Warren Green, P.E., Lockwood Andrews & Newnam, Inc.
Mr. Green is a registered professional engineer with the engineering firm of Lockwood Andrews & Newnam, Inc. responsible for engineering management and supervision of complex water supply, treatment and transmission facility projects. He has guided water system improvements through all necessary phases including feasibility studies, pilot testing, design, financial evaluation, land acquisition, construction, start-up, and operation. Prior to joining his current firm, Mr. Green was responsible for the operation and management of a municipal water system utilizing both surface and ground water supplies. He has taught water operation certification courses for approximately 20 years.
FOR MORE INFORMATION AND REGISTRATION:
Visit www.isawwa.org or contact Lisa via phone, 866-521-3595 ext. 2 or email, lisa@isawwa.org
Monday, November 9, 2009
INTRODUCTION TO WATER CONSERVATION WEBINAR Tuesday, November 10, 2009 - Your Computer
Illinois Section AWWA Presents:
INTRODUCTION TO WATER CONSERVATION WEBINAR
Tuesday, November 10, 2009 - Your Computer
Also Missouri Section AWWA Approved!
Water Conservation is becoming a relevant topic in the Midwest and there is a lot to learn both as a water user and a water industry professional. This introductory presentation will include 50 minutes of content related to basic water conservation principles and practices as well as regional drivers and regulations.
REGISTRATION & HOURS
This training webinar will begin at 12:00pm and conclude by 1:00pm. Earn up to 1 PDH or RTC hour. After registration, attendee will be furnished with all materials and links needed to participate in the webinar.
COST
$10.00 for AWWA members
$20.00 for non AWWA members
SPEAKER
Catherine Hurley, MWH Americas, Inc.
Catherine Hurley is a Senior Civil Engineer with MWH located in Chicago, IL and has over five years of experience in the water/wastewater industry. She graduated from the University of Dayton with a Bachelor of Civil Engineering in 2003 and is a registered professional engineer in Illinois. Her technical experience includes water, wastewater and water resources projects on both the planning and design side.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Lisa Jordan, Education Coordinator
Phone: 866-521-3595 ext. 2
Email: lisa@isawwa.org
Fax: 866-521-3591
Website: www.isawwa.org
INTRODUCTION TO WATER CONSERVATION WEBINAR
Tuesday, November 10, 2009 - Your Computer
Also Missouri Section AWWA Approved!
Water Conservation is becoming a relevant topic in the Midwest and there is a lot to learn both as a water user and a water industry professional. This introductory presentation will include 50 minutes of content related to basic water conservation principles and practices as well as regional drivers and regulations.
REGISTRATION & HOURS
This training webinar will begin at 12:00pm and conclude by 1:00pm. Earn up to 1 PDH or RTC hour. After registration, attendee will be furnished with all materials and links needed to participate in the webinar.
COST
$10.00 for AWWA members
$20.00 for non AWWA members
SPEAKER
Catherine Hurley, MWH Americas, Inc.
Catherine Hurley is a Senior Civil Engineer with MWH located in Chicago, IL and has over five years of experience in the water/wastewater industry. She graduated from the University of Dayton with a Bachelor of Civil Engineering in 2003 and is a registered professional engineer in Illinois. Her technical experience includes water, wastewater and water resources projects on both the planning and design side.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Lisa Jordan, Education Coordinator
Phone: 866-521-3595 ext. 2
Email: lisa@isawwa.org
Fax: 866-521-3591
Website: www.isawwa.org
INTRODUCTION TO WATER CONSERVATION WEBINAR Tuesday, November 10, 2009 - Your Computer
Illinois Section AWWA Presents:
INTRODUCTION TO WATER CONSERVATION WEBINAR
Tuesday, November 10, 2009 - Your Computer
Also Missouri Section AWWA Approved!
REGISTRATION & HOURS
This training webinar will begin at 12:00pm and conclude by 1:00pm. Earn up to 1 PDH or RTC hour. After registration, attendee will be furnished with all materials and links needed to participate in the webinar.
COST
$10.00 for AWWA members
$20.00 for non AWWA members
SPEAKER
Catherine Hurley, MWH Americas, Inc.
Catherine Hurley is a Senior Civil Engineer with MWH located in Chicago, IL and has over five years of experience in the water/wastewater industry. She graduated from the University of Dayton with a Bachelor of Civil Engineering in 2003 and is a registered professional engineer in Illinois. Her technical experience includes water, wastewater and water resources projects on both the planning and design side.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Lisa Jordan, Education Coordinator
Phone: 866-521-3595 ext. 2
Email: lisa@isawwa.org
Fax: 866-521-3591
Website: www.isawwa.org
INTRODUCTION TO WATER CONSERVATION WEBINAR
Tuesday, November 10, 2009 - Your Computer
Also Missouri Section AWWA Approved!
REGISTRATION & HOURS
This training webinar will begin at 12:00pm and conclude by 1:00pm. Earn up to 1 PDH or RTC hour. After registration, attendee will be furnished with all materials and links needed to participate in the webinar.
COST
$10.00 for AWWA members
$20.00 for non AWWA members
SPEAKER
Catherine Hurley, MWH Americas, Inc.
Catherine Hurley is a Senior Civil Engineer with MWH located in Chicago, IL and has over five years of experience in the water/wastewater industry. She graduated from the University of Dayton with a Bachelor of Civil Engineering in 2003 and is a registered professional engineer in Illinois. Her technical experience includes water, wastewater and water resources projects on both the planning and design side.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Lisa Jordan, Education Coordinator
Phone: 866-521-3595 ext. 2
Email: lisa@isawwa.org
Fax: 866-521-3591
Website: www.isawwa.org
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
T&O CAUSES AND TREATMENT - Edwardsville - Il. Nov. 3
Illinois Section AWWA Presents:
T&O CAUSES AND TREATMENT
Tuesday, November 3, 2009 - Edwardsville, IL
REGISTRATION & HOURS
Registration begins at 8:30am. The training will start at 9:00am and will conclude by 3:00pm. Earn up to 5 PDHs or RTC hours. Continental breakfast and lunch will be included.
LOCATION
Environmental Resources Training Center
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
5618 New Poag Road
Edwardsville IL 62026
Ph: 618-650-2030
COST
$40.00 for AWWA members
$60.00 for non AWWA members
$70.00 on-site registration
SPEAKERS
Kim Lucas, City Water, Light & Power
Bill Bosler, City of Charleston Water Treatment Plant
Michael Christensen, SolarBee Inc. Dickinson ND
Vince Verdone, Pristine Water Solutions
AGENDA
Tastes and odors in the drinking water represent a leading source of customer complaints at water utilities. Objectionable tastes and odors are perceived by many customers as an indication the water could be unsafe to drink. This seminar will provide methods for determining the causes of tastes and odors in potable water, as well as treatment responses. We will also discuss how to deal with customer complaints and solve the most common complaints.
FOR MORE INFORMATION AND REGISTRATION:
ontact Lisa via phone, 866-521-3595 ext. 2 or email, lisa@isawwa.org
T&O CAUSES AND TREATMENT
Tuesday, November 3, 2009 - Edwardsville, IL
REGISTRATION & HOURS
Registration begins at 8:30am. The training will start at 9:00am and will conclude by 3:00pm. Earn up to 5 PDHs or RTC hours. Continental breakfast and lunch will be included.
LOCATION
Environmental Resources Training Center
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
5618 New Poag Road
Edwardsville IL 62026
Ph: 618-650-2030
COST
$40.00 for AWWA members
$60.00 for non AWWA members
$70.00 on-site registration
SPEAKERS
Kim Lucas, City Water, Light & Power
Bill Bosler, City of Charleston Water Treatment Plant
Michael Christensen, SolarBee Inc. Dickinson ND
Vince Verdone, Pristine Water Solutions
AGENDA
Tastes and odors in the drinking water represent a leading source of customer complaints at water utilities. Objectionable tastes and odors are perceived by many customers as an indication the water could be unsafe to drink. This seminar will provide methods for determining the causes of tastes and odors in potable water, as well as treatment responses. We will also discuss how to deal with customer complaints and solve the most common complaints.
FOR MORE INFORMATION AND REGISTRATION:
ontact Lisa via phone, 866-521-3595 ext. 2 or email, lisa@isawwa.org
Thursday, October 15, 2009
METERS A TO Z Thursday, October 20 - Bloomington, IL
Illinois Section AWWA Presents:
METERS A TO Z
Thursday, October 20, 2009 - Bloomington, IL
REGISTRATION & HOURS
Registration begins at 8:30am. The training will start at 9:00am and will conclude by 3:00pm. Earn up to 5 PDHs or RTC hours. Continental breakfast and lunch will be included.
LOCATION
Doubletree Hotel and Conference
Center Bloomington Illinois
10 Brickyard Drive
Bloomington, IL 61701
Ph: 309-664-6446
COST
$40.00 for AWWA members
$60.00 for non AWWA members
$70.00 for on-site registration
SPEAKER
John H. Van Arsdel, M.E. Simpson Co., Inc.
AGENDA
Accurate water measurement is the means by which water utilities produce revenue to cover expenses, charge each customer equitably, prevent waste of water, and minimize the load on wastewater facilities. During this intensive one-day seminar we will explore meters from A to Z.
• What is a water meter?
• Things water meters do
• A water meter only does two things, register and record
• Types of water meters
• Fire service metering
• Sensus Fireline Meter or the Neptune Protectus Meter
• Application’s for water meters
• Sizing of water meters
• Meter testing
• Repair or replacement
• Conclusion and remarks
FOR MORE INFORMATION AND REGISTRATION:
Visit www.isawwa.org or contact Lisa via phone, 866-521-3595 ext. 2 or email, lisa@isawwa.org
METERS A TO Z
Thursday, October 20, 2009 - Bloomington, IL
REGISTRATION & HOURS
Registration begins at 8:30am. The training will start at 9:00am and will conclude by 3:00pm. Earn up to 5 PDHs or RTC hours. Continental breakfast and lunch will be included.
LOCATION
Doubletree Hotel and Conference
Center Bloomington Illinois
10 Brickyard Drive
Bloomington, IL 61701
Ph: 309-664-6446
COST
$40.00 for AWWA members
$60.00 for non AWWA members
$70.00 for on-site registration
SPEAKER
John H. Van Arsdel, M.E. Simpson Co., Inc.
AGENDA
Accurate water measurement is the means by which water utilities produce revenue to cover expenses, charge each customer equitably, prevent waste of water, and minimize the load on wastewater facilities. During this intensive one-day seminar we will explore meters from A to Z.
• What is a water meter?
• Things water meters do
• A water meter only does two things, register and record
• Types of water meters
• Fire service metering
• Sensus Fireline Meter or the Neptune Protectus Meter
• Application’s for water meters
• Sizing of water meters
• Meter testing
• Repair or replacement
• Conclusion and remarks
FOR MORE INFORMATION AND REGISTRATION:
Visit www.isawwa.org or contact Lisa via phone, 866-521-3595 ext. 2 or email, lisa@isawwa.org
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Water Storage Tank Seminar - St. Charles Illinois
WATER STORAGE TANKS
Tuesday, October 27, 2009 - St. Charles, IL
REGISTRATION & HOURS
Registration begins at 8:30am. The training will start at 9:00am and will conclude by 3:00pm. Earn up to 5 PDHs or RTC hours. Continental breakfast and lunch will be included.
DATES & LOCATIONS
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
University of Illinois Extension Office
(Next to ISAWWA Office)
535 South Randall Road
St. Charles, IL 60174
866-521-3595 x2
COST
$40.00 for AWWA members
$60.00 for non AWWA members
$70.00 on-site registration
SPEAKER
Erik Otten, Taylor Coating
James Dooley, Corrpro Companies
Ira Gabin, Dixon Engineering
AGENDA
Protective coatings and linings for the interior and exterior of water storage tanks - Erik Otten
Corrosion Basics and Cathodic Protection System Applications for Water Storage Tanks - James Dooley
Design and Maintenance Considerations for Water Storage Cellular Antenna Installations - Ira Gabin
Water Storage Tank Inspection Basics and Comparison of Drained and Underwater Inspection Methods - Ira Gabin
New Storage Tank Selection: Review of Available Styles, Relative Advantages, and Life Cycle Maintenance Cost Analysis - Ira Gabin
FOR MORE INFORMATION AND REGISTRATION:
Visit www.isawwa.org or contact Lisa via phone, 866-521-3595 ext. 2 or email, lisa@isawwa.org
Tuesday, October 27, 2009 - St. Charles, IL
REGISTRATION & HOURS
Registration begins at 8:30am. The training will start at 9:00am and will conclude by 3:00pm. Earn up to 5 PDHs or RTC hours. Continental breakfast and lunch will be included.
DATES & LOCATIONS
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
University of Illinois Extension Office
(Next to ISAWWA Office)
535 South Randall Road
St. Charles, IL 60174
866-521-3595 x2
COST
$40.00 for AWWA members
$60.00 for non AWWA members
$70.00 on-site registration
SPEAKER
Erik Otten, Taylor Coating
James Dooley, Corrpro Companies
Ira Gabin, Dixon Engineering
AGENDA
Protective coatings and linings for the interior and exterior of water storage tanks - Erik Otten
Corrosion Basics and Cathodic Protection System Applications for Water Storage Tanks - James Dooley
Design and Maintenance Considerations for Water Storage Cellular Antenna Installations - Ira Gabin
Water Storage Tank Inspection Basics and Comparison of Drained and Underwater Inspection Methods - Ira Gabin
New Storage Tank Selection: Review of Available Styles, Relative Advantages, and Life Cycle Maintenance Cost Analysis - Ira Gabin
FOR MORE INFORMATION AND REGISTRATION:
Visit www.isawwa.org or contact Lisa via phone, 866-521-3595 ext. 2 or email, lisa@isawwa.org
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Request for Lobbying Assistants - HR3248
The House Subcommittee on Energy and Environment will on Wednesday conduct a “markup” hearing on HR3258, the Drinking Water System Security Act. This is the bill that would create a new chemical security program for drinking water utilities. We still have outstanding concerns over this bill, primarily over provisions that would place the final decision on what chemicals and processes a water utility could use with state officials, or the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency if the state fails to make a decision. A “markup” is a hearing in which a committee or subcommittee accepts or rejects amendments and then votes to send bill language either a full committee or the full House.
While the committee has made some improvements to the bill due to concerns you all have expressed, these provisions, under the section titled “Methods to Reduce the Consequences of an Chemical Release from an Intentional Act” remain a concern. We understand that some amendments to address our concerns will likely be offered. AWWA members are urged to call, fax or e-mail their members of Congress immediately to say that water treatment choices must be made locally. A draft letter follows.
October 12, 2009
The Honorable Xxxxx, XXXXXXX,
U.S. House of Representatives
Dear Representative Xxxxxxxx,
As the House Subcommittee on Energy and Environment prepares to mark up HR3258, I ask you to support amendment of the bill to preserve the ability of communities to make their own decisions regarding the treatment of local drinking water. I have first-hand, on-the-ground experience in this as a provider of safe water to XX,XXX people in your district.
In HR3258 there are provisions titled “Methods to Reduce the Consequences of a Chemical Release from an Intentional Act.” These provisions would place the final decision on which materials – primarily disinfectants – or processes a drinking water utility may use with state drinking water primacy agencies.
Drinking water utilities tailor their treatment and distribution processes according to regulatory obligations (such as the federal requirement to use chlorine in some form and to achieve certain levels of disinfection), to critical variations in source water characteristics (such as temperatures, pH, pathogens, etc.), and to other local factors (such as delivery options for disinfectant chemicals, the need to maintain reserve supplies in the event of supply interruption, spatial limitations at the plant site, local ambient temperatures that affect the “shelf life” of chemicals and the attendant chemical degradation and breakdown products, etc.
We also ask that you support amendments that would
• strengthen criminal penalties for disclosure of sensitive information to make them similar to such penalties under the Bioterrorism Act of 2002;
• prevent discovery of sensitive information through civil suits filed via Safe Drinking Water Act citizen suit provisions; and
• provide an appeals process for utilities in case amendments to preserve local decisionmaking are defeated.
We look forward to hearing from you on this issue, and offer the expertise of our staff to further discuss how water utilities choose the materials and processes that we use to provide safe and sufficient water to the people in our community.
Sincerely,
While the committee has made some improvements to the bill due to concerns you all have expressed, these provisions, under the section titled “Methods to Reduce the Consequences of an Chemical Release from an Intentional Act” remain a concern. We understand that some amendments to address our concerns will likely be offered. AWWA members are urged to call, fax or e-mail their members of Congress immediately to say that water treatment choices must be made locally. A draft letter follows.
October 12, 2009
The Honorable Xxxxx, XXXXXXX,
U.S. House of Representatives
Dear Representative Xxxxxxxx,
As the House Subcommittee on Energy and Environment prepares to mark up HR3258, I ask you to support amendment of the bill to preserve the ability of communities to make their own decisions regarding the treatment of local drinking water. I have first-hand, on-the-ground experience in this as a provider of safe water to XX,XXX people in your district.
In HR3258 there are provisions titled “Methods to Reduce the Consequences of a Chemical Release from an Intentional Act.” These provisions would place the final decision on which materials – primarily disinfectants – or processes a drinking water utility may use with state drinking water primacy agencies.
Drinking water utilities tailor their treatment and distribution processes according to regulatory obligations (such as the federal requirement to use chlorine in some form and to achieve certain levels of disinfection), to critical variations in source water characteristics (such as temperatures, pH, pathogens, etc.), and to other local factors (such as delivery options for disinfectant chemicals, the need to maintain reserve supplies in the event of supply interruption, spatial limitations at the plant site, local ambient temperatures that affect the “shelf life” of chemicals and the attendant chemical degradation and breakdown products, etc.
We also ask that you support amendments that would
• strengthen criminal penalties for disclosure of sensitive information to make them similar to such penalties under the Bioterrorism Act of 2002;
• prevent discovery of sensitive information through civil suits filed via Safe Drinking Water Act citizen suit provisions; and
• provide an appeals process for utilities in case amendments to preserve local decisionmaking are defeated.
We look forward to hearing from you on this issue, and offer the expertise of our staff to further discuss how water utilities choose the materials and processes that we use to provide safe and sufficient water to the people in our community.
Sincerely,
Monday, October 5, 2009
NIMS 100 & 700 FREE TRAINING
Illinois Section AWWA Presents:
NIMS 100 & 700 FREE TRAINING
Wednesday, October 14, 2009 - Elgin, IL
REGISTRATION & HOURS
Registration begins at 8:30am. The training will start at 9:00am and will conclude by 4:00pm. Earn up to 6 PDHs or RTC hours. Continental breakfast and lunch will be included.
LOCATION
Heritage Ballroom at the Centre of Elgin
West Conference Room
100 Symphony Way
Elgin, IL 60120
Ph: 847-531-7000
COST
This class is offered FREE of charge
CAPACITY IS LIMITED
REGISTRATION CLOSES 1 WEEK PRIOR
NO ONSITE REGISTRATION
SPEAKER
Greg Benson, Battalion chief with the Elgin Fire Department
AGENDA
• Introductions and Course Expectations
• ICS Basics
• Incident Typing, Expanding Incidents, Communications, Briefings, Resource Typing and Transfer of Command
• ICS Q&A
• IS-100 Exam for FEMA certification
• National Incident Management System (NIMS) Introduction
• NIMS Preparedness, Communication. Information Management and Resource Management
• NIMS Command and Management, and Ongoing Management & Maintenance
• NIMS Q&A
• IS-700 Exam for FEMA certification
FOR MORE INFORMATION AND REGISTRATION:
contact Lisa via phone, 866-521-3595 ext. 2
NIMS 100 & 700 FREE TRAINING
Wednesday, October 14, 2009 - Elgin, IL
REGISTRATION & HOURS
Registration begins at 8:30am. The training will start at 9:00am and will conclude by 4:00pm. Earn up to 6 PDHs or RTC hours. Continental breakfast and lunch will be included.
LOCATION
Heritage Ballroom at the Centre of Elgin
West Conference Room
100 Symphony Way
Elgin, IL 60120
Ph: 847-531-7000
COST
This class is offered FREE of charge
CAPACITY IS LIMITED
REGISTRATION CLOSES 1 WEEK PRIOR
NO ONSITE REGISTRATION
SPEAKER
Greg Benson, Battalion chief with the Elgin Fire Department
AGENDA
• Introductions and Course Expectations
• ICS Basics
• Incident Typing, Expanding Incidents, Communications, Briefings, Resource Typing and Transfer of Command
• ICS Q&A
• IS-100 Exam for FEMA certification
• National Incident Management System (NIMS) Introduction
• NIMS Preparedness, Communication. Information Management and Resource Management
• NIMS Command and Management, and Ongoing Management & Maintenance
• NIMS Q&A
• IS-700 Exam for FEMA certification
FOR MORE INFORMATION AND REGISTRATION:
contact Lisa via phone, 866-521-3595 ext. 2
Monday, September 28, 2009
Plumbing Basics - Seminar - Joliet - Oct 6
Illinois Section AWWA Presents:
PLUMBING BASICS
Tuesday, October 6, 2009 - Joliet, IL
REGISTRATION & HOURS
Registration begins at 8:30am. The training will start at 9:00am and will conclude at 3:00pm. Earn up to 5 PDHs or RTC hours. Continental breakfast and lunch will be included.
LOCATION
Strand Engineering Office, 1170 Houbolt Road, Joliet, IL 60431
Ph: 815-744-4200
COST
$40.00 for AWWA members $60.00 for non AWWA members $70.00 for on-site registration
SPEAKER
Tom Tapella, Utilities, Inc. Tom is a Licensed Journeyman Plumber in Illinois and Licensed Plumbing Contractor in Indiana having worked as a plumber since 1993. Tom has performed work as a Plumber, Lead Plumber, Working Foreman and Plumbing Business Owner. In 2007 Tom left the plumbing field to become a Construction Inspector for Utilities Inc. and currently holds the position of Midwest Regional Manager.
AGENDA
Basic Plumbing Systems • Water Systems: Common materials used, Soldering pipe and valves, Sizing water piping and meters • Drain, Waste and Vent Systems: Common materials used, Sizing DWV piping, Gravity drains • Pumps: Sumps, Ejectors, Lift Stations • Illegal Cross Connections • Plumbing Diagnostics: Low Water Pressure, Slow Drains, High Water Consumption. Fixture Values
FOR MORE INFORMATION AND REGISTRATION: To register - contact Lisa via phone, 866-521-3595 ext. 2
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Chemical Security Hearing Scheduled for October 1
September 18, 2009
Chemical Security Hearing Scheduled for October 1
Staff for the House Committee on Energy and Commerce say the first hearing on legislation that would create a chemical security program for drinking water utilities will take place on October 1. The bill would place utilities into risk-based tiers, require utilities to assess their risks, and require utilities in the highest risk tiers to “justify” their choice of disinfectant chemicals. State drinking water regulators would be empowered to order utilities in the highest-risk tiers to switch to chemicals they considered safer, such as switching from gas chlorine to sodium hypochlorite.
The bill, H.R. 3258, or Drinking Water System Security Act, would place the program under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Parallel legislation moving through the House, H.R. 2868, would renew the existing chemical facility security program for the chemical industry and create a new program for wastewater treatment utilities, all under the jurisdiction of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). AWWA has urged the House to place drinking water and wastewater utilities under the same federal agency.
Officials from EPA and DHS announced this week that the Obama Administration wants to see both drinking water and wastewater under EPA jurisdiction for purposes of chemical security regulation. The Administration would like to see EPA adapt DHS’s current security program (called the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards or CFATS program) to the water sector, in consultation with DHS.
AWWA has told the committee that many local factors go into the choice of disinfectant chemicals, and the Association strongly believes the decision should be an informed local one, after review of all relevant factors.
If you agree that the final decision concerning which chemicals to use in
disinfection should remain with local officials after a review of all relevant factors, you are urged to communicate that to your Representative immediately.
AWWA’s letter to the Committee, which you may adapt for your use, is posted in the Government Affairs section of the AWWA website. A copy also follows.
AWWA Submits Perchlorate Comments
After review by the Water Utility Council, the Washington Office submitted comments today on EPA’s supplemental request for input on perchlorate, published August 3 in the Federal Register (74 FR41833). These comments build upon our previous comments submitted in 2008 on EPA’s preliminary regulatory determination to not regulate perchlorate in drinking water. Today’s submission restates our previous comments that supporting that determination, as we believe regulating perchlorate in drinking water would not present a “meaningful opportunity for public health risk reduction” as required by the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). The underlying public health issue is iodide deficiency, and that would not be meaningfully addressed through the regulation of the minor source of exposure that drinking water represents.
Sewers May be Superfund Sites
A U.S. district court in California has ruled that a city sewer is not excluded from the definition of “facility” under “Superfund” law. The Sept. 8 ruling ( Adobe Lumber Inc. v. Hellman, E.D. Cal., No. 05-1510) by the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California means that the owner of a contaminated site can pursue a municipality for the cost of cleaning up contaminants that leaked from that city’s sewer pipes. “Superfund” is shorthand for the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA). Under Superfund, each party deemed responsible for any part of the contamination can be held liable for all or any portion of the costs associated with cleaning the entire site to Superfund standards, a concept known as “joint, strict, and several liability.” Superfund cleanup standards include restoring underground sources of water to any applicable drinking water standards.
In this case, contamination was caused by a dry cleaner that had been dumping perchloroethylene (PCE) into a drain that led to the city sewer system. In 2001, the property’s owner, Adobe Lumber Inc.,learned that the soil and groundwater on the property were contaminated with volatile organic compounds, including PCE. Adobe sued the city under CERCLA, alleging that the PCE reached the soil and groundwater through leaking sewer pipes. The city sought a summary judgment on the grounds that CERCLA exempted the sewer from the definition of “facility.” The court found otherwise, relying on legislative language which provides: The term “facility” means (A) any building, structure, installation, equipment, pipe or pipeline (including any pipe into a sewer or publicly owned treatment works), well, pit, pond, lagoon, impoundment, ditch, landfill, storage container, motor vehicle, rolling stock, or aircraft, or (B) any site or area where a hazardous substance has been deposited, stored, disposed of, or placed, or otherwise come to be located; but does not include any consumer product in consumer use or any vessel.
This is obviously a big deal for wastewater utilities and we will monitor this case closely.
Washington Office to Begin Government Affairs Blog
Soon your Government Affairs staff will begin a trial run at a government affairs blog, called Washington On Tap, on the AWWA web site. This will involve occasional postings on issues of concern and timely topics, and an opportunity for our members to post in response. As always, please contact your AWWA Washington Office if you have questions or comments.
Sections August 11, 2009
The Honorable Henry A. Waxman
Chair
The Honorable Joe Barton
Ranking Member
Committee on Energy and Commerce
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, D.C.
Dear Mr. Chairman and Mr. Ranking Member,
As the House Committee on Energy and Commerce addresses the issue of chemical security at our nation’s drinking water utilities via H.R. 3258, the American Water Works Association (AWWA) would like to thank you for meeting with us in the development of this legislation, and to share our thoughts about ways in which the bill could be even further improved. We would appreciate this letter being included in the Committee’s hearing record on this bill.
First, AWWA thanks the Committee for the open manner in which chemical security legislative language has been developed over the past few months. We appreciate having been able to provide some input to the issues contained in the bill. We have seen significant improvements in the legislation as it was being drafted. We still have concerns, but we look forward to continuing this dialogue with the Committee in a constructive manner.
In particular, we thank the Committee for two significant improvements in the draft bill. First, we appreciate the fact that disclosure of sensitive information is now a criminal violation in the bill rather than merely a civil one. The public disclosure of a vulnerability assessment or a site security plan is equivalent to publishing a handbook on how to sabotage a specific drinking water treatment plant or distribution system, thereby endangering employees and local citizens.
Prohibiting the disclosure of this information is extremely important, and criminal penalties are appropriate for its unauthorized disclosure.
Second, we also believe the provisions of H.R. 3258 under “Methods to Reduce the Consequences of a Chemical Release from an Intentional Act” have been improved. Early drafts gave the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency the ability to decide which materials and processes a local utility would use in treating and distributing drinking water. As currently drafted, the bill would place the final decision on this matter with state drinking water primacy agencies. State regulators do have greater working knowledge of environmental and other local issues affecting the choice of disinfectant chemicals and processes than do federal officials.
Having said that, we continue to have significant concerns over this provision and believe further changes would significantly improve the bill.
For example, the states will likely be unable to exercise their authority over the choice of disinfectants absent a significant commitment of federal resources to support this work. The bill promises an unspecified amount, and only for the first year. We urge you to work with the Association of State Drinking Water Administrators to ensure that adequate funds are authorized for states to exercise these provisions, if they remain in the bill. There are also significant limitations on state authority built into the bill, such as federal (not state) determination of when a utility “methods” analysis is complete, and federal authority to override the state if EPA determines that the state has not made a timely decision.
Finally and very importantly, the factors the states are allowed to consider in making its decision are limited, and do not allow for a full consideration of risk-risk tradeoffs, risk shifting, and unintended consequences for community impacts and for public health. These must be taken into account, given the serious potential consequences of altering long-established disinfection
practices without fully considering all aspects of the change.
An Informed Local Decision is the Best Approach
AWWA continues to strongly believe the best approach to the issue of reducing the consequences of an intentional release is to require local officials to make an informed decision concerning disinfectant chemicals and processes after a full analysis. Drinking water utilities tailor their treatment and distribution processes according to regulatory obligations (such as the federal requirement to use chlorine in some form and to achieve certain levels of disinfection), to critical variations in source water characteristics (such as temperatures, pH, pathogens, etc.), and to other local factors (such as delivery options for disinfectant chemicals, the need to maintain reserve supplies in the event of supply interruption, spatial limitations at the plant site, local ambient temperatures that affect the “shelf life” of chemicals and the attendant chemical degradation and breakdown products, etc.). Another issue that may be of concern to the Committee is the “energy profile” of disinfection alternatives. For example, many alternatives require significantly greater electricity inputs, compared to gas chlorine, and would thus work contrary to efforts to reduce the utility’s carbon footprint. All of these factors and others must be taken into account in selecting disinfectant processes.
We want to emphasize that many utilities can change disinfection processes without compromising the safety of the community drinking water supply. Indeed, many have already done so. But where that has been done, it has been done as an informed local decision after careful study and full consideration of many important local factors, such as those identified above. Local officials are in the best position to evaluate these factors and to weigh the risk tradeoffs, feasibility, and full range of consequences associated with the available disinfection processes. So while having the state approve this decision is better than having EPA do it, we think the decision is so dependent on local factors and so critical to water safety, that it is vastly better to require an informed local decision.
In order to help utilities and local elected officials undertake an analysis of disinfectant choices and reach an informed decision, AWWA has recently released guidance titled “Selecting Disinfectants in a Security-Conscious Environment” to aid utilities with this decision process. We believe that this guide substantially advances the Committee’s objectives on this issue, and we offer it to the Committee to cite in bill report language as an example of a tool utilities can use in conducting assessments of alternative materials and processes.
The bill could also be improved in a number of other respects:
An Appeal Process is Needed
If the decision of whether to implement alternative methods or materials in water treatment is to remain with state officials, we believe a state-level administrative appeals process should be included in the bill to address disagreements between a water utility and the state. We would be willing to work with the Committee and representatives of state agencies to find an appropriate administrative appeals process, as is found in other environmental laws.
Sensitive Information Must be Better Protected
As noted above, disclosure of sensitive information under H.R. 3258 would be approximately equivalent to a Class A misdemeanor, meaning those found guilty of such a crime would face not more than one year in prison and a fine up to $10,000. AWWA believes it would be more appropriate to consider such a disclosure as tampering with a water system, consistent with the provisions of 42 USC 300i-1, as amended by the 2002 Bioterrorism Act. This would mean that conviction would result in imprisonment for not more than 10 years and a civil penalty of not more than $1,000,000 for such tampering, or not more than $100,000 for attempting or threatening such actions. This would provide an appropriate level of deterrence to such dangerous disclosures.
One Federal Agency Should Oversee Water and Wastewater
Many local governments, such as cities or townships, operate drinking water and wastewater utilities under a single agency or department. In some instances, communities are served by a joint drinking water/wastewater utility that is privately owned or investor owned. In either case, we urge the Committee on Energy and Commerce to work with other House committees to place both drinking water and wastewater utilities under the jurisdiction of one federal entity for the purposes of this bill, respecting, of course, the role of state agencies. This would enable more efficient implementation at the local level, and eliminate the need for officials at joint water and wastewater utilities to operate under the jurisdiction of two different federal agencies for chemical security.
Outsider Participation is Not Appropriate
We agree that supervisory and non-supervisory employees should be included in the development of vulnerability assessments and site security plans because of their hands-on, working knowledge of a facility’s operation. However, we do not agree with H.R. 3258’s specific inclusion in these processes of employee bargaining agents that may not themselves be employees of the utility. As mentioned earlier, there is very sensitive information involved. Therefore, access to this information must be restricted to as few people as necessary, and only to those for whom there is a direct “need to know.” Many entities, including AWWA, have significant expertise, tools and guidance in the area of security and preparedness, and make these accessible to utilities and their employees. However, we do not seek – and cannot support provisions – to mandate the participation of specific types of organizations and/or their representatives from outside the utility itself. If employee safety is a concern with regard to this issue, we note that water utilities already must comply with extensive regulations for employee safety and training under the Occupational Safety and Health Act and the Clean Air Act.
Again, we thank the Committee for the opportunity to comment and we offer the expertise of our membership as the Committee’s work continues. AWWA is an international non-profit, scientific and educational society dedicated to the improvement of drinking water quality and supply. Our 60,000 members include more than 4,600 utilities that supply roughly 80 percent of the American people with safe drinking water. Many of our utility members also provide sewer and sanitation services.
Sincerely,
Tom Curtis
Deputy Executive Director for Government Affairs
Cc/Members, House Committee on Energy and Commerce
Chemical Security Hearing Scheduled for October 1
Staff for the House Committee on Energy and Commerce say the first hearing on legislation that would create a chemical security program for drinking water utilities will take place on October 1. The bill would place utilities into risk-based tiers, require utilities to assess their risks, and require utilities in the highest risk tiers to “justify” their choice of disinfectant chemicals. State drinking water regulators would be empowered to order utilities in the highest-risk tiers to switch to chemicals they considered safer, such as switching from gas chlorine to sodium hypochlorite.
The bill, H.R. 3258, or Drinking Water System Security Act, would place the program under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Parallel legislation moving through the House, H.R. 2868, would renew the existing chemical facility security program for the chemical industry and create a new program for wastewater treatment utilities, all under the jurisdiction of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). AWWA has urged the House to place drinking water and wastewater utilities under the same federal agency.
Officials from EPA and DHS announced this week that the Obama Administration wants to see both drinking water and wastewater under EPA jurisdiction for purposes of chemical security regulation. The Administration would like to see EPA adapt DHS’s current security program (called the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards or CFATS program) to the water sector, in consultation with DHS.
AWWA has told the committee that many local factors go into the choice of disinfectant chemicals, and the Association strongly believes the decision should be an informed local one, after review of all relevant factors.
If you agree that the final decision concerning which chemicals to use in
disinfection should remain with local officials after a review of all relevant factors, you are urged to communicate that to your Representative immediately.
AWWA’s letter to the Committee, which you may adapt for your use, is posted in the Government Affairs section of the AWWA website. A copy also follows.
AWWA Submits Perchlorate Comments
After review by the Water Utility Council, the Washington Office submitted comments today on EPA’s supplemental request for input on perchlorate, published August 3 in the Federal Register (74 FR41833). These comments build upon our previous comments submitted in 2008 on EPA’s preliminary regulatory determination to not regulate perchlorate in drinking water. Today’s submission restates our previous comments that supporting that determination, as we believe regulating perchlorate in drinking water would not present a “meaningful opportunity for public health risk reduction” as required by the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). The underlying public health issue is iodide deficiency, and that would not be meaningfully addressed through the regulation of the minor source of exposure that drinking water represents.
Sewers May be Superfund Sites
A U.S. district court in California has ruled that a city sewer is not excluded from the definition of “facility” under “Superfund” law. The Sept. 8 ruling ( Adobe Lumber Inc. v. Hellman, E.D. Cal., No. 05-1510) by the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California means that the owner of a contaminated site can pursue a municipality for the cost of cleaning up contaminants that leaked from that city’s sewer pipes. “Superfund” is shorthand for the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA). Under Superfund, each party deemed responsible for any part of the contamination can be held liable for all or any portion of the costs associated with cleaning the entire site to Superfund standards, a concept known as “joint, strict, and several liability.” Superfund cleanup standards include restoring underground sources of water to any applicable drinking water standards.
In this case, contamination was caused by a dry cleaner that had been dumping perchloroethylene (PCE) into a drain that led to the city sewer system. In 2001, the property’s owner, Adobe Lumber Inc.,learned that the soil and groundwater on the property were contaminated with volatile organic compounds, including PCE. Adobe sued the city under CERCLA, alleging that the PCE reached the soil and groundwater through leaking sewer pipes. The city sought a summary judgment on the grounds that CERCLA exempted the sewer from the definition of “facility.” The court found otherwise, relying on legislative language which provides: The term “facility” means (A) any building, structure, installation, equipment, pipe or pipeline (including any pipe into a sewer or publicly owned treatment works), well, pit, pond, lagoon, impoundment, ditch, landfill, storage container, motor vehicle, rolling stock, or aircraft, or (B) any site or area where a hazardous substance has been deposited, stored, disposed of, or placed, or otherwise come to be located; but does not include any consumer product in consumer use or any vessel.
This is obviously a big deal for wastewater utilities and we will monitor this case closely.
Washington Office to Begin Government Affairs Blog
Soon your Government Affairs staff will begin a trial run at a government affairs blog, called Washington On Tap, on the AWWA web site. This will involve occasional postings on issues of concern and timely topics, and an opportunity for our members to post in response. As always, please contact your AWWA Washington Office if you have questions or comments.
Sections August 11, 2009
The Honorable Henry A. Waxman
Chair
The Honorable Joe Barton
Ranking Member
Committee on Energy and Commerce
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, D.C.
Dear Mr. Chairman and Mr. Ranking Member,
As the House Committee on Energy and Commerce addresses the issue of chemical security at our nation’s drinking water utilities via H.R. 3258, the American Water Works Association (AWWA) would like to thank you for meeting with us in the development of this legislation, and to share our thoughts about ways in which the bill could be even further improved. We would appreciate this letter being included in the Committee’s hearing record on this bill.
First, AWWA thanks the Committee for the open manner in which chemical security legislative language has been developed over the past few months. We appreciate having been able to provide some input to the issues contained in the bill. We have seen significant improvements in the legislation as it was being drafted. We still have concerns, but we look forward to continuing this dialogue with the Committee in a constructive manner.
In particular, we thank the Committee for two significant improvements in the draft bill. First, we appreciate the fact that disclosure of sensitive information is now a criminal violation in the bill rather than merely a civil one. The public disclosure of a vulnerability assessment or a site security plan is equivalent to publishing a handbook on how to sabotage a specific drinking water treatment plant or distribution system, thereby endangering employees and local citizens.
Prohibiting the disclosure of this information is extremely important, and criminal penalties are appropriate for its unauthorized disclosure.
Second, we also believe the provisions of H.R. 3258 under “Methods to Reduce the Consequences of a Chemical Release from an Intentional Act” have been improved. Early drafts gave the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency the ability to decide which materials and processes a local utility would use in treating and distributing drinking water. As currently drafted, the bill would place the final decision on this matter with state drinking water primacy agencies. State regulators do have greater working knowledge of environmental and other local issues affecting the choice of disinfectant chemicals and processes than do federal officials.
Having said that, we continue to have significant concerns over this provision and believe further changes would significantly improve the bill.
For example, the states will likely be unable to exercise their authority over the choice of disinfectants absent a significant commitment of federal resources to support this work. The bill promises an unspecified amount, and only for the first year. We urge you to work with the Association of State Drinking Water Administrators to ensure that adequate funds are authorized for states to exercise these provisions, if they remain in the bill. There are also significant limitations on state authority built into the bill, such as federal (not state) determination of when a utility “methods” analysis is complete, and federal authority to override the state if EPA determines that the state has not made a timely decision.
Finally and very importantly, the factors the states are allowed to consider in making its decision are limited, and do not allow for a full consideration of risk-risk tradeoffs, risk shifting, and unintended consequences for community impacts and for public health. These must be taken into account, given the serious potential consequences of altering long-established disinfection
practices without fully considering all aspects of the change.
An Informed Local Decision is the Best Approach
AWWA continues to strongly believe the best approach to the issue of reducing the consequences of an intentional release is to require local officials to make an informed decision concerning disinfectant chemicals and processes after a full analysis. Drinking water utilities tailor their treatment and distribution processes according to regulatory obligations (such as the federal requirement to use chlorine in some form and to achieve certain levels of disinfection), to critical variations in source water characteristics (such as temperatures, pH, pathogens, etc.), and to other local factors (such as delivery options for disinfectant chemicals, the need to maintain reserve supplies in the event of supply interruption, spatial limitations at the plant site, local ambient temperatures that affect the “shelf life” of chemicals and the attendant chemical degradation and breakdown products, etc.). Another issue that may be of concern to the Committee is the “energy profile” of disinfection alternatives. For example, many alternatives require significantly greater electricity inputs, compared to gas chlorine, and would thus work contrary to efforts to reduce the utility’s carbon footprint. All of these factors and others must be taken into account in selecting disinfectant processes.
We want to emphasize that many utilities can change disinfection processes without compromising the safety of the community drinking water supply. Indeed, many have already done so. But where that has been done, it has been done as an informed local decision after careful study and full consideration of many important local factors, such as those identified above. Local officials are in the best position to evaluate these factors and to weigh the risk tradeoffs, feasibility, and full range of consequences associated with the available disinfection processes. So while having the state approve this decision is better than having EPA do it, we think the decision is so dependent on local factors and so critical to water safety, that it is vastly better to require an informed local decision.
In order to help utilities and local elected officials undertake an analysis of disinfectant choices and reach an informed decision, AWWA has recently released guidance titled “Selecting Disinfectants in a Security-Conscious Environment” to aid utilities with this decision process. We believe that this guide substantially advances the Committee’s objectives on this issue, and we offer it to the Committee to cite in bill report language as an example of a tool utilities can use in conducting assessments of alternative materials and processes.
The bill could also be improved in a number of other respects:
An Appeal Process is Needed
If the decision of whether to implement alternative methods or materials in water treatment is to remain with state officials, we believe a state-level administrative appeals process should be included in the bill to address disagreements between a water utility and the state. We would be willing to work with the Committee and representatives of state agencies to find an appropriate administrative appeals process, as is found in other environmental laws.
Sensitive Information Must be Better Protected
As noted above, disclosure of sensitive information under H.R. 3258 would be approximately equivalent to a Class A misdemeanor, meaning those found guilty of such a crime would face not more than one year in prison and a fine up to $10,000. AWWA believes it would be more appropriate to consider such a disclosure as tampering with a water system, consistent with the provisions of 42 USC 300i-1, as amended by the 2002 Bioterrorism Act. This would mean that conviction would result in imprisonment for not more than 10 years and a civil penalty of not more than $1,000,000 for such tampering, or not more than $100,000 for attempting or threatening such actions. This would provide an appropriate level of deterrence to such dangerous disclosures.
One Federal Agency Should Oversee Water and Wastewater
Many local governments, such as cities or townships, operate drinking water and wastewater utilities under a single agency or department. In some instances, communities are served by a joint drinking water/wastewater utility that is privately owned or investor owned. In either case, we urge the Committee on Energy and Commerce to work with other House committees to place both drinking water and wastewater utilities under the jurisdiction of one federal entity for the purposes of this bill, respecting, of course, the role of state agencies. This would enable more efficient implementation at the local level, and eliminate the need for officials at joint water and wastewater utilities to operate under the jurisdiction of two different federal agencies for chemical security.
Outsider Participation is Not Appropriate
We agree that supervisory and non-supervisory employees should be included in the development of vulnerability assessments and site security plans because of their hands-on, working knowledge of a facility’s operation. However, we do not agree with H.R. 3258’s specific inclusion in these processes of employee bargaining agents that may not themselves be employees of the utility. As mentioned earlier, there is very sensitive information involved. Therefore, access to this information must be restricted to as few people as necessary, and only to those for whom there is a direct “need to know.” Many entities, including AWWA, have significant expertise, tools and guidance in the area of security and preparedness, and make these accessible to utilities and their employees. However, we do not seek – and cannot support provisions – to mandate the participation of specific types of organizations and/or their representatives from outside the utility itself. If employee safety is a concern with regard to this issue, we note that water utilities already must comply with extensive regulations for employee safety and training under the Occupational Safety and Health Act and the Clean Air Act.
Again, we thank the Committee for the opportunity to comment and we offer the expertise of our membership as the Committee’s work continues. AWWA is an international non-profit, scientific and educational society dedicated to the improvement of drinking water quality and supply. Our 60,000 members include more than 4,600 utilities that supply roughly 80 percent of the American people with safe drinking water. Many of our utility members also provide sewer and sanitation services.
Sincerely,
Tom Curtis
Deputy Executive Director for Government Affairs
Cc/Members, House Committee on Energy and Commerce
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
NIMS 100 & 700 FREE TRAINING
Illinois Section AWWA Presents:
NIMS 100 & 700 FREE TRAINING
Wednesday, October 14, 2009 - Elgin, IL
To register call 866-521-3595 ext 2.
REGISTRATION & HOURS
Registration begins at 8:30am. The training will start at 9:00am and will conclude by 4:00pm. Earn up to 6 PDHs or RTC hours. Continental breakfast and lunch will be included.
LOCATION
Heritage Ballroom at the Centre of Elgin
West Conference Room, 100 Symphony Way, Elgin, IL 60120
Ph: 847-531-7000
COST
This class is offered FREE of charge
CAPACITY IS LIMITED - REGISTRATION CLOSES 1 WEEK PRIOR
NO ONSITE REGISTRATION
SPEAKER
Greg Benson, Battalion chief with the Elgin Fire Department
AGENDA
• Introductions and Course Expectations
• ICS Basics
• Incident Typing, Expanding Incidents, Communications, Briefings, Resource Typing and Transfer of Command
• ICS Q&A
• IS-100 Exam for FEMA certification
• National Incident Management System (NIMS) Introduction
• NIMS Preparedness, Communication. Information Management and Resource Management
• NIMS Command and Management, and Ongoing Management & Maintenance
• NIMS Q&A
• IS-700 Exam for FEMA certification
FOR MORE INFORMATION AND REGISTRATION:
Visit www.isawwa.org or contact Lisa via phone, 866-521-3595 ext. 2 or email, lisa@isawwa.org
NIMS 100 & 700 FREE TRAINING
Wednesday, October 14, 2009 - Elgin, IL
To register call 866-521-3595 ext 2.
REGISTRATION & HOURS
Registration begins at 8:30am. The training will start at 9:00am and will conclude by 4:00pm. Earn up to 6 PDHs or RTC hours. Continental breakfast and lunch will be included.
LOCATION
Heritage Ballroom at the Centre of Elgin
West Conference Room, 100 Symphony Way, Elgin, IL 60120
Ph: 847-531-7000
COST
This class is offered FREE of charge
CAPACITY IS LIMITED - REGISTRATION CLOSES 1 WEEK PRIOR
NO ONSITE REGISTRATION
SPEAKER
Greg Benson, Battalion chief with the Elgin Fire Department
AGENDA
• Introductions and Course Expectations
• ICS Basics
• Incident Typing, Expanding Incidents, Communications, Briefings, Resource Typing and Transfer of Command
• ICS Q&A
• IS-100 Exam for FEMA certification
• National Incident Management System (NIMS) Introduction
• NIMS Preparedness, Communication. Information Management and Resource Management
• NIMS Command and Management, and Ongoing Management & Maintenance
• NIMS Q&A
• IS-700 Exam for FEMA certification
FOR MORE INFORMATION AND REGISTRATION:
Visit www.isawwa.org or contact Lisa via phone, 866-521-3595 ext. 2 or email, lisa@isawwa.org
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
USING OPTIMIZATION TO ASSIST IN PLANNING, OPERATIONS AND EMERGENCY SCENARIOS
Illinois Section AWWA Presents:
USING OPTIMIZATION TO ASSIST IN PLANNING, OPERATIONS AND EMERGENCY SCENARIOS
Thursday, September 24, 2009 - Glenview, IL
To register call Lisa at 866-521-3595 extension 2.
REGISTRATION & HOURS
Registration begins at 8:30am. The training will start at 9:00am and will conclude at 3:00pm. Earn up to 5 PDHs or RTC hours. Continental breakfast and lunch will be included.
DATE & LOCATION
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Northeastern Illinois Public Safety Training Academy (NIPSTA)
2300 Patriot Boulevard
Glenview, IL 60025
AGENDA
Optimization can be defined as finding the best solution to a problem from a wide range of possible solutions. When applied to water distribution and wastewater collection systems, it means finding those solutions that are not only hydraulically viable but also least costly. This seminar will provide attendees with an understanding of optimization, how it works, and its applications in the realms of planning, operations, and emergency response.
The format of the seminar will be a mix of lecture, group discussion, and hands on experimentation. The following topics will be presented and discussed:
• What optimization is; different types of optimization techniques and their best uses
• Optimization’s value in water distribution and wastewater collection planning
• Hydraulic models and their role in the optimization process
• Traditional versus Optimized Capital Improvement Plans
Applications:
• Optimization for short and long-term planning
• Optimization for operations
• Optimization for emergency scenarios
• Assessing criticality in pipe rehabilitation and optimizing replacement planning
• Enhancing system reliability/redundancy using optimization
SPEAKERS
Michael E. Canning, P.E., and Elsie Mann, Optimatics
USING OPTIMIZATION TO ASSIST IN PLANNING, OPERATIONS AND EMERGENCY SCENARIOS
Thursday, September 24, 2009 - Glenview, IL
To register call Lisa at 866-521-3595 extension 2.
REGISTRATION & HOURS
Registration begins at 8:30am. The training will start at 9:00am and will conclude at 3:00pm. Earn up to 5 PDHs or RTC hours. Continental breakfast and lunch will be included.
DATE & LOCATION
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Northeastern Illinois Public Safety Training Academy (NIPSTA)
2300 Patriot Boulevard
Glenview, IL 60025
AGENDA
Optimization can be defined as finding the best solution to a problem from a wide range of possible solutions. When applied to water distribution and wastewater collection systems, it means finding those solutions that are not only hydraulically viable but also least costly. This seminar will provide attendees with an understanding of optimization, how it works, and its applications in the realms of planning, operations, and emergency response.
The format of the seminar will be a mix of lecture, group discussion, and hands on experimentation. The following topics will be presented and discussed:
• What optimization is; different types of optimization techniques and their best uses
• Optimization’s value in water distribution and wastewater collection planning
• Hydraulic models and their role in the optimization process
• Traditional versus Optimized Capital Improvement Plans
Applications:
• Optimization for short and long-term planning
• Optimization for operations
• Optimization for emergency scenarios
• Assessing criticality in pipe rehabilitation and optimizing replacement planning
• Enhancing system reliability/redundancy using optimization
SPEAKERS
Michael E. Canning, P.E., and Elsie Mann, Optimatics
Structural Design of Tanks Using AWWA D100-05
Illinois Section AWWA Presents:
Structural Design of Tanks Using AWWA D100-05
Tuesday, September 29, 2009 - Countryside, IL
Tuesday, December 1, 2009 - Bloomington, IL
To register call 866-521-3595 ext 2 - Lisa.
REGISTRATION & HOURS
Registration begins at 8:30am. The training will start at 9:00am and will conclude by 3:00pm. Earn up to 5 PDHs or RTC hours. Continental breakfast and lunch will be included.
DATES & LOCATIONS
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Park Place Countryside
6240 Joliet Road
Countryside, IL 60525
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Doubletree Hotel and Conference Center
10 Brickyard Drive
Bloomington, IL 61701
COST
$40.00 for AWWA members
$60.00 for non AWWA members
$70.00 on-site registration
$55.00 Optional D100 Standard
AGENDA
This seminar is intended for engineers and other highly technical individuals interested in learning more about detailed design of water storage tanks in accordance with AWWA D100-05. The seminar will include example structural calculations and structural theory, and a discussion of the behavior of tank shells and roofs.
- Overview of Changes to D100-05
- Design Loads Requirements of AWWA D100-05: Wind, Snow, Seismic
- Membrane Stress: Flat bottom Tank example, Elevated Tank example
- Ringwall Foundation Design: Flat Bottom Tank Example
- Roof Design: Self supporting Dome Example, Umbrella Roof Example
- Seismic Design: Flat Bottom Tank Example, Elevated Pedestal Tank Example
- Anchor Bolt Chair: Design Example
SPEAKER
Stephen W. Meier, P.E., S.E., Tank Industry Consultants
Structural Design of Tanks Using AWWA D100-05
Tuesday, September 29, 2009 - Countryside, IL
Tuesday, December 1, 2009 - Bloomington, IL
To register call 866-521-3595 ext 2 - Lisa.
REGISTRATION & HOURS
Registration begins at 8:30am. The training will start at 9:00am and will conclude by 3:00pm. Earn up to 5 PDHs or RTC hours. Continental breakfast and lunch will be included.
DATES & LOCATIONS
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Park Place Countryside
6240 Joliet Road
Countryside, IL 60525
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Doubletree Hotel and Conference Center
10 Brickyard Drive
Bloomington, IL 61701
COST
$40.00 for AWWA members
$60.00 for non AWWA members
$70.00 on-site registration
$55.00 Optional D100 Standard
AGENDA
This seminar is intended for engineers and other highly technical individuals interested in learning more about detailed design of water storage tanks in accordance with AWWA D100-05. The seminar will include example structural calculations and structural theory, and a discussion of the behavior of tank shells and roofs.
- Overview of Changes to D100-05
- Design Loads Requirements of AWWA D100-05: Wind, Snow, Seismic
- Membrane Stress: Flat bottom Tank example, Elevated Tank example
- Ringwall Foundation Design: Flat Bottom Tank Example
- Roof Design: Self supporting Dome Example, Umbrella Roof Example
- Seismic Design: Flat Bottom Tank Example, Elevated Pedestal Tank Example
- Anchor Bolt Chair: Design Example
SPEAKER
Stephen W. Meier, P.E., S.E., Tank Industry Consultants
SECURITY WATER SECTOR ROADMAP TRAINING - Free Training
ISAWWA Information Management & Technology Committee & Water Sector Coordinating Council Presents:
SECURITY WATER SECTOR ROADMAP TRAINING
Thursday, October 15, 2009 – Countryside, IL
To register - call 866-521-3595 extension 2 - Lisa
FEATURING Mark Zanotti, VP of Engineering and CTO of Lofty Perch, Inc. and Jonathan Gray, in the Control System Security Program at Idaho National Laboratory
EXHIBITOR TABLE TOPS AVAILABLE - limited to the first 20
REGISTRATION & HOURS
Registration begins at 7:30am. The training will start at 8:00am and will conclude at 5:00pm. Earn up to 8.5 renewal training credit hours or professional development hours. Continental breakfast and lunch will be included.
LOCATION
Park Place Countryside
Operator Engineers Local 150 Hall
6200 Joliet Road
Countryside, IL 60525
COST
This class is offered FREE of charge – CAPACITY IS LIMITED
EXHIBITOR TABLES AVAILABLE!
$100.00 for Exhibitor Table Top – LIMITED TO FIRST 20
$25.00 for Additional Exhibitor Personnel
AGENDA
The urgent need to mitigate risks and threats to Industrial Control Systems (ICS) has led the water sector to collaborate with government leaders on an integrated security strategy. A critical component of this effort is equipping utility personnel with the requisite ability to identify, defend against, and reduce the risk from cyber attack.
The Water Sector Coordinating Council (WSCC) is hosting a series of workshops designed specifically to improve the knowledge and skills of U.S.-based water sector utility employees who are responsible for control system security. The Department of Homeland Security’s Control Systems Security Program will present the workshop training and discuss security products that are available for use by water sector asset owners and operators. These one-day events will include:
• A briefing on WSCC’s Roadmap to Secure Control Systems in the Water Sector
• An overview of cyber risks and threats to utility-based ICS
• Concrete and easy to understand mitigation strategies for securing ICS
• Demonstration and instruction on the Department of Homeland Security’s mitigation and self assessment tools
The Water Sector Coordinating Council is comprised of water and wastewater utilities and other associations representing the water sector. WSCC serves as a policy, strategy, and coordination mechanism for advising U.S. EPA and the Department of Homeland Security. WERF is a founding member association.
SECURITY WATER SECTOR ROADMAP TRAINING
Thursday, October 15, 2009 – Countryside, IL
To register - call 866-521-3595 extension 2 - Lisa
FEATURING Mark Zanotti, VP of Engineering and CTO of Lofty Perch, Inc. and Jonathan Gray, in the Control System Security Program at Idaho National Laboratory
EXHIBITOR TABLE TOPS AVAILABLE - limited to the first 20
REGISTRATION & HOURS
Registration begins at 7:30am. The training will start at 8:00am and will conclude at 5:00pm. Earn up to 8.5 renewal training credit hours or professional development hours. Continental breakfast and lunch will be included.
LOCATION
Park Place Countryside
Operator Engineers Local 150 Hall
6200 Joliet Road
Countryside, IL 60525
COST
This class is offered FREE of charge – CAPACITY IS LIMITED
EXHIBITOR TABLES AVAILABLE!
$100.00 for Exhibitor Table Top – LIMITED TO FIRST 20
$25.00 for Additional Exhibitor Personnel
AGENDA
The urgent need to mitigate risks and threats to Industrial Control Systems (ICS) has led the water sector to collaborate with government leaders on an integrated security strategy. A critical component of this effort is equipping utility personnel with the requisite ability to identify, defend against, and reduce the risk from cyber attack.
The Water Sector Coordinating Council (WSCC) is hosting a series of workshops designed specifically to improve the knowledge and skills of U.S.-based water sector utility employees who are responsible for control system security. The Department of Homeland Security’s Control Systems Security Program will present the workshop training and discuss security products that are available for use by water sector asset owners and operators. These one-day events will include:
• A briefing on WSCC’s Roadmap to Secure Control Systems in the Water Sector
• An overview of cyber risks and threats to utility-based ICS
• Concrete and easy to understand mitigation strategies for securing ICS
• Demonstration and instruction on the Department of Homeland Security’s mitigation and self assessment tools
The Water Sector Coordinating Council is comprised of water and wastewater utilities and other associations representing the water sector. WSCC serves as a policy, strategy, and coordination mechanism for advising U.S. EPA and the Department of Homeland Security. WERF is a founding member association.
Monday, September 14, 2009
ISAWWA letter to IDPH - Pandemic Response
Illinois Section AWWA
545 S. Randall Road
St. Charles, Il 60174
September 3, 2009
Dr. Damon T. Arnold, Director
Illinois Department of Public Health
535 West Jefferson Street
Springfield, Illinois 62761
Dear Dr. Arnold,
As you know, this nation is taking important steps to prepare for the possibility of a pandemic flu outbreak. History teaches us that pandemics can be characterized by rapid worldwide spread, overloaded health care systems, inadequate medical supplies, and economic and social disruption.
Pandemics are also unpredictable. Historically, the Federal government, as well as Illinois, have made a number of assumptions that need to be taken into account to facilitate the planning efforts of key entities and their infrastructures.
Drinking water and wastewater utilities are such a critical sector. Their role in American communities and their continued operation during a pandemic must be assured. The water sector in Illinois is concerned that critical water utility operational personnel have not been adequately considered in recent guidelines for pandemic response. It is important to note that clean water is the foundation of public health. As such, continuous operation of water and wastewater facilities is fundamental to restoring health to a community during any phase of a pandemic or disaster. Without adequate quantity and quality of water, a community cannot recover. Aside from the multiple hospitals and healthcare providers in the various communities throughout the state, all critical infrastructure and first-line responders rely on clean water as the foundation of public health. In this sense, the water sector provides a lifeline to support and sustain both emergency and everyday functions. It is sometimes easy to forget the importance of the service that the water sector provides, because during normal day-to-day operations, these services go on seamlessly. This may not be the case during a full-scale pandemic, without your assistance in providing us with the necessary vaccines to enable our most critical workforce to perform their essential functions.
While we understand that certain guidelines may be handed down from the federal level for distribution of the initial wave of H1N1 vaccines, we look to our public health
officials in the State of Illinois to make the best decision, as it relates to matters of our state. We strongly feel that critical operational personnel within the water utility sector should be recognized as first responders in dealing with public health issues that affect the entire state or region, as they are under federal law. Specifically:
• Homeland Security Presidential Directive 8 – National Preparedness, defines “first responder” as those individuals who, in the early stages of an incident, are responsible for the protection and preservation of life, property, evidence, and environment, including emergency response providers as defined in section 2 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 101), as well as emergency management, public health, clinical care, public works, and other skilled support personnel (such as equipment operators) that provide immediate support services during prevention, response, and recovery operations.
• 6 U.S.C. 101 – The term “emergency response providers” includes Federal, State, and local governmental and nongovernmental emergency public safety, fire, law enforcement, emergency response, emergency medical (including hospital emergency facilities), and related personnel, agencies, and authorities.
We believe that this should logically classify water sector first responders (related to critical infrastructure – emergency services sector personnel) as in the first tier of vaccination target groups.
It is our understanding that while federal guidelines may exist, it is ultimately the responsibility of Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) to decide on any final prioritization and allocation of vaccines. We understand and acknowledge the limitations on the supply of vaccine, given the reported difficulty in its manufacture. However, we would like to further discuss this with IDPH officials and continually stress that the water sector is every bit as critical to the continued operation of our communities as police, fire, and other emergency personnel.
We look forward to an opportunity to meet or talk with you about this at your earliest convenience.
Sincerely,
Illinois Section of American Water Works Association
Gerald W. Bever, Chair
Water Utility Council
cc: Terry McGhee, ISAWWA Chair
Laurie Dougherty, ISAWWA Executive Director
545 S. Randall Road
St. Charles, Il 60174
September 3, 2009
Dr. Damon T. Arnold, Director
Illinois Department of Public Health
535 West Jefferson Street
Springfield, Illinois 62761
Dear Dr. Arnold,
As you know, this nation is taking important steps to prepare for the possibility of a pandemic flu outbreak. History teaches us that pandemics can be characterized by rapid worldwide spread, overloaded health care systems, inadequate medical supplies, and economic and social disruption.
Pandemics are also unpredictable. Historically, the Federal government, as well as Illinois, have made a number of assumptions that need to be taken into account to facilitate the planning efforts of key entities and their infrastructures.
Drinking water and wastewater utilities are such a critical sector. Their role in American communities and their continued operation during a pandemic must be assured. The water sector in Illinois is concerned that critical water utility operational personnel have not been adequately considered in recent guidelines for pandemic response. It is important to note that clean water is the foundation of public health. As such, continuous operation of water and wastewater facilities is fundamental to restoring health to a community during any phase of a pandemic or disaster. Without adequate quantity and quality of water, a community cannot recover. Aside from the multiple hospitals and healthcare providers in the various communities throughout the state, all critical infrastructure and first-line responders rely on clean water as the foundation of public health. In this sense, the water sector provides a lifeline to support and sustain both emergency and everyday functions. It is sometimes easy to forget the importance of the service that the water sector provides, because during normal day-to-day operations, these services go on seamlessly. This may not be the case during a full-scale pandemic, without your assistance in providing us with the necessary vaccines to enable our most critical workforce to perform their essential functions.
While we understand that certain guidelines may be handed down from the federal level for distribution of the initial wave of H1N1 vaccines, we look to our public health
officials in the State of Illinois to make the best decision, as it relates to matters of our state. We strongly feel that critical operational personnel within the water utility sector should be recognized as first responders in dealing with public health issues that affect the entire state or region, as they are under federal law. Specifically:
• Homeland Security Presidential Directive 8 – National Preparedness, defines “first responder” as those individuals who, in the early stages of an incident, are responsible for the protection and preservation of life, property, evidence, and environment, including emergency response providers as defined in section 2 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 101), as well as emergency management, public health, clinical care, public works, and other skilled support personnel (such as equipment operators) that provide immediate support services during prevention, response, and recovery operations.
• 6 U.S.C. 101 – The term “emergency response providers” includes Federal, State, and local governmental and nongovernmental emergency public safety, fire, law enforcement, emergency response, emergency medical (including hospital emergency facilities), and related personnel, agencies, and authorities.
We believe that this should logically classify water sector first responders (related to critical infrastructure – emergency services sector personnel) as in the first tier of vaccination target groups.
It is our understanding that while federal guidelines may exist, it is ultimately the responsibility of Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) to decide on any final prioritization and allocation of vaccines. We understand and acknowledge the limitations on the supply of vaccine, given the reported difficulty in its manufacture. However, we would like to further discuss this with IDPH officials and continually stress that the water sector is every bit as critical to the continued operation of our communities as police, fire, and other emergency personnel.
We look forward to an opportunity to meet or talk with you about this at your earliest convenience.
Sincerely,
Illinois Section of American Water Works Association
Gerald W. Bever, Chair
Water Utility Council
cc: Terry McGhee, ISAWWA Chair
Laurie Dougherty, ISAWWA Executive Director
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Excel 101 - Webinar - Tuesday - Sept. 22
Illinois Section AWWA Presents:
EXCEL 101: PRESS THIS BUTTON WEBINAR
Tuesday, September 22, 2009 - WEBINAR
This training webinar will begin at 12:00pm and conclude by 1:00pm. Earn up to 1 PDH or RTC hour. After registration, attendee will be furnished with all materials and links needed to participate in the webinar.
To Register call 866-521-3595 extension 2
DATE & LOCATION
Tuesday, September 22, 2009 - Your Computer
COST
$10.00 for AWWA members
$20.00 for non AWWA members
AGENDA
This class is for operators who need basic instructions on how to get started in Excel.
• Create an Excel Workbook
• Add additional Excel Worksheets
• Understand rows and columns in Excel
• Learn the basic math functions in Excel
• Copy, paste, and drag functions in Excel
• Change fonts
SPEAKER
Tammy E. Hellings, MBA, Aqua Illinois, Inc.
EXCEL 101: PRESS THIS BUTTON WEBINAR
Tuesday, September 22, 2009 - WEBINAR
This training webinar will begin at 12:00pm and conclude by 1:00pm. Earn up to 1 PDH or RTC hour. After registration, attendee will be furnished with all materials and links needed to participate in the webinar.
To Register call 866-521-3595 extension 2
DATE & LOCATION
Tuesday, September 22, 2009 - Your Computer
COST
$10.00 for AWWA members
$20.00 for non AWWA members
AGENDA
This class is for operators who need basic instructions on how to get started in Excel.
• Create an Excel Workbook
• Add additional Excel Worksheets
• Understand rows and columns in Excel
• Learn the basic math functions in Excel
• Copy, paste, and drag functions in Excel
• Change fonts
SPEAKER
Tammy E. Hellings, MBA, Aqua Illinois, Inc.
Elgin Utilities - ILWARN
September 13, 2009
When disaster strikes a town and outside help is needed, there's a big item that often doesn't get high priority.
"Water utilities usually aren't at the top of the list. But to enhance recovery, you need water and wastewater treatment," said Laurie Dougherty, executive director of the Illinois Section of the American Water Works Association, whose office is in St. Charles.
Crews work to repair the street after a water main broke at Kimball Street and Route 31 in downtown Elgin in January 2009. The city is set to join the Illinois Water/Wastewater Agency Response Network, which will provide mutual aid for handling such emergencies when they arise.
(Courier-News File)
(Courier-News File)
To address that issue, Dougherty is part of a 20-member committee that's been working at a grassroots level for about two years to get the Illinois Water/Wastewater Agency Response Network, or ILWARN, off the ground. The effort is similar to mutual aid agreements between municipalities for police and fire services so that extra manpower and equipment can be provided in emergencies.
Last week, Elgin took a step toward joining the effort when the city council moved along an agreement to become an ILWARN member. It's expected that the measure will be formalized at an upcoming regular council session.
Like Dougherty, Kyla Jacobsen, Elgin's water system superintendent, is a member of the ILWARN steering committee.
According to the document Jacobsen helped draft for Elgin, the group's "purpose is to provide aid to others in the network when a disaster strikes. Disaster can be from simply the loss of water due to power failure, localized flooding or water main breaks, up to and including earthquakes and tornadoes. The purpose is to have a standardized mutual aid agreement that establishes the ground rules between agencies well in advance of a disaster, so that responding utilities can provide aid quickly to fellow water and wastewater utilities in need of assistance."
So when disaster strikes, "You can have people with the understanding and knowledge you need in place," Jacobsen said.
Getting more popular
With the possibility of a bad flu season, that might even mean calling in experienced people from other towns to fill in for sick workers, Dougherty said.This aid is not to supersede federal or state help that might be coming, but "allows for a neighbor to bring in experts and equipment while bigger help is on the way," Dougherty said.
While there is no cost to be part of the network, reimbursement for incoming services rendered and equipment borrowed typically will be the responsibility of the community requesting assistance.
In Illinois, Dougherty said that 61 utilities covering 70 percent of the state's population have registered to take part in ILWARN. Of those, 21 currently have approved agreements. In the Elgin area, the Fox River Water Reclamation District has signed on board, and St. Charles is in the process.
With ILWARN in its infancy, its only coordinating effort thus far has been helping the city of Chicago find sandbags earlier this year.
Across the country, 42 states and the Washington, D.C., metro area have adopted state or regional water-related mutual aid agreements, said Kevin Morley, security and preparedness program manager for the American Water Works Association.
Morley explained that such efforts began in California in the early 1990s after some natural disasters. A big challenge has been working out the legal issues that arise with intergovernmental agreements. And the movement built steam after the 2003-04 hurricane season when Florida firmed up its WARN agreements, Morley said.
That allowed water and wastewater crews from the Sunshine State to better help out in Alabama and Mississippi after Hurricane Katrina ravaged the Gulf Coast in 2005. And getting interstate aid capabilities is the next challenge for AWWA and WARN, Morley said.
Saturday, September 5, 2009
What is Your Chlorine Status?
A utility member sent me an email as follows, "When I placed an order for chlorine this week, my supplier informed me that chlorine supplies are tight & that prices are rising.
The reason given is that the caustic market has crashed due to the slow economy & lack of demand by manufacturers. Because of this, caustic manufactures have reduced production. Since chlorine is a by-product of caustic manufacture - chlorine production is also reduced. I was told that they will be able to keep delivering chlorine but that deliveries will be erratic depending on rail car availability.
This was a total surprise. I've seen nothing on any of the water industry internet news services.
You may want to pass this on to members. It looks like we'll need to bump up our chlorine budget for 2010."
Laurie Dougherty
Illinois Section AWWA Executive Director
The reason given is that the caustic market has crashed due to the slow economy & lack of demand by manufacturers. Because of this, caustic manufactures have reduced production. Since chlorine is a by-product of caustic manufacture - chlorine production is also reduced. I was told that they will be able to keep delivering chlorine but that deliveries will be erratic depending on rail car availability.
This was a total surprise. I've seen nothing on any of the water industry internet news services.
You may want to pass this on to members. It looks like we'll need to bump up our chlorine budget for 2010."
Laurie Dougherty
Illinois Section AWWA Executive Director
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Illinois Regulatory Update - Drinking Water Regulations
ANNUAL DRINKING WATER REGULATORY UPDATE
Thursday, September 17, 2009
REGISTRATION & HOURS
Registration begins at 8:30am. The training will start at 9:00am and will conclude by 3:00pm. Earn up to 5 PDHs or RTC hours. Continental breakfast and lunch will be included. To register call 866-521-3595 - extension 2 - Sandi.
DATE
Thursday, September 17, 2009
LOCATION
Park Place Countryside
Operator Engineers Local 150 Hall
6200 Joliet Road
Countryside, IL 60525
COST
$40.00 for AWWA members
$60.00 for non AWWA members
$70.00 on-site registration
AGENDA
This seminar will cover current and upcoming regulations. In addition to reviewing the rules themselves, we will also explore operational strategies that can be employed to meet these regulations. A discussion forum will wrap up the day allowing you time to ask your specific questions. Illinois EPA representatives may be available to answer questions.
Registration - begins at 8:30am
9:00 am – Section 31 Enforcement - M. Reed
9:30 am – Regulatory Update from a Technical Perspective - J. Kuhn
10:30 am - Groundwater Rule - A. Rhodes
11:00 am – Navigating IEPA’s Website & Drinking Water Watch - M. Reed
12 noon – Lunch
1:00 pm – Lead & Copper Rule - A. Rhodes
1:30 pm – Compliance Statistics & Monitoring Issues - M. Reed
2:15 pm – Wrap Up
SPEAKERS
Jerry Kuhn, Permit Section Manager, IEPA, Bureau of Water, Division of Public Water Supplies
Mary Reed, Compliance Officer, IEPA, Bureau of Water, Drinking Water Compliance Unit
Andrea Rhodes, Compliance Officer, IEPA, Bureau of Water, Drinking Water Compliance Unit
Thursday, September 17, 2009
REGISTRATION & HOURS
Registration begins at 8:30am. The training will start at 9:00am and will conclude by 3:00pm. Earn up to 5 PDHs or RTC hours. Continental breakfast and lunch will be included. To register call 866-521-3595 - extension 2 - Sandi.
DATE
Thursday, September 17, 2009
LOCATION
Park Place Countryside
Operator Engineers Local 150 Hall
6200 Joliet Road
Countryside, IL 60525
COST
$40.00 for AWWA members
$60.00 for non AWWA members
$70.00 on-site registration
AGENDA
This seminar will cover current and upcoming regulations. In addition to reviewing the rules themselves, we will also explore operational strategies that can be employed to meet these regulations. A discussion forum will wrap up the day allowing you time to ask your specific questions. Illinois EPA representatives may be available to answer questions.
Registration - begins at 8:30am
9:00 am – Section 31 Enforcement - M. Reed
9:30 am – Regulatory Update from a Technical Perspective - J. Kuhn
10:30 am - Groundwater Rule - A. Rhodes
11:00 am – Navigating IEPA’s Website & Drinking Water Watch - M. Reed
12 noon – Lunch
1:00 pm – Lead & Copper Rule - A. Rhodes
1:30 pm – Compliance Statistics & Monitoring Issues - M. Reed
2:15 pm – Wrap Up
SPEAKERS
Jerry Kuhn, Permit Section Manager, IEPA, Bureau of Water, Division of Public Water Supplies
Mary Reed, Compliance Officer, IEPA, Bureau of Water, Drinking Water Compliance Unit
Andrea Rhodes, Compliance Officer, IEPA, Bureau of Water, Drinking Water Compliance Unit
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Pandemic Influenza Fact Sheet for Water Sector and ISAWWA Seminar
Pandemic Influenza Fact Sheet for the Water Sector EPA has published a “Pandemic Influenza Fact Sheet for the Water Sector.” Pandemic flu could affect the capability of water system operators to operate and maintain their systems adequately due to increased absenteeism at their systems and at other interdependent sectors that provide essential materials and supplies. The flu fact sheet provides information to assist the water sector in integrating pandemic planning into existing business continuity and emergency response plans and reducing the risk to public health that would be caused by disruption in operation of water systems. In addition to background information on pandemic flu, its potential impacts, and possible interventions, the fact sheet provides references to tools and guidance materials offered by EPA and other organizations. The fact sheet is available at: http://cfpub.epa.gov/safewater/watersecurity/pandemicflu.cfm
Join the Illinois Section AWWA at the following seminar - you can still register online.
PANDEMIC AWARENESS & PLANNING FOR WATER UTILITIES
Tuesday, September 8, 2009 - Countryside, IL
http://tinyurl.com/ldhcyt
What if your employees refuse to report to work because of fear of catching panflu? How will you and your utility or company react ? This seminar is appropriate for both utilities and private industry. Be sure and attend so that you can prepare for this fall season and the H1N1 virus .
REGISTRATION & HOURS
Registration begins at 8:30am. The training is 9:00am – 3:00pm. Earn up to 5 PDHs or RTC hours. Continental breakfast and lunch will be included.
LOCATION
Park Place Countryside
6240 Joliet Road
Countryside, IL 60525
COST
$40.00 for AWWA members
$60.00 for non AWWA members
$70.00 for on-site registration
SPEAKERS
John Smith, City of Decatur
Richard Reb, CRT, Roche Laboratories
AGENDA
This program is designed to provide an in-depth look at pandemic influenza and provide information and training on what each individual, community, and public or private organization can do to prepare. Participants will go through the Pandemic Influenza Ambassador Program developed in conjunction with the Illinois Department of Public Health and the Illinois Faith-Based Emergency Preparedness Initiative.
Presentation topic s will include: A brief history of pandemics including H5N1 “bird flu” and H1N1 “Swine Flu”; The definition of a pandemic and the differences between pandemic and seasonal flu; The past and potential future impact of a pandemic on business and the economy; The potential impact of a pandemic on the health system and community; The role of the individual, the government, healthcare, and private sectors; Planning and preparation steps for individuals at home and in the workplace; Pandemic Countermeasures: the role of hygiene and medical interventions; Planning resources; Why a flu pandemic should concern everyone; How flu germs spread - and how you can avoid getting or spreading them; Planning and preparation steps you can take
You probably have a disaster plan for your water utility, but a pandemic is a different kind of disaster. Now is the time to do additional planning so you are ready if this kind of disaster should strike.
Here are some scenario s to consider: How will your utility operate if you are not there due to sickness or quarantine? What about other key members of your staff? What will you do if members of your family are extremely sick? What about staff member’s families? What will you do if some staff members refuse to report to work even though they are not sick? Are you able to operate some of your utility remotely? What if it becomes difficult to receive chemical deliveries on time due to truck driver shortages? What if a crucial piece of equipment needs immediate maintenance? Have you developed a list of electrical, mechanical, and other vendors that will respond to an emergency? What if that vendor has a large number of employees out due to sickness?
These are examples of pandemic planning that you must do before this kind of disaster becomes a reality.
Join the Illinois Section AWWA at the following seminar - you can still register online.
PANDEMIC AWARENESS & PLANNING FOR WATER UTILITIES
Tuesday, September 8, 2009 - Countryside, IL
http://tinyurl.com/ldhcyt
What if your employees refuse to report to work because of fear of catching panflu? How will you and your utility or company react ? This seminar is appropriate for both utilities and private industry. Be sure and attend so that you can prepare for this fall season and the H1N1 virus .
REGISTRATION & HOURS
Registration begins at 8:30am. The training is 9:00am – 3:00pm. Earn up to 5 PDHs or RTC hours. Continental breakfast and lunch will be included.
LOCATION
Park Place Countryside
6240 Joliet Road
Countryside, IL 60525
COST
$40.00 for AWWA members
$60.00 for non AWWA members
$70.00 for on-site registration
SPEAKERS
John Smith, City of Decatur
Richard Reb, CRT, Roche Laboratories
AGENDA
This program is designed to provide an in-depth look at pandemic influenza and provide information and training on what each individual, community, and public or private organization can do to prepare. Participants will go through the Pandemic Influenza Ambassador Program developed in conjunction with the Illinois Department of Public Health and the Illinois Faith-Based Emergency Preparedness Initiative.
Presentation topic s will include: A brief history of pandemics including H5N1 “bird flu” and H1N1 “Swine Flu”; The definition of a pandemic and the differences between pandemic and seasonal flu; The past and potential future impact of a pandemic on business and the economy; The potential impact of a pandemic on the health system and community; The role of the individual, the government, healthcare, and private sectors; Planning and preparation steps for individuals at home and in the workplace; Pandemic Countermeasures: the role of hygiene and medical interventions; Planning resources; Why a flu pandemic should concern everyone; How flu germs spread - and how you can avoid getting or spreading them; Planning and preparation steps you can take
You probably have a disaster plan for your water utility, but a pandemic is a different kind of disaster. Now is the time to do additional planning so you are ready if this kind of disaster should strike.
Here are some scenario s to consider: How will your utility operate if you are not there due to sickness or quarantine? What about other key members of your staff? What will you do if members of your family are extremely sick? What about staff member’s families? What will you do if some staff members refuse to report to work even though they are not sick? Are you able to operate some of your utility remotely? What if it becomes difficult to receive chemical deliveries on time due to truck driver shortages? What if a crucial piece of equipment needs immediate maintenance? Have you developed a list of electrical, mechanical, and other vendors that will respond to an emergency? What if that vendor has a large number of employees out due to sickness?
These are examples of pandemic planning that you must do before this kind of disaster becomes a reality.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Portable drinking water trailer for AWWA Members
As part of the ongoing effort to promote the high quality, safety and savings that tap water delivers, the Illinois Section of the American Water Works Association commissioned the fabrication of a water drinking fountain for use as a public educational display. The trailer comes equipped with five drinking fountains, a jug/bottle filler and handwashing faucets. Useful information about tap water, leak prevention and water quality are conveniently placed around each fixture. The trailer is designed to easily connect to a water spigot or tap of a local water supply to provide fresh, safe drinking water to festival or event goers. The trailer debuted at the 2009 spring conference of ISAWWA in Springfield and has been used at events to promote World Water Day in Chicago, at the Blues Fest and the 4th of July in Mount Prospect. The trailer has been well received by event participants and the general public every time it has been used. To use the trailer for your Illinois event, contact your local water provider or call the Illinois Section AWWA at 866-521-3595.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Link to full copy of Public Act 96-603
http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/publicacts/96/PDF/096-0603.pdf
Monday, August 24, 2009
General Assembly approved HB 4021
Approved: August 23, 2009
Effective Date: Immediate
In response to the situation that occurred in Crestwood, Illinois the General Assembly approved HB 4021 that establishes new standards for record maintenance, creates procedures for public notice, and creates new categories of penalties for violations.
Record Maintenance
Generally, owners and operators of community water systems must maintain all records, reports, and other documents related to the operation of the community water system for a minimum of 10 years.
• Documents required to be maintained include, but are not limited to all billing records and other documents related to the purchase of water from other community water systems.
• Documents must be maintained on the premises of the community water system, or at a convenient location near its premises, and must be made available to the EPA for inspection and copying during normal business hours.
Mandated Public Notice Provisions
In circumstances where the EPA :
(1) refers a matter for enforcement under Section 43 of the Environmental Protection Act (415 ILCS 5/43) (In circumstances of substantial danger to the environment or to the public health of persons or to the welfare of persons where such danger is to the livelihood of such persons.); or
(2) The EPA issues a seal order under subsection (a)of Section 34 (415 ILCA
5/34) of the Act (Upon a finding that episode or emergency conditions specified in Board regulations exist, the Agency shall declare such alerts or emergencies as provided by those regulations. While such an alert or emergency is in effect, the Agency may seal any equipment, vehicle, vessel, aircraft, or other facility operated in violation of such regulations.)
the following will take place:
• The EPA shall, within 2 days after the action, provide public notice of the action by issuing a press release and posting the press release on the EPA's website;
• Within 5 days the EPA must provide notice of the action to the owner and the operator of the community water system and the owners and operators of all connected community water systems. The notice must be printed on EPA letterhead and describe the action being taken and the basis for the action;
• Within 5 business days after receiving notice from the EPA the owner or operator of the community water system and the owners or operators of all connected community water systems must send, to all residents and owners of premises:
o A copy of the notice by first-class mail or by e-mail; or notification, in a form approved by the EPA, via first-class postcard, text message, or telephone.
o Notices to institutional residents, including, but not limited to, residents of school dormitories, nursing homes, and assisted care facilities, may be made to the owners and operators of those institutions who shall notify their residents in the same manner as specified for owners and operators of community water systems.
o If the manner for notice selected by the community water system does not include a written copy of the notice provided by the EPA, a written copy of the notice provided by the EPA shall be included in the next water bill.
• If the water bill is sent on a postcard, no written copy of the notice provided by the EPA is required if the postcard includes the Internet address for the notice posted on the EPA's website.
• The front of the envelope or postcard in which any such notice is sent to residents and owners of premises connected to the community water system shall carry the following text in at least 18 point font: PUBLIC HEALTH NOTICE - READ IMMEDIATELY.
• For a postcard, text message, or telephonic communication, the EPA shall specify the minimum information that the owner or operator must include in such methods of notice.
Within 7 days after the owner or operator of the community water system sends the notices to all residents and owners of premises connected to the affected community water system, the owner or operator shall provide the EPA
with proof that the notices have been sent.
Upon a determination that groundwater contamination poses a threat of exposure to the public above the Class I groundwater quality standards, the steps and provisions for providing notice outlined above will also apply.
Newly Added Penalties
• Any owner or operator of a community water system that violates notification provisions shall be liable for a civil penalty not to exceed $5 for each of the premises connected to the affected community water system.
• Any person who knowingly makes a false, fictitious, or fraudulent material statement, orally or in writing, to the EPA, or to a unit of local government to which the EPA has delegated authority commits a Class 4 felony, and each such statement or writing shall be considered a separate Class 4 felony. A person who, after being convicted under this provision, violates this paragraph a second or subsequent time, commits a Class 3 felony.
Effective Date: Immediate
In response to the situation that occurred in Crestwood, Illinois the General Assembly approved HB 4021 that establishes new standards for record maintenance, creates procedures for public notice, and creates new categories of penalties for violations.
Record Maintenance
Generally, owners and operators of community water systems must maintain all records, reports, and other documents related to the operation of the community water system for a minimum of 10 years.
• Documents required to be maintained include, but are not limited to all billing records and other documents related to the purchase of water from other community water systems.
• Documents must be maintained on the premises of the community water system, or at a convenient location near its premises, and must be made available to the EPA for inspection and copying during normal business hours.
Mandated Public Notice Provisions
In circumstances where the EPA :
(1) refers a matter for enforcement under Section 43 of the Environmental Protection Act (415 ILCS 5/43) (In circumstances of substantial danger to the environment or to the public health of persons or to the welfare of persons where such danger is to the livelihood of such persons.); or
(2) The EPA issues a seal order under subsection (a)of Section 34 (415 ILCA
5/34) of the Act (Upon a finding that episode or emergency conditions specified in Board regulations exist, the Agency shall declare such alerts or emergencies as provided by those regulations. While such an alert or emergency is in effect, the Agency may seal any equipment, vehicle, vessel, aircraft, or other facility operated in violation of such regulations.)
the following will take place:
• The EPA shall, within 2 days after the action, provide public notice of the action by issuing a press release and posting the press release on the EPA's website;
• Within 5 days the EPA must provide notice of the action to the owner and the operator of the community water system and the owners and operators of all connected community water systems. The notice must be printed on EPA letterhead and describe the action being taken and the basis for the action;
• Within 5 business days after receiving notice from the EPA the owner or operator of the community water system and the owners or operators of all connected community water systems must send, to all residents and owners of premises:
o A copy of the notice by first-class mail or by e-mail; or notification, in a form approved by the EPA, via first-class postcard, text message, or telephone.
o Notices to institutional residents, including, but not limited to, residents of school dormitories, nursing homes, and assisted care facilities, may be made to the owners and operators of those institutions who shall notify their residents in the same manner as specified for owners and operators of community water systems.
o If the manner for notice selected by the community water system does not include a written copy of the notice provided by the EPA, a written copy of the notice provided by the EPA shall be included in the next water bill.
• If the water bill is sent on a postcard, no written copy of the notice provided by the EPA is required if the postcard includes the Internet address for the notice posted on the EPA's website.
• The front of the envelope or postcard in which any such notice is sent to residents and owners of premises connected to the community water system shall carry the following text in at least 18 point font: PUBLIC HEALTH NOTICE - READ IMMEDIATELY.
• For a postcard, text message, or telephonic communication, the EPA shall specify the minimum information that the owner or operator must include in such methods of notice.
Within 7 days after the owner or operator of the community water system sends the notices to all residents and owners of premises connected to the affected community water system, the owner or operator shall provide the EPA
with proof that the notices have been sent.
Upon a determination that groundwater contamination poses a threat of exposure to the public above the Class I groundwater quality standards, the steps and provisions for providing notice outlined above will also apply.
Newly Added Penalties
• Any owner or operator of a community water system that violates notification provisions shall be liable for a civil penalty not to exceed $5 for each of the premises connected to the affected community water system.
• Any person who knowingly makes a false, fictitious, or fraudulent material statement, orally or in writing, to the EPA, or to a unit of local government to which the EPA has delegated authority commits a Class 4 felony, and each such statement or writing shall be considered a separate Class 4 felony. A person who, after being convicted under this provision, violates this paragraph a second or subsequent time, commits a Class 3 felony.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)