Help for Small Systems
To help small utility operators and managers, the U.S. EPA has developed a free, easy-to-use computer program, Check Up Program for Small Systems (CUPSS). It was designed with the help of a workgroup that included representatives from state agencies, technical assistance organizations such as the National Rural Water Association, EPA regional offices, and small wastewater and drinking water utilities.
The four main goals of the software are to assist with the communication between the operator and the decision makers, help move utilities from crisis management to informed decision making, facilitate more efficient and focused utility operations, and improve financial management.
Grant Makes Training Possible
Thanks to a grant from the U.S. EPA, the National Rural Water Association was able to provide water system operator training to the 130 water systems on the islands of Hawaii. The NRWA had been providing the training to the 48 contiguous states and Alaska since 1977, but it previously did not have funding for Hawaii.
Marchegiani, Silke Receive Recognition
Kim Marchegiani of the Bangor (Maine) Water District won the 2009 Sid Anthony Award of Merit. Also, Christopher M. Silke, P.E., a senior project manager and corrosion control specialist in the Water Practice Group, has been selected to serve as a committee member for the American Water Works Association (AWWA) Water Research Foundation.
Learning Opportunities
University of Wisconsin-Madison Courses
The University of Wisconsin-Madison Department of Engineering Professional Development is offering the following CEU, LU, PDH classes at the Madison campus:
• May 7-8 – Preparing an Effective Municipal Capital Improvements Plan
• May 12-14 – Fundamentals of Drinking Water Treatment
• May 20-22 – Modeling Unsteady Flow Using HEC-RAS 4.0
• June 8-9 – Understanding Water Chemistry for Practical Application
• June 10-12 – Designing Wastewater Pumping Systems and Lift Stations
• June 23-24 – Upgrading Your Sanitary Sewer Maintenance Program
Call 608/262-2061 or visit http://epdweb.engr.wisc.edu.
American Public Works Association
APWA has these courses as classroom workshops or Web-based broadcasts:
• May 1 – Self Assessment Using Management Practices Manual, Pittsburgh
• May 5-7 – Public Fleet Management, Boston
• May 6 – Public Infrastructure Inspector, Part 1, Web
• May 13 – Public Infrastructure Inspector, Part 2, Web
• May 20 – Public Infrastructure Inspector, Part 3, Web
• May 21– Traffic Mediation: Neighborhood and Pedestrian Safety Programs, Web
• June 3 – Public Fleet Manager, Part 1, Web
• June 10 – Public Fleet Manager, Part 2, Web
• June 17 – Public Fleet Manager, Part 3, Web
Call Carrie Merker at 800/848-2792, ext. 5213, or visit www.apwa.net.
American Water Works Association
The organization is offering the following CEU/PDH seminars:
• May 6-7 – Water Demand and Conservation Management: Planning, Policy and Rates, Orlando, Fla.
• May 20-21 – Distribution System Assessment & Rehab, Charlotte, N.C.
Call 800/926-7337 or visit www.awwa.org.
Green Mountain Water Environment Association
The organization is offering the following courses:
• June 3 – Hands-On Leak Detections and Water Loss Control, site TBA
• June 9 – Operation and Maintenance of Wastewater Pump Stations, Waterbury, Vt.
For information, call 802/229-9111 or visit www.gmwea.org.
Green Stormwater Management
The U.S. EPA and the U.S. Botanic Garden produced an online video, “Reduce Runoff: Slow It Down, Spread It Out, Soak It In,” that highlights rain gardens, green roofs, and rain barrels to help manage stormwater runoff. Watch the video online at www.epa.gov/owow/nps/lid/video.html.
Household Sewage Study
Contributions of Household Chemicals to Sewage and Their Relevance to Munici-pal Wastewater Systems and the Environment identifies organic compounds that may be present in municipal wastewater.
Published by the Water Environment Research Foundation, the study selects compounds by examining volume production, consumption pattern, and physicochemical properties. Researchers developed methods to model the behavior of individual compounds through treatment processes. The report has a database of HPV chemicals and organic compounds found in household commodities. Visit www.werf.org for the report in soft cover, CD ROM, and PDF format.
Calendar
May 3-6
National Clean Water Policy Forum, Renaissance, Washington, D.C. Visit www.wef.org.
May 3-7
Residuals and Biosolids 2009 Conference, Oregon Convention Center, Portland, Ore. Call 703/684-2441 or visit www.wef.org.
May 4-6
American Water Resources Association Spring Conference, Marriott, Anchorage, Alaska. Call Michael Lilly at 907/479-8891 or visit www.awra.org.
May 5-7
Water Environment Federation Technical Exhibition and Conference (WEFTEC), Anchorage, Alaska. Call 800/666-0206 or visit www.weftec.org.
June 7-10
PennTec Annual Conference, Lancaster Host Conference Center, Lancaster, Pa. Call Cindy Rock at 570/549-2204 or visit www.pwea.org.
June 14-18
American Water Works Association Conference and Exposition, San Diego (Calif.) Convention Center. Call 800/926-7337 or visit www.awwa.org.
June 17-19
Florida Stormwater Association Conference and Exhibits, Sanibel Harbour Resort and Spa, Fort Myers, Fla. Call 888/221-3124 or visit www.florida-stormwater.org.
June 21-24
American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers International Meeting, Grand Sierra Resort and Casino, Reno, Nev. Call Sharon McKnight at 269/428-6333 or visit www.asabe.org.
June 28-July 1
Nutrient Removal Conference, Omni Shoreham, Washington, D.C. Call 703/684-2441 or visit www.wef.org.
June 29-July 1
American Water Resources Association Summer Specialty Conference, Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort, Snowbird, Utah. Call 540/687-8390 or visit www.awra.org.
