Published October 2007

Association News for October

(page 68)

AWWA executive director retires; Trench Rescue 101; WERF top research challenges; Outstanding opportunities at AWWA conference; Management roles at utilities; and Developing TMDL.

AWWA executive director retires

Jack W. Hoffbuhr, P.E., DEE, executive director of the American Water Works Association for the past 11 years, announced his retirement in early July. He will remain in his position while a successor is hired and for any transition period.

Trench Rescue 101

An overview of what is required to perform a safe trench rescue is part of the International Construction and Utility Equipment Exposition, Oct. 16-18, at the Kentucky Fair and Exposition Center in Louisville. Presented by the National Utility Contractors Association, Trench Rescue 101 is half presentation and half display.

The outdoor session covers OSHA regulations, soil conditions, anatomy of a cave-in, rescue hazards, personal protective equipment, shoring, emergency plans, rescue operations, and more. Attendees can examine different types of shoring set up in a trench, and some equipment and tools used in a rescue.

In addition to handouts, attendees can download a free PowerPoint presentation of the program from www.nuca.com. Find out more about the ICUEE show at www.icuee.com.

WERF top research challenges

The Water Environment Research Foundation Annual Program Area Meeting is Dec. 4-5 at the Claremont Spa and Resort Berkeley, Calif. Researchers will discuss the progress they are making on the industry’s top research challenges.

Highlights include nutrient removal and assessing the limits of technology, wastewater microbes and risk assessment, optimizing treatment processes to minimize biomass and activated sludge solids, using rainwater to grow livable cities, and a report on the Trace Organics Research Roadmap.

A special keynote presentation on the “Future of Water Quality Research” addresses how demographics, economy, climate, technology, and regulations are shaping the future of the water and wastewater industry and its research needs. Call 703/684-2470 or visit www.werf.org.

Outstanding opportunities at AWWA conference

The American Water Works Association Water Quality Technology Conference and Exposition is Nov. 4-8 at the Charlotte (N.C.) Convention Center. Attendees can take in a comprehensive schedule of workshops and technical sessions that introduce the latest research, regulations, and technologies for keeping drinking water safe.

Besides more than 300 presentations representing the work of 500 experts, the conference has six in-depth, interactive workshops and a choice of three technical tours: Coca-Cola Bottling Co., Duke Energy McGuire Nuclear Station, or WEDECO. Ample time is available to meet with water quality treatment manufacturers, suppliers, and consultants. Call 800/926-7337 or visit www.awwa.org.

Management roles at utilities

The Maine WasteWater Control Association and York County Com-munity College in Wells have developed a Certificate of Business Manage-ment for Wastewater program. It combines technical training at wastewater utilities throughout the state with business management courses at the college. Applicants must hold a Grade III Operator Certificate or pass the exam during the course. Those with a Grade III Certificate can opt out of the apprenticeship program by passing a proficiency exam. Call 203/646-9282 ext: 203 or visit www.mwwca.org.

Developing TMDL

The EPA released Options for the Expression of Daily Loads in TMDLs, a draft document using annual, monthly, or seasonal time frames rather than daily to develop total maximum daily loads. Visit www.epa.gov/owow/tmdl/ draft_daily_loads_tech.pdf.