Award highlights outstanding research contributions to the water community

(DENVER, CO) - The American Water Works Association (AWWA) has announced Steve E. Hrudey as the recipient of the 2012 A.P. Black Award.

Hrudey is Professor Emeritus in Analytical and Environmental Toxicology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology in the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry at the University of Alberta. A leader in research, teaching and public policy, he has forged a diverse, interdisciplinary career in the environmental health sciences and risk management.

Hrudey will receive his award at AWWA's Annual Conference and Exposition (ACE12) in Dallas, Texas on June 11, during the Opening General Session. He will also be the keynote speaker during the Opening of the Professional Program later that afternoon.

In addition to Hrudey's presentation, ACE12 will also offer unique events focused on sections, diversity issues, young professionals, students, public officials, operators, and international attendees as the world's water community gathers to explore the future of safe water, gain insight into cutting-edge research and best practices, and experience the latest products and services available today.

To register, visit http://www.awwa.org/ACE12  . Individuals interested in learning more can also follow ACE12 on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

http://www.winklertimes.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=3507054

Monday, March 19th was a busy day in Manitoba. Two newly upgraded water treatment facilities in Winkler and St. Eustache held their grand openings. Various members of government, industry professionals, and the general public were invited to see the upgrades and participate in the ceremonies. Check out the links below for the full stories... Congratulations to the staff in Winkler and St. Eustache for all of their hard work leading up to this day. 

http://www.winklertimes.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=3507054

http://www.portagedailygraphic.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=3507252

http://www.awwa.org/ACE12/

Registration is now open for this year’s AWWA Annual Conference and Exposition (ACE12), where attendees will choose from more than 100 sessions presented by 400 water professionals, exchange ideas with their peers at eight workshops, and hear from seven keynote speakers, including NFL hall of famer Emmitt Smith.

The conference is slated for June 10-14 at the Dallas Convention Center.

Other keynoters include Brian Fagan, author of “Elixir: Humans and the History of Water;” Richard B. Holmes, deputy general manager of engineering/operations for the Southern Nevada Water Authority and Las Vegas Valley Water District; and J. Kevin Ward, general manager of the Trinity River Authority. The yet-to-be-announced 2012 A.P. Black Research Awardee will also speak.

Conference sessions will offer knowledge across 18 distinct tracks, including Distribution & Plant Operations, Executive, Reuse and International concentrations. Special events include a variety of networking events; receptions for international members, young professionals and students; operator contests; and the Best of the Best Taste Test.

More than 500 exhibiting companies and organizations, spanning all aspects of the water industry, will show their wares in the exhibition hall. This year, specially-selected companies will present in the New Product Technology Showcase, an exclusive area in the hall featuring new and emerging technologies to help address the water challenges your organization faces. Also, the ACE Café is back by popular demand, so hall-goers can relax and enjoy a hot meal without ever leaving the show floor.

A wide variety of registration packages is available, ranging from Full Conference + President’s Reception to economical Operator’s Day and Student registrations. Super Saver Registration ends March 16, and discount rates are available through April 12. Registrations purchased on or after April 13 will be at on-site rates.

Water professionals who wish to attend ACE12 but face tightened travel budgets (or none at all) are encouraged to check out the “ACE12 Justification Toolkit” available at www.awwa.org/ace12. The kit includes information tailored to help present your case for travel, including a benefits and expenses worksheet and sample request letter.

Entries are also being accepted for the ACE12 Video Contest, where would-be attendees can explain “Why I want to attend ACE12” in a two-minute video and post it to AWWA’s Facebook fan page. One winner will receive a full-conference registration.

Gold sponsors of ACE12 include Neptune Technology Group and Badger Meter. Bronze sponsors include AECOM and CH2MHILL. Complete information on ACE12, including registration, attendee and exhibitor info is available at www.awwa.org/ace12.  

See you in Dallas!

http://www.change.org/petitions/help-demonstrate-there-is-a-strong-market-for-westjet-to-fly-in-and-out-of-brandon/share/from_email?email_id=LNJXQGJCCYJTBNJVEVOF&share_action=share

http://www.ijc.org/loslr/en/index.php

The International Joint Commission (IJC) today released information about a new approach to manage water levels and flows in Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River system. Details of the approach are available at www.ijc.org/loslr.

Building on 50 years of experience, a five-year binational study and extensive public comment, the IJC is developing a new approach with the assistance of a Working Group of representatives from the governments of Canada, the United States, the provinces of Ontario and Quebec, and the State of New York.

The flow of water from Lake Ontario down the St. Lawrence River is regulated by the Moses-Saunders Dam in accordance with the IJC's 1956 order of approval. The current regulation plan moderates extreme high and low water levels on Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River. However, it is based on conditions of the last century, does not take the environment into account, and has no process for adapting to future challenges such as bigger storms and more severe droughts.

While continuing to moderate extreme high and low water levels, the new approach would allow for more natural water levels and flow patterns and is expected to produce significant environmental improvements. An Adaptive Management strategy would improve the capability to adapt to future changes, including socio-economic changes and significant changes in climate throughout the system 

The annual MWWA conference was recently held on Jan 8-10 in Brandon, Manitoba. Although it was a lot earlier this year, that didn’t seem to keep people away. We had record attendance of 310 delegates, and 82 exhibitors. Over the 2 days, registrants took in papers, explored the tradeshow and had a great time networking with other water professionals. A copy of some of the papers is available on our website at www.mwwa.net.

 

During the banquet, attendees were treated to a great meal and entertained by the great escape artist Dean Gunnerson. With his hands chained to his feet, he was submerged in a 40 gallon drum filled to the top with water. The lid was then chained to the drum with only a small hole to reach the combination lock holding it all together. He was able to remove the chains and escape in 1 minute, 50 seconds. Try holding your breath for that long! At the banquet, we presented our various awards to well deserving recipients. The winners were;

 

Rookie of the Year – Mark Wiltsey, City of Brandon

Operator of the Year – Richard Bezdietny, RM of Gimli

Lorne Sayer Award – Trevor Richardson

Supplier of the Year – Flocor Inc.

 

Pins were also given out to past board chairpersons and plaques were presented to past board members.

 

Overall, the conference was a great success and received high reviews from delegates. We would like to thank our sponsors, the presenters, tradeshow vendors, and all the attendees for making our conference what it is. We hope to see everyone again next year, Feb.3-6, 2013 at the Victoria Inn, Winnipeg.

This year's Erosion and Sediment Control & Low Impact Development Courses will take place from March 12 to 16, 2012 at the Carriage House Inn. Join us for an exciting week of courses on environmental construction and land development practices for the long-term sustainability of our water resources. We will also be hosting a CPESC Exam and exam preparation course. For registration and other information, please visit the website. http://www.calgary.ca/UEP/Water/Pages/Watersheds-and-rivers/Erosion-and-sediment-control/Erosion-and-sediment-control-courses/Erosion-and-Sediment-Control-Courses.aspx

http://www.wcwea.org/dspBasePage.php/13

The Manitoba Water & Wastewater Assocation and Western Canada Water Environment Assocation have partnered up to offer an informative seminar on Issues and Trends in Industrial Wastewater Treatment.

During this two day seminar, industry professionals will discuss a variety of regulatory requirements as well as process challenges and solutions applicable to treating industrial wastewater.
Through case studies and real-life examples they will explore common problems and treatment solutions and touch on up-coming trends in this field.

A mini tradeshow may be available on Day 1 to allow attendees to visit with suppliers and gain useful information on the latest products and services in the wastewater treatment industry.

A tour of the Simplot Foods processing plant and wastewater treatment facility will take place on Day 2

Plan to join us Feb. 7-8 in Winnipeg. Visit the WCWEA website for more information or contact Western Canada Water to register.