Member Pipeline - Fax Alerts - June 18, 2004
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June 18, 2004
AMSA Launches
Inaugural Wastewater Sector Security Link Newsletter
AMSA is pleased to announce the launch of Wastewater Sector Security Link, a quarterly electronic newsletter that will provide new and evolving security information to publicly owned treatment works that comprise the critical wastewater infrastructure sector. Wastewater Sector Security Link, a cooperative effort with EPA, will serve as an additional tool to support wastewater utilities nationwide in their continuous work to improve the security of their facilities, employees, customers and processes. All AMSA members will receive a copy of the newsletter via email or fax in the coming days.AMSA Lawyers Focus on Water Transfers, Construction Claims
This week more than 25 AMSA Legal Affairs Committee members joined a Late Breaking Legal Issues call to get up-to-date information on two critical issues: the regulatory status of interbasin water transfers and managing construction claims. Hilary Meltzer, Senior Counsel for AMSA member the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (NYCDEP), told attendees that NYCDEP filed its opening brief on June 9, arguing that National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permits are not the right tool to address the water quality impacts of water movement for supply and other public purposes.
AMSA will file an amicus brief in support of NYCDEP next week. Also briefing participants was George Vila, an attorney and construction contact manager and engineer for AMSA member agency Metropolitan Sewer District of Greater Cincinnati. Vila outlined techniques to reduce controversial construction claims, minimize change orders, and achieve a successful outcome for all parties. For information on future Late Breaking Legal calls and further details on legal initiatives, visit AMSA’s Legal webpage (www.amsa-cleanwater.org/private/legal_index.cfm).AMSA Continues to Seek
Member Input on Senate Water, Wastewater Funding Bill
AMSA and the Water Infrastructure Network (WIN) met with Senate Environment and Public Works majority staff this week to discuss a working draft (www.amsa-cleanwater.org/private/leg_outreach.cfm) of new water and wastewater infrastructure funding legislation. There is no clear timeframe for when the legislation, which would reauthorize the Clean Water Act state revolving fund at $20 billion over five years, will be introduced. AMSA, however, continues to urge members to review the discussion draft and submit comments, as soon as possible, to the National Office as member input will be critical in guiding the Association’s next steps regarding this legislation (see Special Edition Fax Alert 06-14-04). AMSA also remains committed to seeking a clean water trust fund. As an example of this effort, Environmental Protection’s Water & Wastewater Products Magazine published AMSA Executive Director, Ken Kirk’s June 2004 Matter of Trust article. To view the article, visit AMSA’s Newsroom webpage (www.amsa-cleanwater.org/advocacy/news.cfm).
- The AMSA/Water Environment Research Foundation Biosolids Incineration Survey deadline has been extended to July 9, 2004. All members who incinerate biosolids are urged to complete the survey. More information can be found at www.amsa-cleanwater.org/private/regalerts/ra04-13.cfm.
- AMSA reminds members to reserve their hotel rooms and pre-register for the Association’s upcoming Summer Conference. The deadline to receive AMSA’s special room rate of $165 has been extended to July 2, 2004. To ensure you receive the special rate, call the Westin Tabor Center at 303/572-9100. Visit AMSA’s Conferences & Meetings webpage (www.amsa-cleanwater.org/meetings/04summer/) for more registration information and the conference agenda.