Member Pipeline - Fax Alerts - August 8, 2003
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August 8, 2003
AMSA Member Agency First to Receive Biosolids Management Certification
The National Biosolids Partnership (NBP), made up of AMSA, the Water Environment Federation (WEF), and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), honored the Orange County Sanitation District (OCSD), California, as the first public wastewater agency in the nation to receive third-party audit certification for its biosolids Environmental Management System (EMS). A presentation ceremony was held yesterday at OCSD’s reclamation plant, in Fountain Valley, Calif., where OCSD Board members and the general manager were awarded a Certificate of Achievement by officials from the NBP acknowledging their successful management efforts. By completing the program, OCSD has demonstrated a dedication to its community and commitment to advancing environmentally sound biosolids management practices. AMSA congratulates OCSD on becoming the nation’s first wastewater utility to complete this rigorous certification process. It is the Association’s hope that the success enjoyed by OCSD will inspire other wastewater treatment utilities to become active in the NBP. A letter of congratulations to OCSD from AMSA and an accompanying Press Release are available on AMSA’s website at http://www.amsa-cleanwater.org/private/reg_outreach.cfm.AMSA Urges EPA to Streamline Key Effluent Limitations Guideline
Yesterday, AMSA, along with several industrial stakeholders, met with EPA to discuss revisions to the Effluent Limitations Guideline (ELGs) for the Centralized Waste Treatment (CWT) Point Source Category, focusing on the removal of molybdenum from the Organics Subcategory. Based on a review of the data used to develop the rule, and more recent data submitted by industrial CWT plants, the Agency stated it will seriously consider removing molybdenum from the Organics Subcategory. AMSA’s Pretreatment and Hazardous Waste Committee Chair, Guy Aydlett, Director of Water Quality at Hampton Roads Sanitation District, Virginia Beach, Va., hammered home to EPA officials the fact that the Agency’s recommendation of biological treatment for organic wastestreams does not consistently or effectively remove metals; therefore, a limit on molybdenum is not only unachievable, but unwarranted. At the meeting, representatives of CWT plants submitted additional key data and, based on this new information, the Agency demonstrated a willingness to rethink the inclusion of a molybdenum limit – a very encouraging outcome. The Agency indicated that the revisions would be proposed in the coming weeks and, after a 30 day public comment period, would be finalized before the Agency’s December deadline. AMSA will continue to track this important issue and will alert the membership of further developments.AMSA Joins Wastewater Leaders at Water Infrastructure Security Summit
On August 7 and 8, AMSA members and staff joined representatives from the Center for Disease Control, Department of Homeland Security, National Research Council, National Science Foundation, and the academic and regulatory community for a Water Environment Research Foundation (WERF) security symposium to explore the various facets of security issues related to wastewater infrastructure and management. The key objective of the symposium was to provide WERF, the EPA, and participating stakeholders with a well-focused research agenda that will enhance security for wastewater infrastructure and address associated public health issues. The specific goals of the symposium were to develop a roadmap and prioritize a research agenda that will fill key gaps for addressing wastewater system security and public health protection and develop project profiles for top priority research topics. AMSA will continue its involvement in this important process and keep members apprised of new developments as they occur.