Member Pipeline - Fax Alerts - September 3, 2004
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September 3, 2004
AMSA, VAMWA Weigh in on Nutrient Appeal
AMSA filed a motion to intervene this week with the Virginia Association of Municipal Wastewater Agencies (VAMWA) in Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) v. Town of Onancock (Onancock). In this case, CBF argues that the court should require Virginia to place strict limits on the amount of nitrogen that Onancock can discharge, before the state revises its water quality standards and completes a total maximum daily load (TMDL). AMSA and VAMWA will argue that scientifically defensible water quality standards are an essential prerequisite for issuing permit limits to clean water utilities. VAMWA and AMSA also will assert that a TMDL is needed to allocate the environmentally acceptable amount of nitrogen and phosphorus among the various sources, including clean water facilities, in the Bay watershed. Additional information on this case is available on AMSA’s website (www.amsa-cleanwater.org/private/littrack/).AMSA Collaborates with WERF on
Joint Research Priorities Meeting for 2005
AMSA and the Water Environment Research Foundation (WERF) are discussing scheduling options for a joint meeting with WERF's Research Council to provide Association members with an opportunity to communicate their research needs directly to those individuals who set the Foundation's research priorities. Input provided during the joint session will be considered by the Research Council as it revises the Foundation's long-term research agenda for the upcoming year. In order to gauge interest and ensure space to accommodate the attendees in the day-long session, slated for early 2005, the Association asks that interested members contact AMSA’s Chris Hornback at 202/833-9106 or chornback@amsa-cleanwater.org by September 15, 2004.EPA Releases Handbook on
Management Systems for Wastewater Utilities
The Office of Wastewater Management at EPA, in cooperation with the Global Environment and Technology Foundation and several wastewater treatment agencies, released this week a comprehensive handbook to help wastewater utilities implement environmental management systems (EMS) for their operations. The new publication, Achieving Environmental Excellence: An Environmental Management Systems (EMS) Handbook for Wastewater Utilities, was extensively reviewed by a project Steering Committee and a Peer Review Group.Officials from AMSA participated in these reviews incorporating the clean water community’s viewpoint. For the first time, wastewater agencies have a step-by-step guide that covers all the actions necessary to put an effective EMS in place. The handbook also contains numerous examples of agencies that have already established EMSs along with many other examples and tips to help demystify the EMS process. Finally, the handbook contains information on EMS costs and benefits, including costs associated with completing an independent third party audit of the system. The handbook is available free of charge on AMSA’s website (www.amsa-cleanwater.org/pubs/2004-08EMSWWHndbk.pdf ).
- The National Biosolids Partnership (NBP) launched a redesigned website (www.biosolids.org) that includes an updated graphic interface and enhanced navigation tools for easy access to biosolids-related information. The Partnership’s EMS program for biosolids is prominently featured and the site offers the media and public useful information and updates on biosolids.
- Agenda, registration and hotel information for AMSA’s 2004 Developments in Clean Water Law Seminar, November 10-12 at the Loews Coronado Bay Resort, San Diego, Calif., is now available on AMSA’s website (www.amsa-cleanwater.org/meetings/04law/).