Member Pipeline - Fax Alerts - September 28, 2001
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September 28, 2001
AMSA to Testify on Wastewater Infrastructure Security
Following recent terrorist events, AMSA responded quickly to the call to assess and ensure security measures at the nation's publicly owned wastewater treatment works (POTWs). Recognizing AMSA’s unique position as the national representative of POTW concerns, the House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Water Resources and the Environment requested that AMSA testify at its Oct. 10 hearing on water and wastewater infrastructure security issues. AMSA will provide additional information to its members on this hearing in future alerts and updates. Also, as planning for possible terrorist scenarios will likely be a new exercise for many of AMSA’s member agencies, POTWs are expected to need assistance in developing vulnerability assessments and in refining and implementing emergency response and recovery plans. In an effort to develop such a state-of-the-art security program, AMSA is currently meeting with officials from Congress and EPA to secure sufficient funding to ensure that wastewater collection, treatment, and distribution systems are secure from potential physical and/or cyber threat.
AMSA Steps Up Efforts to Protect Water Quality in Farm Bill
With the House of Representatives expected to take up the Farm Bill next week, AMSA has stepped up its efforts to ensure that it provides for adequate water quality protections. To this end, AMSA, as part of a coalition of environmental and recreational groups, endorsed the Boehlert-Kind-Gilchrest Conservation Amendment to the Farm Bill that would provide nearly $650 million annually in incentives that would aid in nonpoint source pollution control. As the letter points out, the Amendment "will reduce long-term water treatment and dredging costs, . . . reward farmer stewardship, help producers comply with regulations, and increase farm profitability." Additionally, AMSA and several other municipal groups plan to send a letter to targeted Congressmen to support the Amendment next week and will keep Members updated on the Farm Bill’s progress.
AMSA Index Deadline Extended Until October 12
Because of the recent focus on security issues, AMSA has extended the deadline for filling out AMSA Index member surveys until October 12. The AMSA Index is an invaluable benchmarking tool that tracks service charge increases and compares them to the rate of inflation. The Index is representative of AMSA’s broad membership and is a valuable resource used by wastewater agencies across the nation. If you have not already completed your survey — don’t delay and return your agency’s completed one-page Service Charge Index Survey form today! Contact Lisa D. Headley, AMSA’s Director of Member and Internal Services, with any questions or for a new survey form at 202/833-3692 or lheadley@amsa-cleanwater.org.
- The 2001 AMSA/EPA Pretreatment Coordinators Workshop will be held in Nashville, Tennessee, November 7 - 9, 2001. The Workshop will provide a unique opportunity for pretreatment professionals from across the nation, and spanning all levels of government, to identify program challenges and work together to create solutions. If you are active in your agency’s pretreatment program this is one workshop you should not miss! For more information, visit http://www.amsa-cleanwater.org/meetings/.