Member Pipeline - Fax Alerts - November 7, 2002
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November 7, 2002
EPA Sets Out Plan for Response to NAS Biosolids Report
In an October 31 letter, EPA set out its schedule for responding to the National Academy of Science's (NAS) July 2002 report on the land application of biosolids and affirmed that land applying biosolids pursuant to the Part 503 rule remains a viable choice for municipalities. The letter - signed by EPA's Assistant Administrator (AA) for Water G. Tracy Mehan, III and Paul Gilman, AA for EPA's Office of Research and Development and sent to EPA's Regional Administrators - says that by April 2003 the Agency will announce in the Federal Register, and solicit public comment on, its proposed plan of action in response to the NAS report and will publish its final action plan in the Federal Register by January 2004. The letter also notes that EPA agrees "with the NAS . . . regarding the need for additional studies on the potential effects of biosolids" and says the Agency is "committed to conduct additional research on this subject and take appropriate action based upon that work." In the letter, EPA offers strong support to the National Biosolids Partnership's efforts to expand voluntary Environmental Management Systems for biosolids. AMSA will likely make recommendations to EPA for inclusion in the proposed plan of action and will voice POTW concerns during the notice and comment process.
Election Puts Congress, Key Environment Committee in GOP Hands
The Republicans gained control of the U.S. Senate in this week's elections, putting both Houses of Congress under GOP control. With the key Senate Environment & Public Works (EPW) Committee once again in Republican hands, the trade press is reporting that Senator John Warner (R-VA), the Senior Republican on the EPW Committee, will pass on the chairmanship, giving it to the next most senior GOP Committee member, Senator James Inhofe (R-OK). The GOP sweep may also be good news for wastewater security legislation. The Republican House has already passed a security funding bill that authorizes nearly $200 million in funding for POTWs to perform vulnerability assessments and security upgrades. Unlike its Democratic Senate counterpart, the House bill does not require POTWs to file vulnerability assessments with EPA. Because the Senate will soon be in GOP hands, there may be a much better chance of passing the House's security bill through the Senate. Once the choice for EPW's Chairman becomes official, AMSA will meet with the Chairman's staff to discuss security and wastewater infrastructure funding legislation. AMSA will keep Association members updated as election-related developments continue to unfold.
Registration Underway for 2003 Winter Conference
Registration is now underway for AMSA's 2003 Winter Conference, The Evolving Public Utility. . .Leading the Workforce of Today. The conference will take place February 4-7, 2003 at the Eldorado Hotel in Santa Fe, New Mexico. With the holiday season approaching, and our January 3 hotel cut-off right after the new year, now is the ideal time to make your plans to attend. This year, AMSA's management conference offers a unique look at The Evolving Public Utility, by examining key factors, developments and trends that support effective leadership of the workforce of today. . . and even tomorrow. Identifying & Selecting an Effective Workforce, Developing & Sustaining an Effective Workforce, Managing an Effective Workforce, and Rating, Rewarding & Compensating an Effective Workforce will serve as the organizing anchors of the agenda through which issues such as organizational development, succession planning, performance evaluation, and labor relations - among others - will be examined in depth. Visit www.amsa-cleanwater.org or see AMSA Member Update 02-17 to review the preliminary program and register for the conference. Don't delay - register today!