By Paul Bowen, Ph.D.
As I conclude my last year as chair of the WEFTEC Program Committee, I am—-as always—-truly excited by the meeting’s technical program. Here at WEFTEC.09, our comprehensive program highlights new and innovative research as well as featuring fresh approaches to proven programs and operations. And this year’s high-quality workshops are in a class by themselves--it’s really exciting to see how everything has come together!
WEFTEC is where you can meet and learn from some of the best and brightest minds in our field. They attend WEFTEC by the thousands and include my colleagues on the hard working and extraordinary Program Committee. We’ve stayed on top of trends and current events to offer exciting, up-to-date new sessions and workshops like the one on carbon footprinting. It is so stimulating and energizing to see state-of-the-art information come through in the program. If you can’t be in Orlando, you can visit the WEF website to see the WEFTEC Daily, posted today through Wednesday, to get a sense of the excitement here.
One technical session I’m extremely excited about is Water Footprinting, Stewardship, and Advocacy, exploring the roles of the public and private sector in water sustainability. This topic truly is cutting-edge and on the forefront of the water sector. The panel assembled for this session has industry leaders in developing this topic, and I know their presentations will generate excitement and interest.
As an old timer on this Committee (been on it for 26 years) I find every year is a fresh experience, and the personal and professional rewards keep coming. And I see that I’ve used some form of "excite" six times in this blog. That sort of repetition is a big nonstarter from a writer’s point of view. But from my own POV, I just still get excited about WEFTEC—-and it’s off to the Opening General Session!
Showing posts with label weftec. Show all posts
Showing posts with label weftec. Show all posts
Monday, October 12, 2009
Monday, September 28, 2009
Thanks for the Opportunities and the Memories
By Rebecca West, 2008-2009 WEF President
Well I’m getting close to the end of my term, and I've got to say that it’s been an awesome ride! Like probably every other WEF President, I’m hoping to leave the Federation just a little bit further down the road in terms of providing the world’s best technical knowledge and training in water. To that end, I’m happy to report that Stormwater and Nutrients are two areas the Federation has targeted for resource development. And hot topics like these will be considered as a part of WEF’s latest efforts to “globalize” programming and products for a broader appeal to our members seeking a global perspective on water issues.
As I look back over the last year, it’s also been good to see other priorities take shape, like initiatives to strengthen the relationship between WEF and our outstanding MAs and a fresh look at communications.
That includes a redesigned WEF website for much better access and delivery of products and services – btw, check out our new website - what do you think? – and our focused discussions on water infrastructure in the media through the launch of the Liquid Assets program.
Cruising into next year as immediate past president, I’ll look forward to continued work with AWWA and EPA on our efforts to develop a clearinghouse for water sector education and related communications for water sector workforce issues. In addition, I look forward to supporting WEF’s continued efforts that further our mission of water as a global citizen – specifically in bringing access to clean and safe drinking water and sanitation to others in developing communities through our relationships with Water for People, the Peace Corps, and others. The strengthening of support for these efforts during this past year has been personally exciting to see take shape and further defines the critical connection between water and global health.
Perhaps most important, I’d like to leave with a big thank you to all of the wonderful volunteers, members and hard-working WEF staff who have made this year such a memorable and rewarding experience. It has been a privilege and honor to work with you all – now let’s have some fun at WEFTEC in a few weeks!
Well I’m getting close to the end of my term, and I've got to say that it’s been an awesome ride! Like probably every other WEF President, I’m hoping to leave the Federation just a little bit further down the road in terms of providing the world’s best technical knowledge and training in water. To that end, I’m happy to report that Stormwater and Nutrients are two areas the Federation has targeted for resource development. And hot topics like these will be considered as a part of WEF’s latest efforts to “globalize” programming and products for a broader appeal to our members seeking a global perspective on water issues.
As I look back over the last year, it’s also been good to see other priorities take shape, like initiatives to strengthen the relationship between WEF and our outstanding MAs and a fresh look at communications.
That includes a redesigned WEF website for much better access and delivery of products and services – btw, check out our new website - what do you think? – and our focused discussions on water infrastructure in the media through the launch of the Liquid Assets program.
Cruising into next year as immediate past president, I’ll look forward to continued work with AWWA and EPA on our efforts to develop a clearinghouse for water sector education and related communications for water sector workforce issues. In addition, I look forward to supporting WEF’s continued efforts that further our mission of water as a global citizen – specifically in bringing access to clean and safe drinking water and sanitation to others in developing communities through our relationships with Water for People, the Peace Corps, and others. The strengthening of support for these efforts during this past year has been personally exciting to see take shape and further defines the critical connection between water and global health.
Perhaps most important, I’d like to leave with a big thank you to all of the wonderful volunteers, members and hard-working WEF staff who have made this year such a memorable and rewarding experience. It has been a privilege and honor to work with you all – now let’s have some fun at WEFTEC in a few weeks!
Friday, September 18, 2009
SYPC Gets Ready for Wet Work in Orlando
By Haley Falconer, Chair of SYPC Service Project Subcommittee
I’m excited to report that WEF’s Students and Young Professionals Committee (SYPC) will definitely enhance the environment in Orlando this year at WEFTEC! On Saturday October 10th, around 80 volunteers from WEF, consulting firms, universities, and industry are joining forces to complete the second annual community service project, “Wading for Wetlands,” at the Northwest Water Reclamation Facility outside of Orlando. This year we are focusing on harvesting plants from an established part of the wetland and replanting them in undeveloped wetland areas.
Our main goals are to educate participants about the wetland treatment system and how wetlands are used to further remove nutrients from the reclaimed water prior to recharging sensitive aquifer systems. We’ll also encourage volunteers to share this knowledge in their communities. The SYPC service project will help Orange County increase the planted area in the wetlands, which in turn will enhance nutrient reduction by the wetlands, thus improving the overall system performance.
The SYPC, along with staff at the NWRF and WEF, is planning and coordinating the project, recruiting volunteers and sponsors, and most importantly, providing manual labor. A morning ceremony
will be attended by WEF Past President Jim Clark and afternoon recognition will be given by WEF Immediate Past President Adam Zabinski.
The SYPC would like to encourage MAs to consider planning a service project for their annual meetings. This is a great way to recruit new members and young professionals, as well as give people a different outlet for furthering their involvement in the organization. It would be fantastic to have any interested MA leaders attend the service project in Orlando to see what the SYPC is up to.
The planning process will soon begin for the WEFTEC.10 third annual outreach project in New Orleans, Louisiana. If you would like more information on this project, please contact me at haleyfalconer@gmail.com. Meanwhile, we hope to see you in some Orlando wetlands next month!
I’m excited to report that WEF’s Students and Young Professionals Committee (SYPC) will definitely enhance the environment in Orlando this year at WEFTEC! On Saturday October 10th, around 80 volunteers from WEF, consulting firms, universities, and industry are joining forces to complete the second annual community service project, “Wading for Wetlands,” at the Northwest Water Reclamation Facility outside of Orlando. This year we are focusing on harvesting plants from an established part of the wetland and replanting them in undeveloped wetland areas.
Our main goals are to educate participants about the wetland treatment system and how wetlands are used to further remove nutrients from the reclaimed water prior to recharging sensitive aquifer systems. We’ll also encourage volunteers to share this knowledge in their communities. The SYPC service project will help Orange County increase the planted area in the wetlands, which in turn will enhance nutrient reduction by the wetlands, thus improving the overall system performance. The SYPC, along with staff at the NWRF and WEF, is planning and coordinating the project, recruiting volunteers and sponsors, and most importantly, providing manual labor. A morning ceremony
will be attended by WEF Past President Jim Clark and afternoon recognition will be given by WEF Immediate Past President Adam Zabinski. The SYPC would like to encourage MAs to consider planning a service project for their annual meetings. This is a great way to recruit new members and young professionals, as well as give people a different outlet for furthering their involvement in the organization. It would be fantastic to have any interested MA leaders attend the service project in Orlando to see what the SYPC is up to.
The planning process will soon begin for the WEFTEC.10 third annual outreach project in New Orleans, Louisiana. If you would like more information on this project, please contact me at haleyfalconer@gmail.com. Meanwhile, we hope to see you in some Orlando wetlands next month!
Monday, August 31, 2009
Celebrating a Unified Voice for Water Reuse
By Don Vandertulip, WEF Chair, Water Reuse Committee
As WEFTEC.09 and the WateReuse conferences approach, reclaimed water and water utility professionals can celebrate the unique relationship enjoyed between the Water Environment Federation (WEF) and the WateReuse Association (WRA). Why celebrate? Because this special relationship directly and positively impacts the planet’s sustainable water resources.
Both organizations direct attention to reclamation and other beneficial uses of the high quality water now produced from what years ago was called a sewer plant. Among other activities, they are working together in research projects and developing an alternative to plumbing code requirements for purple pipe that carries untreated wastewater.
Results also include expanded opportunities to learn and grow professionally. In fact, WEF and WRA are both supporting sessions to begin discussion of potential updates to the EPA Guidelines for Water Reuse at their respective national conferences. WEF is also a co-sponsor for the WRA Symposium to be held in Seattle September 13-16, 2009 and encourages its members and water professionals to attend the conference and become immersed in water reuse topics. If you can’t attend this west coast conference, remember that WEFTEC will be October 10-14 in Orlando.
WEF Water Reuse Committee members already know and appreciate that many WEF members are also members of WRA. We believe this co-participation reinforces our knowledge base and supports a unified voice for expanded reuse of water. And that unified voice bodes well for clean water.
As WEFTEC.09 and the WateReuse conferences approach, reclaimed water and water utility professionals can celebrate the unique relationship enjoyed between the Water Environment Federation (WEF) and the WateReuse Association (WRA). Why celebrate? Because this special relationship directly and positively impacts the planet’s sustainable water resources.
Both organizations direct attention to reclamation and other beneficial uses of the high quality water now produced from what years ago was called a sewer plant. Among other activities, they are working together in research projects and developing an alternative to plumbing code requirements for purple pipe that carries untreated wastewater. Results also include expanded opportunities to learn and grow professionally. In fact, WEF and WRA are both supporting sessions to begin discussion of potential updates to the EPA Guidelines for Water Reuse at their respective national conferences. WEF is also a co-sponsor for the WRA Symposium to be held in Seattle September 13-16, 2009 and encourages its members and water professionals to attend the conference and become immersed in water reuse topics. If you can’t attend this west coast conference, remember that WEFTEC will be October 10-14 in Orlando.
WEF Water Reuse Committee members already know and appreciate that many WEF members are also members of WRA. We believe this co-participation reinforces our knowledge base and supports a unified voice for expanded reuse of water. And that unified voice bodes well for clean water.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Value for Members Remains Top WEF Priority
By Bill Bertera, WEF Executive Director
WEF is in the best financial shape of its long history...still, we expect our operations--and our members--to be significantly affected by the recession. Like utilities and companies across the country, and indeed, around the world, we will be doing business differently to meet tough economic challenges. For the record, one thing won’t change, and that’s our focus on delivering top quality training and education for water quality professionals.
WEF will continue to provide the best possible value for stretched member dollars even as we adjust current spending. It’s the Federation’s job to help you protect public health and the environment, and we are adapting our programs to meet your needs and resources.
We understand that travel is more difficult for many of our members, so we are putting new emphasis on distance learning technologies like free webcasts. Budgets for education and training are strained...we are adding more free content to our websites in response. Resources for innovation are strapped...we are emphasizing cutting-edge material and technologies in our educational offerings,
including WEFTEC, our specialty conferences and our seminars. And of course, we continue to focus on providing our members with the latest information on new funding for wastewater projects, a big topic at next week’s 2009 National Clean Water Policy Forum sponsored by WEF and NACWA.
This is a hard time for both the public and private sector, and WEF is here to make it a little less so. Already there are signs that the recession may be softening, but we have a long way to go yet. Together we will get there.
Please take a moment to let us know what you think and what else WEF could do to be of more help still.
WEF is in the best financial shape of its long history...still, we expect our operations--and our members--to be significantly affected by the recession. Like utilities and companies across the country, and indeed, around the world, we will be doing business differently to meet tough economic challenges. For the record, one thing won’t change, and that’s our focus on delivering top quality training and education for water quality professionals.
WEF will continue to provide the best possible value for stretched member dollars even as we adjust current spending. It’s the Federation’s job to help you protect public health and the environment, and we are adapting our programs to meet your needs and resources.
We understand that travel is more difficult for many of our members, so we are putting new emphasis on distance learning technologies like free webcasts. Budgets for education and training are strained...we are adding more free content to our websites in response. Resources for innovation are strapped...we are emphasizing cutting-edge material and technologies in our educational offerings,
including WEFTEC, our specialty conferences and our seminars. And of course, we continue to focus on providing our members with the latest information on new funding for wastewater projects, a big topic at next week’s 2009 National Clean Water Policy Forum sponsored by WEF and NACWA.This is a hard time for both the public and private sector, and WEF is here to make it a little less so. Already there are signs that the recession may be softening, but we have a long way to go yet. Together we will get there.
Please take a moment to let us know what you think and what else WEF could do to be of more help still.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Show Me the Green Infrastructure
By Paul Freedman, 2008-2009 President-Elect of WEF
The other day I was having a discussion about the current stimulus bill and potential set asides for green practices, when a thought hit me: are we as a profession and as individuals really walking the talk, or merely looking for handouts? Put another way, have we fully embraced a new mentality about adopting green practices or are we just being politically correct to win federal money?
I am happy to say, that WEF as an organization and as a professional association talks the talk, and walks the walk. WEF has a Community of Practice on Sustainability with more than 100 members and has provided professionals with hundreds of presentations, papers, and articles on related topics including a specialty conference on sustainability in 2008 and another planned for 2010; we’ve also been quite active in legislative and regulatory affairs advocating for green practices. Beyond all this, WEF is demonstrating our commitment through implementation of our WEFeco program which is aimed at reducing the organization’s carbon footprint through individual and organizational actions, and will ultimately help other organizations go green with similar efforts. This has included everything from reducing our energy usage and paper usage to recycling and even installing a green roof and terrace(come by and admire it or read about it in the April issue of Highlights.
So especially in light of upcoming Earth Day celebrations, I am proud to be part of an organization that is advocating and embracing green practices. As experts and stewards of the water environment, we do have an obligation to lead, by voice and by example. And who is more qualified to lead efforts to redesign water and land-use infrastructure for communities that are greener, better for the environment and more livable and sustainable? What are you doing, both as a part of your organization and as an individual? I challenge you to take a moment and share an example of what you or your company or organization is doing in the way of green practices or more specifically, infrastructure. Thanks in advance for your post and your commitment to a cleaner, greener environment.
The other day I was having a discussion about the current stimulus bill and potential set asides for green practices, when a thought hit me: are we as a profession and as individuals really walking the talk, or merely looking for handouts? Put another way, have we fully embraced a new mentality about adopting green practices or are we just being politically correct to win federal money?
I am happy to say, that WEF as an organization and as a professional association talks the talk, and walks the walk. WEF has a Community of Practice on Sustainability with more than 100 members and has provided professionals with hundreds of presentations, papers, and articles on related topics including a specialty conference on sustainability in 2008 and another planned for 2010; we’ve also been quite active in legislative and regulatory affairs advocating for green practices. Beyond all this, WEF is demonstrating our commitment through implementation of our WEFeco program which is aimed at reducing the organization’s carbon footprint through individual and organizational actions, and will ultimately help other organizations go green with similar efforts. This has included everything from reducing our energy usage and paper usage to recycling and even installing a green roof and terrace(come by and admire it or read about it in the April issue of Highlights.So especially in light of upcoming Earth Day celebrations, I am proud to be part of an organization that is advocating and embracing green practices. As experts and stewards of the water environment, we do have an obligation to lead, by voice and by example. And who is more qualified to lead efforts to redesign water and land-use infrastructure for communities that are greener, better for the environment and more livable and sustainable? What are you doing, both as a part of your organization and as an individual? I challenge you to take a moment and share an example of what you or your company or organization is doing in the way of green practices or more specifically, infrastructure. Thanks in advance for your post and your commitment to a cleaner, greener environment.
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