Evidence of commitment to operators by the Water Environment Federation (WEF; Alexandria, Va.) continues to grow. In 2010, WEF launched its Operator Initiative to provide knowledge and services to wastewater systems operations personnel. As part of this initiative, WEF has obtained U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) approval of National Guidelines for Wastewater Systems Operator Apprenticeship Standards.
In 2010, the Water Environment Federation (WEF; Alexandria, Va.) launched the Operator Initiative. It focuses on recruitment and retention of operators, education and training for operators and operator trainers, and recognition for operators. WEF’s efforts through the initiative encompass several programs and involve WEF staff, volunteers, and leaders.
Lately, there have been many discussions about developing the utility of the future and recovering energy and chemicals from water resource recovery facilities. But less is being said about the operators and the engineers who will be needed to design, manage, maintain, and operate these facilities.
Pedro J.J. Alvarez, George R. Brown Professor of Engineering at Rice University (Houston) and Water Environment Federation (WEF; Alexandria, Va.) member since 1993, received the 2012 National Water Research Institute (NWRI; Fountain Valley, Calif.) Athalie Richardson Irvine Clarke Prize.
Robin E. Bain, Water Environment Federation (Alexandria, Va.) member since 1983 and environmental resources manager in the City of Peoria (Ariz.) Public Works–Utilities Department, was named WateReuse Person of the Year for 2012 by the WateReuse Association (Alexandria).
More than 100 high school students gathered to decide how to build the most efficient water pump during the inaugural Let’s Solve Water Challenge.
Startup companies are vying to win more than $200,000 in cash and in-kind services from Imagine H2O (San Francisco) for their water-related innovations. The nonprofit organization has narrowed down the field of more than 70 competing companies from 12 countries to 9 finalists for its fourth annual business plan competition, according to an Imagine H2O news release.
 The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) launched the SepticSmart program to encourage homeowners to maintain their septic systems and prevent repairs and pollution that could harm waterways and public health, according to an EPA news release.
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February 28, 2013
Monthly Digests