News Briefs

Criminal charges filed against 3 in Flint

Michigan’s attorney general announced that criminal charges will be brought against two state regulators and a Flint employee, alleging wrongdoing related to the city’s lead-tainted water crisis.

Michael Prysby, a district engineer with the state Department of Environmental Quality; Stephen Busch, a district supervisor in the same department; and Michael Glasgow, the city’s utilities manager, are charged with a mix of felony and misdemeanor charges, including violating Michigan’s drinking water law, official misconduct, destruction of utility property and evidence tampering.

The charges are the first levied in a probe that is expected to broaden in the coming weeks. The charges were brought by the state attorney general, Bill Schuette, and authorized by Judge Tracy Collier-Nix of Genesee District Court.

American Society of Plumbing Engineers partners with NSF

Global public health organization NSF International and professional organization American Society of Plumbing Engineers (ASPE) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to advance and promote public health and sustainability initiatives for the plumbing industry. This agreement focuses on sound plumbing and engineering practices and will utilize the expertise of both organizations to strengthen current and future projects.

Under the MOU, NSF International and ASPE will work cooperatively to leverage their resources to support the plumbing industry and regulators by jointly promoting education programs, conferences, publications, standards, and new products and services. The agreement will continue the advancement of safe drinking water through research and development and, as opportunities arise, the introduction of new standards and codes.

Lawmakers Seek Vote on $15B Calif. Water Plan

California lawmakers recently advanced a bill that would put a hold on Gov. Jerry Brown’s $15 billion water plan unless it gets approval from voters.

The Bay Delta Conservation Plan would build massive, 30-mile-long twin tunnels underneath the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. Last year, the state released a 48,000-page environmental impact report on the project. Critics and environmentalists object to the plan, stating that it would not create more water for the drought-stricken state.

Assemblywoman Susan Eggman, (D-Stockton), introduced Assembly Bill 1713, which would prohibit construction of the canal without voter approval.