WaterBriefs: Franklin Electric among Forbes' '200 Best Small Companies'

In other news below:
-- Honeywell helps Luke Air Force Base deliver solar-powered energy savings
-- Electronic Sensor Technology Inc. receives follow-on order from GEI Consultants
-- Oldham Metropolitan Borough Council initiates integrated eGovernment IT strategy
-- Stringent EU legislation fuels demand for water, wastewater pumps
-- Society of Environmental Journalists event debates climate change, nuclear power
-- Earth Tech's Stevens honored by the Water Environment Federation
-- Defending WEFTEC champions, TRA CReWSers win Operations Challenge 2
-- WEF announces climate change resolution at WEFTEC.06
-- Tetra Tech wins $15 million EPA water contract
-- FuelCell Energy to install power plant running on dairy waste to power Calif. WWTP
-- Prestigious Fla. golf club commissions 1-mgd water treatment plant to water the grass
-- Enviance compliance system helps Montenay York earn 'Facility of the Year' recognition
-- ASHRAE receives EPA grant to provide advanced IAQ guidance
-- AMRA elects 2006-2007 board of trustees
-- Master Meter integrates 3G technology into Sensus' iCon meter
-- HDR, Westin launch website for AwwaRF's Asset Management Research Roadmap
-- Atlanta DWM goes live with Systems & Software's enQuesta
-- ATL to demonstrate LIMS solutions at AWWA Water Quality Technology Conference
-- Lilongwe Water Board becomes first utility in Africa to go live with HiAffinity

• Franklin Electric selected among '200 Best Small Companies' by Forbes magazine -- BLUFFTON, IN, Oct. 26, 2006 -- Franklin Electric Co. Inc. has been chosen as one of the 200 Best Small Companies by Forbes magazine. In its October 30, 2006 issue, Forbes magazine listed its choice for the best 200 small companies. For the fifth straight year, Franklin Electric has been selected for this distinction. Franklin Electric is a global leader in the production and marketing of water and fuel pumping systems and is a technical leader in submersible motors, drives, controls, and monitoring devices...
Also see:
-- "Franklin Electric Announces a $1.1 Million Expansion of its Grant County, Indiana Electronics Facility"
-- "Franklin Electric Announces Acquisition of Healy Systems Inc."
-- "Franklin Electric selected for the 16th annual America's Finest Companies Directory"

• Honeywell helps Luke Air Force Base deliver solar-powered energy savings -- New photovoltaic roof is part of an energy conservation program expected to save base over $20 million -- PHOENIX, Oct. 26, 2006 -- Honeywell today announced completion of a photovoltaic solar installation at Luke Air Force Base in Glendale, AZ. The solar technology is integrated into a new, 144,000-square-foot roof on the Base Exchange building that will produce 375 kilowatts of electricity -- enough energy to power about 100 homes per year -- and provide decades of free, zero-emissions energy for the base. The solar integrated roof is part of a $13.8-million energy conservation program designed to increase efficiency, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve troop comfort at the base. Managed by Honeywell, the program also includes infrastructure improvements -- such as new automated technology to maintain the base's chilled water/air-conditioning units in a harsh desert environment -- and long-term preventive maintenance services. It's expected to save the Air Force $21.8 million in energy and operational costs over the next 20 years. The savings are guaranteed under a performance contract with Honeywell so the upgrades won't negatively impact base operating budgets...

• Electronic Sensor Technology Inc. receives follow-on order from GEI Consultants -- NEWBURY PARK, CA, Oct. 26, 2006 -- Electronic Sensor Technology (EST), a leading provider of innovative environmental and security solutions, announces the receipt of follow-on order from GEI Consultants for their third zNose^® to be used for testing air samples while monitoring reclamation sites. The zNose has demonstrated the ability to detect and quantify the chemicals in air samples to a very low level, and has additional applications for monitoring for water and soil contamination. If the concentration level of selected chemicals, such as known carcinogens, is above allowable limits, the zNose alerts the GEI Consultant's Engineer to the condition and the reclamation work stops until the problem is corrected. This capability provides workers with real time safeguards in their workplace...

• Oldham Metropolitan Borough Council initiates integrated eGovernment IT strategy -- Lancashire, England, council wins 2006 BE Award for being top project in 'Best Overall IT Strategy' Category -- EXTON, PA, Oct. 26 2006 -- Oldham Metropolitan Borough Council, in Lancashire, England, has won a 2006 BE Award for its Integrated eGovernment project. The award category was "Best Overall IT Strategy."
The BE Awards of Excellence, which are judged by an independent panel of industry experts and presented at an evening ceremony during the annual BE Conference, honor the extraordinary work of Bentley users improving the world's infrastructure. These projects set benchmarks for their industries and showcase the imagination and technical mastery of the organizations that created them. In 1994, the council initiated the integrated eGovernment IT strategy. Prior to that, all architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) and geospatial information was either paper- or microfiche-based and stored in disparate databases...

• Stringent EU legislation fuels demand for water, wastewater pumps -- LONDON, Oct. 26, 2006 -- European Union (EU) legislation is acting as the primary driver for the European water and wastewater market for pumps, even as demand from Eastern Europe promises exciting new growth potential. Proactive operational efficiencies of municipal authorities and private water companies will overcome challenges related to investment flows, improper water distribution and treatment infrastructure, while supporting overall market expansion. Frost & Sullivan finds that "European Pumps in the Water and Wastewater Markets" earned revenues of $1.48 billion in 2005 and estimates this to reach $1.84 billion in 2012. "The urban wastewater treatment directive (UWWTD), which provides guidelines to identify water bodies that need urgent water treatment, is pressurising local authorities to improve water and wastewater treatment, thereby positively impacting the market," says Frost & Sullivan research analyst Karthikeyan Balasubramaniyam...

• Society of Environmental Journalists event debates climate change, nuclear power -- BURLINGTON, VT, Oct. 26, 2006 -- Former Greenpeace activist turned nuclear industry frontman to debate leading experts against a new 'nuclear renaissance' -- BURLINGTON, VT, Oct. 26, 2006 -- After decades of decline and near-oblivion, the question of a nuclear power "renaissance" is being brought to the fore as a miracle answer to combat climate change and charge up a new energy regime free from foreign dependence. This pressing debate over climate change and energy needs has been universally one-sided, according to the Grassroots Action Center for the Environment (GRACE), which is sponsoring a debate via live webcast from the annual conference of the Society of Environmental Journalists in Burlington, VT. The sharply differing views on the proposed "nuclear renaissance" promises to provide an action-filled exchange of the contentious issues at hand at the SPJ event to be held from 11:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. EST. Among the panelists: Peter Bradford, former NRC Commissioner, vice-chair, Board of Directors, Union of Concerned Scientists, Nuclear, and energy advisor, GRACE Energy Initiative; Patrick Moore, Clean and Safe Energy Coalition (CASE) spokesperson, and chair/chief scientist, Greenspirit Strategies; Jim Riccio, nuclear policy analyst, Greenpeace. The panel will be moderated by Judy Fahys, environment reporter at The Salt Lake Tribune. The event coincides with release yesterday of a GRACE Energy Initiative report, "False Promises: Debunking Nuclear Industry Propaganda"...

• Earth Tech's Stevens honored by the Water Environment Federation -- LONG BEACH, CA, Oct. 25, 2006 -- Earth Tech, Inc.'s Gerald "Gerry" Stevens was honored by the Water Environment Federation (WEF) with an achievement award at the association's annual dinner yesterday. Stevens serves as a process design and operations specialist in the Kelowna, British Columbia, office of Earth Tech, a business unit of Tyco International Ltd., and a global provider of consulting, engineering and construction services. WEF's Morgan Operational Solutions Medal recognizes valuable contributions to the study and solution of operational problems faced by water environment professionals. Stevens was recognized for his work in the areas of biological nitrogen and phosphorus removal -- processes that remove pollutants from wastewater. As an Earth Tech employee, he helped lead the way in the implementation of these techniques in wastewater treatment projects throughout North America, southeast Asia, Australia and Europe. During the past 25 years, Stevens has managed and provided process consultation and operator training programs on projects that have designed, built, and operated wastewater treatment facilities, including a challenging facility inside Canada's Banff National Park that was designed to "approach zero environmental impact." For other award winners, click here...
Also see:
-- "Defending Champions, TRA CReWSers Win Operations Challenge 2"
-- "Water Environment Federation Announces Climate Change Resolution at WEFTEC.06"
-- "Other WEFTEC exhibitor press releases"

• Tetra Tech wins $15 million EPA water contract -- PASADENA, CA, Oct. 25, 2006 -- Tetra Tech Inc. (NASDAQ:TTEK) announced today that it has signed a $15 million contract with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to provide technical support to the Pacific Southwest Region (Region 9) Water Division as they implement their core water programs, including programs associated with the Clean Water Act, Marine Protection and Sanctuaries Research Act, and Safe Drinking Water Act. The contract has a four-year period of performance and will include time and materials and fixed-price tasks. This contract expands Tetra Tech's technical support for EPA's west coast watershed and coastal protection programs. It will provide an important opportunity for EPA and its state, territory, and tribal partners to continue core water program integration and fully utilize the watershed approach to address challenging water pollution problems...

• FuelCell Energy to install ultra-clean power plant running on milk-processing waste to power Calif. WWTP -- Sale of high-efficiency fuel cell power plant in the heart of California's farming country to turn milk processing waste into renewable source of power for generating 24/7 electricity -- DANBURY, CT, Oct. 25, 2006 -- FuelCell Energy Inc. will supply an ultra-clean power plant that will run on a renewable supply of fuel from dairy-processing waste, generating electricity to run a municipal wastewater treatment plant serving California's San Joaquin Valley region. The winning proposal for FuelCell Energy's Direct FuelCell^® (DFC^®) power plant, submitted by distribution partner Alliance Power Inc., was selected by the city of Tulare over reciprocating engine and micro-turbines in a competitive bid process. Wastewater treatment facilities are an ideal application for DFC power plants based on their ability to operate on anaerobic digester gas, which is classified as a renewable fuel and eligible for government incentive funding at installations around the world. And because DFC power plants generate electricity without combustion, they dramatically reduce harmful emissions of gas and particulates while generating reliable power right where it's needed. The 750 kilowatt (kW) power plant, consisting of three DFC units, will be installed in spring 2007 to provide around-the-clock electricity for the wastewater treatment plant. As an added benefit, FuelCell Energy's ultra-clean DFC power plant does not require Tulare to purchase $600,000 of Emission Reduction Credits, which would be required if the city had employed traditional on-site power equipment such as reciprocating engines...
Also see:
-- "FuelCell Energy Named One of Connecticut's Fastest Growing Technology Companies in Deloitte's Technology Fast 50 Program"
-- "FuelCell Energy Helps Sierra Nevada Harness 'Beer Power' to Reduce its Energy Costs by 25-40%"

• Prestigious Fla. golf club commissions 1-mgd water treatment plant to water the grass -- System utilizes brackish water as an 'alternative water supply' -- NORTH PALM BEACH, FL, Oct. 25, 2006 -- Water Management Group Inc. announced today the commissioning of a 1,000,000-gallon per day water treatment plant, for Lost Tree Club in North Palm Beach, FL. The treated water will be used to irrigate the fairways, tees and greens at this prestigious ocean front golf club. The source of the raw water is the Floridan Aquifer, which is located about 1,200 feet below the ground and is highly brackish and unsuitable for potable or irrigation use. The new water treatment plant -- encouraged and supported by the South Florida Water Management District, which provides funding for these types of projects -- utilizes a RO system, that produces water that meets the requirements for water for use for golf course irrigation...

• Enviance environmental compliance system helps Montenay York earn 'Facility of the Year' recognition -- Leading waste-to-energy facility leverages on-demand compliance software to achieve award for outstanding environmental practices -- CARLSBAD, CA, Oct. 25, 2006 -- Enviance, a provider of Internet-based, on-demand systems for the management and automation of environmental, health and safety (EHS) compliance activities, today announced that Montenay York Resources Energy Systems LLC, a leading North American waste-to-energy subsidiary of Veolia ES Waste-to-Energy Inc. and Veolia Environnment, has been chosen as "Facility of the Year" by Environmental Protection (EP). The Enviance System, the first Internet-based platform for the collection, distribution, analysis and reporting of EHS data and information, played a key role in Montenay York's achievement. Since implementing Enviance, Montenay York has processed over 1.3 million tons of municipal solid waste and has generated .65 million megawatts of electricity for 400,000 residents...

• ASHRAE receives EPA grant to provide advanced IAQ guidance -- ATLANTA, Oct. 25, 2006 -- ASHRAE has received a $510,000 grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to provide guidance for designing and building healthier buildings with effective operation and maintenance programs that reduce exposure to toxics and asthma/allergy triggers. The three-year grant will be used to write the Advanced Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Design Guide for Non-Residential Buildings, which will help professionals implement high performance designs, improve indoor air quality performance, increase energy efficiency and decrease the environmental impact of exposure to air toxics in a broad range of non-residential buildings. It's part of some $4 million awarded by EPA to improve indoor air quality. ASHRAE will collaborate with the U.S. Green Building Council, the American Institute of Architects and other organizations that address indoor air quality...
Also see: "Energy-efficient buildings the focuse of ASHRAE public session Jan. 29"

• AMRA elects 2006-2007 board of trustees -- NOLRTHBROOK, IL, Oct. 25, 2006 -- AMRA, the international voice of the automated meter reading (AMR) industry, announced its 2006¿2007 Board of Trustees at Autovation 2006: The AMRA International Symposium in Nashville, TN. Elster Electricity LLC's James Andrus will be 2006-2007 president. He'll be joined on the board by president elect/education Stephen Carrico, of Pound, WI's Lee Lake Consulting; senior vice president/advocacy Bernie Bujnowski, of Allentown, PA's PPL Utilities; vice president/communications Sandra Fernstrom, of Hazelwood, MO's TWACS by DCSI; vice president/administration Kevin W. McDonald, of Forest Park, GA's Georgia Power; vice president/technology Clark Pierce, of Newark, NJ's PSE&G; and past president Brian Pollom, of Sammamish, WA's Trilliant Networks, as well as 11 trustees...

• Master Meter integrates 3G technology into residential solid-state iCon -- Sensus' iCon Meter with integrated 3G transceiver provides accurate, cost-effective multi-utility data collection solution -- PITTBURGH, PA, Oct. 25, 2006 -- Master Meter has integrated the Master Meter 3G^® two-way AMR transceiver into the Sensus iCon solid-state, single-phase residential electric meter. Both the Sensus iConmeter and Master Meter 3G are prior recipients of the Frost & Sullivan New Product Development Award. This integrated AMR solution provides unparalleled measurement accuracy and a flexible, cost-effective meter reading solution. This innovative integration of metering and AMR technology combines the iCon meter's superior accuracy and performance which exceeds ANSI C12.20 standards with Master Meter's field proven 3G RF technology as confirmed in over 1,000,000 installed units. In conjunction with Master Meter's MasterLink™ software, customers will benefit from detailed data logging, consumption trend analysis and graphical usage profiles. This powerful solution lends itself to be fully integrated into Master Meter's future Fixed Network technology as well...

• HDR, Westin launch website for AwwaRF's Asset Management Research Roadmap Project -- OMAHA, NE, & RANCHO CORDOVA, CA, Oct. 24, 2006 -- The water and wastewater industry's effort to define the "Asset Management Research Needs Roadmap" has a new home on the Web. The website, www.waterassetmanagement.com, is the official communications channel for a project titled "Asset Management Research Needs Roadmap." This project will draw on water and wastewater leaders throughout North America to identify the industry's most pressing research needs related to asset management. It will establish Awwa Research Foundation's asset management research agenda for the next five to 10 years. The website contains both public and project-related information. Project team members can access up-to-date resources, papers and research...
Also see:
-- "HDR, City of Billings Receive National Medal for Wastewater Treatment Plant Operational Improvement"
-- "HDR Names Carpenter National Technical Director for Water Reuse"

• Atlanta Department of Watershed Management goes live with Systems & Software's enQuesta -- COLCHESTER, VT, & ATLANTA, GA, Oct. 24, 2006 -- The city of Atlanta's Department of Watershed Management (DWM) announced today the simultaneous go-lives of Systems & Software, Inc.'s enQuesta™ and IVR as well as opening of a new call center. enQuesta™ was ranked by UtiliPoint as the number one CIS choice for Municipal Customer Care and Billing in 2006. Serving 300,000 residents in and around Atlanta, DWM wanted to replace their soon-to-be obsolete legacy system with a leading-edge solution that could enhance the city's customer service offerings. The software's new job scheduler functionality will enable the city to automate billing processes -- a true time saver, as the need for manual intervention will be removed from this daily process. DWM also adopted many of its best business processes specifically in the areas of workflow management and credit & collections...
Also see:
-- "El Paso Water Utilities selects Systems & Software CIS solution"
-- "Systems & Software Inc. tops CIS vendor list"

• ATL to demonstrate LIMS solutions at AWWA Water Quality Technology Conference -- WEST END, NC, Oct. 24, 2006 -- Accelerated Technology Laboratories Inc. (ATL), a supplier of laboratory information management systems (LIMS), is pleased to demonstrate exciting new features in Sample Master^® Pro LIMS at the AWWA Water Quality Technology Conference and Exposition (WQTC). The annual conference is scheduled for Nov. 5-9 at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver. In addition to exhibiting, ATL will be demonstrating the power and flexibility of Sample Master^® Pro LIMS, which enables water quality organizations to manage their flood of data, limited resources and complex infrastructure challenges...

• Lilongwe Water Board becomes first utility in Africa to go live with HiAffinity -- JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, Oct. 24, 2006 -- DST International (DSTi) -- a provider of innovative customer management and open billing solutions to the utility industry, announced that Lilongwe Water Board (LWB), Malawi, has gone live with HiAffinity. HiAffinity has been installed at internationally renowned companies in the USA, Europe, South America and Australia. LWB has the distinction as the first site to go live in production in Africa. LWB, in compliance with their Public Procurement Act, floated tenders internationally for the supply and installation of a new billing package with HiAffinity emerging the winner...

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