In other news below:
-- TTCM China signs a major contract worth over $6.6 million
-- GE's ecomagination focus leads to historic Chinese partnership
-- Water champion to act as eyes, ears for consumers as competitive market opens
-- Key water industry players line up for annual investor conferences
-- ObjectVideo, WPG System partner to provide intelligent video to Asia Pacific region
-- Ingersoll Rand to acquire majority interest in Chinese security technologies provider
-- Coca-Cola, PepsiCo hold more than 50% of U.S. beverage market
-- Nestle Waters expresses mixed reaction to appeals court ruling
-- Calif. DWR director Snow highlights Delta risks at water conference
-- Santa Clarita Valley residents offered rebate for automatic water softener removal
-- ENSR expands Paris environmental operations
-- American Pacific completes acquisition of Aerojet Fine Chemicals
-- Novazone appoints vice president of worldwide sales
-- Antwerp Waterworks selects ClickSoftware scheduling solution
-- Chevron wetlands mitigation bank receives final approval
-- QI appoints new water control systems distributor
JMAR's BioSentry to be tested for homeland security application -- Key U.S. city to install water monitoring system in central public facility to test for deliberate, harmful biological contamination of drinking water events -- SAN DIEGO, Dec. 1, 2005 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- JMAR Technologies Inc. will install the BioSentry™ in a major U.S. city for the purpose of monitoring drinking water for Cryptosporidium and other microorganisms. This test program marks the first application of BioSentry to directly support Homeland Security initiatives.
The program, which is set to commence in January 2006, will last three months. Under the terms of the contract, JMAR will receive funding from the city to conduct evaluation tests and report the performance of BioSentry's effectiveness in monitoring the facility's drinking water for Cryptosporidium, a protozoan parasite that can infect humans and result in serious illness.
With more than $40 billion dollars allocated to the U.S. Department of Homeland Defense for Fiscal Year 2005, protecting the nation against acts of terrorism is clearly a critical concern. As part of the 2005 Homeland Security Appropriations Act, signed by President Bush in October of 2004, more than $118 million has been allocated to enhancing current environmental monitoring activities, $40 million of which is targeted at monitoring the nation's vital water supplies.
"Although drinking water in the United States is considered among the safest in the world, an increase in the visibility and awareness of recent terrorist activity has brought water safety to the forefront of our security concerns," commented John Ricardi, vice president of the Sensor Products Group for JMAR. "BioSentry is uniquely positioned to offer continuous, real-time monitoring of a facility's water supply, a critical component in the nation's homeland security efforts."
"We are pleased that BioSentry has been selected for testing and validation in this Homeland Security application," said Ronald A. Walrod, CEO of JMAR. "We believe that continuous monitoring and rapid detection of biological contamination in water supplies will prove an important alternative to the time-consuming and often sporadic process of manual sample collection and laboratory analysis. When it comes to protecting our drinking supplies, BioSentry can play a significant role."
With this installation, JMAR now has systems installed in four of its target markets: beverage bottling quality assurance, water utility operations, cruise ship water monitoring, and homeland security. JMAR recently announced the successful completion of the first phase of BioSentry testing at Kimpen, S.A. de C.V., Mexico's leading beverage development and manufacturing company. Kimpen subsequently purchased two units for operational testing. BioSentry is also currently undergoing beta-testing at two additional sites. Olivenhain Municipal Water District has employed three BioSentry systems to monitor raw influent water, treated effluent water and distribution system water at its water treatment facility. A BioSentry test unit is also installed on a ship operated by a major cruise line with the objective to monitor water quality for onboard drinking water, spas and swimming pools.
The BioSentry is a laser-based, contamination warning system that provides continuous, automated monitoring of drinking water. This unique system is designed to monitor, detect and classify waterborne microorganisms in real time, assuring water purity. Prospective applications include beverage bottling quality assurance, water utility operations, cruise ship water monitoring, and homeland security for building water supply and water distribution systems.
JMAR Technologies Inc. (www.jmar.com) is a leading innovator in the development of laser-based equipment for imaging, analysis and fabrication at the nano-scale. The Company is leveraging over a decade of laser and photonics research to develop a diverse portfolio of products with commercial applications in rapidly growing industries while continuing to carry out research and development for the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and support for the U.S. Government's Defense Microelectronics Activity (DMEA) semiconductor fabrication facility. JMAR is targeting the nanotechnology, bioscience and semiconductor industries with its BriteLight™ Laser; X-ray Light Source; Compact X-ray Microscope - for 3D visualization of single cells and polymers; and its X-ray Nano Probe - enabling interaction, analysis and materials modification at the nano-scale. JMAR also develops, manufactures and markets its BioSentry microorganism contamination warning system and maintains a strategic alliance for the production of the READ chemical sensor for homeland security, environmental and utility infrastructure industries.
---
Among other recent headlines:
• TTCM China signs a major contract worth over $6.6 million -- MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA, Dec. 1, 2005 -- TTCM China Inc., a leading supplier of glass-reinforced plastic pipes, announces that it has signed a major contract with Sung Hua Jiang Drinking Water Pipeline Project. The value of the contract is approximately US$6.625 million. This project is vital for delivering and distribution of drinking water to tens of millions of people in the Sung Hua Jiang region. TTCM China was chosen due to its product's ability to handle extreme temperature change, its turnkey business model and its successful track record...
• GE's ecomagination focus leads to historic partnership with Chinese Ministry of Agriculture -- GE's Silwet additive helps address China's agriculture, environmental demands -- WILTON, CT, Dec. 1, 2005 -- GE has joined the Ministry of Agriculture of China in a strategic partnership designed to meet the huge demand on that country's agricultural resources, a vital development in a country where much of the workforce is comprised of farmers and where remote locations require agro-technical support. The core of the new technology is a silicones-based additive called Silwet Super Spreader, developed and marketed by GE - Advanced Materials, Silicones. By helping reduce the heavy water demands for high spray volumes and chemical runoff into soil and groundwater during the application of agricultural pesticides, Silwet additives afford farmers the potential to dramatically reduce their use of water and reduce chemical waste...
• Water champion to act as eyes, ears for consumers as competitive market opens -- LONDON, Dec. 1, 2005 -- As the UK government announces water supplier licensees, the competitive market for water opens today -- with a number of large businesses and public sector organizations standing to benefit from the opportunity to change water supplier. The Consumer Council for Water (CCWater) pledged to aggressively monitor developments in the market to identify the benefits of, and barriers to competition from a consumer viewpoint. It will also engage with business consumers to find out about their experience of the market...
In other UK water news:
-- "Ofwat names first group of licensees to open competition in water supply market"
-- "Defra chief stresses working together to tackle climate change"
-- "CCWater publishes consumer expectations of water, sewerage service"
-- "Regional watchdog: Water customers should share in success of United Utilities"
-- Consumers should share in success of Yorkshire Water, regional water champion says
• Key water industry players line up for annual investor conferences -- TULSA, OK, Dec. 1, 2005 -- As a number of year-end investment conferences clog holiday schedules, water and wastewater industry and related companies aren't being left out of the program. Several have announced they'll participate in upcoming events planned over next the few weeks. Many of the presentations will be viewable at the company websites...
-- "Aqua America chairman to present at Bear Stearns Commodities and Capital Goods Conference"
-- "Aqua America CFO to present at NYSSA Water Industry Conference"
-- "Flowserve to present at Bear Stearns conference"
-- "American States Water Company to present at The New York Society of Security Analysts' '9th Annual Water Industry Conference'"
-- "Cal Water president & CEO to speak at Profiting in the Water Industry Conference"
-- "Cytec Industries' chairman, president & CEO to address Smith Barney Citigroup Chemical Conference"
-- "Pentair executives present at CIBC Best Ideas, FBR Investor conferences"
-- "SJW Corp. to present at Wall Street Transcript's 'Profiting in the Water Industry' Conference"
-- "Watts Water Technologies announces webcast of NYSSA Water Conference presentation"
-- "Pure Cycle Corp. to present at Wall Street Transcript conference"
-- "American States Water Company To Present at The Wall Street Transcript's 'Profiting in the Water Industry Conference'"
• ObjectVideo, WPG System partner to provide intelligent video to Asia Pacific region -- WPG System will distribute ObjectVideo products to enable OEMs, system integrators to deploy intelligent video solutions -- RESTON, VA, & SINGAPORE, Dec. 1, 2005 -- WPG System Pte Ltd, a subsidiary of Singapore-based WPG International and member of Taiwan's WPI Group, Asia's largest distributor of electronic, computer and semiconductor components, and ObjectVideo, on Nov. 29, announced a partnership to distribute ObjectVideo products in the Asia Pacific. In addition to distributing ObjectVideo VEW® and Forensics™ to systems integrators, WPG System has been granted exclusive rights to distribute ObjectVideo OnBoard™ to manufacturers in the Asia Pacific region. An intelligent video analytics software solution optimized for operation on a high-performance digital signal processor (DSP), OnBoard enables video surveillance equipment manufacturers to create intelligent video solutions for their products. The technnology assists in safeguarding critical infrastructure such as water, wastewater and other utility services...
• Ingersoll Rand to acquire majority interest in Shenzhen Bocom System Engineering Co. Ltd., a China-based provider of integrated security technologies, services -- HAMILTON, Bermuda, Dec. 1, 2005 -- Ingersoll-Rand Co. Ltd., a leading diversified industrial firm, has signed a definitive agreement to acquire an 80% share of Shenzen Bocom System Engineering Co. Ltd., the largest independent security-systems integration and services company in China. The business supplies security-systems design, engineering, installation and integration, including expertise in video monitoring solutions for city and highway traffic, airports, government buildings and general surveillance. The acquisition, which is subject to customary regulatory approvals, is expected to close in the near future. Terms were not disclosed...
• Coca-Cola, PepsiCo hold more than 50% of U.S. beverage market -- DUBLIN, Ireland, Dec. 1, 2005 -- Research and Markets has announced the addition of "Beverage Manufacture and Bottling - Industry Profile" to its offering. The report notes, among other things, that the U.S. soda and bottled water industry includes about 3,000 companies that manufacture and distribute beverages, with combined annual revenue of $70 billion. Coca-Cola and PepsiCo hold more than 50% of the market, following strong consolidation in the past decade. Only a few other companies have annual revenue above $500 million. Most are local or regional manufacturing and bottling operations with annual revenue under $100 million...
• Nestle Waters expresses mixed reaction to appeals court ruling -- STANWOOD, MI, Nov. 30, 2005 -- Nestle Waters North America had a mixed reaction to an opinion issued by the Michigan Court of Appeals. The court today ruled on an appeal by Nestle Waters to a controversial 2003 Mecosta Circuit Court ruling that was in error and would have shuttered its Michigan operations, if upheld, according to the company. It stated definitively that the use of water by Nestle Waters is a beneficial use and ruled that the company's water use at its Stanwood-based Ice Mountain bottling facility could continue. The ruling today keeps nearly 200 employees working at the facility...
• Calif. DWR director Snow highlights Delta risks at water conference -- Interior official Limbaugh also addresses event -- SAN DIEGO, Nov. 30, 2005 -- Calif. Department of Water Resources Director Lester Snow addressed attendees of the Association of California Water Agencies' (ACWA) annual Fall Conference and Exhibition at its Special Issues Opening Breakfast. Snow's talk focused on the many issues facing the Delta by outlining a disaster scenario of a magnitude 6.5 earthquake in the region and the immense impacts such a catastrophe would have on the state. He also addressed potential ways to address these problems before they occur...
In other ACWA news: "Randy Fiorini elected to lead statewide water group; ACWA members also choose Glen Peterson for vice president post"
• Santa Clarita Valley residents offered rebate for automatic water softener removal -- Santa Clarita Valley Sanitation District gives residents incentives to unplug today to protect Santa Clara River -- SANTA CLARITA, CA, Nov. 30, 2005 -- The Santa Clarita Valley Sanitation District is offering $100 rebates to residents who unplug their automatic water softener and have them removed from their homes. The new program, which began Nov. 30, also offers $150 to residents who remove their automatic water softeners and replace them with pre-approved, non-salt alternative units. The district is offering the rebate to encourage residents to stop using the salt-water systems, which produce a salty waste that reaches the Santa Clara River and could harm downstream aquatic life and agriculture. The state's Regional Water Quality Control Board has established a water quality objective for chloride (salt) and current chloride discharge levels are above that level...
• ENSR expands Paris environmental operations -- New general manager, technical director named in French office -- PARIS & WESTFORD, MA, Nov. 30, 2005 -- Environmental engineering consultant ENSR has expanded its Paris operations, serving industrial and commercial companies in France and the region. Joining the ENSR Paris staff are Michel MacCabe as general manager and Dr. Samir Magnouni, Ph.D., as technical director. ENSR, a leading worldwide environmental firm has 10 offices and a staff of 350 in Europe...
• American Pacific completes acquisition of Aerojet Fine Chemicals -- LAS VEGAS, Nov. 30, 2005 -- American Pacific Corp. has completed the previously announced purchase of the Aerojet Fine Chemicals fine chemicals business of GenCorp Inc., an Ohio corporation through the purchase of substantially all of the assets of Aerojet Fine Chemicals LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and the assumption of certain liabilities of the Business. The purchase price for AFC was $114 million plus a contingent payment of up to $5 million and the assumption by American Pacific of certain liabilities...
• Novazone Inc. appoints Patrick Whalen vice president of worldwide sales -- Seasoned executive placed to manage company's next phase of growth -- LIVERMORE, CA, Nov. 30, 2005 -- Novazone, a provider of ozone-based solutions to improve the freshness and safety of food and water, today has named Patrick Whalen as vice president of worldwide sales. In his new position, Mr. Whalen is responsible for all aspects of sales and field application engineering. Reporting to Paul White, Novazone's president and CEO, Mr. Whalen will be located at the company's headquarters in Livermore, Calif...
• Antwerp Waterworks selects ClickSoftware scheduling solution -- BURLINGTON, MA, Nov. 30, 2005 -- ClickSoftware Technologies Ltd., a provider of workforce and service optimization solutions, announced a licensing and service agreement with Antwerp Waterworks (AWW), an important water utility in Antwerp (Belgium). AWW is in the process of implementing a new environmental resource permitting (ERP) package. The water utility has turned to ClickSoftware's ClickSchedule solution both for its power and flexibility to fully integrate with the new ERP package, as well as its ability to provide the planning and appointment booking functionality the company needs...
• Chevron wetlands mitigation bank receives final approval -- NEW ORLEANS, Nov. 30, 2005 -- Chevron North America Exploration and Production Company has received the final approvals for their Paradis Mitigation Bank. The 7,100 acre wetland mitigation project is located in St. Charles Parish, approximately 23 miles southwest of New Orleans. The Paradis Mitigation Bank was designed by a team of wetland ecologists, soils experts and a Mitigation Bank Review Team (MBRT) from the New Orleans District U.S. Corps of Engineers, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and the Environmental Protection Agency. The property had formerly been used for the production of oil and gas. The goal of this perpetual mitigation bank project is to create a large, contiguous area of forested wetland habitat interspersed with existing ponds. Selected existing forested and nonforested wetlands will be enhanced, while also creating new wetlands from existing uplands within the Paradis Mitigation Bank. This goal will be accomplished by carefully planning wetland development through the natural topography, soils, vegetation and attenuation of storm water runoff...
• QI appoints new water control systems distributor -- DALLAS & RICHMOND, BC, Canada, Nov. 30, 2005 -- QI Systems Inc., a developer and integrator of smart-card payment and tracking solutions, today announced that it has appointed Johlin Measurement Ltd. as a distributor of QI SmartVend bulk water control systems. Johlin Measurement Ltd. is a water systems development company and meter and valve supplier based in Calgary Alberta. They have been providing companies across Canada and the United States with quality products and consulting services since 1985...
***
In earlier newsbriefs, see: "WaterBriefs: World Vision gifts provide help, hope and water to children, communities" -- Also in this report (Nov. 29, 2005): Pa. Gov. implements aggressive steps to improve water quality; Water industry reaches crossroads as UK consumer body publishes program; ACWA fall conference to focus on regional water plans; Gold Coast Water selects ViryaNet to better manage water assets; American Water honored with InfoWorld 100 Award for deployment of Arbor Networks; Ontario's Utilities Kingston selects Itron for smart metering technology; Virginia Beach Department of Utilities selects Citect for water utility SCADA project; ENSR water expert elected president of North American Lake Management Society; CH2M Hill names Northeast government affairs director; Wataire Industries receives CSA special inspection approval; GE awards Parsons upper Hudson River remediation contract; GreenFuel appoints VP to oversee deployment of emissions-to-biofuels system; Longmark Industries targets E. coli, foodborne illnesses with new program; Metron Technology to acquire ChemTrace; Mountain Province Diamonds' joint venture files for water, other permits on mine project; New discovery of C8 contradicts DuPont claims, say citizen groups; National Weather Service unveils new precipitation web page; Orange County groundwater project wins environmental leadership award...
###
