In other news below, see:
-- URS awarded up to $20 million U.S. Navy environmental contract
-- Skinner treatment plant resumes full operation, water agency cooperation averts problems
-- Industries honored by LA sanitation districts as 'Good Corporate Citizens'
-- Ozone Safe Food Inc. to showcase ozone technology at Food Pro 2005 in Australia
-- Calif. DWR, State Water Board release step two of Prop 50 water grants process
-- ACWA energy expert addresses California Energy Commission workshop
-- LADWP approves balanced budget, adding energy efficiency, environmental programs
-- New Bio-Solutions franchise location opens in South Carolina
-- Ore. student to represent U.S. in Stockholm Jr. Water Prize competition
MWH expands Los Angeles-based engineering staff
BROOMFIELD, CO, June 24, 2005 -- MWH, a global consulting firm, has expanded its Los Angeles operations to include 18 new positions focused on water and wastewater engineering for its Municipal and State Services Practice. The new staff members will provide infrastructure design, environmental engineering, and project management services to utilities and municipalities throughout Southern California. Collectively, the new employees bring over 100 years of industry experience to the MWH offices in Los Angeles, Pasadena and Ontario.
MWH has experienced significant growth in Southern California as utilities and local governments expand their infrastructure to support population and demand increases. New projects such as the 24 MGD Coronado Del Mar Plant design-build for Goleta Water District and the expansion of the Lancaster, California 21 MGD wastewater plant for the Los Angeles County Sanitation District have contributed to the need for MWH to increase its water and wastewater engineering staff. MWH Regional Manager, Roger Austin, commented, "MWH has a long history of building California's critical infrastructure. Our newly expanded staff will enable us to continue to deliver innovative water and wastewater projects to even more local communities."
Based in Broomfield, Colo., MWH (www.mwhglobal.com) is a private, employee-owned global consulting firm that provides engineering design and remediation, construction, procurement, program management, and technology solutions for the environmental, land, water, wastewater, energy and power markets of the Americas, Europe, Middle East, India, Asia and the Pacific Rim.
URS awarded environmental contract by U.S. Navy worth up to $20 mln
SAN FRANCISCO, June 22, 2005 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- URS Corp. has been awarded an indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract by the U.S. Navy to provide environmental engineering services to the Navy's Engineering Field Activity, Northwest (EFANW) office.
Under the terms of the contract, as the Navy issues specific task orders, URS will provide environmental design and restoration services and environmental investigations at Naval facilities in Washington, Alaska, Oregon, Montana, and Idaho. The five-year contract has a maximum value to URS of $20 million.
Commenting on the contract, Gary V. Jandegian, President, URS Division, said: "This is a significant win for URS, which further expands our work supporting the EFANW on a wide scope of projects. Over the course of our 16-year relationship with the Navy's Engineering Field Activity Office, we have helped the EFANW successfully complete environmental work, inspections and risk assessments, provided support for Base Realignment and Closure activities, as well as operation and maintenance services for its environmental website. We are excited to have been selected by the Navy and look forward to continuing our strong relationship on this important assignment."
URS Corp. (www.urscorp.com) offers a range of professional planning and design, systems engineering and technical assistance, program and construction management, and operations and maintenance services for transportation, commercial/industrial, facilities, environmental, water/wastewater, homeland security, installations and logistics, and defense systems. Based in San Francisco, it operates in more than 30 countries with about 27,800 employees providing engineering and technical services to federal, state and local governmental agencies as well as private clients in the chemical, pharmaceutical, oil and gas, power, manufacturing, mining and forest products industries.
Skinner WTP resumes full operation, water agency cooperation averts problems
TEMECULA, CA, June 22, 2005 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Normal water deliveries resumed this evening at the Robert A. Skinner water treatment plant, operated by the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, about nine hours after a malfunction caused temporary reductions to water agencies serving Southwest Riverside and San Diego counties.
Full operations resumed by 6 p.m. The malfunction, which began at 9:15 a.m., caused treated water to enter an emergency outflow pipe that empties into a nearby creek.
"We are pleased both by the quick work of our dedicated staff and the close cooperation with the water agencies we serve," said Debra Man, Metropolitan's chief operating officer. "The good news is that Metropolitan and the water agencies served by our Skinner treatment plant had already developed contingency plans to handle a scenario very similar to the one we experienced today. The plan worked."
Earlier this year, Metropolitan, the San Diego County Water Authority, Western Municipal Water District of Riverside County, Eastern Municipal Water District and other local retail water agencies developed a water demand management plan to provide options on how best to meet water needs in the region until additional treatment capacity is added to the Skinner plant. Construction is under way for a $76 million treatment module to meet increasing demands from the water agencies served by Skinner. The additional unit is scheduled to go into service in Spring 2007. The management plan identifies feasible conservation measures and other temporary steps that would help reduce demands during periods of hot weather.
Today's malfunction caused one of two water treatment units at the Skinner plant to go offline while technicians investigated the cause and determined how best to quickly and safely resume normal operations. When the malfunction occurred in the morning, water was entering nearby Tucalota Creek at 420 cubic feet per second for about one hour until the flow could be stopped. About 33 acre feet of treated drinking water was spilled into the creek. An acre foot is about 326,000 gallons, enough water to provide the needs for two average Southern California families in and around their home for a year.
The malfunction occurred when a gate leading from the treatment modules closed without warning, forcing water into an emergency relief valve. The cause of the malfunction is under investigation.
The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (www.mwdh2o.com) is a cooperative of 26 cities and water agencies serving 18 million people in six counties. The district imports water from the Colorado River and Northern California to supplement local supplies, and helps its members to develop increased water conservation, recycling, storage and other water-management programs.
Industries honored by LA sanitation districts as 'Good Corporate Citizens'
WHITTIER, CA, June 22, 2005 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Certificates of recognition were sent to 447 companies by the Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County for being "good corporate citizens" throughout the year 2004. These companies were in consistent compliance with all their industrial wastewater discharge requirements for 2004. They met their limits for wastewater discharge; they were free from any notices of violation; they maintained their environmental equipment; and they fulfilled their permit requirements. Over 50 of the companies received this recognition for each of the last five years.
"As far as we're concerned, the 447 industries receiving certificates are our model citizens," notes James Stahl, Chief Engineer and General Manager of the Sanitation Districts. "We appreciate their effort because it makes our job of running a huge wastewater collection and treatment system so much easier." Mr. Stahl announced the Certificate results at the June 8 meeting of the Directors for the Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County.
"This is an amazing list of firms, both as to industries involved and business size range," said Jack Kyser, Chief Economist, Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation. "Their determination and innovation show that we can have a diverse and growing economy while maintaining our quality of life. They all deserve a hearty pat on the back."
Paul Martyn, head of the Sanitation Districts' Industrial Waste Section, adds that the records of these facilities were carefully checked and they are recognized for their conscientious effort.
"It's appropriate to recognize companies which have devoted time and money to achieve full compliance," notes Martyn. "You always hear about the bad guys, and we thought it was time that you heard about the good guys."
The idea for the certificates of recognition originated with the Sanitation Districts' Industry Advisory Council, an advisory group of 18 representatives from different industrial sectors. The Council and the Sanitation Districts have felt it was important that industries with good compliance records be recognized. The Recognition Program is now in its ninth year.
"We hope this will become an award that is sought after by industry and recognized by the public," notes Sam Bell, Vice President of Metal Surfaces, Inc. of Bell Gardens and chair of the Council. "It provides further incentive for companies to meet Districts' limits and regulations. The Sanitation Districts have always worked closely with industry, and recognizing industry for conscientious compliance is a further step to encourage companies to comply with regulations and protect the environment."
"The Districts hope this Recognition Program will further strengthen the relationship of government and industry working together for a better environment and a sustaining economy," added Paul Martyn.
The Sanitation Districts (www.lacsd.org) provide environmentally sound and cost effective wastewater and solid waste management for over half the population of Los Angeles County processing over 1/2 billion gallons of sewage and disposing of 18,000 tons per day of trash. The Sanitation Districts take pride in their motto, "We take what others think of as waste, and maximize recovery of resources such as energy, reclaimed water, and recyclable materials."
Ozone Safe Food Inc. to showcase ozone technology at Food Pro 2005 in Australia
PALM SPRINGS, CA, June 22, 2005 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- eFoodSafety.com Inc., a company dedicated to improving food and health conditions around the world through its innovative technologies, today announced via its wholly-owned subsidiary Ozone Safe Food Inc., that together with Machpac Australasia Pty. Ltd., the company will be showcasing its patented and patent pending ozone technology and equipment in Sydney, Australia at the country's largest food trade show, Food Pro 2005.
Food Pro 2005 will be held at the Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre in Darling Harbour on July 10-13. Since its beginnings as the International Meat Trades Fair, Food Pro has grown into the most prestigious, high profile food and beverage trade event in the Asia Pacific region.
Suppliers of processing machinery, ingredients and additives, packaging and a complete range of ancillary products will be on display at Food Pro 2005.
Machpac Australasia Pty. Ltd. is the master distributor of the Ozone Safe Food line of patent pending and patented ozone equipment for both Australia and the United Kingdom.
"On display will be Ozone Safe Food's newly invented Pulsator(TM)," stated Mr. Mark Taggatz, President and CEO of eFoodSafety.com, Inc.
The Pulsator(TM) combines high pressure with ozone and eliminates hot water and chemicals in the plant and equipment cleaning process. Incorporated in the technology is the company's patented Vortex Mixing System(TM) which compresses ozone into microscopic bubbles in a water solution for a faster, more effective application and far less off-gassing.
eFoodSafety.com Inc. (www.efoodsafety.com), based in North Palm Springs, Calif., is a holding company that operates two wholly-owned subsidiaries. Its Ozone Safe Food Inc. subsidiary (www.ozonesafefood.com) provides proprietary technology that cleans and sanitizes equipment and other hard surfaces. The patented technology can be utilized for direct application of ozone on pork, beef, poultry, seafood, fruits and vegetables. The company presently has distributors in the United States, United Kingdom, China, Mexico, Canada, and Australia for its equipment, which can also help reduce pathogens and provide longer shelf life to produce and meats.
Its Knock-Out Technologies Ltd. subsidiary has developed an all-natural and environmentally safe sporicidal that eradicates anthrax, as well as a germicidal product that kills six major bacteria: E-coli, Listeria, Pseudomonas, Salmonella, Staphylococcus, and Streptococcus. Currently, testing of the germicidal is being done on avian influenza.
Calif. DWR, State Water Board release step two of Prop 50 water grants process
SACRAMENTO, June 22, 2005 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- The California Department of Water Resources (DWR) and the State Water Resources Control Board have issued the Draft Step 2 Proposal Solicitation Package (PSP) for the Proposition 50, Chapter 8 Integrated Regional Water Management Grant Program.
The Draft Step 2 PSP can be found on the following web sites:
-- www.waterboards.ca.gov/funding/irwmgp/index.html
-- www.grantsloans.water.ca.gov/grants/integregio.cfm
The Draft Step 2 PSP contains the detailed scoring criteria and procedures for submitting Step 2 applications for grant funding. Submittal of a Step 2 proposal will be by invitation only. Two public meetings to answer questions on the Draft Step 2 PSP and to accept comments will be held as follows:
1) July 28, 2005 -- 1:30 p.m.
California Environmental Protection Building
1001 I Street, 2nd Floor, Coastal Hearing Room
Sacramento, CA 95814
2) August 4, 2005 -- 10 a.m.
Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board
320 West 4th Street, Suite 200
Los Angeles, CA 90013
The July 28 meeting will be web broadcast for Internet access at: www.calepa.ca.gov/broadcast. During the broadcast, listeners may e-mail comments or questions to: [email protected]. It isn't necessary to register to attend these meetings.
All public comment on the Draft Step 2 PSP must be received by 5 p.m., August 19, 2005. E-mail comments are preferred and such comments must be submitted as an MS Word compatible e-mail attachment. Please send or e-mail to the address below:
California Department of Water Resources
Division of Planning and Local Assistance
Attn: Tracie Billington
P. O. Box 942836
Sacramento, CA 94236-0001
[email protected]
For more information on the Draft Step 2 PSP and public meetings, contact Tracie Billington, DWR, at 916-651-9226 or Scott Couch, State Water Resources Control Board, at 916-341-5658.
The Department of Water Resources operates and maintains the State Water Project, provides dam safety and flood control and inspection services, assists local water districts in water management and water conservation planning, and plans for future statewide water needs.
ACWA energy expert addresses California Energy Commission workshop
SACRAMENTO, June 21, 2005 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Speaking today at a California Energy Commission workshop, Dr. Lon House, energy consultant for the Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA), informed attendees that water agencies are in a unique position to curtail energy usage when necessary to help the state during times of increased demand.
"Dr. House is drawing attention to some of the ways in which water agencies can help the state avoid blackouts or even grid failure during an energy crisis," said ACWA Executive Director Steve Hall. "In desperate times, the water community has a real opportunity to rise to the occasion to further serve not only their customers, but all Californians."
House's comments came at a workshop designed to examine the relationship between water and energy. At present, water agencies already curtail about 400 megawatts (MW) of on-demand power. As a result of activities associated with treating, pumping and moving water, water agencies are the single largest electricity users in California, with a 3,200 MW maximum demand.
House drew attention to other means of potential energy savings, power production, and reallocation of resources by water agencies, including:
-- Additional curtailment using existing resources, increased water storage, and time-of-use rates;
-- Increased energy production using available standby generators; small hydroelectric systems; biogas; natural gas engines; and solar power.
In the coming years, water agencies will require additional power to continue to the meet the needs of the state's growing population, to use technologies such as desalination and to meet requirements and other regulations. With these and other proposed means of conservation and production of energy, House believes that the water community will be capable of meeting that need and further assisting the state during high-demand periods. He noted, however, that these options also would require more consistent state policies and regulatory requirements along with financial incentives.
ACWA is a statewide association composed of 440 members that are responsible for about 90% of the water delivered in California. To view the presentation, please visit: www.acwa.com/issues/ACWA%20W-E%20June%2021%20comments.pdf.
LADWP approves balanced budget, adding energy efficiency, environmental programs
LOS ANGELES, June 21, 2005 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) Board of Water and Power Commissioners approved a balanced, $3.1 billion budget today for fiscal year 2005-06 that demonstrates the LADWP's commitment to programs that foster clean air and renewable energy.
The budget includes $2.5 billion in operating revenue from power services and $628 million from water services. LADWP's budget meets the goals of maintaining double-A bond ratings, transfers to the city's general fund, and an appropriate balance of debt and equity funding of the capital improvement programs.
Under the direction of General Manager Ronald F. Deaton, the budget broadly supports environmental measures designed to promote energy efficiency, renewable power, and other projects aimed at fostering clean air and other environmental benefits.
"I am very pleased that we are able to support and expand programs that benefit both the environment and the communities we serve," Deaton said. "We are increasing our investment in energy efficiency programs, including Trees for a Green L.A. and Cool Schools, both of which are geared toward planting more trees in Los Angeles to save energy, improve air quality, and beautify neighborhoods all at the same time," Deaton said.
The budget earmarks $27 million for energy efficiency programs and $16 million for continued funding of LADWP's solar photovoltaic incentive program in 2005-06. Currently, the Department is studying a variety of energy efficiency programs to determine how best to allocate the funds.
Accompanying the budget are five-year financial plans for the power and water systems that indicate projected costs and revenue requirements through fiscal year 2009-10. For the water system, the budget includes a proposed revenue increase of 3.8% in January 2006, and subsequently 3.8%, 3.9%, 3.2%, and 3.2% for fiscal years 2006-07 through 2009-10. On the power side, no rate increases are anticipated for the next three fiscal years. In 2008-09 and 2009-10, the Department projects increases of about 1.5% annually to meet financial objectives of the power system.
Deaton emphasized that the budget is a financial planning document, and as such, does not authorize rate increases. LADWP will develop and submit to the Board a proposed water rate increase that would be subject to an independent third-party review. Additionally, the proposed rate action would be subject to public hearings that include a 90-day review by neighborhood councils. It would then require approvals by the Board of Water and Power Commissioners and the City Council.
"We have been working hard this year to make sure neighborhood councils had opportunities to review and comment on the draft budget," Deaton said. Neighborhood councils had been notified in advance about Board reviews of the budget on May 23, June 7, and today's hearing. Additionally LADWP conducted two budget workshops over the past six months to ensure the councils were aware of the proposed budget and financial plans.
The proposed water system revenue increases are largely driven by state and federal mandates to meet increasingly stringent water quality regulations. These mandates require extensive capital projects involving the city's water reservoirs, major trunklines, and other infrastructure. Furthermore, significant capital expenses also are required to complete mandated environmental mitigation projects in the Owens Valley.
Deaton said the 2005-06 budget demonstrate LADWP's commitment to control costs and keep water and power rates competitive. "We are achieving these goals, and at the same time, doing much more to satisfy water quality regulations, environmental commitments, and upgrade infrastructure to ensure continued reliability of water and power for the city of Los Angeles," he said.
The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power serves more than 3.8 million people in Los Angeles and was established more than 100 years ago to provide water and electric needs to the city's businesses and residents. For more information, visit www.ladwp.com.
New Bio-Solutions franchise location opens in South Carolina
HATTIESBURG, MS, June 22, 2005 (PRNewswire-FirstCall) -- Bio-Solutions Manufacturing Inc. (BSLM), a New York corporation, announced a new and local franchise owner for the Easley, S.C., area. Michael Kilby. Kilby has recently acquired his service license and franchise territory, which covers the Greenville County area in northwestern South Carolina.
The Greenville Company, Bio-Solutions of South Carolina, is a franchisee of Bio-Solutions Franchise Corp. (BSFC), the marketing division of BSLM, which describes its actions as "caring for the environment" and using "an ancient solution to modern pollution". The microbial products used are produced by the parent company in Hattiesburg, Miss., where scientists work to provide tailor made bioremediation products based on the needs of each specific customer.
Bio-Solutions is a service based company which offers eco-friendly solutions for food establishments and municipalities by implementing grease management systems that eliminate the grease not just move the pollution from one place to another. Kilby states, "We offer a cost-efficient alternative for municipalities and food establishments because contracting with Bio-Solutions merely redirects money that is already allocated for pumping and overtime labor.
Wayne Wade, President of Bio-Solutions Franchise Corp, said the company grows specific types of bacteria. "Treatment Protocols used in grease traps for a Chinese restaurant is different from those used in a steak house." Wade stresses that the treatments used by Bio-Solutions are extremely safe while reducing the cost of sewer treatments for cities and grease trap treatments for food establishments.
Using a pump to clear a grease trap or lift station and dumping the pollutants elsewhere means only that you move the problem (fats, oil, and grease) from one place to another. In addition to the expense of pumping, there is a problem of where to dump the grease. Many counties in South Carolina, including the Greenville area, do not allow the dumping of grease, causing a pumper to travel to North Carolina or Georgia in order to find a site willing to accept the waste. "Bio-Solutions provides another solution -- we use eco-friendly bacteria to digest the grease in the traps and thereby eliminate the problem at the source," Kilby states.
The term for this type of service is 'Bioremediation,' which is defined as 'the use of biological agents to remove or neutralize contaminants as in polluted soil or water.' These agents include naturally occurring bacterial strains that are isolated, purified, and stored for use. The formulation of the products has been developed to digest waste effectively and in an environmentally safe and responsible manner. The bacteria used in this service enhance what is already naturally present and are safe and non-toxic.
Bio-Solutions has developed microbiological products for waste bioremediation. It currently services many municipal collection systems and a growing number of food service facilities in the United States. The company's products have been approved by an ever-growing number of municipalities for use in food service facilities that produce waste products introduced into the municipal collection systems. Bio-Solutions' products treat waste in an environmentally friendly and safe manner in compliance with Federal and State government standards.
Ore. student to represent U.S. in Stockholm Jr. Water Prize competition
ALEXANDRIA, VA, June 18, 2005 -- Kathryn VanderWeele, of Portland, Ore., has been named the U.S. winner of the Stockholm Junior Water Prize (SJWP). The 15 year old freshman from Oregon Episcopal School will compete in the most prestigious international competition to recognize students for excellence in water science research. Kathryn studied, "Removal of Arsenic from Drinking Water by Water Hyacinths." Her research was selected from a pool of 46 state SJWP winners at the national competition, in Portland, Oregon, June 16-18.
"Internationally, arsenic in drinking water is a major public health and environmental issue," explained Nominations Chair Dr. Charles Sorber, University of Texas. "VanderWeele researched a low cost, low tech, highly effective process called phytoremediation, which has world-wide application. She demonstrated the ability of water hyacinths to absorb arsenic in their root stems and bio-mass and determined to which point plants were effective in the reduction.
VanderWeele was awarded $2,500 and an all-expense paid trip to Stockholm, Sweden, where she will compete against more than 30 other countries for the international honor during World Water Week, August 20-27. Her school will receive a $1,000 grant to enhance water environment education made possible through support from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office (EPA) of Research and Development. VanderWeele will also be invited to present her research to more than 15,000 water environment professionals at WEF's Technical Exhibition and Conference, next November, in Washington D.C.
The U.S. competition is organized by the Water Environment Federation (WEF) and its member associations, with support from ITT Industries and The Coca-Cola Company. ITT Industries is also the international sponsor. This year's U.S. competition was hosted by the Pacific Northwest Clean Water Association representing Washington, Oregon and Idaho.
"Today's youth are indeed tomorrow's leaders and must be encouraged to pursue water-related careers or risk further erosion of our scarce supply," said Bjorn von Euler, Director of Corporate Communications, ITT Industries. "The SJWP helps meet that objective and is the reason ITT Industries has been a proud sponsor since its inception as an international competition eight years ago."
The winner of the international competition will be chosen based on the quality and relevance of the student's project. HRH Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden will present the award on August 22 during a ceremony held in conjunction with the Stockholm Water Symposium. The laureate will receive a $5,000 scholarship and a crystal sculpture.
Three U.S. finalists were also awarded $500 each. Their schools will also receive $1,000 grants to enhance water environment education, also provided through the support of U.S. EPA. They include:
-- Daria Zelasko, Chicago, for the project "Benevolent Bacteria: Indigenous Bacterial Remediation";
-- Elizabeth Welsh, Proctor, Minn., for the project, "The Use of Barley Straw to Control Algal and Macrophyte Growth on Wild Rice Lake -- Pre and Post-Eutrophic Conditions";
-- Megan Conroy, Export, Pa., for the project, "Acid Mine Drainage Remediation Year II."
For more information, visit www.stockholmjuniorwaterprize.org.
Founded in 1928, the Water Environment Federation (www.wef.org) is a not-for-profit technical and educational organization with members from varied disciplines who work toward the vision of preservation and enhancement of the global water environment. The WEF network includes water quality professionals from 79 member associations in over 30 countries.
ITT Industries, Inc. (www.itt.com) supplies advanced technology products and services in key markets including: fluid and water management including water treatment; defense communication, opto-electronics, information technology and services; electronic interconnects and switches; and other specialty products. Based in White Plains, NY, the company generated $6.8 billion in 2004 sales.
The Coca-Cola Company is the world's largest beverage company and is the leading producer and marketer of soft drinks. Through the world's largest distribution system, consumers in nearly 200 countries enjoy the company's products at a rate of more than 1 billion servings each day.
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In earlier newsbriefs, see:
-- "WaterBriefs: New Grundfos OEM sales manager for U.S. industry segment" -- Also in this report (June 22, 2005): Utility automation leaders to gather at Autovation 2005; McCrometer expands municipal market in Ala., Ga.; Edgewater, Fla., signs contract with Johnson Controls; Zenon to install its technology for Olympic Village in China; EBI Consulting adds its 200th employee; Strategic Diagnostics food safety product orders rise; Enviro-Equipment opens office in Chicago; Kleinfelder's Sounart receives PE registration; Steel Water Tank Seminar spotlights new AWWA standards; STI/SPFA honors safety excellence, achievement award winners...
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