Responses due by 24 April 2007
The Environment Agency would like your views on their proposed method of identifying those areas of England that have different levels of water stress. By classifying areas in this way the activities aimed at saving water can be focussed in those areas where there is greatest need and greatest potential benefit.
Where population and demand for water are forecast to increase, the pressures on water resources will multiply. If the needs of society and the economy are to be met without over-exploiting our environment, we must understand how to target water efficiency activities to achieve a sustainable balance between water supply, demand and the environment.
To reflect these concerns, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) set up the Water Saving Group (WSG) to identify practical ways in which they can work with members of the water industry to encourage households to use water more efficiently. Defra, Communities and Local Government (CLG), the economic regulator the Water Services Regulation Authority (Ofwat), the Consumer Council for Water, representatives from water companies, Water UK, Waterwise and ourselves are all members of the WSG.
The WSG’s action plan includes developing a method of identifying those areas of England that have different levels of water stress. By classifying areas in this way the group can focus activities aimed at saving water in those areas where there is greatest need and greatest potential benefit.
The EA has developed a method of determining the level of water stress for individual water company areas in England on behalf of the WSG. They are now consulting on their approach and the results of applying it to water company areas. This will allow water companies and other organisations to introduce water saving measures in proportion to the level of water stress.
Alongside this consultation on water stressed areas, Defra is also consulting on extending opportunities for metering in areas of serious water stress. The advice the EA gives to the Secretary of State on areas of water stress will form an important part of this proposal.
Visit http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/yourenv/consultations/1690000/?version=1&lang=_e for more information and to download the consultation document.
Wednesday, 28 February 2007
EA Consultation on the principles of a Unified Charging Framework
Responses due by 24 April 2007
The Environment Agency is required by Government to recover the costs of its main regulatory services from the companies it regulates. They currently have over twenty charging schemes relating to different regulatory regimes. Whilst they have moved towards a more harmonised approach to charging over recent years, there are still fundamental differences. Modernisation of the way the EA regulates is an ideal opportunity to also consider how to modernise their approach to charging. They are therefore consulting on the development of a Unified Charging Framework (UCF) that would provide a long-term strategic solution, leading to simplified and harmonised charging schemes.
This consultation sets out the principles on which any new UCF should be based and provides an outline of the proposed framework. The aim of this consultation is to get some early feedback on the proposed principles of the UCF.
While the principles proposed would, if supported, eventually apply to all relevant regimes across EP and Water Management (WM), the EA suggests that the UCF be initially applied to current charges for Waste Management Licensing (WML), Pollution Prevention and Control (PPC) and Water Quality Charges for Discharges (CFD). However, over time they are considering introducing the framework for most of our Environmental Protection and Water Management charges.
If you have any questions regarding our charging proposals please contact Dan Blythe on 01454 624 485 or by e-mail to daniel.blythe@environment-agency.gov.uk
Visit http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/yourenv/consultations/1692070/ for more details.
The Environment Agency is required by Government to recover the costs of its main regulatory services from the companies it regulates. They currently have over twenty charging schemes relating to different regulatory regimes. Whilst they have moved towards a more harmonised approach to charging over recent years, there are still fundamental differences. Modernisation of the way the EA regulates is an ideal opportunity to also consider how to modernise their approach to charging. They are therefore consulting on the development of a Unified Charging Framework (UCF) that would provide a long-term strategic solution, leading to simplified and harmonised charging schemes.
This consultation sets out the principles on which any new UCF should be based and provides an outline of the proposed framework. The aim of this consultation is to get some early feedback on the proposed principles of the UCF.
While the principles proposed would, if supported, eventually apply to all relevant regimes across EP and Water Management (WM), the EA suggests that the UCF be initially applied to current charges for Waste Management Licensing (WML), Pollution Prevention and Control (PPC) and Water Quality Charges for Discharges (CFD). However, over time they are considering introducing the framework for most of our Environmental Protection and Water Management charges.
If you have any questions regarding our charging proposals please contact Dan Blythe on 01454 624 485 or by e-mail to daniel.blythe@environment-agency.gov.uk
Visit http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/yourenv/consultations/1692070/ for more details.
Tuesday, 27 February 2007
International Water and Effluent (IWEX) Conference - 1 May 2007 NEC Birmingham
IWEX is part of Sustainabilitylive! the UK’s largest forum for excellence and innovation in environment, water, land and energy.
Climate change, shortage of supply and floods and the standards set in the Water Framework Directive are all becoming urgent priorities. At IWEX 2007 leading experts from Government and industry will provide clear guidance on how policy, pricing and practice will have to change as we face up to these challenges.
Main topics include:
• The Future of the Water Environment.
• Using Water Efficiently: Intelligent Water Conservation.
• Periodic Review 2010-2015.
Key speakers include:
• Sir John Harman - Chairman Environment Agency
• Martin Hurst - Director of Water Defra (invited)
• Pamela Taylor - Chief Executive Water UK
• George Day - Head of Capital Maintenance, Ofwat
Visit www.iwex.co.uk for information on exhibitors, free seminars and how to register.
Climate change, shortage of supply and floods and the standards set in the Water Framework Directive are all becoming urgent priorities. At IWEX 2007 leading experts from Government and industry will provide clear guidance on how policy, pricing and practice will have to change as we face up to these challenges.
Main topics include:
• The Future of the Water Environment.
• Using Water Efficiently: Intelligent Water Conservation.
• Periodic Review 2010-2015.
Key speakers include:
• Sir John Harman - Chairman Environment Agency
• Martin Hurst - Director of Water Defra (invited)
• Pamela Taylor - Chief Executive Water UK
• George Day - Head of Capital Maintenance, Ofwat
Visit www.iwex.co.uk for information on exhibitors, free seminars and how to register.
Thursday, 22 February 2007
CIWEM Seminar on the WFD and New Groundwater Directive - Austin Court Birmingham
Provisionally booked for 17th April 2007, 10.30 – 16.00
Groundwater is a key component of the land and water cycle but this is not always recognised by policy makers and water managers. This has been demonstrated by a recent report from the Environment Agency which highlights the significant ongoing degradation of groundwater quality in the UK and the threats to its future sustainability.
A new EU directive on protection of groundwater has recently been adopted by the EU. It is a key daughter directive of the Water Framework Directive which expands and amplifies specific requirements relating to groundwater as well as replacing the former groundwater directive which will be repealed. Implementation of this new directive as part of the WFD provides a vital regulatory framework within which we can begin to address the long neglected pressures on groundwater.
This CIWEM seminar is aimed not just at groundwater specialists but at all those with a role in sustainable management of water. The programme provides an important opportunity to hear from key experts about how proper implementation of the groundwater aspects of the WFD could make a real difference to the future of this vital resource.
For further information about this conference please contact Alastair Moseley, E-mail: alastair.moseley@hyderconsulting.com
Groundwater is a key component of the land and water cycle but this is not always recognised by policy makers and water managers. This has been demonstrated by a recent report from the Environment Agency which highlights the significant ongoing degradation of groundwater quality in the UK and the threats to its future sustainability.
A new EU directive on protection of groundwater has recently been adopted by the EU. It is a key daughter directive of the Water Framework Directive which expands and amplifies specific requirements relating to groundwater as well as replacing the former groundwater directive which will be repealed. Implementation of this new directive as part of the WFD provides a vital regulatory framework within which we can begin to address the long neglected pressures on groundwater.
This CIWEM seminar is aimed not just at groundwater specialists but at all those with a role in sustainable management of water. The programme provides an important opportunity to hear from key experts about how proper implementation of the groundwater aspects of the WFD could make a real difference to the future of this vital resource.
For further information about this conference please contact Alastair Moseley, E-mail: alastair.moseley@hyderconsulting.com
CIWEM Consultations
CIWEM responds to a wide range of consultation documents as part of its technical and policy output. Please visit www.ciwem.org/policy/consultation to view recent consultation responses made by the Institution.
Current consultations in the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs related to Water Sector are:
Consultation on outcome measures and prioritisation approaches for flood and coastal erosion risk management.
www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/fm-outcomes/index.htm
Contact alastair@ciwem.org by 02/03/07.
Amendment of the Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations 2000 and the Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations 2001.
www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/waterregs-amend/index.htm
Contact alastair@ciwem.org by 12/03/07.
Current consultations in the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs related to Water Sector are:
Consultation on outcome measures and prioritisation approaches for flood and coastal erosion risk management.
www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/fm-outcomes/index.htm
Contact alastair@ciwem.org by 02/03/07.
Amendment of the Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations 2000 and the Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations 2001.
www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/waterregs-amend/index.htm
Contact alastair@ciwem.org by 12/03/07.
Technology Roadmap for Northern Water Utilities - Manchester 30 March 2007
This event will outline the findings of Envirolink Northwest’s report into the technology requirements of the Northern Water Utilities (Northumbrian Water, Yorkshire Water and United Utilities). Compiled by Mouchel Parkman the report is being produced to help communicate these needs to the water and wastewater supplier base, Universities and research organisations in the North of England.
The objectives of the study include:
· Identify strategic technology requirements of water utilities in Northern England.
· Highlight priorities in the short, medium and long-term.
· Discuss areas of mutual interest including any overlap with UK and EU technology platforms.
· Propose possible methods for engaging the knowledge and supplier base.
There will be a series of presentations plus an excellent opportunity to network at the buffet lunch. Key speakers include:
· Jackie Seddon, Chief Executive - Envirolink Northwest.
· Piers Clark, Managing Director Utilities - Mouchel Parkman.
· Brenda Franklin, Process Manager - Earth Tech.
· Stephen Loader, Knowledge transfer manager - NERC.
For more details e-mail events@envirolinknorthwest.co.uk or book on-line at www.envirolinknorthwest.co.uk
The objectives of the study include:
· Identify strategic technology requirements of water utilities in Northern England.
· Highlight priorities in the short, medium and long-term.
· Discuss areas of mutual interest including any overlap with UK and EU technology platforms.
· Propose possible methods for engaging the knowledge and supplier base.
There will be a series of presentations plus an excellent opportunity to network at the buffet lunch. Key speakers include:
· Jackie Seddon, Chief Executive - Envirolink Northwest.
· Piers Clark, Managing Director Utilities - Mouchel Parkman.
· Brenda Franklin, Process Manager - Earth Tech.
· Stephen Loader, Knowledge transfer manager - NERC.
For more details e-mail events@envirolinknorthwest.co.uk or book on-line at www.envirolinknorthwest.co.uk
Tuesday, 20 February 2007
European Water Association (EWA) Water Conference at IFAT 2008
The European Water Association (EWA) has issued a Call for Abstracts for the 3rd joint conference "Sustainable Water Management in response to 21st century pressures" of the 3 associations Water Environment Federation (WEF), Japan Sewage Works Association (JSWA) and the European Water Association (EWA) during IFAT 2008 from 5 - 9 May 2008 in Munich, Germany.
The event focuses on how industry can develop practical responses to the changing pressures that will emerge, from among other things, climate change. The conference will examine the issues and suggest ways that some of the effects can be mitigated.
The timetable is as follows:
▪ Submission of abstracts by 26 March 2007.
▪ Notification of acceptance by 30 April 2007.
▪ Submission of final manuscript by 29 October 2007.
Electronic versions of this submission form are available at www.ewaonline.de/downloads/IFAT2008_CfA.doc
Further details can be obtained from Nadine Schulte, Technical Management Assistant, EWA, Phone: +49 (0) 2242 872-189, Fax : +49 (0) 2242 872-135, E-mail: schulte@dwa.de and web: www.EWAonline.de
The event focuses on how industry can develop practical responses to the changing pressures that will emerge, from among other things, climate change. The conference will examine the issues and suggest ways that some of the effects can be mitigated.
The timetable is as follows:
▪ Submission of abstracts by 26 March 2007.
▪ Notification of acceptance by 30 April 2007.
▪ Submission of final manuscript by 29 October 2007.
Electronic versions of this submission form are available at www.ewaonline.de/downloads/IFAT2008_CfA.doc
Further details can be obtained from Nadine Schulte, Technical Management Assistant, EWA, Phone: +49 (0) 2242 872-189, Fax : +49 (0) 2242 872-135, E-mail: schulte@dwa.de and web: www.EWAonline.de
CIWEM / Aqua Enviro Training Courses in Wastewater Treatment 2007
The range of 1- and 2- day courses in wastewater engineering has been extended as detailed in the list below. Some of these events are Introductory Courses whereas others are the more advanced Masterclasses.
2007 Course List
· Pumping station design.
· Managing the Catchment – Flows, loads and sewers.
· Design of primary, secondary and lamella settlers.
· An operator’s guide to the activated sludge process.
· Design of activated sludge systems: selectors, aeration basins, and aeration.
· Design of Membrane Bioreactor Systems.
· Introduction to CFD Modelling for water and wastewater treatment plants.
· Microscopic examination of activated sludge for activated sludge plant control.
· Tertiary treatment systems.
· Selection and design of sustainable wastewater treatment systems (Reed-beds, waste stabilisation ponds and aerated lagoons).
· Introduction to Odour Modelling.
· Two-stage anaerobic digestion processes.
· Introduction to sludge processing.
· Project Management – A people skill.
For further details or to register for a course online please click here or call Aqua Enviro on Tel: 01924 257891.
2007 Course List
· Pumping station design.
· Managing the Catchment – Flows, loads and sewers.
· Design of primary, secondary and lamella settlers.
· An operator’s guide to the activated sludge process.
· Design of activated sludge systems: selectors, aeration basins, and aeration.
· Design of Membrane Bioreactor Systems.
· Introduction to CFD Modelling for water and wastewater treatment plants.
· Microscopic examination of activated sludge for activated sludge plant control.
· Tertiary treatment systems.
· Selection and design of sustainable wastewater treatment systems (Reed-beds, waste stabilisation ponds and aerated lagoons).
· Introduction to Odour Modelling.
· Two-stage anaerobic digestion processes.
· Introduction to sludge processing.
· Project Management – A people skill.
For further details or to register for a course online please click here or call Aqua Enviro on Tel: 01924 257891.
CIWEM Conferences
There are a number of CIWEM National Conferences at different stages of planning for 2007:
Drought (27th Feb 2007) – BOOKING NOW; Flooding Directive (28th March 2007) – Draft Stage and Sponsors sought; Integrated Urban Drainage Management 2007 (9th May 2007) – Draft Stage, Sponsors sought; Water Framework Directive – Update (26th June 2007) E-mail: bob.earll@coastms.co.uk Tel: 01531 890415.
New Developments in Drinking Water Analysis - Glasgow (17th April 2007) and Energy Issues in Water and Wastewater Treatment Contact (22nd – 23rd May 2007) Contact Sarah Hickinson, E-mail: sarahhickinson@aquaenviro.co.uk Tel: 01924 257891.
CIWEM Annual Conference 2007 – The Oval, London (9-11th October 2007) OFFERS OF SPEAKERS WELCOMED and Sponsors sought, Contact: Justin Taberham, E-mail: Justin@ciwem.org
Visit www.ciwem.org/events for a full National Conference Programme.
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