COMMUNICATIONS
COMMITTEE
The Communications
Committee is responsible to providing value to WEAO members and raising
the profile of the organization through effective communication of
information to members and the public. The communication of information
is accomplished primarily by publishing the WEAO magazine 'INFLUENTS',
distribution of an e-Newsletter, and by maintaining the WEAO web site.
Committee
Chair
Emil Cocirla
Can-Am Instruments Ltd.
emil@can-am.net
2007/2008 Communications Committee Roster
|
Communications Committee Information Sheet
Latest INFLUENTS
issue
Magazine Submission deadline and Release dates:
|
Communications Committee
Meeting Date |
Submission Deadline |
Release Date |
Thursday, February 21, 2008 at 10:00 am
WEAO Office, Milton |
Friday, March 14, 2008 |
Friday, April 18, 2008 |
Tuesday, May 27, 2008 at 11:00 am
WEAO Booth, WEAO Conference
Blue Mountain, Collingwood, ON |
Friday, June 13, 2008 |
Wednesday, July 16, 2008 |
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Location: TBA |
Friday, September 5, 2008 |
Friday, October 10, 2008 |
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Location: TBA |
Friday, November 21, 2008 |
Wednesday, December 31, 2008 |
WEAO members and non-members are welcome to submit articles for review
to be included in our next Magazine issue. Please email Emil
Cocirla. A summary of upcoming and future issues themes can be found
below.
New Members
Our
Committee is looking for new members. To volunteer, please contact
Communications Committee Chair Emil
Cocirla
INFLUENTS upcoming themes
Summer 2008: Operator’s Certification and Career
(issue release date July 16, 2008)
Fall 2008:
The Class
Environment Assessment Process
(issue release date
October 10, 2008)
Not all undertakings subject to the Environmental Assessment Act (EAA)
need to go through the Environmental Assessment Review and Approval
Process. There are some groups or ‘classes’ of projects, such as
municipal infra-structure projects, which are carried out routinely; and
have predictable and mitigable environmental effects. As a result, they
do not warrant an individual Environmental Assessment (Individual EA).
The Municipal Class Environ-mental Assessment (MCEA) outlines a
procedure whereby municipalities can comply with the requirements of the
Environmental Assessment Act. This issue will celebrate the success of
this approach by presenting articles on Class EA and Master plans done
under this process.
Winter
2008:
Energy
(issue release
date December 31, 2008)
Wastewater is often seen solely as a pollutant when, in reality, it is
also a resource. This issue will showcase energy conservation,
production of energy from biogas, and the role sewage treatment plays in
global warming. The issue will also look at projects that have met
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification.
Future INFLUENTS themes
Use of
Computer-based Models in Wastewater Treatment
Computer-based models are widely used in the design of sewerage systems
and wastewater treatment plants. Sewer-age models are now used to track
pollutants through the sewerage system, as well to design real time
control sys-tems. Two Ontario-produced process modeling products are
used worldwide to design wastewater treatment plants. Computational
fluid dynamics are being used to predict mixing and resolve complex
hydraulic problems. Odour dispersion modeling is playing a larger role
in design and environmental approval. This issue will showcase how each
type of model is now used in our industry in Ontario.
Methods of Delivery
The most common method of delivering municipal infrastructure projects
is consultant lead design. How-ever, there are other models that are
used, depending upon client requirements and the availability of project
funding. This issue will look at these alternative methods of delivery
and highlight key projects. These methods include
Private-Public-Partnership (P3), Design-Build, and Design-Build-Operate.
The issue will also look at alter-native client-consultant-contractor
relationships such as Framework Agreements, which are widely used in the
UK. In addition, this issue will look at the use of Performance-based
Specifications.
Small Systems and Rural Ontario
This issue will focus on challenges faced by onsite systems and
treatment plants that serve less than 1,000 people. It will discuss
advances in onsite treatment, the impact of septic tanks on lake
environments, and the treatment of septage. This issue will also
showcase wastewater treatment plants that serve either small
communities, com-muter communities or holiday communities.
Made in Ontario
This issue will celebrate wastewater treatment equipment and software
products that were developed Ontario. The issue will contain articles on
these products, describ-ing how they were developed and the issues faced
by their developers in bringing them to market. We want to demonstrate
the importance of this sector to Ontario’s economy and reputation.
Compounds of Emerging Concern
Scientific research indicates that the production, use, and disposal of
numerous substances that offer improvements in industry, agriculture,
medical treatment, and common household conveniences may have
potentially adverse effects on human health and the environment. Present
in the environment at low levels, these compounds of emerging concern
(CEC) have recently been the focus of media attention and public
concern. Only recently have researchers created analytical tools to
detect CECs at very low levels, and there is a lack of knowledge
regarding the occurrence, possible impacts, and levels of exposure that
may affect the health of humans and wildlife. Over the last decade,
research has expanded our understanding of the issue, but more is
needed. This issue will explain what these compounds are, current
thinking on their impact on the environment, and how the treatment of
wastewater treatment may change to reduce this environmental risk.
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