Dear Subscribers,

This is the CIWEM e-newsletter - a free email news service to all those interested in CIWEM's work.

This email is being delivered to approximately 1000 subscribers in more than 30 countries worldwide.

The following issues are covered in this edition of the newsletter:

1. Professionals Directory Success
2. Technical Panels
3. Sustainability Alliance
4. Wetlands 2003 Conference
5. Interactive Consultations
6. Green Flag Parks
7. 7th European Biosolids & Organic Residuals Conference
8. Environmental Careers - The Inside Guide
9. CIWEM National Conference 2003
10. Primary Sedimentation Handbook
11. CIRIA Conference: In the Know about H2O
12. Living Landscapes Conference
13. Environment 2002
14. FBA Annual Meeting
15. Join CIWEM

>>back to top

1. Professionals Directory Success

The first business directed solely through the Professionals Directory has been awarded to Chris Binnie, an independent consultant specialising in water resources, dams, water supply and flooding.

There are many contracts where CIWEM is asked to suggest consultants, contractors or manufacturers and these are all passed to members of our online Professionals Directory. CIWEM is often the first and only port of call for this type of business.

It is clear that members of the directory are receiving business benefit from being on the directory.

If your company might be interested in being a member, please check out our web site www.ciwem.com/directory and contact Justin Taberham justin@ciwem.com if you require further information.

>>back to top

2. Technical Panels

CIWEM is looking to recruit new members onto some of its technical panels to replace outgoing members and to increase the depth of expertise, which currently plays a vital role in the policy and technical work of the Institution. Information about the panels concerned is set out below. Should you wish to be considered for membership of any of the panels, please send a recent copy of your curriculum vitae to Justin Taberham justin@ciwem.com expressing your interest.

Air

CIWEM's Air Panel is one of the seven Technical Panels that have been formed to ensure that the Institution is able to fulfil all aspects of the Royal Charter. Panels are the technical backbone of the Institution.

The CIWEM Air Panel is relatively new, having been formally set up in April 2000. Its aim is to bridge the gap between specialists and hands-on field workers in air-related issues.

The Panel's terms of reference give it a wide remit within the following areas: air pollution sources; monitoring; modelling systems/tools for assessment; impacts, management and policy (health and environmental); underlying science and processes; climate change; public attitude/perception to air pollution; odour; and Local Authority Air Quality Management.

The Panel is charged with a number of outputs including events, consultation responses, policy statements, technical advice, factsheets, representation and publications. It is currently involved in several events, including one on Odours. One of the Panel members is working on a CIWEM book entitled "Urban Air Quality - Assessment and Management".

Several Panel members represent CIWEM at forums and events. The Panel currently meets three times a year at CIWEM's London office, and members are in frequent contact via e-mail.

We are fortunate to have an active and knowledgeable membership with a wide range of expertise, however we are always looking for new Panel members. If you are interested in joining the Panel, please forward your CV to Justin Taberham, Director of Policy, CIWEM (E-mail: justin@ciwem.com).

Amenity Recreation and Conservation

The Amenity, Recreation and Conservation (ARC) Panel was formed in 2000, following a review of panel structures in 1999.

Vision

The panel leads in widening the involvement of CIWEM in amenity, recreation and conservation. It takes a global view with emphasis on sustainable management and wise use of resources.

The panel will:

• Provide a focal point within the Institution for expertise in amenity, recreation, conservation and environmental issues;
  
• Keep developments in these issues under continuous review and provide technical advice to the Institution;
  
• Identify and utilise knowledge of developing topics.

Panel Scope

Amenity: Amenity land use / the historic environment / landscape

Recreation: Opportunities / sustainable recreation / management

Conservation: Species and habitats / ecology / earth surface processes and issues (e.g. global warming, eutrophication)

Also:
Management measures (e.g. incentives, regulations and policies)
Techniques (EIA, SEA, land use planning etc)
Education (CIWEM members and the wider public)

Panel Outputs

The outputs of the panel include:

• Providing programmes for conferences and symposia;
  
• Providing papers and articles for publication in the journal or magazine;
  
• Arranging meetings or workshops with governmental organisations, industry and NGOs;
  
• Offering topics for education and training initiatives;
  
• Promoting the Institution's interests with other organisations;
  
• Assist in responding to consultation papers;
  
• Liaise with other Technical Panels, Branches and Specialist Interest Groups to ensure appropriate representation of ARC issues within the Institution.

Waste

The focus of the panel is contaminated land (advice / practical information), resource issues, global differences in environmental management, waste and energy usage. There is a focus on practical solutions based on CIWEM's core expertise in environmental science and engineering. Issues such as enforcement, packaging and end of life vehicles will not be addressed by the panel at present.

It is the responsibility of the Panel to:

• Provide a focal point within the Institution for expertise in waste management issues
• Keep developments in these issues under continuous review and to provide technical advice to the Council, its Standing Committees and Sub-committees as necessary
• Identify developing topics and to address them proactively by:
  • Providing programmes for conferences and symposia;
    
  • Providing papers and articles for publication in the journal or magazine or on the web site;
    
  • Arranging meetings or workshops with governmental organisations, industry and NGOs where relevant;
    
  • Offering topics for education and training initiatives;
    
  • Promoting the Institution's interests with other relevant organisations;
• Assist in responding to relevant consultation papers from government departments and providing other bodies with evidence upon request;
• Liaise with Branches and Specialist Interest Groups to ensure appropriate representation of waste management issues within the Institution;
• Identify other Members with expertise in the area of waste management and to establish a wider group for participation when necessary;

  >>back to top

3. Sustainability Alliance

Sustainable Development is an ongoing theme - and quite right too! CIWEM is one of a number of Institutions that have come together to explore the concept of, and need for, a 'Sustainability Alliance' of professional bodies that will co-ordinate activity and effort in the area of sustainabilty in the built and natural environment. Representatives of ICE, CIWEM, CIBSE, CIWM, RIBA, RTPI, IEE, I o Energy, IIE and the Inst of Highways and Transportation met on 25 July to explore the issues and to determine the need for collective action. The outcome was positive and it was agreed to develop Terms of Reference, a range of objectives and invite other bodies to support the Alliance. For the time being the group will be Chaired by Max Fordham OBE, past President of CIBSE, and ICE are providing secretariat support. The Institutions at the first meeting felt that while there are a number of groups and bodies addressing sustainability very few, if any, properly represent the voice of professional bodies. More on this initiative as details emerge.

>>back to top

4. Wetlands 2003

CIWEM is planning another wetlands event following on from the success of last year's conference to mark World Wetlands Day, at which the Rt. Hon Michael Meacher MP delivered the keynote speech. The event will be held on 4th February 2003 at the London Wetlands Centre and has already attracted a great deal of interest. The theme of the conference will be 'Multiple Uses and Roles of Wetlands'. If you are interested in becoming involved with this event please contact Justin Taberham justin@ciwem.com

>>back to top

5. 'Interactive' consultations

CIWEM responds to a wide range of consultation documents, largely from regulators and central Government. We are constantly looking to increase the amount of input we receive from members for inclusion in our responses. Up until now this has been channeled through the Institution's technical panels, however, we are now offering everybody the opportunity to relay comments to the Policy and Technical Department, for inclusion in responses to these consultations. Each month in E-News there will be a table of current consultations. This will feature links to web pages where you can download the consultation paper concerned, together with appropriate CIWEM email contacts for each response. This facility will also appear on the Institution's website shortly.

>>back to top

6. Green Flag Parks

CIWEM is one of several bodies that supports the Green Flag Awards - a scheme part funded by Government to encourage and recognise excellence in the provision and management of public greenspace. CIWEM member Mark Davis was Chairman of the Green Flag Steering Group until recently when Mark had to resign to take up a post with the United Nations (UN) in Rome. Nick Reeves has succeeded Mark as Chairman and is currently in discussion with the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM) on long term funding for Green Flag. The Government sees Green Flag as an important part of its urban regeneration initiatives and is committed to the environmental improvement and celebration of public parks.

>>back to top

7. 7th European Biosolids & Organic Residuals Conference

Over the past 6 years the CIWEM / Aqua Enviro Biosolids and Organic Residuals Conference, Workshop and Exhibition has grown into a truly international conference attracting delegates from EC Member States, the USA as well as the Middle East and far-east countries. This year it will be held between 17-20 November 2002 at Cedar Court Hotel, Wakefield, UK. The European Water Association (EWA), UK Water Industry Research (UK WIR) and The Composting Association endorse it. The papers presented at the conference are practical and relevant dealing not only with current and proposed legislation but also with new technologies, strategies and innovative solutions.

Those interested in attending the event, including companies wishing to exhibit at the conference, should contact either Paul Lowe, Conference Director, at Paul-Lowe@aqua-enviro.co.uk or Sarah Hickinson at sarahhickinson@aquaenviro.co.uk Tel +44 1 132 323 200 Fax +44 1 132 442 166.

>>back to top

8. Environmental Careers - The Inside Guide

Material for the forthcoming CIWEM publication 'Environmental Careers - The Inside Guide' has now been sent to the printers and should be published around November this year. For updates on the book's progress please visit www.environmental-careers.info

>>back to top

9. CIWEM National Conference 2003

THE ENVIRONMENT - Vision, Values and Innovation is to be the CIWEM Annual Conference for 2003. The Institution is taking up the challenge to present a national conference that will appeal to all the CIWEM membership interested in water and environmental management and sustainable development. The event, to be held from 10th - 12th September 2003 at the Harrogate International Centre, is being organised in close collaboration with all of CIWEM's Technical Panels to ensure that there is something for everyone and it is intended to offer:

• Around 15 central themes over the three days, presented by key speakers
  
• Specialist sessions running parallel to the main auditorium. A call for papers will be announced September 2002, outlining the full details
  
• Detailed breakout sessions where delegates can question the leading experts
  
• Young Environmentalist Sessions specifically designed for young members
  
• Young Authors Competition for members under 30
  
• Extensive exhibition area

The conference organisers would welcome your ideas and contributions to make this event a success. Please get in touch with them to let them know what you think an event like this should involve. Aqua Enviro: Tel +44 (0) 113 2424200 email: sarahhickinson@aquaenviro.co.uk

>>back to top

10. Primary Sedimentation

CIWEM has recently published the final book in the updated Handbooks of UK Wastewater Practice series, entitled Primary sedimentation. This handbook replaces the former publication of the same name, which was published by the Institute of Water Pollution Control in 1973 and reprinted in 1980. Since then there have been major developments in sludge withdrawal and handling, enhanced removal systems, and in computer modelling to assist design, and the text has been revised to accommodate these changes.

For purchasing details please see http://www.ciwem.com/publications/index.asp or contact Adam Monk at Lavenham Press Ltd adam@lavenhamgroup.co.uk

>>back to top

11. CIRIA Conference: In the Know about H2O

CIRIA's Water group has held an annual 'water sustainability' conference covering general issues relating to water efficiency, Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS) and integrated water management for the last two years, attracting a hundred delegates for each event.

In the past the conference has focused on technical issues relating to sustainable water management. This year the event will cover the implementation of sustainability and focus on some of the social and economic issues. The conference will be chaired by Graham Setterfield, Chairman of the ICE Water Board and will include a number of speakers from diverse organisations. It will be held on 26th November 2002 at the Royal College of Physicians, London. For further information please contact paul.shaffer@ciria.org.uk

>>back to top

12. Conference: Living Landscapes - Biodiversity by Design

This one day conference looks at good practice in landscape design for biodiversity and illustrates the role for landscape architects in helping to deliver Local Biodiversity Action Plans.

This will be the UK's first major conference to examine how landscape design can engage with the local biodiversity action plan process and how society can begin to garner biodiversity benefits from the work of landscape architects and urban designers. The conference is being coordinated by the Durham Biodiversity Partnership, Northumbrian Water Ltd and Sunderland AFC (supported by ONE Northeast and Government Office for the North East).

The event, which is being held at Sunderland Football Club's Stadium of Light, City of Sunderland, on Wednesday 18th September 2002. If you have any queries regarding the event please contact: Kevin Spindloe (Conference Coordinator), Durham Biodiversity Partnership, c/o Rainton Meadows, Chilton Moor, Houghton-le-Spring, Tyne & Wear DH4 6PU, Telephone (0191) 5843112 or Fax (0191) 5843934.

>>back to top

13. Environment - 2002

CIWEM is supporting the forthcoming Environment-2002 web based conference. Topics to be addressed include Waste Management, Air Pollution, Contaminated Land, Industrial and Municipal Wastewater and Renewable Energy. The event is also supported by the Environmental Industries Commission, the Institute of Environmental Management & Assessment, and the Institute of Civil Engineers.

Environment-2002 begins on the 4th of November 2002. However, you can enter the site now. Over the next few months authors' biographies and abstracts of their papers will become available. There is also an exhibition. For more information and to browse the conference, go to http://www.environment-2002.com

>>back to top

14. FBA Annual Meeting

Freshwater Biological Association
Annual Scientific Meeting:
Fresh Water in the Landscape

Wednesday 4 to Friday 6 September 2002
University of Durham, UK
Contact: Sarah Gee, Freshwater Biological Association, The Ferry House, Far Sawrey, Ambleside, Cumbria LA22 0LP. Tel: 015394 42468 Fax: 015394 88541
Email: sage@fba.org.uk
Website: www.fba.org.uk
Abstract deadline: 13 May 2002
Registration deadline: 9 August 2002

>>back to top

15. Join CIWEM

CIWEM is a vibrant environmental professional body which offers professional development, an impressive programme of local, national and international events, our magazine ten times a year, a quarterly journal, excellent networking opportunities and many other benefits. Contact membership@ciwem.org.uk for more details.

This is the e-newsletter from CIWEM's Policy Department. We hope you find it a useful way of getting to know what CIWEM is up to. Please keep comments and suggestions coming in. If you would like to be taken off the mailing list, please email webmaster@ciwem.com

Please pass any comments or requests for further information on any of the above issues to:

Justin Taberham, Director of Policy, CIWEM, 15 John Street, London, England, WC1N 2EB
Tel: 020 7831 3110 Fax: 020 7242 8191 Email: jtaberham@ciwem.org.uk or justin@ciwem.com

>>back to top

return to E-News 2002 Archive