CIWEM E-News - February 2003

Dear Subscribers,

This is the CIWEM e-newsletter - a free electronic version of the Newsletter which is distributed to all those interested in CIWEM's work. The service is administered through CIWEM's web site www.ciwem.com where there is a top menu button for NEWSLETTER.

This email is being delivered to around 2000 subscribers in more than 30 countries worldwide.

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

1. North Yorkshire 'Living Wetland' Receives Prestigious Award
2. World Wetlands Day Conference A Success
3. CIWEM Awards Deadlines
4. CIWEM Young Member's Study Tour
5. CIWEM Technical Panels Update
6. CIWEM Bathing Water Directive Conference
7. 2003 CIWEM Presidential Conference
8. 'Environmental Careers - The Inside Guide' off the Press, in the Press and on Sale Now!
9. National Events
10. CIWEM Membership Strategy Board
11. EWA Annual Meeting held at CIWEM in January
12. AWE Institution Day Garners new Members for CIWEM
13. CIWEM On-Line Discussion Forum Live!
14. Symposium for European Freshwater Sciences
15. Consultations
16. Editorial
17. Join CIWEM

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1. North Yorkshire 'Living Wetland' Receives Prestigous Award

The winner of the prestigious RSPB/CIWEM Living Wetlands Award 2003 was announced this week. The winning project links industry, community and conservation groups to create a chain of nature reserves on former mineral workings in the Swale and Ure valleys of North Yorkshire.

The judges of the new award were impressed by the project's ability to create valuable wildlife habitats plus a landscape that also benefits the local community.

The managers of the Swale and Ure Washlands Project will be awarded a specially-commissioned bronze trophy of a snipe and £1,500, which will be used to boost conservation work on the site.

Siobhan Walker, The Swale and Ure Washlands Project manager, said: "We are delighted the judges have recognized the hard work and effort that has turned the area into one of national importance.

The project provides an excellent opportunity for the creation of washlands habitat and new community assets through sympathetically restoring existing mineral workings. Many washlands have been lost in this country but are extremely important for wildlife. The snipe trophy is particularly appropriate as snipes have just started wintering regularly on several sites!"

Nick Reeves, CIWEM's Executive Director, said: "The judges felt that the links the Swale and Ure Washlands Project has made with local colleges and the local community are particularly commendable"

The project beat 19 other entries to claim the Award. However, the standard of entries was so high that two runner-up categories were created.

Shropshire farmer Mr. J. Simister was highly commended for his demonstration farm which was converted from arable farmland to wet grazing meadow.

Tilfen Land, housing developers, were commended for creating a wetland on a formerly contaminated urban site in Thamesmead, London.

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2. World Welands Day Conference a Success

The World Wetlands Day conference on 4th February 2003 was a great success, with over 130 attendees. The keynote speaker was Professor Chris Baines. Key issues for future consideration were raised at the conference, and CIWEM is keen to build on progress made at the event. The next World Wetlands Day conference will be in February 2004. If you are interested in being involved, or supporting next year's event, please contact Justin Taberham, Email: justin@ciwem.com

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3. CIWEM Awards Deadlines

A reminder that 28th February is the closing date for entries for the following awards:

Chris Binnie Award for Sustainable Water Management
Ken Roberts Award for Technical Innovation in the Water Industry

The CIWEM Chris Binnie Award for Sustainable Water Management:

• The Chris Binnie Award was established in July 1998 as a means of recognising excellence in the achievement of sustainable water management.
• The funds for the Award are generously provided by Chris Binnie, a Past President of CIWEM and independent consultant in water resources, supply and flooding.
• The Award consists of a framed certificate and a cheque for £500 to be used to fund a project related to the sustainable use of water.
• Submissions may relate to projects, research or other relevant work. They should be in the form of 6 copies of a summary report, up to 5 pages long, plus any related supporting material.
• The 2002 Award was presented at the CIWEM Annual Dinner in April 2002 to Essex and Suffolk Water for their pioneering wastewater recycling scheme at Langford in Essex.
• The closing date for the 2003 Award is 28th February 2003 for presentation at the CIWEM Annual Dinner in April 2003.

The CIWEM Ken Roberts Award for Technical Innovation in the Water Industry:

• The Ken Roberts Award was established in 1997 in memory of Ken Roberts FCIWEM, a Past President of the Institution and previously Chief Executive and Deputy Chairman of Wessex Water, as a means of recognising technical innovation being made in the water industry.
• The annual Award is being managed over a 10-year period from a fund set up by Wessex Water.
• The Award consists of a framed certificate and a cheque for £1000, to be used to fund a proposal related to technical innovation in the water industry.
• The competition is open to all CIWEM members and their employers. A named CIWEM member must have played a leading part in the entry submitted.
• Submissions may relate to projects, research or other relevant work. They should be in the form of 3 copies of a summary report, up to 10 pages long, plus any related supporting material.
• The 2002 Award was presented at the CIWEM Annual Dinner in April 2002 to Monsal for their contribution to sludge processing technology.
• The closing date for the 2003 Award is 28th February 2003 for presentation at the CIWEM Annual Dinner in April 2003.

Guidelines for both of these awards can be found on the CIWEM website at: http://www.ciwem.com/awards/index.asp
To make a submission or for further information please contact:
Helen Wilson
Policy Officer
CIWEM
15 John Street
London WC1N 2EB
Tel: 020 7831 3110
E-mail: helen@ciwem.com

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4. CIWEM Young Members' Study Tour

15th-19th September 2003

This year the Young Members Study Tour will be based at the University of Southampton. The Central Southern Branch is hosting the study tour, and has organised an exciting programme that includes a variety of tours, site visits and lectures. Below are just a few of the visits and lectures to be included on the itinerary:

· Tywford Pumping Station - Itchen
· New Forest -Landcare, National Park Issues and Countryside Management
· Isle of Wight - Coastal Erosion
· Budds Farm - Sewage Treatment Works, Southern Water

For further information please contact Sarah Hickinson at Aqua Enviro, Email: sarahhickinson@aquaenviro.co.uk

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5. CIWEM Technical Panels Update

Three of CIWEM's technical panels met in January. The Water Resources Panel continued its work on a Diffuse Pollution discussion document and a Policy Position Statement on Water Resources and Climate Change. The Panel will be running a session on wastewater re-use at the forthcoming national CIWEM conference in September.

Water Supply and Quality Panel worked on two events, 'Getting the most from your Membranes' which will be held in Leeds on 3rd June 2003, and 'Getting to Grips with Quality at the Tap', proposed for November 2003. They also discussed topics for their technical sessions at the CIWEM National Conference. Panel representatives reported on a recent meeting they had with the Soil Association to discuss the use of water as an ingredient in organic food and drink. It was agreed that the Panel would hold an afternoon masterclass on Disinfection after their next meeting in May.

Wastewater Management Panel continued the development of a number of events and policy statements. Forthcoming policy statements from the Panel are to include an updated version of 'The Environmental Impacts of CSOs', and two new statements covering 'Foodwaste Disposal Units' and 'The Precautionary Principle'. All are due to be published by the end of the month and will appear on the CIWEM website, www.ciwem.com/policy/policies/ shortly thereafter. The Panel had also lead on the recent submission of a response to the DEFRA consultation on 'Proposals to amend the statutory controls on the agricultural use of sludge'. Electronic copies of this comprehensive response are available from Alastair Chisholm, e-mail alastair@ciwem.org.uk

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6. CIWEM Bathing Water Directive Conference

CIWEM is running an event entitled 'Beaches and Bathing Waters - Implications for the Revision to the Bathing Water Directive' on 15th May 2003, at the School of Oriental and African Studies, London.

The aim of this conference is to explore a wide range of views on the revision of the Bathing Water Directive that will inform and enable stakeholders to respond to the revision process. Further details can be obtained from Bob Earll of CMS: Phone/Fax 01531 890145, Email: bobearll@coastms.co.uk

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7. 2003 CIWEM Presidential Conference

The 2003 CIWEM Presidential Conference, 'Transport and the Environment - Green to Go' will be held on 26th June at the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Birdcage Walk, London.

The purpose of the conference is to assess and understand the science which underpins decisions on transport policy and provision; to consider the benefits and disadvantages which arise from initiatives to 'green' the transport infrastructure; to present current thinking and research on transport systems and the environmental imperative that drives it.

For further information please contact Sarah Hickinson, Email: sarahhickinson@aquaenviro.co.uk

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8. 'Environmental Careers - The Inside Guide' off the Press, in the Press and on Sale Now!

CIWEM's new publication on environmental careers is now on sale. 'Environmental Careers - The Inside Guide' gets to the heart of what young people want to know when seeking a career in the environmental sector. It is written in a non-technical style and contains unique information imparted by people working in the sector. It lays out the many different options available to them, giving a comprehensive analysis of 25 specialist areas, with personal profiles and valuable insights from the people that know the sector - the professionals working within it. Each chapter lists the main employers, salaries and career opportunities and gives guidance on whom to approach for further information. Among the specialist areas covered are nature conservation, water resources, flood defence, energy, fisheries, forestry, agriculture and soil science, transport, waste management, contaminated land, environmental policy, law and journalism. There is also general information on getting a first job, volunteering and student placements.

The book has already received positive coverage in national papers including The Guardian and The Daily Express and feedback that we have received on the book is very positive.

You can purchase a copy of the book for £9.99 plus £2 postage and packing, from Lead Media, by telephoning 01992 535323 or alternatively you can send a cheque made payable to Lead Media Ltd for £11.99 to: Lead Media, 15-17 Maidenhead Street, Hertford, Herts, SG14 1DW. Enquiries about purchasing the book can be emailed to careersbook@leadmedia.co.uk There is a website with information about the book at www.environmental-careers.info

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9. National Events

CIWEM has a range of national events in coming months. Details of these are below, and can also be seen on the CIWEM website at: http://www.ciwem.com/events/index.asp

13th May 2003
Foaming and Bulking of Activated Sludge in the UK - Problems and Solutions
The Cedar Court Hotel, Wakefield
For further information contact Sarah Hickinson of Aqua Enviro sarahhickinson@aquaenviro.co.uk

14th May 2003
Experiences and Applications of Membrane Bioreactors in the Treatment of Domestic and Industrial Wastewaters
The Cedar Court Hotel, Wakefield
For further information contact Sarah Hickinson of Aqua Enviro sarahhickinson@aquaenviro.co.uk

15th May 2003
Beaches and Bathing Waters -
Implications for the Revision to the Bathing Water Directive
SOAS, London
For further information contact Bob Earll of CMS bob.earll@coastms.co.uk

3rd June 2003
Getting the most from your Membranes
Weetwood Hall, Leeds
For further information contact Sarah Hickinson of Aqua Enviro sarahhickinson@aquaenviro.co.uk

12th June 2003
Air Quality and Industry - Future Challenges
The Hilton, Northampton
For further information contact Sarah Hickinson of Aqua Enviro sarahhickinson@aquaenviro.co.uk

17th and 18th June 2003
European Flood Conference 2003 - Managing the Risks
Thames Barrier Conference Centre, London
For further information contact Bob Earll of CMS bob.earll@coastms.co.uk

26th June 2003
The CIWEM Presidential Conference 2003 - Transport and the Environment - Green to Go
1 Birdcage Walk, London
For further information contact Sarah Hickinson of Aqua Enviro sarahhickinson@aquaenviro.co.uk

10th-12th September 2003
CIWEM National Conference. The Environment - Vision, Values and Innovation
Harrogate International Centre
For further information contact Sarah Hickinson of Aqua Enviro sarahhickinson@aquaenviro.co.uk

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10. CIWEM Membership Strategy Board

The first meeting of CIWEM's Membership Strategy Board takes place on February 19th under the Chairmanship of Council member Robin Green. The Board will be responsible to Council for strategies and plans to grow the membership and raise the profile of the Institution. The Board includes representatives of our Branches and Groups and one of its first tasks will be to initiate and monitor the effectiveness of membership recruitment drives. CIWEM Director of Membership, Rosemary Butler, will be supporting and working with the Board and members are encouraged to make a contribution by letting Rosemary rbutler@ciwem.com know of any opportunities they are aware of for growing the membership. All contributions would be welcome.

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11. EWA Annual Meeting held at CIWEM in January

CIWEM hosted the annual meeting of the Chief Executives and Presidents of the member Associations of the European Water Association (EWA) in January. The main item of business was consideration of a draft Business Plan which will go to the EWA Council for approval in due course. The thrust of the Plan is to secure the long term financial stability of the EWA, grow the membership - especially in Eastern Europe where there is currently under representation, and to extend the influence of the EWA in the European Union. Other issues discussed were the establishment of a new Expert Panel to develop policies in relation to water resource management and a new initiative to encourage more companies and organisations in the UK to become corporate members of the EWA. This is being led by CIWEM Cabinet's International Lead Member, Prof. Peter Matthews.

More information about the EWA is available through a link on the CIWEM website www.ciwem.com

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12. AWE Institution Day Garners New Members for CIWEM

On the 10th December last year CIWEM, together with 17 other Professional Bodies, was invited to attend an 'Institution Day' being staged by the Atomic Weapons Establishment, (AWE), Aldermaston.

AWE has been central to the defence of the United Kingdom for more than 50 years. They are responsible for the research, design, manufacture, in-service support and eventual decommissioning of all of the warheads which comprise this country's nuclear deterrent.

They are based on two sites, Aldermaston and Burghfield, which cover a considerable tranche of the Berkshire countryside. Because of the nature of their business the sites are very heavily guarded and as a consequence there is very little to disturb the flora and fauna of the area. Those visitors we met on the day, whose remit it is to look after the area, proudly boast a list of endangered species that flourish in this environmentally protected area.

Bill Haight, Managing Director of AWE in his welcome speech voiced his support for the day and also the importance of professional recognition launched the event for the many scientists, engineers and others who contribute AWE's diverse workforce.

Despite the snow and freezing temperatures, over 1,000 employees attended the event during the day. Many signing up on the day to become CIWEM Environmental Partners, whilst others took the opportunity to discuss their own individual qualifications and experience in relation to the professional grades of CIWEM membership.

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13. CIWEM On-line Discussion Forum Live!

There is now an on-line discussion forum on the CIWEM website where you can post questions or topics for discussions with other visitors to the site. You can visit the discussion forum at the following address: http://www.ciwem.com/forum/index.asp

Please bear with us as we anticipate traffic to this part of the site will take time to build up as awareness of the forum's existence grows. Please also note that this site will be monitored for use of foul language or other offensive posts and offenders will be excluded from participation. Please also note that this is NOT a query service to CIWEM. Should you wish to contact CIWEM full contact details for CIWEM staff members can be obtained at: http://www.ciwem.com/contact/index.asp

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14. Symposium for European Freshwater Sciences

Symposium for European Freshwater Sciences (SEFS3)

University of Edinburgh, UK
13-18 July 2003

The Third Symposium for European Freshwater Sciences (SEFS3), will be hosted by the Freshwater Biological Association (FBA) in the historical city of Edinburgh, Scotland, from 13-17 July 2003, with an excursion on 18 July. The symposium is being co-ordinated by the FBA, in collaboration with other European freshwater and limnological Associations. The official language of SEFS is English.

Abstract deadline 14 March 2003
Registration deadline 12 May 2003

If you would like to receive a copy of the Second Circular, please contact:
Freshwater Biological Association, SEFS Office, The Ferry House,
Far Sawrey, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0LP, U.K.
Tel: +44 (0) 15394 42468
Fax: +44 (0) 15394 88541
Email: sefs3@fba.org.uk
Web: www.fba.org.uk

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15. Consultations

CIWEM is working on responses to a number of public consultations, listed below. Should you wish to put forward any comments in relation to any of the consultations listed, please do not hesitate to contact either Helen Wilson or Alastair Chisholm as appropriate. Email contact details are provided below.

DEFRA
Draft groundwater protection code for the use of solvents
http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/consult/ground-solvent/
Contact helen@ciwem.com by 12/03/03

DEFRA
Proposals for the Statutory Control of Odour & Other Nuisance from Sewage Treatment Works - Consultation
http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/consult/sewageodour/
Contact alastair@ciwem.com by 14/03/03

DEFRA
Mid-term review of Agenda 2000: consultation on draft EC Council Regulations
http://www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/capreformtwo/index.htm
Contact helen@ciwem.com by 25/02/03

Environment Agency
New approaches to the 'Relevant Convictions' test
http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/yourenv/consultations/440033/?version=1&lang=_e
Contact alastair@ciwem.com by 18/04/03

Environment Agency
Monitoring of particulate matter in ambient air around waste facilities
http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/yourenv/consultations/441731/?version=1&lang=_e
Contact helen@ciwem.com by 15/04/03

Environment Agency
New approaches to financial provision
http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/yourenv/consultations/440048/?version=1&lang=_e
Contact alastair@ciwem.com by 18/04/03

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16. Editorial

This newsletter was conceived as a means of letting interested individuals know a little bit about the goings on in the Institution and in particular, snippets from Head Office and its Policy and Technical Department. We try and let you know about upcoming events, publications and other outputs and initiatives with which CIWEM is involved. There's a lot we don't have the room for though. Our Branch and Group activities, for example, are simply too numerous to include. CIWEM has 14 branches and 3 groups. When a new member joins the Institution they are allocated a local branch and have the opportunity to join one of the groups and get involved with the activities of these. The scope and diversity of branch and group activities is highly impressive and illustrates the depth of the Institution's membership. Please have a quick look at the branch or group sections of the CIWEM website, http://www.ciwem.com/branches/index.asp or http://www.ciwem.com/groups/index.asp

Take a look at some of the local meetings and events that have been run recently or are scheduled for coming months. They cover a huge range of issues, for example: Water Voles and Otters - Riparian Management; Catchment Management Plans; Energy Efficiency; Solutions for Cryptosporidium; Corporate Sustainability; Contaminated Land Risk Assessment; Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems; AMP 4; New Technologies for the Treatment of Landfill Leachate; Development and Flood Risk; Coastal Aspects of Climate Change; and Environmental Law and Enforcement. For a condensed list, go to http://www.ciwem.com/events/calendar/index.asp. In addition to technical meetings such as these, there are also annual dinners and other social events. Our thanks must go to all those members who volunteer their time to organise all these events.

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17. 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. 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

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