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. New Policy Position Statement: Food Waste Disposers
2. CIWEM Website gets Fresh New Look!
3. CIWEM Technical Panels Update
4. CIWEM Young Members' Study Tour
5. CIWEM Membership Forms On-Line
6. CIWEM Bathing Water Directive Conference
7. 2003 CIWEM Presidential Conference
8. National Events
9. 'Environmental Careers - The Inside Guide'
10. British Hydrological Society International Conference
11. Symposium for European Freshwater Sciences
12. ICE/CIWEM Water Environment Conference
13. Consultations
14. Editorial
15. Join CIWEM

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1. New Policy Statement: Food Waste Disposers

CIWEM recently published a new Policy Position Statement on food waste disposers, produced by the Institution's Wastewater Management Panel. Food waste disposers (FWD) are installed beneath sinks to macerate food waste in order that it can be disposed to the wastewater collection and treatment system as an alternative to disposing it with solid waste. The issues concerning FWD include the effect of food waste on the wastewater system, the diversion of food waste from landfill and consequent reduction in methane production, avoidance of extra vehicle movements for separate collection, avoidance of vermin attraction and avoidance of storing putrescible food waste in or close to kitchens with its associated health and odour implications.

In the statement CIWEM recommends that policy decisions be proportionate to risk and based on objective assessment and that this applies as much to FWD as to other issues. Where there is insufficient information to allow objective assessment, action should be put in place to fill the information gap. The Institution considers that FWD may have a useful place in the management of food waste and that they might be a more convenient and environmentally superior alternative to separate storage and collection. However there is the question of cost transfer. CIWEM would like to see additional independent research to further expand the growing body of evidence about FWD.

The full statement can be read at: http://www.ciwem.com/policy/policies/food/index.asp

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2. CIWEM Website Gets Fresh New Look

CIWEM's website is currently being redesigned after 2 ½ years in its present guise. The new site will also be database driven, enabling enhanced features such as better search facilities, opinion polls and on-line directories to be run more efficiently. There will also be the opportunity for some commercial banner advertising on the site. The new look site should be up and running within the next two months. www.ciwem.com

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3. CIWEM Technical Panels Update

Sustainable Development

CIWEM's Sustainable Development Panel met in February and discussed the programme of workshops now being run throughout the Country to scope the CIWEM membership on sustainable development issues. The first workshop had been held in the Midlands at the end of January and was well attended, providing good feedback, and a further workshop in Scotland is scheduled for March.

The panel has over recent months been considering how CIWEM can effectively raise awareness of sustainable development amongst both its membership and the wider public. It was noted that there is a large volume of information in the public domain about sustainable development and the myriad issues surrounding it, even to the extent that much material and many events are being duplicated. Yet at the same time, awareness of how to locate high quality information, particularly good practice case studies, may not be widespread. This will be one of the key outputs of the Panel over the coming year, and it is hoped that via the CIWEM website, the Institution and its Sustainable Development Panel will be able to provide a resource linking people to high quality information and case studies in sustainable development.

Amenity Recreation and Conservation (ARC)

The ARC Panel welcomed three new members to its recent meeting (Richard Byrne - Harper Adams University College, Robert Ivison - London Borough of Enfield and Stuart Pasley - Countryside Agency), whose expertise represents the broadening of the panel's remit, and discussed other organisations that should be represented on the panel. The panel reviewed its remit and agreed several changes. It also discussed its event on the Bathing Water Directive, which will be held in May, and worked on a proposal for its session on EIA and Development at the CIWEM National Conference in September. Several proposed panel-led events, including Soils and Geodiversity, were also discussed.

Air

The Institution's Air Panel met in February and continued preparations for its forthcoming 'Air Quality and Industry' event in June, together with its contribution to the CIWEM national conference in September. The panel is also working on a policy statement on Air Quality and Health, which it hopes to publish later this year.

The Air Panel is currently looking to increase its membership - anyone interested in joining the Panel should send their CV to Helen Wilson, Policy Officer at CIWEM helen@ciwem.com.

Waste Management

Waste Management Panel met in early March, welcoming two new members to the Panel (David Grantham - Integrated Resource Management and Alan Robinson - Aventis Management). The Panel discussed a possible event on Innovations in Waste Management. Development of the Panel's contribution to CIWEM's national conference also continued. The panel will be leading on four separate sessions, dealing with health effects, contaminated land, composting, and Directives.

Waste Management Panel also hope to publish a Policy Statement on Waste Management and an information sheet on Waste Incineration within the next month, details of which will be included in next month's E-News. The Panel is also working on a Policy Statement on Contaminated Land.

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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 Membership Application Forms Now On-line

Application for membership forms, mandatory competences and guidance notes are now freely available on the membership page of the CIWEM website. They can be downloaded in PDF format at the following address: http://www.ciwem.com/membership/index.asp

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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 a downloadable brochure, please see http://www.ciwem.com/events/presidential.pdf

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

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8. 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

23rd - 26th November 2003
8th Aqua Enviro/CIWEM European Biosolids and Organic Residuals Conference, Workshop and Exhibition
The Cedar Court Hotel, Wakefield
For further information contact Sarah Hickinson of Aqua Enviro
sarahhickinson@aquaenviro.co.uk

Other events planned for later in the year include Environmental Mitigation and Compensation and The Water Framework Directive - Diffuse Pollution in November 2003.

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9. 'Environmental Careers - The Inside Guide'

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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10. British Hydrological Society International Conference

British Hydrological Society International Conference
"Hydrology: Science and Practice for the 21st Century"
Imperial College London, 12-16 July 2004

CALL FOR ABSTRACTS: Deadline 30 April 2003
This International Conference, co-sponsored by IAHS, will bring together hydrologists concerned with the challenge of understanding and managing hydrological systems during the new century, including the role of hydrological science and management in poverty alleviation.
The Conference will cover the following themes:

• Theme 1 - Global hydrology and impacts of climate change
• Theme 2 - Hydrology of extremes
• Theme 3 - New techniques in hydrology (2 sessions - Advances in modelling and data assimilation; New methods of hydrological observation)
• Theme 4 - Interdisciplinary hydrological science and its application
• Theme 5 - Urban water
• Theme 6 - Integrated catchment management

Deadline for Abstract submissions is 30th April 2003. Funding will be available to support a limited number of overseas and young UK delegates.

In order to register an interest and to receive further details simply reply to this email: bhs2004@imperial.ac.uk

In addition, further information and forms for abstract submission can be obtained from the conference web site at: http://www.hydrology.org.uk/bhs2004/welcome.htm

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11. 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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12. ICE / CIWEM Water Environment Conference

Title: Risk and Reward in Asset Management Delivery - who is best prepared for the challenges ahead?
Date: 14 November 2003
Venue: One Great George St, Westminster, SW1P 3AA
Info: A Water Environment conference jointly organised by the Institution of Civil Engineers and CIWEM
Call for papers deadline = 30 May 2003
Contact: Sue Frye, ICE Conferences
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7665 2315
E-mail: sue.frye@ice.org.uk

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13. 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.

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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14. Editorial

As mentioned earlier in the newsletter, the CIWEM website is being developed quite intensively at present. Whilst we are always trying to evolve and develop the site in order to provide the visitor with an ever-improved information resource, there are certain specific initiatives that we are concentrating on at the moment. This stems partly from the change to a database driven site, which makes it far easier to run functions such as searchable databases and catalogues. We are looking to use sections of the CIWEM website in order to point visitors to the best sources of information on given issues. As CIWEM's Sustainable Development Panel discussed at its recent meeting, there is much information in existence on a range of important issues but it is often a case of tracking the information down which poses a problem.

Our aim is to put together databases of information on different issues. The first subject we will be tackling will be wastewater reuse. This is an important issue for sustainable water use in the future, however there are not a great many sources of detailed information which are freely available and it is the aim to provide a useful and comprehensive portal for case study material covering wastewater reuse projects worldwide. The plan is to have a searchable database of projects covering all aspects of wastewater reuse, rainwater harvesting, water storage and similar issues.

If you are involved with such projects and would be happy to send us information for inclusion in this part of the site, please contact Alastair Chisholm alastair@ciwem.org.uk. There will be no charge for inclusion of material on the site and the more detailed the information you can provide, the more we can promote awareness of the issues involved and the more experience can be shared. Furthermore, should you have any suggestions for other subjects that would benefit from this approach, please let us know.

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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. 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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