Dear Subscribers,

Thanks for subscribing to CIWEM's E-News. This is a free electronic version of the monthly newsletter which is distributed to all those interested in CIWEM's Technical and Policy work. The service is administered through CIWEM's web site www.ciwem.com where there is a top menu button for NEWSLETTER. If you would rather not hear about our work, you can also unsubscribe.

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

1. CIWEM Conferences on the Water Framework Directive
2. CIWEM Conference Programme
3. Thanks to CIWEM Supporters and Representatives
4. Fluoridation Policy Statement
5. RSPB/CIWEM Living Wetlands Award 2004
6. Technical Panels Round-Up
7. Membership Incentive Scheme
8. In Brief
9. Biodegradable and Residual Waste Management conference
10. Consultations
11. Editor on Honeymoon!
12. Yacht - The Engineering Recruitment Experts
13. Join CIWEM

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1. CIWEM Conferences on the Water Framework Directive

CIWEM has begun an ongoing series of conferences on Water Framework Directive issues. The first event in the series on November 12th, 2003, looking at Ecological Implications of the Directive, had over 250 attendees. Those attending had a very valuable day of learning, sharing knowledge, discussion, debate and networking. I have never been at a conference where a roomful of people stayed to discuss the topic after a conference had finished!

The next events in the series are:

Water Framework Directive - Diffuse Pollution
5th May, 2004, London

This timely meeting will look at solutions to the diffuse pollution problem in the context of the Water Framework Directive, looking at the use of education and economic instruments, as well as regulation, and considering examples from a variety of sectors on an international scale. It will bring together researchers, policy-makers, practitioners and regulators to share experience, as well as providing a valuable learning opportunity for those not directly engaged in the issue. It will end in an open debate about the ways forward, identifying research and technical guidance needs and addressing education and awareness issues.

Contact Bob Earll, CMS, Email: bob.earll@coastms.co.uk Tel: 01531 890415

Water Framework Directive - Water Resources and Groundwater, late 2004
Contact Bob Earll, CMS, Email: bob.earll@coastms.co.uk Tel: 01531 890415

Water Framework Directive - River Basin Management, early 2005
Contact Bob Earll, CMS, Email: bob.earll@coastms.co.uk Tel: 01531 890415

This is an ongoing series that will follow key themes in the Directive. If you would like to propose a theme area, please email Justin Taberham justin@ciwem.com

We are also seeking series sponsors - organisations that will support a number of the events in the series and play an active role in programme development. Please email Justin Taberham for further information.

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2. CIWEM Conference Programme

We have a conference programme which spans into 2005 and beyond. Highlights in the next year include:

Soil Strategies: Uniting Science, Policy and Practice
27 January, 2004, London

This conference aims to develop a practical agenda for change to protect and manage soil. With work now underway to develop soil strategies at EU and national levels, soil is set to become increasingly important in environmental policy.

Speakers include Lord Whitty (DEFRA), Luca Montanarella (EU Commission), Toby Willison (Environment Agency), Mark Kibblewhite (National Soil Resources Institute), and David Powlson and Pete Falloon (Rothamsted). Case studies will be presented by the National Trust, English Nature, RSPB, CLA and NFU.

Contact Sarah Hickinson, Aqua Enviro
Email: ciwem@aquaenviro.co.uk Tel: 0113 242 4200

World Wetlands Day Conference 2004
Wetlands: Policy into Action
2nd and 3rd February, 2004, London

The aim of this conference is to bring together all the key organisations in the UK involved in wetlands issues to share knowledge, discuss innovative techniques, network, consider good practice case studies and promote business and wetland biodiversity. There will be key speakers from Environment Agency, English Nature, National Trust and RSPB.

Contact Bob Earll, CMS, Email: bob.earll@coastms.co.uk Tel: 01531 890415

Flytipping and Environmental Crime
Contact Sarah Hickinson, Aqua Enviro
Email: ciwem@aquaenviro.co.uk Tel: 0113 242 4200

Climate Change and Water Resources
Contact Sarah Hickinson, Aqua Enviro
Email: ciwem@aquaenviro.co.uk Tel: 0113 242 4200

Getting to Grips with Quality at the Tap
Contact Sarah Hickinson, Aqua Enviro
Email: ciwem@aquaenviro.co.uk Tel: 0113 242 4200

Flood Management
Contact Bob Earll, CMS, Email: bob.earll@coastms.co.uk Tel: 01531 890415

SUDS
Contact Bob Earll, CMS, Email: bob.earll@coastms.co.uk Tel: 01531 890415

CSOs
Contact Bob Earll, CMS, Email: http://ciwemcms2.parity.info/bob.earll@coastms.co.uk Tel: 01531 890415

Information on our events is found at http://www.ciwem.com/events/index.asp

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3. Thanks to CIWEM Supporters and Representatives

We would like to thank all those who support CIWEM's work, either as members, attendees at events, representatives on committees or sponsors of our work. Most of you are never thanked, so we'd like to take the chance to thank you for your continued support.

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4. Fluoridation Policy Statement

CIWEM recently published its policy statement on "Fluoridation of Public Water Supplies". Key policy points are:

Further work must be undertaken to demonstrate the value and/or disadvantages of fluoridation programmes. Such work should involve sound science, ethics, corporate social responsibility and legal considerations.

The consultation process concerning fluoridation of additional water supplies must be transparent and objective, carried out independently of Local Health Authorities and provide local people with information that will enable informed decisions.

Any benefits of fluoridation programmes must be considered in the context of wider medical care and people should have choice in the way they meet their dental care needs.

The legal position relating to fluoridation of public water supplies must not compromise the ethical position of professionals as they carry out their duties and meet their responsibilities to the communities they serve.

There may be operational limitations in preventing fluoridated water being supplied to those people who do not wish their water supplies to be fluoridated. A further issue is that the health authority boundaries and water distribution boundaries do not generally coincide.

More research is required to investigate the environmental impacts of fluoridation as well as its Health and Safety implications.

The issue of the impact and monitoring of natural fluoride levels should be addressed.

CIWEM has a duty of care to its Members and will take all reasonable precautions to ensure that the ethical standing of their profession is not compromised.

There is a case for more and better public information on fluoridation and that the government and the health agencies have a key role to play in this regard.

The full cost of fluoridation, including any liabilities, should be borne by the Health Protection Agency.

The full text of this and other CIWEM policy statements is available on the CIWEM web site at: http://www.ciwem.com/policy/policies/index.asp

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5. RSPB/CIWEM Living Wetlands Award 2004

RSPB and CIWEM are inviting entries for the prestigious RSPB/CIWEM Living Wetlands Award, which will be presented at the CIWEM Annual Dinner in London in April 2004. The winner will be announced at the CIWEM World Wetlands Day Conference in February 2004.

The annual RSPB/CIWEM Living Wetlands Award was established in 2003 as a means of recognising and rewarding projects which demonstrate the multiple functions and sustainable use of wetland habitats. Funds for the Award are provided by CIWEM and the RSPB.

The Award consists of the Mance Memorial Trophy (a bronze snipe), a framed certificate and a cheque for £1,500, to be used to fund the delivery of further UK Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) targets, publicity of the project and/or related education.

The 2003 Award was won by the Swale and Ure Washlands Project, which has linked 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.

Entries may relate to UK projects at the planning, design, in-work or completed stages, however special attention will be paid to projects that can demonstrate appreciable delivery of the priorities listed below.

To be eligible for the Award, projects must contribute to the delivery of priority UK Biodiversity Action Plan species and habitat targets for freshwater wetlands; deliver multiple benefits and ensure no priority BAP species or habitats are harmed by the project.

The closing date for entries is 31st December 2003.

Details of how to make a submission can be obtained from Helen Wilson, Policy Officer, CIWEM, 15 John Street, London, WC1N 2EB, Tel: 0207 831 3110. E-mail: helen@ciwem.com.

Further details of all CIWEM Awards can be found on the CIWEM web site at: http://www.ciwem.com/awards/index.asp

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6. Technical Panels Round-Up

At their meeting in November, CIWEM's Waste Management Panel discussed their representation on other forums and groups and forthcoming CIWEM conferences on 'Innovations in Waste Management' and 'Fly Tipping', in which the Panel is involved. They discussed possible Panel outputs relating to the forthcoming Hazardous Waste regulations and a possible event on planning/public participation relating to waste. The Panel also worked on two Policy Position Statements, on 'Energy from Waste' and 'Recycling', and discussed its contributions to current consultation responses.

The panel is seeking new members. If you are interested in joining the Waste Management Panel, please contact Justin Taberham justin@ciwem.com

The Air Panel welcomed three new members at its meeting in late October. The Panel updated its Terms of Reference and, following its recent successful conference on Air Quality and Industry - Future Challenges, discussed possible outputs on the subject of health and risk perception. It worked on a draft Call for Papers with the Wastewater Management Panel for a joint event on Odours, which will be held at the CIWEM National Conference 2004. This event, which has the provisional title 'Planning and Managing Odour', will look at strategies for dealing with environmental odour in planning and existing sites. It follows on from the successful CIWEM Odours event held in 2002 and aims to attract a wide audience. The Panel then discussed a possible event on air quality and health, which would consider Health Impact Assessment and other topical issues. It is also drafting CIWEM Policy Position Statements on 'Air Quality and Health' and 'Odours'.

The Air Panel has an active and knowledgeable membership with a wide range of expertise. However we are still looking for some new Panel members - if you are interested in joining the Panel, please forward your CV to Justin Taberham, Director of Policy at CIWEM (E-mail: justin@ciwem.com).

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7. Membership Incentive Scheme

During the past three years, CIWEM has run an incentive scheme for current members to get involved in the recruitment of new members. Successful recruiters qualify for a considerable discount (up to 60%) on their membership subscriptions for the following year. This is a very simple process which could save you some money! For further information, please email membership@ciwem.org.uk

If you work with a number of people who aren't members of CIWEM, give it a try!

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8. In Brief

This email newsletter has been in existence for just over a year, and in that time it has gone from a subscriber list of 300 to the current 4,200 plus. In the next year we are aiming to reach even more people by promoting the service more actively - most of the additional subscribers so far are by word of mouth/email.

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9. Biodegradable and Residual Waste Management conference

First UK Conference and Exhibition on Biodegradable and Residual Waste Management
18 and 19 February, 2004, Harrogate
Full details at http://www.calrecovery-europe.com/events/feb2004

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10. 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 by the deadlines given. Email contact details are provided.

DEFRA: Agri-environment Schemes Review: Third Public Consultation
www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/agri-envrevhls/index.htm
Contact helen@ciwem.com by 01/12/03

DEFRA: UK Government framework for sustainable consumption and production: consultation on 'decoupling' indicators
www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/scp-indicators/index.htm
Contact helen@ciwem.com by 01/12/03

ODPM: Consultation on Draft New Planning Policy Statement 22 (PPS22) - Renewable Energy
www.odpm.gov.uk/stellent/groups/odpm_planning/documents/
page/odpm_plan_025517.hcsp
Contact helen@ciwem.com by 15/12/03

ODPM: Draft Planning Policy Statement (PPS) 12 - Local Development Frameworks
http://www.odpm.gov.uk/stellent/groups/odpm_planning/
documents/page/odpm_plan_024633.pdf
Contact alastair@ciwem.com by 12/12/03

Scottish Executive: Draft Water Services (Scotland) Bill
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/consultations/environment/dwsb-00.asp
Contact alastair@ciwem.com by 05/12/03

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11. Editor on Honeymoon!

There is always the mistaken identity at the bottom of the e-news as to who actually does the hard work and gets this newsletter together (it's not Justin Taberham!) - Alastair Chisholm is the Editor and he is currently away in India on honeymoon. Helen Wilson also helps get the information together, and she manages our web site. Because the newsletter is produced by CIWEM's Policy Department, it focuses on policy/technical work rather than other areas of CIWEM's activities.

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12. Yacht - The Engineering Recruitment Experts

Yacht promise a fresh new approach to engineering recruitment, with a unique service dedicated to finding exactly the right job for you. Right now, Yacht has a number of opportunities in the infrastructure and utilities sector for engineers and environmental professionals.

Visit us now to register your CV and learn how Yacht can help you find a successful career in engineering.
http://www.yachtgroup.com/uk/pages/home/default.asp

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13. Join CIWEM

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

Surely the content in this newsletter tempts you to join, if you're not already a member!

That was 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 to:

Justin Taberham, Director of Policy, CIWEM, 15 John Street, London, England, WC1N 2EB
Tel: 020 7831 3110 Fax: 020 7405 4967 E-mail: justin@ciwem.com

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