CIWEM E-News – October 2005

Dear Subscribers,

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This month:

1. New International Director to Boost CIWEM’s Global Reach

CIWEM is pleased to announce the appointment of Paul Horton as the Institution’s Director of International Development. Paul is 41 years old and lives in Bexley, Kent. He is an environmental science graduate and has a post-graduate qualification in economics. Previously, Paul has worked in an international capacity for British Water and as an Environmental Adviser to the Confederation of British Industry (CBI).

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2. CIWEM Wins Official Quality Certification

CIWEM has been awarded ISO 9001 Certification, giving an external seal of approval for the quality of our Membership Department. The Institution’s Quality Management System, including membership administration systems and related management procedures, were put through a rigorous and detailed audit by representatives of the Lloyd’s Register Quality Assurance (LRQA) organisation.

The standard uses a core set of eight quality management principles which act as a common foundation for all standards relating to quality management:

• customer focus
• leadership
• the involvement of people
• a process approach
• a system approach to management
• continual improvement
• a factual approach to decision making
• mutually beneficial supplier relationship

Certification to the internationally recognised quality management system (QMS) standard ISO 9001 gives a clear demonstration of CIWEM’s commitment to quality. This is a significant achievement for CIWEM and is testament to the hard work of Rosemary Butler, Director of Membership, of others in the team at John St and of the Professional Boards.

LRQA will return every 9 months to ensure that CIWEM’s standards are being maintained so that we can retain Accreditation.

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3. The Water Framework Directive and Hydro-Morphology – Challenges and Implications

A Joint CIWEM and RSPB Conference
9th November, 2005
London

The Water Framework Directive requires Member States to identify, assess and control all major anthropogenic pressures on the water environment, including pressures on the physical structure of rivers and coasts. This is explicitly recognised in the development of ‘hydro-morphological’ quality elements as part of the scheme for assessing ecological water quality; and in the provisions of Article 11 laying out the range of basic measures Member States must establish in order to transpose and implement the Directive, which includes a requirement for measures to control hydro-morphological pressures.

The aim of the conference is to fully explore the linkages between WFD, hydro-morphology and the challenge of developing a more integrated approach. The objectives of the conference are to:

• Brief and update delegates on the current interpretation and analysis of the hydro-morphological implications of the Water Framework Directive
• Describe the main outcomes of the considerable work that has been undertaken to date and the major challenges that are facing WFD implementation
• Highlight the issues arising from the current situation

Given the scope of the implications for many stakeholders explore the next steps in addressing the challenges ahead.
For further information and the booking form, please visit: http://www.ciwem.org/events/WFDHydromorphology_nov05.doc

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4. RSPB/CIWEM Living Wetlands Award 2006 – Closing Date Approaching

Whether large or small, if your project can demonstrate the sustainable and multi-functional use of wetland habitats find out how to enter the RSPB/CIWEM Living wetlands Award here http://www.ciwem.org.uk/awards/living_wetlands/index.asp

The winner last year was Abbotts Hall Farm coastal realignment scheme on the Blackwater Estuary, submitted by Essex Wildlife Trust. The closing date for entries is Friday 25th November 2005.

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5. CIWEM/AQUA ENVIRO 10th European Biosolids and Biowaste Conference Workshop and Exhibition

13-16th November 2005
Cedar Court, Wakefield

Plans are now well in hand for the 10th European Biosolids and Biowaste Conference to be held in Wakefield, West Yorkshire in a few weeks time. Some 85 Technical papers covering all aspects of Biosolids and Biowaste Engineering, Science and Technology will be presented.

A special pre-conference workshop has been arranged for Sunday afternoon. The topic will be a first for this industry as its addresses the "The Art of Selling” Does it apply to Biowaste and Biosolids Products and Engineering Services?

A number of guest speakers have accepted the invitation to participate in the Workshop including Tom Crawford, Attorney, Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District, USA where they have been successfully marketing sludge products for over 50 years. This is a workshop not to be missed.

The conference dinner and awards evening will be in the Leeds Elland Road Football Club Executive Suite. Companies can book a corporate table for this event as well as individual delegates registering for the conference.

Full details of the conference can be found by visiting the web site www.european-biosolids.com or by contacting Frances Eldon at Aqua Enviro (new telephone number 01924 257891).

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6. New Saltmarsh Creation Handbook

A groundbreaking new book published recently distils the best available knowledge on creating saltmarsh: a habitat that effectively combines nature conservation and flood defence. The saltmarsh creation handbook: a project manager’s guide to the creation of saltmarsh and intertidal mudflat is a practical guide from RSPB and CIWEM that sets out clearly how to restore and extend this vital part of our coastal landscape.

The 44,000 hectares of saltmarsh around the coasts of England, Scotland and Wales play host to a huge range of wildlife, and play a vital role in mitigating flooding and the damaging effects of storm surges, which are predicted to increase in size and frequency as a result of sea level rise due to climate change. Over the next few years, large areas of saltmarsh are likely to disappear under the sea as sea levels rise and stronger waves pound the coast, eroding the marshes and exposing sea defences to the full force of the sea’s impact.

The guide provides a comprehensive overview from start to finish of a project to create new areas of saltmarsh, including realistic timescales, and includes eight examples of saltmarsh creation projects of different scales. Topics covered range from engineering considerations and finding funding to stakeholder involvement and planning considerations. The authors make the process accessible and straightforward, focusing on detail including site selection, how to establish a mudflat, preparing an environmental impact assessment, equipment choice and engaging service providers.

The book is available from CIWEM (books@leadmedia.co.uk; www.ciwem.org/publications or tel 0870 3000690) at £29.99 + £4.95 p&p.

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7. CIWEM Annual Dinner 2006

CIWEM’s prestigious Annual Dinner will be held next year on Wednesday 5th April, 2006 at Drapers’ Hall, Throgmorton Street, London EC2.

The Invited Principal Guest is Ken Livingstone, Mayor of London.

For further information, and a booking form, please contact Lorraine Poole, email lpoole@ciwem.org

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8. CIWEM Conferences Digest

CIWEM Conferences are continuing to be well attended and regarded. Outputs from recent conferences may now be found on the CIWEM website at: http://www.ciwem.org.uk/events/outputs.asp

We have a large number of sponsors and supporters for events in 2005/06, and bookings are going well. If you are interested in sponsoring any of the conferences noted below, please contact Justin Taberham, email Justin@ciwem.org

The Land-use and Water Series
Integrating Water and Soil Strategies - Translating Research into Action
12th October 2005, London
Contact Bob Earll, CMS
Email: bob.earll@coastms.co.uk Tel: 01531 890415
Download the brochure at:
http://www.ciwem.org.uk/events/Soil-Water_Oct2005_Version1.doc

Water Framework Directive Series
WFD & Hydro-Morphology – Challenges and Implications
9th November 2005, London
Contact Bob Earll, CMS
Email: bob.earll@coastms.co.uk Tel: 01531 890415
Download the draft programme at:
http://www.ciwem.org.uk/events/WFD_Flooding_0605_draft.doc

10th European Biosolids & Biowastes Conference - A decade of change
13-16th November 2005, Wakefield
Contact Frances Eldon, Aqua Enviro
Email: ciwem@aquaenviro.co.uk Tel: 0113 242 4200
http://www.ciwem.org.uk/events/10thBiosolids_nov2005.pdf

Water Quality and Public Health – Swimming Pools and Spa Baths
30th November 2005, Manchester
Contact Frances Eldon, Aqua Enviro
Email: ciwem@aquaenviro.co.uk Tel: 0113 242 4200
http://www.ciwem.org.uk/events/PoolsandSpaBaths_Nov05.pdf

Issues Arising from the Periodic Review Process
30th November 2005, London
Sponsors to date: Ewan Group plc, MWH
Contact Bob Earll, CMS
Email: bob.earll@coastms.co.uk Tel: 01531 890415
Download the draft programme at:
http://www.ciwem.org.uk/events/Water_Regulation_Programme_EVersion1.doc

Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals in the Water Environment
March 2006
Contact Frances Eldon, Aqua Enviro
Email: ciwem@aquaenviro.co.uk Tel: 0113 242 4200

Joint ICE/CIWEM Conference
Infrastructure Asset Maintenance and Management
11th January 2006, London
Contact Frances Eldon, Aqua Enviro
Email: ciwem@aquaenviro.co.uk Tel: 0113 242 4200

World Wetlands Day Conference
1st and 2nd February, 2006, London
Contact Bob Earll, CMS
Email: bob.earll@coastms.co.uk Tel: 01531 890415

Water Framework Directive – Monitoring and Reporting
March 2006, London
Sponsors to date: MWH
Contact Bob Earll, CMS
Email: bob.earll@coastms.co.uk Tel: 01531 890415

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9. Subscription Notice Apology

We would like to apologise for any confusion or inconvenience caused by the dates given on the recent subscription notice.

The notice is for the year commencing 1st January 2006 and not 2005 as stated on your invoice.

I would also like to take this opportunity to remind you that for your convenience you can now pay your subscription online via the member’s area of the website, www.ciwem.org.

If you have any queries about your invoice or current membership please contact the membership helpdesk on 020 7831 3110 or email us on membership@ciwem.org.

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10. Chelsea Flower Show 2006 – Help CIWEM

At the 2005 RHS Chelsea Flower Show, CIWEM’s information was seen by thousands of people from a huge range of disciplines and backgrounds. We’re gearing up for 2006. If you would like to be involved, or to sponsor CIWEM’s presence at the Show, please contact Nick Reeves, email: nreeves@ciwem.org / Tel: 020 7831 3110.

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11. Consultations

CIWEM responds to a wide range of consultation documents as part of its technical and policy output. If you are a CIWEM member and have views on any current public consultations, please feel free to share them with us. A list of the consultations that are currently being considered, together with an internet address for the papers themselves, features in every edition of E-News. A deadline for when we need to receive your comments is always listed. If you would like to view recent consultation responses made by the Institution you can do so on the Institution’s website at www.ciwem.com/policy/consultation

Current consultations:

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Consultation on new abstraction and impounding licensing regulations to apply in England and Wales and proposed changes to the Water Resources (Environmental Impact Assessment) (England and Wales) Regulations 2003
http://www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/waterresource-regs/index.htm
Contact alastair@ciwem.org by 21/10/05

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Consultation on proposals for amendments to waste management licensing exemptions relating to hazardous waste
http://www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/hazwaste/index.htm
Contact alastair@ciwem.org by 02/12/05

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Partial Regulatory Impact Assessment on a proposal for implementing a new national waste data strategy
http://www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/wip-data2/index.htm
Contact alastair@ciwem.org by 09/12/05

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Consultation on feral wild boar in England
http://www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/wild-boar/index.htm
Contact alastair@ciwem.org by 16/12/05

Environment Agency
Corporate Strategy
http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/aboutus/1105530/1105655/
Contact alastair@ciwem.org by 17/10/05

Environment Agency
Second Consultation on the National Abstraction Charges Scheme Review
http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/yourenv/consultations/1157934/?version=1&lang=_e
Contact alastair@ciwem.org by 18/11/05

Scottish Executive
Consultation on draft scottish planning policy 21: green belts
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2005/08/04154944/49451
Contact alastair@ciwem.org by 21/10/05

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12. In Brief

Risk Assessment for Environmental Professionals
Stocks of this essential stand-alone guide are running low. The Book covers the drivers, tools and techniques of risk assessment as well as a variety of detailed practical risk assessment case studies. See http://www.ciwem.org.uk/publications/ for details or email hgreene@ciwem.org to order your copy.

Urgent Call for Reviewers
CIWEM is always on the look out for Reviewers to assist with CIWEM’s Professional Interviews. To become a Reviewer you must be an Associate, Member or Fellow with the Institution and have held that grade for 4 to 5 years.

Should you be willing to assist in this way, please contact Joanna West, email: jwest@ciwem.org for further information and the appropriate forms.

CIWEM Professional Indemnity Insurance
Do you find it difficult and expensive to obtain Professional Indemnity (PI) insurance? CIWEM is aware that its members have found Professional Indemnity (PI) cover increasingly expensive and difficult to obtain in recent years, especially smaller firms and individual consultants. As a result, CIWEM is currently exploring the possibility of offering a PI insurance scheme exclusive to its members. For more information, please click here: www.millergroupservices.com/CIWEM

CIWEM at IWEX
CIWEM’s West Midlands Branch will be staffing an exhibition stand at this year’s IWEX conference in Birmingham, October 18-20. CIWEM will also be offering free ‘taster’ sessions of the PEM+ course (Practical Environmental Management), which we run with Groundwork. This course combines Environmental Management Systems training (EMS) with training in the development and measurement of Environmental Performance Indicators (EPIs). As such, it provides an individual with a valuable qualification for their personal development – and practical skills and knowledge that they can instantly apply back at their work-place. Check out further details at www.iwex.co.uk

Planning for the Water Environment
11th November, 2005 – Esholt Hall, Bradford
A joint afternoon seminar sponsored by Yorkshire water in association with the RTPI Yorkshire Branch and CIWEM Tyne and Humber Branch.

These are exciting times for all professionals involving in dealing with the interface between the planning and management of landuse, development and water. This afternoon seminar will provide an opportunity to hear about these issues and the progress that is being made to integrate different activities, policies and practices to achieve more sustainable outcomes for the water environment. Expert speakers from the Yorkshire Water, the Environment Agency, DEFRA and Atkins Consultants will provide a variety of viewpoints and share their experience.

The afternoon will also include a study tour of one of Yorkshire Water’s latest infrastructure projects.
For full information please visit: http://www.ciwem.org.uk/branches/tyne_humber/
PlanningfortheWaterEnvironmentFlyer.doc

West Midlands Branch Seminar
The EU Water Framework Directive – Fundamentals and Key Challenges
CIWEM’s West Midlands Branch will be running a seminar on the afternoon of 7th December 2005 at The Think Tank at Millennium Point, Curzon Street, Birmingham, setting out the key aspects and issues surrounding the Water Framework Directive. Issues to be covered include the policy and legal background, an overview of progress in England and Wales, and defining the environmental objectives.

To read the flier and booking form, please visit: http://www.ciwem.org.uk/branches/west_midlands/wm_wfdconf_1205.doc

National Flood Forum – Register of Flood Risk Assessors
The National Flood Forum is a small community-based organisation working to support those affected by flooding and flood risk. The Forum runs an information service which is open to anyone with a flood related enquiry.

The National Flood forum is to compile a list of suitably accredited professionals with Professional Indemnity insurance, who are qualified to undertake flood risk assessments. Should you wish to register with the Forum, please contact Gill Holland, tel: 01299 403055, email: gill.holland@floodforum.org.uk

Best Financial Reporting CIWEM Branches and Groups
Each month we will now be advising E- News readers of how CIWEM’s Branches and Groups perform with regards to financial reporting. Each month the Treasurers for each Branch/Group provide the Finance Department at Head Office with a monthly return. These are then processed onto Exchequer (our accounting package), enabling us to provide the Branches/Groups with accurate monthly accounts. The Branch/Group Returns are due in by the 10th of each month or unless agreed with Head Office once each VAT quarter.

This month’s Best Financially Reporting Branch/Group is once again the Northern Ireland Branch. A big thank you to Tom Adamson for prompt and accurate Financial Reports for the month of August. Tom has consistently provided us with correct and prompt reports for a number of years and we hope he will continue to do so in the years to come.

Membership Survey Winner!
The 2005 Membership Survey is complete and the draw took place on 23 September!
Rosemary Butler, Director of Membership announced the lucky winner as Eur Ing Geoffrey Browning from Alverstoke. He wins a years free CIWEM membership at Fellow grade, worth £190!

Meeting Room for Hire at CIWEM
The Institution's premises in John Street, situated between Bloomsbury and the City, has a room available for letting. Set out in Board Room style, it comfortably seats up to 15 people and is ideal for small meetings.

For further information, contact CIWEM
Tel: 0207 831 3110
E-mail: reception@ciwem.org
Or visit: http://www.ciwem.org.uk/about/meeting.asp

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13. Environment Agency: Flood Risk Management Opportunities - Nationwide

Chartered Civil Engineers and Graduates
To lead our teams -up to £32,500

• To specialise -up to £29,600
• Team Members ambitious to progress -up to £24,800
• Plus benefits ++London weighting (where appropriate)

As a Civil Engineer you’re probably attracted to the wealth of exciting projects on the horizon. However, look at the bigger picture. The fact that, with or without climate change, it’s our job to manage the risk that many of our towns and cities could go under water. With over five million people currently living in flood risk areas, it’s our job to inform and educate; to build and manage flood defences; as well as to lead during flood emergencies. It’s no surprise that we’re currently investing some £564 million to make this happen.

Wouldn’t you like to get involved? Working in asset management, strategic planning, operations delivery and planning, flood mapping, flood forecasting or incident management, you’ll have the chance to do something worthwhile for future generations. And you’ll be doing it with many of the country’s leading professionals.

Find out more at www.fluidfacts.com If you do not have internet access call 01925 542193. Closing date for applications 14 October 2005.

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14. Mini-Waste III: Transferring the Knowledge; Delivering the Benefits

Date: 5th and 6th December 2005
Venue: Central Science Laboratory, York

The overall theme for the event is transferring knowledge and delivering real benefits of novel processes and technologies which avoid waste or add value to waste while diverting it from landfill. The conference will draw on expertise from the academic and research knowledge base and industrial applications of innovative technology.

Over the two days speakers will describe approaches which can reduce waste, achieve compliance with emerging legislative drivers, or break through existing limitations in waste minimisation, exemplifying Mini-Waste's research and technology themes. Alan Whitehead MP will deliver the keynote address and delegates will be able to access a range of world recognised experts and potential collaborative partners.

The conference is suitable for industrial and academic scientists and engineers interested in industrial waste minimisation, whether seeking to resolve specific issues or foster innovation in resource recovery from waste.

This will be a great opportunity to network and promote business opportunities and a limited number of exhibition spaces are available.

More information can be found on www.mini-waste.com
Email: mini-waste@ctechinnovation.com
Tel: John Henderson on 0151 347 2950

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15. Society for the Environment – Northern Ireland Annual Lecture 2005

The Society for the Environment (SocEnv) is planning the first in what is hoped to be the first of many Annual Northern Ireland Lectures. The date for the 2005 lecture has been set as Tuesday 13th December, at 6 for 6.30 at the University of Ulster. This event will create a focal point in Northern Ireland for locally-based SocEnv constituent Bodies and their members.

For further information please contact W. Alan Strong, email: wa.strong@ulster.ac.uk or T. Walker, email: WalkerT@BelfastCity.gov.uk

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16. 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.org for more details.

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.org

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.org

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