CIWEM E-News – October 2006

Dear Subscribers,

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This month:

1. Changes in CIWEM’s Presidential Team

CIWEM’s 4th Annual Conference provided the setting for the official welcoming to the Institution’s new President.

A new Presidential team will is now working to advance the science and practice of water and environmental management for a clean, green and sustainable world. Bob Sargent took over as President from Robin Green, and is joined by Malcolm White as the new Vice-President and David Rooke as President-Elect.

Bob Sargent is a professional environmentalist with experience in both the private and public sectors. Based in Bristol, he is currently a consultant with Marcus Hodges Environment where he specialises in hydrology, sustainable water resources management and hydro-ecology.

Bob has been a Corporate Member of CIWEM and its predecessor body since 1977, and first joined the Institution’s Council in 1995. He has been a member of the Institution’s Business and Science Professional Board for several years where he has helped to increase professional development of younger people working in the environmental industry. He also played a prominent role in the Scottish Branch of the CIWEM, where he was secretary for a number of years and Chairman in 2001/02. During this year, Bob will be running a Blog on the joys of being President (and hopefully highlighting the many things CIWEM does) at www.ciwem.org/blogs

President-Elect David Rooke is the Environment Agency’s Head of Flood Risk Management for England and Wales, with more than 27 years in flood and environmental management. David has been involved in CIWEM in many different guises since 1986, from being Chairman of CIWEM’s Rivers and Coastal Group, a member of Council and Vice-President of CIWEM.

Malcolm White, Managing Director of Mott MacDonald’s Water and Environment Business, is CIWEM’s new Vice President. Malcolm is a Civil Engineer and a Fellow of CIWEM, with specialist expertise in the planning and design of sewerage and wastewater systems and extensive international experience managing multidisciplinary projects. Malcolm has worked on a whole range of projects in countries as diverse as the UK, Pakistan, China, Hungary, Indonesia, Nigeria and the Middle East, so complements CIWEM’s global interests.

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2. New Energy from Waste Policy Statement Published

CIWEM has set out its position on energy recovery from waste in a new Policy Position Statement (PPS), developed with the technical input of the Institution’s Waste Management Panel. CIWEM’s position is as follows:

• CIWEM considers that energy recovery from waste has a legitimate role to play in the portfolio of sustainable waste management measures.
• CIWEM supports wider use of combined heat and power (CHP), which represents the most efficient method of energy recovery from waste and encourages consideration of the role that it could play in reducing our reliance on conventional fossil fuels.
• CIWEM considers that the Government should assess the current and likely future market for waste derived fuels that are still classified as waste – especially in high energy use industries where security and diversity of fuel supply could deliver a commercial advantage.
• CIWEM urges the Government to support Europe-wide standard setting for waste derived fuels.
• In the upcoming European negotiations on the Waste Framework Directive, CIWEM considers that there would be benefit in pressing for the de-classification as “waste” those refuse-derived fuels (RDFs) which are of sufficiently high quality. The Institution also considers that there is a need for greater research and development on RDFs in order to increase the proportion which may be co-fired without any reduction in emissions standards and we urge the Government to support this.
• If energy from waste (EfW) is to deliver real benefit to the UK then more should be done at a strategic and planning level to encourage the uptake of CHP which improves the efficiency of energy recovery considerably.
• CIWEM considers that EfW has a significant role to play in meeting the Landfill Directive targets for the diversion of biodegradable municipal waste from landfill.
• CIWEM considers that the public perception of energy from waste is clouded by past performance and that stringent emissions standards which must now be adhered to are such that EfW should provide no greater air pollution than many common and widely accepted sources.

To read the full PPS, please visit: http://www.ciwem.org/policy/policies/energy_recovery_from_waste.asp

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3. Catchment Management: Land Use and Water

Fundamental reforms of the Common Agriculture Policy in Europe, and the new UK agri-environment schemes have led to environmental protection emerging as a priority for British agriculture. This new document in the Information Resources section of the CIWEM website (www.ciwem.org/resources/) explores catchment pressures such as soil erosion and diffuse water pollution and how farmers can reduce their impact on the water environment whilst benefiting themselves and their business. Read more at: www.ciwem.org/resources/water/catchment_management.PDF

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4. New CIWEM Poll Question

This month we’re after your views on a tricky subject: how best to engage parties in action on climate change. Therefore, the latest question to be posed on the CIWEM Poll is:

Are scare tactics more effective than ‘feel good’ messages in motivating the public to take action to mitigate climate change?

To vote, visit www.ciwem.org

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5. CIWEM Awards Now Open for Entry

CIWEM holds an established and successful portfolio of Environmental Awards to celebrate the outstanding achievements of environmental professionals, and raising awareness of the excellent work of environmentalists. 2006 was a successful year and we received a broad range of high quality entries. We would now like to invite entries for 2007. Further details can be found at www.ciwem.org/awards/

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6. Journal Changes – Seeking Global Reviewers

From January 2006 CIWEM’s Journal – Water and Environment Journal – has been published on behalf of CIWEM by Blackwell Publishing; in line with these changes we are increasing our reviewer database. Reviewers peer-review technical papers to determine their suitability for publication and advise on any amendments or revisions necessary such that papers are credible and accurate; enhance knowledge and understanding of water and environmental issues; promote sustainable development and are a credit to the standing and reputation of CIWEM and the profession.

This is a great opportunity to be involved in the work of the Institution and be the first to read exciting new research. We welcome applications from anyone with suitable expertise in a subject within the scope of water and environmental management, especially from those overseas. For more information or to submit your CV please contact Joanna Cooper (jcooper@ciwem.org).

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7. 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/events/outputs.asp

We have a good number of sponsors and supporters for events in 2006 and 2007, 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. For the latest conference information in full, please visit http://www.ciwem.org/events

A Joint CIWEM/EA Conference
Groundwater Protection Policy and Practice
17th October 2006, London
Sponsors to date: Environment Agency, Arup, MWH, SLR Consulting
Contact Bob Earll, CMS
Email: bob.earll@coastms.co.uk Tel: 01531 890415

Disinfection for Water Supply – UV or not UV?
17th October 2006
Contact Frances Eldon, Aqua Enviro
Email: franceseldon@aquaenviro.co.uk Tel: 01924 257891

Sensor Technology in the Water Industry
2nd November 2006
Contact Sarah Hickinson, Aqua Enviro
Email: sarahhickinson@aquaenviro.co.uk Tel: 01924 257891

A Joint CIWEM/Defra Conference
Preparedness for Extreme Flooding Events
8th November 2006, London
Sponsors to date: MWH, Arup, Capita Symonds, EWA
Contact Bob Earll, CMS
Email: bob.earll@coastms.co.uk Tel: 01531 890415

11th European Biosolids & Biowastes Conference
13th-15th November, 2006
Sponsors to date: Yara, Strathkelvin Instruments, Ener Tech, EcoSolids International
Contact Frances Eldon, Aqua Enviro
Email: franceseldon@aquaenviro.co.uk Tel: 01924 257891

Periodic Review
16th November 2006, London
Sponsors to date : Atkins, MWH, Mott MacDonald, Ewan Group, Scott Wilson
Contact Bob Earll, CMS
Email: bob.earll@coastms.co.uk Tel: 01531 890415

The Land-use and Water Series
Farming and Water
22nd November 2006, London
Contact Bob Earll, CMS
Email: bob.earll@coastms.co.uk Tel: 01531 890415

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8. 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
Making Space for Water: Environment Agency strategic overview – strengthening our strategic approach to sea flooding and coastal erosion risk management
http://www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/msw-eaoverview/index.htm
Contact alastair@ciwem.org by 16/10/06

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Consultation on statutory guidance for Natural England on regional planning and associated matters
http://www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/ne-guidance/index.htm
Contact alastair@ciwem.org by 24/11/06

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Second consultation on proposals for creating a streamlined environmental permitting and compliance system
http://www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/envpermitprog2/index.htm
Contact alastair@ciwem.org by 24/11/06

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Consultation on proposals for regulations to amend the Waste Management Licensing Regulations 1994 (as amended), to include further licensing exemptions for agricultural waste
http://www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/wasteman-agri/index.htm
Contact alastair@ciwem.org by 01/12/06

Department for Transport
Reducing New Car CO2 Emissions: what should succeed current Voluntary Agreements
http://www.dft.gov.uk/stellent/groups/dft_roads/documents/
divisionhomepage/612500.hcsp
Contact alastair@ciwem.org by 03/11/06

Department for Transport
Emissions standards for cars and light goods vehicles ('Euro 5')
http://www.dft.gov.uk/stellent/groups/dft_roads/documents/
divisionhomepage/612515.hcsp
Contact alastair@ciwem.org by 24/11/06

Scottish Executive
Renewables Obligation (Scotland) – Statutory Consultation
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/1086/0039679.pdf
Contact alastair@ciwem.org by 01/12/06

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9. 2007 CIWEM Subscriptions

The following subscription rates for 2007 were recently approved at the Annual General Meeting and will be effective from the 1st of January 2007.

All the rates given are for payment by cheque/credit card or on line payment and there is a discount of £5 for those members who pay their subscription by Direct Debit.

Subscriptions for Chartered Scientist and Chartered Environmentalist remain the same but for Chartered Engineer it will be £26, Incorporated Engineer £22 and Engineering Technician £12.

For any queries about the subscription rates or general enquiries please consult the Membership Department helpdesk, 020 7831 3110 or email membership@ciwem.org

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10. Annual Parliamentary Reception and Competition

This annual event is taking place on Tuesday, 12th December 2006 and the sponsoring MP is Dr Douglas Naysmith MP.

Applications are being sought from appropriate engineering researchers to present Posters on their work at this important annual event.

These Receptions take the latest UK research and R&D to the Houses of Parliament and especially by the people who are actually undertaking these activities. They engender greater dialogue and engagement between Britain’s younger researchers, their research communities and MPs and Parliamentarians.

If you are a young engineering member of CIWEM and would like to know more about the event please go to www.setforeurope.org and navigate via the Engineering 2006 button where you can find full details and make an electronic submission at the same webpage.

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11. Reveal All to Athena

If you’re a scientist, engineer or technologist the Athena Project would like to know about your views and career experiences.

This is the third survey organised by the Project, which exists to advance the careers of women in science, engineering and technology in higher education and research.

You are invited to participate in the ASSET 2006 survey, which involves completing an on-line questionnaire. The purpose of the survey is to provide a basis for understanding and addressing the barriers to women progressing in scientific careers.

It should take less than 30 minutes to answer the questions, which will ask about your current employment, career history and expectations, professional activities and experiences and perceptions of your working environment.

The survey runs until 20th October, and if you want to take part please go to: www.surveys.athenaproject.org.uk/asset2006

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12. Costing the Earth? The Quest for Sustainability

This autumn, St Paul's Cathedral focuses on the issues of climate change and sustainability, with a programme which brings together leading scientists, economists, environmentalists and theologians.

Keynote speakers are James Lovelock, visionary scientist and the originator of the Gaia theory, in conversation with Claire Foster, Advisor to the Church of England on Environment on 10th October, and Jeffrey Sachs, Professor of Sustainable Development at Columbia University, in conversation with Nicholas Sagovsky, Canon Theologian at Westminster Abbey on 19th October.

And on 7th November a panel of Richard Chartres, the Bishop of London, Sir David King, Chief Scientific Advisor to HM Government, Satish Kumar , Jain ecologist and editor of Resurgence Magazine, Tim Smit, Chief Executive of the Eden Project, and Dr Linda Yueh, economist and China specialist at Oxford University and the LSE will debate Does Creating Wealth Cost the Earth?

All three events are at 6.30pm in the Cathedral and are free and unticketed. Seating is on a first come, first served basis. Costing the Earth? continues till January 2007 with meditative services, study days, schools work and a retreat. For more information about any of the events please contact St Paul’s Institute on institute@stpaulscathedral.org.uk or 020 7489 1011 or go to www.stpauls.co.uk/institute

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13. In Brief

CIWEM Membership Survey 2006
The 2006 Members Survey will be run in the Members Area of the CIWEM website (www.ciwem.org/members) until 30th November. This year there will be a choice of prizes on offer for completing it so please take the time to leave your feedback – we really appreciate your comments and use them to help improve our service to members.

Awards at CIWEM’s AGM
Robin Lowndes was made an Honorary Fellow at the CIWEM AGM on 12th September and Derek Netherton won this year's President's Award. Congratulations to them both.

Do you need help?
The CIWEM membership helpdesk has been successfully assisting its members and potential members with all their enquiries regarding membership for the past 4 years .

The helpdesk operates from Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5pm and is available to answer all your CIWEM queries and guide you through the membership application process.

So if you have any queries give us a call and see if we can make CIWEM more accessible to you?

Publications Sale
A variety of CIWEM publications from over the years will be available at discount rates of at least half price over the coming months this includes 'Risk Assessment for Environmental Professionals' at only £5! For updates please see the ‘News’ section of the CIWEM website (www.ciwem.org) or contact Joanna Cooper jcooper@ciwem.org for further details.

The Institution is also selling a selection of its non-CIWEM books, journals, conference proceedings and other miscellaneous publications which are no longer required. Topics covered include civil engineering, hydrology, the water environment, drinking water and effluent treatment, sewerage and drainage, global processes, pollution, chemicals, ecology, biology, toxicology, overseas development, mathematical modelling, policy and legislation, history and a selection of antiquarian books. The sale of these is being handled by Dr David Gasking, a long-standing member of CIWEM. For more information please visit: http://www.ciwem.org/publications/book_sale.asp.

CIWEM Rivers and Coastal Group Events
Half day technical visit to Carlisle
Date: 18th October 2006

The delegates will be meeting at Carlisle United Football Ground (Foxys Room, Brunton Park Stadium, Carlisle CA1 1LL) at 10:30am for an 11am start. During the morning, the Environment Agency will provide an overview of the emergency response to the floods of January 2005. We will then outline the Eden Petterill Scheme that is currently under construction (WS Atkins).

A buffet lunch will be provided at 12:15pm, and we will reconvene at 1:00pm with a presentation of the Caldew scheme (Jacobs/Halcrow/Axis). This will focus very much on the planning and environmental constraints that the scheme is being developed around. The Caldew is both a SAC and a SSSI, and the scheme impacts a number of key archaeological sites (including Hadrian's Wall and Carlisle Castle).

We will leave the football ground at 2pm for a bus tour of the Caldew, passing the Eden Petterill scheme en route. The bus will return to the football ground at approximately 4pm, stopping at Carlisle Station to meet the needs of those travelling by train.
(Flyer and Booking Form can be obtained from http://www.ciwem.org/groups/rivers/events.asp)

CIWEM Rivers and Coastal Group Young Persons Study Weekend (for members aged under 35), Delivering Sustainability through Flood and Coastal Risk Management will be held on 30th March – 1st April in York. More information will shortly be available from http://www.ciwem.org/groups/rivers/events.asp

Preparing for the CIWEM Professional Review Workshop, 24th October 2006
Most applicants applying for Corporate or Associate grades of membership will be required to complete a Professional Review. This course is designed to help you to understand each element of the process including report preparation and the panel interview.

Renewables and the Nuclear Debate: Third Annual Wales / Cymru Renewable Energy Conference
The Third Annual Renewables and Nuclear Debate will be held at the County Hall, Atlantic Wharf, Cardiff on 20th November 2006. Presentations will cover the Energy Review and the nuclear option.

For further information please contact Elizabeth Madge at Symmons Madge Associates
Tel: 01446 775959 or via email: elizabeth.madge@symmonsmadge.co.uk

Specialist in Land Condition (SiLC) Training Day
The next SiLC training day will be held on Thursday 30th November 2006 at the Crowne Plaza, Birmingham. The closing date for applications is 20th October. Further information may be found at: www.silc.org.uk

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

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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14. Sustainability for Engineers Seminar supported by CIWEM

Tuesday 07 November 2006

The Ford Technical Centre, Dunton, Essex
www.imeche.org.uk/events/sustain 

Aims of the seminar:

• Increase profit through increased resource effectiveness 
• Increase long term business viability through better strategic planning
• Reduce costs associated with waste of materials and energy, and cost risks associated with short-term legal compliance

CIWEM members get a discounted rate of £180 + VAT

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15. The Challenge of Delivering Global Water Infrastructure

What opportunities exist for new institutional and financial models?
22nd November 2006, The International Coffee Organisation, London, UK

During the 1990s, full privatisation, PFI and BOOT projects were being promoted for the development and construction of water infrastructure in both developed and developing countries.

Since then the market has moved on, and with the challenge to deliver the Millennium Development Goals, new models are being sought, particularly for lower income communities. The conference will examine:-

• The scale of the challenge
• The availability of current funding sources, both public and private
• The impact of Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM)
• Soft start and low income models

Do not miss this opportunity to:

• Hear a range of international speakers outline institutional and financial models which are applicable now and which will serve infrastructure implementation in the coming years
• Join a debate on what are the needs and opportunities; how can we balance philanthropy with business needs; and what is the way forward

Confirmed speakers to date include:

• Dr. David Lloyd Owen, Managing Director, Envisager Limited
• Michael Dinham, Global Head of Infrastructure and Finance, ING Bank
• Simon Langton, Regional Director, Severn Trent International
• Sam Parker, Chief Executive, Water & Sanitation for the Urban Poor
• James Winpenny, Wychwood Economic Consulting Ltd, consultant to the Global Water Partnership
• Ian Allison, Divisional Director, Water Utilities Division, Mott MacDonald
• John Lawson, Chairman, ICE Water Board

This is a CIWEM supported conference, for which CIWEM members will receive a 25% discount on the delegate fee. To register your interest please contact: Vidya Gunapala, tel: +44 (0)20 7665 2310 or email: vidya.gunapala@ice.org.uk. Further information may also be found at: www.iceconferences.com

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16. HazardEx International 2007

The HazardEx International 2007 (21st -22nd February 07) event will be bigger than ever with an extended exhibition and a full two day conference programme supporting the global hazardous area marketplace. The HazardEx Awards, which celebrate excellence in the hazardous area environment, will be run on the first evening. Hazards covered in the conference include risk of explosion from dusts, gases and oil.

The conference will run sessions on:

• Living with DSEAR - now that the ATEX timetable has run its course
• Internationalisation under the IECEx certification scheme
• Ensuring operational competence in the hazardous area
• Industrial Fire Safety precautions and their effects on the environment
• Case studies from the global industrial community
• FREE Competence training courses from SIRA

CIWEM has negotiated a 10% discount rate for its members, and places booked before September 29th 06 will receive an additional 15%, giving a total saving of 25%. Visit http://www.hazardexonthenet.net/theconference/theconference.html or email laenie.juan@imlgroup.co.uk for more details or to book.

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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, 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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