CIWEM E-News – September 2005

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 work. The service is administered through CIWEM’s web site www.ciwem.org where you can subscribe via the top menu button for ‘NEWSLETTER’. If you would rather not hear about our work, you can also unsubscribe there.

This email is being delivered to over 8,000 subscribers worldwide.

This month:

1. Please Pass us your Views!

Twice a year, CIWEM will be undertaking market research in order to gather views on conference and policy themes. We need to know the big issues and concerns on which you feel we should be producing output and conferences.

Please email Harriet Greene hgreene@ciwem.org with your suggestions and thoughts. Just key words would be fine, or you can provide further information if you would like.

We very much want to hear from you. Your views are extremely valuable and will help shape our work, so please take the time to email Harriet!

Next month we will be highlighting the top ten subjects and refining the list.

>>back to top

2. New Policy Position Statement on Sustainable Communities

CIWEM recently published a new Policy Position Statement calling on the Government to rethink plans for huge housing expansion in the Southeast of England, particularly in view of current pressure on water supplies in the region slated for most of the ‘sustainable’ development. CIWEM welcomed ODPM’s willingness to engage in discussion on the issues: Peter Matthew, Head of Liveability and Sustainable Communities Division, spoke and took questions on Sustainable Communities: Form, Function and the Environment at CIWEM’s National Conference on 6 September.

Nick Reeves, CIWEM’s Executive Director, said:

“Nearly every new building that goes up places further stress on scarce, undervalued water resources, since the vast majority do not include water efficiency measures. Plans for thousands of houses are already moving into the building phase, but the Government has yet even to publish its much-vaunted Sustainable Buildings Code, let alone make water efficiency measures mandatory.”

CIWEM is calling for:

• a public audit of the ODPM’s Sustainable Communities Plan to determine best and worst case environmental scenarios from predicted growth, taking climate change into account;
• adoption of sustainable planning principles and practices in the development of the Sustainable Communities programme;
• recognition that water is a scarce resource in some parts of the country, with environmental as well as societal demands upon it, and that water availability considerations must be factored into the planning process by making water and wastewater service providers statutory consultees;
• a package of statutory measures and financial instruments that will encourage water efficiency, including water reuse, in new build and grants to encourage similar measures in existing buildings.

The full PPS may be downloaded at the following address: http://www.ciwem.org.uk/policy/policies/sustainablecommunities.asp

>>back to top

3. 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 book’s authors, Dr Albert Nottage (member of CIWEM’s Amenity Recreation and Conservation Panel) and Dr Peter Robertson (RSPB’s Head of Conservation Management Advice) said:

“This book aims to provide the information required to help meet the UK’s target of creating or restoring over 2000 ha of saltmarsh by 2014.3 We view this figure as very much a starting point, and hope that our guide will assist the implementation process.

“We need government, landowners, local authorities and conservationists to come together and create larger areas of saltmarsh: benefits will include huge increases in biodiversity, significant reductions in flood defence costs, and more areas for amenity and recreation,” they added.

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.

>>back to top

4. CIWEM to Advise Government on Flood Risk Measures for Sustainable Communities

Following correspondence with Ministers at the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM), and a series of meetings with senior officials, CIWEM has been invited to join a government Advisory Group to help draft the governments Policy Planning Statement (PPS 25) and supporting Guidelines that will deal with the management of flood risk and new development on flood plains and on land at risk of flooding.

The invitation to join the Advisory Group was issued at a recent meeting at ODPM attended by Executive Director, Nick Reeves and Jackie Banks and David Pettifer of the Institution’s Rivers and Coastal Group. The PPS and Guidelines will be subject to public consultation in due course and is set within the context of John Prescott’s much talked-about Sustainable Communities Plan which provides for thousands of new homes in the south east of England, many of which will be in the Thames Gateway on areas at risk of flooding.

Commenting on the invitation to work with government on PPS 25, Nick Reeves said, “I am delighted that Ministers have recognised the important contribution that this Institution can make to the important task of ensuring that all new developments meet the test of sustainability. In recent months CIWEM has expressed concerns on some aspects of the government’s proposals for housing development on and near flood plain. Ministers have acknowledged these and CIWEM now has an opportunity to influence policy and practice in this vital area for the benefit of future generations”.

>>back to top

5. Make a World of Difference to the Environment and win £1,000

CIWEM is inviting entries for the third World of Difference Award, sponsored by Black and Veatch. Water and wastewater projects that apply science and engineering for sustainable environmental improvement are invited to apply by 30th January 2006.

The 2005 Award was won by Northumbrian Water’s new Water Treatment Works (WTW) at Wearhead, County Durham where best environmental practice saved tonnes of carbon dioxide being emitted during its construction.

The Award is international and open to all, with the exception of Black & Veatch projects. The size of the project is immaterial: small projects that make a big difference are encouraged to apply. Submissions from younger people are also encouraged. The winner of the World of Difference Award will receive a trophy, a framed certificate and a cheque for £1000. The winning project will be promoted by CIWEM and featured in Water and Environment Magazine. See http://www.ciwem.org.uk/awards/world/index.asp for further details.

>>back to top

6. 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, 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 and Flooding - Understanding the Links
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

Emerging Contaminants in Wastewater
December 2005
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

>>back to top

7. CIWEM Fees and Subscriptions 2006

At the CIWEM Annual General Meeting in June the fees and subscriptions for the forthcoming year were approved and your 2006 invoice for membership of CIWEM will arrive with you in the early autumn. For your information the fees and subscriptions for 2006 will be posted on the CIWEM website www.ciwem.org shortly, and will be included in full in the September issue of CIWEM News. All subscriptions are payable on the 1st January 2006 and any payments after 31st January 2006 will be subject to a £35.00 ‘late payment fee’.

To give you more choice in the way you pay, you can now do so online via the Institution’s website. It’s quick, easy and secure. All you need to do is log on to the Members Area of the website and click ‘Pay your subscriptions’ and give details of your credit/debit card. If you haven’t already registered as a user you can do so by visiting the Members Area and completing the registration process free of charge.

If you would like to take advantage of the discount offered if you pay by Direct Debit then please contact the Institution to request a DD Mandate. Your completed Mandate will need to be returned to us by the 1st November to allow us to make the collection of your 2006 subscription. As the collection of the subscription by two payments, one in December and one in January, was so successful this year and welcomed by our members, we will be repeating this for 2006. So if you opt to pay by Direct Debit 50% of the subscription will be collected in December, and 50% in January.

If you have already retired from salaried and fee-earning employment you are eligible to be placed on the Retired Register of members at a reduced subscription rate. You will still qualify if you undertake some part time work provided your total earned income is no more than £12,000 per annum, (this sum excludes any pension payments). If you would like to apply please contact us as soon as possible for a form so that we can adjust you record and subscription accordingly.

If you are an engineer registered via CIWEM you will see that there has been a small increase in the annual ECUK subscription rate for both full and retired registrants.

For those members who are registered as Chartered Scientists via CIWEM the subscription remains at £15, and for Chartered Environmentalists the annual subscription will again be £25.

The regulation management fee will be applied to all those members who are registered with any of the three external bodies. However for those who hold more than one external registration only one fee will be applicable.

Should you need clarification, a Direct Debit Mandate or Retired Register Application Form, please contact the Membership Department – tel: 020 7831 3110 or email membership@ciwem.org

>>back to top

8. Last Chance to Register as a Chartered Environmentalist via the ‘Grandparenting Route’

If you are currently a Fellow or Member of CIWEM and would still like to register as a Chartered Environmentalist, (CEnv), via the ‘grandparenting route’ your time is running out!

The guillotine for this ‘fast track’ way of becoming CEnv will fall at midnight on the 22nd of September 2005. If you are considering making an application but haven’t done so yet please make sure your completed form and supporting documentation are with us by the above date. After this date you will be expected to undertake a full Professional Interview to gain the title.

If you have mislaid your form but would still like to register please go to the CIWEM website where you can download the information and application form from the membership page, www.ciwem.org

If you are not certain whether you qualify for registration and would like to discuss this with someone please make contact with the Membership Department helpdesk 020 7831 3110 or email membership@ciwem.org

>>back to top

9. Death of Past President Geoff Truesdale

The Institution is very sorry to learn of the death of Geoff Truesdale after a long illness. Geoff, together with the Presidential Team of the time worked towards the amalgamation of the three predecessor bodies and the founding of IWEM in 1987. He became the second President of the newly formed Institution in 1988.

>>back to top

10. CIWEM host Jiangsu Environment Protection Bureau Visit

On the 5th August Peter Matthews gave a presentation to seven Chinese colleagues from the Jiangsu province's Environmental Protection Bureau about CIWEM.

The delegation, lead by Mr Yadong Qin Deputy Director of the Bureau, were here on a European fact-finding mission, and apart from giving the party a 'broad brush' introduction to the activities of the institution Peter also fielded questions on how the Environment Agency operates in England and Wales. As a Board Member of the Agency, Chair of the Society for the Environment and CIWEM Council Member with special responsibility for International Affairs Peter was ideally placed to cover all of the aspects of the delegate's interests.

Appropriately the meeting was hosted in the Millbank Tower offices of the Environment Agency, and as luck would have it, in the office of the chairman. Dr Ming Yun, Director of the agency Oxford-Cambridge International UK Ltd. who facilitated the visit and acted as translator, was able to name the various landmarks of the London skyline for our visitors.

Peter explored the possibility for ongoing collaboration with the Jiangsu Bureau and the delegates agreed to discuss, on their return, how the link might prove to be mutually beneficial in the future.

>>back to top

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
Public consultation on introduction of New Environmental Impact Assessment (Agriculture) (England) Regulations
http://www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/eia2005/index.htm
Contact alastair@ciwem.org by 13/10/05

English Heritage
Consultation on Draft Guidance on Golf
http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/server/show/nav.8856
Contact alastair@ciwem.org by 14/10/05

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

Environment Agency
Consultation on serious and significant environmental damage
http://publications.environment-agency.gov.uk/pdf/GEHO0705BJGN-e-e.pdf
Contact alastair@ciwem.org by 07/10/05

Water UK
Future regulation for the Water Industry: A consultation
http://www.water.org.uk/home/policy/statements-and-responses/future-regulation-for-the-water-industry/future-reg-final.pdf
Contact alastair@ciwem.org by 23/09/05

>>back to top

12. In Brief

New Director of International Development at CIWEM
Paul Horton has been appointed as CIWEM Director for International Development and takes up his new role on Monday 3rd October.

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.

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 East Anglian Branch Symposium – Planning for Climate Change in Eastern England
CIWEM’s East Anglian Branch will be running a one-day symposium on Friday 14th October, 2005 at Wyboston Lakes Conference and Training Centre, St Neots (details of the venue may be found at www.wybostonlakes.co.uk).

Climate change poses a significant challenge for managers of water resources and the environment. This symposium will examine climate changes predicted for eastern England, the associated range of possible impacts and emerging responses from water resource planners, researchers and regulators. Speakers have been drawn from the Environment Agency, water companies, consultants, conservation organisations and research establishments.

The price for delegates is £50 + VAT, including lunch and symposium papers. For further information and bookings contact Carolyn Evans, e-mail: cEvans2@anglianwater.co.uk

West Midlands Branch Seminar – A Beginner’s Guide to the Water Framework Directive
CIWEM’s West Midlands Branch will be running a seminar on the afternoon of 7th December 2005 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. Should you wish any additional information please contact Grahame Newman, email: gnewman@britishwaterways.co.uk

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

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

>>back to top

13. Economist Conference’s 16th Annual Water industry Conference

October 13th 2005 ▪ The Radisson SAS Portman Hotel, London

Meeting tomorrow’s challenges

This year looks set to be an eventful one for the water industry. Companies will be implementing their investment programmes as agreed during PR04, and the need for effective business plans will be essential in seeing them through the coming years. As it becomes harder to maintain the efficiency gains of the past without compromising performance how will the industry find ways to grow and increase profitability?

These will be just some of the questions debated at Economist Conferences’ water industry conference. Now in its 16th year, this established annual event has become a key forum for senior executives in the water industry.

Team Offer:
Register two or more delegates simultaneously for only £680.00 VAT per person

To register, email your details to ritabeidas@economist.com or visit www.economistconference.com to book online.

>>back to top

14. First EWA Brussels Conference ‘European River Basin Management Policy’

The European Water Association will be running its First EWA Brussels Conference on European River Basin Management Policy, on 25th October 2005, in co-operation with the Bavarian State Ministry for Environment, Health and Consumer Protection and the EU Commission.

Further details, including a full programme, booking form and venue details are available on the EWA website at http://www.ewaonline.de/pages/workshops.htm

>>back to top

15. Practical Environmental Management (PEM) Plus Course, London

Both Groundwork West London and Groundwork Kent Thames-Side are to run a new joint PEM Plus training programme in October/November.

The training will take place at Lambeth North, very close to Waterloo, and will cost £950 + Vat per delegate. This cost includes the CIWEM Environmental Partner membership fee.

For further information about the courses please contact Bekir Andrews, Groundwork West London, email: bekir.andrews@groundwork.org.uk. Details of the PEM programme may be found at http://www.ciwem.org.uk/education/management/index.asp

>>back to top

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

>>back to top
return to E-News Archive