AWWA reacts to report card for America’s infrastructure
The American Society of Civil Engineers released its 2013 Report Card for America’s Infrastructure, which assigned grades of “D” to both water and wastewater infrastructure. David LaFrance, executive director of the American Water Works Association (AWWA), issued the following statement: “The American Society of Civil Engineers’ 2013 Report Card for America’s Infrastructure shines another spotlight on the now well-documented need to reinvest in U.S. water and wastewater infrastructure. AWWA’s 2012 report, 'Buried No Longer: Confronting America’s Water Infrastructure Challenge,' showed that more than $1 trillion dollars will be needed over the next 25 years to repair and expand existing U.S. drinking water infrastructure. Wastewater infrastructure needs are thought to be similar.”
Hach participates in hearing about clean water problems
Brussels, the home of the European Union, is among 6,311 areas which are not meeting European legislation on clean water, new research from Victor Bostinaru, a member of the European Parliament, has revealed. Senior representatives of Hach were invited to participate in a high-profile public hearing organized by Bostinaru in the European Parliament to discuss solutions to the problems identified in the research. The event established the urgent need to continue to invest in water infrastructure projects despite the economic difficulties in Europe as well as focused on the wide ranging benefits and significant return on investment that such projects can bring. It identified water investment through the Cohesion Fund as an outstanding opportunity for economic, social and health benefits across Europe.
Operator of landfill faces fine for toxic wastewater flowing into treatment facility
A fine of at least $190,000 could be levied by the city of Cranston, R.I. against the operator of Rhode Island’s Central Landfill for toxic wastewater slipping through a landfill sewage line into the city’s treatment facility. The fine was disclosed in litigation between the landfill's operator, the Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corp. and the private company that has built a new power plant. The new plant runs on gas produced by the landfill’s rotting waste. A deputy city solicitor, Evan M. Kirshenbaum, said the fine has not been paid, but he expects the situation to be resolved in negotiations. Resource Recovery has blamed the owner of the new power plant in Superior Court for the discharge.
PEOPLE
• Coley Ali has joined Koch Membrane Systems Inc. (KMS) as regional manager, Western U.S. and Canada to direct the commercial development of the water and wastewater business for the region. In this role, Ali will focus on identifying opportunities for commercial growth and developing strategic relationships as KMS prepares to launch a series of new products for the water and wastewater market. Ali feels that KMS is uniquely positioned to be immediately successful and to lead the future of membrane treatment.
