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Western Canada Water News Blog
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New approach to manage water levels and flows
January 30, 2012 - 7:22pm
http://www.ijc.org/loslr/en/index.php
The International Joint Commission (IJC) today released information about a new approach to manage water levels and flows in Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River system. Details of the approach are available at www.ijc.org/loslr.
Building on 50 years of experience, a five-year binational study and extensive public comment, the IJC is developing a new approach with the assistance of a Working Group of representatives from the governments of Canada, the United States, the provinces of Ontario and Quebec, and the State of New York.
The flow of water from Lake Ontario down the St. Lawrence River is regulated by the Moses-Saunders Dam in accordance with the IJC's 1956 order of approval. The current regulation plan moderates extreme high and low water levels on Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River. However, it is based on conditions of the last century, does not take the environment into account, and has no process for adapting to future challenges such as bigger storms and more severe droughts.
While continuing to moderate extreme high and low water levels, the new approach would allow for more natural water levels and flow patterns and is expected to produce significant environmental improvements. An Adaptive Management strategy would improve the capability to adapt to future changes, including socio-economic changes and significant changes in climate throughout the system
MWWA Conference another Success
January 19, 2012 - 3:48pm
The annual MWWA conference was recently held on Jan 8-10 in Brandon, Manitoba. Although it was a lot earlier this year, that didn’t seem to keep people away. We had record attendance of 310 delegates, and 82 exhibitors. Over the 2 days, registrants took in papers, explored the tradeshow and had a great time networking with other water professionals. A copy of some of the papers is available on our website at www.mwwa.net.
During the banquet, attendees were treated to a great meal and entertained by the great escape artist Dean Gunnerson. With his hands chained to his feet, he was submerged in a 40 gallon drum filled to the top with water. The lid was then chained to the drum with only a small hole to reach the combination lock holding it all together. He was able to remove the chains and escape in 1 minute, 50 seconds. Try holding your breath for that long! At the banquet, we presented our various awards to well deserving recipients. The winners were;
Rookie of the Year – Mark Wiltsey, City of Brandon
Operator of the Year – Richard Bezdietny, RM of Gimli
Lorne Sayer Award – Trevor Richardson
Supplier of the Year – Flocor Inc.
Pins were also given out to past board chairpersons and plaques were presented to past board members.
Overall, the conference was a great success and received high reviews from delegates. We would like to thank our sponsors, the presenters, tradeshow vendors, and all the attendees for making our conference what it is. We hope to see everyone again next year, Feb.3-6, 2013 at the Victoria Inn, Winnipeg.
Industrial Wastewater Treatment Seminar
January 12, 2012 - 11:01am
http://www.wcwea.org/dspBasePage.php/13
The Manitoba Water & Wastewater Assocation and Western Canada Water Environment Assocation have partnered up to offer an informative seminar on Issues and Trends in Industrial Wastewater Treatment.
During this two day seminar, industry professionals will discuss a variety of regulatory requirements as well as process challenges and solutions applicable to treating industrial wastewater.
Through case studies and real-life examples they will explore common problems and treatment solutions and touch on up-coming trends in this field.
A mini tradeshow may be available on Day 1 to allow attendees to visit with suppliers and gain useful information on the latest products and services in the wastewater treatment industry.
A tour of the Simplot Foods processing plant and wastewater treatment facility will take place on Day 2
Plan to join us Feb. 7-8 in Winnipeg. Visit the WCWEA website for more information or contact Western Canada Water to register.
2011 Great Northern Drinking Water Challenge in Iqaluit, Nunavut
November 23, 2011 - 2:18pm
The competition at the annual Great Northern Drinking Water Challenge was once again fierce with 8 communities from the Northwest Territories, Nunavut Territory and Nunavik Territory (Northern Quebec) competing for the coveted title and the cherished trophy. The water from each community is evaluated by a team of experts on taste and odour and the water is also put through the paces of further physical analysis. The winner this year is the Town of Norman Wells. Scott Campbell from the Town of Norman Wells accepted the trophy from Justin Hazenburg, the past president of the NTWWA. Special thanks goes out the the public works staff at the City of Yellowknife who created the base for the trophy from a recycled pump impeller. The trophy itself is made from a recycled wine bottle.
The Big Issue Facing the UK Water Indusry
November 21, 2011 - 12:47pm
http://www.innovyze.com/news/fullarticle.aspx?id=1407&dm_i=3KM,LV9U,16UU1S,1RSJR,1
The Big Issues Facing the UK Water Industry
Mouchel’s Chief Engineer (Pipelines) Phil Clisham told an audience at the Innovyze 2011 European Water and Flood Modelling Conference that the industry has to cope with a number of significant changes in a new era where less concrete will be poured, and the right professional skills and a more in-depth understanding of the industry will be vital to deliver the solutions required in the future. However, the industry is facing a crisis that means many experienced engineers are retiring and fewer and fewer graduates are being recruited to take their place.
See link for full article.
2012 AWWA Scholarships
November 10, 2011 - 5:56pm
The Denver office of AWWA is happy to announce the addition of five scholarship sponsors for 2012, which brings the total number available to 15. New sponsors include Carollo Engineers, HDR, Hazen and Sawyer, Ecologics, and Mueller Water Products.
Scholarships are offered to individuals seeking degrees in the water science field for all levels of college study. Deadline for applying is January 17, 2012. Complete eligibility information and application forms can be found at: http://www.awwa.org/Conferences/content.cfm?ItemNumber=3501&navItemNumber=13974.
For more information, contact Linda Moody at lmoody@awwa.org or 303.347-6201.
