Industry News

Indiana Rural Water Association

Posted October 23, 2007

Dear AWWA Members:

As you probably know by now, the City of Nappanee was devastated by a F3 ( maybe upgraded to an F4) tornado last Thursday night. We had 150 homes and businesses total destroyed as well as 100 additional homes or businesses with heavy damage. By the blessing of God, we had no fatalities, and only five minor injuries. None of our City employees or their families were injured.

Our street department buildings are a total loss, but we were able to save most of our heavy equipment. We lost two wastewater lift stations in the storm. Our water facilities are fine with the exception of losing our telemetry equipment on the water towers. That equipment has since been repaired.

I would like to thank everyone for the many calls and Emails I received offering their support.

I would like to especially thank the City of Elkhart, City of Goshen, City of South Bend, Town of Bremen, Town of Wakarusa, Peerless Midwest, M.E. Simpson, Underground Pipe and Valve, and B.L. Anderson for sending crews to help in our time of need (sorry if I missed someone).

We will start the process of rebuilding and ask for your prayers as we go to the next step in our recovery.

Thank You on behalf of all our Nappanee Citizens!

Sincerely,
Gale A. Gerber, Supt./Manager
Nappanee City Utilities
napputilities@yahoo.com

Posted September 3, 2007

InWARN

To make statewide emergency response efforts quicker and more effective, the Indiana Water/Wastewater Agency Response Network (InWARN) was launched on August 29, 2007 during a ceremony at the Statehouse.

Modeled after current networks in Florida (FlaWARN) and California (CalWARN), these formalized systems of "utilities helping utilities" deliver mutual aid to members following man-made emergency situations or natural disasters. InWARN's launch date was selected in remembrance of the second anniversary of Hurricane Katrina's landfall on the gulf coast, a time when FlaWARN helped utilities in Mississippi and Alabama recover in the aftermath of the storm.

"While it is very unlikely that utilities in Indiana will ever be damaged by a major hurricane like Katrina, the state's water and wastewater systems can and have been damaged by tornados, floods, ice storms and earthquakes," said Stan Diamond, InWARN Steering Committee chair. "By establishing partnerships and response plans now, utilities and other associations are doing their part to protect the well-being of Hoosiers."

InWARN will allocate utility personnel with the appropriate expertise, equipment and tools where needed to assess and assist the impacted water and wastewater systems in getting their systems operational as quickly as possible. This method of assistance is analogous to triage at a hospital.

Utilities interested in joining the network can do so by completing the Mutual Aid Agreement (MAA). The InWARN network will be managed by the steering committee, working in cooperation with the Indiana Department of Environmental Management. IACT will serve as the network administrator during the first year, developing and maintaining the network's Web site, processing the mutual aid agreements, managing the member database, and supporting other needs.

Utilities and associations interested in joining InWARN should contact Brandon Cockrum, IACT, at (317) 237-6200, extension 234, or bcockrum@citiesandtowns.org.

Please reference the InWARN page for more information.

Posted August 15, 2007

SeptemberFest Press Release

RapidView IBAK USA's second annual Septemberfest in the Heartland is taking place at their headquarters in Rochester, Indiana on September 20-21st. If you have any interest in pipeline inspection techniques or equipment please plan on attending one of the many product operation and maintenance seminars, PACP and software training, or new product presentations. Visit with experts in emergent technologies like laser profiling, sonar profiling, and 360º optical scanning cameras.

And in the evenings you can enjoy live entertainment and drinks with other operators, owners, dealers and engineers in our industry. This year's headliner is the Grammy Award winners The Kentucky Headhunters. If you are interested in attending please call 800-656-4225 or visit our website at www.rapidview.com for reservations and information. This event is completely free. Reduced PACP training fees will apply.

Posted August 14, 2007

Caldwell Adds Tank Asset Preservation (TAP) Services

Caldwell Tanks, Inc., the largest elevated tank contractor in the world, is proud to announce that it has expanded its capabilities to provide tank asset preservation (TAP) for the life of water storage structures. Caldwell is now able to provide full-service ongoing maintenance contracts (TAP-ON) or periodic inspections and clean-outs (TAP-IN). Newly constructed tanks are excellent candidates for Caldwell’s TAP-ON program. Caldwell also provides extended warranties (TAP-EX) on new Caldwell tanks that meet specific design criteria. For existing structures, Caldwell will assess the water storage tank’s condition and design
and implement a preservation program, including repainting and necessary safety, structural, and security repairs and improvements. All preservation services are supported by Caldwell’s in-house staff of Professional Engineers and NACE Certified
Coating Inspectors. With dedicated civil construction, steel construction, field painting and clean-out and inspection crews, Caldwell is uniquely qualified to fully meet the industry’s water storage tank needs. Caldwell is based in Louisville, Kentucky with fabrication facilities in Louisville and Newnan, Georgia.

For more information please contact:

Troy E. Fraebel

Manager, TAP Programs

Louisville, Kentucky

502-964-3361

TFraebel@caldwelltanks.com

Posted June 1, 2007

Posted May 17, 2007

BINGHAM McHALE LAUNCHES ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AFFILIATE

Indianapolis, Ind.-- Bingham McHale LLP has formed Bingham Economic Development Advisors, LLC (BEDA), an independently operated and managed affiliate of the law firm focused on economic development relating to site-selection analysis, incentive procurement and fulfillment, and community development and planning.

Led by Jay Walters, who serves as president, the Bingham Economic Development Advisors’ team is experienced in working with the private sector, nonprofits, and state and local governments on a wide array of economic development initiatives in communities throughout Indiana, the Midwest and the Southeastern U.S. Suzanne Davis and Linda Williamson serve as vice presidents of the organization.

“With Bingham McHale’s emphasis on providing legal counsel to large, mid-sized, and emerging businesses and Bingham Economic Development Advisors’ experience in economic development growth strategies, we believe clients of both organizations will benefit greatly from the affiliation. We are delighted that Jay and his experienced team will drive the efforts of the Bingham Economic Development Advisors,” said Toby McClamroch, managing partner, Bingham McHale.

Based at 8900 Keystone Crossing on the north side of Indianapolis, BEDA provides its clients with comprehensive analysis during the site selection process and helps lower clients’ project costs by procuring incentives and ensuring compliance. BEDA offers an array of services to assist communities in maximizing their development efforts. These services may include developing strategies for targeted marketing, tax and incentive policies, and economic development planning. Such forward-thinking community development planning helps anticipate obstacles and opportunities and positions communities for quality growth.

“Our team is looking forward to a successful relationship with Bingham McHale,” said Walters. “We believe that the services we offer complement Bingham McHale’s strengths in local government, environmental and business law. Together, we can provide comprehensive economic development services for our clients.”

Bingham McHale, a multidisciplinary business law firm serving regional, national and international clients, is the fifth largest law firm in Indiana, and has offices in Indianapolis (downtown & Keystone Crossing), Jasper and Vincennes, Ind.

Posted May 17, 2007

It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of Jim Vickers from Gibson Water in Haubstadt, Indiana. He lost his long battle with cancer on May 7, 2007, the day after his 43rd birthday.

He was a devoted husband to Michelle (Georges) Vickers; a loving father to Michael Vickers of Princeton, Andrea Pancake of Oakland City, and his twin sons at home, Tristan and Spencer Vickers.

Funeral services were held on Friday, May 11. Memorial Contributions may be made to the Elberfeld State Bank to the James Vickers Memorial Fund (to benefit the college education of Tristan and Spencer).

Posted April 10, 2007

RapidView IBAK USA welcomes Fer-Marc Equipment LTD, a distributor of municipal, industrial and contractor's equipment products in the Canadian provinces of Saskatchewan and Manitoba as an authorized dealer for RapidView IBAK USA pipeline inspection equipment.

Posted January 30, 2007

Brad Boyer, Scott Rexroth and Kevin Wilson purchased the "Wastewater Group" of P-M & Associates effective January 1, 2007. P-M & Associates will still represent products in the plumbing industry, but Clear Water Solutions will handle all the products in the wastewater industry which were formerly handled by P-M & Associates. We will represent Septic Products Inc., Norwesco Inc., Geoflow Inc., EZflow - Ring Industrial Group, Simtech Inc. and SJE Rhombus - Septage Process Equipment. We will continue to sell all the Zoeller wastewater pumps, products & systems, Firestone EPDM liners, Jackel fiberglass basins & covers and Ultrarib riser pipe.

As you can see, we will continue to have all the same products and services that you have come to expect from us. We will hopefully be adding some new stormwater products in early 2007. We will keep you posted!

Over the last eight years, Brad and Scott have enjoyed working with all of you. We look forward to continuing that relationship well into the future.

The following is our contact information:

Clear Water Solutions, Inc.
10834 East 141st Street Noblesville, IN 46060
(317) 774-0300 phone (corrected number)
(317) 221-0067 fax
www.clearH2Osolutions.com (should be operational by February 12, 2007)

Brad: (317) 223-8552 cell (same as before)
bboyer@clearH2Osolutions.com

Scott: (317) 223-8553 cell (same as before)
srexroth@clearH2Osolutions.com

We look forward to working closely with you for all of your wastewater needs.

Posted January 28, 2007

Jim Clevenger joins Dixon Engineering

Posted August 10, 2006

Matt Sutton, General Manager of Rapid View is pleased to announce their upcoming SeptemberFest. These sessions have been approved for Wastewater Operator Certification credits. SeptemberFest will prove to be an excellent opportunity for wastewater and environmental professionals to learn more about new technologies and meet with their peers.

For more information, please contact:

Matthew W. Sutton, General Manager
RapidView IBAK USA / R&R Visual, Inc.
1828 West Olson Road
Rochester, IN 46975
800-656-4225 Toll Free
574-224-5427 Office
574-223-7953 Fax
matt@rapidview.com
www.rapidview.com

Posted July 15, 2006

We have received notice from IDEM regarding Wastewater Operators' Certification Rulemaking First Notice of Comment Period. Their communication from MaryAnn Stevens at IDEM read as follows:

Here is the web address to find the first notice of our rulemaking that was printed in the Indiana Register on July 1, 2006:

http://www.in.gov/legislative/register/xml/old-ir/Vol29/10Jul/11ID327060179.pdf

Remember the comment period for submitting comment letters ends July 30, 2006.

Here's the location on IDEM's web site where information such as workgroup meeting agendas and accepted summaries of the meetings are to be posted. Unfortunately, the postings are not up to date at this time, but I've submitted the materials for posting so hopefully the site will be complete before too long.

http://www.in.gov/idem/compliance/water/wastewater/certconted/workgroup.html

Sincerely,
MaryAnn Stevens
Senior Environmental Manager
Rules Section
Office of Water Quality
Indiana Department of Environmental Management
317-232-8635

If this wastewater operator certification rule change will impact you, please take time to review and comment.

Posted July 14, 2006

Lt. Governor Announces More than $1.2 Million in Energy Grant Programs
The Indiana Office of Energy & Defense Development (OED) announced its new grant programs for fiscal year 2006 - 2007. These grants are made possible by the United States Department of Energy and provide financial assistance to Indiana schools, governments and businesses looking to implement a variety of energy-related technologies or products.

"Whether we are heating and cooling our homes or filling up our cars, every Hoosier can feel the impact of fluctuating energy costs," said Lt. Governor Becky Skillman, who oversees OED. "These grants provide an opportunity for organizations across Indiana to do their part by installing energy efficient technology, and using or making biofuels available. Every little action taken now will make a difference to secure our future."

The four grant programs being offered this year are:

Alternative Power and Energy (AP&E) - $650,000: The AP&E program provides financial assistance to the Indiana public, commercial, industrial and agricultural sectors for the installation of alternative energy systems for thermal, power generation and other non-transportation applications of alternative or renewable energy.

Biofuels Grant Program - $427,000: The biofuels grant program is a collaboration between OED and the Indiana State Department of Agriculture to promote alternative fuels and assist retailers in buying down the installation costs for E85 and B20 fueling infrastructures.

Alternative Fuel Vehicle Grant Program - $75,000: The AFV grant program will offer cost-share grants to vehicle fleets that wish to make use of compressed natural gas, liquid petroleum gas or electricity as alternatives to conventional gasoline or diesel fuel. Grants will be awarded for refueling infrastructure and vehicle purchase or conversion. Strong preference will be given to applicants who are Clean Cities members and to projects that are located in one of Indiana's non-attainment counties for ozone or PM2.5.

Public Facility Improvement Grant (PFI) - $50,000: The PFI grant provides assistance to schools, local governments and libraries for energy efficiency projects such as lighting retrofits, HVAC upgrades and green building improvements.

Information about the programs and grant opportunities OED is offering can be found by visiting www.energy.IN.gov and look under the Programs and Grants sections on the left hand navigational bar.

Posted March 8, 2006

The Association of Boards of Certification (ABC) is conducting a job analysis for drinking water treatment plant operators during 2006. This will involve each participating operator to answer a series of questions about the job tasks they perform. This will allow the Association to get a broad perspective on the tasks involved in treating water. This survey is being offered for the first time this year as an on-line opportunity. There is a link on the ABC website (www.abccert.org) where operators who are interested, may sign up to participate in the job analysis survey.

Posted September 4, 2005

September 2, 2005 – CONGRATULATIONS BROWNSTOWN WASTEWATER FACILITY!!

The Town of Brownstown, located in Jackson County, Indiana, has been selected to receive a Region 5 USEPA Wastewater Operation and Maintenance (O&M) Excellence Award for First Place in the Small Advanced category for 2005. Brownstown is one of nine wastewater utilities to receive Regional O&M Awards this year.

The Brownstown plant is designed to treat a flow of 690,000 gal. per day (receiving an average of 467,000 gal. per day), while serving a population of nearly 3,500 in an area covering 2.2 square miles. All of the flow received comes from domestic and commercial sources. The plant does an outstanding job of pollutant removal, consistently removing an average of nearly 99 % of the biochemical oxygen demand and suspended solids, and 96 % of the phosphorus from the incoming wastewater. Major treatment processes include preliminary treatment, biological treatment in oxidation ditches (equipped for biological phosphorus removal), final clarification; ultraviolet disinfection, and post-aeration prior to discharge to the East Fork White River. Sludge is aerobically digested, dewatered by belt filter press, chemically treated with lime, and applied to agricultural land.

This award is based primarily on the following achievements (in addition to excellent pollutant removal): (1) due to extensive automation, plant staff now have the ability to control certain parameters from remote locations by means of laptop computers, so that whoever is on call can monitor and react to plant equipment malfunctions; (2) installation of sludge dewatering equipment has allowed use of existing aeration tanks for sludge holding, thus eliminating the need for separate holding tanks; (3) the computerized maintenance management program has improved plant efficiency, by minimizing downtime of major equipment, simplifying scheduling of repairs, and allowing staff to quickly see equipment maintenance history and trends; and (4) by utilizing in-house staff for mapping of the collection system using GPS equipment, the plant has saved the city more than $16,000.

The Brownstown facility is managed by Scott Hunsucker, Wastewater Utility Superintendent. Others to be recognized include Leroy Warren, Town Council President; Town Council members Jim Phillips, Bill Sweeney, Jerry Brewer, and Emile Persinger; and department employees Jeff Lubker, Dale Shelton, and Phil Owens. The design consulting firm for the latest plant upgrade was Commonwealth Engineers of Indianapolis.

The award presentation ceremony will be held on Wednesday, September 14, 2005, at 12:30 EST (CDT) at 919 Pewter Hall, located at 850 West Sweet Street in Brownstown. The award will be presented by David Stoltenberg, Regional O&M Awards Coordinator of USEPA, Chicago.

Posted September 2, 2005

August 24, 2005 -- The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking feedback on the state’s Comprehensive Wildlife Strategy – the guiding document for keeping Indiana wildlife and habitats healthy. Visit www.djcase.com/incws to view the draft and provide input.

The goal of the strategy is to keep species off the endangered species list by conserving wildlife and habitat at a landscape scale. Public comment is a crucial element to developing a strategy.

“It is vital that people are involved with the strategy development process. We need to be confident that the strategy is an accurate assessment of Indiana wildlife, habitat and capabilities of conservation partners. Partners will play an integral role in implementing the strategy,” stated Katie Smith, Wildlife Diversity Section Chief.

To encourage an integrated approach to wildlife conservation, Congress required all states to develop comprehensive wildlife strategies by October 1, 2005. States have developed strategies by following specific guidelines provided by Congress. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service must approve strategies for states to be eligible for continued federal nongame wildlife funding. Continued federal funding will allow DNR and other conservation partners to work together to keep common species common.

“This has never been done before,” said Glen Salmon, Director of the DNR Division of Fish and Wildlife. “Having all fifty states and U.S. territories simultaneously developing these strategies presents a tremendous opportunity for conservation at a landscape scale.”

The DNR gathered input from technical experts and more than 160 conservation organizations in the state to develop the CWS. The strategy focuses on wildlife and habitats in greatest need of conservation.

Visit www.djcase.com/incws to provide comment, or call 574-258-0100 if you do not have Internet access. The public comment period is Aug. 24-Sept. 21, 2005.

Posted September 2, 2005

August 24, 2005 -- Brent Fewell Named EPA’s Principal Deputy Assistant Administrator for Water

Brent Fewell has been appointed as the principal deputy assistant administrator in the Environmental Protection Agency's Office of Water. As the deputy to Assistant Administrator for Water Benjamin H. Grumbles, Fewell is responsible for advising in the development and implementation of critical agency decisions related to national water policy. A native of Greensboro, N.C., Fewell joined EPA in September 2004 from the Pittsburgh office of the international law firm Jones Day.

Fewell previously served as an environmental scientist with several consulting firms, where he advised clients on human health and ecological risk assessments, environmental permitting, compliance auditing and impact analyses. Fewell earlier focused on wetlands and endangered species during service with the National Wildlife Federation and North Carolina Wildlife Federation. He also worked for the National Park Service at Yellowstone National Park. Fewell graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Management from the University of Maine in 1988. He earned a Master of Environmental Management from Duke University in 1991, and a Juris Doctorate from Duquesne University in 1998, where he served on the law-review staff.

Posted September 2, 2005

From the August 23, 2005 edition of the Northwest Times -- Gov. Mitch Daniels named an attorney with several years of utility regulatory experience and a veteran state senator to positions on the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission on Tuesday.

Fort Wayne attorney David Lott Hardy also was named chairman of the five-member commission, which regulates rates and other aspects of some phone, natural gas, electricity and water utilities.

The other appointment went to Republican Gregory Server of Evansville, who has served in the Senate since 1980. He will have to resign that post, and GOP precinct committee members will choose a replacement.

Server served part of his Senate term as chairman of the Commerce Committee, which handled IURC and utility industry legislation.

"There are a number of critical issues I expect the commission to work on, among them affordable energy rates and expedited growth of broadband access," Daniels said. "Both are essential to the state's economic growth."

Posted August 18, 2005

It is with great sadness and sense of loss that we must tell you of the passing of Ed Zook. He lost his battle with liver cancer today, August 18, 2005.

As most of you know, after serving the Town of Cambridge City for over 25 years, Ed decided to retire. He then went to work for M.D. Wessler & Associates where he continued to share his experience and expertise.

Ed has always been a great friend and supporter of Indiana Rural Water Association and the Indiana Section of AWWA. He has been a fixture at these events for many, many years. We will miss his quick wit, smiling face, and big bear hugs.

Memorial Contributions may be made to:

Cambridge City Christian Church
106 West Church Street
Cambridge City, IN 47327

or

National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Indiana Chapter
7301 Georgetown Road, Suite 112
Indianapolis, IN 46268
(note: Ed did not have MS; however, his daughter, Jacque, does)

Posted July 25, 2005

July 13, 2005 - Commonwealth Engineers, Inc. announced that Wayne Bailey has joined the firm as Business Development Manager. Bailey brings 5 years of community planning and funding experience, and will be responsible primarily for developing projects and maintaining working relationships with communities and counties throughout the eastern half of the State.

Mr. Bailey was the first to serve as Community Developer in Jay County; a position that was created as a result of the County's strategic planning process in 1998. As Community Developer, Wayne coordinated projects, facilitated resources and funding for projects desired by "governments, businesses and citizens to build thriving communities in a clean, attractive and healthy environment" outlined in the position's mission statement.

In 2004, Wayne received a nomination to the Indiana Association of Planners (IAP) for his community leadership as a citizen planner

Posted July 25, 2005

Reprinted with permission from Indiana Association of Cities and Towns

IACT's Friend of the Court's Brief Assists Decision on Competing Utilities

The Indiana Supreme Court's recent decision in favor of the City of North Vernon concerning a jurisdictional dispute between the City and the Jennings Northwest Regional Utilities ("JNRU") provides some guidance when conflicts arise as to which entity has the right to provide utility service to an area outside the municipality's corporate boundaries. The decision also demonstrates the importance of comprehensive planning.

City of North Vernon v. Jennings Northwest Regional Utilities involved a dispute between the City and JNRU over who would provide sewer service to the Sand Creek Elementary School (the "School"), which was located in JNRU's service area but also within the ten mile radius of the City. Both the trial court and the Court of Appeals found in favor of JNRU, holding that the City could not provide service to the School without JNRU's permission. The Indiana Supreme Court reversed the lower courts and found, under the facts presented, the City had the exclusive right to provide sewer service to the School. The Court stated that where the service areas of a regional district and a municipality overlap, and absent a resolution during the IDEM permitting process, "the district prevails unless the municipality was already providing services to the area at the time the district's service area was created."

Although this holding appears to be clear on its face, it raises the question of what is meant by "providing services to the area". At the time JNRU was created, the City was not providing sewer service to the School, but was serving some customers within the City's ten mile jurisdictional limit. The IDEM order creating the district excluded the area within the City's corporate boundaries, but included in JNRU's service area some of the extraterritorial areas the City was already serving. The School was in the planning stages for construction when JNRU was created.

It appears that providing service within a municipality's statutory limits is sufficient to provide exclusive jurisdiction even if specific customers are not being served at the time a district is created, absent a contrary determination by IDEM. It is important to note this exception. The Supreme Court points out that most jurisdictional disputes should be resolved during the IDEM permitting procedure. The Court's observation reinforces the need for municipalities to be vigilant if and when a regional district or conservancy district is being created. A municipality should actively participate in all administrative proceedings so that it can protect its existing utility service areas.

The decision also reinforces the need for municipalities to have a comprehensive plan. As part of its reasoning, the Court noted IACT's and IMLA's argument that the Indiana Legislature has encouraged municipalities to plan for their future development, that municipalities adopt comprehensive plans to serve as a guide for their long term growth and development and municipalities rely on their statutory right to extend utility services to those anticipated areas. The Court found that a district should not have veto power over a municipality's ability to follow through with those plans. Consequently, the Court's opinion reinforces the importance of having an updated comprehensive plan. The existence of a comprehensive plan may go a long way in protecting a municipality's extraterritorial jurisdiction.

To protect its jurisdiction, a municipality should be alert to any proceeding in which a regional district or conservancy district is being created that might overlap the municipality's current or proposed service areas. It is important to participate in the administrative proceedings creating the district. If the municipality is already serving outside its corporate boundaries, any jurisdictional dispute may be resolved then. In addition, having a comprehensive plan demonstrating the municipality's plans for its future growth and provision of utility services may give the municipality a good chance of prevailing in a jurisdictional dispute at either the administrative or judicial level.

Bette Dodd provided her services for the preparation of the amicus brief to IACT and IMLA.

Posted July 25, 2005

Reprinted with permission from Indiana Association of Cities and Towns

Water Quality Funding Available for Midwest Communities

EPA Region 5 (IL, IN, MI, MN, OH and WI) is soliciting proposals from eligible applicants interested in applying for federal assistance for Water Quality Cooperative Agreements (WQCA) for unique and innovative projects that address the requirements of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Program. Specifically, the region is requesting projects that will: advance NPDES program strategies to implement watershed-based efforts, reduce impacts of wet weather flows, improve monitoring and assessment for environmental results, address pollution from on-site and decentralized wastewater systems, build tribal capacity to effectively manage on-site decentralized wastewater treatment systems, and demonstrate collaborative innovative approaches to control or reduce pollution to protect and restore water quality on a watershed basis.

Proposals are due August 5, 2005. For more information, visit http://www.lgean.org/html/whatsnew.cfm?id=927.

Posted July 13, 2005

S & K Equipment Company, Inc. is pleased to share with you the addition of Mr. Tony Alley to its organization. Please do not hesitate to contact S & K Equipment Company for your equipment and service needs at: 812-866-0245 or sales@skequipment.com.

Posted May 9, 2005

2005 FUNDING OPPORTUNITY

In case you haven't seen the announcement about Mini-Grants to build capacity of faith-based and community-based organizations.......NOTE that one of the four PRIORITY AREAS listed is RURAL COMMUNITIES.......and it is projected that 300 awards will be made.

$50,000 GRANTS NOW AVAILABLE to build the capacity of faith-based and community organizations. Priority areas for the Targeted Capacity-Building Program (Mini-Grants) include: at-risk youth, the homeless, healthy marriage, and rural communities.

A brief list of the Award Information is listed below:

Funding Instrument Type: Grant.
Anticipated Total Priority Area Funding: $15,000,000.
Anticipated Number of Awards: 300.
Ceiling on Amount of Individual Awards per budget period: $50,000.
Floor on Amount of Individual Awards per budget period: None.
Average Projected Award Amount: $50,000.
Length of Project Periods: 12 month project and budget period.

DEADLINE: MAY 31, 2005

FULL ANNOUNCEMENT at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/open/HHS-2005-ACF-OCS-IJ-0036.html

Posted April 29, 2005

(DENVER) April 21, 2005 - The U.S. House of Representatives today approved an Energy Bill that includes a provision granting gasoline makers defective product liability immunity in cases where water has been contaminated by the additive MTBE. The MTBE 'safe harbor' provision effectively shifts the burden of cleanup from the industry that created MTBE to local water providers, communities and consumers.

In response, Jack W. Hoffbuhr, executive director of AWWA, issued the statement below. "It's very disappointing that so many of our members of Congress today chose to support the MTBE 'safe harbor' provision at the expense of local communities and water consumers.

"Earlier this week, the Congressional Budget Office categorized the MTBE provision as an unfunded mandate on state and local governments, yet some elected leaders actually voted to invalidate lawsuits brought by their own communities.

"If it were to become law, this legislative end-run would effectively strip communities of their ability to address MTBE water contamination in court. That would saddle everyday citizens with enormous MTBE cleanup bills and the considerable burden of finding new water sources.

"As the Energy Bill dialogue shifts to the Senate, the water community will continue to fight against this egregious provision. During the last Congress, the Energy Bill stalled in the U.S. Senate largely because many members of Congress voted with their consciences instead of with powerful special interests. American citizens deserve a common-sense energy policy that's not encumbered by the cynical politics reflected in the MTBE safe harbor provision."

Posted April 7, 2005

State seeks environmental leaders worthy of Governor's Environmental Excellence Awards. Those eligible for the awards include Indiana businesses, agricultural producers, state, federal and local units of government, technical assistance organizations, individuals, educational groups, service groups and nonprofit organizations. Nominations are due to IDEM by 5:00pm on Tuesday, May 31, 2005. For more details, please click here.

Posted April 5, 2005

U.S. Environmental Protection is conducting an Arsenic Training workshop in South Bend on May 12 and 13, 2005. This will provide in-depth treatment technology training for state drinking water staff, design engineers, system owners, and certified operators. Registration is limited. For more information, please click here.

Posted March 31, 2005

Water Operator Certification Exams will be offered by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management on May 5, 2005. To assist candidates in preparing for the exams, the AWWA - Indiana Section’s Operator School and Education Committees, in cooperation with IDEM will hold a 1-day course on April 27th. The course will be divided into three sections, water distribution, water treatment and math. The morning session will be from 9 a.m. to 12 noon. The afternoon session will be from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Lunch is on your own. Registration is $35. The course will cover a wide range of subject matter, with time to solve problems and ask questions. Please bring a pad, pencil, and calculator.

The course will be held at: IDEM-Conference Room C, 2525 N. Shadeland Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46219. Directions: From I465E take the I70W exit to North Shadeland Avenue, IDEM is on the east side of N. Shadeland Ave., one block north of I-70. Additional directions are available at http://www.in.gov/idem/maps/shadeland.pdf. To sign up in advance for this 1-day course please complete the attached registration and mail it with your check to the address listed below. Make checks payable to AWWA-IN Section. You will not receive a registration confirmation prior to the course. Walk-in registration may be available if space permits.

Questions about the course registration should be directed to Vicky Zehr at 260-427-1303.

Questions about IDEM’s water operator certification exams should be directed to Ruby Keslar at 317-308-3305.

Registration Form

Posted March 30, 2005

You are invited to attend a meeting on April 22, 2005 to discuss changes to the Operator Certification Rule which Indiana is proposing to make and to offer any suggestions you may have. In addition, portions of the EPA required elements for sanitary surveys at surface water systems will also be discussed. IDEM is proposing to include rule language developed by the Operational Rule Workgroup relating to significant deficiencies found during sanitary surveys to address EPA's required element. Please plan to attend because your input is very important.

Mary E. Hollingsworth
Section Chief
Permit, Certification and Capacity Section
Drinking Water Branch
Office of Water Quality
IDEM
Phone 317-308-3331
Fax 317-308-3339

More Details

Posted March 12, 2005

Governor Mitch Daniels has appointed J. Eric Dietz, Ph.D. as the first Executive Director of Indiana's Department of Homeland Security. Mr. Dietz was the associate director of the e-Enterprise Center at Purdue's Discovery Park. He also recently retired from the U.S. Army after a 22-year career.

This new department was formed on February 4 and combines the state's emergency management and homeland security efforts. There will be four divisions within this Department of Homeland Security -- Division of Planning and Assessment (responsible for federal grants); Division of Preparedness and Training (includes the Public Safety Training Institute); Division of Emergency Response and Recovery (incorporates the existing State Emergency Management Agency); and the Division of Fire and Building Safety (includes combined role of state fire marshal and state building commissioner).

Posted February 10, 2005

Stephen L. Johnson became Acting Administrator of the U.S. EPA on January 26. He assumed the position with the stated goal of promoting and maintaining the utilization of sound science while using collaborative, innovative approaches to solving environmental problems.

The EPA implements and enforces the nation’s federal environmental laws and regulations; the Agency has over 18,000 employees nationwide and an annual budget of $8.6 billion.

Mr. Johnson served as the EPA's Acting Deputy Administrator since July 10, 2003 and has been part of EPA for 24 years.

Posted January 10, 2005

Welcome Tom Easterly, new Commissioner of IDEM. Commissioner Easterly begins his new position today, January 10, 2005. Commissioner Easterly has worked on environmental issues in both government and industry for thirty years. Prior to accepting the Commissioner’s position, he was President of Environmental Business Strategies, Inc., an environmental consulting firm he started in 2002. He has held positions at NiSource and Bethlehem Steel (Burns Harbor Division) in Northwest Indiana and held various engineering positions in the Air and Solid and Hazardous Waste Divisions of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. He was also the operator for the water system in the small New York town in which he lived. Commissioner Easterly is a Diplomat of the American Academy of Environmental Engineering, a Qualified Environmental Professional, and a Professional Engineer.

Posted October 24, 2004

The November 4, 2004 IDEM operator certification exams will be held in the following locations:

Northwest
American Legion Post 297 (US 20 east of the railroad viaduct)
New Carlisle, IN

Northeast
Hier's Park
Family Living Building
547 S. Briant Street
Huntington, IN

Central
Indiana Government Center-South, Conf. Rm. B
402 W. Washington Street
Indianapolis, IN

South
North Lawrence Water Utility Maintenance Building
116½ Bailey Scales Road
Bedford, IN

Posted September 13, 2004

Gregg Huey and Mark Egbert of Swinney Brothers Excavating in Mooresville announced recently that Dan Hilton has joined the company as their lead Utility Business Development contact. Hilton adds over twenty years of water utility operation / maintenance and utility construction experience to the organization and will be primarily responsible for Water Projects, Directional Boring, Hydra-Stop services and providing clients with customized solutions to their needs.

Most recently and for the past thirteen years, Dan served as Superintendent / Manager for the Mooresville water utility and guided that community’s utility through about 45% customer growth during his tenure there, adding new production and treatment facilities, booster stations, storage and numerous miles of distribution mains. Prior to that he held various positions with General Waterworks in both Virginia and Arkansas.

Posted June 30, 2004

Mark Downey, President of Commonwealth Engineers, Inc. announced that Vincent S. Sommers has joined the firm as Vice President of Business Development. Sommers brings 26 years of project management and funding experience in both the private and public sectors, and will be responsible primarily for project development.

Mr. Sommers has served as project manager and funding coordinator for numerous Indiana communities and counties with transportation and environmental projects. Prior to his involvement in the consulting engineering business, Mr. Sommers spent 13 years with the Indiana Department of Environmental Management. As the Administrative Section Chief in the Office of Water Management, Mr. Sommers was responsible for overseeing the development of Indiana's State Revolving Fund Study, the awarding of the first $23 million Capitalization Grant, promulgation of state program rules and guidance for IDEM's State Revolving Fund.

Posted June 16, 2004

Steven D. Bender has joined the firm of Commonwealth Engineers, Inc. as a Project Designer for its Indianapolis office. Bender brings 28 years of consulting engineering experience in the municipal water and wastewater industries, and will be responsible primarily for project development and design activities within the areas of public water supply, treatment, distribution and storage.

Posted May 25, 2004

We are saddened to report that the water industry lost two more of its members -- both passed on Saturday, May 22, 2004.

Thomas Friedman, 63, of Mishawaka, Indiana was a lifelong employee of Layne-Northern Company. During his 45 year career with Layne, Tom was a dedicated and loyal employee who always put his customers first. In addition he was a loving and proud husband and father. He retired in June 2003. He was a longstanding AWWA and IRWA member.

Viewing to be at Bubb Funeral Chapel North, 3910 N. Main, Mishawaka, Indiana (574)-255-3126 from 4-8 pm, Tuesday May 25, 2004. Funeral to be at St. Joseph Catholic Church Wednesday, May 26, 2004 at 10 am.

Flowers and/or Donations to Hospice of St. Joseph County to be received at the Funeral Chapel.

Also, it is with regret that we announce the passing of John O'Day. John passed away at St. Francis hospital in Indianapolis after a brief illness. There are no public services planned at this time. Jane, his wife, has said that cards and/or letters sent to the family would be appreciated.

Her address is:
Jane O'Day
7167 East 720 South
Carbon, IN 47837-8558

Our sympathies and prayers are with these families.

Posted May 10, 2004

The Indiana Water Resources Association (Indiana state section of the AWRA) is having its 25th annual spring meeting on June 23-25 in Valparaiso, IN. The schedule of talks (w/ abstracts) and registration form are available at:

http://www.valpo.edu/organization/xiwra/spr04main.html

Posted May 2, 2004

Indiana Rural Water Association's 2004 Spring Conference Water Taste Contest received some very positive press coverage in NUVO Magazine. To read this article, please visit: http://www.nuvo.net/archive/2004/04/28/sampling_the_states_water.html

Posted March 11, 2004

SRF program expanded to help Hoosier communities meet new standards, add Earth friendly measures into capital projects

A 12 year old program that has already invested more than a billion dollars to help hundreds of Indiana communities build or upgrade water treatment facilities has been expanded to help even more.

The State Revolving Fund (SRF) program has created additional programs to help small communities afford to take steps to improve surface water quality and to provide safe drinking water, said Jim McGoff, who directs the program that is overseen jointly by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) and the State Budget Agency.

Much of the funding for the expanded programs is a result of actions taken by IDEM's Drinking Water Branch to no longer rely on the SRF program to fund a portion of its operating budget. That branch will be using revenue generated by new drinking water fees, approved by the General Assembly in 2003.

As those fees are phased in over three years, the drinking water branch will eliminate its reliance on SRF funds, eventually freeing up to $1 million for community financing programs.

The program's past investments have helped Indiana make tremendous progress in keeping polluted water from being piped directly into Hoosier streams and to ensure clean drinking water is piped into Hoosier homes.

"But we need to do more, in this area as well as in pollution that enters waterways indirectly through runoff," McGoff said. "In addition, small communities are struggling to meet new standards that are designed to protect drinking water quality, and we need to help them, too."

In addition to reaching out to those smaller water systems, the expanded SRF services encourage communities to broaden their infrastructure plans to include projects that restore natural flood controls, or build buffers to keep field and roadway run off away from waterways. The three new funding initiatives are:

 The Small System Technical Assistance Fund, which offers small communities up to $25,000 worth of technical assistance to help them design improvements for their wastewater and drinking water facilities;
 The Safe Drinking Water Standard Fund, which offers grants to help small communities comply with new EPA drinking water standards; and
 The Nonpoint Source Water Pollution Abatement Financing program that offers an additional break on interest rates for SRF Program loans to communities that also plan to help reduce pollution runoff into Indiana waters and protect drinking water sources.

Run off pollution, known around IDEM as nonpoint source pollution, results when rainfall, snowmelt or irrigation moves over land or through the ground, picks up pollutants (fertilizer, roadway oil or soil) and deposits them into waterways or ground water.

Communities already seeking low interest loans from the SRF Program for improvement projects can earn up to an additional 0.5 percent interest rate reduction for the total cost of their drinking water or point source project when a non point source project is included.

Eligible entities for the services include cities, towns, counties, conservancy districts, public water systems and regional water, sewer, waste and sanitary districts.

The Wastewater SRF Program has been providing below market interest rate loans to Indiana communities since 1992, funding more than 200 projects totaling over $1 billion to date. The Drinking Water SRF Program was implemented in 1997 and has funded more than 70 projects totaling over $177 million to date.

For more information: www.SRF.IN.gov or www.in.gov/idem/water/fasb/srf/index.html .

The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (www.in.gov/idem) oversees and implements federal and state regulations regarding the environment. IDEM issues permits and pursues enforcement action when violations occur that would harm the health of Indiana's air, land and water. Through incentive programs and outreach projects, the agency also encourages businesses and citizens to take actions every day to protect and improve Indiana's environment.

The State Budget Agency oversees all financial aspects of the SRF program. Its primary purpose is to administer the state budget.

Posted November 3, 2003

It is with great sadness that we must tell you of the passing of yet another good friend of the water industry. Jim Morris from Peerless-Midwest, and formerly with Ortman Water Services, passed away Saturday, November 1 after a courageous battle with cancer. Jim had also served as Indiana Section AWWA Section Chair in 1986, Director in '88-91 and was a positive influence in the water industry throughout his career.

Posted October 18, 2003

IDEM's Drinking Water Branch has two new employees in the Permit, Certification and Capacity Section.

Daniel Main began with IDEM on October 6th. Dan is an Environmental Engineer 3 and will assist in the permit program. Dan is a graduate from the University of Minnesota and before joining the DWB he was in private industry in the state of Wisconsin.

Phil Hiestand started working as a permanent employee of IDEM on October 13th. Phil is working in the Operator Certification program as an Environmental Scientist 3. Some of you may recognize Phil's name for the reason that he worked for the DWB in the compliance section as a SEEP employee.

Posted October 9, 2003

The SI Utility Group, L.L.C., based in Arlington Heights, Illinois is pleased to announce the acquisition of Envirosystems International, Inc., of Orlando, Florida. Envirosystems operates more than 100 wastewater and drinking water facilities throughout Florida. With the acquisition, The SI Utility Group currently operates more than 280 wastewater, drinking water, and groundwater remediation systems in Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, California, and Florida.

Concurrent with the acquisition, Klaus W. Voss, CEO of The SI Utility Group, welcomed Waylon Locklear, founder of the former Envirosystems onto The SI Utility Group’s management team. According to Mr. Voss, “The SI Group of companies welcomes the synergies, increased resources, and efficiencies enabled by the acquisition of Envirosystems’ management and staff.”

Headquartered in Arlington Heights, Illinois, The SI Utility Group is a boutique environmental services firm focused on growing through client service and strategic acquisition of companies with complimentary resources. For more information, contact The SI Group at (847) 956-8589 or at info@thesigroup.com.

Posted September 16, 2004

It is with greatest sadness that we must tell you of the passing of Marilyn Gambold. She died at home on the morning of September 15, 2003. We at Indiana Rural Water Association will dearly miss her. We have lost a good friend and advocate.

Posted August 12, 2003

Governor Frank O'Bannon announced, on August 7, that Mary L. Davidsen will serve as the new director of the Office of Environmental Adjudication. The Office of Environmental Adjudication is an independent agency that provides administrative review of decisions of the Indiana Department of Environmental Management.

By law, the new director must be selected by the governor from names submitted by a four-person nominating commission composed of members appointed by the governor, Senate president pro tem, House speaker and chief justice of the Indiana Supreme Court.

Posted August 8, 2003

Shawn Flaningam has returned to IDEM's Southeast Regional Office.

IDEM's Drinking Water Branch Compliance Section has added the following persons: Phil Hiestand, Sara Fields, Lee Mills, and George Neely.

IDEM has signed a contract with Rural Community Assistance Program to help with existing system capacity development. Sarah Reymann will be the circuit rider. Her primary responsibility will be to look at the financial portion of capacity development rules for existing systems but can offer assistance in other areas.

Reggie Baker has been named IDEM's Security and Counter-Terrorism Coordinator. Reggie began his new job July 7, 2003. He is available to help systems with their security issues.

Posted June 15, 2003

Donald Koverman has been announced at the new Executive Director of the Indiana Rural Development Council (IRDC). He replaces Wendy Dant-Chesser who left this position in January to become the Director of Regional Operations for the Indiana Department of Commerce. Don begins his tenure with IRDC on June 2, 2003. He was serving as the Plan Director in Morgan County, Indiana and worked for several organizations in Minnesota prior to that. Don has over 29 years of experience in both rural and urban settings.

Sudesh K. Gupta has joined the Drinking Water Branch of IDEM. He will be working in the permit section and will be reviewing permits. He will be part of SEEP (Senior Environmental Employment Program). Sudesh is retired from GMC where he was a Senior engineer at the Harrison Division. He was responsible for preliminary design and proposal preparation.

Posted March 20, 2003

Mary Hollingsworth accepts a new position with IDEM -- Mary is now the Section Chief for the Permit, Certification, and Capacity Section of the Drinking Water Branch. Congratulations, Mary – Best wishes in your new endeavor!!

Jackie Tyler retires – Jackie has worked persistently in the Operator Certification Program of IDEM and we will miss her!! IDEM is having a reception (cake and punch) in Jackie’s honor on April 4^th from 1:00 until 3:30pm in Conference Room C of IDEM’s offices on Shadeland Avenue. Please wish Jackie well in her retirement. Her last day is April 11.

Patricia Conner joins IDEM’s Drinking Water Branch in the Operator Certification Section. She comes to IDEM under the Senior Environmental Employment Program.

Arnold Bockrand has been promoted to an Environmental Engineer 1 position with IDEM’s Drinking Water Branch.

Posted February 15, 2003

Larry S. Landis is appointed by Governor O’Bannon to serve as Commissioner on the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission. Larry has been very active in the water industry in many capacities. As a Principal of American Grassroots, Larry was assisting IRWA members with their public notification and communication needs thru a use of “People Mover” interactive mobilization system. Larry also served as a consultant to AWWA’s Water Utility Council where he advised and assisted with legislative efforts and industry issues.

Richard Wise and Todd Trinkle both leave Indiana Rural Community Assistance Program. They have taken positions in a similar capacity with The Indiana Capacity Center for Management of Onsite/Decentralized Systems, Inc.

Wendy Dant-Chesser leaves Indiana Rural Development Council -- After 4 ½ years at the helm of the Indiana Rural Development Council, Wendy decided to make a career move. As of January 6, Wendy began working for the Indiana Department of Commerce as the Director of Regional Operations, a position under Lieutenant Governor Kernan's restructuring of the Department. She will work with the newly-established 12 regional offices and the quality professionals that have been appointed as directors and program managers within these regions.