The organization to educate and assist those who have an interest in water quality in Nevada

May 2008 - Volume XXX

President Leslie Long (702) 633-1259 - Las VegasPresident Elect Linda Peterson (775) 329-7757 - RenoWEF Director Rick Warner (775) 954-4621 - RenoSecretary Dr. David James (702) 895-5804 - Las VegasTreasurer Gary Hutchinson (775) 861-4100 - RenoPast President Paul Orphan (775) 954-4614 - RenoPWO Representative Stephen Long (775) 677-5909 - RenoExecutive DirectorDonna Bloom (775) 626-6389 - Reno

Annual Conference Eric Leveque (702) 792-3711 - Las VegasLeslie Long (702) 633-1259 - Las VegasAWWA LiaisonGary Grinnell (702) 258-3909 - Las Vegas AwardsRick Warner (775) 954-4621 - RenoLee Siekerka (702) 732-0448 - Las VegasCircuit Rider ProgramStarlin Jones (775) 861-4104 - RenoLinda Peterson (775) 329-7757 - RenoCollection SystemEric Strung - Northern NevadaStephanie Stallsmith - Southern NevadaCommunity College of Southern Nevada Bill Shepherd (702) 450-4417 - Las VegasConstitution & Bylaws Dr. David James (702) 895-1067 Las VegasGovernment AffairsStephen Lacy (702) 878-8010 - Las VegasLynn Orphan (775) 861-4104 - RenoMembershipNorthern Nevada - VacantSouthern Nevada - VacantNominationsVacantNWRA LiaisonJoe Maez (775) 687-4670 - Carson CityProfessional DevelopmentStephen Lacy (702) 878-8010 - Las VegasJennifer Hampton Publications / NewsletterMark Briggs (702) 938-4080 - Las VegasPublic EducationMaria Stosich (702) 792-3711 - Las VegasDave Bruketta (775) 687-4670 - Carson CityReuse Nevada Bill Shepherd (702) 267-2700 - HendersonJoe Maez (775) 687-4670 - Carson CitySafety CommitteeRussell Rocha (775) 861-4104 - RenoStockholm Junior Water PrizeMaria StosichStrategic Planning OversightJim Devlin (702) 894-4551 - Las VegasPaul Orphan (775) 954-4614 - RenoLeslie Long Student ActivitiesDr. Jaci Batista (702) 895-1585 - Las VegasDr. Keith Dennett (775) 784-4056 - RenoYoung Professionals Committee Hannah Wilner (702) 953-1213 - Las VegasTri-State Conference Keni Whalen (702) 267-2757 - HendersonEric Leveque (702) 792-3711 - Las VegasRich Leger (702) 267-2719 - HendersonDave RueggeUniversity RelationsDr. Jaci Batista (702) 895-1585 - Las VegasMike Brisbin (775) 784-4056 - RenoWater for People Leisa Tucker (702) 822-8557 - Las VegasWateReuse Association LiaisonMichael Neher (702) 267-2700 - HendersonWeb siteSuey Huey (775) 861-4104 - Reno

COMMITTEE CHAIRS

EXECUTIVE BOARD

CERTIFICATION BOARD

C O N T E N T S

M A Y / J U N E

2 0 0 8

President’s Preamble

Director’s Report

Water Environment Federation

News & Updates

Certifi cation Board

Professional Services

A PUBLICATION OF THE NEVADA WATER ENVIRONMENT ASSOCIATION

ChairmanWilliam Shepherd (702) 450-4417 – Las VegasVice-ChairmanJoe Crim, Jr. (775) 273-2356 - LovelockProgram AdministratorHarvey Johnson 775) 832-1289 – Incline VillageBoard Member SupportJennifer McMartin (775) 465-2045 - SmithBoard MembersAdrian J. Edwards (702) 267-2700 – Las VegasKelvin Ikehara (775) 588-3558 – Douglas CountyStarlin Jones (775) 861-4104 - RenoJohn Solvie (702) 229-6547 – Las Vegas

President’s Preamble By Leslie Long, P.E., City of North Las Vegas

3

Silver State Water Environment News is published quarterly as an in for ma tion source for members of the Nevada Water Environment As so ci a tion, a Member Association of the Water Environment Federation. Publication times are January,

April, July, and October. Articles, news items, and other materials are welcome and may be directed to:Brown and Caldwell

4425 West Spring Mountain Road, Suite 225, Las Vegas, Nevada 89102Phone (702) 938-4080 Fax (702) 938-4082

It has been my honor and privilege to be your NWEA President for the past year. With the assistance from the Executive Board, the Certifi cation Board and the many NWEA Committee Members, so much has been accomplished this year that we all should refl ect upon.

The Collection System Committee has been very active sponsoring workshops in northern and southern Nevada on hydraulic cleaning techniques and wastewater fl ow monitoring.The feedback from the attendees has been sensational! Therefore, the Collection System Committee will be planning events to occur throughout the next year. The scheduledevents will be posted on the NWEA website for your information very soon.

The Young Professionals Committee has bloomed into a very vibrant group that now has

committee members in northern and southern Nevada. The fi rst event for this committeewas held at the Tri-State Conference in September 2007 in which young professionals fromCalifornia, Arizona and Nevada were able to network with each other at a luncheon. TheNWEA Executive Board has also sponsored young professionals to attend the WEFTECevent and also events in California. If you are a young professional, look for the specifi cevents at the annual NWEA conference to be held in May in Sparks, Nevada.

The contract between the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection and the NWEA tomanage the Certifi cation Program for Wastewater Operators was initiated in December2007. This accomplishment will ensure a high level of customer service to the certifi edwastewater operators and other areas of certifi cation for years to

come, but also will ensurefi nancial stability to the NWEA for the management of the certifi cation program. I have expressed my appreciation to all that made this contract a reality in the past, but again, thank you for all of your ernest work.

My last obligation as your NWEA President will be to preside over the Annual Conference to be held May 13 - 16, 2008 in Sparks, Nevada. The conference committee has puttogether an exceptional program titled “Water is Life and Infrastructure Makes it Happen.”The topics to be discussed at this conference cover many areas of interest that tie into the theme with highly regarded presenters sharing their knowledge with the attendees. I look forward to seeing you at the conference.

Best Regards,Leslie LongNWEA President

Director’s ReportBy Rick Warner

At last, I can report that Nevada will host a Water Environment Federation Member Association Exchange Meeting (WEFMAX) in 2009. Las Vegas will be the host city! Even more exciting, in conjunction with the WEFMAX meeting, NWEA will also host WEF’s 2009 Young Professional Summit. Like our NWEA Conferences, hosting a WEFMAX and YP Summit will require planning and hard work on the ground. Getting this far has taken some effort and some patience – so let me take a moment to recognize the members of a small group that have been working to get us to this point – Eric Leveque, Hannah Wilner, and Candice Siwarga. Their collective efforts and enthusiasm - and optimism - has been very much appreciated.

WEFMAX 2009 will permit NWEA’s Executive Board, Committee Chairs, and Members opportunities to share ideas and gain greater insight to WEF’s mission and resources - right in our very own backyard. WEFMAX meeting also provide a great venue to share ideas many other WEF members and it will provide all of us an opportunity to provide feedback to WEF staff and WEF offi cers. There are lots of good ideas out there – and I’ve learned that although NWEA does a great job – I always learn something new or come home with a fresher outlook after attending WEF events.

Regarding more offi cial WEF work – I continue to be part of WEF House Delegate Steering Committee and Delegate Working Groups. This year’s focus for all Delegates has been: WEFMAX meeting content and future locations (this has a been a good group to be on!); WEF Policies & Procedures; Water Stewards; and, WEF and Member Association Relationships. House of Delegates members continue to make measured improvements on many strategic issues facing WEF - and we’re all looking forward to meeting up again at the next WEF Annual Meeting – WEFTEC will be held in Chicago in October.

Every professional organization is faced with declining membership and volunterism - WEF and NWEA are no different. If you get value from belonging to WEF and NWEA, and want to see these organizations continue to serve it’s vital role well beyond your involvement – then perhaps it’s time for you to serve on a national committee. WEF’s technical committees provide the expertise that makes WEF one of the world’s leading water quality organizations. WEF committees participate in developing WEF policy positions, writing and peer-reviewing books and training materials, and delivering workshops and conferences. Currently, more than 2500 WEF members participate in WEF committee activities. Visit www.wef.org for more specifi c information about WEF’s nearly 40 committees. Volunteering on a WEF committee is an opportunity for you to help shape the water quality industry today and for tomorrow.

As always, I hope you consider and share with me ways that WEF can serve NWEA more effectively. Thank you for the privilege to serve as your WEF Delegate.

Rick Warner

Send Replies to:

Mark O. Briggs, P.E., BCEE Brown and Caldwell

4425 W. Spring Mountain #225 Las Vegas, NV 89102

Tel: (702) 938-4080 Fax: (702) 938-4082

mbriggs@brwncald.comA Member Association of the WATER ENVIRONMENT FEDERATION www.nvwea.org

The Silver State Water Environment News is the official publication of the Nevada Water Environment Association, a member association of the Water Environment Federation. We are a non-profit 501(c)(6) educational organization with over 300 members. Since 1964 we have served individuals, agencies and companies involved in municipal and industrial wastewater engineering, collection, analysis, treatment, operations, and disposal.

The following advertising rate card has been provided for your consideration. Please note the dollar amount in the selection boxto indicate your desired advertisement. Please send this form with your business card or camera-ready artwork and check payable to the Nevada Water Environment Association to the address listed above. Once again, we thank you for your support.

ADVERTISING RATE CARD - Effective July 14, 2008

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CHECK HERE IF USING ARTWORK FROM PREVIOUS YEAR (SAME SIZE, SAME INFO): •

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Certifi cation BoardCertifi cation BoardCERTIFICATION CALENDARExams are given on the 2nd Thursdays of March, June, September & December in Las Vegas, Reno, Ely and Elko. Below is a listing of upcoming dates. Please visit the website for more information at www.nvwea.org.

March 13, 2008 EXAMINATION( N o r t h E x a m D a t e - T B A )

April 25, 2008 Notification of pass or failMay 12, 2008 A p p l i c a t i o n d e a d l i n e for June examMay 26, 2008 Test approval/denial notifi cationJune 4, 2008 March certifi cates mailed

June 12, 2008 EXAMINATIONJuly 24, 2008 Notification of pass or failAugust 11, 2008 A p p l i c a t i o n d e a d l i n e f or September examAugust 25, 2008 Test approval/denial notifi cationSeptember 3, 2008 June certifi cates mailed

September 11, 2008 EXAMINATIONOctober 23, 2008 Notification of pass or failNovember 11, 2008 Appl ica t ion dead l ine fo r December examNovember 25, 2008 Test approval/denial notificationDecember 3, 2008 September certificates mailed

December 11, 2008 EXAMINATIONJanuary 22, 2009 Notification of pass or failFebruary 12, 2009 Application deadline for March examFebruary 26, 2009 Test approval/denial notifi cationMarch 4, 2009 December certifi cates mailed

March 12, 2009 EXAMINATION(South Exam Date - TBA) April 23, 2009 Notification of pass or fail May 11, 2009 A p p l i c a t i o n d e a d l i n e for June examMay 25, 2009 T e s t a p p r o v a l / d e n i a l notifi cationJune 3, 2009 March certifi cates mailed

June 11, 2009 EXAMINATION July 23, 2009 Notification of pass or failAugust 10, 2009 Application deadline for Visit the Nevada Board of Certification Web site at www.nvwea.org for the Complete Alphabetical Listing of Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators, Wastewater Quality Analysts, Industrial Waste Inspectors, Collection System Operators, and Industrial Waste Operators.

HOT LINE NUMBER (775) 465-2045

OPERATOR CERTIFICATIONAPRIL AND MAY 2008The following have passed exams of certifi cation for Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator (WW), Wastewater Quality Analyst (QA), Industrial Wastewater Inspector (IW), Collection System Operator (CSO), or Industrial Waste Operator

Grade I - WWAlosi, Keith D. Barnes, Tom S. Christopher, Michael Dennett, Sean D. Enterline, Tim J. Fonger, Evan G. Johnson, Nathan A. Kuhlemeier, Chris H.Lorber, Leslie A. Porreca, Arthur J. Smith, Alan D. Tafl in, Thomas A. Willis, Frederick W.Wood, Alycia S

Grade II - WWAdams, Nathan R. Brinkoetter, Keith F. Buffo, Brian D. Clemens, Elizabeth A. Gibson, Doug F. Manz, Blaine A.Simpson, Mark A. Zoncki, Robert A.

Grade III - WWGogert, Darrell L. Jenkins, Ron I.

Grade IV - WWBreese, Richard L.

Grade III - QA Decker, Helene A. Veron, Warner L.

Grade I - IWMacIntire, Jon

Grade II - IWStone, Sheldon

Grade I -CSOBell, Matthew J. Bloesser, Brad L. Brandon, Merle A. Brown, Steven K. Chester, Jerry S. Fitzgerald, Gerald P. Mercado, Justin F. Porter, Donald B. Robinson, Ryan L. Watkins, Robert M. Wester, William

Grade II - CSOAllen, Michael A. Ariaz, Ace R. Darrenogue, Dave F. Garcia, Arnold C. Hansen, Chris S. Hendricks, Timothy J. Lovett, Timothy M. Metcalf, Tom O. Moya, Ruben G. Preston, Jerald R. Rura, Thomas G. Sallaberry, Antone G. Schmith, Kevin Speicher, Mark D. Stanford, Andrew D. Strunge, Erich T. Walsh, Patrick A.

Grade III - CSOMcKinzey, Thomas E.

Grade IV - CSOCordano, Lawrence T. Vian, Kent L.

33

June 12, 2008 EXAMINATIONJuly 24, 2008 Notifi cation of pass or failAugust 11, 2008 Application deadline for September examAugust 25, 2008 Test approval/denial notifi cation September 3, 2008 June certifi cates mailed

September 11, 2008 EXAMINATIONOctober 23, 2008 Notifi cation of pass or fail November 11, 2008 Application deadline for December examNovember 25, 2008 Test approval/denial notifi cationDecember 3, 2008 September certifi cates mailed

December 11, 2008 EXAMINATIONJanuary 22, 2009 Notifi cation of pass or fail February 12, 2009 Application deadline for March examFebruary 26, 2009 Test approval/denial notifi cation March 4, 2009 December certifi cates mailed

March 12, 2009 EXAMINATION(South Exam Date - TBA)

April 23, 2009 Notifi cation of pass or fail May 11, 2009 Application deadline for June examMay 25, 2009 Test approval/denial notifi cationJune 3, 2009 March certifi cates mailed

June 11, 2009 EXAMINATIONJuly 23, 2009 Notifi cation of pass or fail August 10, 2009 Application deadline for September examAugust 24, 2009 Test approval/denial notifi cation September 2, 2009 June certifi cates mailed

September 10, 2009 EXAMINATIONOctober 22, 2009 Notifi cation of pass or fail November 10, 2009 Application deadline for December examNovember 24, 2009 Test approval/denial notifi cation December 2, 2009 September certifi cates mailed

December 10, 2009 EXAMINATIONJanuary 21, 2010 Notifi cation of pass or fail February 11, 2010 Application deadline for March examFebruary 25, 2010 Test approval/denial notifi cation March 3, 2010 December certifi cates mailed

March 11, 2010 EXAMINATION(North Exam Date - TBA)

April 22, 2010 Notifi cation of pass or fail May 10, 2010 Application deadline for June examMay 24, 2010 Test approval/denial notifi cation June 2, 2010 March certifi cates mailed

June 10, 2010 EXAMINATIONJuly 22, 2010 Notifi cation of pass or fail August 9, 2010 Application deadline for September examAugust 23, 2010 Test approval/denial notifi cation September 1, 2010 June certifi cates mailed

September 9, 2010 EXAMINATIONOctober 21, 2010 Notifi cation of pass or fail November 9, 2010 Application deadline for December examNovember 23, 2010 Test approval/denial notifi cation December 1, 2010 September certifi cates mailed

If not, your data on fi le with NWEA probably isn’t either.

Work and email addresses are critical to us in getting the word out to you. Current E-mail addresses save us thousands of dollars in postage each year.

Please take a minute and visit:

https://www.e-wef.org/timssnet/memberships/tnt_membership.cfm . Go to “My Member Info”, log in and check “address change” to verify your various addresses or perform an update.

Alternatively, email CSC@wef.org or call 1-800-666-0206 for assistance.

Thanks and share with a friend who may notbe getting important information

from WEF and NWEA!

Is your contact data with WEF national up to date?

Certifi cation BoardCertifi cation Board

Modern science has produced innumerable products and medicines that have improved the quality and longevity of our lives and afforded

many conveniences that we have come to take for granted. There are approximately 82,000 chemical compounds in commerce today and some of these are employed to produce these benefi ts. Not surprisingly, virtually all compounds used by humankind fi nd their way into the earth’s air, water or soil. This is not a new phenomenon. What is new is that our analytical testing methods are more and more sensitive -- so sensitive that we can now detect the presence of compounds at very minute levels.

Of course, with time and exposure to the elements of nature (wind, sun and water), these substances breakdown at varying rates into their basic constituents. In some cases this is a rapid process and in others it may take a very long time. Continually refi ned analytical methods are providing improved insight into the sources, transport and disposition of these substances. The positive and potentially negative affect these compounds have on human beings and other organisms varies depending upon the nature of the compounds and type of exposure as well as factors such as concentration, dose or quantity and duration of exposure. To illustrate this point one can observe that pure water can be fatal if consumed in too great a quantity over too short of time period while other materials can pose unacceptable risks at very low concentrations.

Considerable study therefore precedes the introduction of new products or compounds. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have primary regulatory authority over the development, use and ultimate fate of these man-made compounds. There are also ongoing local, state, federal, academic and research association study efforts regarding their effects on aquatic life and human health. Such information and analysis is of value in shaping continuously evolving regulation of these materials’ manufacture, use and disposal.

Existing water and wastewater treatment processes signifi cantly reduce the levels of such substances and to date state and federal regulatory authorities have not found cause to require further reductions. It is prudent and responsible, however, that local, state and federal agencies continue cooperative efforts to carefully monitor the presence and effects of such compounds.

Resource Paper for Public and Press Microconstituents in the Water Environment

What is the Issue?

The Water Environment Federation (WEF) is not a research organization but is committed to facilitating information fl ow about the water environment and wastewater treatment. WEF formed a community of practice as an information resource to convey the current state of knowledge and practice on this subject to our members, the public and other interested organizations. As an education and outreach organization, WEF is committed to advancing understanding of this and other water related subjects. We hope to aid public and membership discourse on this highly technical subject. We also hope to acknowledge and support continuing efforts to safeguard the public and our environment against unacceptable impacts from these and other materials that fi nd their way into the nations waters through conscientious monitoring and assessment. WEF is working hard to ensure that the public understands the water environment – and has some framework within which to consider this subject.

What are microconstituents?Microconstituents are natural and manmade substances, including elements and inorganic and organic chemicals, detected within water and the environment. We call them microconstituents as a prudent, conservative course of action to ensure that we continue to assess their potential effect on human health and the environment and on the world’s various water bodies. WEF is working with the wastewater and scientifi c communities to standardize a defi nition that will help the public put the issue into an appropriate context. WEF realizes that other defi nitions will continue to be used but believes that this defi nition represents the right balance between overstating and trivializing the need to monitor the presence of such substances in the water environment.

Is this a new or emerging subject?This is not a new subject. What is new though is that we now have analytical test procedures that can measure these compounds in minute concentrations (less than parts per billion, ppb; or parts per trillion, ppt). In addition, microconstituents are increasingly being introduced into the environment in minute concentrations.WEF has placed emphasis on public education to ensure that there are facts and forums to understand wastewater treatment and the issue of microconstituents. Public education will be needed to enable us to talk about what we do in a world where scientists can detect compounds at such small concentrations.This data will add to existing information regarding the range of considerations appropriate when regulatory bodies are considering regulations for new products or compounds for public consumption or use.

Do wastewater treatment plants remove these microconstituents?

Organic compounds are the stuff of life. We are made of them and so is our food. Synthetic organic compounds have been developed because they exhibit some property that is useful to us. They include pharmaceuticals, paints, adhesives, antimicrobials, polymers, herbicides, pesticides, food colorings and plastics.

All wastewater treatment plants are designed to reduce/eliminate suffi ciently certain classes of compounds in the receiving water before discharge in to the aquatic environment to protect aquatic and human health. To do so they reduce concentrations of what are referred to as “conventional” pollutants such as inorganic solids, biodegradable organic compounds, and certain nutrients (such as nitrogen and phosphorus) to safe levels as established by state and federal regulatory agencies. If a substance will not receive suffi cient treatment at the public wastewater treatment facility, controls are placed upon the source of the material through a “Source Control Program” or “Pretreatment Program” operated by local utilities under federal oversight. Wastewater treatment plants vary in size and they vary in treatment complexity and capability and so does the quality of the water that they return to the environment.

The concentration of these compounds that remain in wastewater treatment plant effl uent depends on the type of treatment, the specifi c compounds and the concentration in the infl uent entering the plant.

There are some wastewater treatment plants that utilize membranes and reverse osmosis to create water qualities that are as pure as or purer than drinking water or the most pristine of rainwater.In most plants, acceptable levels of pollutants and trace compounds that are found in the infl uent are also detectable in much smaller amounts in the effl uent – including microconstituents. It is important to know the quality of the product water that is produced by the treatment plant because all treatment plants are not the same.

What do drinking water treatment plants do to remove these compounds?

Drinking water treatment plants are the principal safeguard against human consumption of unsafe levels of a broad range of natural and manmade substances in the water environment. Normal carbon fi ltration dramatically reduces the concentration of such substances.

Shouldn’t we try to prevent microconstituents from entering the water environment?

Yes, removing the very small concentrations of microconstituents from receiving water is much more diffi cult and more expensive than preventing introduction into the water environment in the fi rst place. Industry, agriculture, and consumers should be active proponents of controlling these compounds at their point of generation. More importantly, regulatory agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are charged with the responsibility of evaluating these compounds before they are approved for manufacturing and distribution. These agencies, as gatekeepers to our public health, evaluate these compounds to determine if their trace presence in environmental media is creating either a negative human health or environmental impact.

Is regular soap safer than antibacterial soap?Antibacterial soaps and products are growing in number and you may already be using them to wash your dishes, clean your hands, moisturize your skin, and even brush your teeth.

There’s no evidence that antibacterial soaps prevent disease in the home. According to the American Medical Association and a US Federal Advisory Committee on nonprescription drugs, antibacterial soaps and washes are no more effective than regular soap and water in fi ghting infection in everyday use.

What is WEF doing about microconstituents in the Environment?

WEF has established a community of practice in the wastewater industry to focus on the issue because WEF believes that we should all be sharing information across the various sectors of the industry. We also believe that research should proceed on Microconstituents in all environmental media. Such research should be led and primarily funded by EPA and FDA as well as State regulatory authorities. Should the regulatory authorities declare that additional controls on these microconstituents are warranted in the future due to demonstrated risk to public health or the environment, the wastewater treatment and biosolids professions will be proactive and implement additional treatment and controls.WEF is encouraging those professionals and the environmental management fi eld to promote the acquisition of needed data upon which regulatory bodies and the public can rely upon to maintain and if necessary amend appropriate policy and regulation. Currently a very great amount of monitoring is done

on a wide range of materials in the environment. These and other compounds are the subject of continued research regarding their prevalence and effects in the water environment. Obviously considered and weighed judgments are made by regulatory bodies with relevant expertise as to the predicted and actual benefi ts and risks associated with the substance or product.

WEF needs to be at the forefront of enhancing understanding about compounds in the water environment to ensure that the public has the most up to date and understandable information. Communicating on such highly technical topics can pose a real challenge since the water environment is not well understood by the lay public. WEF has a responsibility to this public it serves to help translate often mind numbing data and analysis into understandable yet accurate terms.

What can consumers do to minimize microconstituents

from entering the environment?Controlling compounds at their source is the easiest and least expensive way to protect the environment in all instances. Both our public environmental offi cials and consumers need to determine if the fact that these compounds have been detected, even in small amounts, outweighs their benefi ts. This is a diffi cult question. Consumers can help to minimize compounds from entering the water environment by using only what is necessary and by following product disposal recommendations. Unused pharmaceuticals should never be fl ushed down the toilet or poured down the drain.

We can all help by learning more about the products we use and know how they impact the environment. Just like mercury thermometer exchanges and cooking oil drop off locations, drug take back programs are becoming more common.

What can consumers do with unused pharmaceuticals

and household hazardous materials?When you need to dispose of unused mediations, check whether your pharmacy accepts unused or expired medications for disposal, or contact your local health department for information about proper disposal of medications and other materials that could potentially harm the environment (such as cleaning products, pesticides, and automotive products). If your community does not have such a program, contact USEPA Offi ce of Pollution Prevention and Toxic Substances at http://www.epa.gov/oppt/. Many communities now sponsor Community Household Hazardous Waste Collection Programs or a pharmaceutical “take-back” program may also be available.Some pharmaceuticals are controlled substances (codeine, ritialin, percocet, oxycodone) are therefore under the control of the United States Drug Enforcement Agency (USDEA) for disposal purposes. Some drugs such as nitroglycerin, nicotine, and ephenephren can be hazardous. Your county or city law enforcement personnel are a good resource to provide guidance regarding disposal of these substances. Some states and cities are involved in drug take back programs as a focus of prevention for substance abuse – particularly among youth who may fi nd and experiment with unused pain relievers, tranquilizers, stimulants, sedatives and other drugs.

If “drug take-back programs” are not available, how should

unused medication be disposed?Check with your state and local agencies for guidance on safe and environmentally- responsible disposal of unused medications and/or personal care products. Again, it is important to consult your local public health organization or environmental agency for guidance. The WEF Public Education Committee will be exploring drug take back programs to provide model guidance for member organizations as one of their priority activities for 2007.

For information on proper disposal of household hazardous wastes

http://www.wef.org/AboutWater/ForThePublic/FactSheets/FactSheetDocuments/HouseholdHazardousWaste.htm

For information on pharmaceuticals and personal care products

www.epa.gov/ppcp

(Article reprinted from WEF News Web site)

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Reno

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Ken LykensBusiness Unit Leader

BUILDING A BETTER WORLD

MWH Americas, Inc. 3010 West Charleston Blvd.Suite 100Las Vegas, Nevada 89102kenneth.lykens@mwhglobal.com

Telephone: 702 878 8010Direct Line: 702 821 4361Facsimile: 702 878 7833

To advertise in an upcoming issue of the Silver State Water Environment News please direct inquiries to Mark Briggs at:

Brown and Caldwell4425 West Spring Mountain Road, Suite 225Las Vegas, Nevada 89102Phone (702) 938-4080Fax (702) 938-4082E-mail mbriggs@brwncald.com

WASTEWATER & WATER PROCESS SPECIALISTS Representing Over 30 Manufacturers of Water

& Wastewater Treatment Equipment

TANKS High Density Crosslinked & Linear Polyethylene

Glass-Fused- to-Steel & Epoxy Coated Bolted Steel FRP & Welded Steel

PROCESS EQUIPMENT Municipal and Industrial Water and Wastewater

Treatment Equipment Environmental Remediation Equipment

INSTRUMENTATION Turbidity, pH, Conductivity, DO, ORP & Specific Ion

E-Mail sales@ryanprocess.comwww.ryanprocess.com

925-837-0670 800-839-0670

925-837-4832 Fax

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Solar-Powered Reservoir Circulator

"Quality Water, Naturally"

SolarBee Solutions for Water Quality Problems

Freshwater• Control blue-green algae without chemicals• Get dissolved oxygen where it’s needed

Potable Water• Solve water age issues• Keep water good to the last drop

Wastewater• Compliance and odor control at less cost

Solar Powered CirculatorsSolarBee Division of Pump Systems, Inc.

PO Box 1930, Dickinson, ND 58602866-437-8076 • Fax 701-225-0002

www.solarbee.com

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Water

Drinking WaterEnvironmentalInfrastructure ManagementWastewaterWater Resources

Las Vegas Reno702.938.6000 775.337.4700

www.hdrinc.com

Aerator Products/USFAero-ModAndritzASA/ChemscanAtlas CopcoBrentwood IndustriesCapital ControlsClorTecCPC/Microfloc/USFCustom ConveyorDAVCO/USFDavis Process/USFDeskinsEnduroEnvirex Diffused Air/USFEnvirex/USFEnviropaxFMC/USFGeneral Filter/USFGolden HarvestHallstenHydro Clear Filters/USFJet Tech/USFJim Myers & Sons, Inc.JWC EnvironmentalKrugerMemcor/USFMFG FiberglassOzonia*PCI-WedecoPlasti-FabPrecision SystemsPulscoRDP CompanyRJ Environmental/USFRotorkSerpentixTEMCORTetra TechnologiesTOMCOUSFilter*Wedeco/UVWilo-EMUZimpro/USF

* Northern Nevada Only

HEADWORKSAuger MonstersChannel MonstersMuffin MonstersBar ScreensWasher Compactors

LIQUIDS/SOLIDS SEPARATIONGrit RemovalWater ScreensCircular ClarifiersRectangular ClarifiersDAF ThickenersBelt ThickenersGravity ThickenersFine Screens

BIOLOGICAL TREATMENTFine Bubble AerationCoarse Bubble AerationJet AeratorsOrbal Aerators/Oxidation DitchSequencing Batch ReactorsSingle Stage CompressorsCentrifugal BlowersPlastic MediaRotary DistributorsRBCs & SBCsNitrification/DenitrificationFloating Aerators

SOLIDS TREATMENT & HANDLINGDigester CoversDigester Gas MixingSludge Heaters/Heat ExchangersCentrifugesBelt Press DewateringPlate and Frame PressesSludge BaggersSludge DryersSludge BedsLime PasteurizationATADBelt ConveyorsSerpentine ConveyorsSludge Handling SystemsScrew Conveyors

DISENFECTION/CHEMICAL FEEDOn-Site Chlorine GenerationChlorinatorsCl2 AnalyzersChemical Metering PumpsStatic MixersUltraVioletOzone GeneratorsReservoir Management Systems

ODOR & VAPOR SCRUBBERSEmergency Vapor ScrubbersCarbonPacked TowerBiofiltersDigester GasFRP Covers/Ducting/TanksAluminum Covers– Flat & Geodesic

POTABLE WATER TREATMENTMembrane FiltersPackaged Treatment PlantsRapid MixersFlocculators—Vert./Horiz.Solid Contact ClarifiersTube SettlersFilter UnderdrainsPressure FiltersReverse OsmosisIron/Maganese FiltersBackwash Water RecoveryArsenic RemovalPlate Settlers

SPECIALTY EQUIPMENTPackage Plants—WastewaterPackaged Lift/BoosterTertiary/Title 22 FiltersGroundwater TreatmentDewatering Equipment RentalNitrate/Ammonia AnalyzerFRP Weirs, Baffles, TroughsSubmersible Pumps

VALVES & GATESPlug ValvesButterfly ValvesControl ValvesKnife GatesSluice & Slide GatesFRP Gates/StoplogsElectric Actuators

CONTROLS & AUTOMATIONValve & Gate Automation

MANUFACTURERS EQUIPMENT

August 2006

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www.misco.comFOOTHILL RANCH - PLEASANTON - AURORA - TEMPE - ALBUQUERQUE - LAS VEGAS

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Nevada Water Environment AssociationBrown and Caldwell, 4425 West Spring Mountain Road, Suite 225 Las Vegas, Nevada 89102 (Phone) 702-938-4080 (Fax) 702-938-4082

NON PROFIT ORG

U.S. POSTAGE PAID

LAS VEGAS NV

PERMIT NO. 2658