West Virginia Water Environment Association

Welcome

The West Virginia Water Environment Association is an affiliate of the national Water Environment Federation. The state organization received its charter from the federation in 1947. There are currently over 250 members in the state. Our membership is comprised of engineers, regulatory agency personnel, equipment suppliers, managers, and operators of wastewater treatment works. The major function of the Association is to assist and educate our membership in matters related to the wastewater industry by sponsoring classes throughout the state and by helping our members in all areas of the operations of their facilities.

What is the WV-WEA?

The West Virginia Water Environment Association is an affiliate of the national Water Environment Federation. The state organization received its charter from the federation in 1947. There are currently over 250 members in the state. Our membership is comprised of engineers, regulatory agency personnel, equipment suppliers, managers, and operators of wastewater treatment works. The major function of the Association is to assist and educate our membership in matters related to the wastewater industry by sponsoring classes throughout the state and by helping our members in all areas of the operations of their facilities.

What is the WEF?

The Water Environment Federation (WEF) is an international not-for-profit educational and technical organization of 40,000 water quality experts. WEF members include environmental, civil, and chemical engineers, biologists, chemists, government officials, treatment plant managers and operators, laboratory technicians, college professors, researchers, students, broyeur vegetaux professionnel and equipment manufactures and distributors.

Mailing Address:

West Virginia Water Environment Assocation
P.O. Box 5262
Charleston, WV
25361

2013-2014 Board of Directors:

President
Kevin Compton kcomptonbpsd@hotmail.com

President Elect
Kevin Kemerer kekemerer@ppvs.com

1st Vice President
Marc Bryson marc.bryson@steptoe-johnson.com

2nd Vice President
Shelley Porter shelley.porter@amwater.com

Immediate Past President
Craig Richards crichards@burnip.com

National Delegate
David Sago davidsago@aol.com

PWOT Director
Ron Burnside rbernie@suddenlinkmail.com

Secretary/Treasurer
Bill Cunningham dunbar_billc@hotmail.com

Committee Information:

Awards

Chair: Bruce McDaniel (bmcdaniel@g-and-o.com)

The committee shall make annual recommendations to the WVWEA Executive Committee and Federation Board of Directors for recipients of the various Federation and Association awards. The committee shall develop and administer detailed criteria for evaluating nominations for Federation and Association awards and medals. The committee shall have continuing oversight over the Federation’s program of awards and medals and make appropriate recommendations to the WVWEA Executive Committee and Federation Board of Directors.

The following awards and timeframes are recommended:

Constitution and Bylaws

Chair: Bruce McDaniel (bmcdaniel@g-and-o.com)

The committee shall consider and recommend language for changes in the Constitution and Bylaws in accordance with proposals referred to it by the WVWEA Executive Committee or the Federation Board of Directors. The committee shall continually review the Constitution and Bylaws for consistency and clarity, and shall recommend any language changes to correct flaws.

Education

Chair: Ron Byrnside (rbernie@suddenlinkmail.com)

The committee shall develop, recommend and conduct programs that improve the technical, leadership, and management skills of water quality professionals, that advocate high ethical standards, and that promote adequate compensation for and recognition of the value of these skills and standards. The committee shall assist the President-elect with putting on the program for the Annual Conference and assist the 1st Vice President with the program at EXPO.

Exhibit Hall

Chair: Larry Bonar (lrbonar@moundsvillewwtp.com)

The committee shall provide and oversee the arrangement of booth space for vendors who attend the annual conference and wish to display their products in the exhibit hall.

Government Affairs

Chair: Jim Downey (Jim.Downey@terradon.com)

The committee shall provide direction and leadership on the formation of state government environmental policies, interaction with WEA members and WEF on these policies, and implementation of sound environmental policies. The committee shall keep abreast of all bills coming before the West Virginia Legislature which affect environmental policies. This work also includes the electronic disbursement of information to all WVWEA Executive Committee and all Committee Chairmen.

Local Arrangements

Chair: To Be Announced

The committee shall make arrangements for the annual operators picnic which begins the annual conference. These arrangements may include, but are not limited to, providing the picnic venue, food, beverages, and prizes.

Membership/Young Professionals

Chair: Shelley Watkins (swatkins@chaptech.com

The committee shall develop programs to promote membership in the Association and shall develop programs to assist the Association in providing services to the Association’s statewide members. The committee shall also serve as liaison in promoting the Association to other statewide professional organizations.

Mountain Currents

Chair: Fred Roman (Editor, arroman25@aol.com), Ron Byrnside (Advertising, rbernie@suddenlinkmail.com)

The committee shall solicit members of the assocation for articles and advertisement for incorporation into the association’s news magazine. The committee shall also edit the magazine and deliver it to the print shop.

Nominating

Chair: Mike Giannani (mikeg5210@hotmail.com)

The committee shall consist of three eligible voting members appointed by the President. The President shall designate the Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Committee. The committee shall nominate candidates for the elective offices of the Association.

Scholarship

Chair: Richard Weigand (rweigand@wvetc.org)

The committee shall be composed of at least the past-president, one member of the 5-“S” Society, and shall solicit applications and review said applicants for award of one or more annual scholarships. The committee shall routinely evaluate the application and selection process and recommend improvements to the Executive Committee.

Stockholm Junior Water Prize

Chair: Craig Richards (crichards@burnip.com)

The Stockholm Junior Water Prize is the world’s most prestigious youth award for a water-related science project. The prize taps into the unlimited potential of today’s high school students as they seek to address current and future water challenges.

Any high school student (grade 9-12) with a water-related science project is eligible to participate in the Stockholm Junior Water Prize competition. Teams of up to three students may enter; however, only one state representative is guaranteed a trip to the national competition to present their team project.

Projects should focus on local, regional, national, or global issues. It is essential that all projects use a research-oriented approach, which means they must use scientifically accepted methodologies for experimentation, monitoring, and reporting, including statistical analysis.

To be eligible for the state competition, students must complete the online entry form and electronically submit their research paper. There are no specific paper guidelines at the state level. Teams of up to three students may enter; however, only one student representative is guaranteed sponsorship to the national competition.

Based on the papers, and in some cases personal interviews at science fairs, a group of water professionals will identify the best water-related science project from each state. Most state winners will be announced online at www.sjwp.org on May 3, 2011.

State winners and their science teachers will receive an all-expense-paid trip the national SJWP competition.

In addition, the state winner will receive a state medal and a one year WEF student membership. The state winner’s school will receive a framed certificate.

Training/Licensing

Chair: Rich Weigand (rweigand@wvetc.org)

The committee shall monitor training and certification activities as they relate to the licensing of wastewater operators within the state. This shall include reporting on the number of licenses issued annually and shall include serving as a liaison to the WVBPH Certificate Officer regarding licensing and examination issues and certification regulations.

What’s New

For more information on WEF Membership, click the link to .pdf: WEF Membership

Updated award and scholarship info forms

Awards:

Stockholm Junior Water Prize

The Stockholm Junior Water Prize is the most prestigious award in the world for a water-related science project at at the high school level.

High quality water free of contaminates, that is fit for human consumption and use, which will meet the needs of a rapidly expanding world population, is a top priority in today’s society. Being able to determine if water is suitable for consumption and use by people is essential. The various devices and methods currently available to determine if water meets the standards for use in daily needs are somewhat costly, not necessarily timely, and sometimes require sophisticated knowledge and equipment.
CRITERIA:

2011 YEAR IN REVIEW (.pdf)

Arthur Sidney Bedell Award

Established to acknowledge extraordinary personal service to a member Association.

The award is named for Arthur Sidney Bedell, the second president of the Federation who exemplified its purpose by his long devotion and service to the New York Water Pollution Control Association, the Bureau of Sewage and Waste Disposal of the New York State Department of Health. The award consists of a plaque suitably inscribed with the recipient’s name and presented by a Federation representative at the Member Association annual meeting.
CRITERIA:

NOMINATION FORM (.pdf)

George W. Burke, Jr. Award

Established to encourage an active and effective safety program in municipal and industrial facilities.

This award was established in 1982 in honor of George W. Burke, Jr., for his many years of service to both the water environment field and the Federation as staff manager of technical services. Mr. Burke was instrumental in developing the Federation’s annual safety survey and assisting in the production of several safety aids and promotional packets.
CRITERIA:

NOMINATION FORM (.pdf)

William D. Hatfield Award

Presented to operators of wastewater treatment plants for outstanding performance and professionalism. The award was established in honor of Dr. William D. Hatfield, Superintendent of the Decator, Illinois Sanitary District, who was President of the Central States Sewage Works Association in 1944 – 45 and served as President of the Federation in 1958 – 59. The award consists of a plaque suitably inscribed with the recipient’s name and is presented by the Federation representative at the Member Association annual meeting.

CRITERIA:

NOMINATION FORM (.pdf)

Wilson/Wellman Collection System Operator of the Year Award

In Memory of Brian Wilson and Tim Wellman who gave their lives while working at the collection system of Northern Wayne PSD. This award will be presented to an individual for contributions to the advancement of the “State of the Art” in Wastewater Collection. The award consists of a plaque suitably inscribed with the recipient’s name; “For his outstanding dedication as a Collection System Operator.”

Candidates may be nominated by anyone who wishes to recognize the significant efforts by collection system operators of any facility in West Virginia. A committee of association members and/or other professionals evaluates each candidate. Evaluations are based on the performance and compliance of the collection system they operate, their contributions to the wastewater field, and their service to the community. Nominees must be full time employees from a wastewater facility.

CRITERIA:

NOMINATION FORM (.pdf)

Laboratory Analyst Excellence Award

The Board of directors established this award in 1993 to recognize individuals for outstanding performance, professionalism, and contributions to the water quality analysis profession. The award consists of a plaque suitably inscribed with the recipient’s name and is presented by a Federation representative at the Member Association Annual Meeting.

CRITERIA:

NOMINATION FORM (.pdf)

Operator of the Year Nomination

Each year the Association recognizes outstanding operators of wastewater systems.

Candidates may be nominated by anyone who wishes to recognize the significant efforts by operators of any facility in West Virginia. A committee of association members and or other professionals evaluates each candidate. Evaluations are based on the performance and compliance of facilities they operate, their contributions to the wastewater field, and their service to the community; Nominees must be certified operators from a wastewater facility. Presentations of the awards are made at the Association’s Annual Conference in May.

CRITERIA:
A. Nominee must be certified. List the following:

NOMINATION FORM (.pdf)

Scholarships:
Due to the efforts of Danny Vance the scholarship fund has been growing while at the same time the amount of the annual scholarship has increased from $1,000 to $1,200 per recipient. There are two scholarships awarded each year. One is given to a graduating high school senior, and the other to an under graduate college student. The scholarship is not restricted. The scholarship can be used for books, fees, tuition, or room and board. Applications and details can be obtained from the Scholarship Committee Chairperson. The competition is high and the committee works hard to sort through the applications. Check it out and start working now to put together your application. Remember only children of active members are eligible for the scholarship.

NOMINATION FORM - High School Graduate (.pdf)
NOMINATION FORM - College Undergraduate (.pdf)

2013 Annual AWWA/WEA Joint Conference Information

The WV-WEA meetings are a great opportunity to network with other professionals in the state, learn about new technology, and hang-out with friends.

2013 Annual Meeting May 19-22,
Location: The Resort at Glades Springs

As always our conference will begin on Sunday with our golf outing followed by a picnic with great food, beverages, prizes, and fellowship. Come just for the picnic or put together a team and enjoy golf at one of the finest courses our State has to offer. Donations from our vendors and hard work from volunteers make it all possible.
Monday will begin two days of morning and afternoon training sessions that are sure to deliver the latest in technology, research, safety, troubleshooting, operations, permit issues, certification issues, or other cutting edge topics in water quality.

Each day of technical sessions will be followed up by our vendor exhibit show (meilleures croisieres en promotion). Check out the latest in water and wastewater industry related technology. Talk with knowledgeable representatives that can guide you through your particular needs. Exchanging ideas, making connections, and sharing solutions allow us all to do business more effectively. Did we mention more great food and prizes?

After our vendor show on Tuesday evening our conference will conclude with our Annual Joint Banquet. Besides more great food and fellowship, both the WV-WEA and the WV-AWWA present their annual personal achievement awards, collective achievement awards, scholarships, golf outing awards and many others.

Operator Certificate up for renewal? Earn CEHs by attending our training sessions!!! Mark your calendars now!!! Hope to see you there!!!

Conference Registration Forms are available at wvawwa.org.

Questions or comments about our website contact: kcomptonbpsd@hotmail.com

WV-WEA.org Classifieds:

Have use equipment? Have new equipment that you can’t use?

Looking to hire someone? Looking for someone to hire you?

ADVERTISE HERE!!!

Send your ad to Kevin Compton at kcomptonbpsd@hotmail.com

Please let us know when your needs have been met so we can remove your ad.

National Meetings:

For more information on WEF Membership, click the link to .pdf: WEF Membership

Certified Operator Patch:

The WV Water Environment Association has sponsored the production of a CERTIFIED WASTEWATER OPERATOR patch. The patches are a handsome green and blue and are suitable for hats, shirts, jackets, etc.:

You do not need to be a WV-WEA member to purchase the patches. However, you must be a WV certified operator and you must provide your certification number on the order form. The patches cost $3.00 and are available from the WV Environmental Training Center.

Just download an order form and send the completed form and money to the WV Environmental Training Center. Patches can also be purchased directly at the WVETC. (Actual patch size is 2.5in x 4in)

Government Affairs:

Click to view the WV WEA Gov’t Affairs Newsletter, Volume I, 2012

Current News

Scholarship Applications Due By: April 15, 2014
Send Applications To: Richard Weigand, The WV Environmental Training Center, Cedar Lakes Conference Center
82 FFA Drive, Ripley, WV 25271

Download High School Scholarship Application Form Download College Undergraduate Scholarship Application Form

Thinking of joining the WV-WEA?

Well now is your best chance, because for a limited time only new membership is only half price! That’s right, for your first year of membership the association will pay half of your member dues! This offer is available for operators, operators in training, government employees, educators and students, and employees of non-profit organizations. So now what’s your excuse for not joining?

Keep reading to learn more about our organization and how to apply for membership.

What is the Water Environment Federation?

The Water Environment Federation (WEF) is an international not-for-profit educational and technical organization of 40,000 water quality experts. WEF members include environmental, civil, and chemical engineers, biologists, chemists, government officials, treatment plant managers and operators, laboratory technicians, college professors, researchers, students, and equipment manufactures and distributors. WEF is Your Access to Water Knowledge. WEF works to provide its members, public officials and the general public with the necessary tools to engage in or learn ways to improve quality of life through the sustainable management of water resources, water protection, and water and wastewater treatment.

Learn more about joining WEF at:
http://www.wef.org/MembershipCareers/MembershipInformation/JoinWEF/

Member Associations

The Water Environment Federation is comprised of Member Associations and Operator Associations located throughout the world. These associations provide an avenue through which members in defined geographical areas join the Water Environment Federation. When you join the Water Environment Federation, you also join our local Member Association, the WV-WEA.

Local Member Assocation Support

Your Member Association provides you with a local network for professional information exchange and career advancement.