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The NEWEA Journal Fall 2007

It has been a busy summer in Maine, and we look forward to a fall full of activity. The Maine Wastewater Control Association held its annual convention at the Sunday River Grand Summit Resort Hotel and Conference Center on September 19 to 21. A wide variety of presentations were prepared by the Association's Convention and Personnel Advancement committees. The topics ranged from operation and maintenance to management issues. A number of roundtable and panel discussions were held, including "Aging Workforce" and "Who Will Save You in Confined Spaces." One roundtable discussed "Where We Co from Here," which sought input from the membership on the direction they would like to see the Association pursue in the near and distant future. We had the pleasure of having Robert Varney, Administrator, USEPA Region 1, address the attendees Thursday during the lunch and awards ceremony. Mr. Varney addressed areas of concern in Region 1 and how decisions at the regional level may affect the state. He commended all for the progress in improving and protecting our water resources.

Also included in this year's program was a class preparing students for the voluntary NEWEA Collection System Certification Grades I - IV, which was then administered September 21.
 

The 16th annual Fall Golf Classic held at the resort was a great success. The proceeds fromthe tournament benefit the Operations Challenge Team. Many thanks go to the players and the sponsors for their support of this year's team, "Force Maine". The Association is very proud to once again have sent this team to the national event at WEFTEC in San Diego. Team members are Skip Clough (South Berwick WWTP), Brian Cataldo (Wright-Pierce), Mary Anne Peck (OMI-Biddeford), Dan Laflamme (Laflamme Electric) and Travis Peasely (Saco WWTP).

Through the efforts of many, the York County Community College has developed a Certificate of Business Management for Wastewater program. It combines technical training through a state-managed apprenticeship program and business management training through the college. Its purpose is to develop the next generation of foremen, chief operators and superintendents. If you have questions about the program, please contact the YCCC Continuing Education Office or Dana Peck at 207-646-9282 (x203). Maine and the nation are feeling the crunch from the lack of qualified replacements in the wastewater field for those now or about to retire. The MWWCA supports training opportunities such to prepare the next generation of operators and managers.

There are other opportunities for training through the fall provided by the Joint Environmental Training Coordinating Committee. The locations range throughout the state, from Yarmouth to Presque Isle. Topics range from laboratory to maintenance and management. A six-week basic waste-water training course is also offered. All classes are approved for wastewater certification renewal credits and some qualify for drinking water certification renewal credits. More information can be obtained by contacting JETCC at www.jetcc.org or by calling 207-253-8020.

For the latest news concerning the Maine Wastewater Control Association, please visit our website at www.mwwca.org. •

 

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