From Tim Williams, twilliams@wef.org. NBP Senior Biosolids EMS Project Manager Position Available. The National Biosolids Partnership (NBP)seeks a Senior Biosolids EMS Project Manager to expand its assistance to local wastewater agencies with implementation of environmental management systems for biosolids.Position requires a technically trained individual with good written and verbal communication skills and a sound understanding of federal biosolids regulations and management practices.We are seeking candidates with a Bachelor’s degree and 10 years (desirable) experience.Ideal experience will include work with local agency biosolids programs, working knowledge of biosolids management practices, knowledge of environmental management systems, and strong project management skills.  Travel (estimated as 30%) is required. This is a one year appointment with continuation contingent on NBP funding.  Office space is available for the position in Alexandria, Virginia.  Telecommuting and other alternate work arrangements considered.Compensation is in the $60-to-$80K depending on experience.   Visit the NBP web page - www.biosolids.org - under the NBP EMS Program and scroll down the page to view details on the position, duties and responsibilities (http://biosolids.org/docs/nbp_senior_biosolidsemsprojectmanager_pd.pdf). To apply, send a cover letter, resume and reference names to:NBP Senior Project Manager Search, Water Environment Federation, 601 Wythe Street, Alexandria, Virginia, 22314; FAX:703-684-2489; Email: wef-jobs@wef.org.EOE (Prins Only).

From  Diane Gilbert, dxg@san.lacity.org.   City of Los Angeles, CA 2004 Biosolids EMS Performance Report. The City of Los Angeles, CA’s 2004 Biosolids EMS Performance Report is available for viewing. The report covers biosolids performance from June 2004 to December 2004.To view the City of Los Angeles Biosolids environmental management system (EMS) performance report, visit: http://biosolids.org/docs/cityofla_2004_performance_repor_0405t.pdf. The report is also posted on the NBP web site in t he NBP EMS Program section http://biosolids.org/ems_main.asp?sectionid=48&pageid=172&pagename=EMS%20Documents.

From Deidre Hunter, dhunter@ocsd.com.  California WEA-NBP Host EMS Workshop. The California Water Environment Association and the National Biosolids Partnership held a one-day biosolids environmental management system workshop on 4-12-05 in Palm Springs, CA.The workshop objectives included:

§Background and Benefits of the NBP program
§Provide an overview of some of the technical how-to's for the "EMS Coordinator" types and staff that have to implement the EMS

CWEA is working with the NBP because the NBP is offering a unique opportunity for California and agencies in the tri-state area. The EMS training class included about 15 agencies, and was hosted by NBP in CA, rather than in DC, which saves a lot of travel time!The workshop was an orientation to the NBP EMS program presented as an opportunity by new agencies to consider joining the program.

From Ned Beecher, ned.beecher@nebiosolids.org. New England Residuals & Biosolids Conference.  The New England Water Environment Association (NEWEA) Residuals Management Committee and the New England Biosolids and Residuals Association (NEBRA) are pleased to announce this year’s annual joint specialty conference will be held November 15 – 16, s005. The lectures and exhibits will be held in Sturbridge, Massachusetts, centrally located between Massachusetts and Connecticut.  The Residuals Committee is inviting the submission of abstracts for papers and presentations for this conference. Specific conference topics will include, but not be limited to the following topics:  Thermal Processing of Biosolids, Odor Control at Biosolids Facilities, Handling and Disposal of Fats, Oils and Grease, and Issues Associated With Animal Waste Disposal.  Written papers are not mandatory.  However, papers that are submitted may be considered for the NEWEA January annual conference in Boston.  Please submit a written 250-word abstract, including paper title and author(s).  Please include author’s affiliation, title, address and telephone number. Abstracts must be submitted by Friday July 1, 2005 to: Mike Jennings, New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission, Boott Mills South, 100 Foot of John Street, Lowell, MA01852, (978) 323-7929, mjennings@neiwpcc.org.

The conference will include optional facility tours.  Tour details are being finalized and will likely include a tour of the Upper Blackstone Waste Water Treatment Facility focusing on the recent improvements to their multiple hearth furnaces and ongoing improvements to their air pollution control system. Also, a tour of the We Care Organics composting facility in Marlboro is being considered. For more information and any questions, please contact Residuals Committee Chair, Mark Gould at 617-452-6374 or Vice Chair, Tom Schwartz at 207-774-2112 or Ned Beecher at the NEBRA office at 603-323-7654.

From Darlene Frye, dfry461@ecy.wa.gov.  Biosolids Position Available at Department of Ecology's Central Regional Office in Yakima, WA.  Washington State Department of Ecology’s Central Regional Office in Yakima, WA is seeking-out potential candidates to fill the regional biosolids coordinator position. The regional biosolids coordinator works with the regulated community, land owners, local health jurisdictions, and other interested parties toward full implementation of the state biosolids program. Job duties include providing extensive technical assistance on biosolids management issues, reviewing and commenting upon permit applications and biosolids beneficial use proposals, issuing permits, and conducting site visits and inspections. The job duties result in a very nice balance between field and office work activities. The position is both challenging and rewarding. This is a full-time, permanent position with competitive pay and excellent benefits.  Persons with experience and/or education in biosolids management, soil science, or agronomy are especially encouraged to pursue this position. If you are interested in the position, please contact Darlene Frye at: 509-457-7123 or dfry461@ecy.wa.gov as soon as possible. The potential candidate pool will assist Ecology in determining the level at which the position is offered.

From Sam Hadeed, shadeed@wef.org.  Fresno, CA Ruling a Setback to KernCounty Sludge Ban.  updated 04/02/05.BAKERSFIELD - A ruling by the 5th District Court of Appeal in Fresno represents a costly setback for Kern County and its ban on class-b biosolids.On Friday night, the Court of Appeals ruled in favor of Southland Sludge Generators, who challenged the validity of that ban.The court left intact the county's ban on Class-B Biosolids. Class B contains higher levels of pathogens and heavy metals than Class-A Sludge. The county banned Class-B Sludge in 1999, Southland Sanitation Districts filed suit, arguing the ban infringed on interstate commerce.And said Kern County should have prepared an environmental impact report, to assess the negative environmental impacts of such a ban in the Southland, where alternative methods of sludge disposal would be required.

While the Appellate Court ruled the ban doesn't violate the commerce clause, an environmental impact report should have been done. Attorney Steve Torigiani a representative for the Arvin-Edison Water Storage District, who intervened in the case on behalf of Kern County.He said the court's ruling isn't all bad news for Kern County. “I think it validates what the county has done and as long as C.E.Q.A is complied with, the ordinance may be valid,� Torigiani said. “The court cited the water quality act, which is a federal statue and it gives local entities like the county the right to ban sludge.�While the Appellate Court's ruling was a victory for sludge generators in the Southland, Supervisor Michael Rubio thinks it could be a blessing in disguise.It gives us a chance to do an EIR and to put in more stringent regulations on the books or outright ban sludge or make the restrictions so tough it in effect puts in a ban, “he said.

But the ruling does carry a hefty price tag. Rubio said an environmental impact report on the county's Class-B Biosolids ban could cost county taxpayers up to half-a-million dollars.The Appellate Court also noted that California's Central Valley receives three-quarters of the state's sewage sludge, while generating just 16-percent.It also underscored that fully one-third of the state's land applied biosolids are exported to Kern County. TO READ THE 104 PAGE DECISION:  http://www.courtinfo.ca.gov/cgi-bin/opinions.cgi.

From Sam Hadeed, shadeed@wef.org.  National Clean Water Act Recognition Awards: Availability of Application and Nomination Information. EPA announced on 4-11-05 the availability of nomination and application information for the U.S. EPA's 2005 Clean Water Act Recognition Awards. The awards recognize municipalities and industries for outstanding and innovative technological achievements in wastewater treatment and pollution abatement programs. Recognition is made for outstanding and noteworthy projects or programs in the following categories: operations and maintenance (O&M) at publicly-owned wastewater treatment facilities; biosolids management; pretreatment programs; storm water management; and combined sewer overflow (CSO) controls. The awards are intended to educate the public about the contributions wastewater treatment facilities make to clean water; to encourage public support for municipal and industrial efforts in effective wastewater management, biosolids management, and wet weather pollution control; and, to recognize communities and industries that use innovative practices to meet CWA permitting requirements. Applicants must be in compliance with all applicable CWA requirements, or otherwise have a satisfactory record with respect to environmental quality.

Nomination and application deadline dates are available through EPA regions and can be obtained from the EPA regional offices listed at http://www.epa.gov/owm/mtb/intnet.htm.For further information, contact: Maria E. Campbell, Telephone: (202) 564-0628. Facsimile Number: (202) 501-2396. E-mail:campbell.maria@epa.gov.Also visit the Office of Wastewater Management's Web page at http://www.epa.gov/owm.