WEF Residuals and Biosolids Committee Meeting Agenda · 4. 2009 Portland Specialty Conference...

WWEEFF RReessiidduuaallss aanndd BBiioossoolliiddss CCoommmmiitttteeee MMeeeettiinngg SSppeecciiaallttyy CCoonnffeerreennccee SSuubbccoommmmiitttteeee

WWEEFFTTEECC 22000088

McCormick Place Convention Center Chicago, IL

Monday, October 20, 2008 12:30 – 2:30 pm

Room N135

Greg Woodward, Chair

AGENDA

1. Introduction & Welcome

2. Review of Minutes from 2008 Philadelphia, PA RBC Specialty Conference Meeting

3. 2009 Portland Specialty Conference Update – Steve Wilson / Lara Hughes • Call for Abstracts • Date for Conference: May 3 – 7, 2009 • RBC Committee Participation – what will be needed • Planning Schedule

4. 2010 Savannah Specialty Conference Update – John Willis

5. Review of Proposed Conference Sites and Selection Process – Greg Woodward

The following conference sites have been identified:

Location Year Chair Savannah, GA May 23-26, 2010 John Willis Sacramento, CA May 22-25, 2011 Mike Moore / Bob Gillette

• The Sacramento dates need to be solidified.

Boston, MA April 15-18, 2012 Richard Tsang

• We need to discuss the location of the Boston Conference, the dates and availability of the hotel space for the conference members

• Revised date is 2012; April 12-15 – discuss consequences and changes.

Phoenix, Arizona 2013 TBD

Louisville, Kentucky 2014 TBD

TBD 2015 TBD

• Site Location is needed for 2015.

Michigan 2016 TBD Other Future Considerations: Kansas City/Overland Park Convention Center or Omaha/

Quest Convention Center (IWEA /KWEA /MWEA /NWEA)

6. WEFTEC Technical Program Committee Coordination Report – M. Moore /T. Williams

7. RBC Specialty Conference Programs Subcommittee – Greg Woodward

The program committee includes:

• Research and Development – Sudhir Murthy; Jim Smith • Hot Topics – Ruth Roxburgh, Bill Toffey, Mike Scharp • Regional Issues – Chair’s Selection • Thermal Process (potential two sessions) – Jim Welp, Ben Wester, Bob Williamson • Marketing of Biosolids Products – Bob Pepperman, John Donovan • Biosolids Case Studies Stories – Dick Christy, Lita Laven, Lori Stone, Todd Williams,

John Hoff, Dave Brewer • Stabilization Technologies and Digestion (two sessions) – K. Richard Tsang, Dave

Oerke, Michele Hetherington, Dick Schlemmer, John Willis, Gary Newman • Management & Economic Competitiveness – Lynne Moss • Environmental Management Systems – Pete Machno, Mike Moore • Politics and Public Acceptance – Steve Frank • Land Application Systems – Steve Wilson, Mike Scharp, David Quarles • Odor Control – Matt Higgins • International – Tim Shea • Manufacturers Forum – Paul Christy • Industrial – Steve Constable • Regulatory Issues – Bob Bastian • Thickening and Dewatering Technologies – Bob Gillette, Todd Warrix, Jim Medlock • Facility Tours – Chair • Social Events – Dick Christy, Mark Lang • Ag Residuals – Kari Fitzmorris • Sustainability – Bill Toffey, John Willis, Greg Woodward • Opening General Session – Chair We will discuss the responsibilities of these members and how they are to integrate with the committees that are formed for the planning of each specialty conference. The goal

WEFTEC2008 Residuals and Biosolids Specialty Conference Subcommittee Meeting WWEEFFTTEECC –– CChhiiccaaggoo,, IILL

will to establish the program committee directives and provide a written document to the chair of each year’s conference of the resource that is available to them.

• Development of Written Procedures

8. RBC Co-sponsorship Update – Greg Woodward

• Are there other partnering opportunities.

9. Member Associate Specialty Conference Contracts – Greg Woodward / Susan Merther

• Update on procedures

10. Other Old Business – Greg Woodward

11. New Business – Greg Woodward

12. Schedule of Next Meeting – WEF 2009 RBC Specialty Conference (Portland, OR)

WEFTEC2008 Residuals and Biosolids Specialty Conference Subcommittee Meeting WWEEFFTTEECC –– CChhiiccaaggoo,, IILL

WEF Residuals and Biosolids Specialty Conference Subcommittee Meeting Minutes

Tuesday, April 1, 2008

4:00 – 5:30 PM Philadelphia Convention Center

For additional information or comment,

please contact Greg Woodward, [email protected] Peter Brady, [email protected] ; or Todd Williams, [email protected]

1. Introduction & Welcome

An attendees list is attached to these minutes.

2. Review of the October 15, 2007 Meeting Minutes

No corrections or comments were offered to the meeting minutes.

3. 2007 Philadelphia Specialty Conference Review. Jeff LeBlanc provided an update for the conference. A few highlights were noted: ♦ Conference total attendance is 880 registrations as of April 1. ♦ These conference totals represent another new record for attendance to this conference. ♦ In addition to the total attendance there were other statistics offered:

o There are 20 sessions with a total of 100 speakers. o 84 Vendors occupying 95 booth spaces.

♦ Jeff, Lara, Stephanie and each of there individual team members were offered a thank you from the committee for all of their hard work on the conference.

4. 2009 Portland Specialty Conference Update.

The conference is slated for May 3 – 7, 2009. The dates are solidified and all contracts for conference space and hotel agreements are in place. Steve Wilson will be the conference chair and noted a few issues.

The conference theme will Sustainable Biosolids Management and a draft of conference call for abstracts (CFA) was passed around. Steve and Lara have requested the comments regarding the CFA be returned as quickly as possible.

Steve noted that he is beginning to gather assistance in the preparation of the conference. He also noted that he would like to consider the option of cutting back the number of presentations and focus in on the higher quality abstracts / papers that would be prepared and presented. There are no logistical issues to reducing the number of sessions. It was noted that there typically is discussion on this issue just about every conference planning meeting in one form or another. It was noted to Steve that he has the latitude to make

mailto:[email protected]



WEF Residuals and Biosolids Specialty Conference Subcommittee Meeting Minutes April 1, 2008

Philadelphia Convention Center Page 2

recommendation to the committee for any adjustment in the program based upon the submittals received from the CFA.

It was also noted that during this year’s review of the abstracts that there was a single abstract that was submitted three times, having been rewritten three different times and submitted under three different topics. It was uncertain if this submittal was due to confusion of the CFA instructions or if the submitter really wanted to be considered for different sessions. Lara will review the online submission form and instructions to verify that it is clear when submitting. Submitters are allowed to identify more then one topic that they would like their abstract considered for and this will continue.

There were questions as to the procedure for the submission and selection of workshops. Steve questioned how this is to be done. It was noted that in the past, the procedure has differed. In Denver there was a submission form that was to be submitted at the same time as the CFA. This was done due to a high number of workshops that were being discussed ahead of the CFA deadline. These instructions were included on the website and published with the CFA.

In other years the process has been less formal. Steve noted that they will probably follow the more formal procedure and have a call for workshops parallel the CFA. Jim Scisson mentioned that he will be submitting on a workshop that is similar to past years’ and is directed towards operators. This workshop has been held adjacent to the daily sessions since the audience for this workshop is likely to be operations staff. Stephanie noted that there would be space for this workshop if it was determined to be one of the workshops.

It was noted later in the RBC meeting on Wednesday morning that this conference is scheduled during the same dates as the NACWA National Clean Water Policy Forum that will be held in Washington DC. It was also noted that the NACWA meeting is a one hundred person policy event and does not have a large audience overlap. This date doesn’t appear to conflict with other conferences that are local to the Oregon MA or other Biosolids Association meetings in the area.

5. Review of proposed conference sites. There has been some challenges obtaining confirmation of the hotel and conference space for Boston in 2010. In advance of this meeting there were discussions with WEF staff and conference chair, Richard Tsang, to exchange the dates for the conference with Savannah, GA.

Boston will now be held in 2012. Stephanie Jones has been working diligently on the RFP responses. There has only been a single proposal submittal from the Sheraton in downtown Boston and the associated conference space will be located in the Hynes Convention Center. The proposal request was for any dates from the first of February through the end of April. The dates proposed are April 12-15, 2012.

Currently WEF is negotiating the room rates with the Sheraton. At this time the Sheraton doesn’t want to establish confirmed rates for the hotel room blocks. Right now they are proposing an increase of 5% / year escalating from the current rate of $239 / night up to $274 / night.

These rates are high and in addition to the hotel rates it was noted that it is expensive to have the conference in Boston. After discussion it was determined to continue with the location. Stephanie will schedule a conference call with Richard, John Donavan and Greg after she has some time to continue the negotiations with the Sheraton. This call will be near the first of May.



This then moves Savannah to 2010. John Willis was present and noted that he and those expressing interest in assisting are willing to continue with this plan. The conference date and locations have been confirmed. Dates are May 23-26, 2010 and the location is the Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort and Spa and the Savannah International Trade Center.

Peter Brady noted that he had been approached by the International Water Association (IWA) to potentially conduct a joint Biosolids conference. Steve Dentel with the University of Delaware was present at the meeting representing the Sludge Management Specialist Group from the IWA. Steve is the chair of that IWA Specialist Group. Discussion noted that those present would definitely want to pursue this opportunity. Currently WEF has co-sponsored conferences with IWA in other venues / topics and a number of the logistical and contractual issues between the two organizations have already been worked out. There will need to be further conversations regarding this issue and it will be the board of trustees who will make the final decision. Adam Zabiniski was present and spoke about the need for the committee to make a formal request to the Board that this issue be pursued. Greg Woodward will initiate this communication with the Board once a little more investigation into the logistical issues can be addressed and Greg will work with Lara Hughes and other WEF staff to further this opportunity.

After more discussion about the opportunities of increased attendance, and broader subject opportunities it was noted that the current 2010 contract only has space for four concurrent sessions. Stephanie was requested to look into the contractual arrangement and determine if additional space could be negotiated. It was noted that attendance at a typical IWA Biosolids meeting was approximately 300-400 and it was anticipated that holding a joint conference in Savannah would likely bring a similar number of IWA attendees.

The remainder of the future sites were discussed and those still anticipated are:

2011 Sacramento, California; Mike Moore and Bob Gillette have volunteered for co-chair positions. The dates for the conference are May 22-25, 2011.

2012 Boston, MA, Chair – Richard Tsang Tentative Dates are April 12-15, 2012

2013 Phoenix, Arizona; Chair – TBD

2014 Louisville, Kentucky; Chair – TBD

2015 The site for the 2015 conference has not been chosen. During the April 2008 committee meeting it was noted that we would focus on a location on the east coast for a venue. Discussion brought forth locations such as Hilton Head, SC; Charlotte, NC; Alexandria, VA and Richmond, VA; Baltimore, MD; Raleigh, NC; and a venue in Florida.

Discussions during the RBC Meeting on Wednesday also brought forth a suggested location in Austin, TX. Greg noted that he would work with Stephanie on these suggested locations and have a recommendation at the 2008 WEFTEC conference meeting. Stephanie asked the committee to consider identifying a rotation of conference sites around the country that would allow WEF staff to look into multi year contracts with these sites and potentially derive discounts from these type of contracts. It was noted that the committee would consider and discuss again at WEFTEC.

2016 Detroit or Ann Arbor, Michigan; Chair – TBD

Future consideration should include the Kansas City / Overland Park Convention Center or Omaha / Quest Convention Center (IWEA / KWEA / MWEA / NWEA).



6. WEFTEC Technical Program Committee Coordination, Biosolids Workshop Update.

No update was provided. 7. RBC Specialty Conference Programs Subcommittee.

The current standing committee through 2008 WEFTEC is noted below. There have been a couple of additional volunteers added to the list. Greg will communicate with each individual listed below to determine their interest in the continued support of the program subcommittee. • Research and Development – Sudhir Murthy, Jim Smith • Hot Topics – Bill Toffey, Mike Scharp, Dru Whitlock • Regional Issues – Chair’s Selection • Thermal Process – Jim Welp, Ben Wester, Bob Williamson • Marketing of Biosolids Products – Bob Pepperman, John Donovan • Biosolids Case Studies /Success Stories – Dick Christy, Lita Laven, Lori Stone, Todd

Williams, John Hoff, Dave Brewer • Stabilization Technologies and Digestion – K. Richard Tsang, Dave Oerke, Michele

Hetherington, Dick Schlemmer, John Willis, Gary Newman • Management & Economic Competitiveness – Lynne Moss • Environmental Management Systems – Pete Machno, Mike Moore • Politics and Public Acceptance – Steve Frank • Land Application Systems – Steve Wilson, Mike Scharp, David Quarles • Odor Control – Matt Higgins • International – Tim Shea • Manufacturers Forum – Paul Christy • Industrial – Steve Constable • Regulatory Issues – Bob Bastian • Thickening and Dewatering Technologies – Bob Gillette, Todd Warrix, Jim Medlock • Facility Tours – Chair • Social Events – Dick Christy, Mark Lang • Ag Residuals – Kari Fitzmorris • Sustainability – Bill Toffey, John Willis, Greg Woodward • Opening General Session – Chair

We are looking for additional volunteers to assist with the program segments that only have a single individual noted. Please contact Greg Woodward if interested.

8. Co-Sponsorship of the RBC Conference

Following the meeting in October of 2007 the recommendation to the RBC Co-Chairs’ was made to discontinue our formal relationship and odd year rotation of having a joint conference with AWWA. This recommendation was supported by the committee and passed onto the Board of Trustees. The Board was in agreement with the motion and has noted this decision to the appropriate members in AWWA. This decision doesn’t limit the ability to continue having technical sessions covering the topics of water treatment facility residuals (WTRs). In contrast it was suggested that we should consider WTRs much the same way that we currently include agricultural residuals in our programs.



It was also noted that over the past few months discussions have begun with Eileen O’Neill regarding establishing other informal and formal partnering relationships with local, regional or national groups and organizations that would provide larger and broader opportunities to the RBC committee in forms of co-sponsorship of conference or joint conferences. It was noted following discussion that this issue should be pursued in earnest and Greg will continue discussions with Eileen in establishing a protocol for further efforts. Adam also noted that currently there are no formal arrangements with any groups and that when such discussions are to begin with any entity the contractual arrangement of risk and liability will need to be paramount. WEF will look hard at these issues and the exposure that would occur with any such formal agreements. However, when such groups are looking at co-sponsorships without requesting the risk / liability and associated revenue then the decision for inclusion will fall to conference chair, planning committee and ultimately approval from the RBC committee. Again Adam noted that the committee should bring a recommendation to the Board for consideration of such agreements and that WEF should establish the means to have these working relationships in place. Continued discussion centered around the development of new relationships with other organizations that we could jointly provide benefits towards. These relationships would be with other residual generating markets. It was noted that we should speak with Eileen O’Neill regarding this endeavor to make sure that we should we commence with the establishment of these relationships that they are done according to WEF criteria.

9. Member Association Specialty Conference Agreements

Over the past few months Eileen O’Neill and Susan Merther have been obtaining information and establishing procedures for revenue sharing with Member Associations. This information will be added to the current WEF guidelines for working with MAs on Specialty Conferences that were developed through a task force of MA representatives in 2004-2005. This effort is recognized as very important and a much needed improvement to establishing a stronger link between the MAs and WEF. The intent will be to have updated guidelines WEFTEC that are to be put into place for future specialty conferences. Issues that are intended to be discussed are contractual arrangements that the MA and WEF could have for a conference, defined schedules of procedural issues such as budgets, contracts, standardized agreements, and further clarification on responsibilities of staff and the local MAs acting as collaborating organizations.

10. Other Old Business

There was no old business discussed. 11. New Business

Strategic Planning Meeting: Over the last year as Mike Moore has transitioned out of the RBC Chair he has challenged the incoming group to step back and access the mission and goals of the committee. The intent is to see if there has been the development of stagnation in the committee,



if the committee still needs the subcommittees that are in place, do they need to be changed or eliminated, etc… It is a basic look at how the committee operates as a whole. In late January a number of committee members convened in Chicago for a mid year conference during which they discussed issues that were identified as part of a survey that was put out to a very broad majority of RBC members and other stakeholders. From this meeting came a consensus that the RBC is doing well in their mission, the mission is still solid but there are some things that although, aren’t broken, do need to be greased. One of these areas is the involvement of organizations that would provide benefit to the committee in terms of knowledge base and membership. An action item of pursuing these type of relationships came as a directive from the committee. Another was the ability to engage more of the current WEF membership that is considered to be Young Professionals as well as system operators. During the meeting Greg mentioned that these two items are ones that fortunately the planning committee had already started discussing but needed to establish basic goals and action items to achieve these goals. Over the next few months there will be communication regarding how to commence upon these initiatives. However, in the interim Greg has asked that Steve and John in their planning of the conference for 2009 and 2010 that they begin to work into their groups individuals that can start to develop activities and / or an approach to increase participation from the YP and Operators. We as a group need to assist in identifying organizations that we can begin discussion with regarding partnering.

12. Schedule of Next Meeting – WEFTEC 2008

The next scheduled meeting will occur during WEFTEC. Location and time will be communicated in the future.

13. The meeting adjourned at 5:30 P.M.



Meeting Attendees Name Affiliation Email Address

Bob Gillette Carollo Engineers [email protected]

Steve Wilson Brown & Caldwell [email protected]

Ken Fonda Brown & Caldwell [email protected]

Jim Scisson URS [email protected]

Steve Frank MWRD [email protected]

Dru Whitlock CH2M Hill [email protected]

Tim Shea CH2M Hill [email protected]

Jeff LeBlanc We Care Organics [email protected]

Kari Fitzmorris Georgia Southern University [email protected]

Bill Toffey Philadelphia Water Dept [email protected]

Steve Dentel University of Delaware

Bob Forbes CH2M Hill [email protected]

Jay Kemp Earth Tech [email protected]

Bob Gillette Carollo Engineers [email protected]

Lara Hughes WEF [email protected]

Greg Woodward Stantec [email protected]

Stephanie Jones WEF [email protected]

Sam Hadeed WEF [email protected]

Tim Williams WEF [email protected]

Adam Zabinski WEF President [email protected]

Richard Tsang CDM [email protected]

John Donovan CDM [email protected]

Mark Meckes EPA [email protected]

Jim Smith EPA [email protected]
























As urban areas grow in size and population, municipal, industrial,

and agricultural facilities are confronted with issues relat-ing to residuals and biosolids management. Around the world, industrial as well as agricultural communities are moving towards higher regulatory requirements for residuals/biosolids processing, handling and disposal, or benefi cial use options. The conference will strive to meet the needs of the industry professional for education, awareness, knowledge, and acceptance of best management practices through workshops, technical sessions, an exhibition, and facility tours. This annual con-ference, offered since 1985, typically attracts around 800 residuals and biosolids professionals.

www.wef.org/ResidualsBiosolids

Residuals and Biosolids 2009

Conference: May 3 – 6, 2009Exhibition: May 3 – 5, 2009

Oregon Convention Center andDoubletree Hotel – Lloyd Center

Portland, Oregon

Conference Learning Objectives

This annual conference provides a unique opportunity to hear from industry experts and to network with leaders in the field. Specifically, this conference will provide the opportunity to educate stakeholders including regulators, service providers, end users, and pubic admin-istrators about current issues, regulatory requirements, and methods for handling, processing, and marketing biosolids products.

Full Conference Registration Rates*

Advance RateBy 3/18/2009

Onsite RateAfter 3/18/2009

WEF Members $525 $640

Nonmembers $725 $845

Advance Registration Rate Deadline: March 18, 2009Last Day to Pre-Register and Cancellation Deadline: April 8, 2009

*Rates are approximate and subject to change.

• Municipal water and wastewater treatment system managers and executives

• Residuals and biosolids generators and appliers

• Design, engineering, and construction professionals

• Local, state, and federal regulatory agency personnel

• Equipment manufacturers• Industrial water and wastewater

treatment professionals• Organic and inorganic residuals

managers• Agronomists and soil scientists• Farmers and agriculturalists• Landscapers

This Conference is Designed For:

This broad program offers in-depth reviewed discussion opportunities. The typical program runs over four days and includes up to twenty sessions and four workshops. Topics will include the following:

• Research and Development Activities• Land Application, Land Reclamation,

and Managing Nutrients • Marketing of Biosolids and Residuals

Products• Agricultural Impacts/Manure Management• Success Stories• Facilities Operation and Management• National Biosolids Partnership Activities/

Environmental Management Systems• Building Public Support and Addressing

Political Aspects• Advances in Stabilization Technologies• Conditioning and Dewatering Technologies• Bioenergy Technologies• Odor Control• Regulatory and Legal Issues • • Future Opportunities/Trends• Sustainability

Registration Questions?

E-mail: [email protected]: www.wef.orgCall: 703-684-2441

Technical Program Questions?

E-mail: [email protected]: 703-684-2400 ext. 7010

www.wef.org/ResidualsBiosolids

Conference Topics

Please check the website for full program details.

Residuals and Biosolids 2009

Who Exhibits?

Companies providing the following products and services should exhibit:• Chemicals/Chemical Handling

Equipment• Composting Equipment• Dewatering Equipment• Digestion Equipment• Engineering and Consulting Services• Land Application Equipment• Monitoring Equipment• Pumps• Thickening Equipment• Valves

Exhibitor Benefits

• 10’ x 10’ booth• 8’ draped backwall and 3’ draped

• in electronic Excel® format

• Inclusion in the online exhibitor listing• Listing in the printed conference

program• Two (2) complimentary full-conference

registrations• One (1) copy of the conference

proceedings on CD-ROM

Audience Buying Influence

The annual Residuals and Biosolids Conference draws a worldwide audience of over 550 new and repeat buyers with real decision-making authority.

90% of attendees influence the buying decision for one or more of your prod-ucts and/or services

77% of attendees learned about new or updated products as a result of their visit to the exhibition

61% of attendees recommned the sup-plier, product or service for purchases

Interested in Exhibiting?

Contact Exhibition Sales for more information:Sarah EvansExhibition Sales CoordinatorPhone: 703-684-2400 ext. 7739E-mail: [email protected]

This conference is held by the Water Environment Federation in cooperation with the Northwest Biosolids Management Association, the Pacific Northwest Clean Water Association, and the Oregon Association of Clean Water Agencies.

NORTHWESTBIOSOLIDSMANAGEMENTASSOCIATION

Exhibiton Information

WEF Residuals and Biosolids Committee Meeting Agenda · 4. 2009 Portland Specialty Conference...

Documents

Transcript of WEF Residuals and Biosolids Committee Meeting Agenda · 4. 2009 Portland Specialty Conference...