October 29, 2014
It is with deep sadness that we inform you that our long time member and friend from the Adirondack Lodges Homeowners Association Harry Balz passed away earlier today, November 5, 2014, following a brief hospitalization. Harry was always present at our Annual Conference and training events with a warm smile, kind words and very supportive of this organization and the industry. Our deepest sympathies to Harry’s wife Elaine and the other members of their family.
On 11/4/14 NYRWA participated in a webinar on EBOLA. Here are notes from this event. The short version is if you can take enough precautions for the aids virus, you are covered for EBOLA.
The CDC (Matt Arduino) says they have little to no research on this for wastewater.
1. This virus is a “negative sense RNA virus” or an “envelope virus” – so is the aids virus.
2. Envelope virus is the easiest to kill as compared with others like hep-C
3. Incubation period in host is 2-21 days only direct contact after symptoms show, can it be transmitted.
SEWAGE POLLUTION RIGHT TO KNOW UPDATE:
POTWs and POSSs Apply to Use the NY-Alert System
To assist in complying with the law, DEC has worked with the NYS Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Services to modify the NY-Alert system to accommodate reporting sewage releases and distribution of this information to the public. The principal executive officer or ranking elected officer for publicly owned treatment works (POTWs) is required to:
2014 marks the 40th anniversary of the Safe Drinking Water Act. The Act was passed to protect public health by regulating the nation’s public drinking water supply. We have made great progress over the past 40 years, but many challenges remain. EPA is committed to working with states, tribes, water sector partners and the public to meet the challenges ahead and protect public health.
Gov. Cuomo announced the approval of $1.8 million from the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), to help the Village of Saranac Lake rebuild their municipal sewage treatment plant and better protect it from future damage. “This vital funding will allow the Village of Saranac Lake, which has seen firsthand the damage that can be caused by extreme weather, to strengthen its infrastructure and build back better than before.” Gov. Cuomo said.
Congratulations to Gary Biekert, Chief Operator for the Village of Mayville in Chautauqua County on his recent retirement. Gary handled the water system for the village for the past three decades and oversaw many system improvements. Gary plans to travel to a warmer climate for the winter months with his wife and their new RV. From all of us here at the NYRWA, thank you Gary for a job well done and here’s to a long, happy, and healthy retirement!!!