WaterBriefs: Santa Clara Valley Water District picks Locus for groundwater program

In other news below:
-- State agency accused of misusing Prop 50 funds, endangers tax exempt bond status
-- Las Vegas Valley Water District earns fleet certification
-- Rohm & Haas announces initiatives to accelerate profitable growth
-- Compass Minerals raises prices
-- Pacific Legal Foundation announces new president
-- ASHRAE proposes new moisture control standard
-- Court orders regional water board to set aside disputed stormwater permit
-- Additional speakers announced for Slate 60 Conference
-- Alfa Laval receives order in growing Oman petrochemical business
-- Feds fail in Canada's Drinking Water Report Card
-- Aquacell Water receives $3 million in commitments for arsenic removal systems
-- Pa. Gov. Rendell announces $6.4 million for clean energy projects
-- Megola teams with Hyundai Air & Water Technologies Inc. with exclusive dealership
-- DC utility chooses 3PAR for metering, billing data management
-- FlowSense awarded $500,000 VA construction project
-- New regulations, reforms to drive Chinese municipal treatment equipment market

• Santa Clara Valley Water District selects Locus Technologies for groundwater program -- SAN FRANCISCO, CA, Oct. 9, 2006 -- Locus Technologies, a groundwater consultant, announced today that the Santa Clara Valley Water District (SCVWD) selected Locus to perform a cutting-edge forensic study on perchlorate at the Llagas Groundwater Subbasin in the Morgan Hill area of California. Locus will have to obtain scientifically defensible data of known quality, because of the sensitive nature associated with SCVWD's Perchlorate Source and Background Studies. Locus will develop a Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) designed to maximize precision, accuracy, representation, compatibility, and completeness of the data set, while minimizing the potential for false negatives and false positives. The work includes preparation of the QAPP, geostatistical analyses to select representative wells for the study, sampling, isotope and geochemical analyses, and final findings and reporting. Because of the sensitivity of this work, Locus teamed with the best researchers in isotope and geostatistical analyses. Locus's web-based, award-winning information management technologies, such as EIM and the LocusFocus portal, will be used to manage data and information associated with the project...

• State agency accused of misusing Prop 50 funds, endangers tax exempt bond status -- Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy allegedly misappropriated funds for paid attorneys in lawsuit and illegal transfers to sister agency -- SACRAMENTO, CA, Oct. 9, 2006 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- A demand letter has been sent to California State Atty. Gen. Bill Lockyer and the California Department of Finance regarding the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy (SMMC) and the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA), to take action against the SMMC to recover the funds that SMMC improperly used from Proposition 50, the Water Security, Clean Drinking Water, Coastal and Beach Protection Act of 2002. With California voters getting ready to decide the fate of numerous state bond propositions, this raises the issue if state agencies like SMMC are being held accountable for what they do with the millions of dollars of taxpayer money they receive through bond funds. The SMMC received $20 million in funds Under Prop. 50, authorized by California voters specifically for "the protection of the Santa Monica Bay and Ventura County coastal watersheds"...

• Las Vegas Valley Water District earns fleet certification -- LAS VEGAS, Oct. 9, 2006 -- The Las Vegas Valley Water District's (LVVWD) Fleet Services Division has successfully completed the Rocky Mountain Fleet Management Association's (RMFMA) Fleet Certification program and is now a certified Industry Competitive Fleet Management Operation. The LVVWD Fleet Services Division's three-month certification testing resulted in a score of 94% -- to receive the certification, a fleet operation must score at least 76%. Only nine fleets in the U.S. have passed the RMFMA's Fleet Certification program; however, the LVVWD is the only fleet in Nevada to qualify for this certification. The RMFMA, of which the LVVWD is a member, is an educational association that strives to enhance the practice of fleet management for public and private organizations. Fleet Counselor Services, Inc. (FCS) specializes in fleet operations, sponsoring the RMFMA and developing the criteria for the certification...

• Rohm & Haas announces initiatives to accelerate profitable growth -- Re-aligning organization, resources to better meet customer needs in targeted areas -- PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 9, 2006 -- Rohm and Haas Company announced today a set of strategic initiatives designed to accelerate growth and enhance profitability. Collectively, these efforts will help the company build on its most successful technologies and enable it to respond more quickly, and appropriately, to market needs around the world. These initiatives include reorganizing the company into three business groups; increased focus on emerging markets such as Asia and Central and Eastern Europe; and a sharper focus on aligning innovation efforts with often local needs of customers for energy, clean water, food and health care. The new structure will be effective Jan. 1...

• Compass Minerals raises prices -- OVERLAND PARK, KS, Oct. 9, 2006 -- North American Salt Company and Sifto Canada Corp., both subsidiaries of Compass Minerals, have announced price increases on their general trade product lines beginning in November or as contracts allow. The price increases, which vary by product, average approximately $18 per ton and apply to North American customers. The companies are introducing the price increases in light of rising operating and logistics costs experienced throughout the year. The price increases will apply to salt (sodium chloride), magnesium chloride and potassium chloride-based products such as water conditioning and food-grade salt, as well as other consumer, agricultural and industrial applications...

• Pacific Legal Foundation announces new president -- Veteran Pacific Legal Foundation attorney Rob Rivett to lead fight for nationwide property rights protections, balanced environmental regulation, limited government -- SACRAMENTO, CA, Oct. 9, 2006 -- Pacific Legal Foundation today announced that Robin L. Rivett, a 30-year veteran of the organization, has been chosen by its Board of Trustees to serve as President. During the more than 30 years Rivett has served the Foundation, PLF has had an increasingly prominent role in major legal issues across the country. On four occasions in recent years, PLF has argued closely watched cases before the United States Supreme Court. Regularly, PLF briefs the High Court as amicus curiae. In February, 2006, PLF successfully argued Rapanos v. United States, a major challenge to federal jurisdiction over wetlands. Other PLF cases heard by the Supreme Court include: Palazollo v. Rhode Island, Suitum v. Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, Keller v. State Bar, and Nollan v. California Coastal Commission...

• ASHRAE proposes new moisture control standard -- ATLANTA, Oct. 6, 2006 -- In recent years, moisture problems such as mold growth have become big issues for building owners and operators. Computer simulation tools have been developed to predict thermal and moisture conditions in buildings, but the results can vary greatly with the assumptions for indoor and outdoor conditions To help combat this issue, the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) is proposing a standard that formulates design assumptions for moisture design analysis and criteria for acceptable performance. ASHRAE's proposed Standard 160P, Design Criteria for Moisture Control in Buildings, is open for public comment until Nov. 6. The proposed standard goes beyond prescriptive recommendations for moisture control in buildings that are currently in the ASHRAE Handbook and in building codes...

• Court orders regional water board to set aside disputed stormwater permit -- Court cites board's failure to comply with strict environmental requirements, according to the Coalition for Practical Regulation -- SIGNAL HILL, CA, Oct. 6, 2006 -- The Coalition for Practical Regulation today announced that the California Court of Appeal has ordered a controversial storm water permit be "set aside" on the grounds that the Los Angeles Water Quality Control Board failed to comply with the California Environmental Quality Act when it issued the permit to 87 cities and Los Angeles County in December of 2001. Cities are required to pass on the storm water permit requirements to homeowners and businesses. Thirty-two cities, Los Angeles County and two building trade associations sued the Regional Water Board in 2001 when it imposed new urban runoff controls on construction and redevelopment projects. The cities claimed that the Regional Water Board had failed to consider the impacts of new regulations on homeowners and businesses. A trial court ruled in favor of the Regional Board in 2005...
Also see: "Court of Appeal affirms power of water board to require cities to clean up coastal waters"

• Additional speakers announced for Slate 60 Conference -- Bloomberg, Case, Rockefeller, Shriver join Clinton, Turner and Gates Sr. as presenters for philanthropic event -- ARLINGTON, VA, Oct. 6, 2006 -- Washingtonpost.Newsweek Interactive (WPNI) today announced that leading philanthropists AOL's Steve Case, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Bobby Shriver, Justin Rockefeller, and Mario Morino have joined President William J. Clinton, Ted Turner, and William Gates Sr., as featured speakers at the Slate 60 Conference on Innovative Philanthropy. The conference, to be held at the Clinton Library in Little Rock, Arkansas on November 12 and 13, 2006, marks the 10th anniversary of the Slate 60, a list of the most generous charitable contributors in America published each year by the influential online magazine, Slate. The gathering will feature panel discussions, keynote speakers, and a dinner honoring the attendees. President Clinton will deliver the keynote address...
Also see: "Slate 60 Conference to gather decade's top philanthropists at Clinton Presidential Library"

• Alfa Laval receives order in growing Oman petrochemical business -- STOCKHOLM, Sweden, Oct. 6, 2006 -- Alfa Laval , a global specialist in heat transfer, centrifugal separation and fluid handling, has received an order for their Alfa Laval Packinox custom-designed heat exchangers for delivery to the Sohar Industrial Estate in Oman. The order is valued to about SEK 65 million and delivery will take place in 2008. The equipment will be placed in an aromatics factory owned by the Aromatics Oman Ltd. at the Sohar Industrial Estate which will be using advanced technology to produce paraxylene and benzene. Paraxylene is a key raw material in the production of polyester fibres and PET plastic bottles whereas Benzene is an industrial chemical used to produce a wide range of plastics and other chemicals. The project in Oman is an initiative to promote and develop projects in Oman that serve a wider range of local investments and provide employment opportunities. Initiated by the Oman Oil Company, these projects are aimed to transforming the country from a crude oil and LNG producer to a manufacturer of petrochemicals. Alfa Laval received the order through the GS Engineering & Construction Corp., a Korean company involved in civil, architectural and environmental engineering...

• Feds fail in Canada's Drinking Water Report Card -- Ontario gets highest grade for drinking water safety, federal government gets an 'F' -- VANCOUVER, BC, Canada, Oct. 6, 2006 -- Sierra Legal released Waterproof 2: Canada's Drinking Water Report Card today, its second report on the state of drinking water in Canada. The investigative report is the highly anticipated follow-up to Sierra Legal's original Waterproof report which came out in 2001, shortly after the drinking water tragedy in Walkerton, Ontario. The first Report Card analyzed drinking water policies in each province and territory and exposed gaping holes in the patchwork of laws across the country. Today's report highlights improvements to drinking water laws and policies in most jurisdictions and once again slams the federal government for its woeful performance...

• Aquacell Water receives $3 million in commitments for arsenic removal systems -- RANCHO CUCAMONGA, CA, Oct. 5, 2006 -- Aquacell Water announced that it has received verbal commitments from public drinking water providers for its arsenic removal systems totaling approximately $3 million. The commitments will generate approximately $3 million over approximately six months covering 17 wells from 9 customers, representing more than 20% of the amount quoted to date. These installations will additionally provide approximately $750,000 in revenue through the replacement of arsenic removal media approximately every 12 months. Aquacell informed stockholders in July that it had quoted approximately $9 million in arsenic removal systems to public drinking water providers. Since that time, an additional $4 million has been quoted...

• Pa. Gov. Rendell announces $6.4 million for clean energy projects -- HARRISBURG, PA, Oct. 5, 2006 -- Gov. Edward G. Rendell (D-PA) today announced Pennsylvania is investing $6.4 million in 16 clean energy projects that will create 316 permanent and up to 280 construction jobs in the commonwealth, as well as to leverage more than $38 million in private funds. Energy output from the projects, which were approved by the Pennsylvania Energy Development Authority, will generate an estimated 15,710-megawatt hours of electricity, enough to power about 1,600 Pennsylvania homes, and produce the equivalent of enough natural gas to supply almost 2,500 homes for a year. Another 208,000 million British thermal units (BTU) will be conserved. The projects also have the potential to produce 115-million gallons of biofuel. The 16 projects will receive grants for a variety of clean fuels and green power projects using sources such as solar, fuel cells, biofuels, landfill gas, wind and biomass...
Also see: "Pa. DEP Secretary to inspect $4.4 million project to reclaim Barnes-Watkins Waste Coal Pile"

• Megola teams with Hyundai Air & Water Technologies Inc. with exclusive dealership -- CORUNNA, ON, Canada, Oct. 4, 2006 -- Megola Inc., a leading environmental solution provider in physical water treatment, air purification, microbiological control, and wastewater treatment, announces that it has signed a Dealership Agreement with Hyundai Air & Water Technologies, Inc. to carry their water filtration, health and hygiene and air purification systems as part of Megola's product offerings. The agreement is in effect as of Sept. 26 and is exclusive to a three-county region in Southwestern Ontario with a population of over 600,000. Megola will offer point-of-use purification systems and counter-top water dispensers to complement its water treatment product line, as well as Hyundai's portable air purification systems. The Hyundai products will debut in Megola's new retail outlet, the Smart-Home Centre, in Corunna, Ontario. The water purification systems utilize reverse osmosis (RO) technology and can be easily plumbed into existing water lines allowing the customer to have an endless supply of RO purified water. The air purification systems use state-of-the-art electrostatic, HEPA and ionization technology...

• DC utility chooses 3PAR for metering, billing data management -- 3PAR streamlines operations, increases reliability for capitol utility with rapid provisioning and remote copy -- FREMONT, CA, Oct. 3, 2006 -- 3PAR, the leading provider of Utility Storage, announced today that the District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority (DCWASA), a regional authority serving both retail and wholesale customers, has selected 3PAR Utility Storage with 3PAR Remote Copy and Rapid Provisioning to store and remotely replicate all metering, billing and machine health data for its entire operation. DCWASA chose 3PAR Utility Storage for its unmatched simplicity and scalability...
Also see: "3PAR Utility establishes 3PARdata GmbH in Germany"

• FlowSense awarded $500,000 VA construction project -- MAPLE GROVE, MN, Oct. 2, 2006 -- FlowSense Building Services Group was recently awarded a $500,000 construction project by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The scope of the contract include demolition and removal of an existing absorption chiller and install a new 1020-ton centrifugal chiller. Installation includes rigging, connections to existing chilled water and condenser water piping, additions and alterations to existing switchgear. connections to existing controls, and start up and commissioning. The project is located at the Lebanon VA Medical Center in Pennsylvania...
Also see:
-- "FlowSense is moving to a new facility at the end of October 2006"
-- "FlowSense awarded Boiler repair and DDC controls project from GSA"

• New regulations, reforms to drive Chinese municipal water, wastewater treatment equipment market -- PALO ALTO, CA, Oct. 6, 2006 -- Rapid industrialization, increasing public health concerns and shortage of fresh water are some of the key factors driving change within the Chinese municipal water and wastewater treatment equipment market. In response to growing health fears following the SARS crisis, the Tenth Five-Year Plan has set out new and considerably stricter drinking water standards that are likely to create immense opportunities for the development of this market. New analysis from Frost & Sullivan, the Chinese Municipal Water and Wastewater Treatment Equipment Market, finds that this market earned revenues of $428 million in 2004 and is likely to reach $1.58 billion in 2011...

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