Posted 04-29-08
2008 Spring Expo /
Conference
Event Dates: 4-7 thru 4-10, 2008
Posted 02-04-08
Images from the 2007 ORWA Expo
The Ohio Rural Water Association would like to thank
everyone that helped make our 2007 Expo a great success.
More than 22 Vendors and over 200 attendees made this one of
the best Expos yet by helping raise $1800 for WaterPAC.
Ohio EPA Announcement
Ohio EPA is
looking for operators of record for Class I and
Class II
distribution systems and Class I collection
systems to participate as panel
members for developing a job analysis for each
of the levels of
classification. The panel's are being
facilitated by The Ohio State
University. OSU has offered us the
opportunity to have a panel participate
in a training they are conducting. The
panel will be conducted on November
15 and 16th of this year. Operator's
participating in the training will
receive 12.75 contact hours. If you are
interested in this opportunity,
please contact Andrew Barienbrock at
(614)728-1216 or
andrew.barienbrock@epa.state.oh.us.
The products of these panels will be used in
developing "Need to Know"
criteria for examinations, ensuring relevance of
exam questions and
educating decision makers of the importance of
certified operators. Job
analyses that have been previously completed can
be viewed on the operator
certification website at
http://www.epa.state.oh.us/ddagw/opcert_job_Analysis.htm
While only one panel will be used this time, I
would like to put together a
list of people who are interested because OSU
tends to give us a call with
short notice.
Thank you in advance,
Andy
Andrew Barienbrock
Environmental Supervisor
Ohio EPA/DDAGW
"No Truce in Tri-State
Water War"
What happens when a drought depletes your water
supply to the point that those downstream and
out-of-state are affected? That's what
Alabama, Georgia, and Florida are currently
arguing over - water rights. As
populations grow and climates change, this will
become a more pressing issue for many... (click
for all articles)
Ohio
Chamber of Commerce: Call to Action
Dear Friend,
Do you think your business already pays enough
for workers' compensation insurance? The Ohio
Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC) thinks you
should pay up to double that amount.
The BWC's new administrator recently asked her
board of directors to consider lowering the
amount of discount available to employers that
take part in a group-rating plan for workers'
compensation insurance. You need to let state
policymakers know that this is a bad idea.
If the BWC Board decides to lower the current
discount available, Ohio employers that
participate in a group-rating plan will see
significant increases in their costs. For tens
of thousands of businesses, this could mean
paying double your current amount (an increase
of 100%)!
To take action, simply click the link below and
let your state policymakers know that something
needs to be done!
Click the link below to log in and send your
message:
http://votervoice.net/target.aspx?id=ohcc:18849565
Thank you,
Ohio Chamber of Commerce
Dear Association Member
Ohio Rural Water needs your help in reauthorizing the Grassroots Source Protection Program and the funding of the RUS water and wastewater grant and loan program funding backlog.
What does this mean to you?
The Source water grassroots program provides Source Water Specialist in 33states that have generated well over 400 source water protection plans to protect the sources of their drinking water. This grassroots effort is the most effective way to provide source water planning embraced by communities, elected officials and average rural citizens through out Ohio.
The Water and Wastewater Grant and Loan Program is the only place to turn for many communities with aging infrastructure that are being burden with ever spiraling quality standards. The current estimated backlog of funding is $2.4 billion. The backlog of funding in Ohio alone is almost $36 million.
What can you do to Help Rural Ohio Systems and Communities?
1) Contact Senator Sherrod Brown’s Office :
455 Russell Senate Office Building
Washington DC 20510
E-mail - Brown.Senate.gov/contact/
2) Request the following :
That the agriculture staffer for Senator Brown’s office contact Senator’s Harkin’s committee staff @ :
731 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington DC. 20510
202-224-3254
E-mail- Harkin. Senate.gov/contact/
And explain the need and their support for these programs and their necessity for Rural America.
Thank You,
Kevin Strang
Director, Ohio Rural Water Association
NEW ONLINE COURSE FOR OHIO WORKERS
The Division of Safety & Hygiene Training Center is pleased to announce that a new online course is available to Ohio workers, Preventing Cuts and Lacerations. Intended for those who work in industries that cut products or anyone with cut or laceration concerns, this course describes different types of cuts and lacerations, the causes of each, and controls and prevention measures to avoid and eliminate cutting hazards. Internet access is needed.
To review this course:
Log into www.bwclearningcenter.com
Select "Learning Center"
Select "Course Information & Enrollment"
For a keyword, use "cuts", click Search
Click on the link Preventing Cuts and Lacerations
Click Take Course
Please contact us if you have questions...
2007 ORWA Expo -
Tentative Agenda
Tues Oct
23, Wed Oct 24, 2007 - Roberts Center,
Wilmington Ohio
Please Note: The days/dates listed in the mailed brochure are
not correct. The website information is accurate.
For Hotel Reservations, call Holiday Inn @ 800-654-7036
Make plans to
attend our Annual Operator Exposition !!
Receive up to 12
contact hours, Network with old friends, Review Sessions,
Contact Hour Eligible Tours and Roundtables, Sportsman
Drawing, Meter Assembly Contest, Skill Games,Food and Fun!!
Rural Development Partners to Bring New $4.8 Million Sewer System to Village of Risingsun
COLUMBUS, OHIO, Sept. 12, 2007 – Randall Hunt, state director for USDA Rural Development announced today approval of a $1,733,000 financing package to Northwestern Water and Sewer District in Wood County, Ohio. The funding is from Rural Development’s Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant Program and will be used to construct a new sewer system.
“Ohio’s rural communities face constantly increasing demands on their sewer and water servicing capabilities,” said Hunt. “In practically every instance community leaders must identify multiple funding sources to make construction of these critical facilities possible. This project is an example of the kind of financial leveraging that’s required to deliver improved local services.”
Other funders include: $420,500 in loans and grants from the Ohio Public Works Commission, $275,000 from the Northwestern Water and Sewer District, $81,500 in state Community Development Block Grants and $75,000 from Wood County Community Development Block Grants. Funding will be used to construct a new conventional gravity sewer system and wastewater treatment plant to serve 314 users in the Village of Risingsun and surrounding Scott Township.
The Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant Program makes direct loans and grants to build or improve essential public use facilities such as water and sewer facilities, storm sewers and solid waste facilities.
USDA Rural Development's mission is to deliver programs in a way that will support increasing economic opportunity and improve the quality of life of rural residents. Rural Development provides equity and technical assistance to finance and foster growth in homeownership, business development, and critical community and technology infrastructure.
Further information on rural programs is available by calling 614-255-2400, visiting a local USDA Rural Development office or by viewing USDA Rural Development’s web site at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov.
5th
Congressional District Representative Paul Gilmore Dies
Paul Gilmor was
found dead in his apartment of an apparent heart attack this
morning. Representative Gilmor was a strong, long-time
supporter of Rural Water, and will be missed.
Click Here for more
information.
Thanks to Rural
Lorain County for hosting a great Quarterly Meeting !
With over 103 registrants the
recent Summer Quarterly meeting at Put-In-Bay made this
event one of the best attended quarterly meetings in recent
memory.
The Association would like to offer a most sincere round of
thanks to the Board and Staff of Rural Lorain for hosting
this event. The combination of one of Ohio's premier
tourists destinations, great presentations and wonderful
local food made for
a memorable event. We also generated $
585.00 for Water Pac!
Again, thank you to all of those
that worked to make this meeting a success.
Rural Development’s $9 Million Funding Ensures
Butler’s Sewer Services Meet Growing Demands
COLUMBUS, OHIO, Aug. 30, 2007 – Randall Hunt, state director for USDA Rural Development announced today approval of a $9,070,000 financing package to Butler County, Ohio. The funding is from Rural Development’s Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant Program and will be used to increase the county’s sewage handling capacity.
“As populations in rural communities continue to increase, so does their need for expanded water and sewer services,” said Hunt. “Improving environmental safety conditions and overall quality of life for Ohio’s rural residents are primary focuses of our Water and Waste Program.
Funding will be used to construct approximately seven miles of a gravity sewer collection system and pump station to the unincorporated areas of Williamsdale and Overpeck in St. Clair Township. The sewage treatment will be provided by the New Miami wastewater treatment plant.
The Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant Program makes direct loans and grants to build or improve essential public use facilities such as water and sewer facilities, storm sewers and solid waste facilities.
USDA Rural Development's mission is to deliver programs in a way that will support increasing economic opportunity and improve the quality of life of rural residents. Rural Development provides equity and technical assistance to finance and foster growth in homeownership, business development, and critical community and technology infrastructure.
Further information on rural programs is available by calling 614-255-2400, visiting a local USDA Rural Development office or by viewing USDA Rural Development’s web site at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov.
Rural communities can get USDA help in reducing high energy costs
Rural communities nationwide will have access to $21.9 million to help cope with high energy costs. Communities must apply before Oct. 1 for the grants, which are administered by the United States Department of Agriculture.
"These grants will
help rural residents and businesses upgrade energy
infrastructure and make other energy efficiency
improvements," said U.S. Agriculture Secretary Mike
Johanns. "The rising cost of energy can challenge
economic growth and opportunity. These grants are
another example of how USDA works to help rural
communities overcome economic obstacles and create
opportunity."
The funds can be used to acquire, construct, extend,
upgrade or otherwise improve energy generation,
transmission or distribution facilities serving
communities in which the average residential cost
for home energy exceeds 275 percent of the national
average.
Grants are available
to individuals, businesses, non-profit organization,
states, local governments and federally recognized
Indian tribes. Grants may not be used to pay utility
bills or purchase fuel and may not be used for the
sole benefit of the applicant.
The application guide
for this grant can be found at the
USDA website or at Grants.gov under the Code of
Domestic Federal Assistance Number 10.859
The following is another USDA grant program (through the Rural Housing Service) for communities and small businesses in rural areas to implement or promote energy efficiency open for applications through Sept. 6.
One of the criteria,
worth 20 of the 100 total points, is:
*"6. Technical assistance for the development of
Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency
Improvements--20 Points. The applicant must
demonstrate how they will improve the recipients'
capacity to carry out activities related to the
development of renewable energy systems and energy
efficiency improvements for housing, community
facilities, or community and economic development."
If you have any questions regarding information contained in this news release or experience any problems accessing the information provided, please contact us!
Thanks to Rural Lorain County
for hosting a great Quarterly Meeting !
With over 103 registrants the recent
Summer Quarterly meeting at Put-In-Bay made this event one
of the best attended quarterly meetings in recent memory.
The Association would like to offer a
most sincere round of thanks to the Board and Staff of Rural
Lorain for hosting this event. The combination of one of
Ohio's premier tourists destinations, great presentations
and wonderful local food made for a memorable event. We also
generated $ 585.00 for Water Pac!
Again thank you to all of those
that worked to make this meeting a success.
2008 Membership Renewals
Yes it
is that time of year again when we start to send out our
membership renewals. Do not forget to fill out all of the
contact information when you receive your membership
package. We need that information particularly the
legislative information to effectively communicate with our
representatives in Washington.
Also in addition to our traditional benefits of Workman's
Comp discount programs. Exhibitions and training events
we will soon be offering over 16 courses that
can be taken on line. That's right from the
comfort of you office, at home or any place your have time
and access to the net you can get the contact hours you or
your staff need!!
Rural Development Awards $1.3 Million to Upgrade Butler County’s Servicing Capacity
COLUMBUS, OHIO, Aug. 21, 2007 – Randall Hunt, state director for USDA Rural Development announced today approval of a $1,300,000 financing package to Butler County, Ohio. The funding is from Rural Development’s Community Facility Loan and Grant Program and will be used to purchase new vehicles and equipment to better serve Butler County residents.
“Rural communities have a consistent need to upgrade and maintain equipment in order to provide essential services to their residents,” said Hunt. “Our Community Facility Program provides another tool for community leaders to meet the growing needs of its citizenry.”
The Community Facility Program uses grants and loans to help communities develop essential facilities for public use. These facilities include libraries, childcare, hospitals, medical clinics, assisted living facilities, fire and rescue stations, police stations, community centers, public buildings and transportation.
USDA Rural Development's mission is to deliver programs in a way that will support increasing economic opportunity and improve the quality of life of rural residents. Rural Development provides equity and technical assistance to finance and foster growth in homeownership, business development, and critical community and technology infrastructure.
Further information on rural programs is available by calling 614-255-2400, visiting a local USDA Rural Development office or by viewing USDA Rural Development’s web site at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov.
Rural Development Awards $64,000 in Funding for Waste
Management Program
COLUMBUS, OHIO, Aug. 17, 2007 – Randall Hunt, state director for USDA Rural Development announced today approval of a $64,500 grant to Mahoning County Solid Waste Management District in Mahoning County, Ohio. The funding comes from Rural Development’s Solid Waste Management Grant Program.
“Rural Development’s Solid Waste Management Program provides critical funding to assist small rural communities develop and implement local waste management initiatives,” said Hunt. “Educational efforts help residents better understand how they can help improve the overall health and appearance of their communities.”
Mahoning County Solids Waste Management District’s will use the funding to help finance its Rural Recycling Education and Awareness Program (REAP). REAP promotes and assists the recycling efforts throughout the rural areas of Mahoning County. Mahoning County’s Solid Waste Management District contributed $108,587 towards the project, bringing the total project costs to $173,087.
USDA Rural Development's mission is to deliver programs in a way that will support increasing economic opportunity and improve the quality of life of rural residents. Rural Development provides equity and technical assistance to finance and foster growth in homeownership, business development, and critical community and technology infrastructure.
Further information on rural programs is available by calling 614-255-2400, visiting a local USDA Rural Development office or by viewing USDA Rural Development’s web site at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov.
Attention Associate Members
We need your input !!! The association is in the
process of restructuring the annual Exposition. We have a number of
suggestions that will help us better serve our Associate members. To
that end if you would like to participate in the following survey we
encourage you to take this opportunity to have your opinion heard!
Click
Here for Survey
We are also planning more events for Members and their Spouses on
the Monday before the Conference "starts". Please help us determine the
events you will enjoy best.
Click Here for Survey.
Ohio BWC Safety & Health Courses Listed
Dozens of of training courses are
available through BWC's Division of Safety & Hygiene. These
courses are offered at our training center in Pickerington at
the Ohio Center for Occupational Safety and Health (OCOSH) and
at branch sites and BWC service offices across the state,
including Toledo, Cincinnati, Canton, Cambridge, Portsmouth,
Youngstown and Cleveland. Employers may enroll any number of
employees at no additional cost.
Click
Here for more info.
Upcoming Bureau of Workman's Comp University
The Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC) wants to
help you get the information you need to stabilize your costs and care
for your most valuable asset - your employees.
At Workers’ Compensation University (WCU) you will get this information at no cost to you. (Click Here for details)
House Bill 289 Introduced
To amend sections 931.02, 931.03, 931.04, 931.99, and 5709.28 of the
Revised Code to make changes to the law governing agricultural security
areas.
Section 1. That sections 931.02, 931.03, 931.04, 931.99, and 5709.28 of
the Revised Code be amended to read as follows...
Click here for the entire Bill.
Water In The News
Much has been said on the benefits of good, clean
water. How you get that water can affect more than just your thirst...
Tap water or bottled water? The myth of the bottle doesn't hold water
when you begin to take more than marketing into consideration...
"...Ounce for ounce, it costs more than gasoline, even at today's high gasoline prices; depending on the brand, it costs 250 to 10,000 times more than tap water. Globally, bottled water is now a $46 billion industry. Why has it become so popular?"
" ...Admittedly, both kinds of water suffer from occasional contamination problems, but tap water is more stringently monitored and tightly regulated than bottled water..." (click here for full article)
Wastewater In The News
You might have heard this story, but its an amazing tale of
quick-thinking heroism by some unlikely first-responders... (click
here for full story)
COLUMBUS, OHIO, July 6, 2007 – Randall Hunt, state director for USDA Rural Development announced today approval of a $6,574,000 financing package to construct a new water distribution system for Tuscarawas County, Ohio. The funding comes from Rural Development’s Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant Program.
“Tuscarawas County officials have continually gained more experience with using our programs,” said Hunt. “Their ability to plan for present and future community needs has provided positive returns to county residents. Rural Development is proud to be a partner in these kinds of critical local infrastructure projects.”
The funding will be used for the construction of a water distribution system which will include a booster station and a 150,000 gallon storage tank. The project will interconnect the subsystems of Wilkshire Hills and Mineral City and provide an emergency connection to the Village of Magnolia. The project will provide service to 160 homes in the Sandyville area.
Total funding for the project is $7,214,000 and includes a $4,930,000 loan and a $1,644,000 grant from Rural Development. The Ohio Public Works Commission contributed $400,000 while Tuscarawas residents added $240,000 through tap fees.
USDA Rural Development's mission is to deliver programs in a way that will support increasing economic opportunity and improve the quality of life of rural residents. Rural Development provides equity and technical assistance to finance and foster growth in home ownership, business development, and critical community and technology infrastructure.
Further information on rural programs is available by calling 614-255-2400, visiting a local USDA Rural Development office or by viewing USDA Rural Development’s web site at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov.
Legislative
Page Updated
Click Here to see what Bills are
of interest to us as Water / Wastewater Professionals.
Deadline for Ohio EPA non-sequential operator examination is July 1, 2007
EPA
DIRECTOR GRANTED PERMIT REVISION AUTHORITY,
HOME SEWAGE RULES RESCINDED IN LATEST VERSION OF BIENNIUM BUDGET
A multi-faceted amendment to the $52.4 billion biennium budget bill won support in the Senate Tuesday morning. Changes to the bill, slated for a full chamber vote Wednesday, include the scrapping of controversial home sewage system regulations and a provision that allows the EPA director to alter certain permits under review by the Environmental Review Appeals Commission.
More details in today’s Gongwer News Service Ohio Report.
New BWC Course Listings!
Be sure to contact the Division of Safety & Hygiene regarding their newest courses for FY08, which include:
-
Emergency Preparedness Planning
-
Employee Safety for Staffing Companies and PEOs
-
Public Employers: Injury, Illness and Needle-stick Recordkeeping
-
Restaurant and Food Service Safety
-
Communicating Safety to your Spanish Speaking Workforce
All classes are free. For more information or to enroll, visit www.bwclearningcenter.com or call 1-800-OHIOBWC and press 2, then 2 and 2 again.
ORWA 2007
Summer Quarterly Flyer Posted
Click Here for PDF
Errata: PLEASE NOTE: The Ferry does NOT leave at 7:45AM...
The first ferry is at 8:45AM.
The start of the meeting will be delayed slightly to allow for the later
arrival.
