A podcast featuring conversations with influential and interesting people from the water sector and news from the Water Environment Federation.
November 30, 2022
Radhika Fox is Assistant Administrator for Water at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. In this episode, Radhika discusses a variety of issues that EPA is working on including infrastructure funding, water affordability, PFAS, and biosolids.
Hosted by Travis Loop
From WEFTEC Live 2022, a broadcast sponsored by Teledyne Isco.
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October 3, 2022
Wayne White is Vice President at Kimley-Horn and Ted Merrell is Vice President and Co-Owner of Merrell Bros. In this episode Wayne and Ted share perspective on how management of biosolids has changed over the years and how creativity in the design-build-operate process has helped harness the benefits of biosolids. They also talk about the way technology has changed biosolids management, differences across geographic regions of the U.S., and the challenges of PFAS.
This episode is brought to you by Kimley-Horn.
Hosted by Travis Loop
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May 25, 2022
Jane Madden is a Senior Vice President and Global Practice Leader for Water Reclamation at CDM Smith. In this episode Jane discusses various aspects of PFAS including ways to manage the chemicals at water facilities, their presence in biosolids, and gaps in research that need to be filled.
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January 10, 2022
In this episode, WEF Conference Committee Co-Chairs Amy Corriveau and Charles Bott discuss the slate of educational events scheduled for 2022. They explain how water professionals can advance knowledge and networking in the areas of utility management, public health, collection systems, biosolids, process engineering, and stormwater at a slate of events from February through June.
The 2022 schedule is:
WEF/AWWA Utility Management Conference 2022 Pre-Conference Workshop February 21 | Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress, Orlando, Florida
Public Health and Water Conference & Wastewater Disease Surveillance Summit Summit March 21 | Conference March 22-24 | Exhibition March 22-23 | Duke Energy Convention Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
Collection Systems Conference 2022 Pre-Conference Workshop April 19 | Exhibition April 20-21, Huntington Place | Detroit, Michigan
Residuals and Biosolids Conference 2022 Pre-Conference Workshop May 24 | Exhibition May 25-26 | Columbus Convention Center, Columbus, Ohio
Innovations in Process Engineering Conference 2022 Pre-Conference Workshop June 20 | Exhibition June 21-22 | Hyatt Regency Miami, Miami, Florida
Stormwater Summit 2022 Pre-Conference Workshop June 27 | Exhibition June 28-29 | Hyatt Regency Minneapolis, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Learn more at https://www.wef.org/events/conferences/upcoming-conferences/
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August 31, 2021
Jon Koch is the Director of the City of Muscatine, Iowa’s water resource recovery facility and Stormwater Department Director. In this episode Jon discusses shepherding a multi-year project that included planning, design, construction, commissioning, and start-up of new facilities to enable co-digestion of food waste and fats, oils, and grease from local food manufacturers and businesses with the facility’s wastewater biosolids. Jon talks about a variety of topics including gathering internal support for the ambitious program, equipment selection, feedstock profiles, setting tip fee pricing, and residuals management.
This is the first of a series of episodes hosted by WEF Residuals and Biosolids Bioenergy Subcommittee Chair Sarah Deslauriers and Vice Chair Dave Baran.
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May 20, 2021
Sam Villegas is Director of Strategic Communications Services at Raftelis. In this episode Sam discusses WEF’s comprehensive toolkit for communicating about biosolids in ways that are factual, science-based, and easily understandable by those who might be hearing about biosolids for the first time. She explains that the toolkit includes guidance on some of the more challenging communication tasks you may encounter—responding to, or proactively pursuing media coverage, handling concerns raised about the safety of biosolids, creating presentations for use at events or meetings with the public, and developing content to post online or on social media. Sam also talks about how the toolkit features messages that serve as an overall umbrella that can be adapted for FAQs, talking points, community meetings, fact sheets, brochures, social media, and websites. Find the toolkit at https://www.wef.org/biosolids/
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February 16, 2021
Maile Lono-Batura is the new Director of Sustainable Biosolids Programs for the Water Environment Federation. In this episode Maile talks about her background and experiences serving as Executive Director of Northwest Biosolids for 22 years. She discusses her new responsibilities and focus in leading biosolids programs for WEF, including the importance of improving collaboration, expanding communications, and advancing research. Maile also shares her perspective on the current trends and pressing issues in biosolids, ranging from PFAS to public perception.
Hosted by Travis Loop
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December 14, 2020
Janine Burke-Wells is Executive Director of the North East Biosolids & Residuals Association, Eric Spargimino is an Environmental Engineer and Project Manager at CDM Smith, and Chris Wilson is Chief of Processing Engineering and Research at Hampton Roads Sanitation District. In this episode they discuss how state limits on PFAS can impact biosolids programs and that a recent report found management costs for facilities increased by about 37 percent in response to regulations. Janine, Eric, and Chris also talk about case studies from the report, helpful technologies for PFAS treatment, and productive regulatory approaches by states.
Episode #170
Hosted by Travis Loop
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October 1, 2020
Frank Houston is Senior Regional Manager for the Eastern U.S. for DN Tanks and Alan Parent is Director of Business Development and Laura Simmers is Preconstruction Coordinator for PC Construction. In this episode Frank, Alan, and Laura talk about a $271 million bio-energy project at a Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission’s facility in Piscataway, Md. They explain the benefits of extensive collaboration in the project, the design-build process, and advancement of biosolids and energy generation, as well as how these are broader trends and opportunities for the water sector. Frank, Alan, and Laura also discuss the deliberate use of woman- and minority owned businesses in the project.
This episode is brought to you by DN Tanks.
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May 13, 2020
Kari Brisolara is an Associate Professor of Environmental Health at Louisiana State University. In this episode Kari discusses a review of current science that finds there is no evidence supporting the transmission of coronavirus through the wastewater system to biosolids. Because the coronavirus is more susceptible to treatment, including heat, no additional protective equipment or measures are required for managing properly treated biosolids.
Episode #144
Hosted by Travis Loop
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March 10, 2020
Sarah Mason-Renton is Business Development Manger for Lystek. In this episode Sarah discusses the vital role of effective community engagement for biosolids projects, including the importance of listening and empathy as first steps. She talks about the public’s perceived benefits and concerns about biosolids. Sarah also explains how to craft a biosolids communication strategy that provides procedural justice and clarity about the decision-making process.
Episode #131
Hosted by Travis Loop
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February 18, 2020
George Sprouse is Manager of Process Engineering and Research and Development at the Metropolitan Council of the Twin Cities and Co-Chair of the 2020 Residuals and Biosolids Conference. In this episode George explains the importance of capturing the energy and nutrients that are concentrated in biosolids and circulating those resources back into the community. He talks about using creative approaches to manage biosolids during uncertain times, particularly with PFAS concerns. George also discusses how the Metropolitan Council uses biosolids to generate energy and the role of technology in the future of biosolids management.
Episode #125
Hosted by Travis Loop
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February 3, 2020
Dr. Linda Lee is a Professor in the Department of Agronomy at Purdue University. In this episode Linda discusses the science of PFAS in water treatment, her recent article published in the Water Environment Research Journal, and how her work began 15 years ago when DuPont asked her to help expand knowledge of the so-called “forever chemicals.” She talks about current science on the presence and removal methods of PFAS in drinking water, wastewater, and biosolids. Linda also explains what is known about the fate and transport of PFAS into the soil, groundwater, and crops when biosolids are applied to agricultural land.
Episode #123
Hosted by Travis Loop
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August 5, 2019
Dr. Sally Brown is a Research Professor in the School of Environmental and Forest Sciences at the University of Washington. In this episode, Sally says biosolids are a science communication tool for the public, particularly as learning about the benefits help them get over the yuck factor. She also discusses innovative ways to use biosolids, including in urban stormwater management and growing cannabis. Sally says decades of research have shown biosolids to be safe and the sector must talk about the low level of risk from contaminants including PFAS compared to other household sources.
Episode #99
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May 20, 2019
Saul Kinter is Business Development Manager at DC Water. In this episode, Saul explains how the utility has built support for biosolids – including its Bloom soil amendment – from third-party validators including soil scientists, farmers, homeowners, and construction companies. He discusses the need to build understanding of biosolids in the community and that meeting directly with people is vital because any message spreads best by word-of-mouth. Saul says to gain third-party endorsement of a product and drive sales, a utility needs the science, data, and research to back up the marketing.
Episode #89
Hosted by Travis Loop
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Water is a popular conversation topic. That’s why the Water Environment Federation produces the Words On Water podcast. In 2018, there were 54 episodes released, featuring a diverse list of guests and covering a wide range of issues. Instead of picking favorites for an end-of-year list, we looked at the statistics to see which episodes were the most popular with listeners. Here they are, in no particular order.
Art explains the concept of the circular economy, including its origins in the 1960s and how it has evolved over the years. He discusses the level of support for a circular economy in the water sector and in industry, businesses, and government. Art also talks about the idea of biomimicry, which involves using nature as the model for designs and systems.
Sidney discusses how the new Wastewater Treatment Fundamentals provide a one-stop shop for operators to gain the information needed to do their jobs. She talks about how the book features an array of pictures, graphics, terminology, and practice questions for certification exams.
Manon discusses the role of biosolids in addressing climate change — including through carbon sequestration – and in building environmental literacy in a community. She also talks about the path ahead for SFPUC to transition to the highest class of biosolids.
John discusses the generation of biogas by the water sector and the opportunity to increase production, particularly for vehicle fuel. He also talks about the value of biosolids and importance of regular dialogue with the media and public.
Al discusses the use of smart technologies in monitoring, assessing, and decision-making for water infrastructure. He also explains the new Intelligent Water Systems Challenge and offers his thoughts on remote sensing, automation, artificial intelligence, and blockchain.
Jennifer explains why young people should consider a career in the water sector, how involvement in organizations like the Water Environment Federation provides vital professional development, the strengths of millennials that employers should utilize, and her experience working on the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals in the UNLEASH program.
Carla discusses her journey “from CE to CEO.” She also talks about what leadership means to her, the rise of women in the water workforce, the importance of mentorship, and introducing young people to water careers.
November 27, 2018
Dave Pedersen is the General Manager of the Las Virgenes Municipal Water District in Calabasas, California. In this episode, Dave and his colleagues tell the dramatic story of how the utility responded in the face of the Woolsey Fire, which scorched two-thirds of its service area. He explains how Las Virgenes MWD activated its emergency operations center, maintained power, tracked water levels, and kept in communication with firefighters in order to protect infrastructure and provide vital water for combating the wildfire. Dave shares how firefighters protected the utility’s headquarters from the encroaching blaze and how air drops kept the water reclamation facility safe. He also talks about the human impact, as employees saw the community burning, and the long road to recovery.
Episode #66
Hosted by Travis Loop
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November 13, 2018
Dr. Art Umble leads the Global Wastewater Practice for Stantec Consulting. In this episode, Art explains the concept of the circular economy, including its origins in the 1960s and how it has evolved over the years. He discusses the level of support for a circular economy in the water sector and in industry, businesses, and government. Art also talks about the idea of biomimicry, which involves using nature as the model for designs and systems.
Episode #63
Hosted by Travis Loop
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October 9, 2018
Tom Kunetz is the new President of the Board of Trustees for the Water Environment Federation (WEF) and Assistant Director of Monitoring and Research for the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD). In this episode, Tom discusses his priorities for the next year as WEF President, which include increasing the diversity of the water workforce and expanding resource recovery by utilities. He also talks about his work at MWRD, the rebound of the Chicago River, and his involvement in comedy.
Episode #58
Hosted by Travis Loop
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September 29, 2018
Chris Mahoney is the Vice President of Capital Markets for Andritz Separation Technologies. In this episode, Chris shares his perspective on how the goals of water treatment have changed over the past several decades, including the shift from basic treatment to resource recovery. He explains the important role of equipment such as screens, thickeners, and driers in the mechanics of water treatment. Chris also discusses how Andritz’s work in the water sector benefits from its work in industries such as pulp and paper, mining and minerals, and chemicals.
This episode is brought to you by Andritz Separation Technologies.
Episode #55
Hosted by Travis Loop
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September 7, 2018
WEFTEC, the Water Environment Federation’s Technical Exhibition and Conference, is the largest annual water quality event in the world. This year it will be held September 29 to October 3 in New Orleans. In this episode, WEF staff provide a preview of WEFTEC, including highlights of the conference program, the new additions to the exhibit floor, what to expect at the opening session, and how to use the app to navigate the event.
Episode #51
Hosted by Travis Loop
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July 30, 2018
Manon Fisher is a resource recovery specialist with the San Francisco Public Utility Commission. In this episode, Manon discusses the role of biosolids in addressing climate change — including through carbon sequestration – and in building environmental literacy in a community. She also talks about the path ahead for SFPUC to transition to the highest class of biosolids.
Episode #45
Hosted by Travis Loop
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July 9, 2018
John Willis is Vice President of Wastewater Solutions at Brown and Caldwell. In this episode, John discusses the generation of biogas by the water sector and the opportunity to increase production, particularly for vehicle fuel. He also talks about the value of biosolids and importance of regular dialogue with the media and public. John additionally explains the enormous potential of anaerobic primary treatment to drive water utilities to net zero, an innovative process inspired by work by the Gates Foundation in the developing world.
Episode #42
Hosted by Travis Loop
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June 11, 2018
Ned Beecher is the Executive Director of the North East Biosolids & Residuals Association. In this episode, Ned discusses the many benefits of biosolids, including diverting waste from landfills, improving agricultural production, restoring land damaged by mining and fires, and remediating Superfund sites. He also talks about safety issues around emerging contaminants and the role of biosolids in addressing climate change.
Episode #37
Hosted by Travis Loop
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June 4, 2018
Kathryn Sorenson is the Director of Phoenix Water Services. In this episode, Kathryn discusses how the utility collects, distributes, and treats water in the desert home of the fifth-most populated city in the United States. She also talks about how Phoenix has decreased water consumption and replenished vital groundwater, the continuation of ancient Native American practices for moving water via canals, the oasis known as the Tres Rios wetlands, and a new biogas project that means all resources are recovered at the city’s largest treatment plant.
Episode #36
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April 9, 2018
Karen Pallansch is the CEO of Alexandria Renew Enterprises in Virginia. In this episode, Karen talks about the Utility of the Future concept and how wastewater treatment plants are transforming into water resource recovery facilities. She also discusses how AlexRenew embodies a Utility of the Future, particularly through its community engagement, watershed stewardship, and recovery of resources such as water, energy, and nutrients. AlexRenew is one of about 80 utilities that have earned recognition as a Utility of the Future Today.
Episode #29
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April 2, 2018
Alan Heymann is the President of Blue Drop and the Chief Marketing Officer for DC Water. In this episode, Alan shares the origin story of the unique nonprofit affiliate of a water utility, which includes a mission to provide ratepayer relief by selling its biosolids-based soil amendment Bloom and providing consulting services to other utilities. He also discusses the benefits and challenges of being attached to a public water utility, as well as how Blue Drop may evolve in size and scope in the future.
Episode #28
Hosted by Travis Loop
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