Hosted jointly by the Indiana Industrial Operators Association (IIOA) and the Indiana Water Environment Association (IWEA) Pretreatment Committee, wastewater treatment professionals from around the state gathered in Indianapolis on April 2-4 to learn, grow and collaborate at the 2019 Wastewater Industrial Technical Training & Education (WITtec) Conference. This year’s conference theme was Pollution Prevention and New Technologies in Wastewater Treatment.
The three-day conference began on Tuesday, April 2nd with two 4-hour training options focusing on Pollution Prevention for Wastewater or Drinking Water Technologies. The second day provided four 8-hour technical course choices: Certified Pretreatment Coordinator course, Registered Industrial Wastewater Professional course, Industrial Environmental Management course, and 2019 Industrial Hot Topics. The third and final day was comprised of concurrent sessions for Industrial and Pretreatment and included open exhibits throughout the day.
Technical presentations on the third day included a range of speakers from industrial experts to experienced regulators. IDEM Commissioner Bruno Pigott, updated the audience on current areas of focus for the agency, discussing the increased efficiency in permit approval timelines and the agency’s goal to complete all inspection reports and submit them within seven days from inspections. Indiana Environmental Institute President Dr. Bill Beranek Jr, discussed the current agenda for the 2019 Indiana General Assembly, including new regulations passed, as well as increased funding for the Indiana Finance Authority (IFA). Wessler’s Vice President and Group Head for Environmental Services, Mary Atkins, presented on Rule 6 Stormwater Permitting and what current requirements entail.
To the benefit of attendees, two of the consistent activities throughout the conference were networking and mentoring. As the regulatory environment evolves and industries grow, it is vital to keep up to date with treatment technologies and regulation requirements. IIOA has seen great success in their mentoring program to prepare operators to pass their wastewater licensing exam. To explore the mentoring program, you can visit www.iioa.net/education. The IWEA Pretreatment Committee meets quarterly to discuss current trends and issues within the industry and is open to new and visiting attendees. Mark Curtis is the Committee Chair and contact for inquiries (mcurtis@mishawaka.in.gov).
This year’s conference provided attendees with opportunities to stay up-to-date with treatment technologies and regulation requirements, to attend certification courses, and enhance their networking contacts. The team effort behind pretreatment coordination and municipal operation has continued to grow and serves as a phenomenal resource for those that are a novice or an expert in the industry.
Tags