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A Watershed Year Ahead?

January 1, 2006By Jason V. Turner, Sarah Klahn

The top water-quality issues in 2006

While the sitting U.S. Congress might be characterized as attempting to expand federal spending abroad and restrict spending at home without regard to the impacts on domestic programs, including water quality-related programs, Hurricane Katrina and a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) report on infrastructure maintenance may have been "watershed events" that will result in some re-examination of federal spending priorities in the public sector.

Looking at Our Industry's Future

January 1, 2006By Angela Neville, Jason Goodman

Environmental executives predict trends for the new year

We've asked leaders from different segments of the environmental field to gaze into their crystal balls and forecast significant developments they see occurring in 2006 and beyond.

Product Stewarship - Part 2

January 1, 2006By Richard MacLean

Adding governance to your stewardship strategy

The bottom line for companies is that now may be the right time to take a systematic look at their products and services.

Still Hazy After All These Years

January 1, 2006By Bill S. Forcade

The top air quality management issues in 2006

2006 promises to be a contentious and litigious time in the air pollution control area. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced some significant new hazardous and traditional pollutant regulatory programs that will be legally challenged as either too stringent or too lax, depending upon the litigant.

The Path Ahead

January 1, 2006By Stephen I. Addlestone, JD

The top waste management issues of 2006

2005 saw developments related to waste management in both the judicial, administrative, and regulatory contexts. These developments are likely to continue to influence policy and actions well into 2006. The following article summarizes some of these major developments, with an eye toward future effects.

(H+)eir Apparent

November 1, 2005By Jason Goodman

As the search for gasoline's replacement intensifies, hydrogen fuel cells may soon become the alternative fuel of choice for the automotive industry

It took years and years of designing, planning, and problem-solving before a vehicle that wasn't powered by a gasoline engine actually made it onto the market in quantities sufficient to satisfy more than the most adventurous or environmentally conscious of consumers.

Battling the Blue

November 1, 2005By Joseph F. Lorenz, Ronald E. Hutchens

Dense non-aqueous phase liquids can present a unique problem for cleanup operations

What's bright blue, heavier than water and mostly insoluble? In the case of a brownfield site in the Midwest, the answer is a daunting remediation challenge.

Product Stewardship Part 1

November 1, 2005By Richard MacLean

Adding governance to your stewardship strategy

The following is the first part in a two-part series that examines the subject of product stewardship. This issue is taking on a whole new significance in light of emerging global regulations based on the precautionary principle and management's push to develop new products in expanded markets.

Reuse, Reclaim, Recycle

November 1, 2005By Ed Jordan

Membrane bioreactor technology is helping treatment facilities find usable water in some unlikely places

Water reuse has gone from being a positive environmental alternative to a growing necessity. Reusing wastewater saves money and the environment, but it can be expensive to pipe treated water through miles of distribution lines from a centralized reclamation facility to where it is needed.

A Profitable Arrangement

October 1, 2005By Steve Blocki

A performance contract, combined with a retrofit of existing RTO equipment, can save millions in operating expenditures

Attention is typically given to regenerative thermal oxidizer (RTO) performance only when a specific problem or fault shuts the system down or when the system is out of compliance.

Engagement at the Top

October 1, 2005By Richard MacLean

EHS governance takes on new dimensions when business executives and the board of directors seek a second opinion

The accounting scandals, perp walks to prison, and Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) have sent shock waves throughout the ranks of boards and executives. Has this significantly improved environmental, health, and safety (EHS) and social responsibility governance at the top? Unlikely. What will it take to get executives and the board fully engaged?

Reaching Out

October 1, 2005By Merrie Spaeth

Managing public opinion about your business's effect on water supplies is becoming increasingly important

Water is the hot issue of the next 25 years. You know it, I know, but the American public doesn't. Why should they? American households spend less than any other industrialized nation for their water use. In fact, every year they spend nearly twice as much on carbonated and caffeinated beverages as they do on treating drinking and wastewater.

Taking the Lead

October 1, 2005By Angela Neville

Our five Facilities of the Year finalists show that smart business practices can go hand in hand with exemplary commitment to the environment

We are proud to showcase the five winners of our tenth annual Facilities of the Year Competition. These facilities represent a wide variety of industrial sectors and geographical locations.

Water Quality Management 101

October 1, 2005By W. Wesley Eckenfelder, William Ney Hansard

A basic overview of the key concepts related to treating municipal and industrial wastewater

Over the past few decades there has been an increased awareness of the importance of water quality. Many municipalities and industrial facilities have upgraded or installed new technologies to meet the demand for clean water. Advances in water quality science show that further improvements are needed to ensure a plentiful water supply and to protect the natural environment.

A Fresh Coat

September 1, 2005By Hank Godshalk

U.S. Manufacturers' use of low-volatile organic compound paint is improving air quality

Virtually all metal product manufacturers insist that their products perform well and look good. Often, a key factor in determining if these goals are met is the coating they receive before leaving the factory.