September 9, 2020

Chris Wilson is the Chief of Process Engineering and Research at Hampton Roads Sanitation District. In this episode Chris discusses how his utility is like many others in trying to understand how to treat certain contaminants like PFAS, develop effective tools for doing so, and determine which ones to apply for what end purpose. He says the session he is moderating at WEFTEC Connect on Tuesday, October 6 at 3:30 p.m. will seek to augment technical and policy information on PFAS with a look at where those areas intersect and what that means for water utilities. Chris is known for taking a creative approach to sessions and hopes that makes the content more memorable for attendees.

Episode #156
Hosted by Travis Loop

September 2, 2020

Katie Henderson is Senior Program Manager for the Value of Water Campaign. In this episode Katie discusses a new report on the Economic Benefits of Investing in Water Infrastructure. She outlines the report’s findings on the U.S. water infrastructure investment gap, the costs of failing to address that gap, and the economic benefits of closing the investment gap. Katie also talks about how the water sector should use information in the report to advocate for increased funding.

Episode #155
Hosted by Travis Loop

August 31, 2020

Lucy Pugh is a Vice President and Industrial Water and Wastewater Technical Practice Director at AECOM. In this episode Lucy discusses water reuse challenges in the food and beverage industry and how its wastewater processes differ from municipal treatment. She also talks about technologies used in food and beverage can be transferred to municipal facilities. Lucy will be leading a session at WEFTEC Connect on Tuesday, October 6 at 3:30 p.m. on solutions to wastewater treatment and reuse challenges faced by the food and beverage industry.

Episode #154
Hosted by Travis Loop

August 24, 2020

Erin Zaske is Chief Development Officer for AQUALIS. In this episode Erin talks about how hurricanes, tropical storms, and other severe weather pose threats to stormwater assets of utilities and property owners. She explains the need to prepare in advance, remotely monitor during a storm, and evaluate impacts afterward. Erin also discusses the potential negative impacts to infrastructure, property, and budgets if there is not proper planning and how AQUALIS services and products can assist.

This episode is brought to you by AQUALIS.

Episode #153
Hosted by Travis Loop

August 13, 2020

Art Umble is Senior Vice President of Global Wastewater Treatment Sector Leader at Stantec and Chair of the Water Environment Federation’s Blue-Ribbon Panel on Biological Hazards and Precautions for Wastewater Workers. In this episode Art discusses the panel’s conclusions that occupational risk of infection is low, standard wastewater treatment processes inactivate the virus, and additional research should be conducted to further increase understanding of hazards and protections for personnel. He also explains that the panel updated the guidelines for protection of wastewater personnel from potential pathways of exposure to biological hazards, including coronavirus. The panel’s report is available on Access Water.

Episode #152
Hosted by Travis Loop

August 5, 2020

Jackie Jarrell is the President of the Water Environment Federation and Interim Deputy Director at Charlotte Water, Nikita Lingenfelter is Speaker-Elect of the WEF House of Delegates and an Engineer with the State of Nevada Department of Environmental Protection, and Stephen Sanders is Director and Head Trainer at The Environmental Training Center at Morrisville State College. In this episode, they discuss how WEF has responded to the calls for equity for Black Americans and the work of WEF’s Workforce Diversity and Inclusion Task Force. Nikita and Stephen talk about their experiences as Black Americans working in the water sector and how WEF can improve diversity and equity for its members and volunteers. They also share personal perspectives on racism in America.

This episode is part of a series of conversations on equity and the water sector. It is co-hosted by Travis Loop and Rahkia Nance.  

July 29, 2020

Rick Warner is a Past-President of the Water Environment Federation and President of Warner and Associates LLC. In this episode Rick discusses how during his tenure in WEF leadership he emphasized the concept of partnering for impact, which included the documentary film Brave Blue World as an outcome. He talks about the many synergies that result from collaboration, such as the Nevada Water Innovation Institute at his alma mater the University of Nevada, Reno. Rick explains that he advises students to choose employers with a culture that aligns with their values and ideals.

WOW: Take It From The Top
Hosted by Tom Kunetz