OWEA Collection Systems Workshop
07/23/2020

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2020 Technical Conference & Expo
08/31/2020- 09/03/2020

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OWEA Plant Operations and Lab Workshop
11/18/2020- 11/19/2020

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OWEA Biosolids Workshop
12/02/2020

Ohio Water
Environment Association
info@ohiowea.org
614.488.5800
Twitter: @Ohio_wea
LinkedIn: OWEA

We know water is essential and we need you to let your representatives in Washington know too. WEF is asking you to tell Congress to include funding for the water utility sector in any major Coronavirus relief package. It’s hard to find the time to call or write, but WEF has made it super easy to do. You don’t even need to know who your congressperson is to be heard. By clicking here you can easily let your representative know the importance of funding.

As a result of the current COVID-19 crisis OWEA will be postponing the Charitable Outreach Fundraising Social slated for July 30. Due to the set up of the event, we do not feel we can conduct it with appropriate social distancing at this time. The event is in the process of being rescheduled for April or May 2021.
 

We are living in a new normal and there are still many unknowns regarding this pandemic. While we do not know exactly when Governor DeWine will start allowing in person events, we do know we want to provide our attendees who wish to come to with the safest experience possible. Currently, OWEA is planning to hold the events listed in the left hand column assuming current meeting restrictions are lifted. We will notify the membership if anything changes. OWEA and our hotel partners are hard at work to make sure that when we can have events, we are utilizing appropriate precautions. The next time we are together will look different. Here are just some of the details of how we are planning to do in person meetings once they can resume:

• We will be following recommendations for our state.
• OWEA staff will be wearing masks and in some cases face shields during the event.
• Attendees will be highly encouraged to wear masks and OWEA will provide masks during events. Masks are the best way to keep everyone safe when we are around each other.
• Hand sanitizer will be provided by both the venues and OWEA.
• We are working individually with each venue to ensure we follow CDC recommendations of social distancing in classrooms and during meals.
• Food service will look different. Food will be served by employees in the case of a buffet and you might see many more individual items.
• There will be markings on the floor to help maintain safe distances between attendees.
• Podiums, microphones and laptops will all be wiped down between speakers.
• We will maintain recommended distances between all attendees, between staff and attendees, and between speakers and attendees.

This is a fearful time for everyone, but we believe we are providing you with information that is needed for you to make an informed decision by letting you know how we are planning to ensure a safe, but different, experience.

We know you need contact hours and want to provide you with opinions! Both the state office and OWEA section leaders are working on all the details to be able to offer some contact hours virtually. These will be scheduled events and will look similar to a section meeting/workshop. Keep an eye out for more details and registration information!
 

Ohio WARN has received a shipment of cloth masks from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for distribution to water and wastewater facilities. Please read the message below and follow the instructions if you are interested in obtaining cloth masks for utility personnel.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has provided the State of Ohio a limited supply of washable, cloth face masks that are available to all Water & Wastewater purveyors of Ohio. OHWARN, in conjunction with Ohio EPA, ORWA, and ORCAP is working to distribute the masks to Ohio Water and Wastewater utilities. Due to the limited number of masks available, distribution is to be allocated at a rate of FIVE (5) face masks per utility full-time employee (FTE) with a cap of 250 FTE. If you are interested in obtaining cloth face masks, OHWARN is asking that you fill out the request form here.
 

The Ohio EPA and OWEA want to make sure you have the most current information regarding COVID-19. We have worked together to have regular webinars that address questions the OEPA is receiving and current COVID-19 issues. The third in this series is slated for May 21 at 1 pm. You can register for the webinar here.

Many operators might be wondering if you are safe from COVID-19 while working in a wastewater treatment plant. Good news – current research shows that exposure to wastewater isn’t a significant transmission route for COVID-19. You can read more about this in a recent WEF article here.
 

Did you miss one of the recent webinars held by OWEA and the Ohio EPA? Or were you not able to participate in the recent webinar regarding Navigable Waters Protection Federal Rule? No worries, we have you covered! OEPA has recorded all webinars and they are available as follows:
COVID 19 Webinars
Navigable Waters
 
The Draft General Permit for Impacts to Ephemeral Streams and Isolated Wetlands is available on the  DSW 401 website, and it is available as a direct link here.