Engineers' Society of Western Pennsylvania

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IWC Announces Cohen Award Winner

On behalf of the Executive Committee of the International Water ConferenceÂź (IWC),

it is our pleasure to announce that Kevin Brown of U.S. Water has been selected as the winner of our 2018 Paul Cohen Award for his presentation IWC 18-32: Decreasing Filterable Iron Levels in an Air-cooled Condenser at a Combined Cycle Power Plant.

As a memorial to Paul Cohen and his contributions to the power generation industry, the IWC recognizes the author of the most precise and innovative presentation in the field of power systems water technology that was presented at the most recent IWC.

We hope that you will be able to join us during the Opening Session at the 2019 International Water Conference taking place on Monday, November 11 at the Hilton at Walt Disney World in Orlando, FL, USA to see Kevin Brown receive his award. To view a complete list of past award recipients, visit, https://eswp.com/water/awards/

IBC Executive Committee

Congratulations to William Detwiler, P.E., T.Y. Lin International, Liji Huang, Ph.D., CCCC Highway Consultants Co., Ltd., Jennifer Laning, P.E., Pennoni, and Frank Russo, P.E., Michael Baker International on their election on the International Bridge Conference Executive Committee.

Mr. Detwiler is a Senior Bridge Engineer & Principal Project Manager at T.Y. Lin International in their Coral Gables, FL office.  Mr. Detwiler is currently managing the Design Review of the $800M I395/SR836/I95 Design/Build project for the Florida Department of Transportation.  He has over 25 years of experience in bridge engineering including inspection, preservation, repair and rehabilitation projects and design experience in both concrete and structural steel, including box girder bridges and segmental construction.

Mr. Huang began the study Civil Engineering in the Department of Civil Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China. After nine years of study, he received a Ph.D. degree in Civil Engineering, and joined CCCC Highway Consultants Co., Ltd. He has devoted his career to bridge design, consulting and research ever since he joined CCCC. CCCC was founded in 1954. The company undertakes the survey, design, construction, inspection, and maintenance of large bridges and tunnels in China and overseas. Mr. Huang will be the first International Bridge Conference representative from China.

Ms. Laning is an Associate Vice President in the Transportation Division with a primary focus in bridge inspections and project management. She serves Pennoni as a Bridge Inspection Practice Leader, headquartered in the Baltimore, Maryland office. Her responsibilities include project management and quality management of NBIS Bridge and underwater inspection projects and coordination of relevant project requirements for local, state and federal clients.

Mr. Russo is the Vice President and Technical Director at Michael Baker International. As a member of the Baker Technical Services Group for bridges, he is responsible for the design, design oversight, quality control, and marketing support of complex bridge engineering projects nationwide. He has an extensive teaching background in academia and for professional clients. He also has experience in forensic engineering and expert witness report preparation.

 

We are pleased to welcome each of these candidates to IBC Executive Committee and we look forward to their assistance in the planning for the 2019 International Bridge Conference, which takes place on June 10-12, 2019 at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in National Harbor, MD, USA. For more information on the event visit, https://eswp.com/bridge/bridge-home/.

CONGRATULATIONS TO ESWP MEMBER AND AQUATECH CEO VENKEE SHARMA UPON APPOINTMENT TO THE UNITED STATES – INDIA CEO FORUM

Announcement Made by U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross  

CANONSBURG, PA, Feb. 14, 2019 – Venkee Sharma, CEO of Aquatech International, has been appointed to serve on the U.S. – India CEO Forum. Established in 2005, this Forum provides an opportunity for dialogue between the United States and Indian governments to strengthen the economic and commercial relationship between both countries.

The announcement was made by U.S. Secretary of Commerce, Wilbur Ross, who will co-chair the Forum with Indian Minister of Commerce & Industry and Civil Aviation Suresh Prabhu. “The U.S.-India CEO Forum is critical to the fruitful commercial relationship and strong economic ties between our two great nations. The incoming U.S. CEOs will bring fresh perspectives to the Forum and help us consider new opportunities to further deepen our cooperation,” he said.

“It is an honor to be part of this CEO Forum, which plays an important role in encouraging economic opportunities and strengthening important business relationships in both our countries. While Aquatech is headquartered in the United States, our global operations include a significant presence in India which includes global technical services, R&D, as well as an appreciable footprint in the local market. This affords us a unique and beneficial perspective that we can bring to the Forum,” said Sharma, who will serve a two-year term on the Forum.

IWC Travel Scholarship News

2018 IWC Travel Scholarship

The International Water Conference (IWC) is proud to present the following three students with the 2018 IWC Travel Scholarship:

Joshua Benjamin

  • University: University of South Florida
  • Class: 2021
  • Major: Environmental Engineering

Nader Rezaei

  • University: University of South Florida
  • Class: 2019
  • Major: Chemical Engineering

Stephen LaBonia

  • University: University of Florida
  • Class: 2019
  • Major: Chemical Engineering

These students demonstrated an interest and commitment to seek a career in the field of water technology. They were presented their scholarship at the Opening Session during the 79th Annual IWC on Monday, November 5, 2018 at Talking Stick Resort in Scottsdale, AZ, USA.

This could not be possible without the support of McKim & Creed and Dewberry Engineers who sponsored the students and was a mentor to them before, during, and after the conference. We could not provide this experience without their support!

After the presentation of scholarship, the IWC welcomed Keynote Speaker, Joel Beauvais, (Partner, Latham & Watkins) with Master of Ceremonies, Patricia Scroggin, P.E. from Burns & McDonnell. More information on the 2018 IWC program can be found here.

New Location, New Events – 2018 IWC Recap

Scottsdale, Arizona was the new destination for the 79th Annual International Water Conference that took place on November 4-8, 2018. It brought together almost 900 end users, researchers, practicing engineers, educators, suppliers and contractors from more than 15 countries to learn unbiased details about the latest applications available in the industry, get educated on current technology and hold wide ranging discussions with their peers active in water treatment.

The conference opened on Sunday at 10:00 AM local time with an IWC Golf Outing at the Talking Stick Golf Club. It was followed by Continuing Education Workshops, Outdoor Exhibit Hall, and Get Acquainted Reception. The Golf Outing and Outdoor Exhibit Hall are a new addition to the conference, pleasantly surprising attendees.

To continue the excitement, the IWC introduced a H20 Theatre on Monday and Tuesday. The H20 Theatre offered a chance for companies to present information about their company that they could not present in the technical sessions. In addition, an Idea Board was added for attendees to communicate their thoughts in real time! The final addition to the conference was a TopGolf Outing hosting over 50 attendees on Wednesday evening located less than a mile from the venue.

Over the 5-day conference, 75 technical papers and 18 Continuing Education Workshops were conducted. All are carefully peer reviewed for quality and to ensure they are non-commercial. Each paper presentation at the IWC is followed by a prepared discussion-a thoroughly considered, different perspective on the topic. This was followed by an open floor discussion when all audience members and presenters can fully interact-ask questions, seek clarification, and raise alternative viewpoints.

Overall, we want to thank all the attendees, sponsors, and committee members for contributing to a successful conference and we hope to see you for the 80th Anniversary of the International Water Conference taking place on November 10-14, 2019 at the Hilton Lake Buena Vista in Orlando, FL, USA.

2018 PA Brownfields Conference Recap

Over the course of 3 days, over 400 attendees joined us in Bethlehem, PA for the 2018 PA Brownfields Conference.  With over 20+ educational sessions and networking opportunities with more than 45 exhibitors the conference was a success.

The conference opened on Monday with two mobile workshops (Brewing Brownfields Back to Life and Big Machines, Big Industry) followed by a “Get Acquainted Reception” at the Musikfest CafĂ© at ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks, that gave attendees a birds-eye view of the historic Bethlehem Steel Blast Furnaces.

Tuesday morning the conference started with a “Brownfields 101” session providing attendees an opportunity to learn the basics of Pennsylvania’s brownfields program before the start of the conference. Following this introductory session, we were welcomed to the conference by the Mayor of Bethlehem’s staff and opening remarks by PA Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Patrick McDonnell and U.S. EPA, Office of Land and Emergency Management Deputy Assistant Administrator, Steven Cook. Day two offered more than 12 different sessions for attendees to choose from, plus a full exhibit hall providing attendees the opportunity to lunch and learn, as they visit with vendors.

Wednesday continued with 10 more sessions and an “Economic Forecast” by Don Cunningham from Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation (LVEDC). The conference concluded with a workshop “Winning EPA Brownfield Grants – Tips and Tricks for Success” as experts presented way to write a successful proposal.

Overall, we want to thank all the attendees, sponsors, and committee members for contributing to a successful conference. Stay tuned for information on when the next PA Brownfields Conference will occur. The Conference is planned in collaboration between the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the Engineers’ Society of Western Pennsylvania (ESWP).

Over the course of 3 days, over 400 attendees joined us in Bethlehem, PA for the 2018 PA Brownfields Conference.  With over 20+ educational sessions and networking opportunities with more than 45 exhibitors the conference was a success.

The conference opened on Monday with two mobile workshops (Brewing Brownfields Back to Life and Big Machines, Big Industry) followed by a “Get Acquainted Reception” at the Musikfest CafĂ© at ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks, that gave attendees a birds-eye view of the historic Bethlehem Steel Blast Furnaces.

Tuesday morning the conference started with a “Brownfields 101” session providing attendees an opportunity to learn the basics of Pennsylvania’s brownfields program before the start of the conference. Following this introductory session, we were welcomed to the conference by the Mayor of Bethlehem’s staff and opening remarks by PA Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Patrick McDonnell and U.S. EPA, Office of Land and Emergency Management Deputy Assistant Administrator, Steven Cook. Day two offered more than 12 different sessions for attendees to choose from, plus a full exhibit hall providing attendees the opportunity to lunch and learn, as they visit with vendors.

Wednesday continued with 10 more sessions and an “Economic Forecast” by Don Cunningham from Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation (LVEDC). The conference concluded with a workshop “Winning EPA Brownfield Grants – Tips and Tricks for Success” as experts presented way to write a successful proposal.

Overall, we want to thank all the attendees, sponsors, and committee members for contributing to a successful conference. Stay tuned for information on when the next PA Brownfields Conference will occur. The Conference is planned in collaboration between the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the Engineers’ Society of Western Pennsylvania (ESWP).

IBC News!

Congratulations to ESWP Member Victor E. Bertolina, P.E., of SAI Consulting Engineers, Inc. on his induction as an IBC Honorary Member.  “Vic” has served on the IBC Executive Committee for more than 30 years, and served as General Chair of the conference in 1991. In 2009 the International Bridge Conference Executive Committee created an Honorary Membership Award to recognize the contributions of previous Committee Members with significant service to the International Bridge Conference.  This designation is based upon the ESWP bylaws, and membership category of the same name, and the qualifications are, the nominee must be a member of the Executive Committee for at least 25 years and must have served in the capacity of General Chairman.  This award has only been presented only six times in its existence.  We are pleased to recognize Victor E. Bertolina, P.E. with this special designation.  Vic received his special lapel pin at the ESWP Annual Banquet on February 15, 2017.

Conference News!

It has been a very busy early Fall for the ESWP. We have just presented two very successful conferences, including the PA Brownfields Conference in Lancaster , PA, which was attended by more than 325 registrants.  The Lancaster County Convention Center was the site for the 2016 conference, and was a great venue for this event.  The conference wrapped up on October 28, then just a week later our staff departed for San Antonio, TX for the 77th annual International Water Conference at the Marriott Rivercenter Hotel.  The IWC gathered more than 925 registrants, and more than 100 exhibitors. Back in the office now, we are getting caught up just in time for a busy holiday season!

“Best of IWC” Webinar Series continues…..

“Best of IWC” Webinar

Thursday, September 15, 2016 – 12:00noon-1:00pm

The “Best of IWC” Webinar Series continues
.. view last year’s presentations to see the technical and educational information presented at the conference. All from the comfort of your computer and best of all, it’s free! and you earn 1 PDH.  Registration is required and limited.  There are two presentations, each lasting 25 minutes.

Register for the Webinar here

Webinar Papers and Presenters:

IWC 15-58 – Thomas E. Higgins, Ph.D., P.E., CH2M Hill, Jacksonville, FL

Title: Challenges in Flue Gas Desulfurization Physical/Chemical Wastewater Treatment for Mercury and Arsenic

Abstract: Electric utilities are facing a series of regulations that will likely require advanced treatment of flue gas desulfurization (FGD) wastewater.  The proposed Effluent Limitation Guidelines (ELG) of 2013 and water quality based effluent limits (WQBELs) will necessitate treatment of FGD water. The appropriate treatment technologies for meeting these limits will be driven by the pollutants regulated.  This presentation will focus on recent evaluations of physical/chemical treatment, with an emphasis on findings regarding mercury removal.

IWC 15-59 – Frank Sassaman, Evoqua Water Technologies LLC, Warrendale, PA

Title: Treatment of FGD Wastewater in a Pilot Advanced Reactive Iron Media Wastewater Treatement System

Abstract: This paper focuses on the performance associated with the reduction of selenium. Reduction of mercury, arsenic, and numerous other trace heavy metals is also examined as well as the effect of hydraulic retention time, dynamic flow changes, influent chemistry changes, and response to typical real world upsets. Data will be specifically analyzed and discussed in association with meeting the pending ELG guidelines.