ONE World …..ONE Water Environment

Jim Gehrels, Co-founder of Lifewater Canada is the keynote speaker at the 41st Annual WEAO Technical Symposium and OPCEA Exhibition

TORONTO, April 16, 2012 /CNW/ - April 22-24, 2012 - This is the first time the WEAO annual conference has been held in eastern Ontario! The conference is packed with opportunities to network with peers in the wastewater industry. Sessions focus on the training and skills of operators, the new professional, advanced treatment systems, asset management, health, safety and security, collections and distribution systems, storm water management technologies, biosolids management, new and proposed legislation, non-conventional contaminants and ongoing research. This year there are new features such as a Government Affairs session, information on mentoring programs, and live entertainment at the banquet.

The conference, being held in Ottawa, from April 22-24, opens with Jim Gehrels, Co-founder of Lifewater Canada, a charity using a community-based approach to providing children with clean water. He will provide an accounting of his journeys, challenges and successes.

Conference events include the "Operations Challenge" organized by the Professional Wastewater Operators (PWO) which pits municipal operators against one another in a quest for excellence. There will be a tour of Ottawa's Robert O. Pickard Environment Centre (ROPEC), one of the largest wastewater treatment facilities in Canada.  All industrial, commercial and residential wastewater produced in Ottawa is treated here on 60-hectares (150 acres) of land.  The ROPEC has won awards for their on-site Cogen facility and energy efficient practices. 

There will also be an opportunity for operators to try their exams at the conference. There is a New Professionals and Student Program and the Fourth WEAO Student Design Competition.

OPCEA hosts a tradeshow with over 100 member companies demonstrating the newest in wastewater and storm water equipment. The trade show combined with the various technical seminars and presentations help the uninitiated in their understanding of the importance of wastewater management on the daily life of every Ontarian. The trade show provides the latest in science and technology that aid wastewater managers in undertaking their jobs successfully.

Water for People (WFP) is WEAO's charity of choice. WFP supports water and wastewater initiatives in developing countries. Be sure to participate in the lively activities during the conference as well as an evening with Water For People and the Jeff Rogers Band at the Hard Rock Café in the ByWard Market District.

This is really is a "must do" event, the "largest Canadian technical conference for the wastewater industry" and a tremendous opportunity for the new professionals to network and develop contacts for their developing careers.

For more information please visit the Water Environment Association website at www.weao.org

For further information:

Julie Vincent, Executive Administrator
416 410-6933 x1
[email protected]