Water Online

September 2015

Water Online the Magazine gives Water & Wastewater Engineers and end-users a venue to find project solutions and source valuable product information. We aim to educate the engineering and operations community on important issues and trends.

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both technical and social aspects of systems integration for sustainable outcomes. The ReNUWIt center illustrates a methodology for moving innovative ideas forward: 1) research drives development; 2) develop- ment drives demonstration; 3) demonstration drives deployment. This is known as "R3D" in the vernacular. In essence, the ReNUWIt research center represents a "live" example of what is known as a "test bed" for technology adoption. Right now a movement is afoot within federal agencies (EPA, DOE, Department of Defense, Department of Agriculture, U.S. Geological Survey, and oth- ers) to partner with academia and private business to construct a series of three to five regional water and wastewater "technology test bed" sites throughout the U.S. and Canada. These test beds would serve as "plug & play" facilities for anyone wishing to prove their technology within an open, transparent, standardized test protocol platform that immediately publishes critical performance results data to any who desire it. This is believed to be critical in streamlining the advancement of a new technology into the marketplace. Because regulatory drivers have tradition- ally stifled innovation, the EPA is recognizing that it too must follow the innovation curve. The EPA's participation in the "test bed" conversation has been applauded within our industry because it shows the EPA is rethink- ing its position on regulatory control: Early adopters may receive "relaxed" standards, such as "performance-based" standards and incentives; as the technology matures, more prescriptive limits can be imposed. So what does this all mean for us right now? Historically, we humans tend to change our behaviors when our standards for living are threatened by some outside force, and furthermore, only when that force becomes a crisis. We tend to be comfortable with "business as usual" until the crisis hits and our backs are against the wall. Only then do we engage and respond, and to date, our innovative nature has always "saved the day" from catastrophe. Unfortunately, such luxury does not exist with climate change. We must act now. First, we must reduce our demand for energy and water and continue shifting our necessary consump- tions to renewable resources. Then, we must intensify our efforts to recover all resources from all waste streams. To accomplish this, we must engage every opportunity to test every innovative idea efficiently and thoroughly. Public and private entities must partner to fund and drive the R3D process. We must adopt flexible regulatory frameworks that promote, not hinder, innovation. Not surprisingly, this is really more about leadership than it is about instituting mechanisms to advance innovative technology. Do we have the commitment within ourselves to lead to a sustainable future, one with no waste? n wateronline.com n Water Innovations SUSTAINABILITY 15 Dr. Umble is the wastewater practice leader for MWH and provides technical analysis and support to design teams for new and rehabilitated municipal wastewater treatment facilities. Umble is a leader in initiatives promoting environmental stewardship, serving as a technical advisor/reviewer for Water Environment Research Foundation, International Water Association, and the WateReuse Foundation collabora- tive research projects. About The Author Innovative Chemical Feed Solutions * * NEW PRODUCT * * Model 4100-EC Automatic Liquid Vacuum Feeder Feed the following chemicals safely under vacuum conditions: Sodium Hypochlorite / Sodium BisulÞte / Liquid Ammonium Sulfate / Sodium Chlorite / Hydroßuorosilicic Acid / Copper Sulfate Solution / Poly Aluminum Chloride / Liquid Aluminium Sulfate / Sulfuric Acid / Hydrochloric Acid / Emulsion Polymers

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