NEWEA invites the submission of abstracts for the 2025 Spring Meeting!

This annual meeting consistently attracts more than 300 engineers, consultants, scientists, operators, and students, and features a variety of technical sessions, exhibitor displays, and the Operations Challenge competition. It provides an opportunity for professional exchange of information and state-of-the-art concepts in wastewater treatment and water environment issues.

Please consider submitting an abstract on water quality topics such as:

• Biosolids
• Infrastructure Funding
• One Water/Strategic Planning
• Operators’ Perspectives
• PFAS
• Resiliency
• Stormwater/Flood Detection
• Workforce Development

Abstracts are due by Friday, January 31, 2025.

NEWEA is sad to share the news that Douglas Starr passed away on December 16.

He attended Bucknell University and earned a master’s degree in environmental engineering from Manhattan College.

He was the Environmental Permits and Program Coordinator for the City of Nashua, NH and he was the former Public Works Director for the town of Merrimack and served as Town Engineer for Jaffery, NH. He worked on the Merrimack Conservation Commission and coached Merrimack Youth Association basketball and baseball for many years.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association.

Recent news reports have misrepresented PFAS risks in biosolids, damaging public trust. While PFAS is a valid concern, as water professionals and advocates we must counter misinformation with solid science and effective practices.  

WEF has compiled some resources to help us educate communities and officials about the real risks and benefits of biosolids. Click the links below to access WEF's new resources to enhance your understanding and support accurate communication. Act now to protect the value of biosolids!  

WEF After the Flush: Explore WEF's website for key biosolids info and access the PBS Viewpoint Biosolids Special Feature. 

WEF Biosolids Communications Toolkit: Communicate effectively about biosolids with this science-based, user-friendly toolkit. 

WEF PFAS Blueprint for Utility Managers – Strategies for the Next Five Years: Find strategies for addressing PFAS in utilities over the next five years. 

WEF PFAS in Water and Wastewater Sectors: Fundamentals, Management, and Treatment: Read essays on PFAS fundamentals, management, and treatment in the water sector. 

WEF Water Advocates Call-to-Action: Benefits of Biosolids: Use the grassroots platform to write Congress to support effective biosolids policies and PFAS management. 

WEF PFAS Position Statement: WEF is currently updating the PFAS Position Statement, but the recommendations are: 

• Timely PFAS health and environmental assessments 
• National science-based PFAS standards 
• Improved PFAS management practices 
• Continued biosolids regulation under the Clean Water Act 
• Increased funding for PFAS research and technologies

Connecticut: CTWEA's Operations Forum will be held on February 14, 2025 in Plantsville, CT.

Maine: Maine students grades 1-12 are invited to submit to MEWEA's 2025 Poster Contest for the chance to win a cash prize.

Massachusetts: MAWEA members are encouraged to apply to receive a complimentary registration to attend NEWEA's 2025 Annual Conference on Tuesday, January 28.

New Hampshire: NHWPCA is currently accepting submissions for its Poster Contest and Student Scholarships.

Rhode Island: RICWA and Woodard & Curran are hosting Biological Nitrogen Removal Using Process Simulators in Providence, RI on January 22.

Vermont: GMWEA is currently accepting abstract submissions and inquiries about exhibit space and sponsorship for their Spring Meeting, taking place May 22.

• Make a donation online.
• Take a moment to share how NEWEA has impacted your career, education, and/or community. 
• Establish a legacy gift or memorial fund, or include NEWEA in your will. 
• Designate NEWEA for a Qualified Charitable Distribution. (If you have to take a Required Minimum Distribution from your retirement funds in 2025, you may be able to offset the tax impacts. Contact your financial advisor/IRA custodian for more information.)