The Northwest Environmental Training Center is presenting the National 2009 Water Quality Conference to be held on May 20 - 22, 2009 in San Antonio, Texas. This exciting and informative meeting will address the issues and discuss the technology of the quality and supply of the world's most valuable resource - water. This conference will intertwine four tracks through many workshop sessions in this three-day conference. This event is not one to miss!

Margaret Osbourne - U.S. EPA Region 6

Margaret Osbourne received her MS in Geochemistry from Colorado School of Mines and she has worked for various EPA water programs for six years. In Washington, DC, Margaret managed grants and wrote water quality regulations, she wrote stormwater permits in Alaska and Idaho for 9 months while working in EPA Region 10, and has worked with the State Revolving Fund (SRF) Programs in EPA Region 6 for 3 years. Margaret is the Region 6 Green Coordinator for the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act SRF funding

James R. Brown, P.G. - US EPA Region 6

Water Efficiency: A mitigation approach to climate change

Since 2004, Mr. James R. Brown has served as associate director for strategic planning and analysis in the Water Quality Protection Division, EPA Region 6. His current work focuses on the measurement and assessment of environmental performance in the Clean Water Act and Safe Drinking Water Act programs. Prior to holding this position, Jim served for seven years as chief of the Region 6 Drinking Water Section, overseeing the safety of the public water supply in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana and New Mexico. At EPA headquarters in Washington, D.C., Jim managed the Monitoring and Technology Section within the Office of Solid Waste, where he worked in Ground Water Monitoring and Corrective Action programs from 1987 to 1997. Jim also served as the U.S. project co-manager and drinking water team technical project coordinator for an environmental project in the Ural Mountains region of Russia, from 1996-2001.

Before joining EPA in 1987, Jim worked for two years as a remote-sensing hydrologist with the Army Corps of Engineers in Washington, DC, mapping the distribution of surface water resources throughout the world. Jim earned a B.S. in Geology from Indiana University, and an M.S. in Environmental Sciences and Engineering from Virginia Tech. He holds a Professional Geologist certification in the state of Indiana.

Edwin Debiew - EPA

Roles and Responsibilities of the EPA Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations

Special Agent Edwin Debiew has been an agent for over 10 years and has worked investigations relative to EPA's major programs for five years now. Edwin has a Masters of Science degree in Criminal Justice, along with many awards and accolades. Edwin has presented training topics and information to members of the Department of Justice, National Disaster Fraud Task Force and to the North Texas Procurement Fraud Task Force.

Homer C. Emery - San Antonio Water System

Impact of EPA's Risk Management Program on Chlorine Gas Disinfection Practices and Trends In the Water Industry

Currently, Senior Environmental Analyst, San Antonio Water System.
Member of the American Water Works Association Research Foundation Project Advisory Committee for development of a Model Risk Management Plan for Water Utilities.
Member Bexar County Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) and Chairperson of LEPC Risk Management Committee.
Member of Alamo Region Emergency Preparedness Advisory Committee.
Project Advisory Committee Chairperson for the National Wastewater Sector Security Symposium and member of EPA National Water Security Advisory Group.
EDUCATION:
* Ph. D. Environmental Science, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma.
* Masters of Environmental Science, University of Oklahoma.
* Master of Public Administration, University of Oklahoma.
* B.S. Major Biology, Northeastern State College, Tahlequah, Oklahoma.

Femi Kennedy Giwa - Lagos State Emergency Management Agency

Effect of Textile Effluent on Ibeshe-Oiifin River

I have a Higher National Diploma (equivelent to BSC Degree) in chemistry form the presitigious Yaba College of Technology, Logas, Nigeria and a Post Graduate Diploma in Environmental Resources Managemnet form the Lagos State University, Lagos Nigeria. I have worked for nine years with the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency and rose to the position of a Principal Technical/Scientific Officer in the Pollution Control and Ecology and Conservation Departments aiding the agency in policy formulation, monitoring, evaluation and enforcement and capacity biulding programs for stakeholders.
Presently, I work with the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency as the Personal/Special Assistant to the Senior Special Management Agency (LESMA) and also as a Resource Facilitator of Disaster Management for Corps Members deployed to the Lagos State Orientation Camp.

Michael Hall - YSI, Inc

Cost-effective autonomous water quality monitoring systems for high-resolution data in near real-time

Michael Hall received his BS in Mechanical Engineering from North Carolina State University. Mike worked as a research engineer at the University of South Florida?s Center for Ocean Technology for over 8 years designing in situ environmental sensors and unmanned vehicles. He currently works with YSI, Inc as a project engineer supporting their AUV program and similar water quality monitoring systems.

Mark Mathis - Texas Water Development Board

TWDB’S Water Audit Continuing Education Program
To Further Assist Utilities on Water Loss Accountability

I have been with the Texas Water Development Board for over 5 years, in that time, I have authored a Water Loss Audit Manual for Texas Utilities. I am the lead staff member at the Texas Water Development Board responsible for educating Texas utilities on the implmentation of a water audit. I am also a member of the American Water Works Association, Water loss Control Committee addressing water loss across the United States.

Olabisi Alamu - National Centre for Genetic Resources and Biotechnology

Unsustainable Private Sector provision of Potable water in Nigeria; Need for Water Pricing

I'm a Research Scientist and an Environmental Biologist with interest in Natural Resources Management, Genetic Resources Conservation and Food Security. Have B.Sc. and M.Sc. degrees in Agricultural Biology and Environmental Biology from University of Ibadan,Nigeria.
Furthermore, a paper " Sustainability in the Nigeria water sector:threat of heavy metals poisoning "was published by American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE) IN 2005.

Craig Pedersen - URS

Water Supply Planning in Texas: Lessons for the Rest of the Nation

Mr. Pedersen is URS Corporation's Texas water leader. He previously served as Executive Administrator of the Texas Water Development Board, Texas' water planning agency. He has worked on 4 Texas state water plans, numerous regional water plans and worked on many other state's water supply issues.

Rajesh Shrestha - Women's Foundation Nepal

State of Arsenic in Nawalparasi District of Nepal

I hold M.S. degree in Natural Resource Management with research on water quality(An Assessment of Drinking Water Quality and Reverse Osmosis System for Small Scale Communities" in the context of Nepal.
I worked in WASH section,UNICEF-Nepal as a Field Monitor (Water Quality consultant) in Blanket Arsenic testing program of ground water in Terai districts to find out the level of arsenic in Nepal.
UNICEF in partnership with the Department of Water supply and Sewarage of Nepal Government initiated investigations into the possibility of contamination in the shallow-aquifer tube wells in the Terai region by conducting blanket arsenic testing in 8 terai districts.Among these Nawalparasi was Found to be Arsenic HOT SPOT AREA.

Juan Gomez - CH2M HILL

Organic Contaminants in Water

Inorganic Contaminants in Water (emphasis on TDS and As)

Mr. Gomez is a senior technologist in water treatment with CH2M HILL. He is a chemical engineer with over 8 years of experience in water treatment, environmental engineering and water resources. He has a Doctorate in Environmental Science and Engineering from the University of Texas at El Paso. He is also a registered professional engineer with the state of TX. He has experience in water treatment (conventional and membranes), inorganic contaminants (arsenic), feasibility studies for development of water supply projects, design and operation of pilot projects, brackish groundwater desalination, hydraulic modeling, dynamic simulation, cost estimating, and all phases of delivery of complex water treatment and water supply projects.

Ed Cahill - EMSL Analytical Inc.

Asbestos Analysis in Ground and Surface Water by Transmission Electron Microscopy
Evolution of Methodology

25 year veteran in asbestos analysis
Director of 30 labs nationwide
Member:
- ASTM committee D22
- Technical Assistance Program (TAP) member for AIHA IHLAP and AAR program
- Environmental Information Association (EIA)
- Microscopy Society of America (MSA)

Andrea Carlson, C.P.G. - Shannon & Wilson, Inc.

Movement of Trichloroethylene in a Discontinuous Permafrost Zone

I am a professional geologist and have been working as a consultant for Shannon & Wilson, Inc. in Fairbanks, Alaska for the past seven years. I had been working on this project and decided to use the research for my Masters of Science thesis. I completed my MS degree in Environmental Science in May 2008, while continuing to work full time at Shannon & Wilson. I am a Certified Professional Geologist with the American Institute of Professional Geologists and a licensed Professional Geologist with the State of Alaska.

Jane Piper - Piper Environmental Group

Remediating Contamination with Ozone

CEO of Piper Environmental Group

Michael Torres - The United States Environmental Protection Agency

Aggressive remediation of perchloroethylene-contamainated ground water at the McGaffey and Main Ground Water Plume Superfund Site in Roswell, New Mexico

Michael Torres is a Remedial Project Manager (RPM) at EPA Region 6 in Dallas, Texas. RPM Torres manages six National Priorities List sites in Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Louisiana. Before becoming an EPA RPM, Michael Torres worked as a Federal On-Scene Coordinator for the Emergency Response Branch of the Superfund Program. Before coming to EPA, Michael Torres worked as a civil engineer at the El Paso Water Utilities, where he advanced water and wastewater infrastructure improvements to unicorporated areas in El Paso County. Prior to this work, Michael was a Research Associate at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. Michael Torres holds two Master of Science degrees, one in chemistry and the other in civil engineering.

Steve Wilson - Illinois State Water Survey; University of Illinois

Steve Wilson is a Groundwater Hydrologist at the Illinois State Water Survey, University of Illinois. He has been involved in dozens of groundwater quantity and quality research studies related to aquifer assessment, arsenic, pesticides, and drinking water, and serves as Assistant Director for Research for the Midwest Technology Assistance Center. He received a BS in Agricultural Engineering and a MS in Civil Engineering from the University of Illinois. His involvement in the National Groundwater Monitoring Network is as Co-Chair of the Implementation Work Group that is developing the solicitation and guidance for the piloting efforts.

MUNICIPAL WATER

Nanny Bosch - Laboratory Data Consultants, Inc.

Enhancing State, Regional and Local Monitoring Programs: Coordinated Monitoring Program of the Sacramento and American Rivers in the Sacramento Metropolitan Area, Sacramento California

Ms. Bosch attends quarterly CMP Steering Committee Meetings and provides technical assistance to SRCSD, its stakeholders, and laboratories to ensure program-compliant data of known quality are stored in the database and available to SRCSD, partnering agencies, and the public. Prior to working as a principal chemist with LDC, Ms. Bosch was an analytical chemist, quality assurance scientist and project manager with a large environmental analytical laboratory in West Sacramento, CA. Ms. Bosch is currently the Operations Manager of LDC's Northern California operations in Sacramento, CA.

Ken Diehl - San Antonio Water System

Case Study: Innovative Collaborative Approach to Address a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) for Bacteria Impairment of the Upper San Antonio River

Ken Diehl is currently employed with the San Antonio Water System (SAWS) in the Resource Protection and Compliance Department as an Environmental Specialist IV. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Stephen F. Austin State University in Texas. Prior to working for SAWS, Ken was a Senior Study Director for ENSR Consulting and Engineer in their Environmental Aquatic Toxicology Laboratory. In his current position, his primary responsibilities include, land use development issues, wellhead protection, Federal NPDES Storm Water Permit activities, requirements of SAWS? Pretreatment Program and water quality issues of SAWS? recycled water.

Afamia Elnakat, Ph.D. - University of Texas at San Antonio Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering

Hype or Hurry: Endocrine Disruptors In Public Water Supply

Dr. Afamia Elnakat is a registered Environmental Scientist. Her areas of expertise centers on water resources management, water treatment, remediation and environmental regulations.

She specializes in multidisciplinary approaches in assessing water policies and institutional barriers to facilitate cooperation between different entities. She is experienced in technical, political and economical aspects of water resource management.

Dr. Elnakat currently contributing to the University of Texas at San Antonio department of Civil and Environmental Engineering.

Dr. Elnakat has completed several research studies and consulting projects on Public Private Partnership in the Municipal Water Sector, Water and Wastewater Treatment Opportunity Analysis in the United States, Endocrine Disruptors in Public Water Supply, Trends in Water Conservation and Infrastructure Rehab, and Green Politics.

Dr. Elnakat has received acclaim for her research through articles and quotes published in peer reviewed journals as well as Water Online, CNBC, the Texas Legislation, and numerous national conferences and more.

Mason Miller and Sean Ables - TCEQ

Source Water Protection

Mason T. Miller is a Source Water Protection Specialist with the Drinking Water Protection Team in the Public Drinking Water Section. He has a B.S. in Agriculture Economics, Resources from Texas A&M University. Mason has worked for TCEQ for nine years as an Environmental Investigator and Source Water Protection Specialist. His duties include conducting source water protection inventories with water systems and Global Positioning System trainer for TCEQ.

Sean received his Bachelor of Science in Geology from the University of Texas, specializing in Geographic Information System (GIS) and computer science.
Sean has worked in the Public Drinking Water Section since 1998, working in the Drinking Water Protection Program. His primary duties include Source Water Protection for public water systems, review and maintenance of public water supply data and Global Positioning System (GPS) training of TCEQ field staff

Craig Otto - Irrigation Consultants & Control, Inc.

Municipality Challenges and Solutions Relating to Landscape Irrigation
Case Study ? City of Chanhassen, Minnesota

Craig Otto, CIC, CID, CLIA, CWCM, EPA WaterSense Partner
Water Resource Consultant,
Irrigation Consultants & Control, Inc.

Craig specializes in developing and auditing award-winning irrigation systems while helping clients maximize the value and efficiency of their investments in irrigation. In working with clients, Craig draws on the deep and diverse expertise gained over his nearly 20-year career in the irrigation industry. After serving as a golf course superintendent, he moved into residential/commercial irrigation as a lead service technician, ultimately owning and operating a service-oriented irrigation company. In addition to promoting high-efficiency irrigation for ICC clients, Craig is a frequent and highly sought national and international instructor and curriculum advisor on the use of technology and products to enhance water efficiency in irrigation systems.

Melanie Rech - EMSL Analytical, Inc

Legionella Testing ? Field Sampling Guide and Laboratory Methods

Currently Laboratory Director for EMSL Analytical, Inc. Houston location. Registered Medical Technologist with 10 years experience in clinical microbiology, five years experience as a certified Infection Control Practitioner in a university teaching hospital and currently managing an environmental laboratory which analyzes samples for food and water safety and indoor air quality. Contributor to publications on nosocomial infections caused by opportunistic fungi and multi-drug resistant bacteria.

Warren Schlechte - Texas Parks and Wildlife

Using Nonparametric Control Charts for Establishing and Monitoring Nutrients in Texas Reservoirs

Texas Parks and Wildlife Fisheries Biometrician.
I work for Heart of the Hills Fisheries Research Center, under TPWD's Inland Fisheries division.
I have been working with the TCEQ's Reservoir Nutrient Criteria Water Quality Standards workgroup since 2004, when TPWD submitted our proposal for establishing nutrient criteria.

Nelly Smith - Environmental Protection Agency

Watershed Planning Process and Stakeholders Involvement in New Mexico

EPA Non-point Source Coordinator for the State of New Mexico: I provide technical and programmatic advice and assistance to EPA project officers, and state, local and tribal governments related to development, implementation and monitoring of environmental protection plans or policies in accordance with EPA?s 2004 NPS Program and Grants Guidelines.

Ginger Paige - University of Wyoming

Guidance Document for Monitoring Water Quality Associated with Best Management Practices for Stream Systems

Dr. Ginger Paige is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Renewable Resources and Water Resources Specialist at the University of Wyoming. Ginger developed and leads the Water Quality Monitoring Training and Certification Program in Wyoming. Currently, she is collaborating with water quality coordinators in EPA Region 8 to improve water quality monitoring programs. Her professional interests include measurement and modeling of hydrologic processes and the development of watershed management and assessment tools.

Bobby Diaz - Ewing Irrigation, Golf & Industrial

Water Quality Products & Services Manager

Water Quality Products & Services Manager for Ewing Irrigation Products. I perform the education classes for our employees and customers on water quality products. Have experience in a wide variety of water quality applications including prefiltration applications for desalination systems to irrigation and agriculture applications. A total of 19 years in the water industry.

Perry Gooch - Global Organics LLC

An examination of ecological soil management practices, which can be implemented to mitigate the agricultural chemical pollution of ground and terrestrial waters

International distribution development for organic and sustainable fertilizer products. Training in sustainable agriculture programs.
Founder of GreenPlanet.Org a non-profit environmental education organization and sustainable ag certifier.
Education: Arizona State University - B.A -Psychology and Business major.
U. of Utah/ Pacific Western - M.A. -Ed Psych and Human Resource Mgmt.
Atlantic International Univ.- PhD - Environmental Agroecology

Patrick Splichal - SES, Inc.

Comprehensive Livestock Environmental Assessment and Nutrient Management Plan - West Project (CLEANmp-West)

Patrick Splichal is a Senior Project Manager for SES, Inc. and the program manager for the technical oversight of the CLEANmp-West Program. Mr. Splichal received a Bachelor of Science in Agronomy and a Master of Science in Soil Science from Kansas State University

Mr. Splichal has worked as a soil scientist and environmental chemist for 18 years. He is an expert on the environmental issues surrounding livestock production, including experience with private companies, trade organizations, and government agencies for projects involving nutrient management, water quality, air quality, natural resource management, and hazardous waste management. Mr. Splichal has provided key support for agricultural/environmental programs instituted by agricultural trade organizations and animal feeding operations. Mr. Splichal is a Certified Professional Soil Scientist (C.P.S.S.) and a Certified Nutrient Management Specialist.

Mr. Splichal has extensive experience working with many of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and Farm Service Agency (FSA) conservation programs including the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), Wetland Reserve Program (WRP), and the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). Mr. Splichal is a certified Technical Service Provider (TSP) to NRCS in multiple Midwest and Great Plains states. As a TSP, he has provided conservation technical assistance to livestock producers and crop farmers in Kansas, Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska, and South Dakota.

Robert Kroger - epartment of Wildlife and Fisheries, Mississippi State University

Assessing the water quality benefits of vegetated drainage ditches in agricultural production

Dr. Robert Kroger is an Assistant Professor in Aquatic Systems management in the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries at Mississippi State University. My research interests are in primary aquatic systems and aquatic systems closely associated with agriculture and include the synergistic relationship between drainage and nutrient management, and aquatic biogeochemistry and water quality.