In other news below:
-- Global Water Technologies unit completes coal bed natural gas produced water testing
-- Tetra Tech teams win honors for USACE environmental, DoD mentor-protege programs
-- WorldWater & Power awarded $4.9M contract to build Hightstown, NJ , solar systems
-- Membrana launches website for Liqui-Flux filtration modules
-- Exxon Valdez oil found in tidal feeding grounds of ducks, sea otters
-- Graham Corp. awarded $2.7 million Saudi Arabian order
-- Grundfos to unite sales forces of three German units under industrial division
-- Amiantit wins nearly $20M in South American contracts
-- Analyst: China, India drive water industry growth, overall infrastructure spending
-- Equipment & Systems Engineering sells 18 Aquachlor units for Haitian health centers
-- Black & Veatch leader appointed to board of Water For People
-- Honeywell, Crossbow collaborate to introduce new, innovative wireless sensing products
-- Systems & Software's enQuesta earns UtiliPoint's top ranking in municipal utility market
-- Pennsylvania's infrastructure nearly flunks first ASCE assessment
-- U.S. Supreme Court upholds states' rights in Clean Water Act case
-- Chemtura completes sale of industrial water additives business
-- Connecticut Water, South Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority sign supply deal
-- Greater Cincinnati Water Works licenses complete Indus SDM Suite
-- Sanyo's electrolyzed water technology proven effective in suppressing bird flu viruses
• Aqua America to acquire New York Water Service Corp. -- PHILADELPHIA, May 16, 2006 -- Aqua America Inc. announced today that it has reached an agreement with Utilities & Industries Corp. LLC to acquire New York Water Service Corp. in a transaction valued at $51 million. Aqua America will pay $28 million in cash to acquire the stock of the company and assume $23 million in debt. The deal has increased its customer base by 5% and will provide public water to approximately 135,000 residents in the well established, populated area of southeastern Nassau County, Long Island, NY, in the communities of Merrick, North Merrick, Bellmore, North Bellmore, Wantagh, Seaford, and portions of Levittown and Massapequa...
• Global Water Technologies unit completes coal bed natural gas produced water testing -- GOLDEN, CO, May 16, 2006 -- Global Water Technologies Inc., (GWT) a technology driven water purification and services provider, announced that its subsidiary, Watergy Produced Water Solutions Inc. recently completed successful testing of its Coal Bed Natural Gas (CBNG) Ion Exchange water treatment process for the treatment of oil and gas produced waters. Watergy's testing was conducted in collaboration with a major exploration and production company in the Powder River Basin of Wyoming. These independent laboratory tests included sampling for Sodium Absorption Ratio (SAR), Electrical Conductivity (EC) and Whole Effluent Toxicity (WET). In all cases, Watergy's CBNG treatment process demonstrated its ability to meet Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality discharge standards. Watergy will launch its CBNG marketing campaign at the upcoming Coal Bed Methane Gas Fair to be held June 2-3 in Gillette, WY...
• Tetra Tech teams win honors for USACE environmental design, DoD mentor-protege programs -- PASADENA, CA, May 16, 2006 -- Tetra Tech Inc. announced today that its design work and small business mentoring efforts were recently recognized with prestigious national awards: two U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Chief of Engineers 2005 Environmental Awards and a 2006 Nunn-Perry Award, respectively. Tetra Tech provided design services for the USACE Los Angeles District's Ed Pastor Kino, Environmental Restoration Project (Tucson, AZ), which received the Chief of Engineers Environmental Award of Excellence. This award is given once every two years and is the highest recognition for design excellence accomplished by a USACE team and the private sector design community. Tetra Tech also provided design services for a Chief of Engineers' Honor Award, Environmental winner: the USACE Omaha District's Ponca Habitat Restoration on the Missouri River (Ponca, NE). Separately, Tetra Tech and its small business partner, TN&A Associates Inc., received a prestigious U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Nunn-Perry Award for 2006, recognizing productive mentor-protege relationships that benefit the DoD and the U.S. economy...
• WorldWater & Power awarded $4.9M contract to build Hightstown, NJ , solar systems -- PENNINGTON, NJ, May 16, 2006 -- WorldWater & Power Corp. developer and marketer of proprietary high-power solar systems, today announced the signing of a contract with the Borough of Hightstown in central New Jersey to build two solar power systems on water facilities, subject to financing. One installation will serve a water treatment plant and public works garage, while the other will power a wastewater treatment facility. Construction value of the complete project is $4.9 million...
• New website launched by Membrana for Liqui-Flux pressure-driven filtration modules -- CHARLOTTE, NC, May 16, 2006 -- Membrana, a long time leader in membrane and module manufacturing announces the launch of its new website, www.liqui-flux.com, which is focused on Liqui-Flux® filtration modules. These modules are being marketed for use in water filtration for potable water, brackish water, desalination, surface water treatment, process water, boiler feed water and cooling water just to name a few. Modules are also available for wine and beer clarification. The new website offers product and technical information on Liqui-Flux Water Series and Liqui-Flux Beverage Series Filtration modules. The user can easily navigate the website to obtain both product and application information. By clicking on the application portal for Water Treatment or Wine Clarification anyone can access technical information and support literature and learn the benefits of using pressure driven hollow fiber filtration modules. The website also contains information on filtration processes and outlines recommended operating modes...
• Exxon Valdez oil found in tidal feeding grounds of ducks, sea otters -- WASHINGTON, DC, May 16, 2006 -- Seventeen years after the Exxon Valdez ran aground in Alaska's Prince William Sound, compelling new evidence suggests that remnants of the worst oil spill in U.S. history extend farther into tidal waters than previously thought, increasing the probability that the oil is causing unanticipated long-term harm to wildlife. The finding appears today on the Web site of the American Chemical Society's journal, Environmental Science & Technology. The study, by research chemist Jeffrey Short and colleagues at the National Marine Fisheries Service in Juneau, AK, is also scheduled to appear in the June 15 print issue of the journal. The Exxon Valdez stuck an underwater rock formation on March 24, 1989, spilling 11 million gallons of heavy crude oil into the Sound over the next several days. Despite massive clean-up efforts, Short estimates about six miles of shoreline is still affected by the spill and as much as 100 tons of oil lingers in the Sound...
Also see: "Research at University of British Columbia receives historical recognition"
• Graham Corp. awarded $2.7 million Saudi Arabian order -- BATAVIA, NY, May 16, 2006 -- Graham Corp. received an order valued at $2.7 million from a Japanese turbomachinery manufacturer for four steam surface condensers. The condensers are slated to be installed in a Jubail, Saudi Arabia, ethylene plant owned by Eastern Petrochemical Company (SHARQ), a joint venture of Saudi Arabia Basic Industries (SABIC). Known as the SHARQ Third Expansion project, the facility will be one of the largest petrochemical complexes in the world upon its completion in 2008. Revenue for this contract will be recognized on a percentage-of-completion basis, and shipment is presently scheduled for the fourth fiscal quarter ending in March 2007. Graham's previously announced fiscal year 2007 anticipated revenue of $72 million includes this contract...
• Grundfos to unite German sales forces of three companies for single customer approach -- Hilge, Alldos and Grundfos to join in new industrial division in Germany -- BJERRINGBRO, Denmark, May 16, 2006 -- In recent years the Grundfos Group has acquired two companies in Germany with different competences: Hilge, from the world's leading manufacturers of high-quality stainless steel pumps for the food and beverage industries as well as pharmaceutical industries; and Alldos, one of the leading global players within dosing of both chemicals and other additives. Until now these two companies, and Grundfos, have been working independently of each other in the German market. However, customers could benefit greatly when they could talk with one single sales voice, offering products and competences from all three fields. This is why the three sales forces from Jan. 1, 2007, will be united in a new industrial division under the umbrella of Grundfos' German sales company, Grundfos GMBH, which will cover both the Building Service Division and this new Industrial Division...
Also see:
-- "Grundfos Prize 2006 goes to nano professor: Dr. Flemming Besenbacher, iNANO Centre director at University of Aarhus, earns award"
-- "Holland in front with new technology: Dutch Pilot project involves 28 SEG wastewater pumps connected to a new monitoring system"
• Amiantit wins multi-million dollar contracts in South America -- Subsidiaries in Argentina, Brazil supplying pipe systems for major water infrastructure projects and irrigation networks -- DAMMAM, Saudi Arabia, May 16, 2006 -- Amiantit Group subsidiary manufacturing companies Amitech Argentina and Amitech Brazil are supplying pipe systems for multi-million dollar water infrastructure projects and irrigation networks in their respective countries. The Argentina order, valued at US$6 million, is for 53 kilometers of Flowtite glass reinforced polyester (GRP) pipes to transmit water from a treatment plant in the city of Trelew to Puerto Madryn on the Patagonian Coast. In addition, Amitech Argentina is currently supplying pipes to west Buenos Aires and to Neuquen Province. Total orders in hand at present add up to around US$13 million and this amount is expected to grow during the year. Amitech Brazil has secured two important orders. The first is for 14 kilometers of Flowtite GRP pipes and fittings urgently required for two water pipelines in neighboring Colombia through its licensee Flowtite Andercol. The second is for one kilometer of Flowtite GRP pipes required by International Paper, a leading paper and pulp manufacturer in Brazil, to transport very acidic and extreme alkaline liquids. Orders currently on the books stand at approximately US$5.3 million and further orders are anticipated in the near future...
Also see:
-- "Amiantit pre-qualifies for Kaia Desalination Plant project"
-- "Amiantit awarded US$25 million Tabuk-Saudi Arabia Water Transmission Pipeline contract"
-- "Amiantit awarded US$25.4 million in 11 piping orders in U.A.E., Saudi Ariabia"
• China, India drive water industry growth as needs for water treatment, delivery and overall infrastructure spending increase -- Water-Stocks.com presents an Online Interview with William Brennan, portfolio manager of the Praetor Global Water Equities Fund on market drivers and opportunities -- POINT ROBERTS, WA, May 16, 2006 - www.Water-Stocks.com (WS), an investor and industry news portal for the water sector, presents an exclusive interview with William Brennan, Portfolio Manager of the Praetor Global Water Equities Fund and Managing Director of Equities at Boenning and Scattergood. This discussion looks at the performance of the Praetor fund, which invests in water companies within the United States, Europe and emerging markets, and addresses segments of the industry expected to see significant growth over the long run as factors such as development in China and India as well as infrastructure spending escalates. Under-investment in infrastructure underscored by the December 2005 tsunami disaster "has permeated across all the continents to a point where we are seeing a much greater attention being put on the vast water infrastructure such as with China who plans on spending $250 billion over the course of the next 2 to 3 years on their water infrastructure," Brennan says...
• Equipment & Systems Engineering sells 18 Aquachlor units for Haitian health centers -- MIAMI, FL, May 16, 2006 -- Equipment and Systems Engineering Inc., a leading manufacturer and global supplier of on-site sodium hypochlorite generation systems for water sanitation, today announced the sale of 18 Aquachlor AC-100 water sanitation systems to JHPIEGO, a nonprofit, non-governmental organization affiliated with The Johns Hopkins University. The systems will be installed in hospitals and health centers across Haiti and will be utilized to disinfect medical instruments as well as for general sanitation throughout these facilities. ESQE will ship the systems this week. EQSE also reported this morning that the sale generated revenues of more than US$41,000 for EQSE, and the funds for the purchase were provided by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)...
• Black & Veatch leader appointed to board of Water For People -- KANSAS CITY, MO, May 16, 2006 -- Richard Kuchenrither, senior vice president of Black & Veatch Water, has been selected as a new board member for Water For People, the organization that helps the most impoverished people in the world improve their quality of life by supporting sustainable drinking water, sanitation and hygiene projects. B&V Water is the water business of Black & Veatch. Dr. Kuchenrither will commence his three-year term on July 1 but will sit in on the June board meeting held in conjunction with AWWA's ACE06. Black & Veatch helped co-found Water For People in 1991. With a 27-year career at Black & Veatch, Dr. Kuchenrither is a recognized expert in the area of residuals management and beneficial reuse programs for biosolids and has held many senior roles related to water and wastewater treatment. He also has served on the boards of the Water Environment Research Foundation and the National Biosolids Partnership and is a past president of the Water Environment Federation...
Also see:
-- "Black & Veatch develops vital infrastructure to improve water supply in Southern Vietnam: Commences work on $5.3 million contract with Vietnamese government to oversee, manage the Phuoc Hoa Water Resources Project"
-- "Black & Veatch gains top ranking among U.S. engineering design companies: Also ranked fifth in both water and sewer waste projects"
• Honeywell, Crossbow collaborate to introduce new, innovative wireless sensing products -- New partnership will deliver efficient and profitable wireless networks for sensing and control applications -- MINNEAPOLIS, May 15 , 2006 -- Honeywell announced that it
will partner with Crossbow Technology Inc., a leading wireless sensor network platform provider, to deliver products for the rapidly growing wireless sensor network segment. Honeywell Sensing and Control business (S&C) is enabling its portfolio of sensors for integration into wireless sensor networks by incorporating Crossbow's wireless sensor networks platform into its XBW product line. Now Honeywell's customers can easily develop cost effective sensor solutions using reliable wireless sensor components integrated directly into enterprise information and management systems...
• Systems & Software's enQuesta earns UtiliPoint's top ranking in municipal utility market -- DALLAS, TX, May 15, 2006 -- Systems & Software Inc., a provider of billing and customer service solutions that empower electric, gas and water utility companies, announced today that its enQuesta™ CIS solution is rated No. 1 for the municipal utility market by UtiliPoint® International Inc., a leader in providing research-based consulting services to the utility and energy industry. The ranking was announced at the 30th Annual CIS Conference, the utility industry's premier conference for customer information service (CIS) systems...
Also see: "Systems & Software Inc. continues dynamic expansion of customer base, success among water, gas and electric utilities"
• Pennsylvania's infrastructure nearly flunks first ASCE assessment -- NORRISTOWN, PA, May 15, 2006 (TimesHerald.com) -- The Keystone State is crumbling, according to the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) four Pennsylvania sections. On Tuesday, the organization's first report card gave Pennsylvania's roads, transit, drinking water and wastewater a "D" grade. The bridges, dams and aviation earned a "C." Rails, the only bright spot, a "B." According to ASCE, the state has some of the nation's oldest highways, and 27% are in mediocre to poor condition. Other scores included: dams, "C-"; drinking water, "C+"; wastewater, "D-"; and navigable waterways a "D-"...
Also see:
-- "TISP Infrastructure Security Speaker series presents Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-Miss.) on May 18"
-- "Westchester County water quality improvement project receives ASCE recognition"
• U.S. Supreme Court upholds states' rights in Clean Water Act case -- HARRISBURG, PA, May 15, 2006 -- The U.S. Supreme Court today upheld state government's authority to lessen the water quality impacts of hydroelectric dams and other federally licensed activities within their borders. Pennsylvania was among the majority of states that filed a "friend of the court" brief in the important Clean Water Act case. In January, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP) joined the friend of the court brief in the S.D. Warren v. Maine Board of Environmental Protection case to support Maine's right to regulate dams on its rivers under Section 401 of the U.S. Clean Water Act. Warren owns and operates five contiguous hydroelectric run-of-river dams that provide electricity to one of its paper mills. In renewing the hydroelectric licenses, the company applied for water quality certification under the federal Clean Water Act. In 2003, Maine's board approved certification with conditions to mitigate the water quality impacts of the dams. Warren appealed the conditions, claiming the state overextended its authority. States have used their authority under the Clean Water Act to protect water quality, safeguard river ecosystems and restore fisheries...
Also see:
-- "Inspector General questions EPA's assertion that federal mercury rule won't cause toxic 'hot spots'"
-- "PADEP takes part in cutting edge radon research"
• Chemtura completes sale of industrial water additives business -- MIDDLEBURY, CT, May 15, 2006 -- Chemtura Corp. completed the sale of its Industrial Water Additives business, with $80 million in 2005 revenues, to an affiliate of Close Brothers Private Equity LLP (CBPE), a United Kingdom firm. In connection with this transaction the company received $85 million in cash. Excluded from the sale is the LiquiBrom® product line. Proceeds from the sale will be used primarily for debt reduction. No facilities were included in the transaction. Chemtura will continue to manufacture products in its Adrian, MI, and Trafford Park, UK, facilities and sell to the purchaser via supply agreements. Industrial Water Additives' approximately 40 non-manufacturing employees will become employees of BWA Water Additives, a CBPE affiliate. BWA will act as distributor for the LiquiBrom product line...
• Connecticut Water, South Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority sign supply deal -- CLINTON, CT, May 15, 2006 -- Connecticut Water Service Inc. has reached an agreement with the South Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority (RWA) in New Haven to purchase up to one million gallons of water to serve customers on its Guilford Water System, through an interconnection in the town of Guilford. The system serves 14,400 customers or about 50,400 people in Guilford, Madison, Clinton, Westbrook and Old Saybrook. The company has been engaged in other water supply projects for the Guilford System, including a recently completed $5 million improvement to the Killingworth Reservoir Dam that created a 60% increase in water storage capacity of the reservoir...
• Greater Cincinnati Water Works licenses complete Indus SDM Suite -- Comprehensive customer, asset and field service management solution to help GCWW maintain standards -- ATLANTA, May 15, 2006 -- Indus International Inc., a Service Delivery Management (SDM) solution provider, announced that Greater Cincinnati Water Works (GCWW) has licensed a full SDM Suite comprising best-in-class customer, asset and field service management suites from Indus. GCWW selected the Indus solution to help the utility deliver significant performance improvements and further its vision of being the standard of excellence in the water utility industry. The integrated solution will enable the utility to provide critical information to customer service representatives (CSRs) and streamline the flow of tasks and information from CSRs to other sections and divisions, enabling greater utilization of field resources and improving field service workload management. The integrated system will even enable GCWW customers to set service appointments based on the best fit for their schedule, further improving customer satisfaction...
• Sanyo's electrolyzed water technology proven effective in suppressing bird flu viruses -- TOKYO, May 15, 2006, -- Sanyo Electric Co. Ltd., a provider of environment and energy related products and services, announced that its proprietary electrolyzed water technology effectively suppresses avian influenza viruses. This result was achieved by corroborative research with Tottori University, Japan (a team led by Professor Kouichi Otsuki of the Faculty of Agriculture). It was shown that Sanyo's proprietary electrolyzed water technology, 'Disinfectant Element' system and 'Disinfectant Electrolyzed Mist' system was highly effective in suppressing more than 99% of airborne avian influenza viruses. Since December 2003, infection of the highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (H5 type) in poultry and humans has been identified in many countries, especially those in Southeast Asia and Europe, taking more than 100 human lives, according to the World Health Organization. Research on the avian influenza viruses has been drawing substantial attention around the world...
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In earlier newsbriefs, see: "WaterBriefs: ITT Industries renames itself ITT Corp." -- Also in this report (May 12, 2006): Petrobras selects Siemens for P-53 produced water treatment system; MECO wins government contracting 'Small Business of the Year' award; Global nanotechnology market in environmental applications worth $6.1B by 2010; VECO, The Banks Group honored with BE Awards; Studies show copper surfaces may help thwart 'Superbug' hospital infections; Study shows hemodiafiltration cuts mortality for chronic kidney disease patients by 35%...
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