Sludge Watch ==> Ontario Water Environment Assoc - launches media spin centre

[maureen.reilly at sympatico.ca]

Sludgewatch Admin:

As the public becomes increasingly concerned about water quality and 
quantity, and the management or mismanagement of one of Canada's most 
precious resources, the wastewater industry has decided to open up a 'media 
advisory' to help massage the information about the performance of sewage 
treatment plants.

Dedicated as they are to 'the preservation and enhancement' of Ontario's 
water resources, these sewage treatment plants are the number one source of 
surface water nutrient contamination in Canada. (Federal Nutrient 
Contamination Workshop).

These are the folks that say...we don't pollute the water, we clean it!  
They are the ones that don't get fined for spills and overflows while a 
farmer-with-a-cow-in-a-stream takes a hit for thousands of dollars.

These are the guys that brought you 'biosolids' language because 'sewage 
sludge' sounds so stinky.
These are the ones that say...'we don't want to respond to the issue of 
ammonia as a priority pollutant in Ontario's waste effluents'.

The Canadian government needs a Centre on Water Quality where government 
scientists - not industry shills- provide information on issues of water 
quality.
.............................................................
Canada NewsWire

May 25, 2006 Thursday  8:01 AM Eastern Time

Attention News Editors

Media Advisory - Water Environment Association Establishes Media Information 
Network

TORONTO May 25


The Water Environment Association of Ontario (WEAO) today announces the 
launching of an initiative to assist media representatives interested in 
water quality issues.

"We have assembled a team of specialists prepared to provide accurate, 
science-based information on issues affecting the quality of our water," 
said WEAO President, Vincent Nazareth. "Whether it's wastewater treatment, 
biosolids management, or watershed protection our team will be able to 
provide the media - and their readers, viewers and listeners - with answers 
and technical expertise."
The Water Environment Association of Ontario (WEAO) represents the many 
professionals involved in the design, construction, maintenance and 
operation of more than 300 wastewater treatment systems in the province. 
>From university researchers to government regulators, from consulting 
engineers to wastewater treatment plant operators, from equipment 
manufacturers to service suppliers, WEAO members are dedicated to the 
preservation and enhancement of Ontario's water environment.

WEAO is a not-for-profit scientific and educational organization established 
in 1971 and is a member of the Water Environment Federation which boasts a 
membership of over 30,000 professionals world-wide.

     "Wastewater treatment is an essential part of the water cycle; 
preserving
                      and reclaiming our water resources."