Business News Round Up - May 3

Editor's Note: Each week, Water & Wastes Digest will post an aggregate of business news briefs and networking news items to keep you informed on facility openings, business mergers and purchases, changes in personnel and award notifications, among others in the water and wastewater treatment industries. If you have business news briefs you would like included in this weekly round up, please email the press release, photo and a link to the post on your website to [email protected] with the subject line "Business News Round Up." One news item per company per week will be posted.

Nuvoda Earns Prize for Environmental Engineering & Science

The American Academy of Environmental Engineers & Scientists (AAEES) awarded Nuvoda the grand prize in the “Excellence in Environmental Engineering & Science Award” competition, for the Town of Moorefield/Hardy County Regional WWTP Upgrade with the MOB Process project.

“The award-winning projects exemplify today’s best practices in using appropriate technologies, and designing, planning and implementing solutions that meet both project and societal needs,” AAEES said in a press release.

Aqua-Aerobic Systems Inc. Acquires FUCHS Enprotec GmbH

Aqua-Aerobic Systems Inc. and FUCHS Enprotec GmbH have announced to their employees and shareholders that Aqua-Aerobic Systems has completed the acquisition of all shares in FUCHS Enprotec GmbH.

Aqua-Aerobic Systems is primarily based in the U.S. Aqua-Aerobic Systems is an applied engineering company specializing in total water management solutions in the areas of aeration and mixing, biological processes, cloth media filtration, oxidation and disinfection, membranes, and aftermarket services. The company currently employs 160 individuals in administration, engineering and R&D, sales and marketing, operations and customer service.

The QBE and Ashoka Urban Resilience Challenge

QBE is partnering with Ashoka in a competition, the “Urban Resilience Challenge,” where the winners will win either $75,000 or $25,000 to bring their business to the next level.

The May 7 deadline is approaching for the QBE and Ashoka Urban Resilience Challenge, which  recognizes and supports transformative entrepreneurs and for-profit technology innovators who are leveraging technology with the goal of transforming city ecosystems and increasing urban resilience. Ten finalists will receive an all-expense paid trip to New York to pitch their venture to thought leaders, investors and QBE business experts. All finalists will be eligible for mentorship from QBE business experts, and two will receive the cash prizes of $75,000 and $25,000. Find out more information here and details on how to apply here.

Saginaw County Public Works Commissioner Continues Relationship with Duperon Corporation

Saginaw County Public Works Commissioner Brian J. Wendling has partnered with Spicer Group Inc., Fisher Contracting, and John E. Green to replace their aging liquids and solids separation equipment at the Universal Drain Pump Station in Zilwaukee, Mich. A new Duperon Self Cleaning Trashrack (SCT) from local manufacturer Duperon Corp. was installed last month, replacing one of the company’s first SCTs that had been installed in 1985.

Saginaw County has two other sites where SCTs were installed as early as 1979 and that are still in service today. The design of the SCT is a hallmark of Duperon liquids and solids separation equipment, and the new system is the same as its predecessor, with a few minor improvements made over the last 34 years.

Envirosight Releases Guide to Emergency Response Planning for Wastewater Operators

Envirosight has released its guide to Emergency Response and Disaster Planning for Wastewater Operators. This resource educates wastewater personnel on the value of an emergency response plan and provides guidance on creating one.

Water and wastewater systems are a vital piece of civil infrastructure, yet they also are vulnerable to disasters. Aging components are spread across a wide geographic area and are often underground, so access requires expertise under the best conditions. In a crisis, maintaining a minimum of functionality can be a challenge. Many cities and states have regional emergency plans, but these strategies may overlook the nuances of wastewater management. An emergency response plan for wastewater operators should be applicable during any disaster, from minor equipment vandalism to a major earthquake that results in system-wide failures.