Blog Archives - IAMU Informer

Operator Certification Rules & Home Base Iowa Act

1/31/2015

By the Iowa Department of Natural Resources

At its February meeting, the Environmental Protection Commission will be asked to approve the final rules for the Chapter 81 rulemaking to incorporate the provisions of the Home Base Iowa Act passed last legislative session into Chapter 81. The new law requires all professional and occupational licensing boards, commissions, and other authorities subject to Iowa Code chapter 272C to adopt rules by January 1, 2015, on military service and veteran certification.

Community Water Fluoridation Survey

1/30/2015

From the Community Water Fluoridation Coordinator of the IPHA:

“I am contacting the operators of each community water system in Iowa to ask your help in completing the Community Water Fluoridation Survey for 2015. The survey has been completed on an annual basis since 2012, and has given the Iowa Public Health Association valuable trend information on the status of community water fluoridation in Iowa. This is something we would not be able to do without your help. Only one person needs to respond for each community system. The Survey Monkey link is:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/wateroperator2015

This survey will be closed at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, March 6, 2015 to allow plenty of time for completion. If you have questions, contact Pat Hildebrand at patriciajo46@gmail.com or 515-865-4095. Thank you for your time.

Patricia J. Hildebrand MS, RD, LD
Community Water Fluoridation Coordinator
www.IowansForOralHealth.com”

APGA January Spotlight

1/29/2015

by the American Public Gas Association

On January 26, APGA filed comments with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) in response to a November 20 proposed policy statement that would potentially allow interstate pipelines to recover through a tracker mechanism certain capital expenditures made to modernize pipeline system infrastructure to enhance reliability, safety and regulatory compliance.

Register for the 2015 Broadband Conference and WIN!

1/28/2015

The 2015 IAMU Broadband Conference will be held March 18 & 19, 2015 at the Ramada Tropics Resort and Conference Center in Des Moines. It's two days packed with informational sessions, networking opportunities, and a great vendor show.

To encourage early registration, IAMU will conduct a random drawing from among all persons registered by 4pm on January 30th. One lucky winner will receive a $100 Amazon Gift Card. So register now for your chance to win!

Don't Miss the IAMU Leadership Conference!

1/28/2015

Preparations are complete for the IAMU Leadership Conference and Business Meeting. The conference takes place February 4th and 5th at the Ramada Tropics Resort and Conference Center in Des Moines.

The conference features a great lineup of sessions and plenty of opportunities to network with fellow municipal utility personnel and vendors. CLICK HERE for more information and to register!

PHMSA and FEMA Release New Hazard Mitigation Guidance Document for Land Use Near Pipelines

1/28/2015

"Hazard Mitigation Planning: Practices for Land Use Planning and Development near Pipelines" outlines best practices for communities to reduce risks from pipeline incidents, including those caused by natural hazards. It was prepared by PHMSA's Pipelines and Informed Planning Alliance (PIPA) Communications Team and is sponsored by PHMSA in coordination with FEMA as a primer for incorporating pipeline hazards into hazard mitigation plans.

Toolbox Talk: Head Safety

1/28/2015

OSHA requires head protection when employees are exposed to falling objects or electrical hazards. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, only 16% of the employees who suffer impact injuries to the head are wearing hard hats and over half of those employees were looking down when the accident occurred.

Red Rock Hydro Project Gets Thumbs Up From Government Panel

1/22/2015

A four-member panel of experts in dam and hydroelectric project design and construction has given its approval to construction work done to date at the Red Rock Hydroelectric Project, located on the Des Moines River near Pella, Iowa, Missouri River Energy Services (MRES) said on Jan. 20. CLICK HERE to read the complete story in Public Power Daily.

APPA DEED Grant and Scholarship/Internship Deadline Approaching

1/22/2015

For electric utilities that are members of DEED, consider applying for a DEED research grant or sponsoring a student for a scholarship or internship grant. IAMU has successfully completed a number of DEED research grants in the past, including the Whole Town Audit Project and the Street Lighting Handbook. The Deadline is February 15. More information can be found here.

Maxheimer To Address Workplace Transformation at Leadership Conference

1/20/2015

The opening session of the 2015 IAMU Leadership Conference will help utility leaders take a fresh look at how they do business. David Maxheimer of Hagie Manufacturing of Clarion, Iowa will discuss "Workplace Transformation" on Wednesday, February 4th at 10:00am/