Water and wastewater members: Registration is open, plan to attend the annual Water and Wastewater Operators Training Workshop which will be held Nov. 28 – 30.
The workshop will take place at Prairie Meadows – The Meadows Events Center in Altoona.
 
This three-day workshop is geared toward water and wastewater professionals wanting practical information to help them do their jobs. There will be both basic and advanced topic for water treatment, water distribution, and wastewater. Attendees can earn 1.2 CEUs toward certification.
 
For more information or to register as an attendee or vendor, visit the event webpage on the IAMU website.
 
The early registration deadline is November 10.

Article provided by EMC Insurance

Keep your table saws in safe, working order and your employees injury free with these five tips.
 
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Be sure to say hello to Alex, our newest employee.  Alex Lemons joined the IAMU team on Monday, October 23, as a Safety Specialist.  Alex will travel the state providing training and safety expertise to our members, and work remotely from his home in Newton. Alex received a Bachelor of Business Administration from Iowa State University.  He has numerous certifications including Blood Bourne Pathogen Red Cross Certification, Hazardous Material Clean Up, Self/Team Rescue from Heights, Fall Protection, Confined Space, and First Aid/AED/CPR Certification, just to name a few.
 
Alex’s most recent employer was Duke Energy where he was provided leadership and safety expertise as a Renewable Blade Team Lead.  His responsibilities included providing strategic direction to staff, optimizing logistics and facilitating training programs.  He worked closely with business partners to ensure efficient repair while maintaining strict adherence to safety standards.  Previous roles at GE Renewables and TPI Composites included oversight of diverse projects, designing comprehensive training platforms plus hands-on equipment repair alongside his team to ensure safe and efficient performance. 
 
His strong safety background, numerous certifications and team leadership skills will allow IAMU to continue providing quality training to our members.

Do you have a big project coming up? As utility workers, we sometimes find ourselves saying “I could really use another set of hands on this project.” What if you could get a skilled, professional, and highly diligent worker on the project for little to no cost to your utility? The Iowa Economic Development Authority has teamed up with the Governor’s STEM Advisory Council to provide externships for Iowa teachers at Iowa utilities for little to no cost to the host utility. Hosts are encouraged to cost share the expense of the STEM Teacher Extern through a tax-deductible donation for up to half the cost or $3,000. In an effort to generate more interest in Energy Sector Externships there is an Iowa Economic Development Authority Grant to help with the host cost share.
 
To learn more about this great opportunity join IAMU and Iowa STEM Externship Coordinator Ann Gritzner for an informational webinar on November 15th 10AM – 11AM. Register by clicking HERE!
 
The Iowa STEM Teacher Externships Program aims to build bridges between Iowa’s workplaces and STEM educators across the state by having teachers work at local businesses, organizations, and other workplaces alongside knowledgeable and skilled employees for six weeks during the summer.

Iowa STEM Teacher Externships are full-time professional development experiences that operate during six weeks in the summer. The Host will identify a hands-on project that contributes to an organization’s bottom line. A flexible work schedule may be negotiated between the Workplace Hosts and STEM Teacher Externs. STEM Teacher Externs must devote 200-240 hours at the Workplace Host site to complete the experience.

Since the program launched in 2009, over 850 Teacher Externs have worked at more than 250 Iowa workplaces, building long-lasting school-business partnerships across Iowa that provide educators with the ability to improve student STEM experiences and career knowledge.
 
The Iowa STEM Teacher Externship Program is a great opportunity to spread the word about Iowa Municipal Utilities to educators and students. Each Teacher Externship experience is different and matched to the interest of the Host and the Extern.

IAMU member Muscatine Power and Water hosted Lone Tree Teacher and Extern Jessica Howard. Learn more about their story below:
Jessica collaborated with Muscatine Power and Water’s (MPW) HR and Marketing departments helping with projects including the Customer Appreciation Day event, Employee Recognition Programs, and exploring the different departments at MPW. From water, power, communications, and internet, MPW allowed for a unique experience for Jessica to explore and bring back to her classroom. Specifically working on helping different departments bring their education for customers to fruition, creating custom designs, and working across organizational boundaries to help fulfill needs. Here is what Jessica has to say about her time with MPW: “My experience at Muscatine Power & Water was phenomenal. I probably would not have chosen that as one of my top picks for an Externship without the push and I am so glad the IEDA Grant gave me that push! I have so many applicable skills and insights into future jobs and the future of our energy sources that I wouldn't have had if I wasn't able to be at MPW. In my classroom, I have used the real-life engineering skills that I learned firsthand from MPW engineers to teach and educate my students, as well as, looking at industry trends and job opportunities. MPW has been amazing at welcoming my students into their company as well as supporting my classroom by visiting and providing resources and information.
 
And here is what Extern Host, Muscatine Power and Water had to say about the experience. “We loved having Ms. Howard with us, not one, but TWO summers. We wanted more opportunities to take our work to the schools but struggled developing content geared towards students. Jess learned from us and used her skills to develop that content with us. Very highly recommend the extern program to other employers! These partnerships are important and beneficial to both parties.”
 
Below are a few informational PDF's:
 
Event Flyer
 
Iowa STEM Teach Externship Timeline
 
Additional Information

Water and wastewater members: Registration is open, plan to attend the annual Water and Wastewater Operators Training Workshop which will be held Nov. 28 – 30.
The workshop will take place at Prairie Meadows – The Meadows Events Center in Altoona.
 
This three-day workshop is geared toward water and wastewater professionals wanting practical information to help them do their jobs. There will be both basic and advanced topic for water treatment, water distribution, and wastewater. Attendees can earn 1.2 CEUs toward certification.
 
For more information or to register as an attendee or vendor, visit the event webpage on the IAMU website.
 
The early registration deadline is November 10.

Presented by KGM
Registration is open! CLICK HERE!
November 8, 2023

Proper natural gas measurement is essential to the overall success of your utility! This workshop is designed to provide natural gas personnel with in-depth training into the fundamentals of natural gas measurement as well as advanced measurement principles.

Training will be provided on the following topics:
• Meter sizing/capacity calculations/correction factors (7” WC, 2#, 5#, etc.)
• Recommendations for meter testing & meter change out programs
• Diaphragm meter installation/maintenance/troubleshooting/common problems
• Rotary meter installation/maintenance/troubleshooting/common problems
• Ultrasonic meter installation/maintenance/troubleshooting/common problems
• ERT/AMR installation/programming for diaphragm, rotary & ultrasonic/ K-factor/common installation issues

If you have any questions, please contact Nick Vandegriff, IAMU Gas Services Compliance Specialist at [email protected], or (641) 919-8411

Iowa DOT and its partners have developed a draft notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) that will be used to disburse federal NEVI formula funds within the state. The final NOFO will be the mechanism to solicit applications and ultimately select funding recipients to support the roll-out of electric vehicle charging infrastructure along interstate alternative fuel corridors.

Because this is a first of its kind program within Iowa, Iowa DOT and its partners are distributing draft NOFO documents for comment and feedback from potential applicants and stakeholders. Specifically, we are looking for feedback on the content and requirements outlined in the draft NOFO. Iowa DOT will review all feedback received and make any amendments to the NOFO as necessary before putting the final NOFO out for full advertisement in the coming weeks. Iowa DOT will not be posting the feedback received nor will we be responding directly to questions or feedback. 
 
You can view the draft NOFO document here: Iowa-NEVI-NOFO-draft.pdf (iowadot.gov).

Iowa DOT will be receiving comments for 14 days, until November 2, 2023. To submit a comment, email [email protected] and include “NOFO Feedback” in the subject line. 

For more information on the Iowa EV Plan, visit Iowa Electric Vehicle Plan - Overview (iowadot.gov). 

Article provided by EMC Insurance

Prevent ladder-related injuries and accidents as temperatures drop by considering these ladder safety tips.
 
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Water and wastewater members: Registration is open, plan to attend the annual Water and Wastewater Operators Training Workshop which will be held Nov. 28 – 30.
The workshop will take place at Prairie Meadows – The Meadows Events Center in Altoona.
 
This three-day workshop is geared toward water and wastewater professionals wanting practical information to help them do their jobs. There will be both basic and advanced topic for water treatment, water distribution, and wastewater. Attendees can earn 1.2 CEUs toward certification.
 
For more information or to register as an attendee or vendor, visit the event webpage on the IAMU website.
 
The early registration deadline is November 10.

We reached the point Monday where the lead service line inventories are due in a year and the countdown is ticking. Our water service employees have been fielding questions and making sure that Iowa municipalities have a plan to get the inventories completed. We have pulled together the most frequently asked questions about the lead service line inventories and are answering them below.  We also will be posting these updates on our web page here.               
 
Question:  When is the completed Lead Service Line (LSL) Inventory Template due to the Iowa DNR?
Answer: October 16, 2024
 
Question:  What do I do when I have completed my Lead Service Line Inventory?
Answer: Please email the Lead Service Line Inventory Template to [email protected].
 
Question:  Do I have to use the Iowa DNR Lead Service Line Inventory Template?
Answer: Yes - all systems are required to use the Iowa DNR Lead Service Line Inventory Excel Template. The Iowa DNR will be receiving approximately 1,200 templates from systems and we are required to upload the data from those templates to the EPA in a standardized format. IDNR will only accept electronic submissions of the template and no hard/physical copies.
 
Question:  Where can I download the Iowa DNR Lead Service Line Inventory Template and find more information?
Answer: You can find the Iowa DNR Lead Service Line Inventory Template, general information & contacts, and recorded training at: https://www.iowadnr.gov/Environmental-Protection/Water-Quality/Drinking-Water-Compliance/Lead-Service-Line-Inventories
 
Question:  Does the service address, which is defined as the exact address, include zip code?
Answer:  Yes - the service address should be street, city, state, and zip code.
 
Question:  What determines that a line is Galvanized Requiring Replacement (GRR)?
Answer: Galvanized Requiring Replacement are galvanized service lines that are or ever were downstream from a lead service line or are currently downstream of a lead status unknown service line. Under the initial inventory requirements of the LCRR, a galvanized line that was never downstream of a lead service line but is previously or currently downstream of a lead gooseneck, pigtail, or connector is not considered GRR.
 
Question:  What is required for the notification to people served by LSL, GRR, or lead status unknown service lines? What happens if notices are returned undeliverable, which can happen often in rental situations with changing tenant information?
Answer: IDNR understands your concern with the question. IDNR is waiting until the LCRI comes out to ask further questions of EPA and their expectations.
 
Question:  Who can I contact for assistance?
Answer: The following resources are available:
● General Questions and Technical Assistance: [email protected] or call (515) 289-5203
● Iowa DNR Lead Service Line Inventories webpage
● United States EPA Lead and Copper Rule webpage

The Iowa Association of Municipal Utilities will be holding their final 2023 mobile crane certification and examination classes.

Final Class Dates for 2023:

• October 30 - November 3
• November 27 - December 1

For additional information about the classes and online registration for each event, click HERE.

Questions?
If you have any questions in regards to the classes, or requirements, please contact:
Margret Meade, IAMU Safety Outreach Coordinator ([email protected])
Phone:  515.210.6617

Training Event: Understanding Targeted Cyber Attacks
Iowa Homeland Security & Emergency Management is hosting a free training event AWR 376 Understanding Targeted Cyber Attacks on October 24 at the State Emergency Operations Center. 
This course provides students with specific information regarding targeted cyber attacks, including advanced persistent threats. This information will place them in a better position to plan and prepare for, respond to, and recover from targeted cyber attacks. This course will fill the gap in threat-specific training for cybersecurity as a community-driven course that focuses on the phases of targeted cyber attacks and the attacker methods used during each phase. Participants will also receive valuable information on cyber attack prevention, mitigation, and response.
More details can be found on the training event website.

EPA Formally Withdraws its Cybersecurity Memorandum
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has chosen to rescind the interpretive memorandum issued on March 3, 2023, Addressing Public Water System Cybersecurity in Sanitary Surveys or an Alternate Process.
While the memorandum is being withdrawn due to litigation, cybersecurity continues to pose a serious and increasing threat to drinking water and wastewater utilities. As such, EPA remains committed to using all available tools and resources to help protect communities from cyber-threats. The agency will continue providing technical assistance in the form of cybersecurity risk assessments, subject matter expert consultations, and training. The Agency will also support infrastructure investments that strengthen cybersecurity while assisting systems as they apply for funding from the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, Clean Water State Revolving Fund, Infrastructure Resilience and Sustainability Grants, and other funding sources.
Read the full October 11th Withdrawal of Cybersecurity Memorandum here. 

EPA Notice of Consultation Meeting - Iowa SRF Programmatic Agreement
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 7, the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, and the Iowa DNR State Revolving Fund (SRF), in consultation with the Iowa State Historic Preservation Office, are developing a new statewide programmatic agreement for the Clean Water SRF and Drinking Water SRF Programs. This programmatic agreement will guide compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act under 36 Code of Federal Regulations Part 800. 
The EPA invites interested parties to attend a public meeting that will be held virtually on Wednesday October 25, 2023 at 4:00 pm CST.  Additional information, resources, and the meeting Zoom link can be found at iowasrf.com/section-106 .
Questions regarding the public meeting can be sent to: [email protected] 
Comments on the programmatic agreement materials can be sent to: [email protected]  

Operator Certification: Continuing Education Opportunities 
Online and virtual training opportunities are being created and offered through community colleges, state industry associations, national industry associations, EPA, and other state industry partners. All operators should continue to monitor their emails and the Training Calendar on the Iowa DNR Operator Certification Database.  Look at the calendar often, as there are new opportunities posted throughout the week. 
Please contact Laurie Sharp at (515) 725-0284 with any questions concerning operator certification training.

Thursday, December 7, 2023
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Still wondering if you are correctly entering illness or injury information on your company's OSHA
log? Are you confident of when to record and when not to? This webinar will explain the regulatory
requirements of OSHA's illness and injury recording and reporting standard. Attendees will be able
to assess injuries, or illnesses, and determine whether or not it meets the criteria of a new case
and when to keep a case open and what to do when the case is completed.

Webinar discussion will include first aid, employee involvement in your reporting system, and how
to inform employees of their right to report work-related injuries, or illnesses, free from
retaliation. The webinar will also include electronic reporting requirements, applicability, and
updates to the standard. Attendees will also learn how to complete the OSHA 300, 301, and 300A
forms and whose signature must be on the annual summary.

Who Should Attend the Webinar:

• If you are responsible for the entry of employee illness or injuries on the OSHA 300 log
• If your signature is on the 300A form
• If you have 11 or more employees at any time throughout the year (the threshold for reporting)
• If you have 20 employees in your utilities (water, electric, sewer, gas) departments (threshold for electronic reporting)
• If you are the person that needs to report a recordable injury to the staff person managing the OSHA 300 log

Registration is open - CLICK HERE to register!

🌟 Limited to 10 Attendees 🌟

What You'll Learn:

• Essential equipment and techniques for safe pole climbing
  
• Hands-on pole inspection for safety
• Proper foot placement and fall protection
• Climbing techniques, including pole attachments
• Basic knots and hand line usage
  
  

OJT Hours:
Apprentices earn 12 Overhead On-the-Job Training (OJT) hours

Space is limited, secure your spot today! CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Registration is now open for a FREE Cybersecurity Training for the Utility Workforce hosted by DOE CESER in Columbus, Ohio October 31-November 2.

This training is open to all electric utilities, including electric cooperative, public power, investor-owned, and tribal utilities.

The classes have been used overseas to train utilities to defend against cyber attacks in areas of conflict. Please see below for additional details from DOE on this unique training opportunity.
 
Cybersecurity Training for the Utility Workforce – Registration now open
Starting October 31, the Department of Energy will host a series of six cybersecurity training events specifically for electric utility staff. Registration for these training events is free. 
 
These classes have been used overseas to train utilities to defend against cyber attacks in areas of conflict. This is not your average cybersecurity training event. We strongly encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity.
 
Please use your utility’s email address when you register to attend. Your registration information will be reviewed and you will receive a registration confirmation after it is approved.
 
Here’s a breakdown of who’s teaching what and the CPEs associated with each class:

• (6.5 CPEs):  Tim Conway DOE CyberStrike
• (6 CPEs):  Dean Parsons and Jeffrey ShearerICS Cybersecurity Foundations
• (3 CPEs):  John Doyle CTI in Times of Conflict
• (3 CPEs):  Jon Gorenflo Defending Against State Sponsored Attacks
• (3 CPEs):  Dean Parsons ICS Security for Leaders and Managers
• (3 CPEs):  Mick Douglas OSINT-Practical Open-Source Intelligence Techniques for Defense
• (6 CPEs):  Jason Dely, Dean Parsons, Jeffrey Shearer, and Tim ConwayRed Team/Blue Team Challenge Competition

You can find more information about the instructors and register for DOE’s Cybersecurity Training series at: https://www.eventleaf.com/c/CybersecurityTrainingUtilityWorkforce
 
Registration is NOW OPEN for the following training events.  Register at: https://www.eventleaf.com/c/CybersecurityTrainingUtilityWorkforce

• October 31-November 2, 2023, in Columbus, OH
  
• November 28-30, 2023, in Orlando, FL
  
•  December 5-7, 2023, in Kansas City, MO
  

 Registration Will Open Soon for the Following Training Events

• January 23-25, 2024, in Dallas, TX
  
• January 17-19, 2024, in San Diego, CA
  
• April 23-25, 2024, in Buffalo, NY
  

Each training event will cover the same material. This series of training events is supported by funding provided to CESER under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). Participants are responsible for their own travel, lodging, and meal costs. Below is a summary of the training classes.