Check out the latest addition of the Chicago Chapter Newsletter, including project updates, upcoming events, and a letter from the Chapter President.

Several representatives from the Chicagoland Professional Chapter of Engineers Without Borders attended the 2008 EWB International Conference in Seattle, Washington in late March.   The theme of the conference was “Sustainable Engineering and Global Health.”

Conference presentation are all available on the EWB-USA website.

Spencer Michels reports on how the 8,000 members of the non-profit group Engineers Without Borders are using their technical skills to bring clean water, sanitation and other engineering projects to communities in developing countries.

Read the transcript and watch the video on the NewsHour website.

To further their common goals of making the world a better place and improving the engineering profession, ASCE has formalized an affiliation agreement with Engineers Without Borders-USA (EWB-USA). “It’s a natural fit for our two organizations to work together to further each other’s vision and activities to enhance the welfare of humanity,” said ASCE president David G. Mongan, P.E., F.ASCE. With the administrative and financial support provided by ASCE in the new agreement–up to $500,000–EWB-USA will be able to expand their role in educating engineering students and professionals while empowering developing communities through the creation of locally sustainable solutions, and ASCE members will gain a greater opportunity to contribute to and participate in EWB-USA projects and programs.

A team of specialists will provide information on the planning, permitting, design, and operation of treatment wetlands, including:

• History and Databases
• Sizing and Cost
• Ecology
• Design/Construction/Planting
• Hydraulic Design Tools
• Design for Ancillary Benefits
• Performance Expectations
• Illustrative Case Histories
• Planning and Permitting Considerations
• Project Applications
• Regulatory Issues

To help municipalities, industries, and regulatory agencies understand the application of these natural technologies, CH2M HILL is offering a treatment wetlands short course from August 13-17, 2007 in Calgary, Alberta.

If you are interested in attending the Wetlands Short Course, please email Amy.Drotar@ch2m.com for additional information.

Calgary Wetlands Brochure