TBA (last known deadline was November 2, 2012)
The Water Environment Research Foundation (WERF) is seeking proposals to demonstrate and refine the application of site screening tools previously developed by WERF to assist water quality managers in evaluating the potential for adverse ecological effects associated with exposure to trace organic compounds (TOrC) that may be present in treated wastewater and receiving waters. These tools are intended for use in both prospective and retrospective diagnostic assessments (not causality assessments). The output from this research will include specific guidance on how to use the site screening tools supported by detailed examples of tool applications under a variety of scenarios. These examples will come directly from demonstrations selected and conducted by the research team. In addition, new chemical and biological data will be collected to validate and further demonstrate the accuracy of these tools. The purpose of this effort is to assist water quality managers who are considering, for example, chemical and biological monitoring programs, upgrades to treatment facilities, source control initiatives, future regulatory requirements, and possible concerns expressed by utility boards, environmental groups and the public.
WERF encourages different approaches, diverse teams and creative strategies to accomplish the objectives of this research.