Pollution Prevention Resource Center

10/16/2026

Our next presenter is none other than PPRC's Becky Lewis!

In this presentation, Becky will discuss strategies for preventing emerging contaminants from entering the wastewater collection system before they reach direct potable reuse (DPR) treatment plants.

Becky served in various roles at the City of Wichita, Kansas including the Industrial Pretreatment and Laboratory Manager, Environmental Health Division Manager and Wastewater Division Manager. She directed a wastewater laboratory and oversaw the City Environmental Compliance Program (RCRA, NPDES, groundwater monitoring, landfill compliance, air quality, sustainability and energy efficiency Initiatives). She also oversaw the operation and maintenance of four wastewater facilities, 60 lift stations, and a pretreatment and laboratory program. During her tenure she met budgetary objectives, received recognition by National Association of Clean Water Agencies for Wastewater Peak Performance Award for excellence in NPDES Discharge compliance at all Wichita permitted facilities. In 2024, Becky was awarded an international Water Environment Federation Fellows Award, recognizing outstanding achievement in the water industry. She joined PPRC in early 2026 and we couldn't be happier to have her on our team!

10/14/2026

We are delighted to introduce our next PNPW speaker, Nicole Morris.

Nicole is the State Pretreatment Coordinator for the Oregon DEQ and has worked in regulatory compliance in pretreatment and water quality programs for the last 9 years. They hold a Masters in Environmental Science from the University of Houston Clear Lake.

Nicole's presentation will cover Oregon DEQ’s P3 Project - PFAS, Pretreatment, and Publicly Owned Treatment Works (POTWs). This session will help pretreatment professionals:
• Understand what interest the state and EPA have in the control of PFAS
• Understand Oregon's anticipated approach towards PFAS and pretreatment
• Keep up to date on recent PFAS happenings at the federal, state and local level
• And much more!

Learn more and register here: https://www.westernstatesalliance.org/events/2026pnpw

10/06/2026

10/02/2026

Most people know they shouldn't pour bacon grease down the drain, but what about pasta sauce, ice cream, or peanut butter? 🥓🍦🍝

Mary Gerardo shares how her team at SPU addressed a dissonance between public understanding and the commonly used FOG acronym through the development of the CLOGS framework (Creamy, Liquidy, Oily, Greasy, and Saucy foods). This presentation explores how refined terminology, structured message testing, and varied engagement strategies can strengthen wastewater program development and support improved disposal behaviors.

Hear from Mary and other intriguing speakers at the Pacific Northwest Pretreatment Workshop at the end of this month! Learn more and register here: https://www.westernstatesalliance.org/events/2026pnpw

09/30/2026

Don't miss your chance to receive our special discounted rate at the Riverhouse Lodge! This offer disappears tomorrow, so don't delay!
Book your stay here: https://book.passkey.com/event/51254550/owner/49095888/home

Learn more about the Pacific Northwest Pretreatment Workshop here: https://www.westernstatesalliance.org/events/2026pnpw

09/25/2026

While PFAS or "forever chemicals" are increasingly ubiquitous in the environment, there are still many ways to limit your exposure at home. Here are just a few to help you get started:
1. Choose PFAS-free products ✅
2. Make small changes in the kitchen 🍳
3. Look for the right labels 🏷️

Interested in learning more about PFAS? Check out our robust Technical Resource Library on the Western States Alliance website.
https://www.westernstatesalliance.org/technicalresourcelibrary

09/22/2026

We are thrilled to have John Mercer of Light Industrial Wastewater Design, speaking at the 2026 PNPW!

John Mercer got his start in the wastewater world in 1997, working at a brewery. He quickly caught the wastewater bug and has worked hands-on in the field nearly every day since. From 1998 to 2014, he held an Oregon Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator II license.

After more than a decade in the industry, John decided it was time to mix things up. He took a two-year sabbatical to bicycle halfway around the world with his wife. When he returned, he founded Brewery Wastewater Design in 2013 and, more recently, Light Industrial Wastewater Design.

Today, John is based in Tucson, Arizona, where he continues to help food and beverage businesses navigate their wastewater challenges.

Learn more about the PNPW here: https://www.westernstatesalliance.org/events/2026pnpw

09/18/2026

The rise of data centers has catalyzed a wave of technical, environmental, and regulatory questions within the water treatment industry. We'll be discussing the latest news on this hot topic at the upcoming Pacific Northwest Pretreatment Workshop!

In her presentation, Olivia Tahti will explore how data centers use water for cooling, the types of pollutants and wastewater characteristics treatment plants can expect, and the regulations and standards that apply to this rapidly evolving industry. She’ll also highlight emerging water stewardship initiatives and practical pretreatment tools for balancing the needs of data center operations with the protection and performance of wastewater treatment plants.

Learn more and register here: https://www.westernstatesalliance.org/events/2026pnpw

09/16/2026

Only two weeks left to secure the exclusive discounted rate at the Riverhouse Lodge!

Book your stay here: https://book.passkey.com/event/51254550/owner/49095888/home

Still on the fence about attending the Pacific Northwest Pretreatment Workshop?

Learn more about the conference on our website: https://www.westernstatesalliance.org/events/2026pnpw

09/10/2026

Advance your pretreatment expertise at the Pacific Northwest Pretreatment Workshop!

Two and a half days of technical sessions will cover regulatory updates from EPA and state agencies, data center impacts, relationship building, pretreatment program development and much more. This event is a great opportunity to earn up to 1.4 wastewater CEUs and network with fellow environmental professionals, all with a view of the Deschutes!

Learn more here: https://www.westernstatesalliance.org/events/2026pnpw