ACEC Supports EPA Rulemaking On Wetlands Mitigation ACEC voiced general support for a proposed rule by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Corps of Engineers to standardize the compensatory wetlands mitigation process—a key priority among industry client organizations. Over 400 comments were submitted to the docket, including those from homebuilders and other client groups. Along with ACEC, these groups offered general support for the rulemaking but also a number of technical and definitional changes designed to improve the final rule. These industries have long argued the need for greater clarity in the rules governing wetlands mitigation projects. The proposed rule seeks to achieve this objective by establishing simplified guidelines along with standardized definitions and processes for undertaking mitigation activities to offset impacted wetlands in development projects. With the adoption of clarifying comments, the final rule should ease regulatory burdens and requirements of the engineering industry and its clients. The regulatory action came in response to language included in the F.Y. 2004 Defense Authorization Act, which required the issuance of regulations "establishing performance standards and criteria for…on-site, off-site, and in-lieu fee mitigation and mitigation banking as compensation for lost wetlands." The action also comes at a time when there has been increasing focus on the regulation of wetlands at the federal level. The Supreme Court in June sent two major wetlands-related cases back to the lower court to review whether certain wetlands are subject to federal regulation under the Clean Water Act. After reviewing all submitted comments, the EPA and the Corps plan to publish a final rule later in the year. Click here to view ACEC's comments.

ACEC And Colorado State University Partner On Continuing Education Courses To better serve the educational needs of engineering company employees, ACEC has partnered with Colorado State University (Fort Collins and Denver) to offer engineering-related continuing education courses. One- and two-day classroom sessions and online seminars are available. Fall courses include: October 19 & 20: Engineering for Safety and Security: Preparing the Built Environment for Natural and Human-Caused Threats November 9: Contracts and Project Risk Management—New Proactive Approaches November 10: Introduction to Project Scheduling: Software Applications All courses will be held at Colorado State University's Denver Center. Registration Fees: Early Bird: $495/single day, $895/two-day Regular: $595/single day, $995/two-day Click here to register. Mark Your Calendars Now for the Fall '06 Business of Design Consulting October 25-28                         Las Vegas, NV Plan now to attend this flagship program for the engineering firm of the 21st century. This intensive four-day workshop offers up-and-coming design firm leaders the chance to explore eight different areas for improved management and leadership skills. Includes hands-on modules on a variety of business practice topics. Click here for more information and to register. July Online Seminars July 25: Creative Strategies for Controlling Health Insurance Costs Henry J. Kruse, Envision Healthcare Creative strategies for transforming your health benefit plan into one that puts economic purchasing power—and decision making—into the hands of participants. Learn about Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs). Click here for more information and to register. July 26: From Entrepreneur to Sustainable Company: Where Theory and Practice Meet Lou Ann Frederick, Hall & Foreman, Inc. How do you move from entrepreneur to sustainable professional services company? This seminar focuses on the shift from working on projects to working in the business itself. Topics include financial aspects, staffing issues, the business model, and business theory. Click here for more information and to register.

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