Government Affairs Committee

Committee Chair

John Metzler — Johnson County Wastewater
11811 S. Sunset Drive, Ste. 2500 • Olathe, KS 66061
Phone: (913) 715-8542 • Fax: (913) 715-8501

Committee Objective and Goals

The Kansas Water Environment Association’s Government Affairs Committee’s objective is to keep the membership of KWEA informed of governmental activities, rulings and policies relating to the operation of wastewater systems in the State. Additionally, the Committee will endeavor to provide a forum for KWEA members to discuss and review water environment regulatory issues and their impact on the State. The Committee will maintain an awareness of all water environment issues affecting the communities and wastewater service providers of the State and provide educational information to KWEA members that relates to government issues affecting the membership.

Committee Activities

The Government Affairs Committee shall conduct, but not be limited to the following activities:

  1. Meet at least three (3) times per year to provide a forum for discussion of governmental/regulatory issues affecting the membership.
  2. Provide articles and information relating to regulatory issues for publication in Splashings.
  3. In conjunction with the appropriate committees, represent KWEA to KDHE and EPA on matters regarding water quality, treatment standards, and NPDES permit programs that affect municipalities.
  4. Facilitate one technical session at the KWEA Annual Conference with a focus on governmental issues of interest to the membership.
  5. Apprise the KWEA Board of regulatory and governmental issues that the Committee feels KWEA membership should be aware of.
  6. With the Municipal Committee, represent KWEA positions and policies on water environment issues to the Kansas Legislature, League of Cities, State Association of Counties, and AMSA
  7. Provide support and assistance to the membership in explaining water environment regulations to local communities and governing bodies.
  8. The committee chair shall submit a written report to the Vice President on the committee's activities at least 30 days prior to the annual meeting. The Vice President will compile the committee reports, distribute them to the Board, and turn them over to the new vice president for use in assessing changes for the next program year.