The 2014 Stormwater Congress will be hosted by the Water Environment Federation September 27 through October 1 in conjunction with WEFTEC® at the New Orleans Morial Convention Center. Onondaga County Executive Joanne M. Mahoney will be the luncheon keynote speaker.
Mahoney grew up in Syracuse, New York, and was elected to public office in 2007 as Onondaga’s first woman county executive. In 2008, she led Onondaga County toward a greener, more sustainable community culminating in “Save the Rain,” a comprehensive stormwater management plan developed to reduce pollution to Onondaga Lake. In 2011, Onondaga County was recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as a green infrastructure partner for its work on “Save the Rain.” The program also won the U.S. Water Prize, given by the U.S. Water Alliance in April of 2013.
The Stormwater Congress is replete with 29 technical sessions, 3 workshops, 3 technical tours, and 1 mobile session. The congress technical program features expert speakers on key topics from manufactured treatment devices, to flooding, to stream and watershed restoration. Attendees will learn how to measure the benefits of green infrastructure, be briefed on the latest stormwater research, and come away with ideas about innovative stormwater financing. The Congress also will cover national stormwater regulatory issues as well as the basics and newest trends in modeling, design, implementation, and operation of stormwater management facilities. See an overview of the technical program.
Located within the WEFTEC exhibit hall, the Stormwater Pavilion size has nearly doubled over last year, with about 30 stormwater exhibitors. The space originally designated for the pavilion sold out, but WEF has since added more room. The pavilion also includes a theater where short educational presentations will take place throughout the week. Presentations will include exhibitor case studies and a new lightening round format where exhibitors will have no more than seven minutes to discuss their product or service.