Pilot Information: In partnership with the Center on Cyber and Technology Innovation and Microsoft, CRI is launching a pilot initiative, called the “Phased Critical Infrastructure Pilot: Resiliency for Water Utilities,” to provide coach-supported training and resources focused on improving cybersecurity risk management and ability to respond and recover from a cybersecurity incident. The pilot is for water and wastewater utilities serving between 500 and 10,000 customers. The program is based on CRI’s Cyber Readiness Program which is designed to be clear and accessible for organizations regardless of size and technical expertise. The program focuses on human behavior, helping a designated Cyber Leader develop and implement cyber readiness policies throughout the organization. The program only requires about an hour per week for six weeks and very minimal technical expertise. Participants proceed at their own pace, with the help of a coach to work through implementing organization-wide training and policies for strong passwords, multi-factor authentication, patch management, anti-phishing, business continuity, and other core cyber readiness topics. Sponsored by Microsoft, this pilot is being facilitated by a cadre of highly respected and reputable professionals.
Wisconsin DNR Operator Certification to hold in-person paper exams – Fall 2023 and Spring 2024: Wisconsin DNR’s Operator Certification program will be hosting in-person paper exam sessions proctored by DNR staff this fall and next spring. Exams will be held October 4th in Plover, October 5th in Eau Claire, November 8th in Plover, November 9th in Rhinelander, and March 26, 2024, in La Crosse. The Operator Certification program does not plan on adding additional date for 2023 but will likely add additional dates for spring 2024.
DNR exam applications and fees must be mailed to the Operator Certification program’s mailing address found on the application form (also listed below). Applications must be postmarked no later than three weeks before exam day to be eligible and processed.
Wisconsin DNR
Operator Certification EA/7
PO Box 7921
Madison, WI 53707-7921
Application forms for these sessions are available on the Operator Certification Exams page. Applications can be found by selecting the “DNR Applications” tab and the page and scrolling to the subsection titled “DNR In-Person Paper Exam Application Forms”.
Exams will continue to be facilitated through PSI computer labs throughout this time. For questions, please email the Operator Certification program at DNROpCert@wisconsin.gov.
Thanks!
The Operator Certification Program
Dry states taking Mississippi River water isn’t a new idea. But some mayors want to kill it. Community leaders along the Mississippi River worried that dry southwestern states will someday try to take the river’s water may soon take their first step toward blocking such a diversion. Dry states taking Mississippi River water isn’t a new idea. But some mayors want to kill it (lacrossetribune.com)
Recent precipitation not enough to overcome drought as western Wisconsin remains on fire alert. “Just driving through town, you can see a lot of brown and yellow grass,” Ostreng said. “I play Frisbee with my dog, and it’s nothing but a dust cloud when she jumps and leaps.” Recent precipitation not enough to overcome drought as western Wisconsin remains on fire alert (lacrossetribune.com)
A water main break closed the intersection of East Wisconsin Avenue and North Broadway. A large void developed below the street after a water main break in the area of East Wisconsin Avenue and North Broadway on Aug. 30. The intersection will take more than a week to repair. More than a week later, crews still working to fix water main break (jsonline.com)
UW-Eau Claire receives funding for water-related research and training. Having clean, fresh water easily accessible is something we are used to in Wisconsin. Now, funding for student research at UW-Eau Claire will help to continue keeping our waters clean. UW-Eau Claire receives funding for water-related research and training (weau.com)
Fire hydrant struck, creating sinkhole in Ripon; police looking for semi – Ripon police want to identify the semi that hit a fire hydrant on Griswold Street Tuesday morning, washing out the road. https://www.wbay.com/2023/09/12/fire-hydrant-struck-creating-sinkhole-ripon-police-looking-semi/
Water and Sewage Treatment Plants Across the United States Face Increasing Threats From Floods – Water infrastructure across the country is vulnerable as climate change makes storms more unpredictable and destructive, flooding low-lying drinking water treatment plants and overwhelming coastal sewage systems. https://www.milwaukeeindependent.com/newswire/water-sewage-treatment-plants-across-united-states-face-increasing-threats-floods/
Sturgeon Bay to Become Green Tier Community – …with upgrades now planned at the city’s wastewater treatment plant, the possibility of receiving 10% principal forgiveness in borrowing money through the Clean Water Fund and Safe Drinking Water loan programs made becoming a Green Tier member more appealing. https://doorcountypulse.com/sturgeon-bay-to-become-green-tier-community/
Quote: “Somewhere, someone out there is thinking about you and the tremendous positive impact you have had on their life. It’s not me. I’m thinking about bacon.” – Chris Groh, while on vacation this week