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Balancing Water Law and Science

Balancing Water Law and Science
– National Water Research Symposium –
Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the Virginia Water Resources Research Center
October 10-12, 2005
Virginia Tech Inn and Skelton Conference Center, Blacksburg, Virginia

Call for Papers

In 1899, the U.S. Congress passed the first statutory environmental law, The Refuse Act. Since then, several federal laws and regulations have been promulgated in the U.S. to manage the nation’s water quantity and water quality, to secure water supplies for an increasing population and enhance economic productivity, and to protect and preserve the nation’s diverse ecosystems. At the same time, significant advances in water science have improved our understanding of water resource issues. However, across the U.S., questions have been raised about the scientific validity of certain regulations and the socio-economic costs attributed to the implementation of some water resource regulations.

The purpose of this symposium is to openly discuss the scientific basis of water laws and regulations, reflect on the conflicts within existing laws and regulations, discuss case studies of interest, and propose conflict resolution strategies. Topical areas of interest include but are not limited to research that addresses the following questions:

1. Do watershed-based management approaches make scientific sense?
2. Is privatization of public water supplies the best way to reduce water costs?
3. What are the scientific bases for state water rights?
4. How do we regulate concentrated animal feeding operations?
5. Do we know how to protect instream uses, including meeting the needs of fish and other aquatic organisms?
6. Is wetland construction a realistic mitigation measure for water resource development?
7. Will climate changes force a change in water law?
8. What water conservation goals are realistic?
9. What is the feasibility of alternative water sources such as desalination and wastewater reclamation? Can these alternative sources replace the need for dam construction?
10. Has the time arrived to integrate land use planning with water management?

The Virginia Water Resources Research Center invites you to submit research abstracts and workshop proposals for the National Water Research Symposium to be held on the Virginia Tech campus on October 10-12, 2005. Basic and applied research papers are solicited in all areas related to water law and science. Researchers from colleges and universities (faculty, graduate and undergraduate students), federal and state agencies, private organizations, law firms, consulting firms, and others are invited to present papers and lead workshops.

Deadlines:
1. Submission of Abstracts and Workshop Proposals March 31, 2005
2. Notification of Acceptance/Rejection May 1, 2005
3. Papers for inclusion in the symposium proceedings August 15, 2005
Abstract Submission
Please submit a 200-250 word abstract that includes the paper title, author(s) and author(s) affiliation, phone number, fax number, and email address of the corresponding author. Indicate if the presenter is a graduate or undergraduate student.

Workshop Proposal Submission:
Submit a 1-2 page workshop outline that includes information on the subject matter and name(s), affiliation(s), email address, and phone number of workshop instructors.

Electronic Submission: E-mail: tyounos@vt.edu

Hard Copy Submission:
National Water Research Symposium 2005
Virginia Water Resources Research Center
23 Agnew Hall (0444)
Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, VA 24061

Author Guidelines for Full Paper Submission:
Full papers will be accepted for publication in the symposium proceedings. Guidelines are posted on symposium website: www.vwrrc.vt.edu/2005symposium

Symposium Participation Policy:
Individuals and organizations presenting papers agree to register and pay the assigned registration fee for the symposium.

For more information or questions, contact Judy Poff by phone (540) 231-8030 or e-mail jupoff@vt.edu. If unavailable, contact Annabelle Fusilier (540) 231-5624.