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The Selfs Point Wastewater Treatment Plant in Hobart was upgraded to biological nutrient removal standard in early 1997. The upgrade incorporated the existing trickling filter and anaerobic digesters. The new nutrient removal capability is provided by the BioDenipho process, and is supported by prefermentation and alum dosing of the digested sludge sidestream. This study reviews the development of wastewater treatment processes and the history of sewage treatment and collection in Hobart leading to this upgrade. All of the major processes at the Plant are reviewed as to how each impacts and is impacted by nutrient removal processes. Results from the first 18 months of operation of the plant following commissioning of nutrient removal are discussed, along with some of the factors affecting performance. Prefermentation has been found to be critical in achieving good biological phosphorus removal. A solids residence time of 5 days in a combined activated primary tank and sidestream prefermenter system has provided good performance. Use of existing rock trickling filters in a combined carbonaceous removal and nitrification role has permitted a smaller BNR reactor volume and a plant with greater flexibility for treating high influent loads or flows. The anaerobic digestion of phosphorus rich activated sludge led to a solubilisation of about 30% of the phosphorus entering the digesters. Alum dosing of the digested, sludge prior to the belt filter press at 1 to 1 1:1 molar (Al:P) ratio has been effective at reducing return of phosphorus to the main process to less than 1%.

This article is an historical and thematic study of the theological ethics of John C. Ford, SJ, regarding alcohol abuse and chemical dependency. Retrieving “classic” perspectives on these problems is seen as important for helping the churches to address this challenging “sign of the times” today. Ford's involvement in the fledgling “recovery movement” and his collaboration in early addiction science are documented. His main theological views regarding addiction are reviewed. Three themes are addressed: the nature of addictive illness, the role of a “spiritual” component in addiction, and the notions of sin and personal responsibility in relation to abuse and dependency.

Communities of faith are challenged today to join the contemporary struggle against chemical abuse and dependency in new and exciting ways. Beyond utilizing church basements for Twelve Step meetings and including alcohol and other drugs as topics in teenage religious education, faith communities are being invited to bring their full theological and religious resources to bear on this pressing social problem. Using contemporary practical-theological method as a way to approach these issues, the author integrates historical, biblical and other sources into a way of thinking about issues of chemical abuse and dependency in a theological frame.

The article traces contemporary developments in recovery research and outlines impomt dimensions of Uue recovery process. Dynamics and issues that are present at various "stages" of recovery over time are described. Some basic principles for a "recovery sensitive" approach to counseling are suggested.

Researchers are turning their attention to the process of recovery from chemical dependency. Factors that establish and support the recovery process are being examined, while developmental stages of recovery over time are being outlined. Focused attention on recovery will complement the wealth of knowledge already accumulated regarding the process of addiction. However, the expanding literature of recovery tends to give scant treatment to recovery over the long-term. Few studies attend to extended length of recovery (ten years or more) as a relevant variable in alcoholism research. Following an examination of the literature on this point, the article suggests potential benefits of "long-term" research and outlines an ongoing exploratory project which utilizes this variable.