See all 6 tasks below
Real-world tasks proposed, designed, and sponsored by industry and government agencies.
Teams select one task.
Find non task-specific FAQs here.
Teams bring working bench-scale models of their designs.
Find non task-specific FAQs here.
Platinum Sponsor: NM Space Grant Consortium
Silver Sponsor: EPA ORD
Iron Sponsor: Souder, Miller, & Associates, CDM SMith
Tas 1 FAQs: No FAQs yet
Diamond Sponsor: El Paso Electric Co.
Gold Sponsor: Las Cruces Utilities
Task 2 FAQs: No FAQs yet.
Platinum Task Sponsor: Freeport-McMoRan
Task 3 FAQs:
Q: What is the metal content of the sodium sulfate?
A: NMED requires FMI to analyze the sample annually for the following parameters: (TCLP Metals 1311/6010C: As, Cd, Pb, Cr), Paint filter test US EPA Method 9095, pH 9045, and TSE SM2540. In addition, their internal chemistry lab runs Total Metals, average values for the 2023 salts so far (in ppm):
Ag: <20.00, As: <10.00, Ba: <100.00
Cd: <5.00, Cr: <10.00, Cu: 24, Hg: <1.00
Ni: 14.40, Pb: <10.00, Se: <5.00, Te: <10.00
Gold Sponsor: US Department of Energy
Bronze Sponsor: Dell Technologies
Task 4 FAQs:
New published data: CDR Demonstration and Deployment Map: CDR Mission – Mission Innovation (mission-innovation.net)
Silver Sponsor: NGL Water Solutions
Task 5 FAQs (most recent on top):
Q: The task specifies that the sample needs to be >5ppm, but our equipment measures in NTU. (Posted 2/15/24)
A: WERC will assume the relationship: 1 mg/L = 1 ppm = 3 NTU (https://www.tecnoconverting.com/technical-articles/what-is-ntu/)
Q: We ordered Instant Ocean Sea Salt, but we can't get it to dissolve, even in elevated temperatures. What salt will be used at the contest? (Updated 1/19/24)
A: WERC will source: Sprout's brand "Fine Atlantic Sea Salt." It dissolves fairly easily and completely. It is in our local store, but we did not find it online. Let us know if you need some for bench testing.
Q: What temperature will the PW synthetic solution be when we get it at the contest? (Posted 12/18/23)
A: Room temperature. Teams will be expected to raise the temperature according to their needs. Include plans/equipment needed to raise the temperature in your ESP.
Silver Sponsor: Arrowhead Center
Task 6 FAQs: No FAQs yet.
Teams propose their own environmental challenge. The tasks should require innovation and a bench-scale demo.
Make sure your Open Task is competitive. Not sure? Email werc@nmsu.edu and our judges will review your plans.
Q: What should we put in the social media post? (Posted 4/9/22)
A: Send out something friendly and exciting that thanks the sponsors and tells people what you are doing, like this: We are excited to be solving xxxx at the WERC Environmental Design Contest in Las Cruces, NM. We send a big "Thank you" to our sponsors: @XXX, @XXX. (But put it in your own words--you don't want everyone to use the same phrasing that you did.)
Include a photo of your team having fun working on the project.
Q: What is the deadline for submitting the technical report draft to our auditors? (Updated 2/26/22)
A: We suggest that you submit your draft to your auditors 3 weeks prior to the report due date. The date is a suggestion, not a requirement. See your Team Manual for more information.
Q: What is the Current COVID-19 Policy at the Contest? (Updated 2/26/22)
A: Masks are no longer required in the state of New Mexico. Please see COVID-19 Policies.
Q: Registration says "Gender for Style." What does that mean? (Posted 10/15/21)
A: Faculty and judges receive a gift of a jacket or vest. The Ladies versions are narrower in the waist and larger in chest and hips than the men’s versions. If you prefer it larger in the waist, select “Male.” If you prefer it narrower in the waist, select “Female.”
Q: What computer connections will be available for presentations at the contest? (Posted 9/29/21)
A: Please contact us to let us know your needs and we will be sure to have the connection devices you need.
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