[Pharmwaste] Pharmwaste Listserv concerns

[Scarborough, Jill R.]

Hi Everyone,



I understand there are some concerns regarding the pharmwaste listserv.



Here's some details about how the listserv is managed/administered.

     *   I do not approve or disapprove new members.  I do not get notifications about new members or about existing members changing their preferences (for example if they unsubscribe       or change to getting a "daily digest").
     *   I do not approve or disapprove of messages.
     *   Some of you may have issues with creating "bounces" and getting an automated email (that I am not notified of) saying that your membership has been disabled.  My understanding is that this is an issue with attachments, links, and other things (policies enacted by your company/IT group) that cause mail servers to kick out an email.



The Mailing List Manager that is used by Florida DEP is "Mailman."  It is a free software and, according to Florida DEP's Mailing List information page, we are using version 2.1.15.  According to the software's website, they have two current versions: 2.1.25 and 3.1.  To my knowledge, there is no plan to update the version that Florida DEP is using.



I have heard from a few members that advertisements and self-promotional items are a nuisance and are at odds with the purpose of the listserv.  This listserv was initially developed, in 2005, to provide an electronic location for a national dialogue on the emerging issue of pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) in the environment.  There has been a steady decrease in activity, participation, and general discussion.  This is not to say that pharmaceuticals and personal care products are no longer an environmental concern but rather that the need for this listserv may be waning.



At the moment, there is no easy answer for how to address the issues that have cropped up.  I welcome your solutions and would like to hear from you.  Please note, the likelihood of Florida DEP buying/paying for newer software is low (based on the current utilization rate we have for this listserv).  It has been suggested to me that I try to find someone else (perhaps another agency) to host and manage the listserv.  I do not think that Florida DEP would allow a someone who is not a Florida DEP employee to be the administrator of the listserv in its current location.



Again, I'd like to hear solutions if you have them.



Thank you,

Jill Scarborough

Jill R. Scarborough
Environmental Consultant
Division of Waste Management
Florida Department of Environmental Protection
850-245-8782



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