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2 | ONSITE Journal | Summer 2006

Summer 2006

National Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association, Inc. Vol. 15, No. 3

ADVERTISERS’ INDEX

American Manufacturing Company, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Arcan Enterprises, Inc. . . . . . . . . . 20

Ayers Associates, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . 20

Bio-Microbics, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . BC

Concrete Sealants, Inc. . . . . . . . . . IBC

Containment Solutions, Inc. . . . . . IFC

Crumpler Plastic Pipe, Inc. . . . . . . 20

Front Range Precast Concrete . . . 23

Polylok, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IFC

Quanics, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Ring Industrial Group, L. P. . . . . . 1

SJE - Rhombus Controls . . . . . . . 1

Wieser Concrete Products, Inc. . . 12

Waterloo Biofilter Systems, Inc. . 20

Xerxes Corporation . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Zoller Pump Company . . . . . . . . . 40

NOWRA HeadquartersP.O. Box 1270Edgewater, MD 21037-7270Phone: 800-966-2942 or 410-798-1697Fax: 410-798-5741E-mail: [email protected]: www.nowra.org

www.septiclocator.com

Cover photos: Copyright © 2006,North American Wetland Engineering, LLC

OUR SAYWorkforce Shortages: Real or a Myth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

MEMBERS SAYLetter to the Editor: “The ball is in our court” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

NOWRA IN ACTION

NOWRA June Board of Directors’ Meeting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

NOWRA/WQA Joint Water Softener Task Force Update . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Complete Member Profile Helps Consumers Find Your Goods and Services on Septic Locator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

NOWRA Membership Benefit Alert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

SPECIAL NOTICE—NOWRA 2007–2009 Board of Directors’ Election

Official Announcement of Candidates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Voting Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Board of Directors Candidate Profiles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Official Ballot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

STATE ASSOCIATION UPDATES

NOWRA Women in Action — Part II . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

SECOND ANNUAL INSTALLER ACADEMY AND TRADE SHOW

Special Events and Hotel Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Preliminary Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Tradeshow Booth Layout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Conference Registration Form . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Exhibitor Registration Form . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

1st U.S. International Program on Decentralized Systems Conference . . . . . . . . . . . 29

FEATURE ARTICLES—Water Quality and TechnologyWERF Research Study—Primary Treatment in Onsite Systems:Factors that Influence Performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Eljen GSF Recently Included in “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Growth Can Move Forward While Preserving the Quality of Surface Water Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

ONSITE INDUSTRY NEWS

Stand Your Ground When It Comes to Pricing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Making Money! Financial Dos and Don’ts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

NAWE Joins U.S. Green Building Council and Earns LEED Accredited Professional Certificate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

In Memory of Claire McQuestion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

ASABE Call for Papers for Its 2007 Symposium . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

NEWS FOR THE DECENTRALIZED WASTEWATER INDUSTRY


In a recent article from his “Legacyseries,” John Luthy, The Futures Cor-

poration president, reports that manypublic works organizations in the “cen-tralized industry” will face significantworker shortages beginning in 2005and significantly escalating for the next20 years. Part of this shortage is attrib-uted to the “baby boomer” retirement—when the mass exodus of the experi-enced work force begins a nationaltransition. Another is due to a defi-ciency of skills and knowledge ofpotential workers, who should beassuming these vacant positions. Thesescenarios pose the question as towhether the skilled workforce neededto assume these jobs is not only avail-able—but does it exist?

Headquartered in Boise, Idaho, TheFutures Corporation is a firm specializ-ing in strategic thinking about thefuture. They focus on how emergingchallenges will impact people, produc-tivity, performance, and economicvitality. Luthy’s findings also reportthat it is the pace of technologicalchange and increases in availableknowledge/skills that is the major driv-ing force for training and developmentneeds. “Far too few people today areproperly prepared for emerging chal-lenges of tomorrow—meaning far toomany organizations are prepared forthe growing number of workforce chal-lenges. Continuing education, training,and workforce development must betaken more seriously by governmentand industry.” The New England Inter-state Water Pollution Control Commis-sion (NEIWPCC) echoes this verytheme in a report (December 2005)dwelling directly on issues affectingthe centralized wastewater industry.

To gain a sense as to whether theseidentified trends would affect the

decentralized wastewater industry, ashort questionnaire was emailed to var-ious businesses and board members.This article was compiled from theirresponses and research from otherarticles. It is not intended to be inter-preted as actual survey findings, andonly reflects the insights and opinionsof a select group to the predictedworker shortage in the centralizedindustry workforce. Our interest is topose the question, and examinewhether similar issues will affect thedecentralized wastewater industry. Wethink so, even though there are distinctsocio-economic and technological dif-ferences in the make-up of industrypractitioners, as noted in the member-ship report also in this issue. NOWRAmembers are more representative ofsmaller businesses—fewer engineeringorganizations. And, there are far more“managed systems” within the central-ized wastewater industry; as comparedwith the decentralized industry, whichis currently regulated more within apublic health environment, than withina public works agency.

However, there is a critical andimportant factor not to be overlooked.The decentralized wastewater industryis far more economically self-sufficient,than the “big pipe” systems, who havedepended upon the federal governmentfor over the past 30 years to financetheir facilities. Doing this article hasnot only peaked an interest level, it hasalso surfaced some important ques-tions. If there is significant interest inthis topic, should NOWRA considerconducting a more in-depth survey onthis topic?

So, what did we learn?Perhaps the most important aspect ofwhat we learned is what we don’t know.

Clearly there is a question as to whetherthe predicted shortage will or will notoccur in the decentralized industry.However, with quality surveys like thatof the New England Interstate Water Pol-lution Control Commission (NEIW-PCC), the facts within the centralizedwastewater industry are only difficult toignore. As an example, to determinewhether a wastewater treatment facility(WWTF) operator training programwould benefit the industry, the NEIW-PCC surveyed 123 wastewater treatmentfacilities in the New England area.

Questions regarding plant type andsize, as well as workforce characteris-tics, current and future staffing needs,hiring procedures and salary/benefitpackages were used in the NEIWPPCsurvey. The study results found that39% of the employees are currently atthe mid-level point of their careers and40% are considered senior level; 43%fall within the 41–50 year old bracketand 31% in the 51 and older age range.Only 5% of workers fell in the 18–30year old category. Their findings showthat 94% of the WWTF’s do not have arecruitment program in place, and that63% of plant facilities will need toreplace significant staff during the next5 years.

So, are the workforce shortagetrends in the centralized industryan indicator of what could occur in the decentralized Industry? And if so, what is the predictedtimeframe?According to the responses receivedfrom the NOWRA email query, con-cerns by members regarding a workershortage in the decentralized industryare emerging. Shadowing or overridingthis concern at this time, however, is agreater pre-occupation on economic

Workforce Shortages: Real or a Myth

What are the future workforce issues affecting the decentralized wastewater industry— and are we prepared to meet their challenges?

Summer 2006 | ONSITE Journal | 5

growth as the decentralized industryemerges as the legitimate alternative to“big pipe” treatment systems. In someareas, there is already a shortage oftrained practitioners, while a glut incontractors and engineering fieldsexists in others. Most of the respondersindicated their belief that with anincrease in training programs for indus-try practitioners (like NOWRA’s A to Zprogram), there is the potential for alarge number of well-trained individu-als to materialize in the coming years.

One aspect that really stood out inthe responses was that the groupbelieved overall, that public awarenessof the industry’s growth and the avail-ability of jobs is the more difficultissue to address. While knowledgeabout the industry and possible path-ways to a career are important facts tomake known, proper training, ensuringthat competitive wages and benefitsexist may work to counter a potentialshortage, although this is admittedlymore difficult in the public sector, thanin the private sector.

The challenges—technology or an image based on negative perceptionsThe group responding also acknowl-edges that while the decentralizedindustry still has a lingering “imageproblem,” they believe that certificationprograms offered by NOWRA will addstatus. And, with further education ofthe general public, community andbusiness leaders and legislative personsthis negative perception will change.They also point to how quickly negativepolitical scrutiny and criticism occurswhen systems fail as being a detrimentto potential job-seekers. Overall there isthe feeling that jobs in the decentralizedindustry are no different than relatedones (i.e. construction) and often carrysimilar burdens—such as excess bag-gage of negative perceptions.

Technical complexity about the sys-tems was also offered as a possibledeterring factor for increasing industryworkers. But the group vetoed thischaracteristic, claiming that mostpeople do not think of the wastewater

industry as highly technical or onerequiring specific skills or scientificexpertise. One person did say that theindustry may have a false reputation asbeing “too technical” due to “experts”developing theories and setting stan-dards without thoroughly provingthem, and promoting their own agen-das, rather than what is best for theindustry as a whole.

Actively recruiting new members tothe industry is, however, viewed as acritical factor. On this topic, the groupwas very concerned. They offered sug-gestions for several methods of recruit-ment—also relating to strategies forincreasing the workforce. Theseincluded increased exposure at the col-lege level; national certification pro-grams to add prestige to the position;differentiation of titles by skill to addstatus; partnership with technical highschools and colleges; and again, gen-eral education of the public.

A common thread—transition!The greatest concern expressed washow the passing on of education andskills from the older, more experiencedworkers to the newer industry memberswill occur. Currently, many of the oldereducators in the decentralized industryare retiring. These are the individualswho have conducted the research tosupport technology to where it is today.And at the same time, the trend for uni-versities or schools offering agricultureor environmental programs is not con-tinuing. Most are not making plans toeither expand course offerings or evento maintain them. Rather, these schoolsare phasing out the programs relatingto septic systems. As the federal dollarssupporting land-grant universities andcolleges for these programs are ending,so are the courses. How do we addressthe transition process of this “brain-drain?” Mentoring programs and OJTtraining linked to certification pro-grams were offered as solutions.Replacing retirees prior to their actualdate of retirement so that they maytrain the new employees was anothersuggestion.

While at this time, we do not havethe actual statistics offering proof of acurrent or future worker shortage in thedecentralized wastewater industry, thepossibility for one emerging clearlyremains as a very realistic threat. Re-cruitment, and the consequentialgrowth of the industry, is always bene-ficial. Focusing on opportunities thatexist now with pending retirees stillaround to take a greater standing in theprofessional lives of younger members,can only help the wastewater industryas a whole. Programs initiated byNOWRA, such as the Institutes ofLearning, and the operator training pro-gram suggested by the NEIWPCC,serve as rewarding models.

What do you think?

• Are the warning signals also here forthe decentralized wastewater indus-try? Or, can this industry continue inits self-sustaining socio-economicmodel and profit from proactivelycountering the issues of a pendingshortage before it actually occurs?

• Do you believe there exists or willexist a workforce shortage in thedecentralized wastewater industry;and if so, what should we do toproactively meet the challenge?

We need to hear from you!Linda Hanifin Bonner, Ph.D.NOWRA Executive Director

Fall 2006 Edition

Copy/advertising

deadline is

September 5, 2006

For more information1-800-966-2942

6 |

Business Benefit Program MembersA special Thank You to the 2006 NOWRA Gold, Silver, Bronze, and Loyal Supporter Business Benefit

Program Members. We greatly appreciate your support and ongoing commitment.

Gold(Annual Fee $5,000)Bio-Microbics, Inc.

Consolidated Treatment Systems, Inc.Delta Environmental ProductsHoot Aerobic Systems, Inc.

Jet, Inc.Netafim USA

Pentair Water — F. E. MeyersPentair Water — Hydromatic PumpsPentair Water — Sta-Rite Industries

Premier Tech Environment

Silver(Annual Fee $3,500)

American Manufacturing Company, Inc.Concrete Sealants, Inc.

Geoflow, Inc.Ring Industrial Group

Salcor, Inc.SJE-Rhombus, LPXerxes Corporation

Bronze(Annual Fee $2,000)Adenus Technologies

Aquapoint, Inc.Bord Na Mona

Ecological Tanks, Inc.Front Range Precast Concrete

Infiltrator Systems, Inc.Polylok, Inc.

Norweco, Inc.Waterloo Biofilter Systems, Inc.

Zoeller Pump Co.

Loyal Supporter(Annual Fee $350)Arcan Enterprises

Gast Manufacturing Inc.

If you would like to be added to this prestigious list of businesses, please contact the NOWRA office or visit the website—www.nowra.org.


I just finished reading the article in theSpring 2006 Onsite Journal “How

Federal Actions and State Events Ulti-mately Affect NOWRA MembersFinancially, and the Economy of theDecentralized Industry.” I am in theunique role of being the ExecutiveDirector of both a nonprofit water qual-ity organization and an onsite organiza-tion representing installation profes-sionals. I deal with both sides of theissues being discussed in this article.While I cannot speak to how the infor-mation was presented in Maryland, Ican give you my opinions.

First, I will have to say that I doagree with the statement that “septicsystems together with stormwater andsediment runoff are a significant non-point source pollutant”.

Second, the article in quoting theU.S. EPA in its April 1997“RESPONSE TO CONGRESS ONUSE OF DECENTRALIZED WASTE-WATER TREATMENT SYSTEMS”left out what I feel is the most importantpart: “adequately managed decentral-ized wastewater treatment systems are acost-effective and long-term option formeeting public health and water qualitygoals”. Also reported in the“NATIONAL WATER QUALITY IN-VENTORY: 1996 REPORT TO CON-GRESS” was this statement that

“improperly constructed and poorlymaintained septic systems are believedto cause substantial and widespreadnutrient and microbial contamination toground water.”

As I talk with installers across thestate, I find many that are not interestedin advanced systems or do not want tobecome involved in the maintenanceside of the business. They feel that thehomeowner will not pay for the systemthat will protect water quality or thatcompetition will not allow them to sellthe better system. They have no desireto learn about ongoing maintenance ofsystems. I can take you today and showyou newly installed systems that arefailing and polluting ground and surfacewaters because the homeowner eitherdidn’t know about advanced systems ordidn’t want to spend the money, theinstaller had to be competitive withwhat everyone else was doing and/orthe regulatory agencies either did nothave the power or the will to cause theneeded advanced system to be installed.

Yes, decentralized and onsite waste-water treatment are here to stay. Theycan provide a fantastic alternative tocentral sewers and CAN protect waterquality, BUT they HAVE TO BE prop-erly engineered and installed and thenadequately managed and maintained.

And that is what the industry profes-sionals must realize, that if, as stated inthe article, “onsite and decentralizedsystems are not seriously valued as alegitimate and integral part of thewastewater infrastructure” it is becauseof the poor design, improper installa-tion and lack of management and on-going maintenance that still happen infar too many installations. These issuesCANNOT wait until some regulatormakes it happen.

Yes, the financial and economichealth of the decentralized industry ISbeing damaged, but not by EPA or oth-ers that try to protect water quality, butby industry professionals, regulatorsand, yes, politicians that WILL NOT dowhat has to be done to insure that thedecentralized system installed todaywill function properly not only tomor-row but for years to come. The ball is inour court.

David Casaletto, Executive Director Table Rock Lake Water QualityMissouri Smallflows Organization P.O. Box 606Kimberling City, MO 65686 417-739-4100, Fax: 417-739-9889 Cell: 417-230-2111 Email: [email protected] Web: mosmallflows.org

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

“The ball is in our court.”

NOWRA State Leaders MeetingSunday, August 27, 2006 – Adam’s Mark Hotel – Denver, Colorado

• NOWRA Member Survey• Membership Recruitment Strategies • Existing and Emerging State Issues

• NOWRA Website Restructure &Database Management – Phase II

• 2007 Legislation

S E S S I O N T O P I C S


This is a condensed report of the two-day meeting; the complete Board meeting report is listed on NOWRA’s website.

On June 8-9, 2006 NOWRA’s Board of Directors met in Baltimore, MD, site of the 2007 conference, for a two day meeting. Partici-pants included Raymond Peat, Jerry Stonebridge, Brian McQuestion, Eugene Bassett, Mary Clark, K.R. Davis, Tom Groves, MarkHooks, Sara Christopherson, George Loomis, Richard Otis, Al Schnitkey, Ron Suchecki, Howard Wingert, Tony Smithson, MikeCorry, Linda Hanifin Bonner, and Claudine Bodin. Absent were Tim Frank, Bob Himshoot and Carl Thompson.

During this two-day meeting, numerous topics affecting the industry’s work were addressed and issues affecting the membershipwere brought to the Board’s attention. It is through these sessions that decisions about NOWRA’s work in the decentralizedindustry takes place.

Affirmation of Draft 2005 NOWRA Vision Mission Statement

In 2005, the NOWRA Board of Direc-tors spent a 6-month period in definingthe priorities of its work and futuredirection of the industry. This workalso included the development of a newvision and mission statement that hasbeen publicized in several documents.During 2006, NOWRA Board mem-bers engaged in additional discussionsregarding the clarity and meaning ofthese messages. In June, NOWRA VicePresident Jerry Stonebridge provided areview of previous discussions on thevision/mission statement with otherexamples presented for considerationsuch as the International Water Associ-ation. Board members were asked toidentify specific words that relate totheir view of NOWRA’s vision andmission for further discussion. It isplanned that affirmation of this workwill occur prior to the August confer-ence and will form the basis for theupdated banding and image of theAssociation.

NOWRA Conference Planning and Management

The 2006 Denver Conference programstructure is completed and on-line reg-istration capability underway. Review-ing of the exhibit hall and locations forcomplimentary booths, it was decided

that placing the complimentary boothsin the main room of the exhibition halland marketing the remaining items tolocal and western exhibitors was thebest approach. The Board also agreedwith the committee’s recommendationthat the conference proceedings wouldbe placed on CD this year.

The 2006 Installer Academy techni-cal program should be completed bylate June/early July and marketing ofexhibit space will begin in July. On-line registration capabilities will alsoavailable in July.

The 2007 (Baltimore) Annual Con-ference and International Programpreparations are well underway.Themes and funding to support speak-ers traveling from Europe and othercountries were covered. NOWRA’sBoard was informed that sponsorshipapproval from the IWA has beenreceived. The Executive Director willproceed with revising the 2007 confer-ence budget; initiating the developmentof funding grants and conference spon-sorships; clarifying EPA procedures toallocate funds to support conferencespeakers from WERF; revising the pro-gram announcement and producingmarketing and website information byearly July. It was also agreed that timewill be allocated for a WERF researchsession meeting.

Recommended Draft ConferenceManagement Exposition Procedures

NOWRA’s Board agreed to send thedraft document to active conferenceexhibitors and businesses for review andinput. Further action and discussion willoccur at the Denver 2006 meeting.

NOWRA’s Board ApprovesParticipation in Cole Publishing“Partners in Education Program” Cole Publishing Co,, sponsors of thePumper & Cleaner Exposition hasrequested NOWRA’s participation in aone-day “Partners in Education” pro-gram that would increase attendee’seducation and training at the AnnualPumper & Cleaner Exposition. It wasdecided that NOWRA will only pro-vide the CEU’s that comply within theconfines of its existing conferences andeducation programs and will forwardadditional logistical questions for aresponse.

NOWRA Board Approves ModelCode Peer Review Group ReportBoard members focused on the resultsof the groups work and the process toproduce the summary report about themodel code documents. Other topicsincluded how NOWRA will administerthe code and collect and manage data,and whether or not there is an existing

NOWRA June Board of Directors’ Meeting


plan to do this. Mark Hooks, FL Boardmember stated that Florida staff willsupport the development of a compre-hensive database to facilitate theprocess. At the same time, there is aneed to identify states that will recog-nize and adopt the process thatNOWRA develops. Future websitehosting will occur. In the mean time,NOWRA’s Board approved the duelprocess to get basic documents ap-proved and additional informationcompleted for the appendices.

ADWA Guidance Document forAdvanced SystemsBoard members discussed the requestfor NOWRA endorsement of the draftdocument prepared for advanced treat-ment units. Following this discussion,the Executive Director was requestedto acknowledge receipt of the documentto AWDA and to inform the organiza-tion that their request for review andrecommendation for Board Action willoccur within its Technical Practicesand Model Code Committees prior totaking official action on the request.

NOWRA Web SiteAn update on the progress of NOWRAwebsite enhancement, membershipdirectory and septic locator was pro-vided to Board members. Discussionsensued regarding the 2007 NOWRABusiness Benefit Program and updateswith respect to marketing this addi-tional information.

501 C(3) Governance StructureHoward Wingert, task force chair,updated the Board on developmentmaterials for the governance structureof the National Onsite WastewaterResources Education and ResearchFoundation. The NPCA model is cur-rently being used and the followingitems were discussed regarding this:NPCA Foundation contracts out to theNPCA organization for one staff per-son to provide administrative services;one of the tasks of the NPCA Founda-tion board is to establish investment

policy on the management of the funds;and the NPCA Foundation Board ofDirectors membership is comprisedsolely of the NPCA board members.

Website EnhancementRon Suchecki reported on the meetingwith Web Connections and ongoingchanges to NOWRA website to providestructural improvements. The main pri-orities are now marketing the enhance-ments, generating revenues and gettingthe online conference registrationestablished.

NOWRA Model Code Decisions

• NOWRA’s Board of Directors ap-proved and endorsed unanimouslythe model code documents withappendix F attached.

• The also endorsed and approved theguidance document (June 2005 draft– edited and changed following theMay 2005 meeting). It was agreedthat before these documents arepublicly released, they will followNOWRA’s existing procedures for adocument review; a task team con-sisting of the tech practices, etc. willmake sure there is consistency inwording and intentions within thedocuments.

• The existing model code committeewill be requested to meet on an an-nual basis at a NOWRA sponsoredvenue (e.g. conferences) for the pur-pose of providing an annual reviewand discussion forum in whichupdates and changes to the modelcode and guidance documents canoccur in order to facilitate its missionas a living document.

• The name of the document waschanged to Model Code Frameworkfor the Decentralized WastewaterInfrastructure.

Officer NominationsJerry Stonebridge presented the Nomi-nations Committee recommendationsfor 2007 officers: President—Jerry

Stonebridge; Vice President/PresidentElect—Tom Groves; Secretary/Trea-surer—Brian McQuestion. BoardNominations are still being obtained.

Financial ManagementAn update on NOWRA finances ofincome/expenses was presented by B.McQuestion who also addressed howfinancial planning occurs, planned cat-egory changes for 2007, and an expla-nation of how spreadsheet informationis viewed.

Presentation of Preliminary DraftPolicy & Procedures ManualThe manual outline was viewed by B.McQuestion who stated that a morecomplete document will be provided tothe Board in July. R. Suchecki statedthat Board members need to read docu-ments sent to them and prioritize whatthe Board needs to know by highlight-ing sections.

Recommended by-law changesThe required changes will be providedby the executive director with anupdate in July and formal recommen-dations in August—to coincide withthe the new governance structure for501 C(3). ■

NOWRA’S NEXT(face to face)

BOARD MEETING

August 27, 2006Adam’s Mark HotelDenver, Colorado

as part of

NOWRA’s 15th Annual

Technical Education Conference

and Exposition


Majority of NOWRA Members Installers

When joining NOWRA or an affiliated statechapter, members are asked to choose upto five professional categories in which theywish to be identified. A breakdown of theinformation collected is shown below.

Percentof Total

Member Category Members

Installer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26Contractor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13Government/Regulatory Official . . . . . 11System Designer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7Consulting Engineer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6Equipment Manufacturer . . . . . . . . . . . 5Vendor/Product Supplier . . . . . . . . . . . 5Service Provider . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4Maintenance Provider . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3Other Interested Party . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3System Inspector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3Site Evaluator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2Soil Tester . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2Soil Scientist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2Tank Manufacturer/Supplier . . . . . . . . 1Pumper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1Operation/Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . 1Academic/Educator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1Soil Evaluator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1Registered Sanitarian . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1Operator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1Environmentalist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .0.5Researcher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .0.3Builder/Developer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .0.3Waste Transporter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .0.3Compliance Monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . .0.2Laboratory Services Provider . . . . . . .0.1Realty/Mortgage Service Provider . . .0.1Student . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .0.1

Note: Total percentage is greater than 100%because some members are assigned to more thanone professional category. Also, 25% of NOWRA’smembership have not yet submitted informationabout their professional or “Member Category.”

Membership UpdateDuring the past four months, NOWRA headquarters has worked with its member states in getting the new membership databaseupdated, the 2006 directory established and information out to the overall membership about NOWRA’s benefits and services.As we go to press, all 4,607 active members have been sent their NOWRA membership card, instructions for updating memberprofiles, insurance and office depot business discount program information, and information about NOWRA’s 2006 conference.

As of June 30th, the NOWRA membership is represented in 32 states.

Percentage

of NOWRA

State Group Enrollment Membership

NOWRA 474 9.8%

Iowa Onsite Waste Water Assoc. 435 9.4%

Missouri Smallflows Organization 395 8.6%

Florida Onsite Wastewater Assoc. 382 8.3%

Texas On-Site Wastewater Assoc. 367 8.0%

Washington On-Site Sewage Assoc. 340 7.4%

California Onsite Water Recycling Assoc. 255 5.5%

Wisconsin Onsite Wastewater Recycling Assoc. 258 5.6%

Delaware On-site Wastewater Recycling Assoc. 240 5.2%

Ohio Onsite Wastewater Assoc. 221 4.8%

Virginia Onsite Wastewater Recycling Assoc. 198 4.3%

Ontario Onsite Wastewater Assoc. 196 4.3%

Maryland Onsite Professionals Assoc. 158 3.4%

Colorado Professionals in Onsite Wastewater 142 3.1%

Kansas Small Flows Association 120 2.6%

Indiana Onsite Waste Water Professional’s Assoc. 117 2.5%

Michigan Onsite Wastewater Recycling Assoc. 91 2.0%

Tennessee Onsite Wastewater Assoc. 65 1.4%

Nebraska On-Site Waste Water Assoc. 63 1.4%

Pennsylvania Onsite Wastewater Recycling Assoc. 61 1.3%

Yankee Onsite Wastewater Assoc.* 47 1.0%

Concrete Precasters Assoc. of Ontario 34 0.7%

Carolina Onsite Wastewater Assoc. (North & South) 36 0.8%

Wisconsin Precast Concrete Assoc. 32 0.7%

Arizona Onsite Wastewater Assoc. 23 0.5%

Note: Total percentage is greater than 100% because some members belong to more thanone state group.

*Yankee includes Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Maine.


During the June 28, 2006 meeting ofthe NOWRA/Water Quality Asso-

ciation (WQA) Task Force, participantsreached agreement on the final approachto the proposed surveys of conventionalseptic tanks and Advanced TreatmentUnits (ATU). The purpose of the sur-veys is to determine and understandmore clearly through scientific researchthe effects of water softener chemicalson these systems. This controversialissue has become heightened in manystates where regulators are attempting toimpose constraints on the use of soften-ers in septic systems. Now into its sec-ond year of collaboration, this teamincludes Matt Byers, Bruce Lesikar,Tom Bruursema, Dennis Rupert, JimConverse, D.J. Shannahan, CarlynMeyer, Russ Harrison, Bob Boerner,Kelley Thompson, Paul Friot, ByronMiller, Ron Suchecki, Linda Bonner,and Don Dammel.

The task force met earlier this year inRosemont, ILL during the WQA annualconference at which time, they formu-lated the overall efforts for this studyand developed the initial survey inputsheet. Agreement on the updated sheetwas reached in this meeting, which nowincludes a section for iron-bearing sitesas well as readings for chlorine in theincoming water. Four survey sites havebeen decided upon for the initial stud-ies. They are located in central Texas,southern Indiana, the Twin Cities areain Minnesota and Delaware.

It is agreed that a number of “con-trol” septic systems will be used for thestudy and that all the septic-softenersystems must be at least 2 years oldwith a general rule being no older than

15 years. The task force also decided touse two basic testing protocols. First,analyzing the incoming water beforetreatment, and the tap or treated water;and then sampling the water comingfrom the treatment tank. Each testincluded in the survey protocol includesspecifics about the preservation ofwastewater to ensure accuracy and sam-ple stability. The estimated cost of thestudies, as of this time, is a total of$10,000 with an estimate of $200/test.Additional discussions will continue onupdated costs as the number and loca-tion of study sites progresses and aninvestigation of funding is pursued.

Task Force members will present anupdate on this research during theplanned Water Softener Symposium atthe NOWRA 15th Annual Conference inDenver, CO, on Wednesday, August 30,2006, from 1 to 4 p.m. Joe Harrisonand Bob Boerner, representing theWQA, will make presentations as tohow softeners work, their prevalence,DIR regeneration efficiency, the needfor periodic maintenance and a back-ground on onsite systems. At theMarch Water Quality Conference inRosemont, Ill, NOWRA members pre-sented a ½ day session about the opera-tions of onsite systems.

Preparing this information for theconference, however, requires that aseries of action steps are accomplishedin order to present the preliminaryresults at the Denver meeting. Theseactivities include:

1. Agreeing on the final version of theEvaluation Form by July 7.

2. Finalizing initial field test sites byJuly 14.

3. Establishing a protocol for each stepin the onsite testing process as wellas the lab methodology by July 21.

4. Conducting a conference call to dis-cuss, agree upon and finalize thiswork by July 28.

5. Performing the first field evaluationby August 11, and

6. Receiving lab results and completingthe Evaluation Surveys by August 25.

The group is divided into core teamsfor each test location.

• Texas Team—Dr. Bruce Lesikar,Ron Suchecki, Bob Boerner and JoeHarrison

• Indiana Team—Matt Byers and JoeHarrison

• Delaware Team—DJ Shannahan,Joe Harrison and Linda Bonner

• Minnesota Team—Dr. Jim Con-verse and Joe Harrison

As the work progresses other NOWRAand WQA members will be added toeach site location as availability is indi-cated. The task force members plan tomeet in Denver prior to the symposiumand at that time, determine the locationof the next field test sites to be initiatedon or about September 15. Continuedupdates will be posted on both theNOWRA and WQA websites. ■

NOWRA/WQA Joint Water SoftenerTask Force Update

NOTICE OF NOWRA 2006 RECOMMENDED BYLAW CHANGES

As part of the review of its governance and development of the Education and Research Foundation, the NOWRA Board of Directors is reviewing and making changes to its existing By-Laws. This notice is to inform NOWRA members of thisprocess and that copy of the recommended changes has been placed on the NOWRA website for members review and input.Additional questions, please contact the NOWRA office either by phone or email.


Alarge number of NOWRA mem-bers do not have complete profiles

on record. With member informationnow being posted on the new SepticLocator, incomplete member profileswill not benefit you as consumers lookto Septic Locator to find onsite goodsand services. For example, 25% ofNOWRA members have yet to assignthemselves to a professional or “Mem-bership Category.” If a homeownergoes to Septic Locator seeking specificonsite services and conducts a zip codesearch, while they will see some infor-mation about you and your company,the entry will not specify whether youare an installer or system designer, etc.

Members Encouraged to Update Profiles OnlineTo update your online profile, simply goto NOWRA’s website, www.nowra.org,and click on “Sign In” located in thetop right corner of the home page.

Login using your username and pass-word and then select “Click Here toModify Your Profile,” when you arefinished select the “submit” button atthe bottom of the page.

To modify information about theproducts and services you offer, selectthe state from the drop down box (youare a member of each state listed). Selectthe options and then click the “SubmitUpdates” button. As soon as you com-plete this process your updates andchanges will appear on Septic Locator.As always, if you need any assistancewith this process please contact theNOWRA office at 1-800-966-2942.

Septic Locator Upgrade Options AvailableA basic listing on Septic Locator is freeto all NOWRA members, but enhancedlistings—which help your businessstand out from the competition—are

available for a low annual fee. With theEnhanced Listing option, which costs$150 per year, your information willinclude a black and white logo, and a150 word company description, ahyperlinked email, and the option tohave eight additional products andservices listed. A Premium Listing,which costs $300 per year, includes ahyperlink to your company website, afull color logo, a 300 word companydescription, one color photo, an emailhyperlink and an unlimited number ofproduct and services. To sign up for theSeptic Locator upgrades please callNOWRA at 1-800-966-2942. ■

Complete Member Profile Helps ConsumersFind Your Goods and Services on Septic Locator

Members without 25%Professional Category

Members without Email 37%

Members without Products 96%or Services


NOWRA Association Health Programs6319 W. 110th Street, Overland Park, Kansas 66211Phone: (913) 341-2868 Toll Free: (888) 450-3040 Fax: (913) 341-2803Email: [email protected]: www.associationpros.com/assoc/NOWRA

Membership Benefit Alert!

Receive Enhanced Insurance Benefits for Yourself, Your Familyfor Both Full & Part-Time Employees!

Health Savings Accounts

Dental & Vision

Disability Income/Critical Illness

Annuities

Health Insurance

Individuals & Families

Groups

Student Health Plans

Medicare Supplements

International Travel Insurance

Health Savings Accounts

Individuals/Groups

Life Insurance

Term 5, 10, 20, 25, 30, Age 95

Universal Life

Survivorship (2nd to Die)

Key Person

Executive Benefit Life

Retirement & Financial Services

Long-Term CareInsurance

Home Health Care

Assisted Living

Nursing Home Care

On Insurance Premiums!

Rates and Availability May Vary By State.

SAVE UP TO

30%


National Onsite Wastewater Recycling AssociationAssociation Health Programs

Proposal Request

____ Health ____ Long-Term Care ____ Dental/Vision

____ Life ____ Disability Income/Critical Illness ____ Other

Member Information

Member Name: _________________________________________Member #__________________

Address: _________________________________________________________________________

City: ______________________ State: _________ Zip: ___________ County: ________________

Phone: _________________________________ Fax: _________________________________

Email: ______________________________________________________________________________

Current Insurance

Carrier: ____________________________________ Current Premium: __________________

Deductible: ______________________ Maximum Out of Pocket: __________________________

Office Visit Copay: ________________ Prescription Copay: _____________________________

Primary Insured Spouse Information (if to be insured)

Date of Birth: ______________ Age: ______ Date of Birth: ______________ Age: _______

Gender: Male Female Tobacco User: Yes No Gender: Male Female Tobacco User: Yes No

Height: __________ Weight: _____________ Height: __________ Weight: ____________

Occupation: ___________________________ Occupation: _____________________________

Number of Children & Ages (if to be insured): _____________________

Medical Information (If "yes" to ANY question, please explain in box below.)Has any proposed insured been treated or diagnosed for the following? If yes, please explain in box below.

Yes No Condition Yes No Condition____ ____ Cancer/Tumor ____ ____ Heart Conditions//Stroke____ ____ Diabetes ____ ____ Hypertension/Blood Pressure____ ____ Alcohol/Drug Abuse ____ ____ Cholesterol____ ____ Liver Disease ____ ____ Bones/Joints/Muscles____ ____ Respiratory Conditions/Allergies ____ ____ Kidney/Urinary Tract/Bladder____ ____ Gallbladder ____ ____ Neurological Condition____ ____ Digestive/Stomach ____ ____ Psychological Conditions____ ____ Immune SystemDoes any proposed insured take any prescription medications? Yes NoIs any proposed insured currently pregnant? Yes No

I release the information on this form to be used strictly for obtaining health insurance quotes for myself or my com-pany and understand it will not be shared with any other entity.

Member Signature Required: __________________________________________________________Please mail, fax or e-mail completed form to:

6319 W 110th Street . Overland Park, KS 66211 . Fax (913) 341-2803 . Email [email protected]

Insured Name Condition/Diagnosis Medications/Treatment Dates Treatment Ongoing?

Yes No

Yes No

Yes No


NOWRA ByLaws (Article V, Section 8) require that mem-bers annually elect individuals to fill identified vacant sectorrepresentation positions on the Board of Directors. Onceelected by the membership, these individuals assume officefor a three-year term on December 1, 2006.

This letter provides the official membership announce-

ment of the six candidates, their profiles and respons-

es to key questions articulating their desire to serve as

a NOWRA Board Member. Instructions for voting in the

NOWRA 2006 Elections follow. This announcement and

information has also been placed on NOWRA’s website

and will be sent to members via E-Communications. Bycasting your member vote, the winners will fill the vacantsector positions and will serve as a Board member for 2007,2008, and 2009.

On November 30, 2006, the following individuals will com-plete their term of office:Tim Frank (Past-President), RonaldSuchecki (Supplier/Vendor), Albert Schnitkey, (Replacement-Engineer); and Eugene Bassett (Installer/ Contractor). TheNominations Committee recommended, and the Board ofDirectors has approved the slate of candidates that include:William “Pres” Allinder, Brian McQuestion, Kevin Peters, AlSchnitkey, Doug Jatko, and J.R. Inman. The NominationsCommittee has recommended the following individuals toserve as 2007–2009 NOWRA officers. Jerry Stonebridge,as President; Thomas Groves, Vice President/PresidentElect; Brian McQuestion, Secretary-Treasurer, and RaymondPeat, Past President.

On July 18th, the NOWRA Board of Directors approved thefollowing change to the NOWRA ByLaws regarding theelection process for NOWRA Board members and the dateof their terms:

Article IV – Membership. Section 8. Board ElectionsCandidates for the NOWRA Board of Directors shall beelected by ballot each year 30 days prior to the date ofthe Board of Directors annual planning meeting(December of each calendar year). A listing of Board ofDirector candidate qualifications, background, and posi-tion statements shall be provided to all current membersat least 90 days prior to the date either through theNOWRA Onsite Journal, published on NOWRA’s websiteor other means in which a date can be documented.Receipt of all ballots with a vote must be postmarked orfaxed to the NOWRA headquarters office, by October 31of each calendar year. Each voting member is entitled tocast one vote by official ballot for as many persons asthere are directors to be elected upon the annual ballot.Returned ballots that are either mailed or faxed to theNOWRA corporate office prior to the deadline date willalso allow for the casting of votes for write-in candidates.Directors are elected by a plurality of the votes cast fortheir respective sectors, and shall assume office at theannual Board of Directors Planning meeting occurring in theyear they are elected. A director cannot be re-elected to theboard for one year after having completed a full three-yearterm, unless appointed to fill the vacancy of an unexpired term.

S P E C I A L N O T I C E

NOWRA 2007-2009 Board of Director Elections

NOWRA Board of DirectorsVOTING INSTRUCTIONS

Use the ballot on page 17 to vote for the candidates of your choice.

Mail the ballot to:

NOWRA, P.O. Box 1270, Edgewater, MD 21037-1270

or faxed it to 410-798-5741.

All ballots must be received with either a fax date or postmarked by midnight October 31, 2006 in order to be counted. No duplicate votes are permitted. An individual member can only vote once—

even if multiple memberships are held in different states.

EACH BALLOT MUST LIST THE MEMBERSHIP NUMBER OF THE VOTER.

NOWRA’s annual membership meeting, Thursday, August 31, 2006 – 8:00 a.m.

Adam’s Mark Hotel, Denver, Colorado.


Candidate: BRIAN MCQUESTIONBoard Category: Installer/Contractor

Profession, Position & Title: Controller and Sales Manager, LakeShore Burial Vault Co. and in charge of new product development, safetymanagement and quality control programs. Lake Shore Burial Vaults Comanufactures, distributes and installs septic tanks and related products insoutheastern Wisconsin. Holds a B.A. in Accounting and MIS from Uni-versity of Wisconsin – Milwaukee.

Years within onsite industry and/or relevant expertise and creden-tials: 15 years of experience in the onsite industry (in 2006). Served onBoard of Directors of the Wisconsin Onsite Wastewater RecyclingAssociation for the past 6 years, and as President for the past 4 years.Experience in lobbying local and state government officials, fund rais-ing, managing the day-to-day operations of the Association and budget-ing. Holds a POWTS maintainers license in the state of Wisconsin.Involved in the National Performance Based Code Project.

Commitment to Board Position: I am willing to serve on the nationalboard for the same reason I serve on Wisconsin’s. It is imperative ourindustry continues to organize our efforts in lobbying at the state andfederal level. In the last ten years the regulatory environment our indus-try operates in has changed dramatically. We are no longer dealing withfragmented regulators. There is a drive to regulate our industry on aconsistent basis across the country. Code developments in one state canand will affect other areas. NOWRA needs to stay ahead of the curveand ensure our members have a voice in these changes.

Industry Contribution: I believe I could serve best in helpingNOWRA develop the state organizations. Wisconsin offers an outstand-ing model of how a state organization can function. We provide contin-uing education credits, an annual technical seminar, newsletter and website. Most importantly WOWRA has a lobbyist on retainer in the statecapital. We have a voice on all regulations that affect our industry. Ourmembers sit in advisory boards that recommend changes to our statecode. WOWRA was a crucial voice in passing the plumbing codechanges in 2000 that allowed for statewide installation and performancestandards. We continue to work with the state and local regulators mod-ifying the code to meet changing market conditions. I believe our expe-riences could greatly benefit the development of new associations inother states.

Direction for NOWRA as an Industry Leader: State organizationdevelopment is the key to success for NOWRA. WOWRA pays dues toNOWRA for all of our members. If we could organize the states properly,this would produce a windfall for NOWRA. I also believe NOWRAwould be better able to serve the industry with feedback from all thestates installers, plumbers and other professionals. I see NOWRA as cru-cial to presenting a united front in Washington D.C. as the EPA continuesto expand its role in our industry.

Critical Issue(s) NOWRA should Address: I am also very concernedthat we need to watch how the EPA begins to regulate our industry. Ifear the day when the EPA dictates to the states the manner and methodthat OWTS are installed. These are decisions our industry must have avoice. NOWRA is best vehicle to provide that voice. I have also foundthat outlining the intrusion of regulators into our industry has been agreat membership-recruiting tool.

Candidate: AL SCHNITKEYBoard Category: Supplier/Vendor

Profession, Position & Title: Vice President, Ring Industrial Group (3years).

Years within onsite industry; and/or relevant expertise and creden-tials: Over 25 years in the construction industry and legal communitywith management roles in the aggregate, ready mix concrete, cement

and geosynthetic industries. Responsible for sales, marketing, regula-tory affairs and operations throughout career history. Licensed attorneyin the State of Ohio (inactive status).

Commitment to Board Position: The onsite industry is in a rapid stateof transformation. Over the next 10 to 15 years I anticipate our industrywill see significant changes in state and national regulations. I wouldlike to help have an impact in assuring that the industry takes its right-ful place as a long-term economic solution of handling waste in theUnited States. NOWRA is a critical component to that effort. A unifiedorganization will allow the industry to speak with one voice on criticalissues in Washington and state capitals across the country.

Specific Area of Interest• Conferences and Industry Education— Will be involved in the plan-

ning process and as a team member on all necessary committees.• Regulatory and Lobbying Efforts to promote the onsite industry—

Contribute in strategic planning process as well as working/leadingto completing the strategic plan.

• Working with the State Associations to promote onsite solutions inthe market —Will be an active member of my home state organiza-tion as well as working with and presenting to state associations asnecessary. I will help grow the membership of all State Associationswith the goal of having all state organizations join NOWRA.

Industry Contribution• Continuing to improve benefits and services to the membership—The

current staff and Board have done a great job in bringing new value-added benefits to the membership (Insurance Program and SepticLocator are just two examples) we need to continue to search for anddevelop additional opportunities.

• Education—The focus on education needs to be two pronged:1. The installer community should be filled with programs similar to

the NOWRA Installer Academy held in Las Vegas each December.The programs should be encouraged to grow and then be offeredall over the country.

2. Focus should be placed on gearing up education towards the Reg-ulatory, Political and Engineering communities.

Critical Issue (s) and Direction for NOWRA as an Industry Leader:It is critical for the long term success of our members that the truth andtrue value of onsite solutions be demonstrated to policy officials, theengineering community and the public. Several influential forces areopposed to seeing the continued expansion and success of our industry.Most of this opposition is well funded by organizations that would ben-efit from our elimination. We need to insure the acceptance and contin-ued growth of onsite industry solutions to support our members.

Candidate: JR INMANBoard Category: Maintenance/Service Provider

Profession, Position & Title: General Manager, Northwest CascadeInc (Flohawks). Tracks information regarding O&M and sampling onaerobic and other alternative high waste strength systems Flohawks hasinstalled all over the nation. Flohawks performs related onsite serviceand maintenance around Western Washington and will perform over33,000 jobs in 2006.

Years within onsite industry; and/or relevant expertise and creden-tials: Worked with NW Cascade for over 28 years and in the on-siteindustry for 20 years. Currently holds Installer’s license, O&M Special-ist licenses and Pumper licenses in many counties in the State of Wash-ington. Serve as Past President of Washington On-Site Sewage Associa-tion (WOSSA) and as Vice President, President and Treasurer for 2terms. Other Board experience includes Education, Scholarship andGrant & Conference committees. Has worked with the board to lead thelegislative group in 2005 for bills that affect the on-site industry in

Board of Directors Candidate Profiles

continued on page 19


ELECTION BALLOT FOR THE NOWRA 2007-2009 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

ALL BALLOTS must be received and dated by a postmark or fax by Midnight, September 30, 2006. All Ballots must have a membership number and signature; only one vote per individual/member. Individuals with multiple memberships in states can only vote once. All ballots remain confidential. Ballots that are not

completed properly with a valid 2006 membership number and dated will not be counted!

PLEASE FOLD & MAIL THIS BALLOT, OR FAX IT TO - 410-798-5741

Installer/Contractor Sector - Vote for one

_______Brian McQuestion _______Kevin Peters

(Write-in Candidate)

Regulator Sector - Vote for one

________ William “Pres” Allinder


Supplier/Vendor Sector- Vote for one

_______Al Schnitkey ________Doug Jatcko


Maintenance/Service Provider - Sector - Vote for one

_________ JR Inman


MUST BE COMPLETED, BEFORE BALLOT CAN BE COUNTED. NO DUPLICATE BALLOTS ARE PERMITTED. ALL BALLOTS REMAIN CONFIDENTIAL.

Membership Number: ____________________________

Signature: ______________________________________________

_______ Brian McQuestion _______ Kevin Peters

_______William “Pres” Allinder

________ JR Inman





Membership Number:

Signature:

_______ Al Schnitkey _______ Doug Jatcko

Place Stamp

Here

NATIONAL ONSITE WASTEWATER RECYCLING ASSOCIATION P.O. BOX 1270 EDGEWATER, MARYLAND 21037-1270

2006 ELECTION BALLOT


Washington. Volunteered annually to teach classes for WOSSA and isan authorized instructor for NWOTC in Basics of On-site Maintenance101 & 102, Trouble Shooting, Pumper 101, homeowners and realtoreducation.

Specific areas of interest on the Board and contribution: I haveworked on many committees and am willing to work on any assign-ment needed. I believe I would best be suited for a committee like Con-ference, Finance or State leaders. I am also aware of the Institutes ofLearning Certification Program and see a need for it to move forward.

Contributions to be achieved are illustrated in working with our stateorganization ( WOSSA ), and should speak well to my ability to workwith others in raising standards and quality in the organization whileretaining money to keep us sustained into the future. I would recom-mend John Thomas and Jerry Stonebridge as a personal reference tospeak to my willingness and ability to work with or lead a group withsuccess.

Willingness to serve: The company that I work for believes in givingback to the industry and community that has supported us so well. Wealso believe you can only get back as much as you are willing to give.We continue to work on City, County and State levels. As a companythat works all over the nation it only makes sense to support ournational industry group.

Perspective on the direction NOWRA should go to increase itsleadership role:1. Support and promotion of the industry on a National level.2. Program development on a national level that supports state organi-

zations; increase education capacity, regulatory changes and otherbest practices & facilitate debates for wastewater issues and pro-grams.

3. We need to find a niche or role to fill to become financially soundand develop sustainable programs that continues to educate, influ-ence and benefit all.

Critical issues the NOWRA Board should be addressing for Indus-try? 1. Make NOWRA the recognized National organization in our indus-

try.2. Develop National Education capacity to transfer information /

knowledge.3. Help with organizations at the state levels to effect change.4. Development and certification of promotion of the RME concept

laid out by the EPA for establishment of private utility entities.

Candidate: KEVIN PETERSBoard Category: Installer/Contractor

Profession, Position & Title: Director of Operations, KPX Septic Spe-cialists.

Commitment to Board Position: NOWRA is an outstanding organiza-tion and I am proud to be part of it. I am honored for the considerationand will work diligently for the Association if elected. As installer/con-tractor for several years I am more passionate about our environmentthan ever. I am very proud of the NOWRA committee’s work together.As an active member in NOWRA and small business owner/operator inthe wastewater industry, I welcome the nomination for the position.

I am very aware of the obligation to what would be expected of me as aBoard of Director. I would take my responsibilities very serious andwould represent the members of NOWRA to the best of abilities. Mypurpose of fulfilling this position is for the future of our industry andthe good health of our country. There is one thing I can bring to theNOWRA Board of Directors that no one else can and that is KevinPeters.

Specific Area of Interest: I am interested in the NOWRA boardbecause I believe I can be a great representative for the installer/con-tractor. I have a clear vision of where our industry was, where we are atand I would like the chance help direct where we go. I want to quickasking what this industry can do for me but what can I do for the indus-try.

Critical Issue(s): My perspectives on the direction of NOWRA is thatthere needs to be more requirements for operations and maintenance onseptic systems..

Direction for NOWRA as an Industry Leader: There are many exist-ing problems around the lakes in South MO that require action. As anexample, offer classes to help handle the problems, such as “How tostart small businesses or help encourage companies to grow classes.There are dollars available through the government to help start compa-nies why not educate our industry to be open-ended minded and startmarketing to other potential customers. Not “this is how we done it foryears”. Come up with ways to determine how many septic tanks are inour state, county, zip code through surveys, auto-cad or GIS locationsof systems.

Candidate: DOUG JATCKOBoard Category: Supplier/Vendor

Profession, Position & Title: Owner and President, Front Range Pre-cast Concrete, Inc. FRPC manufactures FLXX® watertight concretetanks and cisterns.

Years within Onsite Industry and relevant expertise: I have nearly20 years onsite experience and am an active member of Colorado Envi-ronmental Health Association, Wyoming Environmental Health Associ-ation, and Colorado Professionals in Onsite Wastewater. August 2006will mark the end of four years on the Colorado Environmental HealthAssociation’s board. During that time I have been instrumental ingrowing the industry sector of the organization, thereby bridging thegap that often exists between regulators and industry suppliers andmanufacturers. I have contributed articles to CEHA’s newsletter, partic-ipated in their educational conference, as well as CPOW’s, andattended numerous onsite trainings and seminars at both the state andnational level.

Front Range Precast Concrete personally hosted NOWRA committeemembers to a plant tour and demonstration of our watertight produc-tion technology (June 2004) and has conducted voluntary watertighttests for NOWRA (per Bob Pickney’s instructions) as well as for theCity of Boulder and Boulder County.

CORE Study (Colorado Onsite Research & Evaluation) Additionally,Front Range Precast was recently awarded a grant from JeffersonCounty Health Department to assess, evaluate and make recommenda-tions for developing onsite wastewater standards and performance reg-ulations. This study will be conducted over a 36-month period and willconclude with a summary document that will serve as a comprehensiveguide for regulatory decisions in the onsite industry.

Commitment to Board: I am pursuing a seat on NOWRA’s boardbecause I want to fully engage in increasing the professionalism of theonsite wastewater industry and play an active role in promoting regula-tions and standards that will help to protect citizens and their waterresources across the country.

I am willing to serve on the board and fulfill the responsibilities of theposition because I believe in the positive changes our industry is expe-riencing and want to help foster more of it. Front Range Precast regu-larly challenges the notion that expecting concrete tanks to be water-tight is expecting too much.

Industry Contribution: I personally championed the design and engi-neering of a patented concrete-handling machine (HALO) that enablesus to produce truly watertight tanks. I have been a hands-on owner,

Board Candidate Profiles (continued)


have extensive filed experience and regularly discourse with engineersand onsite system designers about the best septic system solution for arange of situations. In addition to the development of HALO technol-ogy, I have grown our product line to include low-profile septic tanksthat address the challenges of Colorado’s rugged soil environments.Additionally, I have become the Colorado distributor of HOOT Aerobictreatment systems so that we can provide product solutions for a rangeof customer and project requirements. It is truly the science of waste-water and the changing needs of community members that have driventhese product changes. Also, I have published or contributed to articleson the capabilities of HALO technology and the importance of water-tight septic tanks in the onsite industry in PointSource, Precast Con-crete Association of America, MC Magazine, Concrete Toady and Boul-der County Business Report. As a longstanding member of the NationalPrecast Concrete Association, I was on the critical review board fortheir septic tank committee’s report on watertightness.

Direction for NOWRA as an Industry Leader/Critical Issue (s): Asa board member, I would like to guide NOWRA in promoting the beliefthat the onsite industry does not need to tolerate anything less thanmaximum consumer and groundwater protection. It is my opinion that

NOWRA should embrace this demand for quality and assertively drivethis message through its membership and throughout the industry atevery opportunity it can find. This is a critical issue for NOWRA toaddress to its members, as well as to related educational institutions andindustries, municipal officials and regulators, media resources, and anyother outlet willing to listen! In addition, my particular area of interestis septic tanks. As a board member I would commit myself to therelentless pursuit of promoting watertight concrete tanks.

Candidate: WILLIAM “PRES” ALLINDERBoard Category: Regulator

Position, Title, Profession: Director of the Bureau of EnvironmentalServices of the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) for tenyears. The Bureau is the ADPH branch that, along with several otherfunctions, regulates all Onsite Sewer Systems in Alabama that have adesign flow rate less than 10,000 gallons per day. I am a ProfessionalEngineer and Professional Land Surveyor.

Industry Expertise: In addition to my public health experience, I prac-ticed in the private engineering field for seven years and was the designand construction engineer for a major state agency for sixteen years. Amajor portion of my non Public Health career has been focused towardonsite and environmental engineering.

Commitment to Board: The State of Alabama has greatly benefitedwith its involvement in NOWRA and I look forward to being a part ofits leadership in the coming years. In particular, I am very interested inworking within NOWRA with the issues surrounding the decentralized,or cluster, systems that are rapidly becoming the development tool ofchoice. ■

Board Candidate Profiles (continued)


NOWRA Women in Action — PART II

State Leadership—The Grassroots Energy of the Onsite Industry

Barbara BradleyPresident, California OnsiteWastewater AssociationBarbara Bradley became an environ-mental engineer because she wanted tomake a difference. Her passion for theenvironment led her to the solid/munic-ipal waste treatment industry and it washere that her calling began to takeshape. Concerned that treated waste-water was simply being removed fromthe system so that it could never beused again, Barbara realized recyclingthe water would be much more effi-cient. However, the costs of recyclingwastewater were high because italready traveled through an extensivesystem of pipelines to be treated –sending it back through the sameroutes to be reused would never becost-efficient. In order to recycle thewastewater, it would need to staywhere it’s used.

As the President of Advanced OnsiteSystems in Escondido, CA, Ms.Bradley is responsible for a variety oftasks ranging from client guidance andinterfacing with regulatory agencies towriting proposals and keeping up withthe business side of things. She enjoysthe technical challenges of her job andthe fact that she is independent in herwork. She has the opportunity to meetand network with a number of peoplein the industry and the idea that sheand her colleagues are “mavericks” ofa sort make it even more fun.

Bradley says there are plenty ofopportunities for women in the onsitewastewater industry but that there are notmany women in the field, especially inthe number of female engineers. She hasnot experienced any resistance becauseof her sex and instead has found equaltreatment for all.

Leadership AccomplishmentsBarbara does not name one singleaccomplishment as her greatestachievement but instead feels that sim-ply being a part of the ongoing processof progress in the industry is mostimportant to her. She takes pride inprotecting our water resources andadding to a small piece of history whiledoing so.

Priority Issue(s)The most pressing issue Bradley seesin the onsite industry is simply thatthere are not enough people in thefield, especially in California. There islittle competition in the private sector,regulators are often short-handed andthere are few environmental engineersor health specialists. While this maycreate job security for those who areactive in the industry, it is a largeimpediment to progress, that any bene-fits are off-set. Bradley also feels theindustry needs to update mechanismsfor regulation on an ongoing basis.Otherwise it becomes stuck behind thetimes and everyone suffers – propertyowners, designers and regulators.

Getting People InvolvedMs. Bradley says there has been mod-est success involving people in theonsite industry in California and thatthings are slowly moving forward. TheCalifornia Onsite Wastewater Associa-tion (COWRA) is still a juvenile asso-ciation with a lot of room for moreinvolvement. She especially hopes toattract young persons to the industryand COWRA’s next conference will bespecifically geared toward doing so.Bradley also hopes that NOWRA willassist by taking the lead in federal lob-bying because only they, as a nationalgroup, can keep watch from that level.

Jean CaudillFormer NOWRA Board Memberand Co-chair of the Model CodeCommitteeJean Caudill currently works for theOhio Department of Health (ODH) inthe Residential Water and Sewage Pro-gram. She began her career in theonsite industry as a sanitarian workingin the public health sector in ClermontCounty, Ohio. As part of the publichealth nuisance program, Jean quicklybecame familiar with failing householdsewage systems. From there, Caudillbecame the Director of the Water andWaste Programs at the ClermontCounty General Health District butbecame frustrated with the antiquatedhousehold sewage rules in Ohio. Afternine years at the health district, shetook a job at the ODH in 1998, whereshe remains as one of the two staffmembers working in the HouseholdSewage program. The other being hercolleague, Tom Grigsby.

Jean enjoys the challenges of herwork and her contribution to the effortto bring state-level regulatory change tothe management of Ohio’s onsite waste-water infrastructure. During the years,she has not noticed any barriers in pro-fessional advancement opportunities forwomen, either at the local or state levelin Ohio’s public sector onsite arena. Shehas, however, observed in recent years aloss of capable onsite professionals inthe public sector, particularly at thelocal level, to better, higher-paying jobsin the private sector.

Leadership AccomplishmentsCaudill is thankful for the opportunityto participate in NOWRA’s work andtravel to the conferences, as it has


enabled her to make and keep valuablecontacts with other industry profes-sionals. She also attends many of theannual NSFC State Onsite Regulators’Conferences and made contacts withprofessionals from other state onsiteprograms. Her time on the NOWRABoard of Directors; as the NOWRArepresentative on the National Decen-tralized Water Resources CapacityDevelopment Project; and as the vicechair of the NOWRA Model Perfor-mance Code have been invaluableexperiences in the ongoing work of thedecentralized wastewater industry.

Priority Issue(s)Ms. Caudill is currently very deeplyinvolved with the development andimplementation of new state regula-tions for onsite sewage treatment sys-tems in Ohio. This is a particularlylarge endeavor as legislation and newrules have been postponed for 30 yearsin Ohio. It is important to make thisprocess work for the citizens of Ohiothrough assurance of public health andenvironmental protection while stillminimizing costs. Caudill recognizesthe support and leadership of OhioSenator Tom Niehaus who has beenworking with the ODH director ofhealth, Dr. J. Nick Baird toward theimplementation of the new rules.

Getting People InvolvedThe Ohio Onsite Wastewater Associa-tion (OOWA) has increased its mem-bership every year since its formationin 1999. Having served on the Boardof Directors, Caudill has seen firsthand the growth and development ofOOWA as a professional association.She gives much credit to NOWRA andits partnership with OOWA in bringingeducational opportunities to the indus-try—opportunities that are critical forthe support of industry professionals inOhio.

Sara

ChristophersonNOWRA Board Member and Education CommitteeChairperson

MOWRA (Minnesota OnsiteWastewater RecyclingAssociation) Board Member and Education CommitteeChairpersonCurrently as Extension Specialist withthe University of Minnesota, SaraChristopherson began her career in theonsite industry 10 years ago, while astudent with the Pollution and ControlAgency, the Minnesota state regulatorygroup. She was just looking for engi-neering experience while getting herundergraduate degree in Biosystemsand Agricultural engineering, whichalso happened to deal with septic sys-tems. This entry led to her Master’sdegree in Water Resource Science andher current position at the Universityof Minnesota. While working full timeshe is currently pursuing her PhD inWater Resource Science. In her workat the University, Sara is specificallyinvolved in the onsite sewage treatmentprogram (http://septic.umn.edu) whereshe provides education and training toseptic installers, designers, pumpersand other onsite industry professionals.She also provides technical assistanceto a variety of people, from engineersand professionals to homeowners andcommunities. Sara especially enjoysthis interaction and the opportunity tocommunicate scientific material to thepublic. She is also responsible for co-ordinating the onsite research program

Christopherson says she believes theopportunities for women are equal tothose of men in the onsite industry. Sheadmits that at first her audience was abit tough on her but once they realizedshe was educated in the industry, shefound no barriers whatsoever. Sarabelieves the decentralized industry isopen for anyone willing to work hardand put forth the effort. There is much

opportunity for growth, especially inthe areas of technology and research.

Leadership AccomplishmentsSara feels her greatest accomplishmentas a professional woman in the onsiteindustry has been improving the onsiteprogram at the University of Min-nesota. This has included developingthe program’s website, updating train-ing materials and further developingkey program partnerships. She hasrecently worked hard with NOWRA toplan the educational conferences andprograms. In the past several years shehas assisted in obtaining two researchand one education grants.

Priority Issue(s)In her state of Minnesota, Ms. Christo-pherson feels it’s very important toensure that properly trained and skilledpeople with the right credentials aredoing the right work. There is currentlya rule change underway, including newnitrogen requirements for the state, soensuring proper utilization of skillsbecomes essential. Within the industryas a whole, Sara finds it is important toassure the public that the technologywithin the onsite wastewater industryis equivalent to other methods ofwastewater treatment.

Getting People InvolvedSara credits much of Minnesota’s suc-cess in the onsite wastewater industryto the large number of lakes in theregion, causing many people to careabout water quality issues. With thewastewater industry very large in Min-nesota, there is also much septic workto be had, which also requires a greatdeal of training for industry profes-sionals. Sara’s specific program andthe University have been involved ineducational training for 30 years sothere is a substantial history to theindustry as well. She feels it is impor-tant for NOWRA to emphasize practi-tioner-related training and to developeducational materials to support thiseffort.

Women in NOWRA—Part II (continued)


Joelle WirthEnvironmental Health Specialist,Coconino County HealthDepartmentJoelle Wirth began her career in theonsite industry 19 years ago in the pub-lic health sector. Her objective was touse her degree in an interesting area(and, admittedly, to stay near the GrandCanyon to take advantage of hiking).Today she still works in Arizona withthe Coconino County Health Depart-ment as an Environmental Health Spe-cialist where she is involved in the per-mitting process for onsite systemsbased on the protection of groundwa-ter. In addition to protecting publicgroundwater via permits, she conductssite evaluations, responds to publiccomplaints and deals with contractors,installers and realtors to ensure compli-ance with state rules. Wirth is theCoconino County Supervisor and oneof three employees involved in theseprocesses. Since it is the second larg-est county in the nation, she stays verybusy!

Joelle’s favorite aspect of her job issimply the fact that she gets to givesomething back to the community byprotecting its groundwater supplies andthe environment in general. She is onthe forefront in county regulation ofdevelopment and helps decide the mostlogical way for growthe to occur.Because water is such a valuableresource in Arizona, controlled growthis even more important. Wirth workswith statewide programs in onsite thatrequire working with a variety of peo-ple in the industry, from home owners,realtors, contractors to regulators andpoliticians.

Ms. Wirth says there are definitelyequal opportunities for women in theonsite industry and that she was nevertreated differently because she’s awoman. In fact, she feels that womenare actually geared toward certainaspects of the onsite industry more sothan men. She’s noticed many morewomen in privatized roles in Arizonaand attributes this to that fact that ingeneral women are more adept at com-

municating than men and so have astronger hold on the customer serviceaspect of the job.

Leadership AccomplishmentsJoelle says her greatest accomplish-ment is her key role in working with astate-wide advisory committee to moveArizona forward in adopting consistentrules in the onsite industry. One of thebiggest obstacles was the use of soilmorphology instead of percolation test-ing as the sole determinant. She wasalso an original founder of the ArizonaOnsite Wastewater Association(AzOWA) which has struggled to getgoing but is now finally making head-way. Wirth is excited about AzOWA’sprogress because it’s a very importanttool for all Arizona professionals tohave. Included in her accomplishmentsis being is a Registered Sanitarian inthe State of Arizona. She has also beenrecognized for “Outstanding Contribu-tion to the Environment” by the Sorop-timist Club, Arizona EnvironmentalHealth Professional of the Year, andholds Grade II Wastewater OperatorCertification. Wirth has been reliedupon to organize and facilitate theexhibitor program for the SouthwestOnsite Conference since 1998.

Ms. Wirth feels her success can beattributed to focusing on the coderequirements and obtaining a thoroughunderstanding of all of the aspects ofwastewater. Being knowledgeable inyour field is a fundamental tool tobeing accepted and recognized.

Priority Issue(s)In Arizona, Wirth sees the next step asobtaining adequate training and certifi-cation for industry providers. Continu-ing education instead of one time certi-fications needs to be required.Theemphasis for the onsite wastewaterprogram places a heavy emphasis onthe design review and paperwork ofwastewater system. Additional atten-tion needs to be dedicated to the instal-lation and operational inspections.Wirth states, “Development has chal-lenged state rule writers to look moretowards economic approaches to regu-

lations as opposed to science and pub-lic health.” These impacts could effectdrinking water supplies. In semi-aridregions more emphasis should be madefor re-use options and greywater. Theconcepts are understood but there is abig need for more education in theseareas. Enforcing the State’s rule revi-sions is also important, especiallyensuring uniformity in the enforcementand communication between the writ-ers and implementers of the rules.

Getting People InvolvedWirth says there has been mild successinvolving people in AzOWA. It’s beena slow start but things are now startingto take off. There was difficulty bring-ing together the different entities of theonsite industry because they have allcarved out separate niches for them-selves. But people are beginning torealize the benefits of AzOWA. Joellecredits NOWRA’s Executive Directorin helping AzOWA take the initial stepsto get the Arizona Onsite Associationup and running in 2005. NOWRA hasbeen a voice to convince others that thestate association is valid and worth-while. Wirth would like to seeNOWRA take a leadership role in net-working with everyone in the industry,our state is so large and many areas donot have the technology to participatein meetings. NOWRA has facilitatedwith these meetings, and could alsofacilitate by hosting a website whereindividuals could post questions orshare information with others in thewastewater industry. ■


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December 4–6, 2006at the fabulous Riviera Hotel in the heart of the Las Vegas strip

Schedule of Events

INSTALLER ACADEMY TRADESHOW BOOTH LAYOUTDon’t Delay! Register for your booth today!

Priority selection for NOWRA Business Benefit Program Members.

See page 28 for Exhibitor Registration Form.


NOWRA is pleased to be partnering with IWA—the world’s premier international network of

water professionals—for the first U.S. international conference on decentralized systems.

Achieving sustainability in water resource use in the future willrequire substantially greater use of decentralized systems at theindividual building or neighborhood level and an integration of allsegments of water infrastructure into a holistic system. Populationexpansion and environmental limitations overseas has been adriving force for the development of more sustainable, high-techpatterns and technologies of urban infrastructure and development.Some of the innovative onsite programs currently underwayworldwide that will be featured in the international program at theconference include:

• Green Building Ratings—Australian homebuilders and engineerscollaborate to rate water sustainability of urban infill develop-ments by considering source, use, treatment, reuse, and disposaloptions.

• Urban Drainage Modeling—All sectors of water use and treat-ment are being integrated at the watershed level in Australia.

• Eco-Sanitation—Nutrients are being recycled into farming andbiogas production for electric lights in rural Indian villages.

• Managed Reuse in Commercial Buildings—Over 2,000 Japaneseurban buildings collect and reuse graywater, blackwater, and roofrunoff for landscaping and toilet flushing.

• Roof Garden and Landscaping Ordinances—Green infrastructuresubstitutes for underground drainage systems reduce demand forwater and enhance the aesthetics of urban living in Germany.

• Biomimicry Research—British researchers are studying hownature does a much better job at membrane construction thancurrent resource-intensive models.

to be held in conjunction with

NOWRA’S 16th AnnualTechnical Education

Conference and Exposition

March 10–15, 2007

Marriott Waterfront Hotel

Baltimore, Maryland

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn more about innovative approaches towards effective and sustainable urban water

management and the vital role the onsite industry will play in addressing water challenges

W O R L D W I D E .

NOWRA and IWApresent the

1st U.S.InternationalProgram on

DecentralizedSystems


ABSTRACT SUBMITTAL PROCEDURESPlease provide the following as MS Word documents.

1. Name, Affiliation, Address, Phone, and Email of LeadAuthor and Presenter.

2. Names of co-authors, if any.

3. Title

4. Identify the Abstract/Presentation Format; acceptablepresentation formats include:

• 1 or 2-day seminars and/or workshops

• Case studies

• 30-45 minute presentations

• Forums and panel discussions

• Plenary sessions

5. Identify the Abstract/Presentation Category that bestfits your paper and presentation based on suggestedconference sessions and themes noted below or sug-gest an alternate.

6. 200-300 word description of the proposedpaper/presentation and length of time needed. (Donot send a PowerPoint presentation or the full text ofthe paper/presentation.)

7. A short biography that includes profession, educa-tion degrees and description of experience as itrelates to the onsite industry.

ABSTRACT DEADLINES

September 1, 2006: Abstract submittal deadline. Sendabstracts as MS Word documents to Sara Christophersonat [email protected]. If you are unable to email your submit-tal, please fax it to 612/624-6434.

October 2, 2006: The NOWRA Education Committee willnotify individuals of their selection and provide instruc-tions regarding paper format.

December 15, 2006: Approved submittals are to be pro-duced as papers and submitted to the EducationCommittee for review and editing.

January 12, 2006: Edited papers will be returned to theauthor.

February 15, 2007: Final papers are due at NOWRA head-quarters in electronic format.

Call for Papers for 1st U.S. International Program onDecentralized Systems (U.S. Program Only)

SESSION TOPICS AND THEMES

NOWRA Annual Conference—U.S. Program

• Management, Assessment and Monitoring ofDecentralized Systems within a Watershed

• Applications of Integrated Water ResourcesManagement In Watersheds

• Nutrient Reduction Strategies

• Standards, Regulations and Policies

• Funding, Planning and Regulatory Reform

• Educating and Training the Next Generation ofIndustry Practitioners

• Wetlands Strategies for Integrated Water ResourcesManagement

• Facilitating a Sustainable Infrastructure ofDistributed Systems in the US – What Does ItMean and How It Can Be SuccessfullyAccomplished?

• Innovative Solutions for Decentralized WastewaterTreatment

• Social and Economic Factors of Citizen Involvementin Planning Decentralized Systems: Implementingthe 3 Basics of Integrating Citizens, Watersheds andResults

International Program

• Policies and Regulations of a SustainableInfrastructure

• Research and Case Studies of Applications ofDistributed Systems Employing Integrated WaterResources Management Practices

• Re-use and Reclamation Successes

• Biomimicry Applications

• Research Results on Groundwater Impacts ofPharmaceuticals and Other Medical Discharges

• Economics and Sustainability of Land DevelopmentUsing Integrated Decentralized Systems

• Future Applications and Sustainability

• Science and Technology for Soft Path Applications


WERF Research Study:Primary Treatment in Onsite Systems: Factors that Influence Performance

Approximately 23 percent of theestimated 115 million occupied

homes in the United States are servedby onsite wastewater systems, the vastmajority of which include a septic tank,grease trap, or both for primary treat-ment. These units are efficient, simple,low/no energy treatment units whoseperformance is critically important tothe overall functioning of onsite waste-water systems. State regulations andmost sanitary and wastewater engineer-ing texts contain design, construction,and installation criteria for these units,although such standards tend to varywidely and are often incomplete intheir consideration of the myriadfactors that may influence primary unitperformance in onsite wastewatersystems.

The Water Environment ResearchFoundation (WERF) is conducting astudy (04-DEC-7, Primary Treatmentin Onsite Systems: Factors That Influ-ence Performance) to identify, compile,analyze, and report on the existingbody of literature and other datasources addressing the performance of

primary treatment units (i.e., septictanks and grease traps) in onsite waste-water systems and the factors impact-ing performance. Design, construction/installation, and operation/maintenanceissues are all being considered. Prod-ucts of this work will include a pub-lishable comprehensive white paper,electronic bibliographic database,extension service style publication andCD-ROM.

Almost 500 relevant references havebeen identified thus far. A number ofthese include articles from onsite con-ference proceedings and technical jour-nals. We are also reviewing a cross-sec-tion of fact sheets, guidance manualsand texts containing information,including design criteria, on septictanks and grease traps in order to get ahistorical perspective on how septictanks have been presented to practition-ers and users, as well as a snapshot ofcurrent recommendations and theirbases. Other references include statetank regulations, technical reports, andthe gray literature, which includes

demonstration project data, regulatorycompliance data, and other unpublishedsources.

Immediate future work will focus oncontinued identification and collectionof references and on their analysis. Theproject team will be mining collectedreferences for relevant data andapplicable cross-references and willalso be investigating and collectingmore obscure sources of relevant infor-mation by networking with practition-ers/stakeholders in the onsite field.Subsequent work will include develop-ment of the white paper and associateddeliverables. ■

Inquiries can be directed to:Victor D’Amato, Principal InvestigatorARCADIS4915 Prospectus Drive, Suite FDurham, NC [email protected](919) 544-4535 (phone)(919) 544-5690 (fax)


Eljen GSF Recently Included inExtreme Makeover: Home Edition

— Stephen P. Dix, PE, Septic Solutions LLC

Adding on to an existing home orbuilding a new home can be a

complicated process, particularly ifyour site is limited in size or located inan environmentally sensitive area.Town, county and state regulationapproval processes have become con-tinually more restrictive where changesin land use are concerned. Those offi-cials responsible for approving siteplans, onsite wastewater treatment sys-tems and other home systems have theresponsibility to ensure that regulationsare met throughout the buildingprocess.

The good news is that many com-panies are committed to developingecologically safe and more efficientwastewater treatment systems that pro-vide additional room for home devel-opment or expansion, even onextremely difficult lots. The goal formany of these systems is to protect theenvironment while giving homeownersmore flexibility in where they can buildand in the size of the home they canbuild or expand to meet their changingneeds.

Sand Filter TechnologyEngineered advanced treatment sys-tems can present significant challengesincluding the complicated machineswith complex pumps and controlsneeded to support the more intense aer-obic biological community. Inspectionand monitoring of these systems is

essential to maintaining performanceand concerns over environmentalimpact make strict maintenancecontracts a necessity. For propertyowners, these intricate systems can bedemanding and costly as they alsorequire substantial energy.

To address these challenges, EljenCorporation developed the GSF Geo-textile Sand Filter process. The exclu-sive interwoven design and patented,two-stage Bio-Matt™ filtration processmakes the Eljen GSF the only sand filtersolution available that provides maxi-mum treatment capacity in the mini-mum of space allowed by state authori-ties. On many sites this technology maybe the only way to provide a full servicesystem. Property owners get a reliable,high-performance, and more cost-effi-cient system that is easy to maintain andprovides years of lasting service.

The GSF in Action—Somers, New YorkThe inclusion of a GSF GeotextileSand Filter leachfield became a criticalfactor in enabling a recent Somers,New York, home renovation and expan-sion to advance through the approvalprocess. The Somers, New York, proj-ect featured the repair and expansion ofan old, existing septic system to makeway for construction of a new three-bedroom home on the site.

Both the New York DEP and theWestchester Health Departmentwatched the project closely due to thearea’s role as a New York City Water-shed. Also of concern to the regulatorswere the limited space given near bywells and stream, poor soils, and anexpanded home footprint. Very simply,a conventional aggregate trench systemwould only meet a fraction of the

Stephen P. Dix is a nationally recognizedauthority on decentralized wastewater systemtechnology, design and trends management.He previously served as the Director for EPA’sNational Small Flows Clearinghouse at WestVirginia University and also served as anadjunct professor in Civil Engineering.

Eljen A42 GSF leachfield modules are placed on the sand on five-foot centers. Jeff Houser,engineer on the project, cuts solid pipe to form a closed loop at the end of the lines withassistance from Mark Eliassen,contractor.


homes needs and force the producers ofthe show to choose another project.These were all challenges needingsolutions in order to gain the necessaryapprovals to move ahead. In addition, ashort timeframe to the desired com-pletion date demanded fast action bythe entire project team.

The Eljen team had only five days tocomplete the system including per-mitting and installation. Due to ex-tremely unusual soil conditions, passiveEljen GSF units were installed withother devices to maximize the capacityof this onsite wastewater treatment sys-tem. The geotextile interface providesmore than an 8:1 ratio of internal filtra-tion to basal area. In addition, the GSFexpanded the effective area from trenchbottom area to the base of the sand filterby more than doubling the capacity ofthe limited site.

System DetailsIn Somers, New York, engineers foundthat the original circa 1953 handmadeblock tank was leaking into the subsoilbelow. The telltale black streak meantreplacing this tank was an importantstep in the system’s repair. The EljenGSF units were placed on a layer of C-33 sand fill on five-foot centers withsolid pipe cut to form a closed loop atthe end of the lines of the perforatedpipe above the media. After backfillingthree feet of sand between the GSFrows, geotextile was placed over theEljen GSF units and secured with wirehoops.

Due to the design of this systemusing the GSF, instead of three, two-foot aggregate trenches on five-footcenters (six sf/ft in total), the Somers,New York, system was approved with a13-foot wide filter. This approval morethan doubled the rated capacity of thelimited area for the absorption system.This was critical as the footprint wasseverely constrained by setbacks to

wells and a nearby stream, makingevery square inch of soil important.With the incorporation of the EljenGSF system, the home received avariance that included an absorptionsystem size reduction. With the onsitesystem designed for environmentallysound treatment and efficiency, theDEP gave everyone the green light toproceed.

ConclusionThe wave of the future is moving towardindustry-tested technology and productsand consistent treatment standards. Alsokey is the development of wastewatertreatment systems that are low mainte-nance, simple and reliable, making qual-ity treatment a priority that is availableto all. Development and approval of newtreatment components that offer passiveadvanced treatment, are simply designedwith no moving parts, and require mini-

mal operation and maintenance couldbecome the future recommended waste-water management solution by industryprofessionals. This acceptance of thisnew type of system will be key to sus-taining development and the environ-ment in the years to come.

About Eljen CorporationEljen provides innovative pretreatmentsolutions for decentralized wastewatersystems. The company, located in EastHartford, Connecticut. has providedpassive wastewater treatment and dis-posal systems for over 25 years. ■

“Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” is pro-duced by Endemol USA, a division ofEndemol Holding. David Goldberg is thepresident of Endemol USA. The series isexecutive-produced by Tom Forman. Theshow airs Sundays (8:00–9:00 p.m. ET), onthe ABC Television Network.

Access to the distribution box (left), aerobic pretreatment system (center back) and theseptic tank (right) is worked into the landscape so that appropriate plantings will minimizetheir visibility.


Growth Can Move Forward WhilePreserving the Quality of SurfaceWater Resources

Minnesota, the land of 12,000 lakesand 92,000 miles of streams and

rivers, is blessed an abundance of sur-face water. One can understand how itmight be easy to take this preciousresource for granted. However, a recentlawsuit brought by a state environmen-tal group has placed the issue of thequality of Minnesota’s surface waterssquarely in the limelight. The lawsuitwas brought by the Minnesota Centerfor Environmental Advocacy (MCEA)against the Minnesota Pollution Con-trol Agency (MPCA). It began whenthe MPCA granted a new sewage dis-charge permit to the Cities of Annan-dale and Maple Lake. According to theMCEA, the MPCA erred in granting anew permit for discharging phosphorusto the North Fork of the Crow River, atributary of the Mississippi River,which flows into Lake Pepin—a waterbody listed as an impaired water bodyunder the Federal Clean Water Act.

The lawsuit resulted in the stoppageof at least 60 development projectsacross the state. The economic impactof these stoppages is significant. Willthese projects be delayed for months?Years? Can Minnesota both grow andpreserve the quality of its surfacewater, one of its most treasuredresources? Could similar issues slowgrowth in other states where treated

wastewater is discharged into surfacewater bodies?

At issue in Minnesota is the applica-tion of the Federal Clean Water Act toLake Pepin, a portion of the MississippiRiver into which the Minnesota, St.Croix and upstream portions of the Mis-sissippi Rivers all flow. Lake Pepin hasbeen listed as an impaired water bodyunder the Clean Water Act. In short, thelake contains too much phosphorus, anutrient that is a component of treatedwastewater and runoff from both agri-cultural and non-agricultural lands. TheMPCA must complete a study of theriver basin that allocates the amount ofphosphorus that each wastewater treat-ment plant can discharge, called a “totalmaximum daily load,” or TMDL. How-ever, an extensive TMDL study is notexpected from the MPCA until 2009.Until then, no new sources of surfacewater phosphorus discharge to theserivers and tributaries are allowed in thewatershed, which encompasses a signif-icant portion of the state. Although theMinnesota Supreme Court is due todeliver a ruling on a challenge to thelawsuit that created this “no newsource” situation, the fact remains thatfewer than 20 percent of Minnesota’slakes and river miles have beenassessed by the MPCA for their impair-ment status under the Clean Water Actfor phosphorus, mercury, bacteria, andother pollutants. Furthermore, accord-ing to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune(April 9, 2006) while more than 2,200Minnesota waters have been listed as“impaired”, only five cleanup planshave been completed, 50 are beingdeveloped, and the 150 presently on thewaiting list are expected to increase to600 in the next four years. The future ofdischarging treated wastewater to Min-

nesota’s surface waters may be indoubt.

Much of Minnesota’s populationrelies on the Mississippi River for thedischarge of treated wastewater. ButMinnesota is not unique in that regard.Many other American cities, large andsmall, discharge to the MississippiRiver and its tributaries from waste-water treatment plants ranging in sizefrom 320 million gallons per day(MGD) in Saint Louis, Missouri to 2.5MGD in St. Cloud, Minnesota to evensmaller flows from smaller cities. TheCity of Chicago is also a contributor,with its 1,500 MGD being dischargedto the Des Plaines and Illinois Riverbasins—which flow into the Missis-sippi. Numerous American cities dis-charge to major rivers and the GreatLakes. Since wastewater is an “out ofsight, out of mind” issue for many peo-ple, it is easy to take for granted theseemingly inexhaustible capacity ofreceiving water bodies to do just that:receive treated wastewater.

However, these receiving water bod-ies are not inexhaustible. Of note is thatonly 3% of the water on our planet isfresh water. Moreover, only 0.266% ofall fresh water is contained in lakesand rivers, with approximately one-fifth of that contained in the GreatLakes, a water resource of increasingecological concern. Many Americanwastewater treatment plants dischargeto freshwater rivers or (to a lesserdegree) lakes. As the U.S. populationcontinues to increase, water demandwill continue to rise, as will wastewaterdischarge volumes. Maintaining opti-mal levels of wastewater treatment willgain in importance as demands on ourwaters, from both wastewater andwater supply standpoints, continue toincrease.

Dr. Brian Davis is a Senior Design Engineerwith North American Wetland Engineering(NAWE), specializing in the design of engi-neered wetland treatment systems for munici-pal and industrial wastewaters. He has exten-sive experience in numerical modeling of waterchemistry, analytical and numerical modeling ofunsaturated and saturated subsurface flow andtransport processes, and design of horizontaland vertical flow engineered wetland waste-water treatment systems.

— Brian Davis, Ph.D., Senior Design Engineer,North American Wetland Engineering, LLC


As the Minnesota case illustrates,the listing of a receiving water body as“impaired” can immediately bring tothis issue to the forefront. Under sec-tion 303(d) of the 1972 Clean WaterAct, states are required to develop listsof impaired waters, defined as thosewaters that do not meet state waterquality standards. States must establishpriority rankings and develop TMDLsfor these waters. The TMDL specifiesthe maximum amount of a pollutantthat a water body can receive and stillmeet water quality standards. TheTMDL also allocates pollutant load-ings among point and nonpointsources. Partially due to increased legalaction by citizens groups, the EPA isunder court order or consent decrees inmany states to ensure TMDL establish-ment. Under 1997 EPA guidance,states should develop schedules forestablishing TMDLs within 8 to 13years of listing as an impaired waterbody. Over 35,000 impaired watershave thus far been listed. The six mostcommon causes of impairment nation-wide are pathogens (14.6% of impairedwaters), mercury (14.3%), nutrients(8.8%), metals (other than mercury;8.3%), sediment (8.2%), and oxygendepletion (6.7%). Since January 1,1996, 19,543 approved TMDLs havebeen reported to EPA.

It is clear that a significant amountof work remains to be done in assess-ing water bodies for impairment andcompleting TMDLs for those waterbodies. What is not clear is how manymore legal situations similar to thatoccurring in Minnesota will occur else-where. The lawsuit in Minnesotaserves as a wake-up call for those whohave assumed that growth can continueas it has before, under the assumptionthat an increase in population andwater use will simply require a con-comitant increase in wastewater treat-ment capacity and discharge. If thereceiving water body for wastewater isor is likely to be placed on theimpaired waters list, it may be time toinvestigate alternatives. With the U.S.population expected to increase from

300 million persons this year to 400million in 2050, the time for action isfast approaching.

For municipalities large and small,both engineering and behavioral waterconservation measures can be imple-mented to reduce per capita water use.According to the EPA, in urban areas,residential use accounts for three-fourths of all water use, highlightingthe importance of such measures.Engineering measures can include low-flush toilets, toilet tank displacementdevices, low-flow showerheads, water-efficient washing machines, faucet aer-ators, xeriscape landscaping, and greywater recycling. Behavioral measurescan include running the dishwasheronly when full, taking short showersand turning off the shower while notrinsing, watering lawns and plants onlyin the early morning or late evening,and sweeping off, not hosing down,sidewalks and driveways.

Large municipalities which producelarge volumes of treated wastewatermay be able to reuse their water or toimplement aquifer recharge practices.For example, the City of Las Vegas,Nevada and the Las Vegas Valley WaterDistrict have partnered to build the

Durango Hills Water Resource Center,a wastewater treatment and reuse facil-ity that can treat up to 10 MGD ofwater for reuse as irrigation water.

However, are such options feasiblefor smaller and mid-sized communities?Are there disposal or reuse options forcommunities that may not have thefinancial resources of a city such as LasVegas? Can the growth of small andmid-sized municipalities continue in theface of the TMDL challenge?

The answer is yes. Growth can moveforward while preserving the quality ofsurface water resources. Solutions thatallow for growth while preserving sur-face water quality are readily availablefrom firms such as North AmericanWetland Engineering (NAWE) that arecommitted to protecting the economicand environmental health of Minnesotaand other states. Low-energy, sustain-able technologies such as engineeredwetland treatment systems, soil disposalsystems, and water reuse can signifi-cantly reduce the ecological impact ofwastewater treatment and disposal onthe environment.

The design of wastewater treatmentand disposal systems that use proventechnologies to distribute treated water

Installation of infiltration beds for soil disposal of treated wastewater. Infiltrator®

chambers, each enclosing a pressure distribution lateral, are placed parallel toeach other on a sand bed and then covered with native soil. Copyright © 2006,North American Wetland Engineering, LLC.

continued on page 36


to the native soil, thereby eliminatingthe need to discharge to surface waters,is a practicable solution for many com-munities. These technologies mayinclude soil infiltration beds, infiltra-tion trenches, and drip irrigation dis-posal fields, which are combined withlow-energy, ecologically-sound engi-neered wetlands to treat wastewater tostate-required levels. Infiltration bedsand trenches utilize pressure distribu-tion to disperse treated wastewater overa specified surface area of native soil.Unlike a traditional septic system, withthese technologies the native soil is notrelied upon for biological oxygendemand (BOD) treatment since anupstream engineered wetland ormechanical treatment plant has alreadyaccomplished this task. Drip irrigationdisposal fields utilize proven drip irri-gation technology to pressure distributetreated wastewater to native soilthrough buried tubing. Numerous infil-tration bed, trench, and drip irrigationdisposal systems are in operation inMinnesota, proving their worth day inand day out for developments and com-munities throughout the state, andreturning the water to the subsurfacefor future use.

Water reuse can easily be incorpo-rated into an engineered wetland treat-ment system to complete the cycle oflow-energy, ecologically-wise tech-nologies. For example, at an OakGrove, Minnesota development namedThe Ponds, an engineered wetland hasbeen installed to treat up to 86,300 gal-lons per day of domestic wastewater.The treated water is then stored in areclaim pond and used to irrigate an18-hole golf course, thereby recyclingone of Minnesota’s greatest treasuresback to the land. Soil disposal andwater reuse are viable options foravoiding the issue of TMDLsentirely—and for preserving the qualityof surface water resources. Such solu-tions may be workable in your commu-nity, too. ■

Installation of an engineered wetland wastewater treatment system: a re-circulating gravel filter for treatment of domestic wastewater. Copyright © 2006, North American Wetland Engineering, LLC.

Drip irrigation disposal system following installation. Drip tubing is installed below gradeusing a vibratory plow or trenching device. Copyright © 2006, North American WetlandEngineering, LLC.

Growth Can Move Forward While Preserving the Quality of Surface Water Resources (continued)


You were tired of losing money. So,you took my advice and crunched

the numbers. You added up your totalcosts, and divided them by number ofhours sold. You inflated your break-evenfor your desired profit level. Voila’.You’ve come up with a new sellingprice. And your new price is three timeswhat your competitors are charging.

Sigh. Now what?First of all, understand that the rea-

son your price is three times higherthan your competitors’ is that theyhaven’t crunched the numbers. Theyhave no idea why they aren’t makingmoney. They are driving, at night, withthe lights off…and they are headingtoward the cliff.

How come?

If Everyone Jumped Off a Cliff . . .Imagine this scenario. Your 16-year-olddaughter asks you if she can go to anall-night party at the lake. Everyonewill be there, she pleads. You respond,using your mother’s words, the wordsyou vowed you would never repeat, “Ifeveryone jumped off a 500 foot cliff,would you?” You are right. Just becauseeveryone does something doesn’t meanit’s the right thing to do.

Once upon a time, in your industry,someone recognized a need, and satis-fied it. Or delivered the solution to aproblem. He was the first one in. Hestarted the game and created the indus-try, your industry. It was a great idea; itwas brand new, and it was going toSELL.

Once upon a time, Mr. First-One-Inasked himself, “How much should I sellit for?” Most business owners are notgood at crunching the numbers. So Mr.First-One-In pulled a price out of thinair. Yep. Did he add up all his costs ofdoing business and do a break-even

analysis on the product or service?Nope. He considered a few of the hardcosts that went into the item, and theninflated it. Willy nilly. Wild guess sell-ing price. Pulled out of thin air. Heforged ahead with that price, lostmoney, but was too busy to notice.

Then, the second person to jump intoyour industry called the first person. Heassumed a fake voice, and asked, “Howmuch do you charge?” And the secondperson charged just about what the firstperson charged. You see, he assumedthat the first person knew what he wasdoing! After all, he was in this businessalready, and he MUST have created aselling price that would deliver a profit.He must have crunched the numbers.Right? Mr. Second-One-In thought hesaved himself a lot of work and worryby copying the first person’s sellingprice. He justified this approach by say-ing, “After all, I can’t charge more thanthe ‘going rate’ —i.e., what Mr. First-One-In is charging—or no one will buyfrom me.”

Since then, every person who entersyour industry calls those already in andestablishes a selling price based prima-rily on what they are charging. If mostsmall businesses stink, and they do, thisis about as logical as going to an all-night beach party just because everyonewill be there. It’s the blind leading theblind, right off the cliff.

You wouldn’t say yes to the all nightlake party for your 16 year old. Don’tsay yes to an “Everyone’s doing it”selling price. Both are BAD ideas.

Get clear on a realistic selling price.Base your price on your total costs ofdoing business, including generouscompensation and benefits for you andyour wonderful employees. You willdiscover that your realistic selling priceis significantly higher than your ‘blind’

competitors. At this point you have twochoices:

1. Learn how to market and sell atthat price.

2. Take your ball and go home.

I recommend you go with number 1.,because you can always default to num-ber 2. Why not learn how to sell valueinstead of price? Why not become somuch better than your competitors atwhat you do and how you do it, thatyour clients will be happy to pay yourprices. We have gotten so used to poorcustomer service that, frankly, it isn’teven difficult to be extraordinary. Bepolite. Show up clean and on time andyou will blow away most of your com-petitors.

If you charge the ‘going rate,’ youwill DOOM your business. You’ll takeit straight off the cliff with everyoneelse’s businesses.

Be better. Charge more. Stand yourground. Make more money.

Simple as that.Bare Bones Biz Rule: Charge more

than it costs. ■

Ellen RohrFirst Serial Rights© Ellen Rohr 2006

Stand Your Ground WhenIt Comes to Pricing

— Ellen Rohr

Be better. Charge more.Stand your ground. Make more money.

Simple as that.

Bare Bones Biz Rule:Charge more than it costs.


Making Money! Financial Dos and Don’ts— Ellen Rohr

• DO understand that you are in business for the MONEY.

• DON’T be ashamed about that.

• DO run a balance sheet, income statement and cash flowreport every WEEK! Once a month is NOT enough. Thegame is over by the time you get the score.

• DON’T trust industry averages for budget andperformance comparisons. If most businesses stink, andthey do, what can you learn from industry averages?

• DO base your selling price on YOUR costs of doingbusiness.

• DON’T pay any attention to what your competitors arecharging. What do they know?

• DO understand that the proper selling price is the firstand most important step in making more money foryourself and your employees.

• DON’T spend money on marketing, uniforms, newtrucks, computer systems, and new employees until youhave raised your prices to cover the new costs.

• DON’T call me if you are convinced you can’t raiseprices in your neighborhood.

• DO call me if you want to discuss how to do it.

• DON’T forget you live in the greatest country in theworld, in the most fortunate time in history. This is arenaissance age. What are you waiting for?

• DON’T forget Warren Buffet’s rules for business. Rule#1: Never lose money. Rule #2: Never forget Rule #1.

• DO something NO ONE else does…and charge a LOTof money for it.

• DO pay your employees much better than anyone else.

• DON’T forget that there is more than one way to make aliving.

• DO whatever it takes to make a customer happy, even ifit means giving them all their money back. If youhonestly think you are being taken advantage of, then…

• DON’T work for that customer again.

• DO spend more time asking questions than pitching yourproduct.

• DON’T make a sale if it isn’t in the best interests of thecustomer.

• DO ask the customer for feedback. Send a report card, orfollow up with a phone call.

• DO ask for the sale every time.

• DON’T worry when they say, “No.”

• DO ask if you can ask them one more question.

• DO ask, “What made you say, ‘No?’” and see if you canfix it.

• DO feel free to say, “No” to customers who won’t letyou make a profit.

• DON’T use low prices as your selling advantage. Theadvantage disappears the moment someone dumber thanyou offers a lower price.

• DO offer service with a smile. Look around at all thewrinkled, frowning faces in this world. Smiling is a nicething to do. Customers will respond to it.

• DO keep score in the sales game. Competition is goodfun and good for you.

• DO listen to old people. You are going to be oldsomeday, if you’re lucky. And you’ll want people listento you because you will have learned a few things worthsharing.

• DO work on your own attitude towards work and life.

• DON’T discuss anyone else’s attitude with them. 1.) It’snone of your business. 2.) There is nothing you can do tochange someone else’s attitude.

• DON’T assume that telling someone to do somethingmeans it will get done. Put it in writing and follow up.

• DON’T assume anything.

• DON’T reward every employee the same way regardlessof performance.

• DON’T give raises every year just because.

• DO create a compensation plan that combines hourlywages with bonuses for “Sales Above Goal”performance.

• DO apologize if you are wrong.

• DON’T hold a grudge.

• DO more of what works and less of what doesn’t.

Ready to make more money? It’s EASY … I’ll show you how. Sign up for my FREE Teleseminar at www.barebonesbiz.com or reach me at 417.753.1111 or [email protected]

Ellen Rohr • First Serial Rights • © Ellen Rohr 2006

Ready to make more money? Do and don’t do these things . . .

North American Wetland Engineer-ing LLC (NAWE) is proud to

announce its membership in the U.S.Green Building Council (USGBC). Asa member of the USGBC, NAWE joinsthe nation’s foremost coalition of lead-ers from across the building industry topromote environmentally responsible,profitable, and healthy places to liveand work. NAWE’s LEED® accreditedprofessionals are available to providevaluable water and wastewater engi-neering and design expertise to LEEDgreen building projects.

In the United States, buildings useone-third of our total energy, two-thirdsof our electricity, and one-eighth of ourwater. Given the impact buildings haveon the environment, the USGBC estab-lished the LEED (Leadership in Energyand Environmental Design) GreenBuilding Rating System® to provide avoluntary, consensus-based nationalstandard for developing high-perform-ance, sustainable buildings. USGBC’smembers represent every sector of thebuilding industry, and are committedto supporting green design and sustain-able communities.

LEED was created to:

• Define “green building” by estab-lishing a common standard ofmeasurement

• Promote integrated, whole-build-ing design practices

• Recognize environmental leader-ship in the building industry

• Atimulate green competition

• Raise consumer awareness ofgreen building benefits

• Transform the building market

As a member of the USGBC,NAWE will fuel the growing greenbuilding trend by helping architects,

developers, and owners pursue LEEDcertification in order to improve thequality of buildings. Green design notonly makes a positive impact on theenvironment and public health, but italso reduces operating costs, enhancesbuilding and organizational marketabil-ity, potentially increases occupant pro-ductivity, and helps create communitiescapable of being sustained into thefuture.

NAWE is an award-winning ecologi-cal engineering company internation-ally recognized for developing innova-tive and sustainable environmentalsolutions. The company has extensiveexperience in the design, construction,and operation of constructed wetlandtreatment systems, which provide highperforming, low cost, ecologicallybased wastewater solutions. Award-winning NAWE projects include Jack-son Meadows in Marine on St. Croix,which won the 2000 Minnesota HonorAward from the American Institute ofArchitects and the 2002 MinnesotaEnvironmental Initiative Award.

NAWE’s LEED professional certifi-cation enables the company to be eligibleto consult on projects that mandate theinvolvement of LEED Accredited Pro-fessionals. With the vision of creatingsustainable infrastructure using ecologi-cal technologies, NAWE is committed toencouraging and promoting a higherunderstanding of LEED and green build-ing and supports the USGBC’s missionof transforming the building industry tocreate a sustainable future.

For more information contactNorth American Wetland Engineering,LLC. 4444 Centerville Road, Suite140, White Bear Lake, MN 55127,651-255-5050 (office), 651-255-5060(fax), www.nawe-pa.com ■


IN MEMORY OFClaire McQuestion

The National Onsite WastewaterRecycling Association is sad to reportthe loss of one of Wisconsin’s valu-able members, Claire McQuestion.McQuestion, age 66, of Lake ShoreBurial Vault, died unexpectedly onJune 25, 2006, at home in his sleep.

McQuestion and his family werevery active within WOWRA overthe years. His wife, Gretchen, servedas WOWRA executive secretary formany years. His son, Brian, is cur-rently a member of NOWRA’sBoard of Directors, and Secretary-Treasurer, and is also a WOWRAboard member. Claire most recentlyattended the WOWRA board meet-ing on June 17, 2006, in DoorCounty.

His obituary read in part:“Clairewas a funny man who rarely smiledfor the camera, a gentle man whowas also a pillar of strength, a greatman who remained humble. His witwas quick, his integrity absolute, hisloyalty unwavering. Nothing madehim happier than taking care of hisfamily and friends, whose numbersare too great to count. He will begreatly missed. Claire was an avidgolfer and sports fan with anappetite for life. He used to love tosay how just about every day was agreat day for the race—the humanrace.Without Claire that race willbe a little harder.”

Claire McQuestion will be deeplymissed by those who knew him, asevidenced by the long lines ofpeople who visited with his family topay their respects at his funeral. Ourcondolences go out to the entireMcQuestion family. Memorials maybe sent to the American HeartAssociation or the AmericanDiabetes Association.

NAWE Joins U.S. Green Building Council andEarns LEED Accredited Professional Certificate


ASABE announces a Call for Papers fortheir 11th Eleventh National Symposiumon Individual and Small CommunitySewage Systems. Along with NOWRA,ASABE has a strong commitment to pro-viding a platform to share importantresearch and to discuss critical issues onindividual and small community sewagetreatment. This symposium will be held atthe Crowne Plaza Hotel at the Crossing inWarwick, Rhode Island, USA, October 20-24, 2007.

ASABE’s Call for Papers is interested ininformation in the following topic areasincluding but not limited to the following:

• Fate of Contaminants

• Technology Transfer

• Educational Programs

• Constructed Wetlands

• Design Loading Rates for Soil BasedSystems

• Small Community Systems

• System Management

• Wastewater Reuse

• Diagnosing and PremeditatingFailures

• System Sitting: Evaluation Methods

• Design and Evaluation of Innovative and Alternate Systems

• Standards for Onsite SewageTreatment

Abstract Submission: An abstract isindicative of final paper quality; there-fore, authors are urged to prepare qualityabstracts. The abstract should be approx-imately 200-300 words, single-spacedand must emphasize objectives andresults. Inclusion of tentative or final

conclusions will greatly strengthen paperproposals and abstracts. To see moreinformation on the ASABE 11th EleventhNational Symposium on Individual andSmall Community Sewage Systems visithttp://www.asabe.org/meetings/sewage2007/index.htm and to complete the elec-tronic submission form for your abstractclick the link to our electronic submissionform.

All paper proposals must be received byNovember 15, 2006, to be considered forinclusion in ASABE’s 11th National Sym-posium on Individual & Small Commu-nity Sewage Systems held October 20-24,2006 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel at theCrossing in Warwick, Rhode Island.Submissions are accepted electronicallyby visiting www.asabe.org/meetings/sewage2007/index.htm. ■

ASABE Call for Papers for Its 2007 Symposium

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naylor · 2012. 6. 12. · als to materialize in the coming years. one aspect that really stood out...

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