TOWA Waco Conference 2015 – Biographies & Abstracts
ProposedClass Grid
Keynote Speech
Opening Session Keynote Speaker: Tuesday, 8:00 am - 9:00am
On-Site Wastewater - Reusable Water, Ground Water
Dr. Joe Yelderman (Baylor University)
Biography of Dr. Joe Yelderman
Dr. Joe Yelderman is Director of the Baylor Wastewater Research Program. Dr. Yelderman’s research interests are in hydrogeology and environmental studies. Specific long-term research interests include the hydrogeology of springs, groundwater/surface-water interaction, recharge, wetlands, wastewater research, and the Edwards Aquifer.
Track I Session 1, Tuesday, 10:00am – 11:00 am will be Ron Suchecki
Drip Systems and Maintenance
Biography of Ron Suchecki
Ron Suchecki received a B.A in Environmental Studies and has completed his course work for his Masters of Science at Baylor University. Ron has worked with the Baylor University Wastewater Research Program since 1992 as a student, researcher and as a client. He currently serves on their Wastewater Treatment advisory board and as a consultant to their Public Health Master’s program. Ron is a seated member of the NOWRA Model Code Committee and completed a term on the NOWRA Board of Directors, having served as Conference and Web Site Committee Chair. He has served on the Board of the Texas Onsite Wastewater Association (TOWA) multiple times since 1997, including a term as President. Ron was appointed to 3 terms as a Member of the Texas Onsite Wastewater Treatment Research Council, responsible for the distribution of approximately $350,000 annually to fund onsite wastewater research. Ron was Vice-Chair when the council disbanded due to budget cutbacks. He was part of the task force at NSF which developed the NSF/ANSI Standard 245 which is used to test and evaluate the performance of individual onsite nitrogen reduction treatment systems. He has served on the Industry Forum and is now a member of the Wastewater Joint Committee. Ron has presented on a wide variety of talks on topics including Advanced Treatment Systems, Drip Dispersal, Nitrogen Reduction and Troubleshooting of onsite systems, along with Product Specific Education on Hoot Products. His presentations have been at National Conferences, including ASABE, WEFTEC, NOWRA and at over 20 State Onsite and Environmental Health Conferences throughout the country. Ron has six US patents to his credit in Bioremediation and Onsite Wastewater Treatment. Three of these are in the art of removing Nitrogen from water which also have foreign patent counterparts. He is currently employed as the Research Director and General Manager of Hoot.
Presentation by Ron Suchecki
Presentation will deal with how to properly install aerobic treatment systems with focus on Drip Systems and Maintenance. He will concentrate on common mistakes which effect the proper maintenance of these systems.
Track I Session 2, Tuesday, 11:00 am– 12:00 pm will be Anish Jantrania
High-Strength Wastewater – Challenges & Opportunities
Biography of Anish Jantrania
Dr. Anish Jantrania is an Associate Professor/Extension Specialist in the Biological & Agricultural Engineering Department at Texas A&M University. He is based at the Blackland Research & Extension Center in Temple, Texas. Dr. Jantrania has over 25 years of experience working in the wastewater industry, in the public and private sectors, with a focus on On-Site Sewage Facilities (OSSF/septic systems), and decentralized wastewater systems used in areas not served by public sewer. His research and extension interests focus on sustainable infrastructure to ensure the availability of clean water to meet society’s water demands, and to ensure safe sanitation to protect public health and environmental quality. Before coming to Texas, Anish has worked in Virginia, Massachusetts, and West Virginia, and has studied in West Virginia, South Carolina, Ohio, and India. His work in Texas will focus on developing a statewide extension education and research program related to surface and groundwater quality protection with specific emphasis on non-point sources, OSSF, and other environmental issues. His work will also focus on education and research needs in water treatment technologies (such as desalination), water capture and multiuse, and conservation technologies that address identified needs in both agricultural and urban sectors.
Presentation by Anish Jantrania
Understanding of influent wastewater characteristics in terms of both quantity and quality is one of the most important step for designing of any wastewater treatment system. OSSF is no exception to this rule. We all know what happens when an inadequate OSSF is designed and installed for treating high-strength wastewater. While there are numerous challenges dealing with high-strength wastewater, there are also opportunities, in terms of financial and professional satisfaction. Current growth trends in our state indicate that the market demand for OSSF treating high-strength wastewater is here to stay. The market expects OSSF designers, regulators, installers, and service providers to act responsibly in dealing with high-strength wastewater so that the businesses that rely on OSSF can get high-quality services at a competitive market price. Understanding and acknowledging when a client will need high-strength OSSF versus a residential OSSF is the first step towards for making a challenging situation to a long-term business opportunity. This hour long presentation will give an overview on how to deal with challenges and how to make opportunities in dealing with high-strength wastewater using available technologies and understanding of the subject matter. Topics covered in the presentation should benefit designers, regulators, installers, and service providers for identification of critical aspects of dealing with high-strength wastewater, so that the final subsurface disposal system does not end-up looking like Picture 1 in less than two years of operation, but instead will look like the Picture 2 after more than ten years of operation. It’s all about knowing your challenges up-front.
Track I Session 3, Tuesday, 1:00 pm –2:00 pm will be Sharon Steiner
What it Takes to Get Authorized Under NSF Standards
Biography of Sharon Steiner
Sharon Steiner currently serves as the Business Unit Manager for NSF’s Wastewater Program. In her role, she oversees the certification process for all wastewater clients. She compiles technology reports, handles required audits, addresses regulatory questions, and is responsible for all project management. Sharon has been with NSF since 2002 and initially worked in the Water Distribution Systems Program. She served as a senior project manager and was responsible for handling certification and auditing services for more than two hundred domestic and international clients in the Municipal Water Products industry.
Prior to joining NSF, Sharon worked at various analytical laboratories as a project manager and a project chemist. She has a Bachelor of Science degree from Eastern Michigan University.
Presentation by Sharon Steiner
Brief overview of current NSF/ANSI Onsite Wastewater Treatment Product Standards and a Review of Product Modifications and how they affect NSF Certification.
Track I Session 4, Tuesday, 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm will be Kimber Svetlik
Manufacturer Audit Process, Disinfection Rules
Biography of Kimber Svetlik
Kimber Svetlik is a TOWA Board Member and is in charge of membership and liaison (between TOWA, TCEQ and NSF) committee. Since 1996 - rules regulations for TuffTiger and Svetlik Products & Services NSF member numerous NSF task groups including – Joint Committee of Wastewater Technology, Additives, disinfection devices, and duration of testing. TuffTiger LLC - partial owner – since 2009, Manufacturing, CFO, Manager and government relations. Svetlik Products & Services Service management and Government Relations Coordinator.
Presentation by Kimber Svetlik
What to do and expect when you get audited. Being audited is something all aspects of the industry go though at one point or another. This will help with what to expect, what paperwork to have ready and what they are looking for.
Track I Session 5, Tuesday, 4:00pm – 5:00 pm will be Dennis Hallahan
LPD and Conventional Systems
Biography of Dennis F. Hallahan, P.E., Technical Director, Infiltrator Systems Inc.
Dennis Hallahanhas over twenty-five years of experience with the design and construction of on-site wastewater treatment systems. He has authored several articles for on-site industry magazines and has given numerous presentations nationally on the science and fundamentals of on-site wastewater treatment systems. Dennis also is responsible for product research and testing at universities, test centers and with private testing consultants. His department develops system sizing charts for national and international approvals and assists customers and field representatives in the planning and review of large commercial decentralized systems. Dennis received his MS in civil engineering from the University of Connecticut and his BS in civil engineering from the University of Vermont. Dennis is a registered professional engineer in Connecticut. He has been with Infiltrator Systems for 15 years and holds the current position as Technical Director. Dennis also holds patents for on-site wastewater products and has served for several years on the NOWRA Technical Practices Committee.
Presentation byDennis Hallahan
This presentation will focus upon the workhorse of the industry; a soils-based wastewater treatment system consisting of a septic tank, pump chamber and a drainfield. Soil is one of nature’s most sophisticated purification tools. In wastewater treatment, the soil effectively provides treatment prior to the effluent reaching surface water or groundwater supplies. The soil can provide highly advanced, efficient treatment to purify water. The inclusion of Low Pressure Dosing (LPD) is a method to maximize the treatment by the soil. Improved distribution through pressurized laterals disperses the effluent uniformly throughout the entire drainfield area. This presentation will review the advantages and disadvantages of LPD, differing methods of LPD systems and the maintenance required. The conventional drainfield system has been defined loosely to be a gravity system served by a septic tank and soil adsorption system. For most individuals, the simplest system equals the best system, and upon review the simple conventional system has outstanding results.
Track II Session 1, Tuesday, 11:00 am – 12:00 pm will be Frank Aguirre
The Application of the TCEQ Regulations to Septic System Designing
Biography of Frank Aguirre
Frank Aguirrehas been designing septic systems for 39 years and has been active in TOWA, having served as board member and President. He writes articles in the TOWA INSIDER and recently reactivated AAOWA, the Alamo Area chapter in San Antonio. He speaks at national, state and local symposiums on various topics of on-site wastewater.
Presentation by Frank Aguirre
While the regulations cover many areas of OSSF design, installation and maintenance, the everyday life of a designer is challenging as he faces many gray areas, economic factors among property owners, variances of rules enforcement between jurisdictions, complex high strength situations and his role of acting as coordinator between the property owner, the installer and the DR.
This presentation highlights examples in each of those areas and gives practical suggestions on how each can be approached.
Track II Session 2, Tuesday, 11:00 am – 12:00 pm will be Stephen Brockman
Department of Transportation (Indoor)
Biography of Corporal IV Stephen Brockman
Stephen Brockman has been 8 years with the U.S. Coast Guard, and 14 months with the Calhoun County Sheriff's Office. Since September of 1999, Stephen has been employed with the Texas Department of Public Safety. His stationed locations have been in Marfa, Alpine, Kerrville, Laredo, Brenham, and Bryan.
Stephen is currently assigned as a Corporal in Sergeant Area 2C03in the Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Service in Bryan, TX. His Sergeant area covers seven counties including Burleson, Brazos, Robertson, Grimes, Madison, Walker and Leon County. Stephen has six years’ experience with the Texas Highway PatrolDivision and nine years with the Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Service.
Presentation by Corporal IV Stephen Brockman
Information will cover correct laws of transportation to and from job sites. It will also cover safely transporting tanks and required equipment. This presentation will also address operations of equipment movement for installation and maintenance of existing wastewater treatment and public safety.
Track II Session 3, Tuesday, 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm will beRaymond Scott
Maintenance
Biography of Raymond Scott
Raymond Scott has been a farmer (50 years), teacher (8 years), Professor and Dean of Science and Technology (30 years) Builder and contractor of houses and metal buildings (18 years), and has worked with septic systems for 43 years part time and 17 years full time.
Presentation by Raymond Scott
Abstract to be provided.
Track II Session 4, Tuesday, 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm will beStephen Brockman
Department of Transportation (Outdoor)
Biography of Corporal IV Stephen Brockman
Stephen Brockman has been 8 years with the U.S. Coast Guard, and 14 months with the Calhoun County Sheriff's Office. Since September of 1999, Stephen has been employed with the Texas Department of Public Safety. His stationed locations have been in Marfa, Alpine, Kerrville, Laredo, Brenham, and Bryan.
Stephen is currently assigned as a Corporal in Sergeant Area 2C03 in the Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Service in Bryan, TX. His Sergeant area covers seven counties including Burleson, Brazos, Robertson, Grimes, Madison, Walker and Leon County. Stephen has six years’ experience with the Texas Highway Patrol Division and nine years with the Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Service.
Presentation by Corporal IV Stephen Brockman
Information will cover correct laws of transportation to and from job sites. Safely transporting tanks and required equipment. Operations of equipment movement for installation and maintenance of existing wastewater treatment and public safety. Hands on with an actual transport truck facing a D.O.T. inspection.
Track II Session 5, Tuesday, 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm will beTroy Ross
Electrical Overviews
Biography of Troy Ross
Troy Ross worked for Houston Lighting & Power for seventeen years prior to entering into the on-site industry, During his first two years he did facility design associated with providing and/or maintaining service to residential and commercial customers.His remaining years were spent coordinating the acquisition, development and implementation of hardware, software and computer applications.In 1997, Troy started his on-site business installing, maintaining and repairing on-site systems.He severed two years on the TOWA board where he worked on the education committee.Currently, he holds an Installer II, Site Evaluator and Maintenance Provider registration. Troy also is approved by TCEQ as an instructor for the 16 hour Advanced Aerobic Maintenance Provider Course.
Presentation by Troy Ross
This presentation will cover the proper maintenance activities associated with maintaining and reporting on each of the electrical components of the aerobic system.
Track III Session 1, Tuesday, 10:00 am – 11:00 am will beMike Price
What’s New, What’s Old
Biography of Mike Price
Mike Price has been an Engineering Specialist with the OSSF Team for seven years and specializes in technology along with compliance and enforcement Mr. Price holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering and has thirty years’ experience in environmental and regulatory affairs.
Presentation by Mike Price
Mr. Price will provide an update on the state of the OSSF community including permitting activity and rules. Upcoming implementation of the 2016 requirements for disinfection devices will be discussed and factual examples related to some requirements will be presented.
Track III Session 2, Tuesday, 11:00 am – 12:00 pm will be Robert Boyd
Permitting Process
Biography of Robert Boyd, P.E.
Robert Boyd is a Professional Engineer registered in the State of Texas. For the last eleven years he has held the position of Comal County Assistant Engineer, which includes the oversight of the permitting and environmental enforcement for Comal County.
Presentation by Robert Boyd, P.E.
Permitting and Enforcement in Comal County: Over the past several years, Comal County has made a dedicated effort to incorporate GIS into virtually every facet of its daily operation. With the implementation of computer software, Comal County now geo-references everything from OSSF permitting to environmental enforcement and everything in between. The majority of all operations within the Comal County Engineer’s Office is virtually paperless.
Track III Session 3, Tuesday, 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm will beMike Price
TECQ Criminal Acts in OSSF and Beyond
Biography of Mike Price
Mike Price has been an Engineering Specialist with the OSSF Team for seven years and specializes in technology along with compliance and enforcement. Mr. Price holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering and has thirty years’ experience in environmental and regulatory affairs.
Presentation by Mike Price
Mr. Price will present an update on OSSF enforcement issues and the state of enforcement in the OSSF community.
Cautionary examples of criminal activity to be mindful of will be provided.
Examples and information on OSSF violations and offenses will be provided, along with discussion of related criminal activities such as theft and fraud.
Notice will be provided on upcoming designated representative enforcement workshops.
Track III Session 4, Tuesday, 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm will beAndrew Isbell and Robert Knight
On-Site Wastewater Investigations
Biography of Andrew Isbell
Andrew Isbell is the Director of Planning and Development for Walker County, Texas. He received his Bachelors of Science from Texas A&M University, is a Designated Representative of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, a Certified Floodplain Manager, Hazmat Technician, Technician Level – Crime Scene Investigator and has over 15 years of experience in local government public administration. Mr. Isbell currently has oversight of programs that include floodplain management, 911 addressing, land subdivision and development, environmental civil and criminal investigations, permitting, geographic information systems, grant writing and administration, disaster mitigation, and general planning needs for Walker County, Texas.