NewsLeaks Summer 2021

NewsLEAKS OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE INDIANA SECTION AMERICAN WATER WORKS ASSOCIATION

SUMMER 2021

SERVING the Industry

INSIDE: Let’s Talk About Confined Spaces • In Memory

P.O. Box 127; Brownsburg, IN 46112 Address Service Requested

Buying pipe without service is like buying an ice cream without a cone.

“Service with a whole bunch of safety sprinkled in.”

Everett J. Prescott, 1955 1-800-EJP-24HR | www.ejprescott.com

There’s nothing quite like working with others to find solutions to shared challenges. AWWA members are a community of water professionals who are dedicated to the world’s most important resource.

AWWA membership allows you to expand your network of industry professionals, access valuable resources, and advance your career.

Take advantage of this opportunity and join for free today!

Table of Contents www.inawwa.org

Features Let’s Talk About Confined Spaces

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P.O. Box 127 Brownsburg, IN 46112 Office: 866-213-2796 Fax: 866-215-5966

2021-2022 Board of Directors CHAIR Jeff Cunningham 800-255-1521 jeffc@mesimpson.com

CHAIR-ELECT John Crider 260-589-2811 water@cityofberne.com VICE CHAIR To be filled PAST-CHAIR Ed Nugent 800-662-0829 ednugent@utilitysupply.com DIRECTOR John Seever 317-465-1507 zvillejohn@gmail.com SECRETARY-TREASURER Neal McKee 765-648-5420 nmckee@cityofanderson.com ASSISTANT SECRETARY-TREASURER Wendy Wary 812-925-6213 wendy@townofchandler.org

Departments Message from the Chair

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Direct from the Director

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District Reports

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Committee Reports

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Agency Updates

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Upcoming Events & Activities

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In Memory

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Advertiser Product & Service Center

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The contents of this publication may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the express consent of the publisher.

Managing Editor: Megan Funnell Design/layout: Tracy Toutant Marketing Manager: Dave Gill Advertising Co-ordinator: Stefanie Hagidiakow

TRUSTEE – SMALL SYSTEMS NORTH Troy Elless 765-366-2996 telless@umac3.com TRUSTEE – NORTHWEST DISTRICT Derek Snyder 219-844-8680 dsnyder@niesengineering.com TRUSTEE – NORTHEAST DISTRICT Ben Eldridge 574-642-3733 millersburgwater@hotmail.com TRUSTEE – CENTRAL DISTRICT Ryan Smith 317-773-2249 ryan.smith@amwater.com TRUSTEE – SMALL SYSTEMS SOUTH Mark Schmitter 812-876-2658 mark@wtwc.org TRUSTEE – SOUTHWEST DISTRICT Shawn Kluesner 812-678-5781 shawn@plrws.net TRUSTEE – SOUTHEAST DISTRICT Julie Berry 812-296-0112 jberry@midwesterneng.com

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Message from the Chair-Elect Jeff Cunningham

Thank You for Your Time and Support

G

reetings! I hope that you are all enjoying the summer.

A huge thank you to our staff, MAC, Technical Program and Arrangements Committees for putting together a successful Section Conference at French Lick.

Leading up to the event, we were given approximately two months to change the location, exhibit hall format, and program and our team rose to the occasion. On April 12, 2021, we welcomed over 500 attendees, who were excited to be there and have an opportunity for in-person education and networking.

Throughout the four-day event, we held a Sporting Clays event, to benefit the Gambold Education Fund, and presented several awards for 2020 and 2021.

We look forward to being back at French Lick for our Water Institute event in December, then our 2022 Annual Conference will return to Indianapolis in April.

Throughout the year, we have several workshops and educational events planned and our District Officers are preparing for a variety of in-person, hybrid and virtual meetings.

Lastly, I would like to remind everyone to attend the 25th Annual Section Golf Outing at the Eagle Creek Golf Course in Indianapolis. This event benefits our Operator Scholarships, Water For People, and the Section’s other philanthropic activities.

Jeff Cunningham

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SUMMER 2021

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Direct from the Director John Seever, Section Director

An Honor to Serve the Section

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ello everyone. Given all the weirdness of the pandemic year, perhaps it is somehow fitting that I say thank you remotely as my term of service nears a conclusion.

Please allow me to take this moment to express my appreciation for the opportunity to serve as your Director for the past three years. It has been an honor to represent the Indiana Section at AWWA by attending Board of Directors meetings and serving on the finance and audit committees. I met many wonderful, committed water professionals and I have many fond memories.

When my term as Director concludes at the virtual ACE in June, I can look back in satisfaction of the time I served.

I was fortunate to be a part of an Indiana Section leadership team that, by working together, was able to accomplish a lot for the Section – punctuated by the merger with the Indiana Rural Water Association (IRWA). While the past year of the pandemic has had its moments for concern, I am confident the water industry, its water professionals, and the Indiana Section will continue to lead and be stronger from the experience.

Our next Director will be Chris Harrison. We’ve come to know Chris well over the past few years and let me say unequivocally that you’re going to get an upgrade at the Director position! Chris is a leader who is smart, dedicated and has a passion for service. Please join me in wishing Chris success in his new position.

The AWWA is a “big tent” organization, and I would be remiss not to thank you for your assistance and acceptance. I believe I was the first CPA to be a past Indiana Section Chair and Director, which makes me a bit of an outlier. Thank you

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Thanks for all you do to serve your communities and the water industry. to my colleagues at Baker Tilly for their support, allowing me the opportunity to serve the Section, without questioning my time away from the practice.

Most importantly, thanks for all you do to serve your communities and the water industry. Not only during the pandemic, but also day-in and day-out to provide

safe, dependable potable water. I am proud of you and we can all be proud of the INAWWA that represents you and supports your essential efforts.

I hope to see everyone soon… in person!

John Seever

We are water resource experts who help committed leaders make sure their water is safe + managed + future-proof.

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Scholarships.

Leadership.

Safe Water Projects in the USA.

For more information about AWWA's philanthropy, contact Michelle Hektor at mhektor@awwa.org | 303-734-3613 | awwa.org/we

District Reports

Central District Ryan Smith, Trustee 2021 continues to be a crazy year, with a lot of unknowns and uncertainties, as we progress towards summer. There are still a lot of water and wastewater professionals unable to attend meetings and conferences in person, so meeting virtually or obtaining CEU hours online has been a blessing in meeting IDEM certification requirements.

The Central District officers – Dylan Lambermont, Paul Dicken, Amanda Canida, Bryan Forkner and I – determined we will offer up to 11 IDEM-approved virtual training sessions that will be available, from the first week

SPECIFY IRON, AND SEE WHAT YOU ARE SAVING.

of June until the first week of July. Check the Indiana Section website (www.inawwa.org) for registration details.

Topics will include water/sewer main extensions, RRA/ERP, WLA software and update, Central Indiana groundwater study, and many other great presentations. This will help operators and those in need of CEUs to hit the June 30 deadline when their certifications expire.

The Central District officers will also continue to meet virtually and plan the details for our Fall District Meeting that will include availability of CEUs for water and wastewater professionals and our election of our 2022 Central District officers.

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SUMMER 2021

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District Reports

Northeast District

Northwest District

Ben Eldridge, Trustee

Derek Snyder, Trustee

Greetings from the Northeast District!

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused great difficulties in various aspects of our daily lives, requiring us to make the difficult decision to not hold our Annual Spring Meeting. Fortunately, our hard work in reducing the spread of the virus has paid off, and we have a positive outlook for the future. Due to this great

milestone, we are looking forward to seeing everyone at our usual Fall Meeting.

Congratulations are in order for Goshen’s Jim Kerezman for receiving the 2020 Large System Wastewater Operator of the Year Award and Terry Flickinger for receiving the Water Wheel Award. Congratulations, gentlemen!

Our focus is simple. Move water to where it should be, and make sure it’s clean when it gets there.

Our team provides a diverse range of experience, from traditional to innovative solutions to your utility problems.

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Thanks again to all of those who attended the Northwest District’s virtual Spring Meeting on Friday, June 4, 2021. Although many of us have become used to virtual meetings and webinars, the District officers are hoping to offer an in-person setting for our Fall Meeting in September.

Our June program included the following presentations: • How Technology is Changing the Water Utility Industry, presented by Jose Pulido of Badger Meter • AMR/AMI Meter Replacement Programs, presented by Ben Christiansen of Utility Supply Company • Large Meter Evaluation and Testing, presented by Aaron Horbovetz of M.E. Simpson Co. • Regulatory Updates, presented by: Liz Melvin of IDEM The Northwest District is saddened by the passing of Mark Geskey on April 6, 2021.

Mark served the Valparaiso City Utilities for 29 years and was a great contributor to the Northwest District and the Indiana Section as a whole.

The District officers are hoping to offer an in-person setting for our Fall Meeting in September.

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District Reports

Small Systems Trustee – North Troy Elless, Trustee Well, we did it: our Conference was the official revival of in-person training.

Overall, it was a successful event and it felt great to see some familiar faces.

One of the main take-aways from the conference was the IDEM update and new Lead and Copper Rule. We will all need to pay attention to these updates that will affect every one of our systems in the near future. I highly recommend being proactive with these changes by attending any training that will be offered.

The weather is finally breaking and many of you will be out starting projects and routine maintenance. Please be safe out there, watch each other’s back, and always be mindful of your surroundings.

We have a dangerous job (at times) to do and need to take safety seriously.

According to the 2018 Utilities Sector Serious Injuries and Fatalities (SIF) Study, the water utility has the highest SIF rate at 42%, followed by 32% for electrical, and 29% for gas.

To summarize, we have a dangerous job (at times) to do and need to take safety seriously. The Study also shows that nearly 60% of the SIF exposures in the utility sector can be attributed to two exposure categories: motor vehicle incidents at 30% and “line of

INTERACTIVE EDITION available online

With print and electronic communication operating hand-in-hand you can take advantage of the fact that News Leaks is also available online in a highly interactive format.

fire” or “struck by” incidents at 28%.

It is especially important to practice having proper traffic controls in place when working on or near a roadway.

Never think that you can have enough protection. If you have questions on proper traffic control, there are some free guides available through the Indiana LTAP that will assist you with creating a safe work zone.

Have a good and productive spring, stay safe, and hope to see you soon.

NewsLEAKS OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE INDIANA SECTION AMERICAN WATER WORKS ASSOCIATION

SUMMER 2021

SERVING the Industry

INSIDE: Let’s Talk About Confined Spaces • In Memory

P.O. Box 127; Brownsburg, IN 46112 Address Service Requested

inawwa.org RETURN TO TABLE OF CONTENTS

SUMMER 2021

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District Reports

Southeast District

Southwest District

Julie Berry, Trustee

Shawn Kluesner, Trustee

It was great to see so many members at the Indiana AWWA Conference at French Lick! Our officers are hopeful that the COVID restrictions – preventing us from having in-person district meetings for over a year – will be lessened sufficiently in time for our Fall District Meeting. At the Conference, there were many discussions around water audits and the upcoming American Recovery Plan; we hope to share more information about both topics at the upcoming Fall District Meeting.

On Thursday, September 2, 2021, the Southeast District will meet in Edinburgh, IN, at the Edinburgh Park & Recreation

Building, located at 722 South Eisenhower Drive. Topics will include Risk & Resiliency Reporting; Best Management and Fraud Detection; and GIS Mapping Made Easier.

We hope to feature a southeastern Indiana plant and are in discussions to do so.

At the Meeting, we will gather for lunch, discuss reports from IDEM, and connect with our Indiana AWWA leadership. We will also conduct our Southeast District officer elections.

If you are interested in serving the Southeast District as an officer, please call Julie Berry, Midwestern Engineers, Inc. at 812-599-2613.

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Greetings from the Southwest District.

It was nice to see so many colleagues attend the AWWA Annual Conference in April. Our Spring Southwest District Meeting was postponed until later this summer; the new date and time will be announced later. The Summer Meeting’s agenda includes a hands-on workshop and discussion of the INDOT relocation procedures.

The Southwest District would like to congratulate several members, who were presented with awards at the Annual Conference.

• Scot Osborn, Indiana University – Water Wheel Award • Bryan Will, Town of Haubstadt – 2020 Small System Wastewater Operator of the Year • Gary Meyerholtz, City of Huntingburg – 2020 Small Water System Operator of the Year Congratulations and thank you for your hard work and dedication!

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The Summer Meeting’s agenda includes a hands-on workshop and discussion of the INDOT relocation procedures.

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Committee Reports

Awards Committee Ed Nugent, Chair Indiana Section Receives Special Recognition Prior to our Annual Conference, we were informed that the Indiana Section received the following national awards from the AWWA: • Nicholas S. Hill, Jr. Award – This award recognizes the AWWA Section that achieve the greatest net percentage membership growth each year. It is given to only one Section annually.

• Club VII Award for Division II – This award recognizes membership achievement and, more specifically, is presented to the Section with the highest percentage of new members within a defined set of similarly-sized Sections.

Erich Nugent from Utility Supply Co. was recognized for his efforts in accomplishing these recognition awards for the Indiana Section. Also, Mark Brace from Ramsey Water Company, the Membership Committee, and the Indiana Section staff were recognized for their assistance and support of these efforts.

Awards and Grants Honored at Annual Conference We were honored to present the following awards and grants at this year’s Annual Conference: George W. Fuller Award – Gale Gerber with the City of Nappanee In 1937, the George W. Fuller Award was established and each year, is given to members, within Sections of the American Water Works Association, for their distinguished service in the water supply field and in commemoration of the sound engineering skill, diplomatic talent, and constructive leadership that characterized the life of George Warren Fuller: one of America’s preeminent engineers.

IRWA Gambold Education Fund Grants The IRWA Gambold Education Fund (GEF) Grant was established to recognize the long-term contributions that Marilyn and Jack Gambold made to the water and wastewater industry. This Grant is awarded specifically to first-time conference attendees who apply. Recipients receive a full conference registration, two nights at the host hotel, conference meals, and an IRWA GEF shirt.

The recipients of an IRWA GEF Grant at the 2021 Annual Conference were: • Kaitlyn Baer, Bristol Utilities • Andy Emmert, Town of Atlanta • Clayton Bohlinger, Town of Fowler

Kaitlyn Baer

Andy Emmert

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Our 2020 Water Institute was canceled due to the pandemic, so we were unable to present our Operator of the Year Awards at that time; however, the following award recipients were honored during the 2021 Annual Conference: • 2020 Operator of the Year – Large Water System – Jeff Fager, Indiana American Water Kokomo Operations • 2020 Operator of the Year – Small Water System – Gary Meyerholtz, City of Huntingburg • 2020 Operator of the Year – Large Wastewater System – Jim Kerezman, City of Goshen • 2020 Operator of the Year – Small Wastewater System – Bryan Will, Town of Haubstadt • 2020 Operator of the Year – Small Water & Wastewater System – Randy Cooper, Town of Mulberry This year’s Operator of the Year Awards will be presented at the upcoming 2021 Water Institute, so please send in your nominations!

Jeff Fager

Gary Meyerholtz

Jim Kerezman

Randy Cooper

Kenneth J. Miller Water For People Founders Award – Chris Harrison, Indiana American Water Warsaw Operations This award is in honor of the untiring efforts of Kenneth J. Miller to help people of the world through Water For People. This award’s purpose is to recognize volunteers for their outstanding service and leadership in the advancement of the Water For People’s mission.

Hoosier Water Award – Charlie Chapman (retired, formerly with Ford Meter Box) The Hoosier Water Award recognizes those individuals that have demonstrated outstanding service to the water industry in support of the principles of both the Indiana Section AWWA and the Indiana Rural Water Charlie Chapman Association. This marks the seventeenth year that this award has been presented.

Clayton Bohlinger

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Committee Reports

Awards Committee continued

Hoosier Crew: John Crist, Cara Lance, Emerick, Scott Dompke, Erich Nugent (missing: Troy Elless)

AWWA Hoosier Crew The Indiana Section is like a boat on the water. The officers provide direction during their term at the rudder. The rudder is useless, however, without forward motion. There can only be forward motion with dedicated volunteers pulling at the oars.

Those members who volunteer for the good of the section year after year make up the crew. These individuals are responsible for forward momentum of the Indiana Section.

These individuals belong to a select group — the AWWA Hoosier Crew.

CREW is an acronym for Creative Resourceful Energetic Workers.

This year’s inductees are: • Cara Lance-Emerick, M.E. Simpson Co. • Erich Nugent, Utility Supply Company • John Crist, EJ • Troy Elless, Utility Management & Construction Co. (UMAC) • Scott Dompke, Retired Please recognize all these Indiana Section members for their great contribution to our industry!

Nominations for any of our awards may be made at any time. Please visit our website (www.inawwa.org) for details and nomination forms.

Hurty Awards Committee Jeremy Beckner, Chair

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Each year, the Indiana Department of Environmental Management presents the John N. Hurty Service Award to individuals with 25 years or more of service in one or more Indiana public water utilities. Each year, these Awards are presented at the Indiana Section AWWA Fall District Meeting.

The Indiana Section Executive Board feels that the Service Award is a valuable recognition to long-serving public water utility employees; therefore, the Indiana Section volunteered to provide administration of the John N. Hurty Service Awards.

Please review your records and advise of your staff that may qualify for the John N. Hurty Award. The ‘conditions governing presentation’ of the John N. Hurty Award can guide you in those qualifications. We will need the employee’s name, date of employment, years of employment, utility (and contact information) and Indiana Section AWWA district.

Review your records yearly and submit this information to the Indiana Section AWWA or to Jeremy Beckner at waterstreet@ townofwinamac.com by June 1 of each year. Any nominations received after June 1 will be put on the list for the following year unless the nominee has 30 plus years of service.

Arcadis. Improving quality of life.

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Committee Reports

George W. Fuller Award Alan Wiseman, Committee Chair Congratulations to our 2021 George W. Fuller Award recipient, Gale Gerber!

Selecting the recipient of the coveted George W. Fuller Award is a daunting task, given the host of qualified professionals who contribute their time and talents – many for decades – to the success of our Indiana Section.

Born in 1958, our awardee began his journey and lived the first 21 years of his life in Monroeville, IN, where he started his water and wastewater career. In 1987, Gale and the family moved to the City of Nappanee, where he was soon promoted to Water Superintendent. In 2006, he became the Wastewater Superintendent. Today, he serves as the Utilities Superintendent for the City with oversight of all water and wastewater operations, including numerous capital improvements.

In 1980, Gale and his wife, Sarah, got married and shortly after, welcomed a daughter and a son into the world. In 2017, “Grampy’s” heartstrings were pulled a different direction with the arrival of a granddaughter!

As an active member and supporter of IRWA and INAWWA since the mid-1980’s, our awardee has been honored on numerous occasions: • IRWA’s Meritorious Service Award, 1987 • INAWWA Honors, including: • Prime Mover Award, 1987 • Lewis F. Finch Community Service Award, 1997 • Water Wheel Award, 2003 • Hoosier Crew Award, 2013 • Service to the Indiana Section AWWA as a State Officer for four years, including Chair of the Section for the 2009-10 term.

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Gale’s local community service honors: • Was in the first EMT class for the state of Indiana (1975) subsequently serving as an EMT for 30 years, receiving the “Nappanee EMT of the Year” designation on two occasions.

• Numerous Nappanee and Elkhart County awards and honors.

• Josephine Hauck Award from the Indiana State Festivals Association, 2010 • State Tourism Board Member, 2015 • Honored to carry The Indiana State Torch in the Indiana Bicentennial Torch Relay, 2016 Nappanee Mayor Phil Jenkins sums it up best when he recently heralded: “Gale Gerber’s dedication to the Water Utility in Nappanee has been outstanding. He takes great pride in his work and has earned the distinction of being one of the most respected voices for water and community engagement in the region.”

On April 13, 2021, Gale and his wife Sarah, daughter Mandy, and son Scott attended the Annual Conference Fuller Award presentation in French Lick. Also in attendance were special guest dignitaries from Nappanee: Mayor Phil Jenkins, Former Mayor Larry Thompson and his wife Linda, Brian and Janet Hoffer, Wayne and Sandy Scheumann, Don and Jill Lehman, Jeff Knight, and Brent Warren.

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Committee Reports

Young Professionals Committee Justin Burnett, Chair The Indiana Section AWWA Young Professionals (YP) Committee recently transitioned chair positions: Natalie Gustafson is officially the Past Chair; Justin Burnett is Chair; and Amanda White is Vice Chair of the Committee. The YP Committee is appreciative of Natalie’s contributions, and we are confident she will continue to do remarkable things for the YPs. Please give a warm welcome to Justin and Amanda.

The YP Committee continues to host monthly virtual happy hour events to stay connected with members. On February 18, the Committee was invited to participate in a virtual trivia event with the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Young Member group. Proceeds of the event went to local charities including Second Helpings, The Julian Center, Horizon House, and many others. The YP Committee was thrilled to be in attendance with such benevolent YPs from all over Indiana.

The Committee hosted an Earth Day-themed event to commemorate the day on April 22. The event included an in-home scavenger hunt, bingo and trivia game related to sustainable and eco-friendly practices and household items. In lieu of hosting our

social event at the 2021 INAWWA Conference, the YP Committee joined Keep Indianapolis Beautiful (KIB), an environment and community non-profit, with a mission to help people and nature thrive, to plant 236 native trees in a commercial district in the greater Indianapolis area. In addition, the Committee joined KIB again for a Happy Hour Weeding event on April 16 to focus on plant care, weeding, and clean up around KIB’s LEED Gold-certified headquarters. Thank you KIB for all you do, we look forward to more events in the future.

As a joint committee with Indiana Water Environment Association (IWEA), the YP Committee rolled out our Mentor Program on March 3. The purpose of this program is to pair YPs with seasoned professionals to develop cross-generational networking and opportunities to nurture our future leaders.

We are continuing to accept mentor and mentee applications.

If you are interested in making a connection with leaders in the water or wastewater industry, please contact us at indianaawwaiweayp@gmail.com.

Lastly, if you are interested in joining or learning more about the Young Professionals Committee and are under 35 years of age or have been in the industry for 10 years or less, please contact us at indianaawwaiweayp@gmail.com for more information.

Education Committee Josh Castor, Chair

Water Well design and installation Well and pump testing/maintenance Well cleaning and rehabilitation Water Filter plant services Hydrogeological services Fire wells Well field testing and exploration

“Water is our Business” since 1922

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On behalf of the Education Committee, I hope everyone is happy and healthy on this side of the pandemic. Our Committee met on April 30 to talk about many topics, including our aging industry workforce of certified operators. With the help of IDEM, we are collecting data to understand what the situation looks like and how can we help.

We also discussed Florida AWWA’s new high school apprenticeship program and how successful this program has been for the state. Our Committee agreed that this program would be valuable to many utilities in Indiana as well.

Our next meeting is scheduled on July 23 with hope that we can meet in person. If you are interested in serving on the Education Committee, please let us know.

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Committee Reports

Water Utility Council Scott Miller, Chair State Water Infrastructure Fund (SWIF) Grants An exciting component of the budget bill – adopted by the legislature at the end of the session – provides initial funding for the newly-created State Water Infrastructure Fund (SWIF).

The SWIF program will be administered by the Indiana Finance Authority and provide eligible entities with matching grants for drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure projects.

Funding for the program comes from a portion of the State’s allocation of the American Rescue Plan. The first tranche of funding will become available this summer with additional funding cycles later this year and next year. The IFA is finalizing program details based on the U.S. Department of Treasury guidance.

Continue to monitor this website for the latest information: www.in.gov/ifa/state-water-infrastructure-fund-swif-grants.

Wastewater Infrastructure Task Force This summer, a task force, created by Senate Enrolled Act 348, will be established to gather data on wastewater utility service throughout the state. Specifically, the 18-member panel will consider wastewater infrastructure investment and service to underserved areas by focusing on the following topics.

• Examining recommended standards and best practices for maintenance and life cycle management of wastewater systems.

• Analyzing whether wastewater management systems throughout the State are achieving the recommended standards.

• Assessing the adequacy of present sources of funding for wastewater systems and identifying additional sources

of funding and investment opportunities including consolidation and regionalization.

• Evaluating existing policies concerning the regulation of wastewater management systems and considering ways to improve performance and create sustained investment.

• Assessing the value that an improved system of wastewater infrastructure would add to economic development in Indiana.

• Assessing the difficulties in connecting unserved properties to sanitary sewer systems.

• Evaluating available financing options to fund wastewater extensions to rural and underserved areas without unduly burdening operators or property owners.

• Evaluating available financing options in connection with utility acquisitions and improvements and the associated allocation of costs to users.

• Examining the roles and responsibilities of state agencies related to wastewater regulation including coordination and data sharing.

• Considering the appropriateness and circumstances for allowing municipalities to sell water or wastewater services outside their corporate boundaries.

• Evaluating the priority ranking system used by the Indiana Finance Authority.

A report, laying out a long-term plan that addresses the daunting list of items above, is due by December 1, 2021. The report is to contain recommendations including outcomes and metrics for measuring progress towards addressing the wastewater needs of Indiana. More information will be forthcoming as the task force begins its work later this summer.

Golf Committee John Crist, Chair On July 28, 2021, join us for our 25th Annual INAWWA Golf Tournament at the Eagle Creek Golf Club in Indianapolis.

In addition to our usual contests and games, we are holding an Ugly Golf Shirt contest where you can win prizes.

The 60-team roster is filling up quickly so register today at www.inawwa.org.

Registration will begin at 8:30 a.m. with a 10:00 a.m. shotgun start. Lunch is provided, sponsored by JCM. Following golf, enjoy our dinner buffet with prizes, sponsored by E.J. Prescott.

Peerless Midwest’s Water Ball contest, Jack Doheny’s Putting contest, and par 3 prize holes, sponsored by Utility Supply and GRW, will highlight the event again this year.

We look forward to seeing you there!

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Committee Reports

Public Information Committee Joe Sutherland, Chair The INAWWA Public Information Committee continues to meet monthly. On behalf of the INAWWA staff, thank you Charles Gill, Bridget O-Connor, Joe Loughmiller, John Crider, Laura O’Brien, Charlie Chapman, Lara Beck, Monique and Odetta for your dedication and commitment. If you are interested in joining us, please contact me at jsutherland@citizensenergygroup.com.

The Committee continues to focus on expanding its internal communication and the presence of the Section via social media. Did you know… the Committee develops a messaging

calendar every month for the INAWWA website and online platforms? The coordination we have started is driving more interest towards the Section and bringing forward more knowledge about the industry.

If you have ideas on what we can do, please connect with us. If you see a post about a Section activity, share it on our Facebook page to extend our communication reach. We have a lot of great things happening within the Section so let’s all work together to get the word out!

Technical Program Committee Cara Lance-Emerick, Chair Call for Abstracts On behalf of the Technical Program Committee, I would like to thank all the water professionals who submitted abstracts and/ or spoke at the 2021 Annual Conference this past April. It is because of you that we were able to have a quality in-person event at the French Lick!

The 2021 Water Institute is scheduled on December 6–8, 2021, at the French Lick Resort and the Technical Program Committee is accepting abstracts for presentations.

Abstracts should be 100-200 words and define the main purpose and conclusion of your work. In addition, a short biography should be included for all speakers.

We will keep the Water Institute program format similar to previous years, offering workshops, general/technical sessions and credit hours for water and wastewater (individually and combined).

Case studies, workshops, individual presentations, and panel discussions are welcome.

Abstracts and presentations will be reviewed by the Technical Program Committee. If you have any questions, please contact Cara Lance-Emerick at 574-315-2752 or caral@mesimpson.com.

We’re excited to welcome you all to another excellent in-person conference!

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Committee Reports

Membership Committee Erich Nugent, Chair 2021 Member Update New Members In February, March, and April the Indiana Section added 28 Named Representative, 12 Individual, 7 Additional Active, 2 Operator/Administrative, 1 Student, and 1 Utility for a total of 51 new members this quarter!

Named Representative Members Cathy Antonelli – Town of Bristol Forest Ash – Shorewood Forest Utilities, Inc. Amanda Ballew – Town of Lanesville Pamela Bennett – Town of Wolcott Katie Collins – Town of Royal Center Herb Cook – Hill Water Corporation Trace Cutter – Hoosier Hills Regional Water District Teresa Duke – Town of Greentown Cory Ewer – Peru Utilities Debbie Ferry – Town of Nashville Rodney Hawk – Town of Williamsport Josh Hawley – Cordry-Sweetwater Conservancy District Debbie Hendrickson – Town of Whiteland Perry Hinton –Town of New Carlisle Jeremy Jessie – Seelyville Water Brian Jones – Town of Hudson Dab Karoch – Town of St. Joseph Josh Koontz – Cromwell Water Works Alan Martin – Nine Star Connect Frank Monts – Brownsburg Water Works Jayana Posey – Town of Lewisville Water Utility Kim Robins – Town of Edwardsport Shirley Rynearson – Town of Lakeville Brandi Scudder – Town of Vevay Jaden Stone – Town of New Pekin Eric Swank – City of Attica Tina Ward – Town of Goodland Jakob Weselowski – Town of Walkertown

NEW MEMBERS

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Individual Members Steve Bluhm – Performance Services Thomas Coath –Mid-State Engineering Teresa Couse – Marion Utilities John Dailey – Brenntag Specialty Products Nick Fickle – Town of Mulberry Paul Hayes – Living Water Mike Mcbride – U.S. Department of Agriculture Tyler Neff – Orbital Engineering, Inc. Abigail Noble – Fort Wayne City Utilities Jim Perron Sherri Winters – Alliance of Indiana Rural Water Scott Zigmond – Performance Services

Additional Active Members Ricardo Alzate – Howden Roots, LLC Jennifer Falk – Kemira Water Solutions Ashley Getz – Columbus City Utilities Matt Mosier – Howden Roots, LLC Vandy Parthasarathy – Howden Roots, LLC David Roskowic – Howden Roots, LLC Jay Schnebly – Lafayette Water Works Operator and Administrative Members Huck Lewis – DB Engineering, LLC Chandler Russell – Montezuma Municipal Utilities Student Member Maria Palmegiani – Purdue University

New Utility Newton County Regional Water and Sewer Please join me in welcoming these newest members to the AWWA and Indiana Section!

Indiana Section Membership Snapshot (as of May 7, 2021) Utility Memberships – 371 Individual Memberships – 1,298 Service Providers – 15 Total Section Membership – 1,684

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Committee Reports

Water For People Committee Emily Nelson, Chair Kenneth J. Miller Founder’s Award Announcement We are happy to honor Chris Harrison as this year’s Kenneth J. Miller Founder’s awardee!

The Kenneth J. Miller Award is presented annually to an exceptional volunteer on the Indiana Section AWWA Water For People Committee. Chris has been a long-time member of the Water For People Committee, who started at the annual Sunset Cruise in Syracuse fundraising event in 2015, and continues to lead the event. This annual cruise event has raised nearly $40,000 for Water for People in its six years!

Additionally, Chris is an active and valuable member of the Wine into Water Event Committee and supports Water For People year-round in various ways.

He often shares new ideas and is steps up to help. His work has been a boost to the Indiana Section’s fundraising. We will honor Chris at the KJM Virtual Award Ceremony on June 22 and present his Kenneth J. Miller Award pin at the Cruise event on September 25, 2021. In the meantime, please join us in celebrating Chris Harrison’s outstanding service for Water For People!

Spring Recap In celebration of World Water Day on March 22, 2021, the Water For People Committee held a virtual event. The event featured two speakers: our own Jim Williams, who shared some history of the Indiana Section’s Committee and his experiences in the countries where we work, and Kim Lemme, Director of Program Learning and Influence at Water For People, who discussed the work Water For People does, the importance

of sustainability, and provided context for the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change. Thank you to Gabrielle Lowry and the World Water Day Event Planning Committee for hosting this event!

Water For People also began a new fundraising community, called Club 6.

This community is inspired by United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation for All. Supporters can join the Club by donating $6 per month. While $6 may not seem like much, over a year’s time, this grows to $72 and provides at least one person with reliable water access for an entire year. Now multiply this across the entire Club 6 community, and we can create something big.

Visit www.waterforpeople.org/club6committees to sign up, and if you select the “Indiana Section – AWWA” committee, our Section will receive credit for funds raised.

Upcoming Events: 25th Annual Golf Outing, Indianapolis, IN A portion of this year’s proceeds will benefit Water For People. Register by July 2.

Run for World Water 5k, Indianapolis, IN Our next 5k fun run/walk will be celebrating its 15th year. Join us along the Downtown Canal.

Register here: https://bit.ly/2P0qQvn Water For People Concert, Evansville, IN Tickets are available at www.ticketmaster.com and the Ford Center box office.

This year’s concert features Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone and The Association.

INAWWA NE District Sunset Cruise, Syracuse, IN Join our annual cruise on Lake Wawasee which includes entertainment, games, raffle prizes, food, spirits and more.

July 28, 2021

August 28, 2021

September 23, 2021

September 25, 2021

Event details will be on our committee webpage as they become available, so please visit our webpage (www.inawwa.org/about-us/committees/water-for-people) and our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/waterforpeople.inawwa) or contact Emily Nelson at emily.nelson@rose-hulman.edu for more information.

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Agency Updates

Update from IDEM and Office of Water Quality, Compliance and Enforcement Branch It is Wastewater Operator Certification renewal season. Wastewater operators should have received a mailing including information on how to renew. If you have not received paperwork, please reach out to IDEM’s Wastewater Operator Certification program staff.

The Compliance and Enforcement Branch and IDEM’s Information Services

staff are developing a new web-based submittal portal to submit Bypass and Overflow reports. This new web-based portal will replace the current email system reporter’s currently use. As more details emerge, IDEM will provide updates.

IDEM, Ohio EPA, and U.S. EPA recently collaborated on a video

training project for small wastewater systems. The goal of the training is to provide short videos on various troubleshooting topics at small wastewater systems. The raw footage is currently being edited. Once the training videos are available, IDEM will provide updates on how to view the trainings.

The Compliance and Enforcement Branch and IDEM’s Information Services staff are developing a new web-based submittal portal to submit Bypass and Overflow reports. This new web-based portal will replace the current email system reporter’s currently use.

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Agency Updates

Lead and Copper Rule Stacy Jones, IDEM On January 15, 2021, the Lead and Copper Rule Revisions were published in the Federal Register. These revisions are currently under review by the Biden Administration, who has requested moving the effective date to December 2021 with the implementation date in September 2024.

The implementation date is when you will need to submit your lead service line inventory, along with a lead service line replacement plan, or certify that you know with 100% certainty that your system contains no lead service lines. This means that you should be starting now, if you haven’t already, to identify both public- and private-side service lines within your

distribution system. In addition, President Biden’s American Jobs Plan – announced in March 2021 – includes a provision for removal of all lead service lines in the United States. If this passes and funding becomes available for removal of lead service lines, you will need to know where those lines are in order to be able to remove them.

The resources listed in this article may help you in determining which parts of the Rule change may impact your water system. You will also want to watch NewsLeaks and other forums for additional information from the Indiana Department of Environmental Management on the requirements of this rule.

If you have any questions about this rule revision, please contact IDEM’s Drinking Water Branch at dwbmgr@idem. in.gov or 317-234-7430.

Resources U.S. EPA Website on the Final Lead and Copper Rule Revisions – www.epa.gov/ground-water-anddrinking-water/supporting-materialsfinal-revisions-lead-and-copper-rule AWWA Resources for Lead in Drinking Water – www.awwa.org/resources-tools/ resource-topics/inorganiccontaminants/lead#9738369policy--advocacy

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Agency Updates

Drinking Water Branch Sees Changes to Your MRO Modernization and Automation Lucio M. Ternieden, Chief, Field Inspection Section IDEM’s Drinking Water Branch has been going through some changes lately. Our Governor has tasked agencies, in the State of Indiana, with continual improvements as to better serve the citizens of Indiana.

The Drinking Water Branch has made several electronic improvements to the Compliance, Permit, Capacity & Certification and Field Sections in the past couple of years. We are currently undertaking a transition to better process permits, reports, and requests. The process will provide additional internal benefits to further improve permits and reports issuance.

In 2020, the Compliance Section rolled out the Compliance Monitoring

Data Portal (CMDP). An electronic laboratory reporting process where laboratories are now required to directly submit sample results to IDEM. This allows drinking water compliance results to be viewable in the Drinking Water Watch website instantaneously.

The Field Inspection Section has gone through some changes in our report writing, review and delivery. With the Safe Water Information Field Tool (SWIFT), we have gone completely paperless and continue to meet our Commissioner’s directive of providing you an inspection report well within seven days of the site visit. We are now providing the inspection reports directly to your email inbox! This

With the assistance of our Information Technology department, we are undertaking a project to greatly reduce the time spent processing the MROs and hope to make it more automated.

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change cuts down on clerical hours in processing, office supplies, paper and greatly reduces the time that it takes to get it to you.

Another important change that the Drinking Water Branch will be making this year is the processing of Monthly Reports of Operation (MRO). We have been receiving paper MROs through the mail, by fax, and even dropped off at the office. As of recent years, more and more of you have been submitting them by email, which is now our preferred method. A study we recently conducted confirmed that dozens of hours per month are spent on MROs. With the assistance of our Information Technology department, we are undertaking a project to greatly reduce the time spent processing the MROs and hope to make it more automated.

For this improvement, we will need your help: First, we ask that you email your MROs to IDEM other than through the fax machine. Faxing is unreliable, because we do not get reports when the fax machine is not working or there is a problem with the transmission. If you have already kicked the fax to the curb, thank you!

Second, please review your MRO form date to be sure you have the most up-to-date form. You may download a fillable copy on our website (www.in.gov/idem/7197.htm) search using form number 34609.

Third, we need for everyone to start electronically mailing their reports to dwbmro@idem.in.gov. This is the most reliable and assured way to send in your report. You will receive a confirmation email that we have received it and your MRO will be quickly available for viewing at our Virtual File Cabinet: www.in.gov/ idem/legal/2363.htm.

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Agency Updates

When you email your MROs to IDEM, the last (and most important) thing to ensure is your MRO attachment is a PDF file that follows a specific naming protocol. Please name the MRO file in the following way – PWSID#_01_YYYYMM – where your Public Water System

Identification Number is followed by the underscore, then your Entry Point number is followed by an underscore, then the four-digit year and two-digit month. For example, your July 2021 MRO report will be named 5208006_01_202107. If you have multiple entry points under the same

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PWSID#, MROs will need to be submitted as separate PDF files – each with their individual Entry Point number (_01_ or 02 or 03, etc.). No additional characters are allowed. MRO reports are still due by the 10th of the month, following the monitoring period.

Please be aware that MROs are considered public documents. Do not include any sensitive information, such as well location/addresses, flow schematics/ plant drawings, or any other potentially sensitive information. Only include what is required by 327 IAC 8-11-1. Sample results, chlorine residual data beyond what is in the MRO, and other data used at the plant or bench sheets should not be submitted. You may want to keep them in your own filing system.

We plan on starting July 1, 2021; however, we understand that this process change will take some time. We will help you through this process and let you know how it is working. We thank you for your understanding, patience, and cooperation as we continue to improve our systems and hope that you too will find this process easy and helpful. Should you have any questions, please contact me at 317-234-7461 or lternied@idem.in.gov.

We thank you for your understanding, patience, and cooperation as we continue to improve our systems and hope that you too will find this process easy and helpful.

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By Darrel West, Gwinnett County Department of Water Resources, darrel.west@gwinnettcounty.com

W

hen those of us who have been in the water and wastewater industry hear the words ‘confined space,’ we typically start thinking about our sewer systems, lift stations, or some less-than-ideally designed underground tank. Perhaps you

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have had the opportunity to be in a confined space, such as a sewer manhole, and thought to yourself, “Wow, this sure is a confining space I am in” and you would be correct.

Personally, when I hear the words ‘confined space,’ I tend to think about areas that are dark, dingy, smelly,

and have more than just a few cockroaches (even the occasional albino ones) living in there – all of whom are more than willing to run up your pant leg. Yes, tanks, pits, vaults, and manholes are all examples of confined spaces, but what makes them a confined space?

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If you have to work in and around an area that has the potential to take your life or the life of a co-worker, it makes sense to do a bit of a deep dive into understanding what to be on the lookout for, what the problems could be, and more so, how to either avoid or remove those associated challenges.

Any way we slice it, confined spaces are not exactly set up for hosting the annual family picnic, but so what?

“So the occasional roach runs up my pantleg and I get a little dirty – what’s the big deal?” Good question and glad you asked it. It’s simple – confined spaces have and unfortunately will, in all likelihood, continue to take the lives of either unsuspecting or recalcitrant entrants, period. To further compound the issue, in situations involving a fatality, there is mounting evidence that multiple fatalities are the norm.

If you have to work in and around an area that has the potential to take your life or the life of a co-worker, it makes sense to do a bit of a deep dive into understanding what to be on the lookout for, what the problems could be, and more so, how to either avoid or remove those associated challenges. I could tell you about any number of confined space fatality stories the search engine of your choice will spring to life on your computer screen as a shock and awe tactic, but rather have decided to honor those individuals by using this platform to educate, encourage, and inspire.

Let’s Start From the Beginning The Merriam-Webster dictionary does not define a confined space. That’s right, you will not find the definition of a confined space in the dictionary. If we want to find the definition of a confined space we are going to have to peek into the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s 29CFR 1910.146 or 1926.1203, otherwise known as the confined space standards for general industry and the construction industry

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respectively. For the duration of this article, we will be referring to Federal OSHA’s general standard for confined space entry.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) defines a confined space as any area that: • Is large enough and so configured that an employee can bodily enter and perform assigned work AND • Has limited or restricted means for entry or exit AND • Is not designed for continuous employee occupancy Hopefully, you noticed that the word AND was both capitalized and in bold between each of the confined space criteria. The “ands” are very important.

If an area exhibits only one or two of the key characteristics, then it cannot be a confined space – a confined space has all three characteristics.

Let’s break each of those criteria down a little for clarity’s sake.

Is large enough and so configured that an employee can bodily enter and perform assigned work. This one is straightforward and does not typically require much explanation.

Has limited or restricted means for entry or exit. This is how you get into and out of a space. If you get into the space via a ladder, manway, or mechanical hoist then the space has limited means for entry and exit. Essentially if there are any physical barriers that impede self-rescue (such as the absence of a standard industrial door or stairs), it likely represents a limited entry or exit situation.

Is not designed for continuous employee occupancy. Was the space built with people in mind? Typically, we are looking for lighting and ventilation.

If the space has lighting and forced air ventilation, then it probably is designed for continuous employee occupancy.

Other clues to indicate if the area was designed with people in mind include having a physical barrier such as pipes or walls and the area has adequate working space such that an employee can place feet on a floor without having to stand on pipes, pumps, equipment, etc.

Let me see if I can translate from “OSHA-ese” into a couple of real-world examples. Take for example a 10-footdeep vault with metal rungs built into the concrete. Ask the three questions above to decide whether or not the area in question is a confined space. If you ask yourself the all-important three questions, your answer should be this vault is: • big enough for you to get into and work • is limit entry and exit (ladder) • not designed for employee occupancy (no lighting and ventilation) Therefore, it is a confined space.

On the flip side, my office is not a confined space. Sure, it is large enough and so bodily configured to enter (barely, but it is) so it meets the first definition of a confined space; however, my office does not have limited entry or exit (it has a standard industrial door) and it is designed for continuous employee occupancy (it has lighting and ventilation). My office only has only one of the three necessary characteristics – it is not, and by definition, cannot be a confined space.

Jumping to Permit-Required Confined Space So, now that we are clear about what a confined space is, what is all this talk about danger and taking of lives?

Another good question, glad you asked that one as well. Oftentimes, those same confined spaces have an associated

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hazard or multiple associated hazards simply because of the purpose of the space. A confined space with a hazard becomes what is commonly referred to as a “Permit-Required Confined Space.”

A Permit-Required Confined Space is a confined space with one or more of the following hazards: • Contains or has the potential to contain a hazardous atmosphere; OR • Contains a material that has the potential for engulfing an entrant; OR • Has an internal configuration that an entrant could be trapped or asphyxiated by inwardly converging walls or by a floor which slopes downward and tapers to a smaller cross section; OR • Contains any other recognized serious safety and health hazards.

Hopefully, you noticed that the word OR was both capitalized and in bold between each of the hazards. When a confined space contains one of the four hazards categories, it is a Permit-Required Confined Space.

Let’s break each of these hazard criteria down for the sake of clarity.

Contains or has the potential to contain a hazardous atmosphere. The air you are breathing right now is about 20.9% oxygen, at least I hope it is. 20.9% can be thought of as the baseline when it comes to oxygen – ideally, if we are going to be breathing in a confined space (and breathing is good), we are shooting for that 20.9% oxygen number. While 20.9% is great, there is something called an acceptable range. OSHA defines that range as between 19.5% or as much as 23.5% oxygen. Anything below 19.5% is an oxygen-deficient atmosphere which can lead to asphyxiation. If the atmosphere contains greater than 23.5% oxygen, the atmosphere is now oxygenenriched which can create a flammable or explosive atmosphere. From there contaminants vary, however in the wastewater industry the most common contaminants of concern include carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulfide, and explosive gases such as methane.

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Let’s start with carbon monoxide.

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas. OSHA’s 29 CFR 1910.1000 table Z-1 lists the permissible exposure limit as 50ppm as an eighthour time weighted average based on a 40-hour work week.

Methane is another colorless, odorless, tasteless gas. Methane also represents an explosion hazard. There are of course other flammable gases, vapors, and mists but in the wastewater industry, methane is common.

Explosive gases, vapors, and mists should not exceed 10% of their lower flammable limit (LFL).

The final and very common gas in the water/wastewater utility industry is hydrogen sulfide. Hydrogen sulfide has a telltale rotten egg smell which can quickly overwhelm a sense of smell rendering a person with olfactory fatigue and the inability to detect the compound. The ability to detect returns in the vast majority after removal from the area. OSHA’s 29 CFR 1910.1000 table Z-3 lists the acceptable ceiling concentration for hydrogen sulfide at 20ppm.

While these are the most common gases analyzed in the water and wastewater industry, chlorine gas, as well as ozone, are other common gases which deserve mentioning and if appropriate, monitoring.

Contains a material that has the potential for engulfing an entrant.

Materials that have the potential for engulfing an entrant include both liquids or flowable solids, such as lime or

carbon. Oftentimes the removal of such material may be necessary for safe entry.

Has an internal configuration that an entrant could be trapped or asphyxiated by inwardly converging walls or by a floor which slopes downward and tapers to a smaller cross section. Occasionally confined spaces have sloped floors with small openings at the bottom. Examples include hoppers or silos. Should an employee slip and fall in such a location they could become lodged in that small opening and suffocate.

Contains any other recognized serious safety and health hazards. Many confined spaces have other serious safety and health hazards such as a fall potential, moving mechanical parts, or electricity.

As the name implies, a permit is necessary for entry into a permitrequired confined space. As a little side note, the definition of entry into a permit-required confined space is considered to have occurred when any part of an entrant’s body breaks the plane of the opening. The entry permit is a location-specific document which is part of an overall program for controlling and protecting employees entering into permit spaces. The permit itself is used to document conditions prior to, during, and after entry.

Once an area has been identified as a permit-required confined space and the determination is made that a person or persons must enter this area, what steps are necessary? The answer is basic: “take action to eliminate or control the hazard.” Unfortunately, it is easier said than done.

The definition of entry into a permit-required confined space is considered to have occurred when any part of an entrant’s body breaks the plane of the opening. The entry permit is a location-specific document which is part of an overall program for controlling and protecting employees entering into permit spaces.

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Eliminating and Controlling Hazards Let’s talk a little about the procedure of eliminating or controlling the hazards, starting with atmospheric hazards.

Atmospheric hazards. Whether we are talking about too much or too little oxygen, carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulfide, or explosive gases, the only way to truly know an atmosphere’s components and concentration is by testing with a properly calibrated gas detector (multi or otherwise). There are multiple brands, styles, and price points associated with atmospheric testing equipment to satisfy even the most discriminating buyer. Once the atmosphere has been evaluated, decide whether or not ventilation equipment is necessary. There are several manufacturers of ventilation equipment, but whichever brand and style you choose, make sure it will supply a sufficient quantity for a minimum of 20 air exchanges per hour. Remember, your blower loses a significant amount of ventilation capability with every 90-degree bend; ensure the blower is of sufficient capacity to accommodate.

Again, the combination of ventilating a confined space and atmospheric testing is simply to ensure the permit-required confined space you are about to enter has a safe breathing atmosphere and that the atmosphere stays safe.

Atmospheric controls may involve the use of filtering respirators or SCBA’s (self-contained breathing apparatus).

While we are not going to jump into respiratory protection, take note of two things: remember that a filtering mask will do nothing for an oxygen-deficient atmosphere and a respirator cartridge is only good for its intended use.

Choose wisely.

Engulfment hazard. Engulfment hazards can be both simple and difficult to control. If a tank, such as a clarifier, can be isolated, the engulfment can easily be drained or pumped out – hazard controlled. When it comes to lift stations, this may become a little

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more difficult and require line plugging, upstream feeder lift station control, etc.

Regardless of the space, this hazard must be controlled and oftentimes requires a significant amount of planning and team coordination.

Entrapment hazard. Entrapment hazards or internal configuration challenges may require the installation of a temporary floor of sufficient strength to keep workers safe. Every location is different and as such, the safety precautions necessary are not universal and, similar to engulfment hazards, entrapment hazards require a significant amount of planning and team coordination.

Other hazards. Many confined spaces have other serious safety and health hazards, such as a fall potential, moving mechanical parts, or electricity.

Control of these hazards will involve the application of locks & tags, tripods/ winches/full body harnesses, line blocking, or the release of stored energy sources. Again, this will likely require a significant amount of planning and team coordination.

Roles and Responsibilities There are four key roles when it comes to entering a permit space: entrant, attendant, supervisor, and rescue.

Entrant. The entrant is the individual or individuals who are actually entering the space to perform the work. It is imperative this person is trained to not only conduct the work but understand the hazards associated with the work, adequately communicate, and follow instructions if directed to evacuate.

Attendant. The attendant is the individual or individuals stationed outside of the space monitoring the authorized entrants in the space. Their duties are outlined in your site-specific program and often include periodic documentation of atmospheric conditions, monitoring confined space ventilation equipment, gas detection equipment, recognizing prohibited conditions, and taking appropriate

action including summoning the rescue service.

Entry Supervisor. The supervisor plays a very important role in the permit program. The supervisor has overall accountability for the entry, including terminating entry.

Rescue. When it comes to rescue, there are a couple of options – selfrescue or a rescue service. For my money, self-rescue is going to be the quickest and most efficient way to safety. For instance, if the confined space gas meter starts alarming, leave the space immediately. Perhaps the entrant has sprained their knee and is no longer able to climb a ladder. In that case, a retrieval device such as a tripod and winch combo and full-body harness allow the attendant to safely winch an entrant to safety. Under no circumstance should an attendant enter into a permit space for rescue purposes.

There is also a rescue service.

Rescue services can be internal or external. An internal rescue service is an in-house team of trained and equipped individuals whereas an external rescue service could be your local fire department provided they are trained, equipped, and are willing and able to respond in a timely fashion to an emergency.

Summary Let wrap this up with a quick summary of what we covered.

A confined space is any area that: • Is large enough and so configured that an employee can bodily enter and perform assigned work, AND • Has limited or restricted means for entry or exit, AND • Is not designed for continuous employee occupancy.

A permit-required confined space is first and foremost a confined space but now with at hazard. Hazards categories include: • Contains or has the potential to contain a hazardous atmosphere; OR

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• Contains a material that has the potential for engulfing an entrant; OR • Has an internal configuration that an entrant could be trapped or asphyxiated by inwardly converging walls or by a floor which slopes downward and tapers to a smaller cross section; OR • Contains any other recognized serious safety and health hazards.

Once the determination has been made to enter a permit-required confined space (any part of your body breaking the plane of a space), all hazards must the understood, controlled, and made safe. These safety measures include atmospheric testing, ventilation, removal and/or control of engulfment hazards, and of course should something go wrong, a procedure for extricating an individual such as a tripod, winch, and

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Confined spaces can be very dangerous areas; however, with the proper training, equipment, and planning, confined space entries can be safe, effective,and successful operations. full-body harness. All of these safety and control measures should be recorded on your location’s permitrequired confined space entry permit.

Understand this article is designed to simply give a basic overview of the hazards associated with permitrequired confined space entries as well as a few examples of safety precautions and equipment necessary to keep employees healthy and safe.

If employees are planning on entering into confined spaces and have not yet

participated in detailed confined space entry training, you are encouraged to reach out to the many providers of quality confined space entry training, including your insurance provider, risk management department, safety or training departments, private training firms, etc.

Confined spaces can be very dangerous areas; however, with the proper training, equipment, and planning, confined space entries can be safe, effective, and successful operations.

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Upcoming Events & Activities Please visit our website – www.inawwa.org – for details and registration information. Water and wastewater contact hours to be approved by IDEM. Well driller and pump installers to be approved by IDNR, as applicable. Professional Development Hours (PDHs) for engineers are available, as applicable. Other workshops are in the planning stages, so please keep checking our website or call our office at 866-213-2796.

If you are interested in conducting or hosting a webinar or workshop, please let us know.

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June 14 – July 9, 2021

Central Distract Hosts On-Demand Webinar Series

June 24, 2021

Operator Symposium South – Utility Supply Co., Huntingburg, IN

July 2, 2021

First Friday Power Lunch Hour Webinar – Water: Remote Disconnect, A Study of Utility Policies; Wastewater: Performance Evaluation of Treatment Facilities

August 10, 2021

Exam Cram Part 1 – Webinar – New Three-Hour Sessions

August 11, 2021

Operator Boot Camp – Miami County Fairground – Peru, IN

August 17, 2021

Exam Cram Part 2 – Webinar – New Three-Hour Sessions

August 24, 2021

Exam Cram Part 3 – Webinar – New Three-Hour Sessions

September 16, 2021

Work Zone Safety – Jackson County Water, Brownstown, IN

November 30, 2021

Work Zone Safety – Bainbridge, IN

December 6-8, 2021

Water Institute & Equipment Expo, French Lick, IN

Currently Being Scheduled

• More Well Driller and Pump Installer Workshops • INAWWA Operator School • INAWWA District Meetings

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Upcoming Events & Activities

Operator Boot Camp August 11, 2021, at Miami County 4-H Fairgrounds Indiana Section AWWA’s Small Systems and Education Committees will host its 16th annual Operator Boot Camp on August 11, 2021, at the Miami County 4-H Fairgrounds in Peru, IN. Join us for a full day of demonstrations and exhibits highlighting the latest in products, equipment, technology, and services for both water and wastewater systems. Six water and wastewater hours (pending IDEM approval) will be awarded.

Since the sessions will receive IDEM approval, they are also eligible for professional engineer PDHs. Operator Boot Camp is structured so that you can make the most of your day. Demonstrations will be conducted in the morning and afternoon and you can pick and choose demonstrations that interest you. To assist you in planning your day, a definitive program will be sent to all registrants, via email (if one is provided on the registration form), prior to August 11, 2021.

Please dress for weather and construction site conditions.

Also, feel free to bring your own folding chair to use during outdoor demonstrations. Refreshments will be available throughout the day and a BBQ lunch will be served.

If you are a service or product provider and would like to showcase your company’s expertise, products, services, technologies, or processes, registration is now open! Our goal is to have as much hands-on time and interaction as possible with the attendees. At Operator Boot Camp, demonstrations can be more product specific and with the format of both morning and afternoon demonstrations – the opportunity to interact with as many attendees as possible is offered.

Date: August 11, 2021 Location: Miami County 4-H Fairgrounds,

1029 West 200 North, Peru, IN 46978

Providing sustainable solutions to Midwest communities since 1989 W

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For your next project, choose

HWC ENGINEERING hwcengineering.com

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In Memory

Mark A. Geskey JUNE 10, 1968 – APRIL 6, 2021

M OBITUARY

ark A. Geskey, 52, of LaPorte passed away Tuesday, April 6, 2021, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Hobart, IN. He was born June 10, 1968, in Lincoln, IL, and graduated from Lincoln High School. Mark made his career with Valparaiso City Utilities for the past 29 years and served as the Collections and Distribution Manager. As much as he

enjoyed golfing, camping, and hunting deer and pheasants, it was spending time with his grandkids that he cherished. On September 5, 1992, he married Sandra Yagelski, who survives along with his sons Nicholas (Courtney) Tylka of Wanatah and Blake Geskey of Wanatah, his mother Pat Geskey of Lincoln, siblings Kay (Paul) O’Brien, Mike (Beckie) Geskey, Pam (Gary) Shattuck, John (Cindy) Geskey,

Janet Anderson and grandchildren Justin & Caiden Tylka and Jacob & Henry Gesky. He was preceded in death by one son, John Tylka, in 2002, and father, John “Hank” Geskey.

WATER TREATMENT EQUIPMENT

Water Treatment Chemicals, Equipment and Local Service Scan this QR code to see the Hawkins testimonial video.

• Potable Water • Swimming Pools • Wastewater Treatment • Bioaugmentation • Sludge De-Watering • Collection Systems

SERVICE

• Chemical Injection Pumps • Control and Monitoring Systems • Chlorination Control Systems • Chemical Feed Equipment

• Mini Bulk Delivery • Local Technical Support • Equipment Installations • Laboratory Testing

www.hawkinsinc.com/groups/water-treatment

Muncie, IN 765.288.8930

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University Park, IL 708.258.3797

Frankfort, KY 502.695.0536

www.hawkinsinc.com 800.328.5460 wtg@hawkinsinc.com

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In Memory

Charles E. Waller DECEMBER 30, 1931 – MAY 1, 2021

M OBITUARY

r. Charles Edward “Buddy” Waller, age 89, of Lexington, IN, and formerly of Madison entered this life on December 30, 1931, In Westport, KY. He was the loving son of the late William Edward and Emma K. Wright Waller.

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He was inducted into the United States Air Force on February 12, 1951, in Louisville, Kentucky. He rose to the rate of Staff Sergeant serving during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged on May 26, 1955, at Camp Kilmer, New Jersey receiving the National Defense Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. He was then transferred to the National Guard of Kentucky serving there until he was discharged on June 9, 1964, in Louisville, KY. Buddy was united in marriage on April 7, 1954, in England to Olga Manley.

This union of 24 years was blessed with a son, Terry Lee and a daughter, Teresa Lynn.

Buddy Waller was well known throughout the water and sewer utility industry for nearly 60 years. Given Buddy’s many accomplishments and business success, it may come as a surprise to learn that his formal education ended in the eighth grade. This fact never held him back.

At times, he worked three jobs – including as a La Grange police officer – to provide a better life for his family. Throughout his life, Buddy was extraordinarily adept at solving mechanical and technical challenges.

He was an extremely fast learner who could accomplish anything he set his mind to. Buddy started his long career as a manual laborer for La Grange (Kentucky) Utilities. Knowing he could make more money, Buddy earned his water and sewer licenses and was eventually promoted to superintendent.

By 1970, he was superintendent of Florence Kentucky Utilities.

Buddy’s charismatic personality and his extensive experience in the industry led to a successful career in sales for Mid-States Meter, based in Lexington, KY. Buddy excelled selling Badger water meters, which he had purchased during his many years as a water superintendent. In fact, his ‘CB’ handle was ‘The Meter Man.’ Eventually, Buddy opened a branch warehouse for Mid-States Meter in Seymour, Indiana where he was joined in the business by his son Terry Waller.

For decades, Buddy was the most popular entertainment at the water utility conferences throughout Southern Indiana. His talents as a singer and guitar player helped build relationships with customers and suppliers alike. In 1982, at the age of 51, Buddy decided to open his own company, Waller’s Meter, in Madison, IN. Buddy secured distributorships for the top-line manufacturers and the loyalty of his former customers. He rented the riverfront property formerly occupied by Meese, Incorporated (‘The Old Cotton Mill’) until purchasing it in 1989. Buddy was known by several nicknames, including ‘The Chief,’ ‘The Pipe Baron,’ and ‘The Cotton King.’ The riverfront was home to Waller’s Meter (and to Buddy and wife Louann) until 2001, when the business moved to Madison’s hilltop.

Buddy’s musical career did not end after starting Waller’s Meter. In fact, he continued to perform at waterworks conferences for many years, and he played a regular gig at the Shrimp House where he was billed as ‘Madison’s own Kenny Rogers.’

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In Memory

Buddy was generous with his gratitude to those who helped Waller’s Meter prosper. He often said that the company would not have made it without the dedication of long-time employee and close friend Pat (Gray) Gidley or the contributions of his

son Terry and daughter Teresa (who joined the company in 1990) or the loyalty and hard work of his employees. At the end of his life, Buddy took great comfort in knowing that his children would continue his legacy.

By Buddy’s side for the last 30 years was Louann (White) who shared his love of the river. They enjoyed many wonderful years living on the Cotton Mill property, with their houseboat docked just across the road. Buddy and Louann were united in marriage on August 29, 2005, in Nashville, TN. They welcomed many guests to their riverfront life, entertaining them with live music by Buddy and his nephews, Adam and Ed Davis.

Buddy was a lifelong motorcyclist, a passion he shared with Louann.

They took many road trips together and with their friends John and Denise Clark. Moving away from their life at the river was bittersweet for Buddy and Louann. But they grew to love the new home they built on a beautiful lake in the country. Buddy enjoyed fishing right outside his back door.

They hosted many family gatherings and had wonderful neighbors. Buddy was blessed to spend his final days at home, with Louann and his family by his side. He passed from this life on Saturday, May 1, 2021.

In loving memory of our founder, Buddy Waller

12/30/31 to 5/1/21

Thank you to all our suppliers and customers for your condolences.

The best way to honor Buddy’s memory is to continue doing business with us!

WALLER’S METER, INC

Madison, Indiana 800-485-7018 wallersmeterinc.com

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WATER• WASTEWATER• STORMWATER• ARCHITECTURE RECURRY.COM • (317) 745-6995 • DANVILLE, IN

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Advertiser Product & Service Center NewsLeaks is made possible by the companies below who convey their important messages on our pages. We thank them for their support of INAWWA and its publication and encourage you to contact them when making your purchasing decisions.

To make it easier to contact these companies, we have included the page number of their advertisement, their phone number, and, where applicable, their website. You can also go to the electronic version of NewsLeaks at www.inawwa.org and access direct links to any of these companies.

COMPANY

PAGE

AMERICAN Ductile Iron Pipe Arcadis U.S., Inc. Beam, Longest and Neff, LLC Commonwealth Engineers, Inc. Curry & Associates, Inc. Dixon Engineering, Inc. E.J. Prescott Ford Meter Box Company Gripp, Inc. GRW Engineers, Inc. Hawkins HWC Engineering Jones & Henry Engineers, Ltd. Kokosing Industrial, Inc. M.E. Simpson Co., Inc. Mid Atlantic Storage Systems, Inc. Midwestern Engineers, Inc. Oldcastle Infrastructure Ortman Drilling & Water Services Peerless-Midwest, Inc. Pittsburg Tank & Tower Group, Inc. Preload, LLC Strand Associates, Inc. SUEZ Advanced Solutions (Utility Service Co., Inc.) Triad Associates, Inc. Waller's Meter, Inc. Water Solutions Unlimited, Inc. Wessler Engineering

11 16 12 31 37 37 2 14 7 6 34 33 8 20 3 19 6 24 18 40 6 8 26 39 36 36 6 9

TELEPHONE

WEBSITE

205-325-7701 317-231-6500 317-849-5832 317-888-1177 317-745-6995 616-374-3221 800-357-2447 260-563-3171 317-896-3700 317-347-3650 765-288-8930 317-347-3663 419-473-9611 317-891-1136 800-255-1521 740-335-2019 812-295-2800 888-965-3227 765-459-4125 574-254-9050 270-826-9000 888-773-5623 812-372-9911 855-526-4413 317-377-5230 888-485-7018 800-359-3570 317-788-4551

www.american-usa.com www.arcadis.com www.b-l-n.com www.commonwealthengineers.com www.recurry.com www.dixonengineering.net www.ejprescott.com www.fordmeterbox.com www.grippinc.com www.grwinc.com www.hawkinsinc.com www.hwcengineering.com www.jheng.com www.kokosingindustrial.com www.mesimpson.com www.midatlanticstorage.com www.midwesterneng.com www.oldcastleinfrastructure.com www.ortmandrilling.com www.peerlessmidwest.com www.pttg.com www.preload.com www.strand.com www.utilityservice.com www.triadassoc.net www.wallersmeterinc.com www.getwsu.com www.wesslerengineering.com

NewsLEAKS To reach water quality professionals through News Leaks magazine and its targeted readership, contact Dave at your earliest convenience to discuss your company’s promotional plan.

Dave Gill, Marketing Manager Toll Free: 866-985-9791, david@kelman.ca

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global expertise delivered locally -

asset management steel & concrete tanks treatment plants pipes | meters

water quality in distribution systems

in-tank water mixers trihalomethane removal systems disinfectant residual control systems

smart metering services

Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) smart meters | managed services performance guarantees

CONTACT YOUR LOCAL WATER SYSTEM CONSULTANT Marc Hansen 855-526-4413 | ask@suez.com www.suez-na.com

An ISO 9001:2015 Quality Assured Company

An Employee Owned Company