a p u b l i c a t i o n o f t h e t e n n e s s e e a s s o c i a t i o n o f u t i l i t y d i s t r i c t s
second quarter 2020
∙
volume 34
Tennessee Utility News CRISIS RESPONSE ISSUE
utility spotlight
TEA MWO R K TRA G ED Y page 20
in
U N CE R T A IN M A IN T A INI NG O P E R A T IO NS T I ME S, L ES S O N S , a n d M O VIN G D UR I N G a C RI SI S page 45 FORWARD page 32
To the utility professionals working around the clock every day, ensuring Tennessee's access to safe, clean water...
WE SALUTE YOU! 2
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taud superboosters American Development Corp. Core & Main Cumberland Insurance Agency Next Generation Underwriters Rye Engineering, PLC ServLine Southeastern Tank, Inc. Tennessee Utility Assistance United Systems & Software Wascon, Inc. Wiley Bros.-Aintree Capital LLC
Badger Meter BAR Environmental Branstetter Stranch & Jennings Brenntag Midsouth C.I. Thornburg Co., Inc. Consolidated Pipe & Supply GRW Engineers, Inc. Jackson Thornton & Co., P.C. James C. Hailey & Co. Master Meter, Inc. McWane Ductile S & S Utility Sales, LLC Sherrard Roe Voigt & Harbison, PLC Smith Seckman Reid, Inc. Southern Sales Co./Tencarva Tennessee 811 Utility Solutions & Automation W & W Engineering, LLC Xylem, Inc.
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s i lv e r g o l d
p l at i n u m d i a m o n d
Superboosters are Associate Members that provide sponsorship for TAUD conferences, special events and more...
ECO-TECH, Inc. John Bouchard & Sons Company M&H/Kennedy Valve McGill Associates, P.A. OHM Advisors
American Utility Contractors Carter & VerPlanck Ferguson Waterworks Industrial Plastic Works Insituform Technologies Kazmier & Associates, Inc. Kentucky Glass Lined Tank Systems Magnolia River Services Pay N Seconds Southern Pipe & Supply Stringfellow Inc. USDA Rural Development Veteran Management Services WK Dickson & Co., Inc.
3
v ifor tal tennessee's
2019/2020
board
of
pa t r i l e y
president
Gibson County Utility District
nick newman
vice president
Memphis Light, Gas & Water
michael k. ada ms carter woodruff
A D M I N I S T R AT I V E bob freudenthal
executive director
bobfreudenthal@taud.org
secre tary
Water Authority of Dickson County treasurer
Consolidated Utility District
charlie anderson Bloomingdale Utility District
phillip combs
future
direc tors
penny funk
office director
pennyfunk@taud.org
beth hardiman
communications & member services manager
bethhardiman@taud.org ˚ 615.900.1014
va n e s s a s o l i s
publications & advertising
vanessasolis@taud.org ˚ 731.352.8256
carol mims
n rwa s tat e d i r e c to r
Alpha-Talbott Utility District
bruce giles
First Utility District of Knox County
drexel heidel
West Knox Utility District
michael johnson County Wide Utility District
a l l e n j o s ly n Big Creek Utility District j ay m u l l i n
bookkeeper
carolmims@taud.org ˚ 615.900.1013
melanie sain
accounting specialist
melaniesain@taud.org ˚ 615.900.1015
mark l. butler
finance
marklbutler@taud.org ˚ 615.557.5780
kirk smith
business development
kirksmith@taud.org ˚ 615.243.6490
donald l. scholes
general counsel
donscholes@taud.org ˚ 615.579.7569
larry lewis
government relations
larrylewis@taud.org ˚ 731 234.0360
kevin byrd
workforce development coordinator
kevinbyrd@taud.org ˚ 423 215.3720
Eastside Utility District
tim pelham
West Warren-Viola Utility District
freddie weston, jr. West Wilson Utility District
ernie milteer
T R A I N I N G S TAT I O N brent ogles
education director
brentogles@taud.org ˚ 615.556.6002
kevin gilliam
training specialist
kevingilliam@taud.org ˚ 931.636.1671
associate representative
M&H/Kennedy Valve
615.896.9022
7 :
615.898.8283
*
t a u d @t a u d . o r g
www.taud.org
allison stephens hite
education assistant
alistephens@taud.org ˚ 615.900.1000
CIRCUIT RIDERS tony wyatt
west tn field supervisor
tonywyatt@taud.org ˚ 731.415.9101
johnny walker
middle tn water circuit rider
johnnywalker@taud.org ˚ 931. 261.5826
adam hale
east tn water circuit rider
adamhale@taud.org ˚ 423.418.2283
michael keeton
energy efficiency technician
michaelkeeton@taud.org ˚ 865.660.6454
greg baker
groundwater specialist / it specialist
gregbaker@taud.org ˚ 731.225.5240
d e way n e c u l p e p p e r
senior wastewater technician
dewayneculpepper@taud.org ˚ 931.607.6981
ethan carter
wastewater technician
ethancarter@taud.org ˚ 731.676.1258
j.w. griffin
source water protection technician
j.w.griffin@taud.org ˚ 731.819.2679
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TENNESSEE UTILITY NEWS
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PROFESSIONALS
HIGH-SKILLED
Reduced Liability BACKUP STAFF
Flexibility
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Finders
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STAFFING On-site, Licensed Operators
Bart Downing Director of Business Development 816-387-3559 bdowning@alliancewater.com
DILIGENT
Learn about the benefits we can bring to your community!
Regulatory
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Gain More Control Over Daily Operations. Licensed, highly-skilled staff are key to operations. Alliance offers employment opportunities to all staff of partner communities, providing extensive training and advancement opportunities.
AllianceWater.com
welcome, T h ese m em b e r s j o i n ed th e A s soci at i o n i n th e fo u r th q ua r te r. SUPERBOOSTERS « SILVER « « GOLD « « « PLATINUM « « « « DIAMOND
associates: Harco Fittings J. Cumby Construction
Richland Industries Thornton, Musso & Bellemin
With nearly 700 members, TAUD is the source for utilities and industry enterprises to network, share knowledge and strengthen the water, wastewater & natural gas utilities in Tennessee.
j o i n t o d ay b y v i s i t i n g w w w . t a u d . o r g
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in this issue
T E AM W O R K
in
T R AGEDY
kevin gilliam & johnny walker
UNCERTA IN TIMES, LE SS ON S, a n d MOV IN G FORWA R D michael k . adams
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HOW C OV ID- 19 TAUG HT o u r C OMMUNITY t h e V A L U E o f EV ER YD AY H E ROE S chloe pool
MAINTAI NI NG O P E RA TI ONS DUR I NG a C RISIS chuck page
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al so feature d MEET OUR NEW STAFF introducing kevin byrd , ethan
carter , & adam hale
TAUD'S NEW APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM kevin byrd
COUNSEL'S CORNER: COVID-19: CHANGES TO BUSINESS AS USUAL don scholes
2020 TOURNAMENT TRAIL SCHEDULE
d e pa r t m e n t s NEW MEMBERS NEW MEMBERS EVENT CALENDAR CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS REGION MEETING NEWS ACTIVITY FEE CONTRIBUTORS TRAINING STATION SCHEDULE CONFERENCE REGISTRATION SPOT
THE
DIFFERENCES
ADVERTISING
executive editor penny funk managing editor & art direction vanessa solis assistant editor beth hardiman image credits freepik . com The Tennessee Utility News is published quarterly by the Tennessee Association of Utility Districts. TAUD assumes no responsibility for opinions or statements of facts expressed by contributors. Advertisements & editorials do not represent official policies of the Association. The right to publish, edit or deny publishing & material submitted for publication is reserved by TAUD. To submit editorial or advertising content, or to update your mailing information, please e-mail Vanessa Solis at vanessasolis@taud.org.
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Can you find the frog hidden somewhere in the graphics or photos of this issue? Same size & color as shown here. Answer on page 59. Happy Hunting!
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the third annual
TUEC Raffle Proceeds from the raffle will benefit the TUEC Scholarship Program
3 Cash Prizes of
$2,000 will be awarded!
drawings held
09.22.20 at the Operator Expo
$5 8
per ticket
Tickets are available to purchase from any TAUD Circuit Rider or staff member. You may also purchase tickets by visiting our main office during normal business hours. Questions? Call (615) 896-9022 or visit www.taud.org.
Tickets will be available until 1:00pm on 9/22/20. You Tdo not have to be present to win! E N N E S S E E U T I L I T Y N E W S | w w w. t a u d . o r g
event calendar
conference & event details subject to change For the most current information or to register, please visit www.taud.org or call (615) 896-9022.
business of running a utility conference
AU G
6 hrs Operator/ TAP/ MUO/ Commissioner CE
Gatlinburg Convention Center Gatlinburg
12 14 thru
Register by July 24
operator expo 6 hrs Operator CE
SEP
22
James E. Ward Ag Center Lebanon
Register by Aug 28 2
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OCT
utility leadership conference 12 hrs Commissioner & TAP Credit
Gatlinburg Convention Center Gatlinburg
28 30 thru
Register by Oct 16
cram sessions
N OV
2-5
6-12 hrs Operator CE
Knoxville & Murfreesboro
Register by Oct 16 Cram Session registration does not register you to take the exam!
register online
w w w.taud.org
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meet our new staff kevin byrd
w o r k f o r c e d e v e l o p m e n t c o o r d i n at o r
A native of Scott County, Kevin lives in Oneida, TN with his wife Sandra and their two sons, Tucker & Garrett. Kevin graduated from the University of Tennessee in 1989, majoring in special education. He received his Master’s Degree in instructional leadership from Tennessee Tech in 2002. Kevin's career in education began in 1989 with the Scott County School System as a special education resource teacher and high school football coach. He was with the Scott County System for twenty years serving as a classroom teacher, grant coordinator, coach and elementary school principal. In 2010, Kevin joined the Oneida Special School District as the principal of his alma mater, Oneida High School. He also served as principal for both the Oneida Middle School and the Oneida High School from 2013 to 2015.
ethan carter
wa s t e wat e r t e c h n i c i a n
pre-treatment sampling.
Ethan's journey into the wastewater treatment industry began in 2012 when he was hired as an uncertified operator for the City of Dyersburg's wastewater treatment plant. In November 2015, Ethan earned his Grade III Wastewater license and was promoted to Laboratory Analyst, running the lab and assisting in industrial
In May 2017 Ethan passed his Grade IV wastewater exam and in the fall of that year, began his postsecondary education journey at Dyersburg State Community College. After earning his Grade II Collection license in May of 2018, Ethan was promoted to Assistant Superintendent of the Dyersburg Wastewater Plant. Graduating from Dyersburg State in May of 2019 with Magna Cum Laude honors, Ethan then transferred to Middle Tennessee State University where, using his wastewater licenses, Ethan was awarded 30 credit hours towards a Bachelor of Science in Integrated Studies and will graduate in August. Ethan is a native of Dyersburg, Tennessee but will be relocating to Cookeville with his wife and 8-year-old daughter. In his spare time, Ethan enjoys playing music and has played guitar for 18 years.
Kevin says, "After thirty years in education I am honored to join TAUD and excited about this great opportunity to begin a new career and be part of a new program." 10
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adam hale
east tn circuit rider
Adam began working with TAUD in late 2019 as the East Tennessee Circuit Rider. Prior to joining the TAUD family, he worked as a water treatment operator for Bristol City Water System and Blountville Utility District. He currently holds Grade III Water Treatment and Grade II Distribution licenses. Adam is a 2005 graduate of Sullivan Central High School in Blountville, Tennessee where he still resides. In his spare time Adam enjoys playing sports and regularly participates in recreational softball, basketball, and bowling leagues.
September 14-16, 2020 Phoenix, AZ www.waterproconference.org
OPERATOR TRAINING NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE!
TAUD's Training Station has gone virtual! Visit taud.org to view a list of classes currently available. 2 ND Q UA R T E R
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knoxville tn skyline Š nathan c. fortner / wikimedia commons / cc-by-sa-3.0 / gfdl
conference highlights u t i l i t y t e ch n o lo gy
The 2020 Utility Technology Conference was held March 4-6 and featured a new location for 2020: the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Knoxville. Kicking off on Wednesday evening, attendees enjoyed a welcome reception sponsored by American Development Corporation, Rye Engineering, Southeastern Tank, and Wascon, Inc. In addition to a tasty buffet provided by the staff of the Crowne Plaza, attendees had the opportunity to experience several
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local restaurants and shops around the Market Street and Gay Street areas, located within walking distance of the host hotel. Knoxville is also home to Pellissippi State Community College- the hub of Tennessee's Water Quality Technology program. This vital program provides water and wastewater operators the opportunity to earn a degree while gaining practical, on-site OES experience.
TAUD had the pleasure of hosting several PSCC students at this year's conference. Students attended a Lunch & Learn session, sponsored by Tennessee Utility Professionals of Tomorrow (TUPT). The one hour Lunch & Learn session, presented by Gary Chesney and Matt Williamson of West Knox Utility District, was a packed room of young professionals learning about the startup of West Knox Utility District's Plant. The session
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The Tech Conference provides 12 hours of continuing education for all operator licenses, as well as professional development hours for engineers. Hot session topics this year included: Lead & Copper: Michigan's Story When Disaster Hits: Manual Operation of a Regional WRF Following Hurricane Florence
was approved for operator certification as well as professional development hours.Conference attendees collected over $1,000 for victims of the tornado that devastated Nashville, Mt. Juliet, and Cookeville the week of the conference. With a few donation matches from some generous associate members, TAUD was able to present a $4,500 check to the Putnam County Tornado Relief Fund. Our sincerest appreciation goes out to all those who donated.
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We would also like to thank all of our conference speakers and sponsors. Please make plans to join us next year for the 2021 Utility Technology Conference March 3-5 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Knoxville.
The Importance of Managing Trapped Air in Systems Mixing & Aeration Options in Wastewater Collection & Treatment TECTA Pathogen Detection Systems Using Specific Energy to Optimize Pumping Systems If you would like to submit a conference presentation for consideration, please contact Beth Hardiman at (615) 9001014 or by e-mail at bethhardiman@taud.org.
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region nine region eight
one
region
Region 1 did not meet during the first quarter.
region two 0 3 . 11 . 2 0 2 0
region leaders
Brad Brummitt
meeting location
Women's Basketball Hall of Fame in Knoxville attendance
82
s y s t e m s e n t e r i n g the best tasting water contest
South Blount Utility District, City of Maryville, Hallsdale Powell Utility District, Northeast Knox Utility District, Lenoir City Utilities Board, Alcoa Water System, Knox Chapman Utility District, First Utility District of Knox County, West Knox Utility District, and Tellico Area Services System
region eleven
region seven
region meetings Region meetings are held quarterly throughout the year and provide unique opportunities for networking with other utility professionals. Featured speakers present topics that are current, informative and beneficial to utilities and related industries. TAUD encourages you to be ‘in-the-know’ and get involved in your region.
contest judges
Knoxville Utilities Board CEO Gabriel Bolas, Robert Ramsey of TDEC, and Alice Eads of Southeast Bank contest winner
Alcoa Water System speakers
and
presenters
James Gibson of Consolidated Pipe & Supply, Steven Brand of Southeast Bank, Robert Ramsey of TDEC, Kirk Morris of USDA RD, Jerry Bobrasds of ETDD, and Bob Freudenthal, Kevin Gilliam, Kirk Smith, & Michael Keeton of TAUD. next meeting
TBA 14
PICTURED: REGION 2 BTWC WINNER & JUDGES (L-R) Gabriel Bolas, Russell Whitehead of Alcoa Water System, Robert Ramsey, & Alice Eads. TENNESSEE UTILITY NEWS
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region five
region three region four
region one
region two
region six
region ten
r e g i o n t h r e e // 0 3 .12 . 2 0 2 0 region leader
contest winner
meeting location
s p e a k e r s and presenters
Bryan Gipson
Museum of Appalachia in Clinton attendance
48
s y s t e m s e n t e r i n g the best tasting water contest
City of Maynardville, Norris Water Dept., Luttrell-BlaineCorryton Utility District, LaFollette Utilities, Clinton Utilities Board, and Town of Oliver Springs PICTURED: REGION 3 BTWC WINNER & JUDGES (L-R) Jim Warwick of Maynardville Utility District, Chuck Daniels, R yan Blake, & Robert Ramsey
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City of Maynardville
Ryan Blake & Angie Mettlen of WK Dickson Co., Joe Cyr of Graybar Electric, Robert Ramsey of TDEC; Kirk Morris of USDA RD and Bob Freudenthal, Michael Keeton, Johnny Walker, & Kirk Smith of TAUD. next meeting
TBA
contest judges
Chuck Daniels from Walter A. Wood Supply, Ryan Blake from WK Dickson Co., and Robert Ramsey of TDEC
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region meetings region four 0 2 .19. 2 0 2 0
region leaders
Buster Harmon & Anthony Pelham meeting location
Park Theater in McMinnville attendance
67
s y s t e m s e n t e r i n g the best tasting water contest
Crab Orchard Utility District, Crossville Water & Sewer, McMinnville Utilities, Jamestown Gas & Water, Byrdstown Water Department, Warren County Utility District, West Warren-Viola Utility District, and DeKalb Utility District contest judges
TAUD Board President Pat Riley, Ashley Richards of JR Wauford, and Josh Baker of McWane Ductile contest winner
PICTURED: REGION 4 BTWC WINNER & JUDGES (L-R) TAUD Board President Pat Riley, Chris Ramsey of Jamestown Gas & Water, Jamestown Mayor Lyndon Baines, Josh Baker, & Ashley Richards.
region leaders jeremy jones first utility district of hawkins co. louie stevens blountville utility district brad brummet first utility district of knox co.
Jamestown Gas & Water
bryan gipson lafollette utilities
speakers
buster harmon byrdstown water department anthony pelham city of mcminnville
and
presenters
Steve Bennett of Wascon, Nathaniel Green of James C. Hailey & Co., Jason Kooba of TN811, and Bob Freudenthal of TAUD. next meeting
TBA
for more info
c o n ta c t : larry lewis 7 3 1 . 2 3 4.0360 l a r r y l e w i s @ ta u d . o r g
michael clay west wilson utility district bruce trotter harpeth valley utilities district cathy dradt south giles utility district bill dunnill consolidated utility district lisa porter lawrenceburg utility systems michael johnson county wide utility district randy gregory city of dyer scott miller water authority of dickson co. tim lawson ocoee utility district allen joslyn big creek utility district chandrika winston memphis light, gas & water
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region five 0 2 .13 . 2 0 2 0
region leaders
Michael Clay & Bruce Trotter meeting location
Harpeth Valley Utilities District in Nashville attendance
55
speakers
and
presenters
Jason McGee & Mike Wetherington of ADC, Jim Melrose & Ernie Woody of NAFECO, Jason Kooba of TN811, and Bob Freudenthal & Larry Lewis of TAUD.
region six
next meeting
01. 2 2 . 2 0 2 0
Best Tasting Water Contest TBA
region leaders
Cathy Dradt & Bill Dunnill meeting location
ADC in Fayetteville attendance
70
speakers
and
presenters
Bert Gore of Suez, Brian Harstine of Servline, Jason Kooba of TN811, Will Pride of the Columbia EFO, and Bob Freudenthal, JW Griffin, Kirk Smith, & Larry Lewis of TAUD. Tennessee Department of Health South Central Oral Health Director Dr. Terri Colquitt awarded certifications for community fluoridation to Fayetteville Public Utilities, Duck River Utility Commission and Metro-Moore County Utility Department. next meeting PICTURED: TAUD Board President Pat Ri ley presents Cathy Dradt (South Giles Utility Distri ct) a Certificate of Appreciation for her service as TAUD Region 6 Leader. 2 ND Q UA R T E R
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Best Tasting Water Contest TBA
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region meetings
thank
you
region seven region leader
Lisa Porter
meeting location
King Pin Lanes in Lawrenceburg attendance
33
// 01. 0 8 . 2 0 2 0 speakers
and
presenters
Dustin Dowdy of Southeastern Tank, Jason Kooba of TN811, Joe Schmits of Bar Environmental, Will Pride of the Columbia EFO, and Bob Freudenthal of TAUD. next meeting
Best Tasting Water Contest TBA
region eight 01. 0 9. 2 0 2 0 Michael Johnson & Randy Gregory meeting location
Boyette's Dining Room in Tiptonville attendance
56
and
presenters
Massie Hughes of American Tank Maintenance, James Gibson of Consolidated Pipe and Supply, Jason Fryer of TN811, TAUD Board President Pat Riley, and Larry Lewis of TAUD.
region three Graybar Electric, WK Dickson Company, ADC, Wascon, McGill Associates, Jackson Morgan, DBR/Belzona, Brann & Whittemore, Barge Design Solutions, Walter A. Wood Supply, & Waypoint Analytical region four Wascon, James C. Hailey & Co., ADC, Badger Meters, C.I. Thornburg, JR Wauford & Co., McWane Ductile, Waypoint Analytical, Rye Engineering, Warren County Utility District, TN811, & West Warren-Viola Utility District
region leaders
speakers
region two Consolidated Pipe & Supply, Source Technologies, Southeast Bank, ADC, Wascon, McGill Associates, Divco Data, Jackson Morgan, Southeastern Tank, Walter A. Wood Supply, Mueller Co., Waypoint Analytical, DBR/ Belzona, LDA Engineering, The Trust Company, Barge Design Solutions, & Trilec
region nine Region 9 did not meet during the first quarter.
region five TN811, ADC, Southeastern Tank, Rye Engineering Waypoint Analytical, DBR/ Belzona, Hayes Pipe Supply, Core & Main, Walter A. Wood Supply, & McWane Ductile
next meeting
Best Tasting Water Contest TBA 18
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We wouldn't be able to do what we do without the continued support & generosity of our members. TAUD would like to thank the following members & local businesses for sponsoring our Region Meeting program & providing door prizes for attendees:
region six Suez ,ServLine, ADC, Spirits of Tennessee, Wascon, Hayes Pipe Supply, DBR/ Belzona, Aulick Chemicals, Southeastern Tank, Carus, Walter A. Wood Supply, TN811, & Rye Engineering region seven Southeastern Tank, Bar Environmental, ADC, Wascon, Filter Magic, Wauford, TN811, Rye Engineering, & Spirits of Tennessee. Lawrenceburg Utility Systems sponsored bowling after the meeting. region eight American Tank Maintenance, Consolidated Pipe & Supply, ADC, Wascon, G&C Supply, TN811, Rye Engineering, & Spirits of Tennessee region ten Waypoint Analytical, James C. Hailey & Co., ADC, Wascon, McGill Associates, Rye Engineering, JR Wauford, McWane Ductile, Walter A. Wood Supply, TN811, & AD Engineering region eleven Consolidated Pipe & Supply, Porter Associates, ADC, TN811, Badger Meter, Waypoint Analytical, Rye Engineering, Spirits of Tennessee
region ten 02.26.2020
region eleven 0 2 .12 . 2 0 2 0
region leaders
region leader
meeting location
meeting location
attendance
attendance
s y s t e m s e n t e r i n g the best tasting water contest
speakers
Tim Lawson & Allen Joslyn Eastside Utility District in Chattanooga 85
Chandrika Winston
MLGW Joyce M. Blackmon Training Center in Memphis 35
Etowah Utilities, Ocoee Utility District, Athens Utility Board, Eastside Utility District, and Hixson Utility District contest judges
Silverdale Baptist Academy Adventure Outdoor Group contest winner
Hixson Utility District
and
presenters
Michael Adams of Porter Associates, James Gibson of Consolidated Pipe & Supply, Mike Wetherington of ADC, Justin Taute gave an update on the NSF changes, Jason Fryer of TN811, Walt Downing of USDA RD, and Bob Freudenthal, Dewayne Culpepper, & Larry Lewis of TAUD next meetings
Best Tasting Water Contest TBA
s p e a k e r s and presenters
Ashley Morris & Stephen Skirus of Waypoint Analytical, Nathaniel Green of James C. Hailey & Co., Nick Olberg of Eastside Utility District, Kathy Quartermaine of TN811, and Bob Freudenthal, Kirk Smith, JW Griffin, Adam Hale, Kevin Gilliam, & Michael Keeton of TAUD.
PICTURED: Region 10 BTWC winners Jef f Elrod, Greg Butler, Joe Foster, Chris Roddy, & W ill Moore of Hixson Utility District and contest judges Silverdale Baptist Academy Adventure Outdoor Group.
next meeting
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teamwork in tragedy JOH N N Y W AL K E R & K E VI N G I LLIAM TAUD
How Double Springs & Cookeville Worked Swiftly to Repair System Leaks After Deadly Tornado
At approximately 1:52am on the morning of March 3, 2020, a deadly EF-4 tornado touched down and ravaged several neighborhoods in Putnam County, TN, particularly in the Double Springs Utility District service area. The tornado took several lives in this community and completely devastated a number of neighborhoods to rubble. After the tornado passed, residents were out checking on their neighbors, assessing if medical help was needed, and attempting to account for every person in the area. Double Springs utility personnel - Steve Redman, Caleb Mackie, Carl Knight, Robin Johnson, Jenifer Moore and Angie Byers - were out in the immediate aftermath making sure that the threat from their water utility, as well as other utilities, would not cause further harm to the citizens. Turning off electrical power and gas systems in these areas was top priority.
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The DSUD crew continued to work through the night into the morning hours of March 4, cutting off water services and looking for water main breaks. When TAUD’s Middle TN Circuit Rider Johnny Walker and Training Specialist Kevin Gilliam arrived at Double Springs that morning, they learned that the crew had made quite a bit of headway and already had a plan in action to stop the loss of water. As soon as the tornado left the area, the primary master meter feeding that section of the service area was dumping over 1,200 gallons of water per minute into their system and they reduced this to just over 700 gallons per minute. Utility personnel worked tirelessly throughout the day, cutting off valves at homes that had been destroyed, as well as branch lines. Johnny and Kevin spent the day working with DSUD employees Caleb Mackie and Steve Redman; offering ideas and advice, but primarily verifying and assisting to implement the plan DSUD had already laid out. By that afternoon, the problem was isolated to an area along Highway 70 that had been hit especially hard. At that point the crew was able to reduce the leak to around 600 gallons per minute, leaving only a minimal number of customers without water. The Cookeville Water Department sent personnel to assist in audibly searching for leaks, but excessive traffic noise hampered their efforts. It was decided to try again early the next morning when traffic would be lighter, giving Cookeville’s leak detection crew the best chance of hearing the leak. Their assistance was amazing to witness and they were able to effectively isolate the leak to approximately one half-mile stretch of Highway 70. PICTURED: (OPPOSITE) Stor m damage to the Double Springs Utility District of fice; (TOP) Steve Red man of Double Springs Utility District; (CENTER) Sunset & stor m debris along Highway 70; (BOTTOM) The crew works to remove debris from an area with a suspected leak
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In the pre-dawn hours, the team investigated an area of suspect where two large trees had been uprooted however; the listening device did not pick up any sounds that could be discerned as a leak. Efforts were then focused on the creek that flowed under Highway 70 and beside the Echo Valley Pool. With everyone involved beginning to think the leak could be in the creek, isolation valves were installed on both sides of the creek. The 6-inch main was an AC line installed in 1962. Cookeville’s crew worked expertly to excavate the main and install the valves. Since water was fed by the parent system from east and west, if the leak was in the creek, it could effectively be valved off and service quickly restored. Once the valves were installed, a trip to the master meter revealed the system was still losing approximately 600 GPM. The team pressed on and revisited the uprooted trees they had inspected earlier that morning. By climbing out onto the two fallen trees and looking through a small gap between them, water could be seen flowing into a broken down culvert going under the highway. A grab sample and a chlorine powder pillow showed the pink color all were hoping to see. The leak had been found! Working skillfully, the crew removed the debris, uncovered the line, and spliced in a section of PVC. Another trip to the master meter indicated normal flow. After many hours of effort, the situation was finally resolved! Once the leak was repaired, dead end lines were flushed, pressure was restored systemwide, and customers were visibly grateful to the Double Springs Utility District crew for their tireless efforts.
PICTURED: Cookeville Water Department's leak detection team (Richard Bur gess, Joey Short, and Todd Yount) working with Steve Redman of Double Springs to find and repair damage to DSUD's service lines.
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utility spotlight The following day, Kevin returned to the area to check on other water systems supplied by Cookeville Water Department. He assessed that the systems were doing well with minimal to no damage. Double Springs Utility District employees had been on the ground for many hours without sleep, and were all mentally and physically exhausted. Nevertheless, they worked relentlessly to slow the leaks and swiftly restore service to their customers. Our hats are off to all of you for your perseverance through such a very difficult time in your community. Now that some time has passed since this tragic event, we can reflect and see what we already knew; there are many wonderful people in the state of Tennessee and beyond. There were
hundreds of volunteers on the ground throughout the early stages of this disaster. While onsite assisting Double Springs, Johnny received several calls from water systems, some as far as 100 miles away, offering to send crews to help in any way that they could. It was so encouraging to see and is another excellent example of our systems helping each other in times of need. TAUD would like to recognize the many utility personnel that stood ready to assist. There were numerous calls from water systems that were just waiting for the call to action from the Double Springs crew. They would have come without hesitation to the aid of their utility family. We are all so blessed to have such a wonderful extended family in this utility industry- and Tennessee’s is one of the best!
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utility spotlight
t h e q ua r a n t e a m
how covid-19 taught our community the value of everyday heroes CH L OE POO L FIRS T UT ILIT Y D I ST R I C T O F K N OX COUNTY People easily overlook what we do. Amidst their chaotic lives, our customers often forget that the safe, clean water that comes to their taps requires tremendous planning and effort. Many of us spend our entire careers maintaining infrastructure, treating and reclaiming water, and building sustainable organizations that can continue these efforts long into the future. Without clean water, our communities would be drastically different. Civilization wouldn’t be possible.
“i
think sometimes people just expect to have water , and they may not realize the work we put in 24/7 for them to have it. we produce something that no one can live without.” chris smith , the quaranteam
In February, most of our community felt stable, dependable, and predictable. Only a few short weeks later, the world began to face the reality of 24
COVID-19’s rapid spread. The virus reached every corner of the globe, causing fear and confusion. Drastic changes happened at an alarming rate. As the virus spread, our customers’ focus changed. Non-essential concerns fell away. Across Tennessee, people asked, “What essential resources do I need in order to weather the coming weeks and months? Which people should comprise my essential community? What are essential services I can’t live without?” Staggering numbers of Tennesseans lost their jobs within days of “Stay at Home” orders taking effect. Many individuals called local and state politicians to ask about utility cut-off policies during the crisis, worried about their ability to pay bills and secure water supply. Others panicked and bought as much bottled water as possible, as if utilities might suddenly close their doors or produce unsafe water. This uncertainty and fear created a unique opportunity for utilities all over Tennessee.
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bill
jor dan
craig
chris
With so much fear surrounding essential resources, every member of the water community had a rare opportunity to demonstrate their dependability when it mattered most. Suddenly, communities weren’t taking water for granted. They weren’t taking us for granted. The staff at First Utility District began taking immediate action. We released statements on our website and social media assuring the public that we would rigorously abide by CDC and WHO recommendations. We eliminated any unnecessary risks to our personnel, including limiting person-to-person contact among our staff. We also developed our own internal precautions to further protect our team. The CDC and WHO released articles reassuring utilities of the effectiveness of traditional water treatment methods, eliminating a major concern for utilities across the state. Yet, as our staff considered all possible COVID-19 related risks, we recognized an additional threat to our water production. What if large swaths of our staff became sick or quarantined within the same time period? What if that happens at our water plant?
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“if
you run a risk analysis in a situation like this one regarding public health , your greatest risk is the loss of water plant operators to sickness or quarantine . you have to ask ‘how much risk am i willing to take ? and how much do i have to take ?’ when it came to our water plant, we chose to remove the risk .” bruce giles , general manager
As a team, we discussed the reality that we could only ensure the safety of our operators through a quarantine. Once we made that determination, we began a more in-depth discussion with the drinking water plant staff about volunteers for an indefinite lock down of the water plant, and they valiantly answered the call: Craig Mayes, Chris Smith, Bill Longworth, and Jordan Durham volunteered to
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m arcos
t r av i s
neal
On March 21st, the first shift of operators, later named “The QuaranTeam,” locked the gate to the water plant. They would end up quarantined until April 10th. Because of the QuaranTeam’s sacrifice, we now had a solution to our greatest staffing risk. Now, we simply had to craft a message that would provide the same assurance to the public.
be the first shift of quarantined operators. Travis Nicely, Marcos Serrato and Neal House also volunteered and would eventually become the second shift of quarantined operators once we developed a more efficient COVID-19 testing method; after discussions with various contacts, our team would eventually determine a way to test for the virus and receive results within 24 hours.
“ the
heart of my decision to quarantine was based on how much uncertainty and fear of the unknown were being experienced around our community. i felt it was my responsibility to try in some small way to provide a sense of stability, letting the community know, hey, we are here , and we are going to do our best to make sure that nothing has changed. you can know that we will continue providing clean , safe drinking water.” craig mayes , the quaranteam 26
On March 25th, we shared the story of our quarantined operators on our First Utility District Facebook and Instagram pages. We hoped the story would reassure our customers. We did not expect the sheer magnitude of the response. Over the coming week, our community would share the story so many times that it would reach over 50,000 people across the United States and in countries around the world. Craig Mayes joked that he would have taken a better picture of the QuaranTeam if he knew how many people would see the photo. We received numerous Facebook messages asking how to send gifts and food to the team, which we politely refused. Why did this story strike such a nerve? At the end of the day, Craig, Chris, Bill and Jordan did far more than volunteer to be quarantined operators; they did more than provide us a compelling and reassuring message to share on social media. On an even deeper level, they gave us a human story that resonated with people from every walk of life. Our social media audience watched as Jordan Durham celebrated his birthday from a quarantined water plant. They saw photos of Craig Mayes and Bill Longworth enjoying morning coffee in front of SCADA monitors instead of at their kitchen tables. In so many ways, the QuaranTeam reminded the public that real people make substantial sacrifices to create the stability and security our community experiences every day.
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Crises are devastating on so many levels. We grieve the health implications, the loss of life, the economic difficulties, and so much more. Yet, crises also allow our frontline men and women the opportunity to develop deeper trust in communities simply by doing the same, reliable work they do every single day.
“seeing
the support that everyone gave us was incredible . especially for me , spending my birthday at the water plant and just seeing all the comments from the community along with the celebration that f. u. d. planned made me realize that people really do appreciate what we do here .” jordan durham , the quaranteam
doing whatever they had to do to protect public health. As utility professionals, we know it’s our job to make these sacrifices when necessary. The crisis allowed our community to finally notice that level of dedication. After so much uncertainty, our customers and so many others outside of our community grasped onto a story that assured them that at least one essential resource, their water supply, was safe. They connected with a story that proved, even amidst so much uncertainty, that they could trust individuals like the QuaranTeam to protect them. While this is business as usual for the QuaranTeam and every single member of our First Utility District staff, because of the COVID-19 crisis… This time, people noticed the ordinary.
Our community responded so overwhelmingly to the story of the QuaranTeam because life slowed down enough for people to notice our ordinary team
tn utility assistance Tennessee Utility Assistance, LLC (TUA) provides the following services for Tennessee’s water, sewer, & natural gas utilities:
www.tnutility.org
Cross Connection Control Management GIS/GPS Mapping Services Municipal Advisory Services Accounting/Bookkeeping Services Utility Rate Reviews Annual Budget/Audit Preparation Assistance Capital Asset Plan Preparation UMRB & WWFB Order Compliance For more information, please contact: Brent Ogles, Cross Connection Control (615) 556-6002 / brentogles@tnutility.org Mark L. Butler, Municipal Advisor (615) 557-5780 / marklbutler@tnutility.org Melanie Sain, Accounting Specialist (615) 900-1015 / melaniesain@tnutility.org
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introducing taud's apprenticeship program KE VIN BYRD TAUD
TAUD provides many types of support to utilities across Tennessee. Additionally, the association seeks to identify and address present and future utility needs. Forms of intervention and support include technical support, training, funding resources and many more. One such need identified need is the ever-growing departure of certified water and wastewater operations specialists and the challenge to replace those employees with new, certified personnel. Retirement is one of the most prevelant reasons for the loss of certified specialists. Many
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utilities are experiencing issue and are often faced with trying to replace these specialists with very limited budgets. TAUD has seen the problem and is committed to helping Tennessee overcome this issue. We began the process of addressing the need for more certified operations specialists by applying to the Federal Department of Labor (DOL) for a certified apprenticeship program. DOL apprenticeship certification is recognized nationally and offers many opportunities for those who acquire it. The development of
this program will be the first of its kind for Tennessee and joins 28 other states who have or are in the process of starting an apprenticeship program for water/ wastewater certification. TAUD proposes to bring awareness to the vast career opportunities available in the water/wastewater industry. The initiative will include a preapprenticeship program that targets high school students and we will offer information through industry publications. The program will solicit industry experts to visit classrooms and discuss job opportunities, wages,
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prerequisite education courses needed, and other general information that is helpful to the students. Advising students about their need to take certain high school courses will be available. Teachers will have an opportunity to learn about the industry and include that information when discussing the relevance and importance of high school coursework. TAUD personnel will be available to offer in-class, hands-on activities that allow students to get a more in-depth understanding of the types of skill needed to perform in the water industry. The program will emphasize science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Additionally, students will have an opportunity to visit actual water/wastewater facilities and the various areas of a treatment plant, talk with the employees, see how the plant “works,� and get a better understanding of the day-to-day operations. The program will strive to encourage diversity among the students who show interest. Females, who are traditionally underrepresented in this industry, will be encouraged to participate and discover that the industry offers many career opportunities for them. The pre-apprenticeship program’s goal is to increase the
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awareness of jobs in the water/ wastewater industry and to begin to prepare students sooner for those jobs. Students who show an interest in continuing beyond the pre-apprenticeship activities will have an opportunity to join the TAUD Apprentice Program. This advanced program will prepare apprentices to become certified water and wastewater operations specialists. These apprentices will enter into an agreement with TAUD to complete specified hours of coursework while gaining on-the-job experience with a water or wastewater facility. They will work full-time at a utility system under the mentorship of the facility operator. The apprentices will learn about every aspect of the facility operation. They will experience basic, entry-level jobs
up to the responsibilities of the operator. Apprentices will be paid on a graduated pay scale that rewards their completion of required coursework and evaluations of the participating mentor. They will participate
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in planning and initiating projects, evaluating and upgrading existing equipment, reading meters, accounting involved in the facility operation, and a host of other pertinent responsibilities found at water/wastewater facilities. Apprentices will have responsibilities and expectations to meet as an employee of the utility. This part of the apprenticeship will allow the apprentices to apply the knowledge they get from the TAUD curriculum. Apprentices will attend and satisfactorily complete coursework specifically designed to give them the necessary knowledge to apply on the job and to pass the required exams for certification. TAUD has brought together experts in the field to deliver this curriculum. These TAUD instructors will offer the courses in an online setting and will also travel to regional sites for on-site instruction. The interactive courses give the apprentices opportunities to ask questions, respond to the instructor, and participate with other apprentices. TAUD will partner with other education organizations to offer general knowledge courses that support the Association's curriculum. Organizations such as Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology (TCAT) and other Tennessee community colleges can provide courses in the apprentices’ communities. These partnerships will make the delivery of the curriculum easier for the apprentice to access the coursework and help ensure their success.
Additionally, TAUD instructors are committed to the success of their students and will provide individual oversight to those in their classes. They will utilize teaching strategies that will address all apprentice learning styles. TAUD will provide a workforce development coordinator to oversee the apprenticeship program. This coordinator will work with water/wastewater facilities across the state to partner with TAUD and hire apprentices, develop partnerships with community colleges and TCAT to provide coursework, and will oversee the day-to-day needs of the apprenticeship. The coordinator will ensure compliance of the program with all federal and state requirements. TAUD’s goal is to address the identified need in Tennessee. As trained workforce retires, there is a need to replace with a supply of certified specialists. TAUD has put together a unique workforce development program that encompasses every opportunity for individuals entering the water industry.
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Pellissippi State Community College Can I work full time? Yes. The Water Quality Technology cohort program is specifically designed for people working full-time, offering a mix of traditional evening classes, some fasttrack classes that may be completed in 5, 7 or 10 weeks and some online courses.
What is Prior Learning Assessment? Through Prior Learning Assessment, you may be able to earn academic credit for the knowledge you gained outside a traditional academic environment. Credit may be earned for life experiences, a former career, employee training, military service, independent study or even volunteer work.
Water Quality Technology Cohorts What is a cohort? A cohort is a group of students following the same schedule and progressing through a degree program together. A cohort schedule follows a predetermined course sequence and class schedule, so the students and faculty know the time and date of each class, from beginning to end of the program. Accelerated pathway cohorts serve an additional role, allowing part-time students to earn a degree more quickly, thanks to shorter-length courses. Peer support is invaluable whether you’re tackling a new concept or trying to complete a degree. Working together and earning a degree together is a win-win for everyone.
Water Quality Technology Program Schedule, Spring 2020: • WTRQ 1001 - Orientation to Water Operations
How do I apply? 1. Complete Pellissippi State admission application at www.pstcc.edu/admissions 2. Complete 2019/2020 FAFSA at fafsa.ed.gov 3. Complete TN Reconnect application at www.tnreconnect.gov 4. Contact Brock Evans to register for cohort advising or any questions you might have.
What about Certifications? Classroom instructional materials align with those used for state-level certifications, so graduates from this program will be prepared for state-level certification in water and wastewater treatment operations. Once the student passes the exam, they become certified operators in water treatment or wastewater treatment.
Contact: Brock Evans Btevans@pstcc.edu 865.226.9245
• WTRQ 1210 - Regulations & Compliance • WTRQ 1410 - Water Facilities & Maintenance
This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 1800789. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.
PSCC 319120625
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utility spotlight
uncertain times, lessons, and moving forward MI CH A E L K . A DA M S WAT ER A UT HO R I T Y O F D I C K S ON COUNTY COVID-19, pandemic, social distancing, stay and shelter orders are all every day phrases and concepts now, but were totally foreign to most Americans only a few weeks ago. In a matter of days the country’s economy has gone from historical highs with record low unemployment to mass layoffs, business closures, surging unemployment and another $5 trillion dollars tacked onto the national debt through deficit stimulus spending in an attempt to stabilize a possible freefall in the economy. Though downturns are typical and cyclical, to change direction and momentum so quickly is truly unprecedented. Uncertainty and fear consume our communities with concerns of health and economic instability.
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Water Authority of Dickson County (WADC), like other utilities, is reacting, adapting, and adjusting to constantly-changing circumstances. Managers focus on maintaining service to their communities, while attempting to keep staff healthy and sustain some sort of sanity. What measures can be taken to minimize staff exposure? How do we exercise empathy to our customers affected by this invisible threat while maintaining fiscal responsibility? What will be the extent and full impact of this ordeal to our financials? So many questions, so many concerns. As we navigate through these challenges, there are many lessons to be learned along the
way by individuals, businesses, government, as well as local, state and national leaders.
appreciation
We should learn appreciation. Americans have enjoyed the highest standard of living. Despite all issues, America has the best health care system, the most abundant food supply, the finest homes, the greatest personal freedoms and the broadest wealth per capita than any nation in history.
fiscal discipline
We should learn fiscal discipline. From 1999 through 2001, the federal government had a surplus of annual revenue after federal expenditures. Remember the “lockbox” discussions in the Gore and Bush presidential debates?
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Since that time the national debt has exponentially increased from $5 trillion to $24 trillion. The lack of fiscal discipline exercised over the last 20 years is profoundly irresponsible. Recent data also shows that a majority of Americans have little savings and essentially live paycheck to paycheck. To prepare for, better manage and sustain during uncertain times and economic downturns, we all must be better stewards of PICTURED: WADC Board Members (L-R) Todd Murphy, Bird our money and with what has Ar mstrong, Chair man Kyle Ruf, Don Weiss, Jr and Darrell James been entrusted. numerous selfless acts are bills through this act of loving our being done within our local neighbors. purpose communities by our utility family. WADC also has a program Perhaps the most important where customers may divert lesson is purpose. In Matthew At WADC each of the five Board extra payment on their water 22:36-40 Jesus was asked, of Commissioners has directed bills to the local help center for “Teacher which is the greatest their $200 monthly per diem the purpose of assisting others commandment in the Law?” Jesus be paid to the Dickson County with water bills. Many WADC replied “Love your God with Help Center (pictured below) to customers support and love their all your heart, soul and mind.” assist those who are struggling neighbors through this program. He continued with, “And the with paying their water bills. second is to Love your neighbor Consider the local impact to 25 Anticipating a surge of COVID as yourself. All the Law hangs to 30 families each month, who cases and the possible infection on these two commandments”. are now able to pay their water of staff, WADC management With respect to Jesus’ commands, began discussing measures to ensure water tanks stay full and customer confidence remain high. Understanding how skillspecific running a water plant is and how limited competent operators are, staff determined that extreme measures should be taken and these extra precautions were warranted. When the first case was diagnosed within our service area, four plant operators volunteered to be sequestered at two of WADC’s three
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PICTURED: Jef f Allen (left) & Water Treatment Division Manager Jimmy Murphy in front of WADC’s Tur nbull Water Treatment Plant. They, along with Josh Cox & Caleb W ilson (not pictured) volunteered to remain quarantined at the plant for two weeks.
familiar now), the sequestering of the plants ended after the first 14-day shift. Subsequently, plant operators are now isolated while working shifts solo at all six WADC water and wastewater treatment facilities.
water treatment plants. The quarantine of the plants required two operators be onsite for a continuous 14-day lockdown of the plant. They operated the plants 24 hours a day, alternated sleeping times, prepared meals,
and sacrificed comfort and time away from their families. Another example of a selfless dedication by WADC water plant operators. As the local “curve” appeared to “flatten” (more terms all too
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From natural disasters, such as the floods of 2010 and the recent tornadoes, to personal tragedies within the TAUD family, the TAUD staff, utility members and associate members always step up to offer support and love to our neighbors. Over the years, WADC has been on both ends of this support, providing and receiving from attending the funeral for a lost loved one to loaning pumps and generators. Utility personnel are exceptional at what they do and exhibit tremendous character in times of crisis. It is a blessing to witness selfless acts during times such as these. Our hope is not in any political movement or a government, but in the faith of a Savior, His example and command for us to love one another. If we all loved our neighbors like ourselves, most any issue could be overcome, even the challenges of a global pandemic.
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TENNESSEE
UTILITY PROFESSIONALS
of T O M O R R O W
Who We Are
The TAUD Tennessee Utility Professionals of Tomorrow is defined as any person between the ages of 25-45, or new to the water industry (within the last 10 years). Persons that best fit this group are those that are currently in a leadership position (or will be in the future) with a utility or outside agency. Members of TUPT work at water or wastewater plants, utility offices, engineering firms, regulatory agencies, manufacturers, educational institutions, sales firms, and more.
VO LU M E 3 4 35 For more|information, contact: JW Griffin 731.819.2679 | justingriffin@taud.org
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c o u n s e l' s c o r n e r
The coronavirus outbreak in the United States has caused substantial changes to business as usual for many industries, including public utilities. The following updates summarize some changes which relate to utility districts, utility authorities, as well as municipal and county water systems in Tennessee.
covid -19:
changes business as usual DO N S CH O L E S TAU D
legal right of utilities to continue terminate service to to for non-payment
TAUD has received several calls and emails regarding whether utility districts, utility authorities, and municipal and county utility systems can or should suspend the termination of utility service for non-payment during the COVID-19 crisis. This issue has been the subject of media stories in Tennessee. Calls have been made to state legislators and the Comptroller’s office about water and wastewater utilities which have continued to terminate services for non-payment. The following information describes the legal authority of utilities in Tennessee to continue to terminate utility service for non-payment and will describe the issues which may arise or need to be considered when a utility decides to suspend the termination of utility service for nonpayment. • To date, the Governor has issued no directive in any Executive Order which prohibits a public utility from terminating utility service for nonpayment due to the COVID-19 crisis. • On March 31, 2020, the Tennessee Public Utility Commission (TPUC) issued an Order which prohibits public utilities
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regulated by TPUC from disconnecting natural gas, electric, water, or wastewater service to any customer for reason of nonpayment during the course of Governor Bill Lee’s March 12, 2020 declaration of a public health emergency related to the COVID-19 virus. This prohibition will continue throughout the length of the State of Tennessee’s public health emergency declaration, including any future extensions, until the declaration expires or is lifted. • This TPUC Order does not apply to a public utility which is not subject to regulation by TPUC. • Therefore, utility districts, utility authorities and municipal and county utility systems continue to have the legal right to terminate utility service for non-payment under their existing rules, regulations and policies.
reasons for considering the suspension of utility service terminations
• The substantial number of job losses and the economic hardship of many businesses in Tennessee due to the coronavirus outbreak are making it more difficult for residential and commercial customers to pay their bills, including their utility bills. Substantial reasons exist for public utilities to suspend the termination of utility services for non-payment in light of the vital role public utility services play in the ability of Tennessee citizens and businesses to cope with the unprecedented challenges of the coronavirus outbreak. Whether to suspend the termination of utility services for nonpayment and the terms and conditions under which such suspensions will occur is a decision for each utility district, utility authority, municipal utility, or county utility to make for itself.
• Customers need access to clean drinking water, need to be able to practice good hygiene by washing their hands frequently, and need water for proper medical treatment. • Residential customers must have water, sewer, natural gas and electricity available at home to comply with Governor Lee’s safer at home directive in Executive Order No. 22. This Order will remain in effect until April 14, 2020, but will probably be extended. • President Trump’s Coronavirus Guidelines for America which have been extended through April 30, 2020, include the following precautions, among others: 1. Working from home whenever possible; and, 2. Practicing good personal hygiene, including washing hands, especially after touching any frequently used item or surface, avoiding touching the face, and disinfecting frequently used items and surfaces as much as possible.
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factors to consider in deciding whether to suspend the termination of service for non-payment
• The length of time the utility will suspend service terminations (15 days; 30 days; through April 30 or May 31; as long as Governor Lee’s safer at home order remains in place) • Whether to waive late payment penalties or service reconnection fees • The potential loss of revenue which the utility will experience should it decide to suspend service terminations for nonpayment and waive such fees • The amount of cash reserves the utility has available and is willing to use to meet on-going operating expenses and debt payments when monthly revenues may not be sufficient to cover these expenses and payments • The suspension of service terminations implemented by neighboring utilities • Whether to condition the suspension of service terminations on the customer paying a portion of the monthly bill, such the monthly minimum bill amount or some other amount • The availability of charities, religious organizations, or local assistance programs in the utility’s service area to assist with the payment of utility bills • How the utility will address the large account balances for customers whose services are not terminated for nonpayment due to the suspension of service terminations
Generally, the authority to decide whether to suspend utility service terminations for nonpayment and the terms and conditions under which such suspensions will be permitted rests with the utility’s governing board.
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TAUD will continue to monitor new Executive Orders issued by Governor Lee and any developments at the federal level which may affect the discretion of utilities to continue to terminate utility service for nonpayment. Any changes will be timely communicated to TAUD members.
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Women in Water is a professional networking group dedicated to women actively employed in the water and wastewater industry. Our mission is to develop and mentor young female professionals by facilitating their involvement on research and technical committees, engaging members in networking events, seeking additional opportunities for further education, and promoting the water and wastewater industry in local communities.
Contact Us! admin@womeninwater.us
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Women in Water is an initiative of the
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conducting utility board meetings with electronic access
On Friday, March 20, 2020, Governor Bill Lee issued Executive Order No. 16 which in essence authorizes the governing bodies of local government to have electronic board meetings through May 18, 2020.1 Later that same day, the Comptroller’s Office issued a Memorandum to give local governments guidance on the parameters and conditions for conducting an electronic board meeting by the governing body of a local government based upon Executive Order No. 16.2 On May 6, 2020, Governor Lee issued Executive Order No. 34 which extended the authorization for the governing bodies of local governments to have electronic board meetings through June 30, 2020.
The following describes these parameters and conditions for utility boards and to provide some practical ways to meet these requirements. 1. Members of a utility board may participate in a board meeting electronically when the utility board determines that that meeting electronically is necessary to protect the health, safety, and welfare of Tennesseans in light of the COVID-19 outbreak. 2. Public notice of the meeting should include a statement that the meeting will allow members to participate by electronic means. 3. If the utility board determines that the public should not be present at the physical location of the electronic meeting, then the board must make reasonable efforts to ensure that the public may access the meeting live via electronic means. The public notice of the meeting should state that the public will not have physical access to the meeting location and should include instructions about how the public may electronically access the meeting. 4. If the utility board determines that it cannot provide the public live access after making reasonable efforts, the board must make a clear audio or video recording of the meeting and make the recording available to the public as soon as practicable after the meeting, but no later than two business days after the meeting. 5. The meeting should be audible to the public at the location of the meeting specified in the notice of the meeting. 6. Each member participating electronically or otherwise should be able to hear each other simultaneously and speak to each other during the meeting. 7. Documents to be discussed at the meeting should be provided to members participating electronically prior to the meeting, to the extent doing so is practicable. 8. All votes at the meeting should be by roll call vote. 9. The board should make a determination on the record that meeting electronically is necessary to protect public health, safety, and welfare in light of the COVID19 outbreak and document this determination in the minutes of the board meeting conducted electronically. 10. A board member who participates electronically is deemed present for the purposes of establishing a quorum and voting, but is not entitled to receive the meeting per diem. 1 2
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https://publications.tnsosfiles.com/pub/execorders/exec-orders-lee16.pdf https://comptroller.tn.gov/content/dam/cot/lg f/documents/budgets/COVID19LocalGovernmentGuidanceRev.pdf TENNESSEE UTILITY NEWS
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public notice when electronic participation is permitted
suspect, no one is going to show up in most cases. If they do, the utility personnel present at the meeting location can make sure appropriate social distances are maintained among anyone who attends the meeting. Continuing to allow the public physical access to the meeting location relieves the utility of having to either: (1) give the public electronic access to the meeting and include instructions on how to have this electronic access in the public notice; or, (2) make an audio or video recording of the meeting.
If a utility district or other utility board is going to conduct a meeting in which board members will participate electronically, the utility cannot rely upon the date and time of the regular board meeting being printed on the back of the bill as sufficient public notice of the electronic meeting (which the utility should not rely upon anyway). The utility should publish a notice of the regular meeting in the local newspaper with the required language for an electronic meeting and include the required language in any methods the utility currently uses for public notice of board meetings (website, posting, etc.) Add the following language to the public notice you usually use for the utility’s regular board meeting: “Board members will be permitted to participate by electronic or other means.”
The General Manager, Superintendent or other senior management employee should be physically present at the utility office to set up the electronic meeting whether by teleconference or by online virtual meeting applications such as Zoom, Skype or other similar applications.
The utility may want to consider continuing to allow the public to have physical access to the location of the utility board meeting. In today’s environment, I
When the meeting is called to order, the board president or chairman should make a statement along these lines: “Board members are being permitted
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conducting the board meeting
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to participate in this meeting by electronic means to protect public health, safety, and welfare in light of the COVID-19 outbreak.� This statement should be included in the minutes of the board meeting. To the extent practicable, a board member attending a meeting electronically must be provided with any documents discussed or made available for the meeting. Votes must be taken by a roll call vote. This means the president or chairman must ask each commissioner or board member how he or she is voting on any motion offered during the meeting and must declare his or own vote on the motion rather than relying on a simultaneous yea or nay voice vote by all board members. Each board member participating electronically or otherwise should be able to hear each other simultaneously and speak to each other during
the meeting, and any members of the public present must be able to hear each member who is participating electronically.
payment of meeting per diem
When a board member participates in a meeting electronically, the board member is considered present for the purposes of meeting a quorum and voting. The board member is not entitled to receive the meeting per diem the member normally receives when he or she attends a board meeting in person.
other considerations
Of course, the utility board has the option to cancel a board meeting due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Cancellation of a meeting is a viable option when the board has business which can wait until the next regular monthly meeting to conduct.
Remember that Executive Order No. 16 only permits electronic meetings through May 18, 2020, unless that date is extended by Governor Lee for a longer period. At the time of publication, this Executive Order has been extended through June 30, 2020. The considerations in the Update are appropriate for the small boards of utility districts, utility authorities, and municipal and county utility boards. These considerations may not appropriate for the larger governing boards of municipalities and counties which may be the governing board of a water, sewer or natural gas utility. The governing boards of municipalities and counties should seek advice on having electronic meeting from their legal counsel.
questions?
c o n ta c t : don scholes 615.579.7569 d o n s c h o l e s @ ta u d . o r g
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TENNESSEE UTILITY NEWS
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Tennessee Utility News read the
online!
Read the latest issue or browse the archives at issuu.com/taud 2 ND Q UA R T E R
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TOGETHER
WE WIN Honoring water & wastewater employees across America
44
E N N E S S E E U T I L I T Y N E W S | w w w. t a u d . o r g 888.5 42 .85 61 • ADC- C HEM.COM • 8 21 WI L L I A M D. JTONE S B LV D. • FAY E T TE VI L LE, T N
maintaining operations during a crisis C H U CK P A G E A D C
Admit it. When you woke up Sunday morning March 8th, you complained to anyone that would listen about losing an hour of sleep as daylight saving time began. And if you're like me, you laid it on really thick to your co-workers Monday morning. What a burden we must bear! And then Thursday, March 12th slapped us in the face. We woke up and learned the World Health Organization had declared COVID19 a pandemic, and the NBA had suspended its season. And before the day was over, we’re told that Tom Hanks had tested positive for Coronavirus. Tom Hanks?! He brought Apollo 13 back to earth and survived on a deserted island for four years. Say it isn’t so! Who knew our world could change so quickly? Our day-to-day routine had changed overnight.
what we did
The Leadership Team at ADC met to review and activate our Business Continuity and Crisis Response plans. Our primary focus has always been to provide treatment chemicals to water and wastewater plants safely and efficiently. This now had to be done while navigating through the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic. We identified three critical components that were essential to our operation during this time of crisis.
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PICTURED: An employee wearing extra personal protection equipment fills a tote at ADC's facility in Fayetteville.
personal protection
Nothing is more important than the health of our customers and employees. Extra precautions were taken to minimize the potential spread of Coronavirus. We provided additional PPE and hand sanitizer to each employee. Our delivery drivers now clean & disinfect all of the touchpoints in their trucks daily. We increased the frequency of the cleaning and disinfection of our facility. Many of our employees started working from home. We instituted a "No Visitor"
45
policy at our office. Acting on recommendations from the CDC, a mask or cloth face covering was required to enter any part of ADC’s facility.
chemical supply
Another concern was maintaining a sufficient and uninterrupted supply of treatment chemicals. All of our chemicals are American made, many here in Tennessee. This proved to be a tremendous benefit throughout the pandemic. To accommodate the increased demand of our supply partners, we expanded our receiving hours. We also increased our inventory to levels more typical of the summer and fall months. Many customers requested additional capacity and/or increased delivery frequency.
information & communication
Knowledge is power. In the early stages of the pandemic, we were all afraid and confused. A bulletin board in our breakroom was dedicated to posting COVID-19 information for our employees. Clear, concise communication eased their fears and concerns.
The ADC Leadership team met daily throughout the pandemic to ensure we were making decisions based on the latest information and recommendations from the CDC and Tennessee Department of Health. We also monitored the Federal Motor Carrier Administration, Homeland Security and FEMA websites to make sure we were following their guidance.
Numerous utility districts and authorities reached out to us with supply concerns. We shared our pandemic plan with them; assuring them we were closely monitoring the situation. The water and wastewater plants in Tennessee play a critical role in maintaining the health and well-being of the communities they serve. Every member of the ADC team remains dedicated to ensuring these plants have the necessary chemicals, delivery systems and expertise to continue providing clean, reliable drinking water and efficient wastewater treatment.
Show your pride!
th 10 Anniversary Sport Fishing Dry-Fit Shirts limited availability Order Yours Today!
To commemorate the 10th season of fishing with TAUD, we are offering a Dry-Fit Long Sleeve Sport Fishing Angler shirt while supplies last.
$20 while supplies last
46
Sizes Available: Large, XL, 2XL Contact Chuck Page at (931) 703-4786 or chuck@adc-chem.com for details.
www.fishtaud.com TENNESSEE UTILITY NEWS
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2020
NE
W
DA TE
tournament Join us this fall as we celebrate the 10 trail anniversary of TAUD's Tournament Trail!
S!
th
East TN
cash prizes!
F R I D AY, O C T O B E R 2 ND Watts Barr Reservoir Lake Bass Challenge William B. Ladd Park & Boat Launch Powered by Southeastern Tank
West TN
F R I D AY, O C T O B E R 9 TH Kentucky Lake Bass Challenge
Paris Landing State Park & Marina Powered by American Development Corporation
Middle TN
F R I D AY, O C T O B E R 2 3 RD Old Hickory Lake Big Bass Challenge Bull Creek Recreation Area Powered by J.R. Wauford & Co.
Visit www.fishtaud.com for complete details
If you were registered for a Spring 2020 tournament & are unable to participate in the rescheduled tournament, you may request | VO LU M E 3 4 a full refund of your team’s registration fee. Contact Tournament Director Kirk Smith: 615.243.6490 / kirksmith@taud.org
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activity fee contributors These utility & associate members contributed to Activity Fees in support of TAUD’s legislative efforts. Activity Fees are vital in assisting the Association with its work lobbying on behalf of the utility industry. TAUD would like to recognize the voluntary support given by the following members:
a s soci ate m e m be rs alder & cox, inc. alliance water resources american development corporation bam2 inc. bar environmental, inc. bass, berry, and sims buchanan pump service and supply c.r. barger & sons, inc. cannon & cannon, inc. cdm smith cleary construction inc. columbia chrysler dodge jeep ram fiat consolidated pipe & supply co. core and main, lp cumberland machine co. fisher & arnold, inc. ford meter box company, inc. foxpe fulghum, macindoe & associates g & c supply company, inc. gresham smith & partners hawkins, inc. hmb professional engineers, inc. hsi, inc. hussey gay bell - nashville, llc icm inc. j.r. wauford & co. engineers jackson thornton & co., p.c. james c. hailey & company kazmier & associates, inc. ky/tn section awwa lda engineering m&h/kennedy valve mattern & craig mcwane ductile moore construction co., inc. mueller company nexbillpay next generation underwriters ohm advisors parker, lawrence, cantrell & smith performance contracting
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utility members
powell & meadows insurance agency precon corporation rocky top bg distributing rye engineering, plc s & s utility sales, llc sensus sherrard roe voigt & harbison smith contractors, inc. smith seckman reid, inc. southeastern tank, inc. southern sales co. - tencarva municipal stowers machinery corporation stringfellow, inc. tennessee 811 tennessee engineering group tennessee wastewater systems, inc. tlm associates, inc. trilec vermeer heartland - tennessee veteran management services w & w engineering, llc walter a. wood supply co. wascon, inc. wiley bros.-aintree capital llc wk dickson & co., inc.
25 utility district adamsville utilities allardt water works alpha-talbott utility district anderson county water authority baxter waterworks bedford county utility district bells utilities big creek utility district big sandy waterworks bloomingdale utility district blountville utility district bolivar water system bon aqua-lyles utility district bondecroft utility district bristol-bluff city utility district brownlow utility district cagle-fredonia utility district camden water & sewer carderview utility district carthage water department cedar grove utility district center grove-win. springs utility district centerville water & sewer chanute-pall mall utility district charlotte wastewater system cheatham co. water wastewater authority chuckey utility district citizens gas utility district clay gas utility district clifton gas & water department cold springs utility district consolidated utility district cordell hull utility district covington public works/utilities cowan board of public utilities crab orchard utility district crockett public utility district cross anchor utility district cumberland city water & sewer cumberland gap water & sewer decherd water system
TENNESSEE UTILITY NEWS
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utility members dekalb utility district dewhite utility district dowelltown-liberty water dupont dyersburg suburban consolidated ud east fork utility district eastside utility district elizabethton water utilities elk river utility district erin water system estill springs water system fall river road utility district first utility district of hardin county first utility district of hawkins county first utility district of knox county friendship utility department gallaway utilities gibson county municipal water district gibson county utility district gladeville utility district gleason water & wastewater glen hills utility district goodlettsville wastewater system gordonsville wastewater system grand junction water system grand valley lakes poa grandview utility district graysville water system greenbrier water system greeneville water commission griffith creek utility district h. b. & t. s. utility district hallsdale-powell utility district hamilton co. water & wastewater authority harbor utility district hardeman-fayette utility district harpeth valley utilities district harrogate utility department hartsville trousdale water & sewer dept. hendersonville utility district henning utilities hixson utility district hohenwald utilities holiday shores water service holston utility district horton highway utility district humphreys county utility district huntingdon water & sewer huntsville utility board huntsville utility district intermont utility district jackson county utility district jackson energy authority jamestown gas & water jefferson cocke county utility district jellico water system kimball sewer system kingston water & sewer knox chapman utility district lafollette utilities laguardo utility district lake county utility district lakeview utility district lauderdale county water system lawrenceburg utility systems lexington utilities lincoln county board of public utilities
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lincoln memorial university linden utilities livingston utilities luttrell-blaine-corryton utility district madison suburban utility district mallory valley utility district marshall county board of public utilities maury county board of public utilities mcewen water system mckenzie water commission memphis light gas water division metro-moore county utility department michie water system middle tn natural gas utility district middleton water system moccasin bend ww treatment plant monteagle rural utility district monterey water & wastewater moscow water department mosheim water & sewer department mt. carmel wastewater mt. pleasant water/ww/gas munford utilities new canton utility district new johnsonville water new market utility district niota waterworks nolensville/college grove utility district norris water commission north overton utility district north utility district of rhea county north west utility district northeast henry county utility district northeast knox utility district northeast lawrence utility district northwest dyersburg utility district northwest henry utility district o connor utility district oak ridge utility district oak ridge water system oakland water system obion utilities ocoee utility district old gainesboro road utility district old knoxville highway utility district oliver springs water department oneida water & wastewater department paris board of public utilities pegram wastewater system persia utility district plateau utility district pleasant view utility district poplar grove utility district portland utility system powell valley utility district quebeck-walling utility district ramer water department red boiling springs water reelfoot lake util/plan district reelfoot utility district of lake county ridgely waterworks ripley utility system river road utility district roane central utility district roane county wastewater rockwood water, wastewater, & gas rogersville water system
rossville water system russellville-whitesburg utility district rutherford water department rutledge waterworks department samburg utility district savannah valley utility district scotts hill water system second south cheatham utility district selmer utility division sevier county utility district sevierville water systems sewanee utility district shady grove utility district sharon water works smith utility district smyrna water system sneedville utility district south blount county utility district south bristol-weaver utility district south cumberland utility district south elizabethton utility district south giles utility district south paris coop water system south pittsburg water and gas south side utility district spring city water & sewer springfield water & sewer springville utility district surgoinsville utility district sweetwater utilities board sylvia-tn city-pond utility district tellico area services system tellico plains water & sewer tennessee water service thompsons station wastewater system toone water system tracy city public utility trezevant water & sewer troy water system tuckaleechee utility district tullahoma utilities authority unicoi county gas utility district unicoi water utility district vanleer water works waldens ridge utility district wartburg wastewater plant wartrace waterworks & sewerage watauga river regional water authority water authority of dickson county watertown water & sewer watts bar utility district west knox utility district west overton utility district west robertson water authority west stewart utility district west tn public utility district west warren-viola utility district west wilson utility district westmoreland water system white house utility district whiteville water & wastewater wilson county water authority winchester utilities woodbury water & sewer woodlawn utility district
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upcoming training
Classes listed occur while this issue is current. For more information or to register for any of these classes, please visit www.taud.org or call Ali Hite, Education Assistant, at (615) 900-1000.
BLOUNTVILLE
bl o unt v il l e u t il it y dist r ict of f ic e | 3 0 1 0 t n -1 2 6 7.9 7.23
Flagger Certification Course Disinfection By-Products
CHATTANOOGA
4 hrs. DS/CS 6 hrs. WT/DS
east si de u t il it y dist r ict | 3 0 1 8 h ic kory val l e y r d. 7.7 7.8** 7.21 8.20
Cross Connection Renewal Cross Connection Basic Disinfection By-Products Emergency Operations
6 hrs. 12 hrs. 6 hrs. 6 hrs.
Any Any WT/DS Any
CLARKSVILLE
c l ar k sv il l e g as & wat er | 2 2 1 5 m adison st.
Get complete information & register online at www.taud.org. Choose “Training”, then “List View”, or select a specific category: W A TER T R EA T M E N T D I STR I B UTIO N
7.1
Emergency Operations
6 hrs. Any
GATLINBURG
gat l i nb ur g conv en t ion c en t er | 2 3 4 h ist or ic n at ur e t r. 8.12** Business of Running a Utility Conference
6 hrs. Any
GRAY
johnson c it y f ir e h al l | 1 0 6 g ray com mon s c r. 7.1
Emergency Operations
6 hrs. Any
W A STEW AT E R C OL L E C TIO N CE R T I F I C A TI O N P R E P C ON F E R ENCE S B A C K F L OW TR A IN IN G SA F E T Y N A T UR A L G A S C OM M I S SI O N E R MU N I C I PA L UTI L I TY O F F ICIA L
JACKSON
jea t rain ing c en t er | 3 2 0 hw y 4 5 b y -pass 6.11 Arc Flash/Electrical Safety Training 6.29 Emergency Operations 7.28** Practical Math for Distribution Operators
6 hrs. Any 6 hrs. Any 6 hrs. DS
KNOXVILLE
k nox v i l l e u t il it ie s b oar d | 4 5 0 5 m iddl ebr o ok pk . 7.22
Disinfection By-Products
6 hrs. WT/DS
Fees vary depending on class
Members Non- Members 50
$85-$360 $90-$720 TENNESSEE UTILITY NEWS
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class length 2 days (*) 3 days (**) 4 days (***) 5 days (****)
questions? 615.900.1000
LENOIR CITY
l e noir c it y c ent er | 7698 c r e ek wo od par k blv d. 7.7 7.8 8.19
TOSHA Basic Safety for Utilities Flagger Certification Course Emergency Operations
6 hrs. Any 4 hrs. DS/CS 6 hrs. Any
*a l i s t e p h e n s @ t a u d . o r g
MARYVILLE
al coa wat er f ilt rat ion pl ant | 302 sa m ho u st on sc ho ol r d. 6.22**** Fundamentals of Water Distribution 8.4** Practical Math for Wastewater Operators
6 hrs. DS 12 hrs. WW
MURFREESBORO
taud t rain ing stat ion | 840 commer c ial ct.
6.17 Confined Space 6 hrs. Any 6.18 Trench Excavation Competent Person 6 hrs. DS/CS 6.19 Flagger Certification Course 4 hrs. DS/CS 6.23 Cross Connection Renewal 6 hrs. Any 6.24** Cross Connection Basic 12 hrs. Any 7.15 Disinfecton By-Products 6 hrs. WT/DS 7.14** Practical Math for Wastewater Operators 12 hrs. WW 7.20**** Fundamentals of Collection Systems 6 hrs. CS 7.27**** Fundamentals of Water Treatment 12 hrs. WT 8.5 Intro to Variable Speed/Frequency Drive 6 hrs. Any 8.18 Intro to Pumps & Motors 6 hrs. Any 8.19 Chemical Feed Pumps & Motors 6 hrs. Any 8.20 Emergency Pumps & Motors 6 hrs. Any 8.24**** Fundamentals of Wastewater Treatment 12 hrs. WW
due to covid -19, classes & locations are subject to change . Registrants will be notified should changes occur.
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the
business of running a
utility
conference
gatlinburg convention center · g at l i n b u r g , t n
234 h i s t o r i c n at u r e t r l
Held in the mountains of Gatlinburg, this is TAUD’s largest indoor conference! Offering Continuing Education sessions for both the administrative and operational sides of a utility, session topics are designed to ensure that attendees are kept as up-to-date as possible with regards to the latest regulations, technologies, and services available in our industry. One of the major highlights of this conference is the Exhibit Hall, where attendees have the opportunity to meet one-on-one with vendors and distributors and to network with other utility personnel.
r e g i s t r at i o n i n c l u d e s Two Breakfasts Lunch Member Reception Exhibit Hall Access to Top Industry Vendors 6 hours of Operator CE, Commissioner, TAP, & Municipal Utility Official Training Credit
REGISTRATION CHECK-IN
Check-in to receive your nametag, detailed Conference Guide & Event Schedule, Continuing Education information, and more!
weds., august 12
thurs., august 13
1:00 - 6:00pm 7:30 - 9:30am
questions? 615.896.9022 · taud@taud.org 52
EVENT SCHEDULE Six hours of Operator CE, TAP, Commissioner, & Municipal Utility Official training available!
TUES AUGUST 11
2:00 - 5:00 pm
vendor setup
WEDS AUGUST 12
8:00am 10:00am - 3:00pm 1:00 - 6:00pm 4:30 - 7:00pm
tupac golf tournament vendor setup registration opening reception & tupac silent auction
THURS AUGUST 13
7:30 - 9:30am 9:30 - 11:00am
continental breakfast
supersession, awards ceremony, best tasting water contest finals
11:30 - 1:00pm 1:00 - 4:00pm
lunch sessions
FRI AUGUST 14
7:00 - 8:30am 8:30 - 11:30am
breakfast sessions
HOTEL INFO
We encourage you to make reservations early as all accomodations are first come, first served.
& suites $94-$350 800.933.0777 blackbeargatlinburg.com
black bear inn
courtyard by marriot $149-$179 rate code: taur
865.436.2008
marriot.com
fairfield inn & suites $139-$149 865.436.9667 historic nature trail rate code: taur hospitalitysolutions.net/smokies hampton inn $149 865.436.4933 historic nature trail group code: tau hospitalitysolutions.net/smokies hampton inn parkway $129-159 865.436.4878 group code: taud19 hampton-inn.com/hi/gatlinburg hilton garden inn group code: taud19
$139-219
holiday inn express rate code: ilizp
call for rates 407.395.6623
margaritaville resort
$169
reagan resort inn group code: taud
$89
865.436.0048
gatlinburg.hgi.com
hiexpress.com
888.447.0222
margaritavilleresortgatlinburg.com
800.933.8674
reaganhotels.com
TENNESSEE UTILITY NEWS
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busi ne s s confe re nce u t i l i t y r e g i s t r at i o n
o r r e g i s t e r o n l i n e at w w w . ta u d . o r g
g at l i n b u r g c o n v e n t i o n c t r¡ g a t l i n b u r g
AUGUST
please make copies of this form for more than 3 registrants utility registrant 1
guest 1
registrant 2
guest 2
registrant 3
guest 3
mailing address
phone number s tat e
city
zip
r e g i s t r a t i o n f e e s taud members
Includes all technical sessions, meals & entrance into the Exhibit Hall
full conference (by july 24) full conference (after july 24)
non - members
Includes all technical sessions, meals & entrance into the Exhibit Hall
full conference (by july 24) full conference (after july 24)
$325 = $_______ $375 = $_______ $620 $725
= $_______ = $_______
one day only
Includes technical sessions, meals & entrance into the Exhibit Hall on Thursday
attending thursday only (by july 24) attending thursday only (after july 24)
$170 = $_______ $275 = $_______
spouse/guest meal registration thursday breakfast thursday lunch friday breakfast
______ x $20 ______ x $20 ______ x $20 total amount due:
= $_______ = $_______ = $_______ = $_______
payment information Please send payment information or check to: TAUD | P.O. Box 2529 | Murfreesboro, TN 37133 Fax: (615) 898-8283
payment enclosed
please invoice
e x p . d at e
card number s i g n at u r e
name on card billing address email for receipt
Please make checks payable to TAUD. If preferred, you may pay by Master Card, American Express, Discover or Visa. Only provide your credit card information on forms that are to be direct mailed or faxed. WE CANNOT ACCEPT credit card information on forms that are submitted via email, even if sent as an attachment. 2 ND Q UA R T E R
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busi ne s s confe re nce e x h i b i t o r r e g i s t r at i o n
o r r e g i s t e r o n l i n e at w w w . ta u d . o r g
g at l i n b u r g c o n v e n t i o n c e n t e r¡ g a t l i n b u r g
AUG
please make copies of this form for more than 4 registrants c o m pa n y registrant 1
r e g i s t r a n t 3 (additional $50 fee; see below)
registrant 2
r e g i s t r a n t 4 (additional $50 fee; see below)
mailing address s tat e
city
zip
phone number
registration fees taud members
additional r e g i s t r a n t s /b o o t h s
booth registration for two (by july 24) booth registration for two (after july 24) additional booth(s) attending only (no booth/exhibit) attendee list (available after the conference)
$675 ______ x $50 = $_______ $775 ______ x $50 = $_______ ______ x $250 = $_______ $375 = $_______ $100 *superboosters receive this at no charge = $_______
booth registration for two (by july 24) booth registration for two (after july 24) additional booth(s) attending only (no booth/exhibit) attendee list (available after the conference)
$1,200 ______ x $50 = $_______ $1,300 ______ x $50 = $_______ ______ x $250 = $_______ $600 = $_______ $200 = $_______
non - members
booth preference
Provide booth numbers in accordance with the Exhibit Hall layout on our website; choices are not guaranteed.
first choice:
second choice:
third choice:
booth item/service/sponsorship requests additional tables (registration includes one 6' table) additional chairs (registration includes two chairs) exhibit hall meal sponsorship (receive sponsorship recognition) exhibit hall door prize sponsorship (receive sponsorship recognition)
______ x $30 = $_______ ______ x $5 = $_______ $125 = $_______ $25 = $_______
spouse/guest meal registration thursday breakfast thursday lunch friday breakfast
______ x $20 ______ x $20 ______ x $20 total amount due:
= $_______ = $_______ = $_______ = $_______
payment information
Please send payment information or check to: TAUD | P.O. Box 2529 | Murfreesboro, TN 37133 Fax: (615) 898-8283
payment enclosed
e x p . d at e
card number name on card billing address
please invoice
amount due
s i g n at u r e zip
email for receipt
Please make checks payable to TAUD. If preferred, you may pay by Master Card, American Express, Discover or Visa. Only provide your credit card information on forms that are to be direct mailed or faxed. WE CANNOTT E ACCEPT on forms 54 N N E S Scredit E E U card T I L I Tinformation Y NEWS | w w wthat . t a uare d.org submitted via email, even if sent as an attachment.
advertiser index
Alliance Water Resources 5 American Development Corp. 44 C2RL Engineers 30 C.I. Thornburg 42 Joel B. Spaulding 10 McGill Associates 29 Pittsburg Tank & Tower Co. 37 Southeastern Tank Back Cover Tennessee Utility Assistance 27 United Systems & Software 34 Wascon, Inc. 23
Associate Members are welcome to advertise in any of TAUD's publications, including the Tennessee Utility News (TUN) magazine, the annual TAUD Membership Directory and Training Station Wall Calendar.
advertise with ta u d
A quarterly magazine, the TUN has an average annual circulation of over 20,000 recipients, consisting of readers in the water, wastewater and natural gas industries. This includes managers, operators, state legislators, rural and economic community development officials, as well as state and federal agencies. The TUN is also available to read on e-reader and tablet devices, via issuu.com. Two of TAUD's most valuable resources, the Membership Directory & Training Station Wall Calendar are published annually. While the Directory is only distributed to members of the Association, the Calendar is directly mailed to every active operator and utility in the state. By advertising in one, or all, of TAUD's publications, you're not only making an investment in your business, but also ensuring that your message directly reaches your target audience. For more information, please contact Vanessa Solis at (731) 352-8256 or by e-mail at vanessasolis@taud.org.
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operator SE PT expo j a m e s e . wa r d a g c e n t e r 945 e . b a d d o u r p k w y l e b a n o n , t n
OPE R AT OR INF O
Sept 21st Sept 22nd
3:00 - 5:00pm 7:30 - 8:25am
To receive Continuing Education credit, you must arrive no later than 8:30am cst, attend three demonstrations which apply to your license, as well as the Rules & Regulations Update, and submit a completed CE form after the last session. Everyone must attend the full day (8:30am-3:30pm) in order to receive CE. No partial credit will be given.
join us! ta u d ’ s b i g g e s t e v e n t of the y e a r !
Focusing on operators, plant supervisors and managers, this exhibition offers live demos and hands-on displays while also providing attendees an opportunity to meet vendors and learn about the latest services, supplies, tools, and equipment available to our industry today.
TUEC RAFFLE WIN $2K!
TAUD's third annual Tennessee Utility Education Corporation Raffle will be held during the Expo. Tickets are $5 each and are available to purchase from any TAUD staff member. Proceeds from this raffle help to fund the TUEC scholarship program.
3 CASH PRIZES
OF
$ 2 ,AWA 0 0R D0E D
WILL BE
See ad on page 8 of this issue for complete raffle details.
HOTEL INFO
We encourage you to make reservations early as room blocks will fill up quickly.
V E N DOR INFO
Sept 21st Sept 22nd
12:00 - 5:00pm 6:00 - 7:15am
TA U D R O O M B L O C K S
Rates include hot breakfast. Mention TAUD when booking to receive the discounted rate. comfort suites
$11949 (queen) 615.443.0027 $12949 (king)
holiday inn express $119
615.994.3225
OTHER AREA HOTELS Please call for rates & availability.
Registration for two includes a table (6') and two chairs at each booth. Access to water & electricity is available, however you must indicate if you need either on your registration form. Please bring your own hoses, extension cords & tablecloths, if desired, as booth tables are provided uncovered. 56
fairfield inn
laquinta inn sleep inn & suites
econo lodge days inn
hamptonT inn E N N& E S Ssuites E E U T ILITY NEWS
615.470.2224 615.470.1001 615.449.7005 615.444.1001 615.449.5781 | 615.443.3445 w w w. t a u d . o r g
o p e r ato r e x p o
j a m e s e wa r d a g c e n t e r · l e b a n o n
SE PTE MBE R
u t i l i t y r e g i s t r at i o n
o r r e g i s t e r o n l i n e at w w w . ta u d . o r g
please make copies of this form for more than 4 registrants
circle t - shirt size for each registrant t-shirts only guaranteed if registered by aug 28 registrant 1
registrant 2
registrant 3
registrant 4
S M L XL
2X
3X
S M L XL
2X
3X
S M L XL
2X
3X
S M L XL
2X
3X
u t i l i t y / c o m pa n y mailing address city
s tat e
utility phone number
zip
p o i n t o f c o n ta c t e - m a i l
registration feesn umber of registrants
total due
$85
(by june 30) x______
$________
$95
(by august 28) x______
$________
(after august 28) x______
$________
$125
all meals will require a ticket & you must be registered in order to receive meal tickets. no exceptions! payment information Please send payment information or check to: TAUD · P.O. Box 2529 · Murfreesboro, TN 37133 Fax: 615.898.8283
payment enclosed
e x p . d at e
card number
name on card
billing address
please invoice
amount due
s i g n at u r e
zip
email for receipt
Please make checks payable to TAUD. If preferred, you may pay by Master Card, American Express, Discover or Visa. Only provide your credit card information on forms that are to be direct mailed or faxed. WE CANNOT ACCEPT credit card information on forms that are submitted via email, even if sent as an attachment. 2 ND Q UA R T E R | VO L U M E 3 4 57 No refunds will be issued for this event. Substitutes are always welcome.
o p e r ato r e x p o
j a m e s e wa r d a g c e n t e r ¡ l e b a n o n
SE PTE MBE R
v e n d o r r e g i s t r at i o n
o r r e g i s t e r o n l i n e at w w w . ta u d . o r g
circle t - shirt size for each registrant
please make copies of this form for more than 4 registrants
t-shirts only guaranteed if registered by aug 28
registrant 1 registrant 2 r e g i s t r a n t 3 (additional $40/$45/$50 fee; see below) r e g i s t r a n t 4 (additional $40/$45/$50 fee; see below)
2X
3X
S M L XL
2X
3X
S M L XL
2X
3X
S M L XL
2X
3X
at t e n t i o n s u p e r b o o s t e r s !
c o m pa n y
Even if you do not owe booth fees for this event, you must register to guarantee your booth diamond p l at i n u m space!
mailing address city
S M L XL
s tat e
phone number
gold
zip
s i lv e r
r e g i s t r a t i o n f e e s additional fees taud members
booth registration for two (by auge 28) booth registration for two (after aug 28) attending only (no booth/exhibit)
$425 ______ x $40 = $_______ $525 ______ x $45 = $_______ $350 = $_______
booth registration for two (by aug 28) attending only (no booth/exhibit)
$775 ______ x $50 = $_______ $550 = $_______
non - members
booth item/service/sponsorship requests additional tables (registration includes one 6' table) outdoor area/large equipment display (no fee; indicate size needed) electricity - bring extension cords (no fee; check box if needed) water hookup - bring hoses (no fee; check box if needed) meal sponsorship t-shirt sponsorship (shirt sponsor requests must be received by aug 21)
______ x $10 = $_______ ___________ = $_______ $150 = $_______ $200 = $_______
total amount due:
= $_______
all meals will require a ticket & you must be registered in order to receive meal tickets.
payment information Please send payment information or check to: TAUD | P.O. Box 2529 | Murfreesboro, TN 37133 Fax: (615) 898-8283
payment enclosed
e x p . d at e
card number name on card billing address
please invoice
amount due
s i g n at u r e zip
email for receipt
Please make checks payable to TAUD. If preferred, you may pay by Master Card, American Express, Discover or Visa. Only provide your credit 58 card information on forms that are to be direct mailed or faxed. WE CANNOT ACCEPT T E N N Ecredit S S E E card U T I Linformation I T Y N E W Son|forms w wthat w . t are aud.org submitted via email, even if sent as an attachment. No refunds will be issued for this event. Substitutes are always welcome.
Find 10 differences between the original photo (top) and the altered photo (bottom).
game
spot the differences
og d f r 34! n i F page on 2 ND Q UA R T E R
|
VO LU M E 3 4
59
P.O. Box 2529 Murfreesboro, TN 37133 www.taud.org
HELPING H2O DELIVER ROI.
From Linden to Bristol and beyond, we find ways to preserve every penny while preserving every drop of water. When it comes to water storage, we have provided customers with creative, cost-efficient solutions for more than 40 years. From quote to build to routine inspection, we consistently find a way to ensure the highest standards for every tank and the water inside. Build a better tank, put more money in the bank. Call 615-466-5220 for a quote, or visit our website.
Where there’s water, we find a way. 60 Vesta Road • Lebanon, TN 37090 • p. 615.466.5220 • f. 615.466.5222 M U N I C I PA L WAT E R & WA S T E WAT E R
•
I N D U S T R I A L WAT E R , WA S T E WAT E R & F I R E P R O T E C T I O N
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D I S I N F E C T I O N B Y- P R O D U C T M A N A G E M E N T