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Acknowledging individual and system contributions to our very essential industry is a key function of PNCWA.

The PNCWA2015 Annual Conference Awards Banquet recognized many of our peers for their contributions to our profession and to our association. The conference tagline is "Building Professional Excellence in Water Quality" so the banquet is a fitting venue to acknowledge these people, facilities and programs.

Arthur Sidney Bedell Award (WEF–PNCWA Award) Kay Hust, Clark County Salmon Creek WWTP.

This award acknowledges extraordinary personal service to a WEF Member Association. Kay has been a WEF member since 1991 and has served PNCWA in many ways. She has been a leader and Section officer numerous times within her local PNCWA Section, Southwest Washington Operators Section. As a professional Certified Operator (WA Class IV Treatment and Operations Manager at Salmon Creek WWTP) she has been a steadfast supporter of WEF and PNCWA by actively encouraging and guiding her co-workers and individuals on her team to become PNCWA and WEF members and to participate in Section activities. She has served on the PNCWA Board of Directors as the Western Washington Regional Director and has served on numerous PNCWA Committees, notably the Plant and Operations Committee, and the Constitution & Bylaws Committee, and Water for People. She has helped plan workshops for the PNCWA Annual Conference, and often assisted in moderating sessions. Kay embodies the spirit of selfless service to her profession and the PNCWA.

George W. Burke, Jr. Award (WEF–PNCWA Award) Oak Lodge Sanitary District.
This award encourages active and effective safety programs in municipal and industrial wastewater facilities. Oak Lodge has 0 lost time and 0 reportable accidents. They hold monthly tailgate safety meetings where staff members rotate responsibility to select and present safety refresher topics. They also hold monthly safety committee meetings where all safety alerts are discussed, safety program ideas are developed, and recommendations to management are formalized. They have a three-tiered confined space classification that includes Permit Required Confined Spaces, Non-Permit Required Confined Spaces and Do Not Enter Confined Spaces. Having the three tiered program allows appropriate protections for risk exposures without creating excess work for employees. Oak Lodge recently developed a training calendar to remind management of scheduling needs to ensure they stay up to date with safety related training courses like crane safety, confined space entry, hazard communications, etc.

Laboratory Analyst Excellence Award (WEF–PNCWA Award) River Wan, Pierce County
This award recognizes outstanding performance, professionalism and contributions to the water quality analysis profession. River has been employed as a laboratory analyst at the Pierce County Chambers Creek WWTP since 1993. During his career he has routinely applied his comprehensive knowledge of the theory and practice of chemistry in developing analytical and process solutions. River worked closely over the last 4 years with the architects selected to design the recently constructed wastewater process control laboratory facility. The success of this facility in meeting the needs for process testing and providing space for planned expansion is due to River's knowledge of laboratory practices and efficient design. River recently worked with the Department of Health and FDA to conduct a detailed dye study of the wastewater outfall mixing and transport patterns. His knowledge of the process and practical applications of use of dyes and equipment was instrumental in the success of this project. This year, River designed and oversaw a comprehensive sampling program to collect representative samples from key wastewater processes, residential service areas, major industries and plant influent and effluent. This sampling was conducted to provide statistically valid data for evaluation of the local limits for industrial dischargers. River worked with the Department of Ecology regional pretreatment engineer to develop rigorous sampling protocols and comprehensive data on pollutants of concern. River improved the calculation of local limits and provided a technical justification for maintaining or modifying each of the existing limits.

William D. Hatfield Award (WEF–PNCWA Award) Casey Fisher, City of Coeur d’Alene
This award is presented to operators of wastewater treatment plants for outstanding performance and professionalism. Casey has been Chief Operator for the City of Coeur d’Alene ID for 23 years. Under very demanding construction schedules (at least 7 different contracts), Casey has endured and kept a very constrictive plant site from violation of its NPDES permit. Casey has always been professional, a great team member. There has not been one facet of operations that Casey has not made improvements on. Casey has endured the hazards of the lowest bid, conquered the time lag of technical specifications, finds solace in the fact that the “as-builts” are more “as-wishes”, and still offers his Chief Operator time to assist anyone who needs it.

WEF Distinguished Honors and Awards

WEF MS4 and Green Infrastructure AwardsCity of Tacoma, Washington

The first annual National Municipal Stormwater and Green Infrastructure Awards program, led by WEF in cooperation the EPA was established to recognize high-performing regulated Municipal Separate Stormwater Sewer Programs (MS4s). The award recognizes MS4 program leaders who seek new and innovative ways to meet and exceed regulatory requirements in a manner that is both technically effective as well as financially efficient. The City of Tacoma was recognized for its innovative approaches to municipal stormwater management

WEF Outstanding Young Water Environment Professional, Haley Falconer, City of Boise

Haley embodies every aspect of this award. Her contributions to WEF, WEF Committees, the House of Delegates and associated workgroups, PNCWA, the water environment, her profession, and to myriad communities she has worked in and with, are of the highest order. She just doesn’t show up. Haley has been out front, a visible example…an emissary in what it means to serve, to contribute, and to excel. She has been a member of WEF since 2006.

WEF Water Quality Improvement AwardRoseburg Urban Sanitary Authority The Roseburg Urban Sanitary Authority Natural Treatment System uses treatment wetlands and land application systems to significantly improve the water quality of the South Umpqua River to protect beneficial uses. The system increases dissolved oxygen; reduces phosphorus loads, pH, and temperature; and reduces ammonia, nitrate, and chlorine concentrations.

WEF Life Members
WEF members who have achieved 35 years of membership and the age of 65 are eligible for Life Membership. The following WEF/PNCWA members have attained Life Membership in 2015:
Craig Edlund
Alan Gregory
Richard Greiling
Thomas D. Hall
Adam Zabinski

Individual Distinguished Achievement Award (PNCWA Award) Steve Miles, Orenco Systems
This award is presented to an individual who has rendered distinguished service in the interest of pollution abatement, and who has contributed fundamentally and practically to the advancement of the industry. A former Oregon Regional Director on the PNCWA Board, Steve has continued to be involved in PNCWA and in his role as member of the Umpqua Basin Operator Section he has become a key link and an advocate for the best training and education possible in support of Operator Certification. He has volunteered at all levels….at the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality’s Operator Certification Advisory Committee, and within the UBOS Section and in coordination with Umpqua Community College to help make it happen. Steve will be the first to tell you it is a team effort, but Steve’s presence in the process and his steady and wise counsel is a benchmark in service and achievement in the furtherance of operator education, training and certification within the water quality profession.

Lyman Ketcham Award (PNCWA Award) Carrie Pak, Clean Water Services
This award is for outstanding contributions in the field of wastewater collection system maintenance and operation. Carrie is a civil engineer with over 26 years of technical management for public agencies and consulting engineering firms focused on water resource infrastructure engineering for public water utilities, including water resources, stormwater, and wastewater. She has managed public agency engineering, water quality, operations and maintenance, natural resources, and administrative staff. Carrie has managed complex technical projects such as stormwater and wastewater system master planning, wellhead/wellfield protection program, development and implementation of regulatory compliance programs. She has developed and implemented public works standards. Carrie has served on the ACWA Stormwater Committee; APWA Water Resources Committee and has been the chair of the PNCWA Collections System Committee and the Portland State University Civil and Environmental Engineering Advisory Council. She is currently the chair of the newly formed PNCWA Stormwater Committee.

Sustainability Award (PNCWA Award) Fernhill Wetland NTS, Clean Water Services, City of Forest Grove and Fernhill Wetlands Council
This award is for projects that showcase sustainable design elements. The Fernhill NTS project was developed to incorporate stakeholder concerns, focused on enhancing habitat, meeting water quality goals and improving human health. The result has been a planned and intentional transformation of an area adjacent to the Forest Grove Wastewater Treatment Facility from former sewage lagoons into a showcase for natural treatment of wastewater, enhanced habitat for wildlife and an amenity for the community.

Young Professional Award (PNCWA Award) Mark Cummings, Murray, Smith and Associates
This award recognizes a demonstrated contribution by a young professional to enhancing the activities of PNCWA, PNCWA Committees, and/or contributions to improvement in knowledge and performance in the water quality field. Mark has BS in Biological and Agricultural Engineering and an MS in Environmental Engineering from the University of Idaho and joined MSA in 2009. His experience includes collection system as well as water and wastewater treatment planning, modeling, design and construction support. Mark has been directly involved in the reinvigoration of the Boise regional PNCWA YP group as well as the very successful Monday Night Networking Night for the annual conference. He recently became the Chair of the PNWCA S&YP Committee.

Operators of the Year PNCWA Operator of the Year and Collections Operator of the Year Awards
Sections in Idaho, Oregon and Washington may nominate to their Region, an outstanding Treatment Plant Operator and an outstanding Collections System Operator to be recognized by PNCWA. The Region then chooses an operator or collection system operator as the winners of the PNCWA awards from the region. The award represents outstanding job performance of regular duties, and individual or collective accomplishments of an experimental, developmental or innovative nature.

Idaho Treatment Plant Operator of the Year
Justin Bloxham, City of Pocatello
Justin started working for the City of Pocatello in 2006 as a part time employee for the collection crew. In 2007 he was hired full time as an operator. In 2008 he passed his class I certification exam. Justin was eager to learn new procedures and always worked hard to become a better operator. In 2010 Justin passed his class II wastewater test with flying colors. Justin is always willing to help his fellow employees in whatever is needed and is an asset to the City of Pocatello.

Idaho Collections System Operator of the Year
Ronald O’Connor, City of Idaho Falls
Ron has the distinction of being the very first professional operator in the entire State of Idaho. He has worked for the Idaho Falls Wastewater Department for the past seven years and is currently the Senior Collections Equipment Operator. Ron teaches wastewater and water classes and currently has 14 CEU classes approved by Idaho Bureau of Licensing. He has served on the Southeast Idaho Operators Section leadership as Vice President, President, and is currently the Past President. Ron has expertise in the Idaho Bureau of Licensing (IBOL) water and wastewater licensure and CEU requirements. He is the go-to guy when there are questions regarding how to qualify for upgrading licensing. Ron always goes the extra mile at work. As the sewer inspection camera operator for the past two years, he has taught himself to repair the camera, drum, and tractor units saving the City of Idaho Falls many thousands of dollars in service and repair costs and also weeks of down-time.

Idaho Lab Analyst of the Year
Deana Smith
In addition to the treatment and collections operator of the year awards, Idaho also recognizes a lab analyst at the Idaho Operators Conference annually. Although there is not a similar award at the PNCWA level, we were happy to acknowledge 2015 recipient Deana Smith at the awards banquet.

Oregon Collections System Operator of the Year
Thomas S. Nigh, Roseburg Urban Sanitary Authority
Thomas started working for the Roseburg Urban Sanitary Authority in 2007 as collection maintenance I employee. In 2009 he was promoted to a lead man position supervising 6 operators in the collection crew. He has a hands on leadership style and a do it right the first time mentality. Thomas makes safety his number one priority, and emphasizes the importance of safety to his subordinates, peers and supervisors alike. Thomas was asked to construct the mitigation wetlands as part of Roseburg Urban Sanitary Authority’s award winning natural treatment system. He and his crew constructed the ponds, berms and weir for the wetlands, saving the agency over $100,000.

Western Washington Treatment Plant Operator of the Year
Rick Eaton, City of Aberdeen
After a university education and professional career elsewhere, Rick and his wife decided to return to their hometown of Aberdeen. Rick started working at the City of Aberdeen WWTP in 2010 as an operator in training. With rapid progression through the certification process, Rick secured his Group IV certification within 4 years. In his short career as an operator, Rick has considerable accomplishments. He negotiated the purchase and implemented the sewer department’s new equipment maintenance software, creating an efficient and cost-effective preventative maintenance system. He worked with the engineering department in adding layers to the city’s ARCGIS mapping software to mark service “T’s” within the collection system. Rick revised and implemented the Wastewater Laboratory QA/QC manual and wrote and implemented the public works-wide safety manual for the City of Aberdeen. Rick is an active participant in process control discussions and decision making. Outside his duties as an operator, he spends time procuring equipment, contract negotiation and project management for city projects.

Eastern Washington Collections Operator of the Year
Layne Soggie, City of Kennewick
Layne has been a member of the Wastewater Collections Department since 2003. Throughout his career he has served as the lead Vactor Operator, as well as the lead TV Inspections Operator. Since October of 2014 the utility has relied on Layne to perform above and beyond after the tragic loss of one of our operators, and the other operators moving on. For seven months, the Water Distribution Department provided assistance with little to no wastewater experience. Layne prioritized his work scope and created a work schedule that allowed the Wastewater Department to continue on its path of being proactive and meeting all maintenance deadlines; as a result of Layne’s devotion to duty and steadfast work ethics. We have recently become fully staffed and Layne has been working diligently in an effort to train two new Combination Cleaner (Vactor) Operators, as well as his assistant in the TV Van.

Eastern Washington Treatment Plant Operator of the Year
Devlan Pool, CH2M – Spokane County
Devlan started out in the construction of the Spokane County Regional Water Reclamation Facility as an Instrumentation and Controls Technician and transitioned to operations in the fall of 2011. Since then he has operated and maintained many complex mechanical systems and completed a number of facility innovations. Devlan has replaced blower cores in high speed turbo blowers when the manufacturer technician was not available. He became certified in gas conditioning skid and turbine maintenance to work on the Facility cogeneration system, decreasing equipment downtime. Throughout his career he has responded to the Facility in emergency situations and worked late into the night to make sure the Facility can continue operating. He is a “Jack of All Trades” with the grit and determination to solve any problem no matter how big and exemplifies the skill set of an increasingly demanding job field.

President's Award (PNCWA Award) Dr. James H. Milligan and Dr. A.T. Wallace, both from the University of Idaho Department of Civil Engineering.

Comments by Erik Coats, 2015 PNCWA President:

As one of my final acts as PNCWA President, I had the significant honor of recognizing two individuals who have made substantial contributions to our profession through the rigorous and demanding education of civil engineers. Those of you who attended the PNCWA2015 Awards Banquet know of whom I speak, but I wanted to share with all PNCWA members. Specifically, I recognized emeritus professors Dr. James H. Milligan and Dr. A.T. Wallace, both from the University of Idaho department of Civil Engineering. Both professors had long and illustrious careers educating future civil engineers at UI.

Many of us, including me, experienced the value of being educated on the principles and associated fundamental applications of hydraulics and wastewater treatment from Drs. Milligan and Wallace. Some may not have truly realized the significant value of such experiences until later in our careers – after the pain subsided a bit. After all, when we were living the experiences in the classroom, we may have been a bit more concerned about how damn difficult their courses, and their methods of instruction, were! But we survived and are MUCH better off because of our experiences with both these men.

Dr. Milligan taught us the principles and applications of hydraulics to the design of open channels, pipelines, pumps, and turbines. Dr. Milligan embraced an effective, yet arguably under-used, teaching approach – provide students with only some of the needed information to solve a problem, let them “fish” a bit as they work to develop a solution, then slowly reel them in with increasingly more information. Engineers synthesize solutions based on our “tool kits;” however, sometimes we need to leverage said kits to learn new information and expand our knowledge base – I believe that Dr. Milligan’s approach, at its core, helped students become better self-learners. I know that, in my career, the expertise I developed for the design of sewage pumping stations is a direct result of experiencing two hydraulic design courses I completed from Dr. Milligan. In fact, I still have the design reports we prepared, and I occasionally share these as examples to my students.

Dr. Wallace (fondly remembered as the “graduation goalie”) educated students on the principles and applications of chemistry, microbiology, and physical sciences to water and wastewater treatment; he also taught engineering law and contracts. A.T. (we could not call him by his nickname when we were students, but years after surviving his class, one finally earns the right) emphasized a no nonsense approach to teaching. He appreciated – and stressed to students – the responsibilities we carry as practicing professional engineers. He emphasized practical, pragmatic solutions to complex water/wastewater treatment problems – and pushed students by applying high expectations of performance. Some (most?) might remember Dr. Wallace as a bit of an intimidating professor (am I understating that?); however, it was his passion and commitment to our profession – and the associated responsibilities that we carry in executing our duties as engineers – that underlined his approach.

At times it has been almost surreal to me to now be a professor at UI, following in Drs. Wallace and Milligan’s footsteps, working to uphold their standards and rigorous teaching of fundamentals and associated applications. These are big shoes to fill, but with my experiences with them always in mind, I continue to strive and produce similar results.

Select Society of Sanitary Sludge Shovelers (5 S) The Select Society of Sanitary Sludge Shovelers was originated by a WEF Member Association almost 80 years ago to encourage members to “get involved.” You cannot join the Society–you must be selected by 5S members–on the basis of ongoing involvement and contributions to the organization. This year was the 36th year for PNCWA members to be selected for the 5S designation. The PNCWA members who were inducted into 5S in 2015 are:

For further information contact Michael Rainey [email protected].