T exas W ater U tilities
JOURNAL VOLUME 30
AUGUST 2020
"Proudly Serving Education Excellence since 1918"
NUMBER 8
Texas Water Utilities Association Regional Training – 2020 Event
Date Canceled due to coronavirus
Canceled due to coronavirus
Canceled due to coronavirus
Canceled due to coronavirus
Panhandle Regional School Amarillo, Texas
Contact Bruce Walterscheid – 806-681-6129 Ruben Arias – 806-674-4834
Southeast Texas Regional School
Bobby Rogers – 409-385-7355
Beaumont, Texas
Patrick Gray – 713-637-8835 Ext. 305
Central West Texas Regional School Abilene, Texas North Central Texas Regional School Arlington, Texas
Mickey Chaney – 325-548-2237 Daniel Grimes – 972-721-2664 Angelo DuPont – 817-459-5913
Canceled due to coronavirus
Central Texas Regional School Killeen, Texas
Bill Brown – 512-759-1286
Pending
Permian Basin Regional School San Angelo, Texas
Norma Clark – 432-528-1608
Canceled due to coronavirus
East Texas Regional School Tyler, Texas
Mike Norris – 903-939-8278
Canceled due to coronavirus
Southwest Texas Regional School San Marcos, Texas
John Krause - 830-608-8812
October 20-22, 2020
Far West Texas – Fort Stockton
Norma Clark – 432-528-1608
November 2-5, 2020
West Texas Regional School Lubbock, Texas
Bill Boyd – 806-775-2620
In This Edition: TEXAS WATER UTILITIES JOURNAL ( ISSN – 1051709X) is published monthly by the Texas Water Utilities Association, located at 210 E. Hwy 79, Hutto, Texas 78634 for Operators, Engineers, Managers, Laboratory technicians, Customer service personnel, Vendors, and other Professionals employed in, or interested in, the water and or wastewater industry.
President Message................................ 4
ED News ............................................. 6 If you want to get a complete look at lake levels, go to www.waterdatafortexas.org
Ten dollars of each annual membership dues payment to the Texas Water Utilities Association pays for a subscription. Nonmember subscriptions price: the USA $100.00 per year; $10.00 per single copy $125.00 per year outside the USA. Periodicals Postage Paid In Hutto, Tx. And Additional Mailing Offices. The Texas Water Utilities Association is wholly independent, and is not affiliated with the American Water Works Association, the Water Environment Federation, or any other National Organization. Postmaster: Send address changes to: Texas Water Utilities Association – Journal 210 E. Hwy. 79, Suite 101, Hutto, Texas 78634. The Texas Water Utilities Association Journal is not responsible for facts and or opinions expressed by contributors or in advertisements herein. Editorials and comments do not necessarily represent the official policy of the Texas Water Utilities Association. All inquiries should be directed to: Texas Water Utilities Association, 210 E. Hwy. 79, Suite 101, Hutto, Texas 78634. Phone 512-459-3124. Any materials accepted for publication is subject to revision and editing At the discretion of the publisher.
MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE: John Krause – Chair of Management William L. (Bill) Brown – President Mike Norris – President Elect Jim Siddall – Vice President George A. Glispin – Second Past President Jim McCain – Ex Officio Russell Hamilton – Executive Director
_______________________________ Front Cover Photo Courtesy of: Covington, Texas August 2020
Field News ......................................... 14 The National Safety Council
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TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES: TWUA Training Schedule......................................................... 16
Texas Water Utilities Journal www.twua.org 3
President’s Message
Update by William “Bill” Brown Greetings all, I have not received one submission for the Dear Billy column so, I have come up with something on my own. Many of you have heard me talk about my son who is addicted to heroin. Several times I have been asked about his current status. I have been brutally honest about it and that will never change. I refuse to hide it, bury it, or excuse it. He has been injected with Narcan more times than I know. I do know it is way north of six. For the past several years I have not believed he would be around to see his next birthday and it breaks my heart. As a dad I wish I could take it from him or fix it but we all know that desire must come from within. I have prayed, cried, and begged him to stop. That’s all I can do. Flash forward to Father’s Day 2020. I am wondering if I will hear from him. Well about 4:30 pm my phone rings, I don’t recognize the number but I answer it anyway. I hear “Hey Dad, Happy Father’s Day.” I told him thanks, and asked where he was and he told me “rehab”. I thought, great another stay-cation. He has been in and out of rehab all over the country. I have joked that he is seeing the United States one rehab facility at a time but I digress. He went on to tell me he was in a Christian based facility and had been doing a lot of praying and seem to be doing really good. I have to admit, this was the most coherent he had been in a very long time. He went on to tell me he had met a man by the name of Jeff and that he and Jeff had been talking about God. I heard a joy in his voice that has been missing for a very long time. After what seemed to be ten minutes of him telling me about their talks he says, “Dad I am getting baptized on June 28 and would like you and Mom to be there.” Of my six children Billy was the only one who had not been baptized. All I could say, fighting back tears was, we will be there. We said our good bye’s and hung up. I was out working with my brother-in-law on another one of his “glorious” projects when the call came in. When I hung up, I broke down, I guess it freaked him out a little and he asked me what was wrong? I told him about Billy and he said that was wonderful news and asked if I was Ok? To which I answered, I thought this day would never come! He said, well you and Stormi have to be there! I said absolutely we will be there. We made the three-hour drive and were there to see him give his life to Christ. Six times now I have witnessed my children being baptized and it is a feeling like no other. I truly believe Billy has a shot of getting clean! Time will tell, all I can do is continue to pray. I only share this story to possibly help shed light for some other parent out there who has a child that is struggling with addiction. Don’t give up on them. I’m not saying coddle them, make excuses for them, or cover for them. I am saying, if you chose to believe in God, pray for them! If you chose not to believe, send positive vibes their way! Just don’t, in your heart, give up on them! I bet everyone will be glad when I can submit something to do with regional schools. Until next monthMay the Blessings of Heaven Rest upon you and all Water and Wastewater professionals! Bill Brown TWUA President
4 Texas Water Utilities Journal www.twua.org
August 2020
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Central Office News by Russell Hamilton, TWUA Executive Director
F
ather, we pause in these trying times and rejoice in You, and acknowledge that uncertainty may be around us, but You remain in charge and in control of life as we know it. We need You, and we welcome You in all we do. We come into Your presence, seeking Your grace, Your calm, Your mercy, Your guidance, and forgiveness. Father, continue to bless us as only You can. We pray for Your favor and ask that You protect, watch over, direct, guide, and bless TWUA and its members. Amen In West Texas, Lake Spence is sitting at 25.1 % (- 0.8 %). White River is sitting at 18.6 % (-0.6 %). Panhandle - Lake Meredith is sitting at 39.7 % (-1.0 %) and Greenbelt is at 19.8 % (+0.2 %). If you want to get a complete look at current lake levels, go to waterdatafortexas.org. The drought has never left for some and is returning for some. From the movie Sandlot – I’m baking like a toasted cheeser, it’s so hot. July has not been kind to the state in the heat area. When the feels like temp hits north of 110, Oh how I long for fall and winter. I was truly hoping by mid-summer, we would have the majority of issues associated with Coronavirus behind us. Sadly, that is not what is being reported. We are still facing rising numbers of Covid19 cases and health compromises associated with this virus. Memorial Day and festivities associated are believed to be fueling the rising numbers, and we will have to see what impact the July 4th celebration will have on new cases. Historical Decision – As an Association, we find ourselves in uncharted waters. For the first time in the history of TWUA (that we can find), our association is Temporarily Suspending All In-Person “Live” Meetings and “Live” functions that gather in the name of TWUA until there is a vaccine/treatment readily available for Covid19 or the CDC advises otherwise. The TWUA Management Committee has formally voted on this “temporary“ policy, and the decision was taken 6 Texas Water Utilities Journal www.twua.org
with a lot of soul searching and thought. But in the end, it was the unanimous board view, that our membership and attendee’s health and safety thereof, are most important. What are those who depend on TWUA monthly meetings for renewal hours going to do in the interim? One solution that is currently in the works - Central Office will provide approved 2-hour electronic computer-based meetings. TWUA is currently rewriting some of the computer-based training programs to offer the online 2-hour webinar meetings. This process that I am about to describe is subject to being able to modify the online program and change in delivery but we believe we will be able to provide some form of the 2-hour offerings (TO DISTRICT MEMBERS) beginning in September. And offer these meetings four times per week. Tuesday and Thursday – and twice per day. Once in the morning (9:00 – 11:00) and Once in the afternoon (2:00 – 4:00), then repeat this offering each week of the month. Each session will have size limitations, but we hope that by making it available 16 times per month – we can accommodate those looking for continuing education credit. To be clear – a person would only be able to access the monthly offering ONE TIME per month. It will be the same topic and the same presentation all month, and those seeking renewal hours can only access the same electronic content one time in a license renewal cycle. Watch the website training calendar. As soon as the 2-hour classes begin in September – SIGN UP! To accommodate all the current membership numerically, TWUA would have to host 60 sessions per month. Currently, our servers, bandwidth, and electronic equipment will not accommodate that degree of potential load. Sign up early and please honor your commitment or cancel should your availability change. Meaning we will have additional people waiting in a “pending” or “hopeful” query, and your reservation could be made available to others if you cannot attend. If every way possible, Central Office will do our best to make the 2-hour online session’s available to district members for free to end of 2020. For 2021, (depending on participation) the 2-hour sessions could continue, but Central Office cannot continue this offering at no charge. August 2020
The specifics of does Central Office work out compensation with the individual districts for those district members participating or somehow make it equitable? Can Central Office offer these 2-hour session in the evening or make available 24-hours and have a true On-Demand? Does Central Office develop an online membership? After the first of the year, does Central Office just charge an hourly fee and open the availability to all? More questions than answers at this point. Keep up to date by checking the TWUA website. The question that continues to get asked (a lot). Will there be a live regional event in 2020? A very good but loaded question. I think it will depend on several factors. First – will there be a rebound virus or new virus event this Fall? Second – will there be a vaccine? Third – can there be sufficient precautions enacted that will protect the attendees? Will membership comply with newly enacted policies? In all fairness to the regions (and districts), it is not because they do not want to host their training event. Group size limitations, social distancing, screenings, hand washing / sanitizing stations, will the event center (typically utilized) be open for public events? What stipulations or requirements might be imposed by the host location? Personal Protective Equipment? How will food items be impacted? Will there be a liability waiver required by attendees? Will employers allow staff to travel? Those who use utility properties - will it be possible for non-staff persons to access?
2021 may prove to be a more accommodating time. Everyone at TWUA sincerely hopes you and your family members have not been impacted medically. For most of us, these are never before seen times, and the event could be with us for a while longer, so we must remain vigilant. So, what is an alternative for continuing education and training courses needed for license advancement? TWUA has expanded its computer-based online training. TWUA will be offering three (3) separate 20 and 24-hour approved course each week. Some future weeks, there will be 4 course offerings. The Management Committee is adamant in thinking Live in-person events are far more effective and beneficial. And the hope is, one day soon, Live training events will again be offered. TWUA would welcome your thoughts and perspectives. Email is the most conducive way to share. Feel free to email me at r.hamilton@twua.org Stay Safe and Remember – we do not need all the operators in Texas to be a member of TWUA – JUST YOU ! ! ! !
So again, will a regional school or district meeting happen in 2020? I will borrow a term from the current political arena – I remain cautiously optimistic. One other Covid related change being considered – Dates for Annual School 2021 are being reviewed. The Management Committee is strongly considering moving the Annual School dates to later in the 2021 year – perhaps September or October? With all the impacts of the Coronavirus on revenue streams and the lack of a promising vaccine by year-end, the board is actively pursuing a date later in 2021. There will be an Annual School Event in 2021 if there is any way possible. March 2021 may be a stretch, but from all indications, September or October August 2020
Texas Water Utilities Journal www.twua.org 7
TWUA DISTRICT MEETINGS Due to Coronavirus and Uncertainties related to Public Meeting / Gatherings ALL TWUA Public Gatherings have been Temporally Postponed Beginning September 1st 2020, 2-hour Electronic Training sessions will be offered Wednesday and Thursday once in the morning and once in the afternoon Active District Members will be eligible for ONE of these Training Opportunities Can only attend one 2-hour session per month (same session just repeated) Class size limited to 125 Everyone MUST have computer / IP address Everyone MUST have access to telephone Everyone MUST make a Voice Print (prior to the event) Smart Devices are not supported This electronic training will be offered free of charge to active district members until December 31st 2020 there will be other options for others to participate in electronic training See TWUA Website – Training Tab – Click on event for more information Call TWUA Central Office for more information
8 Texas Water Utilities Journal www.twua.org
August 2020
NEW ANNUAL SCHOOL DATES for 2021 Due to uncertainties TWUA 103rd Annual School for 2021 has been Rescheduled All meetings and events associated with Annual School remain the same – just a new date for upcoming event. New dates are September 26th – 29th 2021 For those with excess budget funds – TWUA Room Block and Registration will be open soon
TEXAS WATER UTILITIES ASSOCIATION connect. engage. educate.
DISTANT LEARNING NOW TCEQ APPROVED
Visit www.twua.org for more information
August 2020
Contact Us: 888-367-8982
Texas Water Utilities Journal www.twua.org 9
Field News
INFLUENCING DECISION-MAKERS LORETTA COOPER – GOVLOOP
Writing for Executive Audiences Leaders at every level of the federal government depend on the input and analysis of subject matter experts (SMEs) in order to make well-informed decisions. What is expected of you when you are asked to prepare a briefing or summary for an executive decision-maker? There’s little doubt our federal agencies are filled with talented public servants who know their business, but all too often expertise and information get lost in translation. Concise and clear writing skills are how you ensure your insights and data get noticed. The more concise you are, the more effective you can be in providing information that leads to the best decision-making outcomes. Content or Context? When we are close to a topic, we see it very differently than our colleagues who only have a passing exposure to our work. We take for granted their level of understanding and make assumptions about what they know and need to know. If you want to be able to support good decision making in your organization, you must provide not only the content – the facts and data – but also the context – the story and timelines that give that data meaning. As a reporter, I often had the privilege of interviewing experts on subjects I knew little or nothing about. Generally, I would have less than an hour to glean some salient perspective from this expert that I could then boil down into a minute and forty-five-second television package. On the other hand, my expert usually arrived at the interview with decades of research, expertise and enthusiasm, ready to download it all into my “prefrontal hard drive.” This almost always ended with me wondering “what matters most” in what I had heard. As a SME, your goal in briefing colleagues is to ensure they never have to wonder “what matters most.” In other words, make sure that the information you are providing has more than just data – it must tell a story. That’s context as well as content. Wired for Stories As humans, our brains are wired for stories. From the start of recorded time, we’ve been gathering around campfires to tell 10 Texas Water Utilities Journal www.twua.org
stories. Our brains process information in sequential ways that lend themselves to a storytelling format. We remember and recall details because of stories. Our relationships and survival strategies have always been story-dependent. Today, we’ve replaced the campfire with conference tales (or online communication platforms). But if we want to be successful, stories are still the best way to advance our ideas. It turns out your junior high English teacher knew what she was about when she told you to start with an outline. Before you open up a PowerPoint deck or a new Word document, ask yourself what story you want to tell. Who are the heroes? What is the goal they are striving to attain? What challenges are they combatting? Maybe your hero is a scrappy team of IT professionals, developing the process to move your organization’s data to the cloud and overcoming legacy database challenges to get there. That’s a narrative. Outline Your Narrative If you are using PowerPoint to brief your executive, one effective way to make sure you are telling a story is to use the top line of each slide to build that narrative sequence; each slide is headed with a full sentence that moves the story forward. The data on the rest of the slide supports that story. All too often we do the opposite – we start with the data, and promptly get lost in the complexity and detail of it all. Without a solid storyline, sifting through the data to understand what’s important can easily become confusing. Lost in the Data Alternatively, sometimes SMEs aren’t clear what executives are looking for and instead of clarifying the request, resort to data dumping – hoping that “somewhere in there” their boss will surely find what they need. When analysts resort to this option, they forfeit the opportunity to influence decision making and driving positive outcomes in their organizations. The expertise and knowledge in our federal workforce are critical components in making wise decisions for the future. Concisely communicating all those insights is a frequently overlooked skill – and more important than ever.
August 2020
TEXAS WATER UTILITIES ASSOCIATON
PEN DIN G
37TH ANNUAL PERMIAN BASIN REGIONAL SCHOOL SEPTEMBER 22-24, 2020 McNEASE CONVENTION CENTER, 501 RIO CONCHO DR., SAN ANGELO, TX ACADEMIC OFFERINGS WATER Basic Water Groundwater Production Water Distribution
WASTEWATER Basic Wastewater Activated Sludge Wastewater Collection
WATER / WASTEWATER Utilities Management CCC/CSI Special Topics* pending TCEQ approval
Surface Water Production II _______________________________________________________________________________________________ REGISTRATION FEES TWUA MEMBERS NON-MEMBERS Pre-Registration (by July 10, 2020)……………………………………………..…...$260.00………………….$360.00 On-Site Registration (after July 10, 2020)……………………………………….…..$310.00………….………$410.00 Don’t pay Non-Member prices – join TWUA for $60/year and pay the member price. You will save $40 and get all the benefits of being a TWUA member. Call Norma Clark (432) 528-1608 to join TWUA! On-site registration begins at 7:15 a.m. on Tuesday, July 21. All courses will be held at the McNease Convention Center and begin at 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday. Lunch will be provided on Tuesday only. There will be a dinner provided on Tuesday evening at 5:30 p.m. followed by a Washer Toss Tournament. All students are encouraged to participate. Cost of the tournament is $10 per person – 2 person blind draw team. Proceeds from the tournament will go towards funding V.M. Ehlers Foundation Scholarships. HOTEL INFORMATIONN The following hotels have blocked rooms and are offering participants of the School a special rate. Red Lion Inn 441 Rio Concho Dr (325) 658-2828 $75.00/night + tax Pearl on the Concho 333 Rio Concho Dr. (325) 653-4500 $89.00/night + tax Fairfield Inn & Suites 1459 Knickerbocker (325) 482-8400 $104.00/night + tax Courtyard Marriott 2572 Southwest Blvd (325) 703-6400 $99.00/night + tax GOLF TOURNAMENT A golf tournament will be held at 12:00 noon on Monday, July 20 at Quicksand Golf Course located at 2305 Pulliam St. in San Angelo. The cost is $65/person and includes green fee and cart. Proceeds from the tournament will go towards funding V.M. Ehlers Foundation Scholarships. TCEQ TESTING TCEQ exams will be given at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 23. Anyone wanting to test at the conclusion of the course must pre-register electronically with TCEQ 30 days prior to the school and pay the $111 exam on the TCEQ website. REGISTRATION FORM
PURSUANT TO HOUSE BILL 1508 WHICH BECAME EFFECTIVE 9/1/17, THIS NOTICE SHALL SERVE TO INFORM THAT SPECIFIC CRIMINAL HISTORY COULD NEGATIVELY IMPACT AND AFFECT A PERSON’S ABIITY TO RECEIVE A TCEQ ISSUED OPERATOR’S LICENSE. PARTICIPATING IN ANY TWUA AFFILIATED OPERATOR TRAINING COURSE(S) DOES NOT GUARANTEE OR IN ANY WAY IMPLY THAT YOU WILL BE ELIGIBLE TO TEST OR RECEIVE A STATE ISSUED OPERATOR’S LICENSE.
Name _______________________________________________
Social Security or TCEQ License #_______________________
Representing _____________________________________________________ Daytime Phone ______________________________ Address ___________________________________________ City____________________ State ____________ Zip_____________ Email Address __________________________________________ TWUA Member _______Yes
Course Selection____________________________________
______No
Credit Card #_______________________________________________________ Exp Date_________
Security Code__________
Cardholder Name _____________________________ Billing Address___________________________________________________ PAYMENT MUST ACCOMPANY REGISTRATION. No Purchase Orders accepted. No refunds – substitutions only. CREDIT CARD REGISTRATIONS MAY BE MAILED TO ADDRESS BELOW, EMAILED TO n.clark@twua.org, or FAXED TO (432) 332-1965. MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO PERMIAN BASIN REGIONAL SCHOOL, P.O. BOX 12604, ODESSA, TX, 79768.
August 2020
Texas Water Utilities Journal www.twua.org 11
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Field News
The National Safety Council The National Safety Council has a team of consultants who travel across the country – and the world – to visit worksites and conduct safety audits. But no matter where each team member is, chances are good that he or she will spot one or more of seven common safety hazards. Here, NSC consultants JoAnn Dankert, Namir George and Rachel Harrington identify for Safety+Health the workplace hazards they see over and over again. Working At Height It shouldn’t be a surprise that Dankert, Harrington and George frequently spot hazards associated with working at height. Bureau of Labor Statistics data shows that falls to a lower level accounted for 14 percent of all fatalities, and OSHA standards related to scaffolding and ladders are regularly among the most frequently cited violations. Dankert, an NSC senior consultant based in Arizona, said hazards associated with working at height can originate from a lack of understanding. Employers may not know they have to provide fall protection, or the fall protection gear may not be worn properly or not hooked up to anything. Some employers don’t even have a written fall protection procedure or process. Employers need to identify all locations where fall protection is necessary – as well as where the engineered anchor points are – and train employees and regularly audit the fall protection program, she said. Some of those locations may be surprising. Dankert recently visited a manufacturing facility that was expanding and had added to its roof a new 12-foot-tall chiller next to three existing ones. But something was missing. The old equipment had proper fall protection, including swing gates and a railing for when maintenance work is needed, but the new chiller didn’t.
More advice: Buy the correct-sized gear for workers, and keep in mind that although some work environments may have anchor points readily available, other locations may need an engineer to install them. Remind employees to hook to the anchor point when working at height, and keep a close eye on how well personal protective equipment is holding up. Environments with sharp edges, chemicals or welding, for example, can weaken a harness. Regularly inspect gear, and remove damaged PPE from service. “Fall protection is like other PPE – it’s not good forever and ever,” Dankert said. In some situations, it may be beneficial to forgo using personal fall protection equipment and instead build a platform with standard railings and a swing gate in front of a fixed ladder. Although such a platform costs money, Dankert said, it may be less costly than creating a fall protection plan, buying the PPE, and training and re-training employees. Poor Housekeeping Clutter blocking fire exits, aisles and emergency exits is a housekeeping problem that George, who is based in the United Kingdom as NSC’s manager of international consulting services, sees often. Another common hazard? Over-stacking loads on racks in a warehouse that bring them too close to a sprinkler head, which can limit the sprinkler’s efficiency in an emergency. Clutter, leaks or standing water also can contribute to slips, trips and falls. Workers shouldn’t wait for housekeeping or sanitation crews to take care of these issues, Dankert said. Instead, they should clean as they go. “Just because it’s a dirty process doesn’t mean you shouldn’t clean up spills,” she said.
“The fall hazard was not about doing work and falling off the roof – it was the equipment on top of that roof,” Dankert said. “These are hidden places you don’t go to very often, and you just don’t think about it.”
If the clutter or spill requires specialized training to clean up, then employees need to alert their supervisor, who can send in the appropriate staff. Additionally, Dankert recommends setting aside a few minutes at the end of each shift, or on a Friday afternoon, to clean up before leaving for the day.
Dankert cites this case as an example of the need for safety professionals to have a seat at the table when decisions on design or purchases are made. Their input, she said, can save employers time and money.
When it comes to storage, employers need to make sure appropriate areas are made available, notes Harrington, an NSC senior consultant based in Illinois. Harrington said she often sees electrical rooms used inappropriately for storage,
14 Texas Water Utilities Journal www.twua.org
August 2020
Field News with supplies blocking electrical installations. Even if clearance between the stored supplies and the circuit breakers is appropriate, Harrington pointed out, employers need to consider situations that could arise in which someone would need easy access to that room. “Think about an emergency where lights are out, something has gone wrong, and it’s full of chairs,” she said. “I wouldn’t recommend storing anything in an electrical room beyond what’s in the use of that room. I wouldn’t recommend it at all.” Electrical – Extension cords Blocked breakers aren’t the only electrical hazard NSC consultants frequently see. Many electrical hazards spotted are related to inappropriate use of extension cords. Dankert often witnesses “daisy-chaining” – using multiple extension cords or power strips for a device. At one manufacturing facility Dankert visited, she saw as many as five extension cords chained together. “It was almost like Christmas tree lights,” she said. “All you really saw were all these electrical cords everywhere.” Because the employer is a developer of prototype equipment, the layout of the manufacturing floor was regularly being changed. And in most other aspects, the employer was conscientious about safety – the extension cords being used were new and heavy-gauge, and the facility was very clean. “They were trying to do the right thing, but it also made me think it’s not really temporary,” Dankert said.
being used for temporary measures – perhaps to power a fan on an especially hot day. In such an event, Dankert said, the cord should be gathered up at the end of the shift and stored. She recommends establishing a system to periodically inspect extension cords, and training employees on that system to ensure the cords stay in good working condition and worn-out cords are placed out of service. Workers need to ensure they’re using the right extension cord for the job. Typically, a more expensive cord has a heavier gauge, which allows it to take more power without getting hot. The same applies for using a single power strip to plug in several different devices – the power strip may not be rated for the combined wattage needed for all the highdraw appliances being plugged in. If the extension cords are not being used for a temporary fix, employers should consider bringing in an electrician to drop in a line and outlet. Forklifts What’s a leading cause of forklift-related hazards in the workplace? In George’s experience, it’s when workers feel compelled to work quickly. “What dictates their activity is production,” he said. “They’re all under pressure, and when you’re under pressure, they start taking shortcuts.” Shortcuts include driving with too large of a load or driving distracted. The end result may be hitting a rack, damaging a wall or product, or even injuring a co-worker.
And that’s the point: Although extension cords can be useful for temporarily supplying power for certain operations, the key word is “temporarily.” When a cord is used for several weeks or months, Dankert said, OSHA doesn’t consider the use temporary. This opens the door for a violation.
How employers react to these occurrences is critical, but their responses often miss the mark, NSC consultants say. George said a common attitude after an incident is to blame the individual and instill discipline. The forklift driver is re-trained, re-tested and then put back into the system. But employers fail to identify the root cause, which often is not enough staff or trucks to manage the current workload.
Beyond that, extension cords lying on the ground for extended periods of time are a trip hazard. They also can be subject to traffic abuse if run over by forklifts or feet, which can wear down insulation and create shock hazards. When cords are daisy-chained, they can easily overdraw electricity from the circuits, causing the wires to heat up and potentially result in a fire.
Compounding these problems is a lack of maintenance and daily checks of trucks, and failing to segregate vehicles from pedestrians, George said. Trucks should be regularly inspected to ensure they are in proper working order, and employers should create designated walkways.
Employers should assess whether extension cords are truly August 2020
Lockout/Tagout continued on pg. 22... Texas Water Utilities Journal www.twua.org 15
TEXAS WATER UTILITIES To register for any TWUA Training Classes – the preferred method of registration is using the online computer based electronic process, activated by clicking on specific event(s). For those who do not have internet as an option you may complete the registration form and fax to (512) 459-7124 and additionally you may contact TWUA Central Office @ 888-367-8982. Please Note – Due to recent increases for training materials, class costs have changed. Early Bird preregistration is defined to mean 30-days prior to any training event. All registrations received after the Early Bird period must pay additional registration fee. Central Office strongly encourages everyone to take advantage of the Early Bird pricing and utilize the computer based (electronic) registration. Date
Basic Water
TCEQ 0092
20 Hours
Water
Sept 1-3
Online
Basic Water
Online
Confirmed
Oct 27-29
Online
Basic Water
Online
Confirmed
Dec 1-3
Online
Basic Water
Online
Confirmed
Ground Water Production
TCEQ 0223
20 Hours
Water
Aug 25-27
Online
Ground Water Production
Online
Confirmed
Sept 22-24
Online
Ground Water Production
Online
Confirmed
Oct 20-22
Online
Ground Water Production
Online
Confirmed
Nov 10-12
Online
Ground Water Production
Online
Confirmed
Dec 15-17
Online
Ground Water Production
Online
Confirmed
Water Distribution
TCEQ 0605
20 Hours
Water
Online
Water Distribution
Online
Confirmed
Sept 29 - Oct 1 Online
Water Distribution
Online
Confirmed
Oct 6-8
Online
Water Distribution
Online
Confirmed
Nov 17-19
Online
Water Distribution
Online
Confirmed
Nov 17-19
Victoria
Water Distribution
1301 SW Ben Jordan
Pending
Dec 8-10
Online
Water Distribution
Online
Confirmed
Aug 25-27
Surface Water Production I
TCEQ 0942
24 Hours
Water
Sept 1-3
Online
Surface Water Production I
Online
Confirmed
Oct 13-15
Longview
Surface Water Production I
411 American Legion Blvd
Pending
Oct 13-15
Online
Surface Water Production I
Online
Confirmed
Nov 1-3
Online
Surface Water Production I
Online
Confirmed
Dec 8-10
Online
Surface Water Production I
Online
Confirmed
Surface Water Production II
TCEQ 0954
20 Hours
Water
Online
Surface Water II
Online
Confirmed
Sept 29 - Oct 1 Online
Surface Water II
Online
Confirmed
Nov 10-12
Online
Surface Water II
Online
Confirmed
Nov 17-19
Longview
Surface Water II
411 American Legion Blvd
Pending
Dec 15-17
Online
Surface Water II
Online
Confirmed
Aug 4-6
Water Laboratory
TECQ 0285
20 Hours
Water
Oct 6-8
San Marcos
Water Lab
170 Charles Austin
Pending
Dec 1-2
Longview
Water Lab
411 American Legion Blvd
Pending
Basic Wastewater
TCEQ 0059
20 Hours
Wastewater
Aug 11-13
Online
Basic Wastewater
Online
Confirmed
Oct 6-8
Online
Basic Wastewater
Online
Confirmed
Nov 17-19
Online
Basic Wastewater
Online
Confirmed
Dec 1-3
Online
Basic Wastewater
Online
Confirmed
Wastewater Treatment
TCEQ 0437
20 Hours
Wastewater
Aug 11-13
Online
Wastewater Treatment
Online
Confirmed
Sept 8-10
Online
Wastewater Treatment
Online
Confirmed
Oct 13-15
Online
Wastewater Treatment
Online
Confirmed
Nov 10-12
Online
Wastewater Treatment
Online
Confirmed
Dec 15-17
Online
Wastewater Treatment
Online
Confirmed
16 Texas Water Utilities Journal www.twua.org
August 2020
TRAINING SCHEDULE 20-Hour Classes: (Early Bird Pre-registration) $325 member $425 Non-member Onsite $375 member $475 Non-member 24-Hour Classes: (Early Bird Pre-registration) $385 member $485 Non-member Onsite $435 member $535 Non-member You may register on line by following the training tab drop downs or HTTP://TWUA.ORG/TRAINING.PHP COMPUTER BASED TRAINING MAY VARY. Wastewater Collection
TCEQ 0080
20 Hours
Wastewater
Sept 8-10
Online
Wastewater Collection
Online
Confirmed
Oct 6-8
Online
Wastewater Collection
Online
Confirmed
Oct 21-23
Corpus Christi
Wastewater Collection
2726 Holly Rd
1:00 PM Pending
Nov 17-19
Online
Wastewater Collection
Online
Confirmed
Dec 1-3
Victoria
Wastewater Collection
1301 SW Ben Jordan
Pending
Dec 8-10
Online
Wastewater Collection
Online
Confirmed
Wastewater Laboratory
TCEQ 0081
20 Hours
Wastewater
San Marcos
Wastewater Lab
801 MLK
Pending
Dec 8-10
Activated Sludge
TCEQ 0009
20 Hours
Wastewater
Aug 4-6
Online
Activated Sludge
Online
Confirmed
Sept 15-17
Online
Activated Sludge
Online
Confirmed
Oct 20-22
Online
Activated Sludge
Online
Confirmed
Utilities Management
TCEQ 0550
20 Hours
W/WW
Online
Utilities Management
Online
Confirmed
Sept 29 - Oct 1 Online
Utilities Management
Online
Confirmed
Oct 27-29
Online
Utilities Management
Online
Confirmed
Dec 1-3
Online
Utilities Management
Online
Confirmed
Aug 4-6
Pumps and Pumping
TCEQ 0430
20 Hours
W/WW
Aug 18-20
Online
Pumps & Pumping
Online
Confirmed
Sept 15-17
Online
Pumps & Pumping
Online
Confirmed
Oct 6-8
Corpus Christi
Pumps & Pumping
2726 Holly Rd
Pending
Oct 13-15
Online
Pumps & Pumping
Online
Confirmed
Nov 3-5
Online
Pumps & Pumping
Online
Confirmed
Dec 15-17
Online
Pumps & Pumping
Online
Confirmed
Utilities Safety
TCEQ 0426
20 Hours
W/WW
Aug 11-13
Online
Utilities Safety
Online
Confirmed
Aug 25-27
Online
Utilities Safety
Online
Confirmed
Sept 22-24
Online
Utilities Safety
Online
Confirmed
Oct 13-15
Online
Utilities Safety
Online
Confirmed
Oct 20-22
Victoria
Utilities Safety
1301 SW Ben Jordan
Pending
Nov 10-12
Waco
Utilities Safety
TBD
Pending
Nov 10-12
Online
Utilities Safety
Online
Confirmed
Dec 8-10
Online
Utilities Safety
Online
Confirmed
Valve & Hydrant Maintenance
TCEQ 0961
20 Hours
W/WW
Corpus Christi
Valve & Hydrant Maint
2726 Holly Rd
Pending
Oct 19-21
Utilities Calculations
TCEQ 0108
20 Hours
W/WW
Sept 1-3
Online
Utilities Calculations
Online
Confirmed
Oct 27-29
Online
Utilities Calculations
Online
Confirmed
Chlorinator Maintenance
TCEQ 0124
20 Hours
W/WW
Aug 18-20
Online
Chlorinator Maintenance
Online
Confirmed
Sept 22-24
Online
Chlorinator Maintenance
Online
Confirmed
Oct 27-29
Online
Chlorinator Maintenance
Online
Confirmed
August 2020
Texas Water Utilities Journal www.twua.org 17
Training Schedule (continued from page 17) Nov 16-18
Corpus Christi
Chlorinator Maintenance
2726 Holly Rd
Pending
Dec 1-3
Online
Chlorinator Maintenance
Online
Confirmed
Customer Service Inspection/
TCEQ 0173,0043
20 Hours
W/WW/CSI/BPAT
Cross Connection Control Aug 18-20
Online
CSI/CCC
Online
Confirmed
Sept 8-10
Online
CSI/CCC
Online
Confirmed
Oct 20-22
Online
CSI/CCC
Online
Confirmed
Nov 10-12
San Marcos
CSI/CCC
170 Charles Austin
Pending
Nov 17-19
Online
CSI/CCC
Online
Confirmed
Backflow Preventer Assembly Tester Refresher
24 Hours
W/WW/CSI/BPAT
Sep 21-23
Corpus Christi
24 Hr. Refresher
2726 Holly Rd
Pending
Sept 22-24
Longview
24 Hr. Refresher
1400 Swinging Bridge Rd
Pending
Backflow Preventer Assembly Tester 40 Hr
TCEQ 1200
40 Hours
BPAT
Corpus Christi
40 Hr. BPAT
2726 Holly Rd
Pending
Effective Instructional Tecniques (Instructor I)
40 Hours
No operator hours
Instructional Design and Evaluation (Instructor II)
40 Hours
No operator hours
Sep 21-25
ON-LINE TRAINING ----2020----' Aug 4-6
Management
On-Line
20 Hours
Water/Wastewater
Aug 4-6
Surface Water Prod II
On-Line
20 Hours
Water
Aug 4-6
Activated Sludge
On-Line
20 Hours
Wastewater
Aug 11-13
Safety
On-Line
20 Hours
Water/Wastewater
Aug 11-13
Basic Wastewater
On-Line
20 Hours
Wastewater
Aug 11-13
Wastewater Treatment
On-Line
20 Hours
Wastewater
Aug 18-20
CSI/CCC
On-Line
20 Hours
Water/Wastewater
Aug 18-20
Pumps & Pumping
On-Line
20 Hours
Water/Wastewater
Aug 18-20
Disinfection/Chlorinator Maint
On-Line
20 Hours
Water/Wastewater
Aug 25-27
WW Collection
On-Line
20 Hours
Wastewater
Aug 25-27
W Distribution
On-Line
20 Hours
Water
Aug 25-27
Ground Water Production
On-Line
20 Hours
Water
Sept 1-3
Basic Water
On-Line
20 Hours
Water
Sept 1-3
SWP I
On-Line
24 Hours
Water
Sept 1-3
Calculations
On-Line
20 Hours
Water/Wastewater
Sept 8-10
CSI/CCC
On-Line
20 Hours
CSI, Water, BPAT
Sept 8-10
WW Collection
On-Line
20 Hours
Wastewater
10 WW, LI, WTS Sept 8-10
WW Treatment
On-Line
20 Hours
Wastewater
Sept 15-17
Activated Sludge
On-Line
20 Hours
Wastewater
Sept 15-17
Pumps & Pumping
On-Line
20 Hours
Water/Wastewater
Sep 22-24
Safety
On-Line
20 Hours
Water/Wastewater
Sep 22-24
Ground Water Production
On-Line
20 Hours
Water
Sep 22-24
Pumps & Pumping
On-Line
20 Hours
Water/Wastewater
Sept 29-Oct 1
Surface Water Prod II
On-Line
20 Hours
Water
Sept 29-Oct 1
Management
On-Line
20 Hours
Water/Wastewater
Sept 29-Oct 1
W Distribution
On-Line
20 Hours
Water
18 Texas Water Utilities Journal www.twua.org
August 2020
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Texas Water Utilities Journal www.twua.org 19
With the onset of COVID-19 (coronavirus) and the Governor’s Proclamation of a state of disaster in Texas, TCEQ intends to offer flexibility to licensees and applicants who were in the process of renewing or receiving an occupational license and were impacted by this outbreak. In the interest of safety, paper exams have been cancelled through July 2020. However, there are some computer-based testing centers that remain open. To schedule a computer-based exam, please contact the CBT centers near you to verify if they are still operating. For other questions or concerns, please email licenses@tceq.texas.gov.
Permian Basin Regional School – San Angelo September 22nd – 24th 2020 NG
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TCEQ Exam Application due 30 days prior to event Don’t forget if you are testing to Designate Test Location.
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20 Texas Water Utilities Journal www.twua.org
August 2020
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Texas Water Utilities Journal www.twua.org 21
Field News ...continued from pg. 15
Proper lockout/tagout procedures can help prevent serious injuries, but only if those procedures are followed. “A lot of organizations, they’ve got the best procedures in place, but it’s the implementation of the procedures that fails,” George said. Some examples: •
One employee may go home for the day with his lock on, and the next worker on duty cuts the lock.
•
Workers may simply use a label on older equipment for which secure lockout is more difficult.
•
Instead of installing a chain to lock a valve in place, a wire that can easily be cut may be used.
Even if all lockout/tagout steps are followed, faulty equipment can still lead to failures. George recalled a case in which an electrician doing rewiring work was shocked. The equipment was locked out, but the instruments he was using to check the system were tampered with and failed to read that the system was live and not isolated. The worker touched a live cable, causing a third-degree burn. Violation of lockout/tagout procedures often boils down to three reasons: 1. Complacency 2. A rush to finish the work 3. Being unfamiliar with the equipment Employers need to train employees on lockout/tagout and ensure they’re qualified to carry out the procedures, George stressed. Chemicals Chemicals can be expensive, and workers in some industries may never know when they’ll need to use a certain chemical again in the future. But according to Harrington, this kind of thinking can lead to serious hazards.
She added that although it may be easy to overlook a small, 5-gram bottle, those 5 grams can become unstable over time. For example, after a year or so, ether can degrade into explosive peroxide. When an organization purchases and uses chemicals, it needs to have a control system, Harrington said. It needs to know what the chemicals are for and why they were ordered. OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard requires facilities to keep an inventory of all products. Mark down the chemical’s expiration date, and use the chemical by that date or dispose of it properly. This is more than just a safety issue, Harrington said – stockpiling a huge cache of unwanted chemicals can be illegal. It also can be very expensive to dispose of large quantities of expired chemicals. Another potential hazard is transferring chemicals from one container to another. Even if employees feel comfortable around the chemicals and have worked with them for years, the containers must be labeled as required under the hazcom standard. Confined Spaces Confined spaces can present a number of hazards. George said many tragedies involving confined spaces have occurred because an employer didn’t issue a permit or failed to carry out a risk assessment. In one scenario George encountered, a confined space’s hazardous atmosphere wasn’t assessed properly because the equipment being used was out of date. A fire broke out. “I’ve seen people go inside drains without a permit, and didn’t even know it was a confined space,” he said. “Someone’s gone inside to pick up something and he collapses because the standby person was distracted.” If the risk assessment and permit process are done correctly, and all steps are followed, employers won’t have a problem, George said. “Everything is all planned,” he added. “If you don’t plan it correctly, you plan for a disaster.” FOCUS ON PREVENTION
“Before you know it, you have all these chemicals no one wants or needs,” she said. “There’ll be literally hundreds of chemicals on the shelves.” 22 Texas Water Utilities Journal www.twua.org
August 2020
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Ode To A Drought ! ! ! By R. Hamilton It has been dry and hot these past few years, So our current conditions should justify some of the fears. The lakes are receding and we desperately need rain, But it does no good, to simply whine and complain. It is shocking to witness the lakes and wells going dry, Especially when you look up and there’s not a cloud in the sky. High pressures, low pressures, what’s causing this drought? If things don’t change soon, it’s our drinking water we’ll all be without. Water is life and without it the future would be bleak, So please give a little thanks, when you see water flowing in a creek. It’s been said we are a wasteful bunch, Maybe we should change our ways, as we work out of this crunch. They say the population for this state will grow, Well guess what folks; there is limited water down below. The rights to the rivers, lakes, and streams - they’re all secure, It’s time to get creative, if we want to endure. The sign says we can water but please be sparing, Others need it too and we’re all about sharing. Is the yard of the month as important as drinking? Perhaps our values got screwed up, but that’s just one way of thinking. Let’s join together and reduce our use, As we save our precious resource from continuous abuse. There is a provider and he will supply all our needs, Could be he is just waiting to be asked, before he proceeds. © Russell Hamilton - 2020
24 Texas Water Utilities Journal www.twua.org
August 2020
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June 2020
Texas Water Utilities Journal www.twua.org 25
TEXAS WATER UTILITIES ASSOCIATION
Individual Membership Application Use this form to: 1) Join TWUA "At Large" 2) Join TWUA and a District/Chapter 3) Renew your TWUA Membership Please Print Clearly Application for: o
Active Member
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Full-Time Student Retired Member Membership Renewal New Member
"At Large" or District/Chapter Name:____________________ Membership for year 20____ Name:____________________________________________________ SS# _______ - _______ - __________ Home Address:_____________________________________________ City:____________________________State:________ Zip:___________ Home Phone: (
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Employer:______________________________________ Job Title:_______________________________________ Amount of Dues Enclosed: $________________________ Signature of Member:_______________________________________ Today's Date:______________________________________________ A portion of your TWUA Dues is allocated for a subscription to the Texas Water Utilities Journal. Submit all dues to the TWUA Central Office: TWUA Central Office, 210 East Hwy. 79, Suite 101, Hutto, Tx. 78634 For more information, Ms. Adee at: 512-279-8129. Fax: 512-459-7124.
August 2020
Texas Water Utilities Journal www.twua.org 27
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WHAT IF You knew “HOW” you would NOT fail? 28 Texas Water Utilities Journal www.twua.org
Call 512-775-5358 www.egsw.us August 2020
TCEQ JUNE LICENSES BACKFLOW PREVENTION
MERRILL, EDDIE DEAN
JOHNSON, ROBERT
ASSEMBLY TESTER
VELASQUEZ, JESUS
LEEROY
CLASS C
MCKNIGHT, KODY DANIEL
APLON, KENNETH WAYNE
BERRY, MARC JASON
SURFACE WATER TREATMENT
MILLER, GILBERT
BAUTISTA, DAVID
BIGGS, SEAN
OPERATOR
MORRISS, MANDI
BROUSSARD, TERRELL
MUELLER, RUDY
CHAVEZ, GUADALUPE I
NOLAN, JOSEPH THOMAS
CHRISTIAN, JOSHUA CALEB
PARKER, BRIAN
CUNNINGHAM, JACOB
DELUNA, NICHOLAS D FELAN, DAVID MOSES
CLASS B
HAVENS, HARVEY T III HERNANDEZ, PEDRO
ANGLIN, CYRUS W
RAMIREZ, ANAAN U
MORELAND
HERRERA, MARCOS URIEL
HUTTO, JUSTIN T
REEVES, ISAAC
DAVIS, LARROL W JR
JONES, TOBY
KIFFE, PAUL M
REYES, FRANCISCO
FULBRIGHT, JIMMY LEE
KENNEDY, RICHARD ALLAN
RODRIGUEZ, JEREMY
KILLOUGH, THOMAS
MARTINEZ, JOHN ANTHONY CLASS C
SCOTT
DONALD
MATTHEWS, TOMMIE LYNN
SEIGLE, JOHN DAVID
MAYS, RONALD CALVIN
MCCARROLL, WESLEY E
AMADOR, NOE
SHIRLEY, MARK EDWARD
MORALES, ANTHONY
MEJIA, NOE S
CURTIS, ANTHONY W
STANLEY, ROBERT SCOTT
ORTIZ, ANTHONY
MIRACLE, HAYDEN D
DENT, ROBBY L
TAYLOR, ANDREW PAUL
SPAZIANI, SHANE
MOORE, MICHAEL A
ETCHEGARAY, MEGAN
URBANEK, ANDREW PAUL
STERLING, WILLIAM S
PARKER, JOSEPH
DANIELLE
WANG, HSIANGMING
STONE, MICHAEL DANIEL
TRONSTAD, BRIAN C
GUTIERREZ, JOSE F JR
WARREN, NEIL D
WAY, MITCHELL A
WILLM, ERIC BERNARD
KOHUTEK, CASEY DAN
WEISER, ROBERT
YUN, TY
NELSON, BROOKE
WITT, JACOB V
CLASS D
WRANICH, DENNIS R JR CUSTOMER SERVICE
WATER DISTRIBUTION
INSPECTOR
OPERATOR
WRIGHT, SPENCER
BARRON, JUAN CARLOS BECKER, TRENTON
WASTEWATER COLLECTION
ANDREW
CLASS C
OPERATOR
BUSS, DONALD ROBERT
DORSEY, ELSMER W
CARR, WILLIS EARL
COLLECTIONS I
FOSTER, KYLE DEWAYNE
DELOSRIOS, ADRIAN
NICHOLS, DUSTIN E
LAPIERRE, COTEY
DLABAJ, HUNTER
JARAMILLO, MARIO
RASH, KENNETH F JR
RHOADES, CONNER
NOLAN, DAVID L
ALBERTO
STARK, ADAM K
RODRIGUEZ, OMAR O
PARKER, ROBERT SEAN
LITTRELL, LINDA
TOMISON, ROBERT L
SEGURA, JAVIER C
SANTOS, ROCKY VITOVSKY
MARTIN, KELLYE S
BREWER, CHARLES R
DE LA CRUZ, JUAN ANGEL
DAVENPORT, EARL W
FORBES, JADAN TREY HURD, DANIEL A
MORA, SILVERIO CHE GROUND WATER
WATER OPERATOR
COLLECTIONS II
CLASS D
DLABAJ, HUNTER
TREW, PAUL
TREATMENT OPERATOR CLASS B
DOZIER, JASON MATTHEW ADCOCK, GREG CHARLES
POURSOLTANI, MATTHEW
GONZALES, MARIO
BAILEY, AARON JEREMY
JAKINO, TYLOR J
BELTRAN, JUAN M
WASTEWATER TREATMENT
BORST, KEITH GARY
OPERATOR
CLASS C
CANNON, NATHAN DWAYNE CHATMAN, JAMES SPURGEON
CLASS B
ANDREWS, TERRY DAIL
DRINKARD, CLAYTON
FERGUSON, JASON
MICHAEL
BLUE, JACOB F
GRANBERRY, BRIAN
ESPINOZA, ELDA MARGARITA
BUNYEA, KERRY D
AUSTIN
ESSARY, NANCI CRISANN
GARCIA, JESSE C III
GUTIERREZ, MIGUEL A
FERRIS, CHASE DYLEN
GLEGHORN, JAY T
JOHNSON, HARLEY D
GETZINGER, GABRIEL KHALID
JONES, PAUL D
MCFERRIN, JUSTIN W
GONZALEZ, GRICELDA
MCDONALD, JAMES W
MCGEE, MAX A
JOHNSON, BILLY JO
August 2020
Texas Water Utilities Journal www.twua.org 29
PROTECT WORKERS IN TRENCHES Prevent trench collapses and save lives:
SLOPE or bench
trench walls,
SHORE trench walls
with supports, or
SHIELD trench
Photo: Efficiency Production – NAXSA
WWW.OSHA.GOV/TRENCHING • 800-321-OSHA (6742) • TTY 877-889-5627
OSHA 3215-06R 2018
walls with trench boxes
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