Construction Outlook July 2019

JULY | 2019 UCANE Interview:

Senator Marc Pacheco

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IN THIS ISSUE

OFFICERS President RICHARD PACELLA, JR.

5 President’s Message:

President-Elect MARCELLA ALBANESE

7 Legislative Update:

R. M. Pacella, Inc.

Preparing Our Infrastructure for the Future • Paid Family and Medical Leave Delay • Legislature Hears Competing Visions for Funding Climate Resiliency Initiatives • Public to Receive Notification of Untreated Discharges into the Merrimack River • Scientists Find Undersea Freshwater off of Northeast Coast • Plymouth Votes to Increase Water and Sewer Rates; Sets Aside Responsible Reserve • Unemployment Rate Slowly Ticks Upwards in May; Still Reflects Strong Economy

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Treasurer RYAN McCOURT

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Secretary BRIAN COONEY

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BOARD OF DIRECTORS GREG ANTONELLI GTA Co., Inc.

VINCENT BARLETTA

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NICK BIELLO

J. D’Amico, Inc.

TONY BORRELLI

Celco Construction Corp.

BEN CAVALLO

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19 UCANE Interview:

Senator Marc Pacheco (D-Taunton)

25 Representatives Moulton and Trahan Partner on Combined Sewer Overflow Alert Bill – STOP CSO Act 29 Safety Corner: How Good is Your Toolbox Talk?

DAN HORGAN

Why Construction Companies Should Embrace Technology Utility Strives for Sustainable Management Save the Date: UCANE’s 65th Annual Banquet MWRA Annual Water Quality Report: Your Drinking Water UCANE Talks Utility Construction Jobs with Voc-Tech Educators 65 Charles River Water Quality Earns a “B” for Bacterial Sampling Conducted in 2018 69 Spotlight on Cape Cod:

BILL LEONARD

73 Technology in Construction:

ANDREW DANIELS J. Derenzo Co.

GEORGE DeFELICE

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JERRY GAGLIARDUCCI

Gagliarducci Construction, Inc.

NICK GAMACHE

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MARCO GIOIOSO

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MIKE GORMAN

E. J. Prescott, Inc. R. H. White Const. Co., Inc. Aqua Line Utility, Inc.

33 39 49 50 63

Barnstable Town Council Approves $8.5 Million for ‘Sewer Backbone’

JOHN OUR

A Modern Software Platform at RJV Construction Corp.: Estimating and Field Tracking

QUERINO PACELLA

75 UCANE’s Updated Employee Safety Manuals Now Available

BRIAN RAWSTON

Editor: Anne Klayman, Associate Editor: Suzanne Hatch, Magazine Designer/Assistant Editor: Sherri Klayman Construction Outlook Chairman: Richard Pacella, Jr. Editorial Board: Richard Pacella, Jr., Marcella Albanese, Ryan McCourt, and Brian Cooney

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ANNE KLAYMAN

Executive Director

MAHONEY JEFF

Assistant Executive Director

CONSTRUCTION OUTLOOK published monthly by the Utility Contractors’ Association of New England, Inc., 300 Congress Street, Suite 101, Quincy, MA 02169; Tel: 617.471.9955; Fax: 617.471.8939; Email: aklayman@ucane.com; Website: www.ucane.com. Statements of fact and opinion are those of the authors alone and not necessarily those of UCANE and the Construction Outlook editorial board and staff. Subscriptions are included in dues payments for UCANE members. Presorted Standard postage paid at Brockton, MA. POSTMASTER, please send form #3579 to Construction Outlook, Crown Colony Office Park, 300 Congress Street, Suite 101, Quincy, MA 02169.

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Preparing Our Infrastructure for the Future Last September I wrote about how the topic of climate resiliency was becoming more and more of a priority for our elected officials. It has become obvious that our aging water and underground utility infrastructure is not equipped to handle the “100year storms” that seem to happen much more frequently. The most glaring example is the continued discharge of untreated sewage into the Merrimack River during significant rainfall, which last year was close to 800 million gallons. One would think that in 2019 this could not happen, but it does. The reason for it is simple. The treatment plants along the river are old and not equipped to handle these storms. They know what the problem is but cannot make the needed fixes because of the cost. While this is an extreme case, all cities and towns across Massachusetts and across the country are dealing with climate resiliency issues.

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lected and appointed officials, at all levels of government, are taking steps to address the problem. At the Federal level, the EPA will now require that communities along the Merrimack at least be notified when these discharges occur until the problems at the treatment plants are funded and fixed. Also, America’s Water Infrastructure Act of 2018 was signed by the President last fall. A provision of this Act requires any water system serving over 3,330 residents to complete resilience and risk assessments of their systems, including the resilience of the pipes and constructed conveyances, physical barriers, source water, water collection and intake, pretreatment, treatment, storage, and distribution facilities. It also requires that the systems evaluate capital and operational needs for risk and resilience management for the system. This will help municipalities identify which of their water infrastructure is the most vulnerable and help them prioritize water and underground utility projects.

Up on Beacon Hill, both Governor Baker and Speaker of the House Bob DeLeo have filed wideranging climate resiliency legislation. While there are

JULY, 2019

differences in the proposals, most notably on funding, there is a strong willingness to come to an agreement and pass a bill this session. UCANE has been strongly advocating that any legislative proposal have strong funding for our aging water and underground utility infrastructure and that a new program could be a significant addition to the traditional State Revolving Fund (SRF) projects and tackle the $17 billion to $21 billion funding gap. UCANE will continue to be involved as the process continues. You can read more about the specifics of these proposals in this month’s Legislative Update from Mark Molloy on page 9. Local cities and towns have also begun to make progress, most notable Boston Mayor Marty Walsh, has pledged 10% of all new capital spending to resiliency projects.

Climate resiliency is not just a coastal problem. It affects every city and town, large and small, urban, suburban, and rural. Upgrading our water and underground infrastructure is a vital part of the solution. n

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Paid Family and Medical Leave Delay

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s reported by the Massachusetts Department of Family and Medical Leave, the Massachusetts Legislature and the Baker-Polito Administration have enacted legislation to delay the start of employer and employee contributions to the Paid Family and Medical Leave program (PFML) by three months to October 1, 2019. This delay will allow employers across the Commonwealth more time to prepare their organizations and workforces for PFML. Accordingly, please take note of the following key facts: Required Withholding Now Starts October 1 The start date for required PFML contributions is now October 1, 2019. On that date, employers must begin withholding PFML contributions from employee qualifying earnings. Employers will be responsible for remitting employee and (if applicable) employer contributions for the October 1 to December 31 quarter through MassTaxConnect by January 31, 2020.

Contribution Rate Change The PFML law requires that the Department adjust the contribution rate to offset the shorter period for collections that will result from the three month delay. As a result, the total contribution rate has been adjusted from 0.63% to 0.75% of employee qualifying earnings. This adjustment will ensure that full funding will be in place for the commencement of benefit payments in January 2021.

Timeline Extended for Required Employee Notices Employers now have until September 30, 2019, to notify all covered individuals of their rights and obligations under PFML. JULY, 2019

Timeline Extended for Exemption Applications Employers that offer paid leave benefits that are at least as generous as those required under the PFML law may apply to the Department for an exemption from making contributions. Employers will now have until December 20, 2019, to apply for an exemption that will excuse them from the obligation to remit contributions for the full period commencing with the October 1 start date.

PFML Regulations Will Be Final and Effective on July 1, 2019 The final regulations were posted on the Department website at mass.gov/pfml on Monday, June 17, 2019. The regulations will be formally published under the title 458 CMR 2.00 DEPARTMENT OF FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE. To view a copy of the final regulations, please visit: https://www.mass.gov/doc/458-cmr200-department-of-family-and-medical-leave/ download.

continued on page 9

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Legislative Update continued from page 7

Legislature Hears Competing Visions for Funding Climate Resiliency Initiatives

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s reported by the State House News Service and other media outlets, two key committees of the Massachusetts Legislature held public hearings on the same day on Governor Charlie Baker’s and Speaker Robert DeLeo’s competing proposals for funding $1 billion worth of climate resiliency initiatives.

The Governor’s legislation, which would raise the state's real estate transfer tax to generate as much as $137 million a year, was heard by the Joint Committee on Revenue. The Governor’s legislation would generate new revenue by increasing the excise amount by $2.28 to $3.42 for every $500 of the price of a property sale. The new funding source would be directed to a recently established Global Warming Solutions Trust Fund. The legislation, which is similar to a proposal filed

by State Representative Sean Garballey in conjunction with UCANE in a previous session, was supported by a variety of environmental and community groups.

The legislation filed by Speaker DeLeo, providing funding of $1 billion over 10 years for addressing climate resiliency initiatives, would create the GreenWorks infrastructure program. Municipalities would apply for grants through the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs to fund infrastructure hardening improvements and associated measures. Interestingly, the same groups that supported Governor Baker’s legislation supported the Speaker’s legislation – with two notable exceptions. The Greater Boston Real Estate Board and the Retailers Association of Massachusetts solely supported the Speaker’s legislation. Shortly after the hearing, the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy released the GreenWorks legislation with a favorable report.

In offering written support for legislation before the Joint Committee on Telecommunication, Utilities and Energy, UCANE wrote: “House Bill 3846, which follows through on the commitment of the Massachusetts House of Representatives to advance the conversation around climate adaptation and infrastructure resiliency, is essential to the Commonwealth’s efforts to prepare for the future. The legislation will jumpstart the efforts to prepare for the Commonwealth’s future infrastructure and energy needs. To that end, UCANE respectfully requests that the Committee include language, within Section 3 of the legislation, to emphasize the need to focus on our water infrastructure assets. Whether including language that prioritizes water infrastructure investments or creates incentives for the undertaking of water infrastructure projects, HB3846 can be a vehicle that takes a substantial step forward in JULY, 2019

addressing our state’s $17 billion to $21 billion water infrastructure needs. Without a focus on water infrastructure now, the Commonwealth’s residents and businesses will suffer tomorrow from an aged drinking water and sewer system that is unable to handle the changes brought on by climate change and time.”

UCANE has indicated support for the Governor’s initiative as well, while continuing to urge all elected officials to specifically identify water infrastructure needs as a priority to be addressed in any climate resiliency initiative. With the Commonwealth’s water infrastructure gap growing and the significant impact associated with new federal stormwater regulations, UCANE continues to assert that attention needs to be paid to investing in water infrastructure today.

It is widely anticipated that the House of Representatives will act on climate resiliency legislation before the branch unofficially breaks for the month of August.

At this time, it is unclear whether the Governor’s and Speaker’s proposals will evolve into hybrid legislation before it heads to the Senate for its consideration. continued on page 11

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Legislative Update continued from page 9

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Public to Receive Notification of Untreated Discharges into the Merrimack River

he Lowell Sun recently reported on the new permit that the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will be finalizing with the Lowell Regional Wastewater Utility. One of the key components of the new permit is the timely and publicly available release of information about discharges into the Merrimack River.

According to published reports, communities along the Merrimack River released 800 million gallons of untreated sewer and stormwater runoff into the Merrimack River just last year. The discharges are the result of old infrastructure still used in some cities — including Lowell — that combine sewer and stormwater run-off into one pipe. When it rains, these systems fill with rainwater. If it rains enough, the influx of water can overload the system, resulting in the release of some of the combined run-off/sewage into the river.

The EPA issued Lowell Regional Wastewater

Utility's previous permit in 2010. It required the City of Lowell to notify only the EPA and the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection when sewage is released into the river. Under the new permit, the City of Lowell will be required to notify the public and downstream communities within four hours of "becoming aware" of the discharge. The permit does not define how the public should be told about these discharges.

Proposed permits for treatment plants in North Andover and Haverhill institute the same notification requirements. Efforts to require communities to notify the public are taking place at both the state and national level. For more information about the soon to be finalized EPA permit, please visit: https://www.epa.gov/ma/public-notice-draftpermit-lowell-regional-wastewater-utility-andcsos-co-permittees-town. continued on page 13

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Legislative Update continued from page 11

A

Scientists Find Undersea Freshwater off of Northeast Coast

ccording to a published report in Science Daily, a new survey of the sub-seafloor off the U.S. Northeast coast, shows a gigantic aquifer of relatively fresh water trapped in porous sediments lying below the salty ocean. It appears to be the largest such formation yet found in the world. The aquifer stretches from the shore at least from Massachusetts to New Jersey, extending more or less continuously out about 50 miles to the edge of the continental shelf. If found on the surface, it would create a lake covering some 15,000 square miles. The study suggests that such aquifers probably lie off many other coasts worldwide, and could provide desperately needed water for arid areas that are now in danger of running out.

The first hints of the aquifer came in the 1970s, when companies drilled off the coastline for oil, but sometimes instead hit fresh water. The consistency of the data allowed researchers to infer with a high degree of confidence that fresh water sediments continuously span not just New Jersey and much of Massachusetts, but the intervening coasts of Rhode Island, Connecticut and New York. Researchers estimate that the region holds at least 670 cubic miles of fresh water. If future

research shows the aquifer extends further north and south, it would rival the great Ogallala Aquifer, which supplies vital groundwater to eight Great Plains states, from South Dakota to Texas.

Researchers say the new findings indicate that the aquifer is also being fed by modern subterranean runoff from the land. As water from rainfall and water bodies percolates through onshore sediments, it is likely pumped seaward by the rising and falling pressure of tides. Also, the aquifer is generally freshest near the shore, and saltier the farther out you go, suggesting that it mixes gradually with ocean water over time. Terrestrial fresh water usually contains less than 1 part per thousand salt, and this is about the value found undersea near land. By the time the aquifer reaches its outer edges, it rises to 15 parts per thousand (Typical seawater is 35 parts per thousand.). If water from the outer parts of the aquifer were to be withdrawn, it would have to be desalinated for most uses, but the cost would be much less than processing seawater.

To review a copy of the study, which was funded by the Earth Institute at Columbia University, please visit: http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-44611-7.

continued on page 15

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Legislative Update continued from page 13

Plymouth Votes to Increase Water and Sewer Rates; Sets Aside Responsible Reserve

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icked Local Plymouth recently reported that the Town of Plymouth’s Select Board has voted to increase its water and sewer fees by 10 to 14 percent, with the highest users paying the higher percentage increase. While some Select Board members expressed concern about treating water users through disparate pricing, the end result created a system that will likely generate a $377,000 surplus for the sewer program.

As part of the new rate plan, town officials will look at the last five years of system use to determine what type of revenue to expect and weigh that against the cost of running the systems, thereby arriving at rates and fees. The average user in the Town of Plymouth is currently using 6,000 cubic feet of water semi-annually or about 12,000 cubic feet per year. The current bill for the average user for water and sewer is $1,547 annually. The average increase for both water and sewer will be approximately 10 percent, with $33.13 increase on the water side and $124.60 on the sewer side for the average user. There are 3,354 locations on town sewer, an increase of 116 from FY19. The system can handle 10,000 hookups. By contrast, there are 14,039 accounts on town water, which is an increase of 128 from FY19.

There are six pressure zones – three in the north of town and three in the southeastern section. There are approximately 60 miles of gravity sewer pipes.

The proposed increases feature different percentages for different levels of use. For instance, the highest users would experience the highest percentage increase in their fees. Rate payers currently all pay a “base rate,” which is a charge for being connected to town water or sewer systems. The second charge is currently linked to how much the system is used, with various steps. Four water and sewer rates, or steps, correspond to usage.

Those on town water and/or sewer who use the least pay the lowest per cubic foot fee, while heavy users pay higher per cubic foot fees.

The Town of Plymouth’s actions reflect the difficult, but necessary steps that municipalities must make to stay ahead of their water infrastructure needs. As identified by the Water Infrastructure Financing Commission in its 2012 report, many businesses and residents have been sheltered from paying the “true” or “actual” cost of providing water and sewer services due to historically generous programs at the state or federal level that are not as ubiquitous today. continued on page 17

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Legislative Update continued from page 15

Unemployment Rate Slowly Ticks Upwards in May; Still Reflects Strong Economy

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he United States Bureau of Labor Statistics’ (BLS’) preliminary job estimates indicate Massachusetts lost 3,600 jobs in May. Over the month, the private sector lost 4,000 jobs, although gains occurred in Professional, Scientific, and Business Services; Information; and Manufacturing. The jobs level in Other Services remained unchanged over the month. Government added jobs over the month.

From May 2018 to May 2019, BLS estimates Massachusetts added 26,700 jobs.

The May unemployment rate was six-tenths of a percentage point lower than the national rate of 3.6 percent reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The labor force increased by 600 from 3,840,400 in April, as 1,100 fewer residents were employed and 1,700 more residents were unemployed over the month. Over the year, the state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate dropped five-tenths of a percentage point.

The state’s labor force participation rate – the total number of residents 16 or older who worked or were unemployed and actively sought work in the last four weeks – remained unchanged at 67.8 percent. Compared to

May 2018, the labor force participation rate is up threetenths of a percentage point. The largest private sector percentage job gains over the year were in Information; Education and Health Services; Other Services; and Professional, Scientific, and Business Services.

The May estimates show 3,727,000 Massachusetts residents were employed and 114,000 were unemployed, for a total labor force of 3,840,900. The unemployment rate increased one-tenth of a percentage point to 3.0 percent. The May labor force increased by 600 as 1,100 fewer residents were employed and 1,700 more residents were unemployed over the month. The labor force was up 42,200 from the 3,798,800 May 2018 estimate, with 60,100 more residents employed and 17,900 fewer residents unemployed.

Of particular note to UCANE members, the construction industry lost 2,300 (-1.4%) jobs over the month.

Over the year, construction has lost 700 (-0.4%) jobs.

Trade, transportation and utilities industries lost 2,300 (-0.4%) jobs over the month. Over the year, the trade, transportation and utilities industries lost 600 (-0.1%) jobs. n

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Senator Marc Pacheco (D-Taunton)

Senator Pacheco’s legislative career started in 1989 as a State Representative and he has proudly served the 1st Plymouth & Bristol district as State Senator since 1993. As Dean of the Massachusetts Senate, he is currently the eldest legislator among the Senate’s longest continuouslyserving members.

Prior to being elected to the state legislature, like many of his predecessors and colleagues, the Senator began his government career at the municipal level. In his home city of Taunton, he was Chief Assistant to Mayor Richard Johnson from 1982 to 1988 and a member of the Taunton School Committee from 1980 to 1989, which he also chaired from 1987 to 1988.

Q:

Please give your thoughts on how Massachusetts can best continue to support local aid to cities and towns to help support basic municipal services, specifically water infrastructure.

A:

Massachusetts cities and towns are responsible for an extensive list of local functions and operations, many of which may not even occur to the average resident. Nevertheless, even handling basic responsibilities like providing running water can be a significant challenge for municipalities with limited budgets due to the cost of maintenance and repair. Those same municipalities are also often reluctant to finance renovations by raising taxes, which would likely place an unsustainable burden on local homeowners and renters – especially for low and fixed-income households.

Naturally, the quality of water infrastructure in any given city or town has a direct effect on the overall quality of the water. As infrastructure ages, it can start to contaminate the water and eventually become a serious threat to public health. This past March, Massachusetts received a “D” grade in a report reviewing state efforts to keep lead out of public school drinking water. While lead poses a significant health threat to everyone regardless of age, children in particular are especially susceptible to the long-term neurotoxic effects of ingesting lead. The same study found that out of all the school water outlets tested in Massachusetts, 59% – more than half – had tested positive for lead in the past year.

JULY, 2019

Lead service lines have not been installed in at least thirty years, so at this point we cannot blame our deficient infrastructure on a lack of urgency or a lack of opportunity. It’s simply a matter of making water infrastructure a serious priority. For this to occur, people need to understand the consequences of poor maintenance and its direct link to the public health and safety risks it creates.

Q: A:

What can average citizens do to support state and municipal efforts to protect existing water infrastructure?

People ought to better understand what they can do in their daily lives to improve the situation. Stormwater is the #1 cause of pollution in the United States, but citizens can drastically reduce the risk of contaminating freshwater resources simply by keeping trash out of roadside drains. The same is true for properly disposing of pet waste and keeping chemicals out of household sinks and drains.

Massachusetts citizens will develop better habits that help preserve water infrastructure if they know that their own interactions with that infrastructure has a direct effect on the quality and safety of the water that comes out of their tap. continued on page 21

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Interview continued from page 19

Q:

The Massachusetts Water Infrastructure Finance Commission found that there will be a $20 billion gap in water and sewer infrastructure funds over the next 20 years in the Commonwealth.

Based on your experience in state government, is there any general insight you can provide on how to best approach this emerging problem?

A:

Closing such a significant gap will require a comprehensive effort that maximizes existing resources and strengthens commitments at the federal, state, and local level. A large percentage of this infrastructure will reach the end of its life expectancy in the coming decades, requiring a commitment to rehabilitation and replacement. Each municipality will need to adopt a proactive approach, anticipating problems before they occur and setting concrete short and long term goals.

As communities grow and external factors such as climate change continue to intensify, they will place additional stress on the new infrastructure and require more regular upgrades. Ultimately, successful plans will need to carefully calculate risks and provide flexibility for future adjustments.

Q: A:

What are some of your other priorities for the upcoming session?

One of my main priorities this session is to aid the Commonwealth’s efforts to secure a clean energy future. In January, I filed a comprehensive piece of climate legislation – An Act To Secure a Clean Energy Future (s.2005) – that offers a wide array of important provisions that are geared towards driving down emissions and mitigating the worst effects of climate change.

I have also filed several of these provisions independently as stand-alone bills.

One of these provisions would update our state’s statutory greenhouse gas emissions reduction requirements set by the Global Warming Solutions Act of 2008 (GWSA). The Global Warming Solutions Act of 2008 requires that Massachusetts reduce its emissions to 25% of 1990 levels by 2020 and 80% of 1990 levels by 2050. The problem is that virtually every credible climate report released in the eleven years since those requirements were established indicates that the worst effects of climate change are approaching even faster than originally anticipated.

The updated emission reductions that I have filed this session continued on page 23

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Interview continued from page 21 would align the original GWSA mandates with the latest climate science by requiring the state to reduce emissions to 50% below 1990 levels by 2030, 75% below 1990 levels by 2040, and Net Zero emissions by 2050.

Clean energy has recently emerged as one of the most robust economic sectors in Massachusetts and offshore wind has quickly become a critical part of that overall picture. Last summer, the state agreed to a long-term power purchase agreement to procure 800 MW of offshore wind from developer Vineyard Wind at 6.5 cents per kilowatt-hour.

The Vineyard Wind project has completed its final stage of state approval and construction is set to commence in the near future.

Massachusetts can continue this leadership by increasing its authorization for offshore wind from 3200 MW to a new requirement of 6000 MW by 2035. This provision upgrades our commitment to offshore wind and I am optimistic that this promising industry will ultimately decide to establish its permanent operations in the Commonwealth.

The Vineyard Wind deal has established Massachusetts as an early-entrant to the offshore wind industry and our ports may make for an attractive option for permanent offshore wind supply chain operations. Despite constructing a port terminal in New Bedford with the industry in mind, project scale has increased dramatically in a relatively short amount of time. Meanwhile, other states have entered the arena and Massachusetts now faces competition from other suitors eager to bring the industry supply chain to their respective jurisdictions.

With industrial-scale wind farm projects and the pool of state competitors now both expanding, Massachusetts should reassess the suitability of its port infrastructure to accommodate the supply chain. An amendment to the

Fiscal Year 2020 Senate Budget, that I successfully offered this past May, requires the state’s executive branch to compile such a report. A new review of our state’s ports could very well be the key to identifying major opportunities for improving and adapting to the industry’s needs.

The worst effects of climate change are approaching rapidly, but we still have an opportunity to prevent these disastrous effects from spiraling out of control while also protecting our public health, creating new jobs, and upgrading our municipal infrastructure. n

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Representatives Moulton and Trahan Partner on Combined Sewer Overflow Alert Bill—STOP CSO Act

Bill is among the first federal steps in addressing the 770 million gallons of sewage flowing into the Merrimack River each year

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ALEM, Mass. – On June 19, Representatives Seth Moulton (D-MA) and Lori Trahan (D-MA) introduced the Sewage Treatment Overflow Prevention through Community Sanitation Outreach (STOP CSO) Act of 2019, or The STOP CSO Act. The STOP CSO Act would require local governments to alert residents within four hours if stormwater overwhelms sewage plants and carries sewage into rivers and watersheds. The bill also allows state and local governments use of grant funding to create the alert system.

“The only place where the people of Massachusetts should have to think about dirty water is at TD Garden and Fenway Park,” Moulton said. “Washington’s failure to address the nation’s outdated infrastructure means more than just awful commutes–it threatens people’s health and our economy. Until our leaders find the willingness to work together, they should at least create alert systems so we know when hundreds of millions of gallons of sewage are flowing into our region’s rivers.”

Congresswoman Trahan said: “The Merrimack River is a vital resource, supplying drinking water and other economic benefits to hundreds of thousands of

JULY, 2019

people across the region. That is why the current state of contamination is so concerning. There’s no question that the federal government has an obligation to help municipalities like Lowell, Lawrence, Haverhill, and Manchester make urgently needed upgrades to their sewer infrastructure to help prevent this sort of pollution, which is why I have a bill to do just that. But we can’t wait, we must take precautions to alert residents when contaminants are released into the river possibly jeopardizing their health and wellbeing. That is why I am proud to join with Rep. Moulton to create a fast and reliable warning system to keep the public aware of risks they may be facing.”

Combined sewer overflow occurs in cities and towns with archaic wastewater infrastructure systems. In those systems, everything that goes down the drain in houses and on streets flows into one network of pipes with industrial wastewater. The pipes carry the water to a wastewater treatment plant, where the water is cleaned and then drained into local waters. But, during heavy rains, storm water overwhelms the processing system, and a combination of untreated sewage and stormwater is released into local rivers. continued on page 27

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Stop CSO Act continued from page 25 According to estimates from the Merrimack River Watershed Council, six urban treatment plants dumped 770 million gallons of untreated sewage into the Merrimack River last year. That’s a major problem because 600,000 Bay Staters rely on the river as a source of drinking water. As climate change brings more severe storms, the number is expected to grow.

When an overflow happens, federal law requires municipalities operating wastewater plants to inform the Environmental Protection Agency and state officials within four hours. Congress does not currently require public notification.

According to WBUR, 14 states require their local governments to notify the public when a discharge happens. The lack of uniformed notifications is an acute problem in bodies of water that form the border between two states. The Merrimack River, for example, splits Massachusetts and New Hampshire where state and local laws vary widely.

The STOP CSO Act would require public notifications to occur within four hours of an overflow event anywhere in the country.

Moulton and Trahan wrote the bill in collaboration with leaders at the state and local level who are also pushing for action on combined sewer overflow issues.

one of New England’s largest public drinking water sources. The public should have access to information about sewage into these waterways so that they can avoid exposure to contaminants, which could pose serious health risks.”

MA State Senator Diana DiZoglio (D-Methuen) said: “The issue of combined sewer overflows is a hazardous problem impacting communities all along the Merrimack River. While we at the state level have a role in working to determine the most sustainable, effective solutions on addressing CSOs, it is imperative that our federal partners work closely alongside us if we are going to see meaningful progress. I am grateful to the federal delegation for their focus on CSOs and look forward to joining them and residents across the Merrimack Valley as we approach this pressing issue.”

MA State Representative James Kelcourse (RAmesbury) said: “The millions of gallons of raw sewage released into the river is a major concern for residents in the Merrimack Valley. Due to the regional nature of this issue it is important that we collaborate with our local, state, and federal officials to work towards a solution.”

This is the second in a pair of bills on which Moulton and Trahan have partnered. Earlier this year, Rep. Trahan introduced the Stop Sewage Overflow Act with Rep. Moulton as an original sponsor. The bill would expand and improve the EPA’s Stormwater Reuse Municipal Grant program. The program awards federal grants to states and municipalities for the planning, design, and construction for combined sewer overflows, sanitary sewer overflows, or stormwater management. n

Newburyport Mayor Donna Holaday said: “As we experience greater levels of precipitation, this has a direct impact on the CSOs occurring along the Merrimack River with greater amounts of sewage being discharged into the river. As an end user on this river, I am very concerned about the health, environmental and economic impacts to the City of Newburyport and other river MBO Precast Inc. communities. Several bills have 4 Marion Drive • Carver, MA 02330 been filed with our State legislaT: 508-866-6900 • F: 508-866-5252 ture to address timely notification www.MBOPrecast.com but CSOs are significant in NH and federal legislation is also imStone Strong Retaining Wall Systems portant here to advance notificaManholes / Catch Basins / Custom Structures tion. I am grateful Congressman Septic Tanks / Leaching Products Moulton has filed this important bill to advance notification following CSOs to river communities from NH through MA.” MA State Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester) said: “The discharge of pollution is a serious event made even more so when it is dumped directly into JULY, 2019

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Patrick W. Saltmarsh Corporate Safety Director J. Derenzo Companies

How Good Is Your Toolbox Talk?

“The only thing worse than training employees and losing them, is to NOT train them and keep them.” ~ Zig Ziglar Training employees on the standard operating procedures of its company is a necessary task for any organization. It provides employees with the knowledge they need to perform their work safely and to complete the particular task in a safe manner.

Companies must keep up with changing industry standards, onboard new employees, refresh current employees on the safe work practices of common tasks...the list goes on. Therefore, if you have worked for more than a day in this industry, I am certain you can appreciate the value of quality training.

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eekly Toolbox Talks and safety meetings are a vital component of working towards improved safe behavior and reinforcing your company’s safety programs and the commitment to performing work safely. Holding regular safety meetings and Toolbox Talks can help to prevent workers from getting complacent and avoid taking job site safety for granted. So how good are your company’s Toolbox Talks? Are they generic downloads printed off of the internet? Or are they customized to represent the specific work your company performs and depict your workers performing the topic of your safety message?

These safety meetings and Toolbox Talk discussions are a perfect opportunity for Foremen and Supervisors to connect with his/her crew members and deliver company specific safety messages that directly affect employee safety. Companies must take the time and put forth the effort to modify the traditional Toolbox Talk and include pictures of its employees performing company specific work safely, illustrate recent changes to a safety standard, or perhaps discuss employees performing the work in a not so safe manner. Either way, Toolbox Talks are a great JULY, 2019

J.Derenzo Co. Foremen Scott Nicholson providing in-service training by discussing the weekly safety training subject (Toolbox Talk).

way to deliver safety messages that outline the “Do’s and Dont’s” when it comes to performing a certain task.

With the inclusion of company photos in the Toolbox Talks, you are personalizing the safety message and will improve the attention span and reaction to continued on page 31

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Safety Corner continued from page 29 your safety training. The more captivating you can make construction safety, you will quickly notice an increase in employee awareness of safety and its importance in the workplace. Two of the strongest tools we can hope to use in the toolbox are “knowledge” and “awareness.”

These short, topic specific safety meetings, tailgate meetings, coffee break training, or whatever name your company may use, are short safety training sessions in-

tended to increase employee awareness of the hazards that exist on any given job site.

So why is quality training such a big deal? From a management standpoint, well trained employees perform safer and improve their competency in the tasks they are assigned. Only good things can come from investing time in improving the quality of your Toolbox Talks and its safety message, as we all work towards working safer today than we did yesterday. n

Example of a Toolbox Talk discussing a specific safety message and photos of company employees performing associated tasks

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Why Construction Companies Should Embrace Technology While technological advancement is rapidly expanding in the construction world, many companies are still conducting business in a similar way they did decades ago. In a 2017 global survey conducted by KPMG, findings showed that even though 72% of the engineering and construction executives surveyed stated that technological innovation played a role in their vision, less than half had a clear strategy in place to integrate those advancements.

Additionally, only 5% of respondents considered themselves on the forefront of embracing these advancements, while the majority stated that they were industry followers instead of leaders.

W

hat these numbers showcase is that construction executives and leaders are aware of the value and necessity of integrating technology with their business models, but most haven’t taken actionable steps to make doing so a reality. As illustrated, only a minority of firms seem eager to take the reins and lead the industry into an era of digital technology and information.

Resistance to change is human nature, and treading into unknown waters is always a bit of a gamble. That being said, the construction industry has far more to win than it has to lose by adapting to the modern times.

If you took the survey mentioned above, would you respond by saying your firm is leading the overdue transformation of the industry or that it's part of the majority and operating as an industry follower?

If you answered the latter, read on below, and take note of some of the main reasons why embracing technology as soon as possible is in your company's best interest.

Reduce Onsite Accidents Construction is continually noted as one of the most dangerous professions, so naturally, the need JULY, 2019

for improved onsite safety for workers is an ongoing conversation. Because the industry revolves around intense physical labor, heavy equipment and materials, and unpredictable weather conditions, it’s important to mitigate risk wherever possible.

The good news is that technology is helping the industry become much less dangerous.

Drones are becoming an increasingly popular tool in the construction industry, and when used efficiently, they can complete some tasks that are dangerous to workers. For example, drones are able to survey and record data of locations that could be hazardous for workers to scout, such as unexplored locations or areas that are difficult to reach or navigate. They allow project supervisors to oversee projects in real time, allowing for stronger oversight and more efficient surveillance.

Another noteworthy breakthrough capable of improving safety on the construction site is wearables, small smart devices that attach to either the worker or in protective gear, such as helmets, vests, boots, and glasses. These devices can help track biometrics, environmental factors and physical locations (GPS). continued on page 35

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Technology continued from page 33 What this means is that a device can track a worker’s vitals and alert him if he is in physical danger. If there is an environmental hazard around the jobsite, the worker will be alerted, and if the worker suffers a fall or injury, a supervisor can track his location easily and get him care quickly.

Some wearables even offer the person wearing them the ability to hit an emergency alert button if the he needs help. This will help prevent workplace injuries as well as streamline potential crisis management.

It’s estimated that 250 million wearables will be used this year, and that number is predicted to more than double by 2021. Needless to say, the outlook of construction-site safety is looking positive, and getting on board with new technological developments can help the industry be safer and thus, more attractive, to future workers.

Experience Better Organized Projects Project management software is changing the way construction companies oversee their teams and tasks, keep track of budgeting and scheduling, and report project updates to clients. It’s often the most realistic (i.e. affordable) starting point for construction execu-

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tives who are looking to dip their toes in the digital age.

Project management information systems (PMIS) are designed to integrate all aspects of a project into one easily manageable location. This can make a construction project manager's job immensely easier, yet, according to the KPMG survey, only 8% of the respondents stated they were utilizing a real-time PMIS capable of project dashboard reporting.

While implementing a PMIS may not be financially feasible for smaller construction companies, only 31% of executives even had integrated project systems in place. What this means is that even though many construction companies are utilizing project management software, most are using separate systems for different areas of project management, resulting in a fragmented, manual effort instead of an automated process.

By adopting project management software that can handle all tasks in one place, or at least separate software programs that can integrate with each other or in the cloud, project managers will be much more efficient. They’ll be able to more accurately estimate and keep track of project costs and securely collect data, and more easily evaluate the project progress, remotely supervise workers, and enhance transparent project collaboration and communication between workers and clients. continued on page 37

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Technology continued from page 35

Resonate with Millennials The growing skills gap between baby boomers and millennials is a ubiquitous discussion point in the construction industry. Few millennials are entering construction; only 7.3% of construction workers were between the ages of 20 and 24 in 2015, which was down from 10.7% in 2005. The disinterest from the younger generation is occurring at a time when many baby boomers are heading toward retirement, leaving many executives feeling concerned about who will keep the industry going and take over senior level roles.

While there are various ways to attract millennials to construction careers, embracing technology is an important place to start. In order to lure in this demographic that has grown up with and become dependent on technology, it’s important that your business isn't functioning in a different era.

Millennials are used to being able to quickly access information and documents, and they are accustomed to having instant feedback and communication.

In a survey commissioned by Microsoft, 93% of millennials surveyed stated that having the most modern technology played a role when choosing employers.

It’s not realistic to think that younger workers would choose a career where feedback is delayed and most processes are conducted manually, which is why adopting innovative technology will make the industry more attractive to those who will be responsible for keeping it progressing.

Stay Competitive

3-D printing will also allow small scales of designs to be printed before the real versions are constructed. This will let construction companies identify and rectify errors before putting time into full-scale development, pushing the “measure twice, cut once” philosophy. On a similar note, these small replicas will allow clients to communicate anything they’re not happy with before the building is constructed, solidifying client expectations in a frugal manner.

Additionally, the increasing concern about climate change is causing sustainability to become more important to consumers. Technology can help reduce the amount of materials used and wasted as well as help create more energy-efficient buildings, turning construction into a more eco-friendly industry.

Incorporating technology trends, or at least taking the steps to construct a clear blueprint of how to do so in the future, will help your business stay ahead of the curve instead of falling behind your competition.

Embracing technology will clearly benefit your construction company now and in the future. While immediately incorporating the most cutting-edge breakthroughs may not be realistic for financial or logistical reasons, you can always start somewhere.

Taking small steps now will help you better strategize bigger changes later on.

The future is in technology, and doing everything in your means to push the industry forward, will help your business goals and the construction industry as a whole.

This piece was written for S.R. Clarke & Associates, a construction industry executive search firm, by Lauren Brookes, a writer based in Colorado. The content she writes focuses on career and workforce issues in the construction industry. n

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Transparent client reporting is an attractive feature, and it’s a safe bet that it will grow to be the norm in project reporting. While still expensive to integrate upfront, 3-D printing has the potential to save construction companies and clients money on labor and materials cost in the long run, which is a major selling point.

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You won’t find a treatment plant at the Boston Water and Sewer Commission. You will find a highly dedicated operations team that serves more than a million people.

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ome 450 team members maintain 1,000 miles of water pipes and 1,500 miles of stormwater and drainage lines. They are responsible for maintenance and emergency repairs to the water and sewer mains, service connections, hydrants and drains.

Their success comes from ongoing training and capital improvements. They are strongly committed to education and environmental protection. Sustainability is a priority, and so is maintaining predictable rates.

Challenges include rain events and stormwater management, along with a pipe replacement program.

The Commission has received awards for drinking water quality and for sustainable operations and community outreach. These include an Outstanding Performance Award for drinking water from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection in 2017.

JULY, 2019

In 2018, the commission received a Sustainable Water Utility Management Award from the Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies. That award recognized improving operations, maintaining fiscal responsibility and increasing public awareness to improve water quality and protect the environment.

Taking Control The Commission was established in 1977 to maintain and improve the quality and reliability of water, sewer and stormwater services in the city of Boston. Governed by a three-member board, the commission’s main goals are efficient delivery of service, cost control and environmental protection.

The potable water distribution system serves 670,000 residents and 600,000 daily commuters continued on page 41

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BWSC continued from page 39 in Boston’s 48 square miles. Treated water comes from the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority through 29 metered connections at various delivery points. Raw water is drawn from the Quabbin and Wachusett reservoirs and the Ware River.

The Operations Department handles the maintenance and operability of the water, sewerage and drainage infrastructures. Team members perform preventive maintenance and emergency repairs to water mains, service pipes, hydrants, gates, valves, catch basins, manholes, sewers and storm lines.

They also maintain the materials and equipment inventory, fleet vehicles, buildings and properties, and administer the cross-connection control and grease trap inspection programs.

Overseeing all this is John Sullivan, Chief Engineer, who has been with the Commission since the beginning. “The cast iron pipes date back to 1848,” he says. “When the Commission was formed in 1977, the pipes were in bad shape. Since then, our capital improvement program has rehabilitated 95% of the water system infrastructure, by a process of cleaning and cement lining.”

Aggressive leak detection/repair and progressive metering programs continue to reduce unbilled and

JULY, 2019

BWSC Chief Engineer John Sullivan (Photography by Scott Eisen) unaccounted-for water. The Commission initiated several meter programs, switching to smaller meters and installing smart meters (Aclara).

Going Beyond Besides the awards mentioned earlier, the Comcontinued on page 43

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BWSC continued from page 41 mission has won others, including: 2018 National Environmental Achievement award for operations and environmental performance, and the National Association of Clean Water Agencies 2017 STAR L (Systems Taking Action to Reduce Lead) award from the state DEP. The Commission also won the 2017 New England’s Best Drinking Water Taste Test competition held by the New England Water Works Association.

It was ranked highest in customer satisfaction in the Northeast by J.D. Power in its 2018 water utility residential customer satisfaction study.

Sullivan believes the Commission won these awards for doing better than the standards. “DEP looks at performance and whether you have any violations,” he says. “They look at your crossconnection programs and whether you protect public health. We survey buildings to make sure no one is changing the plumbing. Our leak detection program has reduced leaks to 8%. It used to be 50%.”

The Commission has replaced all lead pipes in its public water mains. “We do more than is required,” Sullivan says. “The STAR L award acknowledged our collaboration with the city’s public schools and our

A section of failed pipe sits on the road during a water main replacement project in downtown Boston.

(Photography by Scott Eisen) efforts in the community to protect children from the dangers of lead.”

The lead replacement incentive program encourages property owners to replace lead water services.

“We give them a credit up to $2,000 toward the cost of replacement, and the ability to pay interest-free over 48 months.” continued on page 45

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BWSC continued from page 43

Dedicated Team Of the Commission’s 450 team members, 206 work in operations, including water and sewer and support people. Most laborer positions are equipment operator, service repair and service repair foreman. “Some specialize in water or sewer, but they all have to take training classes in both and they are able to work on both if a situation requires it,” Sullivan says.

Sullivan has 46 years in the industry and certifications in water treatment and distribution. “My father retired as Chief Engineer at the Commission after 40 years, and my grandfather before him retired after 52 years as Division Engineer,” he says. “I have replaced pipes that my grandfather put in.”

As Chief Engineer, Sullivan oversees 90 people and all consultants. He reports to Henry Vitale, Commission Executive Director. Reporting to Sullivan is Paul Canavan, Director of Operations, who has been with the Commission for 22 years and oversees four superintendents. He holds Grade 4 water distribution and Grade 2 water treatment licenses.

Sullivan credits the staff with keeping customers happy: “Our customers expect a lot. Every customer

has unusual conditions and needs, and every problem is different. Our people have to face that situation, so empathy is important. We have some remarkable people who do a great job.”

The Commission believes in employee recognition. Each quarter, an All-Star Award goes to a team member. Employees may nominate a co-worker; a call for nominations is sent by email and is posted on three digital signs around the facilities. The Executive Director chooses the winner. Award criteria includes creative problem-solving skills, enthusiasm, commitment to teamwork, and resourcefulness.

“Most people love their jobs here,” Sullivan says.

“We know our guys will jump in a hole full of water when it’s freezing outside and it’s the day before Christmas. That shows all the commitment I need to see.”

Continual Upgrades Sullivan feels the Commission’s greatest achievement is keeping rates low by planning for improvements and spreading the costs out over time. “We take care of business in the most cost-effective manner possible. That allows us to keep rate increases under 5%. We have very few people showing up at our rate meetings.” continued on page 46

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BWSC continued from page 45 The greatest challenges are rain events and dealing with stormwater. “During a small rain event, we drain to the ocean,” Sullivan says. “For extreme events, our emergency preparedness plan ensures that we have the right personnel and equipment available.”

The staff checks storm drains in low-lying areas to make sure they are free of debris and free-flowing.

There are flap gates in flood-prone neighborhoods.

Tide gates are inspected monthly, regardless of weather.

Pipe replacement is an ongoing challenge. “We have televised every sewer pipe, so we know what shape they are in,” Sullivan says. “We continually need to upgrade; it’s a never-ending program. It’s the same with the water pipes. Even though our leak detection program has dramatically reduced leaks, it’s like a weight-loss program — you have to keep after it or it comes back.”

Public Education The Commission is deeply involved in education.

A full-time education coordinator, Adriana Cillo, presents daily to classrooms, senior housing residents and community groups. She also leads youth and

adult volunteers in a citywide storm drain stenciling program. Participants mark storm drains with decals that remind residents that the drain leads to a waterway.

The Commission works with river associations and makes grants available that help them educate the public. The Commission also partners with the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority on community education.

The Commission’s water truck is another community service. “It allows us to distribute our tap water to Boston residents and visitors attending events and walking through the city,” Sullivan says. The truck has six taps for filling water bottles, four drinking fountains and two doggy bowls.

The truck is featured at community events and social functions: “It’s especially good in warm weather since the water is chilled. In fact, we are the only source of freshwater at the Esplanade on July 4, where people are sitting out in the heat waiting for the Boston Symphony to perform.”

Sullivan sees a bright future for the Commission but sees a challenge in climate change. “We know we will get bad storms from which we will have to recover in 24 hours and get right back to normal. But I’m confident that we will make it.” continued on page 47

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BWSC continued from page 46

Immediate Response At the Boston Water and Sewer Commission, leak detection teams have played a major role in greatly reducing unaccounted-for water. Leak detection has also helped prevent potential paralysis of busy areas and essential services in the city.

In November 2017, a Commission leak detection team responded to reports of water entering a Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority vent. Led from headquarters by Roodly Dorleans, manager of field engineering, leak detection and dye testing, the team went to work.

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They surveyed the area, a busy street near City Hall, with a real-time digital leak noise correlator (DigiCorr from Itron) and quickly identified a compromised 16-inch water main. A dig crew immediately excavated, found the leak and replaced rotting bolts that secured a coupling.

If that water main had given way, the shopping district known as Downtown Crossing, and the area’s two major Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority routes, would have been severely affected.

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Your Drinking Water Your Drinking Water Water Resources Authority Massachusetts Massachusetts Water Resources Authority andDepartment the Arlington and the Arlington ofDepartment Public Worksof Public Works

Throughout the month of June, 850,000 homes in the MWRA serWater Resources Authority Massachusetts Massachusetts Water Resources Authority the Massachusetts Water vice area andDepartment theResourcBelmont of Public Works as required under the and the Belmont ofDepartment Public Works es Authority mails its Annual Water federal Safe Drinking WaterPRESORTED Act. PRESORTE Water Resources Authority Massachusetts Massachusetts Water Resources Authority STANDARD and household your localprovider water service Community-specific provider Quality Reportandto insertsU.S. POSTAGE alsoPAIDU.S. STANDARD yourevery local water service POSTAGE N. READING, MA N. READING, in its service area. provide information about municiPERMIT NO. 211 PERMIT NO. 2 andDepartment the Brookline – Water and Sewer Division and the Brookline ofDepartment Public Worksof–Public Water Works and Sewer Division pal water systems.

The reports are ECRWS The report also emphasizes that Residential Residential CustomerCustomer ECRWSS Water Resources Authority Massachusetts Massachusetts Water Resources Authority being mailed through the end of the water system isChelsea well protected. and the Chelsea of Public Works and the Department ofDepartment Public Works June.

Massachusetts Water Authority “From the Massachusetts source reservoirs, toResources Water Resources Authority the Department Everett Water Department and the Everettand Water The report is also available onthe treatment plants to the storWater Resources Authority Massachusetts Massachusetts Water Resources Authority line and a Spanish language verage tanks, weand have real-time water and theDepartment Framingham the Framingham ofDepartment Public Worksof Public Works sion will be available soon. A larger quality monitoring thatWater allows us toResources Water Authority Massachusetts Massachusetts Resources Authority andstep the Lexington Water and Sewer Division print version is available upon reand the Lexington Water and Sewer Division check the Where water every of the Where To Go For Further Information To Go For Further Information www.mwra.com Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) quest. www.mwra.com 617-242-5323 617-242-5323 Water Resources Authority Massachusetts Water Resources Authority way,” saidMassachusetts MWRA’s Executive Di-(MWRA) Massachusetts Water Resources Authority the Lynnfield Water District Protection www.mass.gov/dep Massachusetts Dept. of Environmental and the Lynnfield Water District www.mass.gov/dep 617-292-5500 617-292-5500 Massachusetts Dept.and of Environmental Protection rector FredMassachusetts Laskey.Massachusetts “We also have This report and the reports from617-624-6000 www.mass.gov/dph Dept. of Public Health (DPH) www.mass.gov/dph 617-624-6000 Dept. of Public Health (DPH) Massachusetts Water Resources Authority Massachusetts Water of Resources Authority www.mass.gov/dcr/watersupply 617-626-1250 Department Conservation and Recreation emergencyDepartment plans all of our fawww.mass.gov/dcr/watersupply 617-626-1250 offor Conservation and Recreation the Partially Supplied and the Malden ofPlanning, Engineering, Planning, and Waterworks Communiand the Malden Department ofDepartment Engineering, and Waterworks Centers for Disease Control(CDC) & Prevention (CDC) www.cdc.gov www.cdc.gov 800-232-4636 800-232-4636 US Centers forUS Disease Control & Prevention cilities so List weof Massachusetts can List quickly respond and Chicopee Valley Aque-617-242-5323 of Massachusetts State Water Quality Testing Labs thewww.mwra.com/testinglabs.html Resources Authority www.mwra.com/testinglabs.html 617-242-5323 State Certified WaterCertified Quality Water Testing Labs ties Water Resources Authority and the Marblehead Water and Sewer Commission and the Marblehead Water and Sewer Commission www.mwra.com/sourcewater.html Sourceof Water Assessment and Protection Reports to any issue any time the day or www.mwra.com/sourcewater.html 617-242-5323 Source Water Assessment and Protection Reports duct Communities are available at617-242-5323 www.mwra.com/conservation.html on Water Conservation www.mwra.com/conservation.html 617-242-SAVE617-242-SAVE Information onInformation Water Conservation Water Resources Authority website at www.mwra.com night.”

Massachusetts Massachusetts Water Resources Authority MWRA’s andDepartment the Medford and the Medford ofDepartment Public Worksof Public Works Public Meetings Public The report isMeetings distributed to over or call 617-242-5323. n 50

Massachusetts Water Resources Authority www.mwra.com/boardofdirectors.html MWRA BoardResources of Directors Massachusetts Water Authority www.mwra.com/boardofdirectors.html 617-788-1117 617-788-1117 MWRA Board of Directors and the Melrose Department of Public Works and the Melrose Department of Public Works www.mwraadvisoryboard.com MWRA Advisory Board www.mwraadvisoryboard.com 617-788-2050 617-788-2050 MWRA Advisory Board www.mwra.com/wscac.html WaterMassachusetts Supply Citizens Advisory Committee www.mwra.com/wscac.html 413-213-0454 413-213-0454 Water Supply Citizens Advisory Committee Water Resources Authority

“BUYMassachusetts FROM THEWater ADVERTISERS IN CONSTRUCTION OUTLOOK” Resources Authority the Milton and the Miltonand Department ofDepartment Public Worksof Public Works

For APrint Larger Print Version, Call 617-242-5323.

For A Larger Version, Call 617-242-5323.

JULY, 2019

Dear Customer, I am pleased to share with you the annual results of our water quality testing. Each year, MWRA takes hundreds of thousands of tests to ensure your water is safe and of the

MWRA Board of Directors

highest quality. In 2018, we again met every federal and state drinking water standard.

Kathleen A. Theoharides, Chair

Dear Customer, Lead in drinking water is an important issue and we continue to make progress on

John J. Carroll, Vice Chair

I am pleased to share with you the the annual of our quality testing. year, with our reducing the risk by treating waterresults to make it water less corrosive, andEach working

Andrew M. Pappastergion, SecretaryMWRA Board of Directors

MWRA takes hundreds of thousands of tests to ensure your water is safe and of the member communities to identify and remove lead service lines. More information can highest quality. In 2018, we again met every federal and state drinking water standard.

be found on pages 457and of this report. and5 59.

Kathleen A. Theoharides,

Christopher ChairCook

Lead in drinking water is an important issue and we continue to make progress on

Kevin L. Cotter John J. Carroll, Vice Chair Andrew M. Pappastergion, Paul E. Flanagan Secretary

Yourcan water systemrespond is well protected from the the treatment so we quickly to any–issue anysource time reservoirs of day ortonight.

Paul E. Flanagan Henry F. Vitale

plants to the storage tanks – and real-time water quality monitoring allows us to check

Ourthe emergency redundancy every offacilities the water system. water every planning step of thealso way. includes We also have emergency for plans for allpart of our

Joseph C. Foti

John J. Walsh

Brian Peña

wecurrently can quicklyworking respond to issue any pipeline time of day or night.to the north and south that will Wesoare onany two large projects

Jennifer L. Wolowicz Henry F. Vitale

allow to re-route the water in theredundancy event of afor break that your service will not be Ourus emergency planning also includes everyso part of the water system.

Jennifer L. Wolowicz For more information on MWRA and its more information Board ofFor Directors, on MWRA and its visit www.mwra.com.

Board of Directors, visit www.mwra.com.

member communities to identify andreal-time remove lead service lines. monitoring More information can us to check plants to the storage tanks – and water quality allows found on pages 4 and 5 of this report. thebe water every step of the way. We also have emergency plans for all of our facilities

Joseph C.Christopher Foti Cook Brian Peña Kevin L. Cotter

John J. Walsh

Your water the system well protected – from the reservoirs to the reducing risk byistreating the water to make it lesssource corrosive, and working withtreatment our

We are currently on begun two largethe pipeline the north will tunnels interrupted.

Also,working we have initialprojects designtophase forand twosouth newthat water allow us to re-route the water in the event of a break so that your service will not be

that will allow us to make repairs to the existing system. You will be hearing more interrupted. Also, we have begun the initial design phase for two new water tunnels

about this in the coming years as the project gets underway. that will allow us to make repairs to the existing system. You will be hearing more about this in the coming years as the project gets underway.

I hope you will take a few moments to read through this important report and learn

I hope you will take a fewsystem. momentsWe to read importantin report and learn more about your water havethrough great this confidence the water we deliver to more about your water system. We have great confidence in the water we deliver to

your home and we want you to share that confidence. Please contact us if you have your home and we want you to share that confidence. Please contact us if you have

anyany questions thisreport report of MWRA’s programs. questionsabout about this or or anyany of MWRA’s programs.

Sincerely, Sincerely,

Frederick A. Laskey

Frederick A.Director Laskey Executive Executive Director

continued on page 53

Cover photo: Old Stone Church, Wachusett Reservoir

Cover photo: Old Stone Church, Wachusett Reservoir Quabbin Reservoir

Quabbin Reservoir

Ware River Watershed

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MWRA continued from page 51

MWRA Takes Customer Concerns Seriously Every call is investigated to ensure that there are no problems with the water supply.

Most complaints are related to discolored water, which is usually related to local construction or hydrant use. If you have a question or concern, please call your local water department or MWRA at 617-242-5323.

Water Tastes Great – High Quality plansplans and states that“watershed our “watershed protection WhyWhy YourYour Water Tastes Great – High Quality and states that our protection Source Water programs are very successful and greatly reduce Source Water programs are very successful and greatly reduce comes the Quabbin Reservoir, the actual the actual risk of contamination.”

MWRA follows Your Your waterwater comes fromfrom the Quabbin Reservoir, risk of contamination.”

MWRA follows 65 miles of Boston, andWachusett the Wachusett the report the report recommendations to maintain aboutabout 65 miles west west of Boston, and the recommendations to maintain the the Reservoir, about 35 miles of Boston.

Water pristine pristine watershed Reservoir, about 35 miles westwest of Boston.

Water watershed areas.areas. the Ware can add also to add tosupply the supply fromfrom the Ware RiverRiver can also the at at times.

These pristine reservoirs supply wholesale Testing Testing Water – Every Of Way The Way times.

These pristine reservoirs supply wholesale YourYour Water – Every StepStep Of The to local departments 51 communi- Test results Test results few contaminants are found waterwater to local waterwater departments in 51incommunishowshow few contaminants are found ties. two The reservoirs two reservoirs combined supplied about in theinreservoir the reservoir water.

Thethat few are thatfound are found ties. The combined supplied about water.

The few are are 200 million gallons day of high-quality in very amounts thatwell are below well below 200 million gallons a dayaof high-quality waterwater to to in very smallsmall amounts that are EPA'sEPA's consumers in 2018. standards. consumers in 2018. standards.

The Quabbin and Wachusett watersheds Turbidity (or cloudiness ofwater) the water) is one The Quabbin and Wachusett watersheds are are Turbidity (or cloudiness of the is one naturally protected ofwaterthe water- measure measure of overall quality.

All water naturally protected with with over over 85% 85% of the of overall waterwater quality.

All water mustmust covered in forest and wetlands.

To ensure be below be below 5 NTU (Nephelometric Turbidity shedssheds covered in forest and wetlands.

To ensure 5 NTU (Nephelometric Turbidity Units)Units) safety, the streams and reservoirs are tested and water can only be above 1 NTU if it does safety, the streams and reservoirs are tested and water can only be above 1 NTU if it does not not and patrolled byDepartment the Department interfere effective disinfection.

Typical oftenoften and patrolled dailydaily by the of of interfere with with effective disinfection.

Typical levelslevels Conservation and Recreation (DCR). the Wachusett Reservoir are 0.34 Conservation and Recreation (DCR). at theatWachusett Reservoir are 0.34 NTU.NTU. In In and snow falling onwatersheds the watersheds turbidity was always below 5 NTU Rain Rain and snow falling on the 2018,2018, turbidity was always below EPA’sEPA’s 5 NTU protected around the reservoirs turn into standard. standard. was below also below the stricter Massaprotected land land around the reservoirs - turn- into It wasIt also the stricter Massastreams that flow toreservoirs. the reservoirs.

This water chusetts standard of 1 NTU 99.99% oftime, the time, streams that flow to the This water chusetts standard of 1 NTU 99.99% of the comes in contact soil, rock, plants and other with with the highest 2.9 NTU. comes in contact with with soil, rock, plants and other the highest level level 2.9 NTU. material as it follows its natural to the MWRA also tests reservoir for pathogens material as it follows its natural path path to the MWRA also tests reservoir waterwater for pathogens reservoirs. this process to clean as fecal coliform, bacteria andparasites the parasites reservoirs.

WhileWhile this process helpshelps to clean the the such such as fecal coliform, bacteria and the water, can dissolve also dissolve and carry Cryptosporidum and Giardia thatenter can enter water, it canitalso and carry very very smallsmall Cryptosporidum and Giardia that can the the amounts of material, including radioactive animal or human waste.

All test amounts of material, including radioactive waterwater fromfrom animal or human waste.

All test material, intoreservoir. the reservoir.

Minerals soil and results results well within and federal testing material, into the Minerals fromfrom soil and werewere well within statestate and federal testing dotypically not typically problems the water. and treatment and treatment standards.

For more information, rock rock do not causecause problems in theinwater. standards.

For more information, But water can transport also transport contaminants please visit www.mwra.com/ucmr/2018.html.

But water can also contaminants fromfrom please visit www.mwra.com/ucmr/2018.html. human and animal activity.

These can include human and animal activity.

These can include bacteria and pathogens - some of which Results – After Treatment bacteria and pathogens - some of which can can Test Test Results – After Treatment illness.

The data test data this report EPA state and state regulations require causecause illness.

The test in thisinreport showshow EPA and regulations require manymany waterwater that these contaminants areanot a problem quality treatment to check the water that these contaminants are not problem in in quality teststests afterafter treatment to check the water reservoirs' watersheds. youdrinking. are drinking.

MWRA conducts hundreds your your reservoirs' watersheds. you are MWRA conducts hundreds of of The Department of Environmental Protection thousands thousands of tests per year on over 120 contamiThe Department of Environmental Protection of tests per year on over 120 contamihas prepared a Source Water Assessment nantsnants (a complete is available (DEP)(DEP) has prepared a Source Water Assessment (a complete list islist available on on Program report forQuabbin the Quabbin and Wachusett www.mwra.com). www.mwra.com).

Details about test results Program report for the and Wachusett Details about 20182018 test results Reservoirs.

The DEP report commends the table below.

The bottom Reservoirs.

The DEP report commends DCR DCR and and are inare theintable below.

The bottom line isline theis the MWRA onexisting the existing source protection waterwater quality is excellent.

MWRA on the source waterwater protection quality is excellent.

continued on page 55

Test Results After Treatment Compound

Units

Barium ppm Mono-Chloramine ppm Fluoride ppm Nitrate^ ppm Nitrite^ ppm Total Trihalomethanes ppb Haloacetic Acids-5 ppb Total Coliform % Combined Radium* pCi/L

(MCL) Highest (We Found) Level Range Of Detected Allowed Level-Average Detections

2 4-MRDL 4 10 1 80 60 5% 5

0.01 2.08 0.70 0.09 0.006 16.4 16.7 1.4% (Sept) 1.76

(MCLG) Ideal Goal

0.01-0.011 2 0-3.8 4-MRDLG 0.31-0.78 4 0.05-0.09 10 ND-0.006 1 7.13-21.0 ns 3.5-22.3 ns ND-1.4% 0 ND-1.76 0

Violation

No No No No No No No No No

How It Gets In The Water

Common mineral in nature Water disinfectant Additive for dental health Atmospheric deposition Byproduct of water disinfection Byproduct of water disinfection Byproduct of water disinfection Naturally present in environment Erosion of natural mineral deposits

KEY: MCL=Maximum Contaminant Level. The highest level of a contaminant allowed in water. MCLs are set as close to the MCLGs as feasible using the best available technology. MCLG=Maximum Contaminant Level Goal. The level of contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MCLGs allow for a margin of safety. MRDL=Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level. The highest level of a disinfectant allowed in drinking water. There is convincing evidence that addition of a disinfectant is necessary for control of microbial contaminants. MRDLG=Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level Goal. The level of a drinking water disinfectant below which there is no known or expected health risk. MRDLGs do not reflect the benefits of the use of disinfectants to control microbial contamination. ppm=parts per million ppb=parts per billion ns=no standard ND=non detect ^=As required by DEP, the maximum result is reported for nitrate and nitrite, not the average. pCi/L=Picocuries/Liter *Result from 2014

2

JULY, 2019

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JULY, 2019

MWRA continued from page 53

Monitoring Water Quality In Real Time Your water is monitored by a state-of-the-art system in real time —24 hours a day, seven days a week —to make sure it is free of contaminants.

This allows MWRA to respond to changes in water quality almost immediately.

What Can I Do To Save Water?

Always Use Water Wisely We know that conservation works.

Customers in the MWRA service area have reduced their average daily demand from 340 million gallons per day in 1980 to about 200 million

Water Tastes Great – Water WhyWhy YourYour Water Tastes Great – Water Sodium Facts Treatment Treatment The MWRA has invested in state-of-the-art The MWRA has invested in state-of-the-art Sodium in water treatment to make is clean, treatment to make sure sure your your waterwater is clean, fresh,fresh, contributes only a and tastes great.

Part ofreason the reason thatwater the water and tastes great.

Part of the that the small fraction of a so good is MWRA’s advanced treatment tastestastes so good is MWRA’s advanced treatment at at person’s overall sodium intake (less than the John J. Carroll Water Treatment Plant in the John J. Carroll Water Treatment Plant in 5%). MWRA tests for sodium monthly and Marlborough. has been Marlborough.

SinceSince 2005,2005, your your waterwater has been treated ozone - produced by pure oxygen. treated with with ozone - produced by pure oxygen. the highest level found was 41.6 mg/L Ozone ensures strong protection against microbes (about 8 mg per 8 oz. glass). This would be Ozone ensures strong protection against microbes and viruses, improves and makes and viruses, improves waterwater clarityclarity and makes the the considered VERY LOW SODIUM by the better.

In 2014, we started also started waterwater tastetaste better.

In 2014, we also usingusing ultraviolet (UV) disinfection, further improving ultraviolet (UV) disinfection, further improving the the Food and Drug Administration. quality of water.

UV light is essentially a more quality of water.

UV light is essentially a more specialized control systems to operate efficiently. potent ofnatural the natural disinfection specialized control systems to operate efficiently. potent formform of the disinfection fromfrom We have invested in cyber security systems sunlight and ensures thatpathogens any pathogens poten- We have invested in cyber security systems to to sunlight and ensures that any potenprevent disruption, and have backup operation our reservoirs are rendered harmless. prevent disruption, and have backup operation tially tially in ourinreservoirs are rendered harmless. centers in case our regular control center In addition, fluoride is added to promote centers in case our regular control center is is In addition, fluoride is added to promote non-operational or inaccessible. dental health andwater the water chemistry is adjusted non-operational or inaccessible. dental health and the chemistry is adjusted Redundant pipelines and tunnels also allow to reduce corrosion of home plumbing.

Redundant pipelines and tunnels also allow to reduce corrosion of home plumbing.

Last, Last, we we inspection and maintenance offacilities key facilities add mono-chloramine, a mild and long-lasting inspection and maintenance of key whilewhile add mono-chloramine, a mild and long-lasting ensuring uninterrupted service.

We have disinfectant combining chlorine and ammonia uninterrupted service.

We have just just disinfectant combining chlorine and ammonia to to ensuring completed the Wachusett Aqueduct Pumping protect the water as it travels through completed the Wachusett Aqueduct Pumping protect the water as it travels through milesmiles of of Station in Marlborough, provides a pipelines to your home.

Station in Marlborough, whichwhich now now provides a pipelines to your home. second way towater get water totreatment the treatment second way to get to the plant.plant.

Wealso are nearing also nearing completion of projects Emergency Preparedness We are completion of projects to to Emergency Preparedness provide redundant pipelines tonorth the north To confidently deliver the high-quality redundant pipelines to the and and To confidently deliver the high-quality waterwater you youprovide of Boston.

Design is underway to repair expect, MWRA be prepared all situations.southsouth of Boston.

Design is underway to repair and and expect, MWRA mustmust be prepared for allfor situations. improve the Weston Aqueduct Supply MWRA and DCR areinout the watershedsimprove the Weston Aqueduct Supply MainMain #3 in#3 in MWRA and DCR staff staff are out theinwatersheds Weston, Waltham, Belmont, Arlington day walking the land, monitoring activities Weston, Waltham, Belmont, Arlington and and everyevery day walking the land, monitoring activities Medford.

Planning for new two tunnels new tunnels and protecting the source.

Whether managing Medford.

Planning for two northnorth and and and protecting the source.

Whether managing of Boston thatprovide will provide redundancy wildlife, rerouting runoff southsouth of Boston that will redundancy is is wildlife, rerouting road road runoff awayaway fromfrom the the well underway. reservoir or regulating development activity, now now well underway. reservoir or regulating development activity, DCR’s biologists, engineers and planners DCR’s biologists, engineers and planners are atare at On-going Pipeline Rehabilitation keeping the source pristine.

On-going Pipeline Rehabilitation workwork keeping the source waterwater pristine.

MWRA continues to rehabilitate and replace MWRA continuously monitors quality MWRA continues to rehabilitate and replace MWRA continuously monitors waterwater quality pipelines throughout the distribution system within the reservoir monitoring buoys throughout the distribution system to to within the reservoir with with monitoring buoys and and pipelines improve reliability and water quality.

MWRA underwater sampling stations at multiple improve bothboth reliability and water quality.

MWRA underwater sampling stations at multiple also provides zero-interest to customer locations the ability to sample at multiple also provides zero-interest loansloans to customer locations with with the ability to sample at multiple communities for local pipeline projects.

In 2018, depths.

If there an accident the reservoir, acommunities for local pipeline projects.

In 2018, depths.

If there werewere an accident in theinreservoir, a $43 million was loaned to communities for 25 pipeline, in of one ofcommunities, our communities, we are $43 million was loaned to communities for 25 pipeline, or in or one our we are projects forreplacement the replacement of older, unlined to respond mobile disinfection for the of older, unlined readyready to respond with with mobile disinfection unitsunits projects new cement-lined ductile iron water and pumps, a mobile laboratory and staff pipespipes with with new cement-lined ductile iron water and pumps, a mobile laboratory and staff who who or rehabilitation cleaning and new trained and participate in drills. pipespipes or rehabilitation with with cleaning and new havehave beenbeen trained and participate in drills. cement lining.

Modern systems relycomputers on computers lining.

Modern waterwater systems rely on and and cement

continued on page 57

gallons today. It is important that these conservation efforts continue – especially during dry periods.

Monitoring Buoy in Wachusett Reservoir

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Kendall Lubricants Announcement 7.5 x 5 6-18.qxp_Dennis K. Burke 6/21/18 3:19 PM Page 1

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MWRA continued from page 55 What What You You Need Need To Know To Know About About LeadLead In Tap In Tap Water Water MWRA MWRA waterwater is lead-free is lead-free whenwhen it leaves it leaves the the reservoirs. reservoirs.

MWRA MWRA and local and local pipespipes that that carrycarry the the waterwater to your to your community community are made are made mostly mostly of of Lead In Tap iron and iron steel and steel and do andnot doadd not lead add lead to the towater. the water.

Water However, However, lead lead can get caninto get tap intowater tap water through through Continues To pipespipes in your in your home, home, your your service service line ifline it isifmade it is made Be In The News of lead, of lead, lead lead solder solder usedused in plumbing, in plumbing, and some and some brassbrass fixtures. fixtures.

Corrosion Corrosion or wearing or wearing awayaway of of and you may have lead-based lead-based materials materials can add can lead add lead to tap towater, tap water, some concerns about especially especially if water if water sits for sitsafor long a long time time in theinpipes the pipes the safety of your tap before before it is used. it is used. water. MWRA’s In 1996, In 1996, MWRA MWRA began began adding adding sodium sodium water sytem has carbonate carbonate and carbon and carbon dioxide dioxide to adjust to adjust the the water's water's pH and pH buffering and buffering capacity. capacity.

This This change change been below the Lead has made has made the water the water less corrosive, less corrosive, thereby thereby Action Level for over reducing reducing the leaching the leaching of lead of lead into drinking into drinking water. water. a decade. Of nearly LeadLead levelslevels found found in sample in sample teststests of tap ofwater tap water 2,300 samples taken havehave dropped dropped by about by about 90 percent 90 percent sincesince this this in the last 5 years, treatment treatment change. change.

MWRA’s MWRA’s waterwater system system has been has been below below the the 98% were below this MWRA MWRA Meets Meets LeadLead Standard Standard In 2018 In 2018 Lead Lead Action Action Level Level for over for over a decade. a decade.

Of the Of the 15 ppb level.

Under Under EPA EPA rules,rules, eacheach year year MWRA MWRA and your and your nearly nearly 2,3002,300 samples samples takentaken in theinlast the5last years, 5 years, locallocal waterwater department department mustmust test tap testwater tap water in a in a 98% 98% werewere below below the 15 theppb 15 ppb level.level. sample sample of homes of homes that are thatlikely are likely to have to have high high lead lead levels. levels.

These These are usually are usually homes homes with with lead lead service service lines lines or lead or lead solder. solder.

The EPA The EPA rule requires rule requires that 9 that 9 out of out 10,ofor 10, 90%, or 90%, of the ofsampled the sampled homes homes mustmust Lead & Copper Results - September 2018 havehave lead lead levelslevels below below the Action the Action LevelLevel of 15of 15 #Homes (Ideal (Target) partsparts per billion per billion (ppb). (ppb).

Above AL/ 90% Goal) Action All 23Allsampling 23 sampling rounds rounds over over the past the past 14 years 14 years #HomesTested Range Value MCLG Level havehave beenbeen below below the EPA the standard.

EPA standard.

Results Results for the for the Lead (ppb) 9.7 0-601 0 15 20/458 458 samples 458 samples takentaken in September in September 20182018 are shown are shown in theintable. the table.

NineNine out of out 10ofhouses 10 houses werewere below below Copper (ppm) 0.122 0-1.52 1.3 1.3 1/455 9.7 ppb, 9.7 ppb, whichwhich is below is below the Action the Action LevelLevel of 15ofppb.

15 ppb.

Three Three communities, communities, Medford, Medford, Quincy Quincy and and KEY: AL=Action Level-The concentration of a contaminant which, if exceeded, triggers Winthrop, Winthrop, werewere above above the Action the Action LevelLevel for for treatment or other requirements which a water system must follow. Definition of MCLG lead.lead.

YourYour community community letter letter on page on page 7 will7 will available on page 3.

53. provide provide you with you with locallocal results results and more and more information. information.

90% Lead Levels In MWRA System Of Fully Served Communities (ppb)

70 60

64

50 40

40

30 Lead Action Level = 15 ppb

20 10

8

6

5

6

7

9

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

0 1992

1997

Important Important Information Information FromFrom EPA EPA About About LeadLead If present, If present, elevated elevated levelslevels of lead of lead can cause can cause serious serious health health problems, problems, especially especially for pregnant for pregnant women women and young and young children. children.

LeadLead in drinking in drinking waterwater is primarily is primarily fromfrom materials materials and components and components associated associated with with service service lines lines and home and home plumbing. plumbing.

MWRA MWRA is responsible is responsible for providing for providing high high quality quality drinking drinking water, water, but cannot but cannot control control the variety the variety of of materials materials usedused in plumbing in plumbing components. components.

If your If your waterwater has been has been sitting sitting for several for several hours, hours, you can you can minimize minimize the potential the potential for lead for lead exposure exposure by by flushing flushing your your tap for tap30 forseconds 30 seconds to 2 minutes to 2 minutes before before usingusing waterwater for drinking for drinking or cooking. or cooking.

If youIf you are concerned are concerned about about lead lead in your in your water, water, you may you may 10 wish wish to have to have your your waterwater tested. tested.

Information Information on lead on lead in drinking in drinking water, water, testing testing methods, methods, and steps and steps you you can take can take to minimize to minimize exposure exposure is available is available fromfrom the the 2018 Safe Safe Drinking Drinking Water Water Hotline Hotline at 1-800-426-4791 at 1-800-426-4791 or or www.epa.gov/safewater/lead. www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.

continued on page 59

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JULY, 2019

MWRA continued from page 57

Did You Know?

Most cases of lead poisoning are from contact with peeling lead paint and lead paint dust. But drinking water exposed to lead can increase a person’s total lead exposure.

This is particularly a concern for infants or pregnant women.

What If I Have A Lead Service What Do I Do Do IIfDo I Have A Lead Service Line?Line?

What A Lead Service What Is A Is Lead Service Line?Line?

What Is The Concern?

What Is The Concern?

A service A service line isline theispipe the pipe that connects that connects your your house house to the towater the water mainmain in theinstreet. the street.

SomeSome service service lines lines that run thatfrom run from olderolder homes homes (constructed (constructed before before 1940)1940) are made are made fromfrom lead.lead.

ManyMany of these of these olderolder service service lines lines havehave beenbeen replaced, replaced, but some but some remain. remain.

These These service service lines lines are the aremain the main source source of lead of lead in tapinwater tap water in homes in homes that have that have them. them.

Therefore, Therefore, removing removing lead lead service service lines lines is a priority is a priority to reduce to reduce the potential the potential for lead for lead exposure, exposure, particularly particularly if a pregnant if a pregnant woman woman or or childchild lives lives at your at your home. home.

HowHow Do I Do Replace I Replace My Lead My Lead Service Service Line?Line?

If youIf have you have a lead a lead service service line, line, you should you should consider consider replacing replacing it. Many it. Many communities communities havehave programs programs to help to help with with the replacement the replacement cost.cost.

Removing Removing the whole the whole lead lead service service line isline importis important. It ant. is the It isonly the only way to way ensure to ensure that your that your service service line will linenot willbe notadding be adding lead lead to your to your water. water.

Partial Partial replacements replacements - which - which leaveleave somesome lead lead behind behind - do -not dolower not lower lead lead levelslevels and in and in manymany cases, cases, can actually can actually increase increase lead lead levels. levels.

MWRA MWRA Program Program To Replace To Replace LeadLead Service Service LinesLines To help To help communities communities in removing in removing lead lead service service lines,lines, MWRA MWRA and its andAdvisory its Advisory Board Board approved approved a program a program to make to make available available $100$100 million million in zero-interest in zero-interest loansloans to to its member its member communities communities to fully to fully replace replace lead lead service service lines.lines.

Under Under the program, the program, eacheach community community can develop can develop its own its own program, program, tailored tailored to their to their locallocal circumstances. circumstances.

So far, SoMWRA far, MWRA has distributed has distributed over over $10 million $10 million to nine to nine communities. communities.

To find To out find out more, more, please please readread your your community community letterletter or contact or contact your your locallocal waterwater department. department.

HowHow Do I Do GetI My GetHome’s My Home’s Tap Water Tap Water Tested Tested For Lead?

For Lead?

There There is a list is aoflist labs of labs and sampling and sampling instructions instructions available available on the onlead the lead testing testing pagepage at www.mwra.com at www.mwra.com or you or can you call canMWRA call MWRA at 617-242-5323. at 617-242-5323.

Also,Also, somesome communicommunities have ties have testing testing available available for residents. for residents.

Please Please contact contact your your locallocal waterwater departdepartmentment for more for more information. information.

LeadLead Testing Testing In Schools In Schools Starting Starting in 2016, in 2016, MWRA, MWRA, in in coordination coordination with with DEP,DEP, providprovided no-cost ed no-cost lab analysis lab analysis and and technical technical assistance assistance for schools for schools and day and care day care centers centers across across all all of MWRA’s of MWRA’s waterwater communities. communities.

Almost Almost all ofall MWRA of MWRA communicommunities have ties have already already participated participated in in the program, the program, and sampling and sampling is is on-going. on-going.

Nearly Nearly 34,000 34,000 teststests havehave beenbeen completed completed fromfrom over over 430 schools 430 schools across across 44 44 communities. communities.

MostMost of the of the results results are available are available on the onDEP the DEP website website – www.mass.gov/dep – www.mass.gov/dep (search (search for lead for lead in schools). in schools).

Some Some results results may may also also be be available available through through your your locallocal community community website, website, DPWDPW or or school school department. department.

HOW DO I TELL

if I have a lead service line?

You can identify a lead service line by carefully scratching it with a key.

Have it replaced with a new copper service line.

For more information on lead service lines go to www.mwra.com.

WHAT CAN I DO

to reduce my exposure to lead in drinking water?

Be careful of places you may find lead in or near your home. Paint, soil, dust and some pottery may contain lead.

Let the water run before using it: fresh water is better than stale! To save water, fill a pitcher with fresh water and place in the refrigerator for future use.

Any time water has gone unused for more than 6 hours, run each faucet used for drinking or cooking until after the water becomes cold.

Never use hot water from the faucet for drinking or cooking, especially when making baby formula or other food for infants.

Check your plumbing fixtures to see if they are lead-free. Read the labels closely.

Remove loose lead solder and debris.

Every few months remove the aerator from each faucet in your home and flush the pipes for 3-5 minutes.

Call the Department of Public Health at 800-532-9571 or EPA at 800-424-LEAD for health information.

continued on page 61 5

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Don’t dig yourself into trouble...

The Perfect Excavation: • Pre-mark the location of intended excavation using white stakes, paint or flags.

• In MA, ME, NH and RI, notify Dig Safe® at least 72 hours in advance - not including weekends and holidays.

• In Vermont, notify Dig Safe® at least 48 hours in advance - not including weekends and holidays.

• Notify non-member facility owners.

• Maintain the marks placed by underground facility owners.

Call

• Use caution and dig by hand when working within 18” of a marked facility.

• If a line is damaged, do not backfill.

Notify the affected utility company immediately if the facility, its protective coating, or a tracer wire is damaged.

• Call 911 if the damaged facility poses a risk to public safety.

• Know your state’s excavation requirements.

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MWRA continued from page 59

Drink Local And Be Green!

Tap water is delivered straight to your home without trucking or plastic waste. Bottled water produces over 10,000 times the amount of greenhouse gases as tap water. More than half of our energy needs for water treatment and delivery are met with green power including hydroelectric generators and solar panels.

Tests In Community Pipes MWRA and local water departments test 300 to 500 water samples each week for total coliform bacteria. Total coliform bacteria can come from the intestines of warm-blooded animals, or can be found in soil, plants, or other places. Most of the time, they are not harmful. However, their presence could signal that harmful bacteria from fecal waste may be there as well. If total coliform is detected in more than 5% of samples in a month, the water system is required to investigate the possible source and fix any identified problems. If a water sample does test positive, we run more specific tests for E.coli, which is a bacteria found in human and animal fecal waste and may cause illness. If your community found any total coliform or E.coli, it will be listed within the community letter on page 7.

Drinking Water And People With Weakened Immune Systems Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than the general population. Immuno-compromised persons such as persons with cancer undergoing chemotherapy, persons who have undergone organ transplants, people with HIV/AIDS or other immune system disorders, some elderly, and infants can be

Cross Connection Information Massachusetts DEP recommends the installation of backflow prevention devices for inside and outside hose connections to help protect the water in your home as well as the drinking water system in your town. For more information on cross connections, please call 617-242-5325 or visit mwra.com/crosscon.

particularly at risk from infections. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers. EPA/CDC guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by Cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants are available from the EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline (1-800-426-4791).

Contaminants In Bottled Water And Tap Water Drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably be expected to contain at least small amounts of some contaminants. The presence of contaminants does not necessarily indicate that water poses a health risk. More information about contaminants and potential health effects can be obtained by calling the EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline (1-800-426-4791) or MWRA. In order to ensure that tap water is safe to drink, the Massachusetts DEP and EPA prescribe regulations which limit the amount of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health regulations establish limits for contaminants in bottled water which must provide the same protection for public health.

Research For New Regulations MWRA has been working with EPA and other researchers to define new national drinking water standards by testing for unregulated contaminants.

To read more about these regulations, and to see a listing of what was found in MWRA water, please visit www.mwra.com/UCMR/2018.

Watershed Protection keeps the water supply clean and safe while providing open space. All of the trees and protected land in the Quabbin, Wachusett and Ware River watersheds act as a natural filter, and it is one of the reasons MWRA water has been rated as the best in the country. Since 1985, almost $150 million Overlooking the Quabbin Reservoir

has been invested in land protection.

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JULY, 2019

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UCANE Talks Utility Construction Jobs with Voc-Tech Educators

U

(L-R) Rob Basiri, Centinel Financial Group; UCANE Assistant Executive Director Jeff Mahoney; Don Jarvis, Lower Pioneer Valley Career and Technical Education Center; Peter Sechoka, Centinel Financial Group

CANE Assistant Executive Director Jeff Mahoney recently participated in the Massachusetts Association of Vocational Administrators (MAVA) “Connecting for Success” Conference held at Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School in Marlboro, MA. The purpose was to educate VocTech educators and administrators about future jobs for their students in the Utility Construction Industry.

Most of those attending knew very little about our industry, especially the wide range of challenging projects that are performed by our members.

To help provide an overview of our work, each of the attendees was given a copy of UCANE’s Construction Outlook magazine which was a great way to introduce them to our industry and the variety of skilled jobs – from engineers, project managers,

laborers, operators, and drivers – that are required to perform utility construction projects.

It is well known that the gap in skilled construction workers is projected to grow each year into the foreseeable future. A recent survey reported that eighty percent of construction firms are having a hard time filling positions.

UCANE will continue its outreach to help ensure the success of our industry’s future by talking with Vocational teachers and administrators in the hope that they will inspire their students to pursue careers in the Utility Construction Industry.

UCANE would especially like to thank member firm Centinel Financial Group, LLC for their support in introducing the UCANE staff to MAVA. We look forward to continuing these efforts in the future. n

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JULY, 2019

Charles River Water Quality Earns a "B" for Bacterial Sampling Conducted in 2018

BOSTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has given the Charles River a grade of "B" for bacterial water quality in the river during 2018.

"The Charles River has been in the 'B' or better range for bacterial sampling for the last 18 years," said Acting Regional Administrator Deb Szaro. "The Charles has seen big improvements in water quality thanks to a strong local partnership working hard to clean up the river, but there is more work to be done to see even more improvements in the future, and we are committed to that effort."

The EPA grade for water quality in the lower Charles River is based on bacterial sampling conducted by the Charles River Watershed Association (CRWA) over the 2018 calendar year. CRWA collects monthly water quality samples at 10 monitoring sites from the Watertown Dam to Boston Harbor. In 2018 during dry weather, 94% of the Charles River samples met the state's bacterial water quality standards for boating, and 66% of the samples met the state's criteria for swimming. In wet weather, the percentage dropped slightly for boating to 91% and dropped more significantly for swimming to 47%, and it is primarily the low wet-weather swimming percentage that drove the grade down this year.

JULY, 2019

While the grade dipped this year, EPA has still seen significant improvement in the river's overall water quality since the first report card in 1995, when the river was scored at a "D." It met boating standards 39% of the time and swimming standards 19% of the time.

Background The Charles River grade is determined by comparing the amount of time the river meets water quality standards to the following criteria: • A – almost always met standards for boating and swimming • B – met standards for almost all boating and some swimming • C – met standards for some boating and some swimming • D – met standards for some boating but no swimming • F – did not meet standards for boating or swimming The lower Charles River has improved dramatically from the launch of EPA's Charles River Initiative in 1995, when the river received a "D" for meeting continued on page 66

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65

Charles River continued from page 65

for Massachusetts has taken effect and will encourage further progress to reduce harmful amounts of phosphorus. The new MS4 permit will build upon boating standards only 39% of the time and swimpast work and update stormwater management efming standards just 19% of the time. The water qualforts across Massachusetts, better protecting rivity improvements are due to significant reductions in ers, streams, ponds, lakes, and wetlands across the the amount of Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) disCommonwealth. charges to the river over the past 24 years, as well as "The Commonwealth is pleased to join all of the enforcement of water quality standards and removal partners in celebrating these critical water quality imof illicit discharges. Illicit discharges often consist of provements to the Lower Charles River," said Comcracked and leaking sewer pipes or improper sewer missioner Martin Suuberg of the Massachusetts Deconnections to the storm drain system. partment of Environmental Protection. "We continue While bacteria levels in the Charles have deto support the important work that municipalities and clined over time, algae blooms have become a major stakeholders do as environmental stewards in this problem in the river. These blooms—some of which historic and vital watershed." include toxic cyanobacteria—are driven by excessive Boston Area "For years, the Charles River has received conphosphorus in stormwater runoff. An updated MuLocations sistently high grades for its water quality, enabling nicipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit residents and visitors with an ex2 Dexter Street Everett, MA 02149 cellent opportunity to enjoy this Boston Area Boston Area incredible natural resource located Locations Locations 431 Second Street in the heart of the Greater Boston Everett, MA 02149 area," said Massachusetts Depart2 Dexter Street 2 Dexter Street

ment of Conservation and RecreEverett, MA 02149 Everett, MA 02149 ation Commissioner Leo Roy. "The Commonwealth continues to foster 431 Second Street 431 Second Street strong working relationships with Everett, MA 02149 Everett, MA 02149 local and federal stakeholders, BOSTON AREA LOCATIONS

like the Charles River Watershed

100 Fremont Street 2 Dexter Street 431 Second Street Association and the US EPA, to Worcester, 01603 Everett, MAMA 02149 Everett, MA 02149 achieve mutual goals that directly benefit the public."

"The B grade is a reminder that while the Charles is much cleaner than it was when the first grade was given a D in 1995, our work is far from over," said CRWA Executive Director Emily Norton.

"Today the biggest challenges facing the river are stormwater Minichiello Bros./Scrap-It, Inc., runoff, and extreme weather from Minichiello Bros./Scrap-It, Inc. climate change. We are pleased Serves over 2500 customers a week and is one of New England’s largest Serves over 2500 customers a week and is one New England's largest buyers, to be working with the municipal buyers, sellers, and processors of scrap metal.

Forour overgoal 60 years goal sellers and processors of scrap metal. For over 60 years has our remained remained the same - to in provide the best along prices in thetop industry along with leaders in our watershed to implethe same - tohas provide the best prices the industry with notch top notch service!

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Callcustomer Fred Rogers at Call 617-595-5505 ment nature-based solutions that Minichiello Bros./Scrap-It, Inc.,

reduce stormwater pollution while Minichiello Bros./Scrap-It, Inc., also building climate resilience as Serves over 2500 customers a week and is one New England's largest buyers, we experience more storms, more sellers and processors of scrap metal.

For overa60week years ourisgoal Serves over 2500 customers and onehas Newremained England's largest buyers, rains, more frequent drought and he same - to provide the best in theof industry along with notch sellers and prices processors scrap metal.

Fortop over 60 years our goal has remained more extreme heat." customer service! the Callsame Fred -Rogers at 617-595-5505 to provide the best prices in the industry along with top notch "It is clear from the data that the customer service! Call Fred Rogers at 617-595-5505

Charles, like Boston Harbor, has become a great recreational asset for all to enjoy," said MWRA ExecuTurn your metal into money today! tive Director Fred Laskey. "We are Turn your metal into money today!

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Turn your metal into money today!

continued on page 67 JULY, 2019

Charles River continued from page 66 pleased that the investments made by MWRA's ratepayers continue to pay dividends."

The grade for 2018 was measured by taking samples during both wet and dry conditions. During wet weather conditions, higher bacterial concentrations and poorer water quality due to sewer overflows and polluted stormwater runoff are more likely.

The 2018 calendar year saw a continuation of the expanding use of the Charles River, with the Charles River Swim and continued advocacy for a permanent swimming area near the entrance to the Charles at North Point Park. Last July, nearly 300 swimmers took part in "City Swim" off the Esplanade docks.

As collaborative efforts between EPA, state and local government, private organizations and environmental advocates continue, the goal of a consistently healthy river becomes closer to an everyday reality. For the fifth year, EPA launched a water quality monitoring buoy in front of the Museum of Science in the Charles River Lower Basin. This buoy measures water quality in near real time. The data is being streamed-live on EPA's Charles River website, as well as to a Charles River exhibit in the Museum of Science.

Citizens have been the driving force behind the Charles River Initiative, and they can continue to help improve water quality in the river while monitoring progress themselves.

More Information: EPA's efforts to improve water quality in the Charles River: https://www.epa.gov/charlesriver Real-time water quality monitoring of the Charles River: https://www.epa.gov/charlesriver/live-water-quality-data-lower-charles-river n

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Barnstable Town Council Approves $8.5 Million for ‘Sewer Backbone’ A presentation of the town’s Comprehensive Wastewater Management Plan, a vote to approve an $8.5 million sewer expansion, and initial discussion of how much sewer hookups may cost residents were the highlights of the June 20 Barnstable Town Council meeting.

S

ubmitting a financial plan for how the town plans to support wastewater management is a state mandate. The plan is still in draft form and will be presented to the council in September. But part of the first phase of sewering is being fast-tracked to coincide with road construction scheduled to begin this fall for Vineyard Wind’s offshore wind farm.

“It’s going to be a busy time,” said Dan Santos, Barnstable DPW Director. “There’s tremendous benefit to leveraging the Vineyard Wind plan. The root of the Vineyard Wind cable really coincides with much of what we were going to do in our wastewater plan.”

Laying underground transmission cable for Vineyard Wind will necessitate tearing up and repaving approximately 5.4 miles of roads through the villages of Centerville and Hyannis. Underground transmission cables will be routed north from Covell’s Beach on Craigville Beach Road, up Strawberry Hill Road, and then northeast to Wequaquet Lane, Phinney’s Lane, and Attucks Lane.

“All of those roads are going to be touched in this,” Santos said. In turn, the town is simultaneously timing its construction of a new sewer backbone, with the capacity to serve 1,640 adjacent homes, using the town’s existing wastewater treatment plant. The backbone will connect with a new sewer pump station off Route 132, whose construction is underway for Cape Cod 5’s new Hyannis headquarters.

JULY, 2019 2016 SEPTEMBER,

Town Manager Mark Ells said the town has yet to determine how the project funding will be configured. Potential options include a combination of state and federal grants, transferring funds from the town’s General Fund or savings surplus, and using some of Barnstable’s share of proceeds from the state’s new wastewater management stabilization tax levied on short-term rentals.

Is there going to be a mandated hookup? asked Councilor Jessica Rapp Grassetti of Cotuit.

“We’re going to make it as easy as possible for our residents to hook up,” Ells responded. “State Board of Health regulations require connection within a certain amount of time,” for example, at the end of the useful life of a septic system. continued on page 71

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00 69

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Spotlight on Cape Cod continued from page 69 Another 250 parcels on Long Beach Road in Centerville currently served by septic systems also would have the ability to connect to town sewer; however, adding Long Beach Road would require discussion of a capital betterment project versus assessing homeowners for the cost on a quarterly basis, Ells said.

“These are the largest capital projects that we’re ever going to see in the town,” Ells added. “I’m trying to frame an equitable way to approach this. This does not include connection to your house.”

“We have several hundred million dollars worth of sewer,” Crocker said. By doing the work in tandem with Vineyard Wind construction, “we’re going to save oodles in permits, legal, and surveying” as well as paving. “We’re not going beyond what we can fund.”

Mark Milne, Barnstable Finance director, said overall, the town’s long-term wastewater management plan isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. Each portion of the plan will be different in size and cost.

“We’re trying to provide the council with some flexibility...and not lock you into a dollar amount today for something 20 years down the road,” Milne said.

Implementing the town’s comprehensive wastewater management plan will be in three 20-year phases and funded at different interest rates, Crocker

said. “There may be a time that we (the town) pay for all of the costs, but nothing happens without the spine in the road.”

“These major connectors are like the spine of the entire body,” said Ells. “We believe this is an equitable method to be able to move forward.”

Funding is going to be the biggest part of this whole thing, Rapp Grassetti said. “I’m glad to see that the entire town is going to be responsible fiscally for this project, regardless of whether or not they have sewer coming up to their doorstep.”

“We’re not going to be going beyond what we can fund,” Crocker said. “Everything we’re discussing now, we have the ability to carry, so we’re not advancing beyond our own ability to finance. After that, we’re hoping our networking brings us...state and federal grant money. But we want everybody to know our plan has teeth, our plan is moving, and we’re going to have some success here.”

The council vote to approve the $8.5 million for new sewer infrastructure was unanimous.

“We’re no longer kicking this can down the road,” Crocker said, immediately after the vote. “We’re going to solve some problems here.”

Written by Bronwen Howells Walsh. Reprinted from the Cape Cod Times. n

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Greg Norris, B2W Software, Inc.

A Modern Software Platform at RJV Construction Corp.: Estimating and Field Tracking NOTE: This is the first in a three-part series on software technology at RJV Construction Corp. This article covers the company’s approach to estimating and field tracking workflows.

The next two articles will focus on equipment maintenance and electronic forms.

T

he Pacella name has been associated with pipework in Massachusetts since the 1920s.

Today, core values of honesty, integrity, hard work, and determination that have served the family business, now known as RJV Construction Corp., for close to a century, are supported by a relatively new addition.

RJV has added a modern, unified construction software platform over the past decade to manage and connect its estimating, field tracking, and equipment maintenance workflows. Technology has also helped the company convert from paper forms to electronic forms for many key processes and utilizes real-time data to manage operations more effectively.

RJV Construction was an early adopter of specialized software for construction estimating at a time when many underground utility contractors in New England and throughout the country were still using spreadsheets as their primary tool.

Vice President and Estimator Querino Pacella says the company spent many years relying on and customizing Excel spreadsheets to build bids. “We found it to be very time consuming and eventually decided to take estimating to another level by investing in specialized software,” he recalls. “The biggest advantage to using this software is setting up the cost database and creating the workflow ahead of time; it’s a big time saver,” he adds.

JULY, 2019

In addition to providing a standardized process and eliminating the formula errors often associated with spreadsheets, estimating software allows heavy construction contractors like RJV to download standardized cost item databases frequently provided by MassDOT’s or other municipal project owners. Contractors can then assign these databases with their own pricing information. “We can then create bids in a fraction of the time it used to take us with spreadsheets,” Pacella confirms.

The added estimating speed has provided a follow-on benefit for RJV Construction Corp. beyond the chance to bid on and win more projects. “I can spend more time focusing on the finer details of my continued on page 74

“BUY FROM THE ADVERTISERS IN CONSTRUCTION OUTLOOK”

73

Technology continued from page 73 bids rather than on creating and setting them up,” Pacella explains. “That’s allowed us to be more accurate and aggressive with our bidding and, in turn, has made the company more profitable.”

With the estimating software in place, Pacella and his team turned their attention to a similar opportunity to replace spreadsheets with specialized software for its field tracking and analysis workflow. Realtime reporting from the field and the chance to easily compare that information on actual labor, equipment, and production quantities with the estimate as the job is progressing have been the key advantages.

Field logs were previously completed using Excel. Project Manager Matt Deluca says the process was time consuming and that accuracy was a challenge. “Somebody can easily move a decimal place or double type a number, and you might not see it until the end of the month,” he explains.

The biggest drawback, however, was lag time in receiving vital data from the field. Spreadsheets were e-mailed to the office where they had to be processed. Often, a week or even two weeks would elapse before an issue in the field would be translated back to the office.

Now, superintendents, foremen, and operators at

RJV are equipped with iPads and complete daily field logs in the specialized application.

“It actually saves a ton of time,” says Chris Gates, a superintendent at RJV. “We’re able to keep track of what the crews do every day easily, probably in a matter of minutes.”

Pacella says his team sees the data on labor, equipment, and quantities that day or the following morning. They also look at reports between estimating and field tracking software to compare what is going on in the field versus the estimate.

“We see within less than 24 hours if there’s a problem on a project, so it can be addressed or corrected,” says Pacella. “In the past, that might have gone on for a week or so, and that impacts the bottom line.”

Pacella and Deluca say that they use that data to make more informed and more immediate decisions.

They might, for example, send an additional crew or a different crew to a site where production is lagging or move a crew if production is ahead of schedule.

“We would never go back to the old way we did things because, with the software, the reporting is basically instantaneous,” Gates concludes. “What we do in the field is visible to management immediately. We’re not losing a week or two of production time before we realize if we need to make any adjustments on site.” n

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JULY, 2019

Your Company Must Have A Comprehensive Safety Program!

This year’s Safety Manual includes information on: • OSHA’s Updated Crane & Derrick Rule (1926.47) • OSHA’s Final Rule on Silica Exposure Limits • OSHA’s Final Rule on Improved Tracking of Workplace Injuries and Illnesses • OSHA’s Final Rule on Confined Space in Construction • OSHA’s New Requirements for Reporting Severe Injuries • OSHA’s Updated Trenching & Excavation Safety • Updated State & Federal Posting Requirements

Promote A Safe Working Environment It should be your company’s policy to provide a safe place to work, with the prevention of accidents being your ultimate goal.

Your Insurance/Bonding carrier requires a Safety Program.

State and Federal Agencies require a Safety Program.

OSHA Inspectors Will Be Enforcing: • Overall Construction Safety (29 CFR 1926) • Excavating Standards • Written Safety and Health Plans

• Hazard Communications Programs • Drug Free Workplace • OSHA 10-Hour Training Requirements

Examine The UCANE Pocket Directory When ordering Company Safety Manuals, the Safety Manual section only, in the back of UCANE’s Pocket Directory, will be made up into an individual Employee Pocket Safety Manual with Your Company Name & Logo printed on the cover. Employee signature cards verifying compliance with safety manual procedures are included. When signed, these cards should be placed in each employee’s file.

Employee Pocket Safety Manual Order Form

Company Name:_________________________________ Authorized By:______________________ Pocket Manuals w/ Signature Cards: Qty.__________________ x $3.50 Ea. = $________________ 55.00 Printing and Set Up Charge for Personalized Covers: $________________ Postage and Handling: Date:____________

❏ Company Logo Enclosed

❏ Company Logo to be mailed

10.00 $________________ Total: $________________ ❏ My check is enclosed

Employee Pocket Safety Manuals are available to UCANE members only. PAYMENT MUST ACCOMPANY ORDER. Utility Contractors’ Association of New England, Inc. • 300 Congress Street, Suite 101 • Quincy, MA 02169

E.H. Perkins Construction, Inc. & Subsidiaries P.O. Box 301, Wayland, MA 01778 (508) 358-6161 • (781) 890-6505

-PLANT LOCATIONSQUINN-PERKINS S & G CO. Burlington (781) 272-0200 PANDOLF-PERKINS CO. Sterling (978) 422-8812 • (800) 339-3389 KANE-PERKINS CO. Hudson (978) 562-3436 • (800) 287-3436 GRAVEL • SAND • STONE FILL AND LOAM BITUMINOUS CONCRETE (PAVING) READY-MIX CONCRETE PRECAST CONCRETE PRODUCTS

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Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer 76

Advertisers’ Index ATS Equipment, Inc. ...............................................................2 American Shoring, Inc........................................ Ins. Back Cvr. B2W Software, Inc.................................................................60 BakerCorp..............................................................................71 Benevento Companies..........................................................28 Boro Sand & Stone Corp.......................................................47 Brennan Consulting...............................................................62 Dennis K. Burke, Inc..............................................................56 C&S Insurance Agency..........................................................12 Concrete Systems, Inc...........................................................16 Core & Main.............................................................................4 Dagle Electrical Construction Corp.......................................22 Darmody, Merlino & Co., LLP................................................23 Dedham Recycled Gravel......................................................58 DeSanctis Insurance Agency, Inc. .......................................47 Dig Safe System, Inc.............................................................60 The Driscoll Agency...............................................................58 EJ...........................................................................................64 Eastern Pipe Service, LLC..................................................... 11 Eastern States Insurance Agency, Inc..................................43 Eastpoint Lasers, LLC...........................................................23 T. L. Edwards, Inc..................................................................63 Ferguson Waterworks............................................................70 Genalco, Inc...........................................................................37 Gorilla Hydraulic Breakers.....................................................70 L. Guerini Group, Inc................................................................9 Hinckley Allen LLP.................................................................14 Hydrograss Technologies Inc................................................35 Industrial Safety & Rescue....................................................54 JESCO...................................................................................62 P. J. Keating Company...........................................................10 P. A. Landers, Inc...................................................................44 Lawrence-Lynch Corp............................................................56 Lorusso Corp.........................................................................64 Lorusso Heavy Equipment, LLC............................................30 MBO Precast, Inc...................................................................27 MJ-Hammer...........................................................................38 Mass Broken Stone Company.................................................7 Milton CAT...............................................................Back Cover Minuteman Trucks, Inc...........................................................68 NSI Contracting ....................................................................54 National Trench Safety..........................................................46 Norfolk Power Equipment, Inc...............................................70 North American Crane & Rigging LLC..................................20 North East Shoring Equipment, LLC.....................................45 Northland JCB........................................................................ 41 Ocean State Oil...................................................................... 17 Palmer Paving Corp...............................................................68 Pawtucket Hot Mix Asphalt....................................................13 E. H. Perkins Construction Co., Inc.......................................76 Podgurski Corp......................................................................62 E. J. Prescott, Inc................................................Ins. Front Cvr. Putnam Pipe Corporation......................................................21 Rain For Rent-New England..................................................24 Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers......................................................67 Rodman Ford Sales, Inc........................................................42 Rogers & Gray Insurance......................................................32 Schmidt Equipment, Inc...........................................................1 Scituate Concrete Products Corp..........................................36 Scrap-It, Inc............................................................................66 Shea Concrete Products, Inc. . ...............................................6 SITECH New England............................................................52 Starkweather & Shepley Ins. Brokerage, Inc..........................8 Sunbelt Rentals......................................................................26 Taylor Oil Company...............................................................15 Tonry Insurance Group, Inc...................................................68 T-Quip Sales & Rentals, Inc.................................................. 74 Travelers.................................................................................40 United Concrete Products.....................................................72 United Rentals Trench Safety................................................34 Webster One Source.............................................................64 C. N. Wood Co., Inc. .............................................................48 Woodco Machinery, Inc.........................................................18 Xylem Dewatering Solutions Inc............................................72

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