By Wendy Wert, LABS President

On January 21, 2012, the Los Angeles Basin Section (LABS) of California Water Environment Association (CWEA) hosted the 2011 annual LABS awards from the Queen Elizabeth room aboard the Queen Mary.  The event was a celebration of the contributions to the field of Environmental Engineering from the Past, Present, and Future.

The celebration began with an energized 1920’s themed social gathering of CWEA leaders, members, and award winners.  LABS Outreach Coordinator Erika DeHollan provided a photo montage highlighting sponsors whose dedicated support during this economic recovery cycle has allowed LABS to provide training that enhances the education and effectiveness of California’s wastewater professionals.

In keeping with the historical theme, CWEA LABS Directors Basil Hewitt and Wendy Wert welcomed attendees with an interactive narrative on historical contributions from the era before sanitation through the 1920’s.  Not only water professionals believe the advent of basic wastewater collection and treatment in the twentieth century resulted in direct benefits to public health in the United States and other developed countries.  For example, in 2007, thousands of readers of the prestigious British Medical Journal picked sanitation as “the most important medical advance since 1840.”  A reoccurring theme was that the most significant advances are always the result of collaborations involving engineers from multiple disciplines, scientists from multiple fields, academics from multiple global regions, and practitioners from multiple areas of expertise.

The featured speaker, CWEA Past President Pei-Chin Low highlighted specific collaborative activities CWEA and LABS have organized this past year, such as outreach to non-government organizations (NGO’s) by engaging Mark Gold and David Beckman, outreach to sister chapters by engaging Tri-Counties in the first joint event, outreach to academics by engaging students in Science Training Day at USC and outreach to regulators by engaging EPA Region 9 in the upcoming February 1, 2012 workshop at the Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County (Sanitation Districts).

CWEA LABS Awards Chair Hala Titus initiated presentation of the awards to the local section winners.  The 2011 Safety Award 1-25 Employees went to the City of Los Angeles Department of Public Works Bureau of Sanitation for their Glendale Water Reclamation Plant.  Roger Ramsay accepted the award for the Glendale Water Reclamation Plant.

The 2011 Safety Award 26-75 Employees went to the City of Los Angeles Department of Public Works Bureau of Sanitation Donald C. Tillman Water Reclamation Plant.  Roger Ramsay accepted the award for the Donald C. Tillman Water Reclamation Plant.

The 2011 Environmental Engineer of the Year Award went to Michael Sarullo of the City of Los Angeles Department of Public, Works Bureau of Engineering, for his innovative contributions to the optimization of the Hyperion Treatment Plant’s two-stage, thermophilic digestion for production of class A biosolids.  These modifications reduced the number of and the detention time in the first-stage digesters, which increased efficiency by reducing the volume of steam required for digester heating and the amount of energy required for dewatering operations.

The 2011 Collection System Person of the Year Award went to Adel Hagekhalil, City of Los Angeles Department of Public Works Bureau of Sanitation.  Adel Hagekhalil is a registered civil engineer with the State of California and a national Board Certified Environmental Engineer.  Adel has a Bachelor of Science degree and a Master of Science degree in Civil Engineering.  Adel is currently an Assistant Director with the City of Los Angeles’ Bureau of Sanitation where he is responsible for the Bureau’s wastewater collection system management, stormwater and watershed protection program, water quality compliance, and facilities advanced planning.  Adel is committed to working collaboratively and transparently with the various community groups while enhancing the quality of life in all neighborhoods by providing responsive, efficient and quality services to meet today’s needs, address tomorrow’s challenges and provide a healthy and bright future for our future generations.

The 2011 Collection System of the Year Award Greater than 500 Miles went to the City of Los Angeles.  For their exceptional service record which relies on public input and participation and integrates water supply, water reuse, water conservation and stormwater management with wastewater facilities planning through a regional watershed approach.  The City’s collection system spill control program has led the more than 80 percent reduction in sewer spills.  One innovative approach the City has embarked upon is a Low Impact development Ordinance for the City of Los Angeles that focuses on rainwater harvesting and runoff management for new developments and redevelopments. City of Los Angeles Sanitation Wastewater Manager Robert Potter and several other managers accepted the award

CWEA LABS Director Alec Mackie presented the 2011 Collection System of the Year Award 250 to 500 Miles to the City of Glendale. Since implementing a unique “spot check” CCTV program in 2008 the City has reduced sewer spills by over 70%. Their dedication to safety has also resulted in their safest year ever since records have been kept. Wastewater Superintendent John Hicks accepted the award for the City Glendale Public Works, Maintenance Services.

The 2011 Public Outreach Program of the Year Award went to the Long Beach Water Department for their 100 by 100 water conservation initiative.  To celebrate LBWD’s 100th anniversary the agency used a bold and creative advertising and social media campaign to encourage residents to conserve water. The results were outstanding and the City’s average per capita water usage dropped to a record low of 109 gallons per person, per day and continues dropping. The City of Long Beach purchases 40 percent of its water supply from the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD). During the summer of 2010, the MWD Board of Directors voted to guarantee the water supply of any MWD member agency (the City joined MWD in 1931) that reduces daily per capita water usage to 100 gallons or less. Matthew Veeh, Director of Public Affairs and Melissa Keyes, Special Projects Coordinator, accepted the award.

CWEA LABS Director Amanda Schmidt presented the 2011 Engineering Achievement Award to the City of Malibu for their Legacy Park Project.  Bob Brager accepted the award for the City of Malibu.  Award Recipient Brager, thanked the members of the team which brought this innovative project to the City.  Among the most innovative stormwater management projects in California, the City of Malibu’s Legacy Park is one of the first to combine a vegetated detention pond with a stormwater treatment facility and create a multi-benefit park.  The project serves to store rainwater and urban runoff, maximize treatment capacity, and provide educational and recreational opportunities. Its creative approach to stormwater management serves to promote environmental sustainability, social equity and fiscal responsibility and will serve to inspire future generations of environmental stewards.

The 2011 Outstanding Young Professional Award to Miluska Propersi, of RMC Water and the Environment for her energized contributions to both the professional society and the field of environmental engineering.  She served as LABS webmaster for 3 years and is also active in the Young Professionals committee at the local and state levels. Miluska attends nearly every dinner meeting and regularly attends the Board Meetings. She also aspires to move up through LABS. She is passionate about getting students and young professionals interested in CWEA, and to attend meetings. She promotes CWEA to nearly everyone she meets and genuinely feels it is a valuable organization for all types of wastewater professionals.

CWEA LABS President Wendy Wert presented the 2011 Outgoing Training Certification Preparation Committee Award to John Mays, of the City of Los Angeles for his extraordinary contributions to the profession.  John has served on this committee for more than a decade and continues to contribute to CWEA’s mission of providing training opportunities to the membership.  He served as President of LABS in 2006.  In 2011 John continues to contribute to the field through his commitment to effective use of local resources.  Wastewater currently treated at the Tillman plant is used to irrigate nearby golf courses and a Japanese garden on site, and to fill Lake Balboa. Most of the treated water, however, flows into the Los Angeles River. “We have the possibility today to make pristine distilled water from mountain water or from raw sewage,” said John Mays, a city environmental engineer who oversees construction at the plant. “It’s just being wasted.”

The 2011 Distinguished Service Award went to Matt Copeland of the Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County for his diligent service to LABS.    Matt is always willing to go above and beyond what is required.  For example when there was an unexpected need for a Newsletter Editor, Matt not only filled the need but invigorated the program.    When LABS needed to get the word out for a key event, Matt jumped in and accelerated the publication schedule.  When CWEA needed an organized, energetic and effective communicator, we once again approached Matt and he willing served as the Local Arrangements.  Co-Chair for the CWEA 2011 Annual Conference Planning Committee.  Matt elegantly thanked fellow Co-Chair Patrick Griffith when he accepted the award.

The 2011 Past Presidents Award went to Hala Titus of Black and Veatch for her exceptional leadership. Hala was the 2009 CWEA LABS President.  During her term we encountered unanticipated challenges due to the loss of CWEA LABS President Pat McDaniel.  Hala not only filled the void but her leadership skills actually enhanced participation in collaborative training opportunities for the membership.  Hala has the unique ability to gather the right brilliant minds together around key issues.  This skill has led to celebrated accomplishments.

The 2011 Public Education Person of the Year Award went to Basil Hewitt of the Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County for his tireless dedication to inclusive outreach initiatives. Basil Hewitt has occupied a key role on the Districts Clearwater Program since its initiation in 2006. The Clearwater Program is a comprehensive planning effort undertaken by the Sanitation Districts to ensure that the Joint Outfall System (JOS), serving 73 cities and unincorporated county areas within metropolitan Los Angeles County, will continue to provide environmentally sound and cost-effective wastewater management through the year 2050.  Basil’s work has resulted in tangible benefits to the Sanitation Districts and to industry at large.  Substantial achievements include the culture of trust that the Sanitation Districts has established with its constituency.  This is largely due to the high quality outreach materials developed by the Public Information Department.  Basil’s leadership style has resulted in a culture of outreach and engagement, including data sharing initiatives to support the promulgation of scientifically based regulations, sustainability initiatives for the new economy, and industry adoption of best environmental practices, as well as water and energy conservation.

In a festive twist in this years’ program, CWEA LABS Director Janel Warren of Godwin Pumps and CWEA LABS Committee Chair Nicole You of the City of Los Angeles presented gift cards to the 1920s costume contest winners.  The award for Best Female 1920’s Attire to Teresa Sarullo for her wonderful accessories and the award for Best Male 1920’s Attire went to Brian Dietrick for his cool costume and interesting props.  There were a record number of door prizes at this year’s event.

CWEA LABS Director Ian Mackenzie eloquently wrapped up the festivities by challenging attendees to continue the good work.  If ever the world needed well qualified Environmental Engineers the time is now.  The pressures we face in the United States in the form of aging infrastructure, environmental regulations, resource constraints, coupled with the global concerns of climate change and sanitation make this a challenging and exciting time to practice in the field.

Many local section winners continue to state level competition at the CWEA 2011 annual conference in Sacramento.  Congratulations to all LABS award winners and good luck at the annual conference!

In 2011 the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation awarded Dr Hoffman $400,000 to design and build a prototype. The system cleans wastewater and turns residuals into reusable energy. The design also needs to be easy and affordable to install and maintain.

$35 members, $40 non-members, $20 students

When:
Thursday, April 26, 2012
6PM Mixer | 7PM Dinner

Where:
El Portal, Pasadena
695 East Green Street
Pasadena, CA 91101
(626) 795-8553

RSVP by 4/20:
https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07e5ie00hw95698b79&oseq=
alecm@jwce.com
Or call 714-428-4614

See flyer for more information

OCWD and OCSD A Pioneering Partnership. After evaluating numerous supply options, OCWD and OCSD entered into a pioneering partnership which focused their efforts on an advanced water purification project know as the Groundwater Replenishment (GWR) System. Join General Managers, Mike Markus and Jim Herberg as they discuss the progress of the GWR System on ensuring a reliable, high-quality water supply for north and central Orange County; the financial impacts of deferring the immediate need for another ocean outfall pipe for wastewater; the diversification of local water supplies; and long-term quality improvements to the groundwater basin.

Mike Markus is the General Manager for the Orange County Water District (OCWD). OCWD provides reliable, high quality groundwater to 20 cities (2.3 million customers) using environmentally sustainable practices.

Jim Herberg is the Assistant General Manager for the Orange County Sanitation District (OCSD). OCSD collects, treats and or reclaims the wastewater generated by 2.5 million people about 230 MGD of wastewater.

Program: 5 PM Tour of GWRS
6 PM Networking
6:30 Dinner
7:30 Presentations
8:30 Adjourn
Cost: $40

Dinner includes: Sesame Almond Chicken w/Brandied Cherry Sauce, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Grilled Vegetable Medley, Baby Mixed Greens Salad w/feta cheese and berries, Rolls & Butters and Asst. Cookies, Brownies & Dipped Strawberries

RSVP by September 15, 2011
Preferred method send check payable to: “LACSD-AAEE event” attn: Sylvia Williams 1955 Workman Mill Road
Whittier, CA 90601
LACSD Employees: Send Employee #, BU#, and UID# for direct payment via Professional Development funds.
*Contact Denice Guerrero via email dguerrero@lacsd.org if you have questions, need help with registration, or wish to join the Academy

See flyer for more information

Time: 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm ET

Webinar Overview:
The City of Los Angeles is the first of five 2011 U.S. Water Prize Winners profiled in this webinar series. Sponsored and administered by the Clean Water America Alliance, the United States Water Prize Program is a celebration of sustainable solutions that advance holistic, watershed-based approaches to water quality and quantity challenges. The City of Los Angeles’ Water Integrated Resources Plan (IRP) started with a simple yet ambitious vision: City Departments working with the community to manage water resources holistically. This innovative approach led the City down a seven-year path toward a plan for Los Angeles’ future. The IRP integrates supply, conservation, recycling and runoff management with wastewater facilities planning through a regional watershed approach, enlisting the public in the planning and design development process. Attendees to this webinar earn one Professional Development Hour.

Speaker:
Adel Hagekhalil, P.E., BCEE
Assistant Director
Board Certified Environmental Engineer
Bureau of Sanitation – City of Los Angeles

Adel Hagekhalil is a registered civil engineer with the State of California and a national Board Certified Environmental Engineer. Adel has a Bachelor of Science degree and a Master of Science degree in Civil Engineering. He has participated in many leadership development programs including the Water and Wastewater Development Program at the University of North Carolina.

Adel is currently an Assistant Director with the City of Los Angeles’ Bureau of Sanitation where he is responsible for the Bureau’s wastewater collection system management, storm water and watershed protection program, water quality compliance, and facilities and advance planning.
 

Register online: http://video.webcasts.com/events/pmny001/viewer/index.jsp?eventid=39294

PRETREATMENT, POLLUTION PREVENTION  & STORMWATER (P3S) COMMITTEE
and LOS ANGELES BASIN SECTION

Resolution No. 3 • July 7, 2011

Commending William C. Garrett III

WHEREAS, Mr. Garrett has committed his professional life to protecting the water environment, and
WHEREAS, Mr. Garrett has been an active member of the California Water Environment Association and the Pretreatment, Pollution Prevention, and Storm Water Committee (formerly the Industrial & Hazardous Waste Committee) for 31 years, and
WHEREAS, Mr. Garrett has been a member of the Water Environment Federation throughout his career, and
WHEREAS, Mr. Garrett has served as Local Arrangements Chair, Session Chair, Moderator, Speaker, and all-around “go to guy” at numerous P3S and CWEA annual conferences and Chair of the 1990 Industrial & Hazardous Waste Conference, and
WHEREAS, Mr. Garrett was inducted into the Order of the Silver Cover in 1991 for long-term, dedicated, high effort-level service to the Industrial & Hazardous Waste Committee, and
WHEREAS, Mr. Garrett was recognized in 1990 by the Los Angeles Basin Section as Industrial & Hazardous Waste Control Person of the Year, and was inducted into the elite Select Society of Sanitary Sludge Shovelers (5S) in 1994, and
WHEREAS, Mr. Garrett has been a longtime active and committee member of the Los Angeles Basin Section (LABS) of CWEA, and
WHEREAS, Mr. Garrett has mentored past, current, and future leaders working in both the wastewater industry and the California Water Environment Association, and
WHEREAS, Mr. Garrett “wrote the book” on source control inspection guidelines and techniques, and
WHEREAS, Mr. Garrett was a leader and dedicated contributor to the CWEA Technical Certification Program since its inception, and
WHEREAS, Mr. Garrett has actively supported involvement of his staff in California Water Environment Association activities as Supervising Industrial Waste Inspector at the County Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED:  That the California Water Environment Association commends William C. Garrett III, for his years of dedicated service to the wastewater industry on this occasion of his retirement from the County Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County, and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:  The California Water Environment Association wishes Mr. Garrett every success in his future endeavors.

UNANIMOUSLY PASSED AND ADOPTED this 29th day of June 2011.

John Boyd
Chair, P3S Committee

Wendy Wert
President, LABS of CWEA

Link to photos

Photos by Kent McIntosh, LACSD

WET Designs Party

On Friday June 24th Sun Valley based fountain company WET Designs hosted a party and booksigning for author Charles Fishman who just released The Big Thirst. Proceeds from books sold at the event were donated to Water for People Los Angeles and the vent raised nearly $600.

WET was featured in one of the chapters of Charles’ new book where he talks about our strong emotional bonds to water – the joy of jumping into a swimming pool or playing on a slip-n-slide or watching a water fall. WET’s fountains make water playful, fun and interactive.

Started in 1983 by designer Mark Fuller, WET designs is now an internationally acclaimed designer of fountains and water features including several famous ones here in Los Angeles:  the dancing fountains at The Grove; the fountain you can walk through in the Music Center Courtyard; the water feature at the California Center; the wave fountain at Fashion Island in Newport Beach; the Gas Co. Tower’s lobby and more.

One of WET’s first signature designs is the laminar stream – a perfect arc of glassy water that looks like it is suspended in mid-air. The technology behind the arc was Mark’s university thesis – axisymmetric laminar flow.

The facility in Sun Valley includes the factory, administrative offices, engineering offices and a large “playground” where WET designers pulled out several interactive fountains for the partygoers to experience. Over 200 people work in the complex of offices.  From their catalog:

How do you know it’s WET? The signature WET experience is a powerful social attractor, a magnetic north for anyone searching for a genuine human connection. In an increasingly urban and digital work. WET shapes lifescapes where the community gather, where children play and where a sense of wonder envelops all.

For details on WET Designs visit: www.wetdesigns.com

For info on The Big Thirst visit: www.thebigthirst.com

Marcia Ames Industrial Waste Supervisor from City of Redding, CA writes…

The City of Redding recently had a tragic accident at one of our wastewater treatment plants when the recycled plant water (or #2 water) tank exploded.  One of the operators was nearby and was fatally wounded.  The 4500 gallon tank was installed in the 1970’s during the original plant construction.  Since this is a pressurized water tank, there is no OSHA requirement to test this type of tank.

Please inform your own wastewater staff and other treatment plants in your area, particularly if they are older treatment plants, about the potential dangers of these systems.

http://www.redding.com/news/2011/jun/16/city-osha-investigate-explosion/