weftec® 2011 technical session proposal form proposals/2… · weftec® 2012 technical session...

WEFTEC® 2012 Technical Session Proposal Form Submitted by: William W. Edgar, Chair of PDC Steve Swanback [email protected] [email protected] Organizing WEF Committee: PDC (Professional Development Committee) Supporting WEFTEC Program Committee Symposium: None, but suggest Facility Operations and/or Utility Management and Leadership

SESSION DESCRIPTION

Proposed Session Title: Operator Training from a Trainer’s Perspective

Session Format: (check one): Platform ◄◄◄◄◄

Panel Discussion Combination of Both

Brief session description: The purpose of this technical session is to provide ideas and concepts utilized by the leading trainer’s across the country involved in Operator Training. Each presenter will introduce their training program. The presentations will include:

addressing the Need-to-Know criteria

training options for certification training

effectiveness of training to passing levels of their state certification exams

A suggestion by each presenter of “What Works” and “What does not Work” related to Operator Training. Presenters have been asked to describe their viewpoints to improve cognitive levels in training. For the past couple of years, Utility managers and staff have increased their focus on performance levels and training of their operations force. This proposed session will provide attendees with a varied viewpoint of trainers in various regional areas and types of operator training available. Each attendee will leave the session with increased understanding of classroom, correspondence, and web based training. It is important to note, the WE & T Journal – September 2012 issue related to Workforce Issues would be an excellent opportunity to further introduce this technical session, as well as, increase the awareness and participation in the session through articles related to opening the channels of training. How effective are they? And what channels do we take to improve the knowledge base of operators and young professionals in their environmental careers?

mailto:[email protected]



WEFTEC 2012 Technical Session Proposed by PDC Committee page 2 Is this session on a “hot” topic? YES Why? Too many people having been talking about training without implementing programs. This proposed session includes experienced operator training instructors, training centers, programs, and leading concepts in training operators. How is the information in this session different or unique from what may come from the call for abstracts? Each presenter has been personally contacted and committed to providing their trainer’s perspective to the Need-to-Know criteria. The trainers will discuss their concepts in transferring and relating to the core material with regards to certification. Session keywords: (List or select from attached list) ---- see attached list ---

AUDIENCE INFORMATION

Who is the target audience for this session? (List or select from attached list) ---- see attached list --- Does this session apply to water, wastewater or both professions? BOTH Estimated Attendance: 100 - 135

SESSION DETAILS

Will this session require different set up (standard is theater seating, podium, head table seating for 2 people, 1 LCD projector/screen)? NO

Is this a full session or half session? FULL A full session consists of 3 hours of presentations with a ½ hour break in the middle; half sessions are 1 ½ hours with no break. Will all speakers provide a manuscript for the proceedings? YES Will any speaker require any assistance (registration for the session, etc.)? NO Proposed Moderator: Name: Steve Swanback Email: [email protected] Proposed Assistant Moderator 1: Name: Ken Jacobs Email: [email protected] Proposed Assistant Moderator 2: Name: Curt Smalley Email:




WEFTEC 2011 Technical Session Proposed by PDC Committee page 3

Proposed Speakers and Topics:

Speaker 1:

Name – Russ Martin Affiliation – USEPA, Region 5 Title of Presentation – The Need is in Plain Sight BUT….A Void has Developed Email: [email protected] Speaker 2:

Name – Tom Groves Affiliation – NEIWPCC, Director of Wastewater and Onsite Programs Title of Presentation – Benefits of Regional Training for the New England States and New York Email: [email protected] Speaker 3:

Name – Paul Shetley Affiliation – Southern Illinois University Title of Presentation – Summary of ERTC – University Water/Wastewater Training Program Email: [email protected] Speaker 4:

Name – Ken Kerri Affiliation – California State University - Sacramento Title of Presentation – Successful Distance Education Training Email: [email protected] Speaker 5:

Name – Ron Trygar Affiliation – TREEO Title of Presentation - Challenges in WW Training in the 21st Century Email: [email protected] Speaker 6:

Name – William Edgar Affiliation – CEU Plan Title of Presentation – Distance Education – web based for Today and Tomorrow Email: [email protected] Alternate Speaker 1: Name – Affiliation – Title of Presentation – Email:








WEFTEC 2012 Technical Session Proposed by PDC Committee page 4 Alternate Speaker 2: Name – TBA Affiliation – Title of Presentation – Email: Poster 1: Name – Curtis Truss Affiliation – OTCO

Title of Poster – Training Opportunities through Operator Training Committee of Ohio Email: [email protected] Poster 2: Name – Paul Shetley Affiliation – SIU

Title of Poster – Training Programs of SIU – University onsite training for Water/Wastewater Email: [email protected] Poster 3: Name – Ken Kerri Affiliation – CSU - Sacramento Title of Poster – Home Study Courses, Office of Water Programs Email: [email protected] Poster 4: Name – Ron Trygar Affiliation – TREEO Title of Poster – Operator Training through the TREEO Center Email: [email protected]

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

By submitting this, I agree that I have informed the proposed speakers that all are required to prepare a paper for the proceedings, meet all deadlines associated with the presentation, and are responsible for associated registration, transportation, and housing fees, unless an exception is specifically requested above and granted by WEF before final acceptance of this proposal. Moderators and Assistant Moderators have also been informed that they are responsible for their own registration, transportation, and housing fees. Submitter sign here: William W. Edgar






WEFTEC 2012 Technical Session Proposed by PDC Committee page 5 SESSION KEYWORDS:

Public Education/Information/Communication

Utility Management

Workforce Issues / Professional Development

Operations and Maintenance

Innovative Technology

Modeling

Information Technology

Research

Global/International Issues

DEMOGRAPHICS (please use both lists to select target audience) Organization:

1. Municipal/District Water and Wastewater Systems and/or Plants 2. Industrial Systems/Plants (Manufacturing, Processing, Extraction) 3. Consulting or Contracting Firm (e.g., Engineering, Contracting and Environmental) 4. Government Agency (e.g., US EPA, State Agency, etc.) 5. Educational Institution (Colleges and Universities, Libraries and other related organizations) 6. Public Official (e.g., Commissioners, Board Members, etc.)

Job Function:

1. Upper or Senior Management (e.g., President, Vice President, Owner, Director, Executive Director, General Manager, Mayor, Commissioner, Board Member, etc.)

2. Engineering, Laboratory and Operations Management (e.g., Superintendent, Manager, Section Head, Department Head, Chief Engineer, Division Head, etc.)

3. Engineering and Design Staff (e.g., Consulting Engineer, Civil Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, Chemical Engineer, Planning Engineer, etc.)

4. Scientific and Research Staff (e.g., Chemist, Biologist, Analyst, Lab Technician, etc.) 5. Operations (e.g., Shift Supervisory, Foreman, Plant Operator, Service Representative, Collection

Systems Operator, etc.) 6. Educator (e.g., Professor, Teacher, etc.)

The following pages illustrate each presentation by speaker, along with their short bio

and discussion for this proposed technical session:



Speaker Abstracts and Bio – supplemental

Speaker 1:

Title of Presentation: The need is in plain sight BUT….. A void has developed.

Presenter: Russ Martin

Description of Presentation: The need is in plain sight. EPA contributed $64 Billion to wastewater treatment plant construction and more for drinking water facilities since 1971. Local communities have contributed far more in infrastructure as it is estimated that $1.6 trillion have been invested in infrastructure since that time. It takes professionals to run these facilities and many are getting ready to leave the field. Congress had chastised EPA in the past for building facilities that did not work and in a partial response to Congress, technical assistance to be performed at POTWs was began in 1983 under 104g1 of the CWA. Congress included funds in the updated Drinking Water Act for training operators and a proposed update of the Clean Water Act included training efforts in both house versions for wastewater operators. Although training continues under a portion of the Drinking Water State Revolving Funds as mandated by that Act, EPA stopped funding for the wastewater 104g1 training effort in 2008 after years of relying on Congressional extramural set asides. The network built since 1983 of trainers and the number of communities assisted has diminished significantly since funding for wastewater assistance stopped aggravating the current situation. It is up to states, professional organizations and their member associations, educational institutions and private industry to take up the slack as seasoned operators are replaced. This paper will illustrate the past funding of the EPA, challenge others to fill the void and act as a starting point for the subsequent speakers. Presenter’s Bio: Russ Martin has a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from the Illinois Institute of Technology and is also a Registered Professional Engineer in the State of Illinois, a member of the Water Environment Federation (WEF), and a member of the Central States and Illinois Water Environment Associations. He participates in the Plant Operation & Maintenance and Professional Development Committees on a national basis and the Young Professional Committee with the Illinois and Central States member associations. For the past four years he has also participated on a team that designs process control questions for the National WEF Operations Challenge event.

He has worked for 39+ years at the Environmental Protection Agency in EPA’s Region 5, Chicago, in the following areas: field office (included being an on scene coordinator occasionally), planning and managing construction grants in Illinois, technical assistance at wastewater treatment plants six of which subsequently won operation and maintenance excellence awards, security, wet weather operation, NPDES State Program Manager Team leader, Deputy NPDES Branch Chief and sustainable infrastructure aspects. He is the Region 5 wastewater treatment operation and maintenance expert, CSO coordinator and asset management advocate.

I have been contacted by Bill Edgar and I agree to participate in the technical session listed above if it is approved for presentation at WEFTEC 2011, in Los Angeles, California. I also understand that I will be required to prepare items to be included in the proceedings for the technical session and if I don’t meet this requirement I may be removed from the program. I also understand that travel and hotel expenses are my own responsibility. Presenter’s Commitment to Session: Russ Martin commits to attending Date: 11/22/10




Speaker 2:




Speaker 3: Title of Presentation: Summary of ERTC – University Water/Wastewater Training Program Presenter: Paul Shetley Discussion of Presentation:

The Environmental Resources Training Center (ERTC) provides continuing education in water and wastewater operations and a one year Water Quality Control Operations Program for students who are interested in a career in the environmental and water treatment field. The Water Quality Control Operations Program is a non-degree, one year Certificate of Completion Program that is very attractive to the students who may not wish to, or may not be able to continue their education at a four-year college. The program is also a very good opportunity for displaced workers to become certified operators and return to the work force with just a year of training. The Water Quality Control Operations Program consists of an intense, 35 hours per week schedule of classroom and hands-on training. ERTC is unique in that we incorporate classroom training with hands-on training using the three teaching water quality laboratories, and the 30,000 gallon/day training-scale water and wastewater treatment plants housed within our facility. The instructors at the Training Center have extensive experience and education in water supply and wastewater treatment. All of the instructors have many years of experience in their field, and hold professional certifications and licenses, along with being experienced instructors. At the end of the program, and after passing the exams, the students will obtain water and wastewater operator certifications in Illinois and Missouri.

Since 2009 ERTC has been providing an even greater training opportunity. In collaboration with the nearby Lewis and Clark Community College we have developed a new program to train and educate water treatment plant operators, supervisors, and managers. The two year program designated Environmental Treatment Technologies-Water Treatment is designed to produce a graduate who will possess the skills needed to advance their career to positions such as treatment plant manager and public works director.

There are many challenges associated with providing technical training, including: unprepared students, budgetary matters, enrollment/recruitment, and job placement. The rewards of providing technical training such as: the gratification of seeing a student enter the career, the pride associated with seeing a student “get it”, and the satisfaction associated with knowing that you have made a difference in someone’s life.

Presenter’s Bio:

Paul Shetley is a Registered Professional Geologist with over 25 years of experience in a wide range of water quality and environmental projects. His work experience as a project manager/project geologist has been on projects throughout the country performing and managing water quality and environmental investigations for such agencies as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. EPA, Department of Energy, and Departments of Transportation and at many industrial facilities. He spent 6 years as manager of a public water and sanitary district before becoming the Director of the Environmental Resources Training Center at Southern Illinois University in 2005. He holds a BS in Earth Science and Biology and a MS in Environmental Studies.




Speaker 4:

Title of Presentation: Successful Distance Education Training Presenter: Ken Kerri Discussion of Presentation:

Distance education is a very efficient and cost-effective means for training operators and managers. The most common types of distance education are correspondence and on-line courses. Advantages of distance education include the trainees are their own instructors and can study at convenient times and locations and also at a comfortable pace. The limitations include self motivation and the lack of immediate access to an instructor. This presentation will provide details on how to develop and implement operator and manager distance education training programs. The first step is to assemble a team of subject matter experts who employ operators and managers that need training to perform their jobs and advance in the profession. The experts develop a body of knowledge or need-to-know criteria for their employees. The body of knowledge is then organized into a training curriculum. The subject matter is assembled into logical topics that are easy to explain by instructional material and easy to understand and comprehend by operators and managers. The effectiveness of the training program can be measured in terms of job performance, facility performance and success in achieving higher levels of certification

Presenter’s Bio:

Ken Kerri is an Emeritus Professor of Civil Engineering and a consultant to the Office of Water Programs at California State University, Sacramento. Ken has been active in water and wastewater operator training and certification since the Office of Water Programs at CSUS began offering operator training programs in 1972 under his directorship. That same year, Ken was appointed to the newly-formed California State Water Resources Control Board’s Advisory Committee on Operator and Superintendent Training and Certification, on which he still serves. In 1998, Ken was appointed to the California DPH’s newly-formed Stakeholders Committee on Operator Certification of Water Treatment and Water Distribution Systems and continues to serve on the committee. His B.S. in Civil Engineering is from Oregon State College, his M.S. is in Sanitary Engineering from the University of California, Berkeley, and his PH.D. is in sanitary engineering from Oregon State University. Ken is a Registered Professional Engineer in California. His professional memberships include AWWA, WEF, International Water Association, NESHTA, and Association of Environmental Engineering and Science Professors. Ken is a former President of the Sacramento Section of CWEA and also a former President of CWEA. He is an Honary Member of WEF.

I have been contacted by Bill Edgar and I agree to participate in the technical session listed above if it is approved for presentation at WEFTEC 2011, in Los Angeles, California. I also understand that I will be required to prepare items to be included in the proceedings for the workshop and if I don’t meet this requirement I may be removed from the program. I also understand that travel and hotel expenses are my own responsibility, but WEF will waive the registration fee for the workshop (not other WEFTEC fees). Presenter’s Commitment to Session: Ken Kerri Date: November 17, 2010




Speaker 5:

Title of Presentation: Challenges in WW Training in the 21st Century

Presenter: Ron Trygar

Discussion of Presentation:


Training operators in today’s economy and fast paced world can be difficult and challenging. There are many stresses on the operators as well as their trainers, and instructors of water and wastewater operations staff need to think of new and creative ways to get the training to the field staff. Some of these challenges include:

Training budgets shrinking

Downsizing at treatment facilities

On-line training replacing classroom training sessions Recent budget cutbacks have meant that some utilities have money for the training, but no money to travel to the training location. Hotels, meals and fuel expenses are sometimes picked up by the operators, or some share the cost with their employers. Along with recent cutbacks, training funds have gone down as well. Some utilities are relying on in-house staff to provide training, while others rely on water or wastewater associations to hold conferences and regional meetings at very low cost to get their operators the CEU’s they need. Sometimes the training is not up to par, and become a ‘sales pitch’ by the invited speakers. On-line training has come a long way, especially with the ability to use flash media in the course. Videos and pictures embedded in the text has helped make the training more enjoyable for the operator. However, the on-line training experience can be compromised by people who do not really take the entire course, allowing the computer to run while they do other chores. Some folks have shared with me that they allow their spouse or children to go through the lessons for them, while they take the credit for the CEU’s toward their license. As a Certified Environmental Trainer (CET) trained in delivering quality instruction to water and wastewater operators, I am told by so many that they enjoy the classroom environment for learning and they retain so much more by attending a hands-on session and networking with their peers.

Presenter’s Bio:

Ron is the Senior Training Specialist for Water and Wastewater programs at the TREEO Center, and is responsible for most all water and wastewater related training. Ron instructs courses related to energy conservation at treatment facilities, activated sludge process control and troubleshooting, biological nutrient removal, microscopy, and a variety of exam review courses that help operators prepare for the State exams. Ron teaches sections of the Water Facility Security and Water Distribution courses, and also is the instructor of the UF Dept. of Continuing Education correspondence and on-line Class C Drinking Water Operator course.

I have been contacted by Bill Edgar and I agree to participate in the technical session listed above if it is approved for presentation at WEFTEC 2011, in Los Angeles, California. I also understand that I will be required to prepare items to be included in the proceedings for the workshop and if I don’t meet this requirement I may be removed from the program. I also understand that travel and hotel expenses are my own responsibility, but WEF will waive the registration fee for the workshop (not other WEFTEC fees). Presenter’s Commitment to Session: Date: Friday, November 19, 2010




Speaker 6:

Title of Presentation: Distance Education – web based for Today and Tomorrow

Presenter: William W. Edgar


Alternative training technologies are being evaluated with increasing interest in distance education and online training. Evaluations show the benefit of distance education because of limited staffing, shrinking budget dollars for travel to short schools and conferences, and the convenience, availability, and quality of online training selections. In many industries today, distance education has become the staple for training new employees and management trainees. The water and wastewater treatment plant operations field is beginning to evaluate these alternatives, as the cost of technology is more affordable and the availability of this type of training is becoming more widespread. The following review of historical training will provide an introduction to this presentation, followed by a study of current practices and suggestions for future improvements in operator training.

This presentation will include steps to evaluate and implement an online training program for water and wastewater treatment plant operators. Included are planning parameters, program design, software selections, server and system requirements, an evaluation of the efficacy of online versus classroom training, drawbacks and problem solutions, and the compatibility of Learning Management Systems (LMS).

A comparative study of four leading online providers within the water and wastewater field will include a comparison of online to classroom, pro’s and con’s, cost, and benefits. In addition to the provider comparison, the review includes comments and suggestions from operators, state administrators, utility managers, and training coordinators to provide an overview of the transfer of knowledge. The discussion of the challenges facing online training includes problems of standardization of LMS, issues in course development, and the development of systems for tracking and monitoring students’ performance. As continuing education programs continue to evolve, questions for these challenges include how the training is accomplished, how well the training is retained, and what tools are utilized in training.

Presenter’s Bio:

Bill Edgar has been involved in the water and wastewater treatment plant industry for 34 years. His experience includes operating a construction company specializing in the repair and renovation of existing treatment plants, administered a contract water/wastewater treatment operations group in the mid-80’s through 90’s, and pilot studies – developer of patented process systems. Bill has been Chair of the WEF Disinfection Committee and current Chair of the WEF Professional Development Committee, along with membership in the Program and Specialty Conference committees. In Florida, he is a member of Florida Select Society of Sanitary Shoveler’s (FSSSSS), Florida Water Environment Federation, Operator’s Association, FSAWWA, and sits on the Advisory Board for FDEP – OCP Wastewater Operations. He received his BS in Business Administration in 1975 from Arkansas State University and actively involved in his latest development, CEU Plan, web based training for water and wastewater - environmental professionals across the country.




Alternate Speaker 1:

Title of Presentation: Looking For Operators In New Places Using New Ways

Presenter: Patrick Barnes and Matilda Tennessee Discussion of Presentation: In August of 2011, Limitless Vistas, Inc., a job training non-profit started the second phase of a summer internship program designed to introduce at risk youth to real and sustainable entry level jobs in the water and wastewater utility sector. The program was designed by Limitless Vistas and partner BFA as a way to begin to help fill the tremendous employment needs in the sector as the baby boomers reach retirement age. Interest in the program was quickly developed within Veolia Water and the Sewage and Water Board of New Orleans who offered training and internship opportunities for 10 students in the program. This presentation will provide an overview of how the program was developed, provide information regarding the goals of the program, information on the current program status, and future goals and objectives to further enhance and expand the existing program. Patrick Barnes, President of BFA Environmental and Founder of Limitless Vistas, along with Matilda Tennessee, Executive Director of Limitless Vistas will present information regarding the creation of Limitless Vistas and its goals and objectives as well as the direction of the program for the future. All participants will provide discussion regarding how the program hopes to expand and develop in the future.

Presenter’s Bio:

Patrick A. Barnes, P.G. holds a Bachelors of Science degree in Geology from the Sate University New York at Stony Brook and is a graduate of the Crummier Executive Management Program of Rollins College and the TUCK Executive Training Program at Dartmouth College. He is a licensed professional geologist in Florida and North Carolina. He is President/CEO and founder of Barnes, Ferland and Associates, Inc. Matilda A. Tennessee, MBA a graduate of Tennessee State University and the University of Phoenix. She has over 20 years of experience in business and non-profit organizations. She currently serves as the Director of Limitless Vistas, an environmental training organization for youth between the ages of 18-24. She serves on the Gert-Town Community Board and the works diligently with the Central City Partnership Community Organization.

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