WATER ENVIRONMENT FEDERATION

ARTHUR SIDNEY BEDELL AWARD ...recognizing individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the water environment profession

and to the Federation and its Member Associations.

Brad B. Castleberry Brad Castleberry is the Past President of the Water Environment Association of Texas (WEAT). Brad was born in Colorado Springs, Colorado in 1970 and obtained a B.S. in Civil Engineering with highest honors from the University of Texas at Austin in 1993, and a J.D. and his Graduate Portfolio in Dispute Resolution from the University of Texas School of Law in 2002. While in engineering school, Brad was a member of Tau Beta, Phi Kappa Phi, and an officer and member of Chi Epsilon. While in law school, Brad served as the student Managing Editor for the Texas Environmental Law Journal. Brad is currently serving as adjunct Professor of Water Law at Texas Tech University. In 1993, Brad began work as a project engineer with HDR Engineering, Inc. He worked on various projects involving hydrology and hydraulics associated with railway and highway bridges and performed water quality modeling. He also performed pressure system hydraulic modeling, as well as transient analysis for large and complex water delivery systems. Brad has been involved in the planning, design, and construction of a number of water and wastewater treatment and storage facilities, and he is a licensed engineer in the State of Texas. Upon completing his law degree, Brad took a job with Lloyd Gosselink Rochelle and Townsend, P.C. in Austin, Texas. He started as an associate with the firm in 2002 and was named as a partner and principal shareholder January 1, 2008. In his law practice, Brad practices in the areas of water law, natural resources, environmental permitting, and construction litigation. He represents clients on a variety of issues, including water supply planning, water quality management, and environmental defense. Brad also works on water policy and regulatory issues and has successfully addressed dozens of permitting and rulemaking initiatives within the TCEQ. Brad is a member of the Water Environment Federation (WEF) and WEAT, as well as a number of other water-related organizations. Brad has been an active member of WEAT, serving in executive level positions for both WEAT and the Central Texas Section of WEAT since 2002. Brad was the 2005 recipient of the TAWWA Service Award and has a history of serving TAWWA at the Capital Area Chapter level and on AWWA national committees since 1996. Brad is a co-author of the AWWA M50 on Water Resources Planning.

WATER ENVIRONMENT ASSOCIATION OF TEXAS

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

...honoring a member of WEAT who has demonstrated continual and tireless contributions toward the improvement of the water environment throughout a long and distinguished career in the wastewater

treatment industry.

Dr. Desmond Lawler

Dr. Desmond Lawler is the Bob R. Dorsey Professor of Engineering and the University Distinguished Teaching Professor at the University of Texas at Austin where he’s taught environmental engineering and performed research since 1980. Professor Lawler has a B.S. degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Notre Dame, and M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Environmental Engineering from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He is a Registered Professional Engineer in the State of Texas and a Diplomat of the American Academy of Environmental Engineers. Dr. Lawler recently received WEF’s prestigious Gordon Fair Distinguished Engineering Educator Award.

Professor Lawler is well known nationally, internationally, and especially in Texas. He has taught approximately 1200 undergraduate students and 700 graduate students; all of his classes are related to water and wastewater treatment. He has graduated 16 Ph.D.s and 68 Masters students. Professor Lawler’s teaching and service to the students have been recognized by more than a dozen awards including being named to the Academy of Distinguished Teachers at the University several years ago. His teaching philosophy includes the idea that teaching involves providing both intellectual challenge and personal support, and his close relationships with students are a key factor in those awards. These relationships provide the opportunity for mentoring students, and he has influenced many undergraduate students to get Master’s degrees in environmental engineering at other universities. He emphasizes that concepts are more important than facts and understanding is better than memorization; in this way, he prepares future engineers for ever changing technology. Besides those who have gone on to other universities for graduate school, others have used the course as a springboard to work as environmental engineers. His graduate class on “Physical and Chemical Treatment Processes for Water and Wastewater” is a mainstay of the graduate program, with more students taking this class than any other in the graduate curriculum; along with Mark Benjamin of the University of Washington, he is writing a text book for this course. Professor Lawler’s professional involvement is also far-reaching. At this time, he has three major national commitments as a member of the Drinking Water Committee of the USEPA Science Advisory Board, the Research Advisory Committee of the Water Research Foundation, and the Board of Directors of the Water Science and Research Division of AWWA. Desmond was born in Nyack, NY as the youngest of seven children; his father was a civil engineer and his mother was a mathematics teacher before beginning the family. Two of his brothers (John and Patrick) are also environmental engineers and were partners in the firm of Lawler, Matusky and Skelly Engineers (Pearl River, NY) for many years; they have retired and the firm has been bought by HDR. Desmond has been married to the former Alice Cotter for 40 years, and they have two adult children, Kate and Patrick, both of whom are married. Alice is a Ph.D. counseling psychologist in private practice in Austin.

WATER ENVIRONMENT ASSOCIATION OF TEXAS

WINFIELD S. MAHLIE AWARD

...recognizing a member of WEAT who has made significant contributions to the art and science of wastewater treatment and water pollution control.

Rajendra P. Bhattarai

Raj Bhattarai served as the 2007-2008 President of the Water Environment Association of Texas (WEAT). He received his Bachelor of Technology degree in Civil Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, India in 1976, and his M.S. in Environmental Health Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin (UT) in 1980. That year he started working for the Texas Department of Water Resources, a predecessor of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). Since 1984, Raj has worked for the City of Austin Water Utility. He was the project manager for the expansion of Austin’s largest wastewater treatment plant, and a full-scale demonstration study for biological nutrient removal, and worked on reclaimed water programs, treatment plant re-rating, water quality studies, and numerous permits, studies, grants, and research projects. Raj currently manages Austin Water Utility’s Environmental and Regulatory Services Division. In addition to overseeing research projects, TMDL and water quality management, assisting treatment plants with operational process issues and troubleshooting, tracking environmental regulations and legislation, and ensuring regulatory compliance, he and his team are liaisons to regulatory agencies, environmental, professional and research organizations, and manage the activities of the Center for Environmental Research, a consortium of the City of Austin, UT, and Texas A&M University. Raj has served in many stakeholder committees at TCEQ and has helped draft or revise numerous rules and regulations, including serving as the Vice-Chair of the Activated Sludge and Nutrient Removal Sub-Committee to re-write TCEQ Rules Chapter 217, Design Criteria for Domestic Wastewater Systems. Raj is a frequent guest lecturer for several environmental engineering classes at UT and at UT’s LBJ School of Public Affairs. He also teaches short courses on advanced biological wastewater treatment at UT. Raj has been a member of the Water Environment Federation (WEF) and WEAT for over 32 years. He was a WEF Program Committee Member (1986-1991) and WEF Successful Biosolids Practices Task Force Member (1990-94). Raj served the Central Texas Section of WEAT as Treasurer (1993-1996), Section Representative (1996-1999), Vice President (2001-2002), President Elect (2002-2003) and President (2003-2004). He has served WEAT as a Technical Program Committee Member (1990-Present) and Chair (1997-1999), Membership Committee Chair (1994-1997), Conference Management Chair (1995-1996 and 2005-2006), Utility Management Committee member (2003-2006), Municipal Waste Treatment Committee Member (2007-Present), Water Reuse Committee Member (2007-Present), Vice President (2005-2006), President Elect (2006-2007) and President (2007-2008). Raj serves as a Project Subcommittee Member of the Water Environment Research Foundation on several research projects, and has been recently appointed to the Tailored Collaboration Review Committee of the Water Research Foundation. He has more than 40 presentations and publications to his credit. Raj is an active member of the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA), and served as the 2001 President of the Texas Association of Clean Water Agencies (TACWA) and is currently serving as the TACWA Secretary. A recipient of WEF’s George W. Gascoigne Medal (1992) for “Significant Operation Contribution” and the Arthur Sidney Bedell Award (1998) for “extraordinary personal service to WEAT”, he is a licensed professional engineer in the State of Texas and a Diplomat of the American Academy of Environmental Engineers.

WATER ENVIRONMENT FEDERATION

OUTSTANDING SERVICE AWARD ...recognizing an individual who has made outstanding contributions to the water environment

profession and to the Federation and its Member Associations.

Betty L. Jordan

Betty Jordan is currently serving as the President of the Water Environment Association of Texas (WEAT) and as a member of the Water Environment Federation’s Board of Trustees. Born in Fort Worth, Texas, Betty has been a trailblazer in this industry since graduating from the University of Texas at Arlington with her Bachelor of Science in Biology (1976), Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry (1977), and Master of Science in Civil Engineering (1979). In 1980, Betty joined Alan Plummer Associates, Inc. (APAI) and currently serves as Manager of Technology, Principal, and member of the Board of Directors. As the Manager of Technology, Betty mentors young engineers and works with others in the firm to ensure that the company carefully evaluates new technologies and incorporates them into solutions for clients as appropriate. In her 30 years with APAI, Betty has worked in a variety of environmental engineering areas including water, wastewater, water reuse, odor, pretreatment, and permitting. But Betty is fond of telling people – my heart is really in sewage! A popular speaker, she can relate to elementary school students, YPs, and even the OFs in our industry. Her efforts have garnered her recognition with several industry associations including the Water Environment Federation, AWWA, and WEAT. Winner of the Arthur Sydney Bedell Award, Betty has been actively involved in both the North Texas Section of WEAT and the state association. She has served in officer positions and has been an active member of the state program committee since the 1980s, helping organize and develop the programs for many specialty seminars. She is a passionate fund raiser for Water for People and received WFP’s Kenneth J. Miller Award in 2007. Recently, she was the key note speaker at the Stockholm Junior Water Prize Competition passionately challenging students, after her presentation on Water for People, not to settle for being brilliant and educated – but to look beyond themselves and to use their talents to make the world a better place for their having been there! Betty lives with the two most spoiled cats in the universe. She is actively involved in her church and the local classical music scene and loves to travel both domestically and internationally. She also loves to cook and prepare elaborate gourmet dinners for fun evenings with friends and family. [AND YES, YOU CAN BID ON ONE OF THESE DINNERS AT THE WFP SILENT AUCTION.] Betty attributes much of her success in our industry to having had the encouragement of two great cheerleader parents and having had the privilege of working for Alan Plummer who led by example and encouragement and sometimes a little motivating pressure.

WATER ENVIRONMENT ASSOCIATION OF TEXAS

MUNICIPAL WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT OF THE YEAR Category 1 (

WATER ENVIRONMENT ASSOCIATION OF TEXAS

MUNICIPAL WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT OF THE YEAR Category 2 (1-15 MGD)

...presented to a municipal wastewater treatment plant in Texas that has consistently exhibited outstanding performance of daily activities beyond the normal call of duty.

Salatrillo Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant

San Antonio River Authority

The Salatrillo Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) is owned, operated, and maintained by the San Antonio River Authority. (SARA). Salatrillo WWTP is a regional facility with a service area that covers the City of Converse, City of Live Oak, and portions of Universal City, in Northeast Bexar County. The majority of the wastewater treated comes from residential homes, retail commercial businesses, and a small percentage of industrial waste. The Salatrillo WWTP has a permitted flow of 5.83 MGD. The Salatrillo WWTP has always passed the biomonitoring standards required by the TPDES (Texas Pollution Discharge Elimination System). The effluent limitations for the Salatrillo WWTP are TSS 15mg/l, CBOD 7mg/l, and Ammonia Nitrogen 2mg/l. Salatrillo has had no permit violations between 10/01/2007 and 9/30/09. The plant is operated by Robert Cruz, Chief Operator; Travis Krueger, George Gonzales, Aniceto “HAPPY” Garcia, Larry Dennis, Gilbert Hernandez, and Ruben Hernandez all of which hold Class B Wastewater licenses, and Michael Kollodziej who holds a Class III Collections license. The Utilities department holds monthly safety meetings, with topics ranging from chemical safety, vehicle safety, combined space entry, plant safety, electrical safety, fire extinguisher training, and at the conclusion of every safety meeting the floor is opened to discuss any safety concerns or potential safety hazards, which need immediate attention. Every employee in the Utilities Dept. must be trained and certified in CPR and First Aid by SARA CPR/First Aid Instructors. The plant now uses a new computerized program, set up in the company intranet system to route work orders, maintenance schedules, and vehicle maintenance. The first phase of the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) Project recently completed with the Salatrillo WWTP being the first plant to go online with SCADA. During the last two years the Salatrillo Vulnerability Assessment Project was initiated. Emergency response plans were written, new security upgrades were installed such as new security gates with employee badge card readers for entry and exit, cameras mounted on plant building and front gate, and strategically located PTZ cameras that scan the plant perimeter. New portable six inch pumps with suction and discharge hoses were also purchased. They can be used in emergency situations inside the plant or out in the field at lift stations, or used to assist other local communities with their emergency situations. The Operators at the Salatrillo WWTP are always happy and proud to reach out to the public to show how the plant serves the community. With Judson High School located across the street from the plant, biology and chemistry classes schedule plants tours every semester. SARA is extremely fortunate that The Department of Preventive Health Services, AMEDD Center and School from Fort Sam Houston, Texas chose the Salatrillo WWTP to bring students from the Preventive Medicine Specialist Course to gain knowledge of wastewater operations to use with their class room training. The Plant Maintenance Department started a new Energy Conservation Project at SARA for the FY09, and has replaced all the electric motors at Salatrillo with new more energy efficient motors. Thus far SARA has noticed a two percent, or about 5500 KW hour, decline per month in energy use. Additionally, since July 2007 the Salatrillo WWTP has taken all wastewater sludge produced in the sludge facilities to New Earth Soil and Compost for beneficial reuse instead of filling up the local landfill.

WATER ENVIRONMENT ASSOCIATION OF TEXAS

MUNICIPAL WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT OF THE YEAR Category 3 (>15 MGD)

...presented to a municipal wastewater treatment plant in Texas that has consistently exhibited outstanding performance of daily activities beyond the normal call of duty.

Central Regional Wastewater System

Trinity River Authority of Texas

The Trinity River Authority’s Central Regional Wastewater System is a Category #3 system with a rated capacity of 162 million gallons per day. TRA pioneered the concept of regional wastewater treatment by establishing the Central Regional Wastewater System in 1957. The plant began operations in December 1959, serving the cities of Irving, Grand Prairie, Farmers Branch, and a portion of western Dallas in Texas. The system has since expanded to serve all or part of 21 contracting parties and approximately 1.2 million people in the Dallas/Fort Worth geographical area. CRWS includes a treatment plant, located in Grand Prairie, and more than 200 miles of collection system pipelines. This regional treatment facility is one of the largest and best-operated plants in the state of Texas. The system’s staff works with continuously upgraded state of-the-art technology throughout the water reclamation process to produce clean, clear effluent that improves water quality in the Trinity River. CRWS is capable of providing complete treatment for monthly average flows of 162 MGD, daily maximum flows of 335 MGD, and a daily 2-hour peak flow maximum of 405 MGD. During the treatment process, biological oxygen demand, suspended solids and ammonia nitrogen are reduced by 99 percent. The Central plant has the mechanical dewatering capability of processing 232 dry tons of biosolids daily. CRWS has a total of 46 TCEQ-certified operators on staff including 13 with “A” certifications. Well qualified operations, maintenance, and management personnel are the primary reason that CRWS has a long history of 100% compliance with its National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit. CRWS’ record of permit compliance is best illustrated by the Peak Performance Awards the system has earned from the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA). CRWS has achieved 100% permit compliance continuously since 1994 resulting in numerous Gold and Platinum Awards from the National Association of Clean Water Agencies. NACWA honors those agencies that have achieved 100% permit compliance for the previous year with Gold Awards. NACWA’s prestigious Platinum Award recognizes 100 percent compliance with NPDES permits over a consecutive five year period. Platinum Award status continues, year after year, as long as 100 percent compliance is maintained. In 2009, Central Regional Wastewater System received a Platinum Award for an astounding 16 years of 100% compliance with the system’s permit limits. During this time period, CRWS has discharged over 800 billion gallons of highly treated effluent into the Trinity River with no violations of its state or federal permit. CRWS is one of only 14 systems nationwide to achieve 100% compliance for 16 or more years. CRWS is one of only a few large, advanced wastewater treatment facilities treating over 100 MGD to have obtained this sterling record of compliance. In an effort to promote awareness, impact behavior and promote compliance with safe practices, safety awareness and education permeates every aspect of daily work life at Central Regional Wastewater System. A multifaceted Safety Education Program, beginning with day one of employment at CRWS and continuing for the duration of an employee’s tenure, strives to ensure the safest possible work environment. CRWS maintains a sterling safety record with only 1.5 lost-time incidents per 100 employees in the year 2008. The CRWS Operations Challenge Team, the CreWSers, is the most successful WEF/WEAT operations challenge team in the history of the state of Texas. The CReWSers won their fourth national championship in the top division at the 2009 Water Environment Federation national competition in Orlando, Florida after taking first place in the State competition earlier in the year. The CReWSers have won 12 consecutive Texas State Operations Challenge Championships from 1998 to 2009.

WATER ENVIRONMENT ASSOCIATION OF TEXAS

EMERGING LEADER AWARD

...presented to a young member of WEAT who has provided outstanding service in support of the Association in the form of committee involvement, recruiting, volunteer time, event participation, or

other contributions.

Meera D. Victor

Meera Dhruve Victor graduated from Maharaja Sayajirao University, India in 2000 with a B.S. Civil Engineering. She then earned a M.S. in Civil/ Environmental Engineering from University of California, Los Angeles in 2002. After graduation, she worked for MARRS Services, Inc. on various water/wastewater projects in California. In 2005, she joined Carollo Engineers in Dallas as an Environmental Engineer. She became a licensed engineer in the State of Texas in 2006. Ms. Victor’s professional experience at Carollo Engineers includes design, project management, and construction management of various water and wastewater treatment projects. She is currently serving as Project Manager for the North Texas Municipal Water District (NTMWD) Regional Water Treatment Plant – Plant I & II Chlorine Scrubber Facilities and the NTMWD Floyd Branch Wastewater Treatment Plant - UV Disinfection Facility Addition. Meera has been an active member of Water Environment Association of Texas since she moved to Texas in 2005. She has been a passionate supporter of Water for People. In 2007 she chaired the Silent Auction at Texas Water in Fort Worth. She has organized a number of fund-raising events both within Carollo and WEAT, including the Annual Bingo Night for North Texas Section of WEAT. In 2007, she accepted the position of Chair of the WEAT – North Texas Chapter Young Professional (YP) Committee. As the Chair of YP committee, she encouraged involvement of YPs in various WEAT/WEF events and also organized a number of networking and social outings for the YPs. In 2008, she became a non-voting member of the WEAT Executive Committee when she volunteered to serve as a Co-Chair for WEAT – Specialty Conference. As a Specialty Conference Co-Chair she spearheaded the start of WEAT webinars and also helped organize several specialty conferences on water environment topics. These webinars and specialty conferences are critical in developing income for WEAT and furthering WEAT’s goal of public education on water environment topics. Meera has been a regular volunteer for WEAT activities, including WEAT – North Texas Section Science Fair Judging and WEAT – North Texas Section annual picnic. Additionally, Ms. Victor was sponsored by Betty Jordan to join the WEAT Long Range Planning Committee in 2009 and attended their 2009 meeting in Lewisville. She is actively involved at national level in WEF – Water Reuse Committee and Young Professional Committee. As a member of WEF – YP committee, she helped reviewing abstracts for WEFTEC 2009. She also served as an Assistant Moderator on several YP and Water Reuse sessions at WEFTEC 2009

WATER ENVIRONMENT FEDERATION WILLIAM D. HATFIELD AWARD

...recognizing operators of wastewater treatment plants for outstanding performance and professionalism.

Clifford W. Beaber Clifford Beaber joined the City of Corpus Christi Wastewater Department in 1976 as a Crewman for the Collection System Activity and was soon promoted to Tradeshelper. In 1979, Mr. Beaber was promoted to Maintenance Mechanic and in 1984 to a Sr. Wastewater System Foreman and into a Maintenance Foreman for the Lift Station Operation & Maintenance Activity. In 1996, he was promoted to Plant Supervisor and again in 1998, to Maintenance Superintendent. In 1990, he earned his Associates Degree in Public Administration from Del Mar College by attending night school. In 1993, he graduated with Honors from Texas A&M Corpus Christi (formerly Corpus Christi State University) with a Bachelor Degree in Political Science. He obtained his Class “A” Wastewater Operator’s Certification issued by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. Clifford demonstrated his enthusiasm, skills and ability to lead to such an extent that in 2008, he was promoted to Wastewater Treatment Superintendent assuming the responsibility for the City’s six Wastewater Treatment Plants which have a combined treatment capacity of 41.0 million gallons per day (MGD). Under the direction of Mr. Beaber, all six treatment plants have consistently complied with their discharge permits. The plants have received numerous National Association of CleanWater Agencies’ (formerly AMSA) Platinum Award, Gold Award and Silver Award during the last twelve years. The Platinum is awarded to those plant that have received the AMSA Gold Award for five consecutive years without a permit violation, the Gold Award is for no permit violations and Silver Award is for less than five permit violations during a calendar year. In 2001 the Water Environment Federation awarded the Greenwood Wastewater Treatment Plant the “George W. Burke, Jr. Award” for the effective Safety Program. Mr. Beaber is also responsible for the Pretreatment Section which successfully monitors the commercial and industrial customers of the wastewater system. Mr. Beaber is an active member of the Water Environment Federation and the Texas Water Utility Association (TWUA). In 1998, Mr. Beaber served as President of the TWUA - Coastal Bend District after serving as Program Chair, Treasurer, and Secretary/Vice President. For several years he was Chair of the Auditing Committee. He has attended numerous WEF and WEAT Conferences. He is an active member of the Coastal Bend Master naturalist group and does numerous hours of volunteer work for events such as Earth Day/Bay Day, Aransas Wildlife Cleanup Day, and Adventure Tent at Bayfest

WATER ENVIRONMENT ASSOCIATION OF TEXAS

SIDNEY L. ALLISON AWARD ...to a person or organization that has made significant contributions to the engineering, science, and/or operation and maintenance of wastewater collection and pumping stations with the mission to transport

wastewater to a treatment plant.

North Texas Municipal Water District The North Texas Municipal Water District (NTMWD) provides regional treated water supply and transmission, wastewater collection and treatment, and solids waste disposal services to a broad area in North Texas. The NTMWD Regional Wastewater System Members are: Allen, Forney, Frisco, Heath, McKinney, Mesquite, Plano, Princeton, Prosper, Richardson, Rockwall, and Seagoville. The Regional Wastewater System Customers are: Fairview, Melissa, and Parker. The Sewer System Participants are: Crandall, Farmersville, Fate, Frisco, Lavon, Murphy, Rockwall, Royse City, Seis Lagos, and Wylie. The NTMWD has provided wastewater treatment services to its participating cities since 1972, when the NTMWD assumed operations of Plano’s Rowlett Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant. The first wastewater facility built and operated by the NTMWD was the small, specialized, high quality, Rush Creek Treatment Plant in Rockwall. Today, the NTMWD owns and operates four regional treatment facilities that provide secondary and/or tertiary level treatment. In addition to the regional facilities, the NTMWD operates 14 smaller treatment plants that are included in the NTMWD Sewer System. In the process of ensuring safe conveyance of the wastewater to state-of-the-art regional treatment facilities, the NTMWD maintains 202 miles of transmission pipelines ranging in size from 8” to 60” in diameter. In addition to the treatment facilities and conveyance system, NTMWD also operates 20 lift stations strategically located in the service area. The NTMWD currently utilizes 154 employees dedicated to the operations of the wastewater system, 8 employees focused on the transmission system, and several others who provide additional support in other departments. The NTMWD Regional Wastewater System and Sewer System treated over 32 billion gallons of wastewater during the 2008-09 Operations Year (October 2008-September 2009). Of the total wastewater treated, 18 percent received treatment through the NTMWD Sewer System, while the remaining 82 percent received treatment at one of the four regional wastewater treatment plants. Droughts, population growth, and the knowledge of water as a finite resource have necessitated the development of wastewater reuse strategies by the NTMWD. These wastewater reuse strategies help to reduce the release of nutrient-rich effluent into waterways and assist in augmenting raw water supplies to meet current and future water demands. The NTMWD has completed the largest constructed wetland in the United States. This wetland reclaims water from the East Fork of the Trinity River, polishes or cleanses it utilizing aquatic plants, then transfers the polished water to Lavon Lake for blending and storage to augment water supplies used for treated drinking water. In addition, several of the NTMWD wastewater treatment plants provide effluent to neighboring golf courses for irrigation purposes. Wastewater reuse provides a beneficial purpose, a conservation measure, and a reliable alternative water use from wastewater effluent or reclaimed water.

WATER ENVIRONMENT ASSOCIATION OF TEXAS

RONALD B. SIEGER BIOSOLIDS MANAGEMENT AWARD ...presented to a WEAT member(s), an engineering firm, a specific project, a municipality, or a specific

municipal or industrial facility that has made significant accomplishments in the field of biosolids technology and management practices within the boundaries of the State of Texas.

Hornsby Bend Biosolids Management Plant

Austin Water Utility

The City of Austin Water Utility is committed to protecting, conserving, and restoring the ecology of Austin. The Hornsby Bend Biosolids Management Plant (Hornsby Bend) plays a key role in that effort by recycling Austin’s biosolids and yard trimmings through its composting program. The facility has received many local, state, and national awards for environmental excellence, including twice winning the Environmental Protection Agency’s first place national award for biosolids recycling. Additionally, the 1200-acre Hornsby Bend site’s 180 acres of treatment ponds are Austin’s most popular bird watching destination. The American Bird Conservancy and the Audubon Society have recognized the facility as a site of global significance for bird conservation by designating it an Important Bird Area for North America. Hornsby Bend helps further knowledge of biosolids processing and impacts, as well as Austin’s ecology, through the research and education supported by the Utility’s Center for Environmental Research (CER). Located at Hornsby Bend, the CER is a partnership with the University of Texas at Austin and Texas A&M University. Ongoing research at CER into biosolids impacts on the soil food web and ecosystems as well as research into emerging trace contaminants reflects the significant contributions of Hornsby Bend to our knowledge of biosolids. In short, Hornsby Bend is a model for innovative approaches to protecting urban ecology and developing ways to benefit the environment such as reducing waste, producing compost, and protecting ecosystems. The Hornsby Bend Biosolids Management Plant receives all solids generated at the City’s wastewater treatment plants, Walnut Creek and South Austin Regional. Currently, Hornsby Bend receives 1 to 1.5 million gallons of primary and activated solids at a solids concentration of 1.5% solids concentration, which is pumped from the wastewater treatment plants to Hornsby Bend. The solids treatment train at Hornsby Bend consists of the following: sludge screening, equalization/mixing tank, gravity belt thickeners, mixed blending tank, anaerobic digesters and dewatering belt presses. Digested and dewatered biosolids are either land applied on Hornsby Bend property, land applied off-site by a contractor or composted. AWU has land applied biosolids to 550 acres at Hornsby Bend since the mid-1980s. Today approximately one-third of the plant’s solids production are land applied on-site, one-third are composted, and one-third are land applied off-site by a contractor. Liquid sidestreams generated in the treatment of the biosolids are routed to an on-site sidestream wastewater treatment plant and the treated sidestream flows are ultimately discharged into a four pond treatment system. Water from the ponds is used for irrigation on the Hornsby Bend property, as the plant is a “zero discharge” facility. Gas produced in the digestion process is used as fuel in boilers, to heat the digesters, to fuel two on-site 400-KW electric generators, or flared. Austin’s stringent pretreatment program requires that local industries and businesses treat or remove contaminants from their wastewater before it is discharged into the City’s wastewater collection system. This program ensures that Austin’s biosolids meet all state and EPA requirements for safe recycling and reuse. All of Austin’s biosolids are beneficially reused through their well-established composting and land application programs. The cornerstone of the Austin Water Utility’s recycling efforts is the Dillo Dirt™ composting program – which celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2007 and was the first biosolids composting program in Texas. Using the windrow composting method, the City generates about 40,000 cubic yards of compost annually. The operation recycles not

only digested biosolids, but also all of the residential yard waste that is collected curbside in the City. Overall, compost production represents about onethird of the plant’s biosolids production. The Utility currently composts on a 14-acre roller compacted concrete pad and on a seasonal basis composts in two existing sludge storage basins. “Dillo Dirt” is donated to schools, parks and nonprofit organizations and is also sold to more than 60 licensed commercial vendors for retail. Demand for the product often exceeds available supply. Because of the success of the Dillo Dirt program and demand for the product, the Utility is currently expanding its composting operation, and is constructing an additional 15-acre concrete composting pad to the north of the existing pad. The compost pad expansion, digesters improvements and numerous other upgrades at Hornsby Bend are being funded with a $31.8 million zero-interest federal stimulus loan. Last year the Texas Water Development Board ranked the Hornsby Bend Improvements Project as the #1 “Green Project” in Texas and awarded it 80% of the “Green Reserve” funds from the Texas Clean Water State Revolving Fund.

WATER ENVIRONMENT ASSOCIATION OF TEXAS

OUTSTANDING MUNICIPAL OPERATOR OF THE YEAR ...presented to a municipal wastewater treatment plant operator in the State of Texas who has

demonstrated outstanding professionalism at his/her facility and has performed his/her duties tirelessly and with dedication to the betterment of the water environment.

Raudel Juarez

Mr. Raudel Juarez began his career in wastewater in 2000 as an introductory employee at the Ventura Regional Sanitation District in Ventura, California. In 2002, he obtained his Class II Wastewater License and was promoted to Operator II in 2003. He worked at two different sequential batch reactor plants, with advanced activated sludge, performing nitrification and denitrification until 2005. On December 12, 2005, Raudel joined the Trinity River Authority’s Central Regional Wastewater System as an Operator II. He quickly obtained his Class B Wastewater License and was promoted to Senior Operator. In this position he was responsible for training on his shift as well as Hazmat training, day-to-day activities of the operators. As Senior Operator, Raudel is responsible for plant operations in the absence of the Chief Operator. Raudel’s talents were soon noticed and he was charged with overseeing construction projects. In this capacity, he works with engineers and contractors to plan and coordinate construction. He has played an integral part in reviewing designs and attending numerous meetings during each construction phase. He has seen and has been a major player in the plant going from 162 MGD to eventually 189 MGD. In 2006, he joined the CReWSers, TRA’s Operations Challenge team, and became team coach. As coach, he was the backbone of the team. Under his leadership, the CReWSers won National Championships in the Operations Challenge in 2006, 2008, and 2009. He also competed in several demonstrations and invitation competitions. Raudel is a devoted family man. He and his wife, Cecilia, have three wonderful children. He supports his children in their various sports’ activities by volunteering his time coaching. He is also involved in his church’s activities as a leader and teacher in several capacities. He is an avid outdoorsman, whether it is taking his children fishing at the local pond or hiking the hills of New Mexico with his father to hunt for mule deer. Raudel is a member of WEAT and WEF. He attends North Texas sections’ functions.

WATER ENVIRONMENT ASSOCIATION OF TEXAS

EXEMPLARY EMPLOYER AWARD ...recognizing Texas employers that support and facilitate employee involvement and activities within the

Water Environment Association of Texas and the Water Environment Federation.

San Antonio Water System

San Antonio Water System serves more than one million people in the urbanized part of Bexar County, including more than 352,000 water customers and more than 395,000 wastewater customers. In addition to water and wastewater service for retail customers, SAWS provides wholesale water supplies to several smaller utility systems in the area as well as centralized heating and cooling services for many of the buildings in downtown San Antonio. As an organization, SAWS strongly encourages employee participation in professional associations, especially WEAT/WEF, and pays membership costs for most professional associations. In addition, SAWS managers promote involvement in WEAT to new and young professionals, often including participation as a goal in annual performance evaluations. SAWS supports WEAT activities by hosting monthly WEAT San Antonio Section meetings at its Headquarters facility – a significant improvement over loud restaurant banquet rooms that were previously used. SAWS facilities also routinely host WEAT/WEF webcasts and workshops, and encourages employees to attend. In addition, SAWS employees take an active role in WEAT activities, conferences and fundraisers. Many employees have served or currently serve as officers or representatives for WEAT and other professional organizations, participating in conferences across the country. This past year, SAWS was a major participant in the first local Water for People Golf Tournament, organized by the WEAT San Antonio Section and TAWWA South Texas Chapter. The inaugural event welcomed about 100 golfers and raised $15,000, with SAWS taking a key role in getting the word out about the tournament. Employees routinely support and attend WEAT and WEF conferences, often giving presentations to highlight SAWS projects and successes. Many of these same topics are regularly featured in WEAT newsletters, with SAWS being a major contributor of technical articles. SAWS also continues to be a strong supporter of Operations Challenge competitions at the state conference, with SAWS teams consistently performing well in many areas. As demonstrated, SAWS has a valuable relationship with the Water Environment Association of Texas and the Water Environment Federation. We anticipate this collaborative partnership will grow and expand, and SAWS will continue to support and facilitate employee involvement and activities within WEAT and WEF.

WATER ENVIRONMENT ASSOCIATION OF TEXAS

LABORATORY ANALYST EXCELLENCE AWARD

...recognizing a member of WEAT for outstanding performance, professionalism, and contributions to the water quality analysis profession.

Dana L. White

Dana White was born an eighth generation Texan in Jacinto City. She received her Bachelors Degree in Microbiology and Chemistry from the University of Texas at Austin in 1985. She was one of the founding members of the Microbiology-Medical Technology Students Society. Ms. White is a registered Microbiologist (American Society of Clinical Pathologists) and is a Certified Quality Auditor (American Society for Quality) and has been the chair of the WEAT Laboratory Committee since 2008. She is also part of the WEAT Environmental Management Systems and Texas Water Program Committees. Ms. White’s 26 years in the lab have included working for the Veteran’s Administration Medical Center–Houston, City of Houston Health and Water Departments, Texas Department of Health, as well as the Austin Water Utility, Texas. She has been working for the Austin Water Utility, as a Chemist and Operations Supervisor and is currently a senior Chemist at the Hornsby Bend BMP. Her lab work experience ranges from soil, shellfish, clinical, food and dairy microbiology, drinking water and wastewater. She was privileged to be Texas Laboratory Evaluation Officer for drinking water, dairy and shellfish during her years with the Texas Department of Health. She has assisted in coordinating the Texas Water Operations Challenge for the last few years and has been a supporter and technical advisor to the Austin Dillo Express. Ms. White is a member of the following organizations:

TWUA/LAS/Alamo Chapter and former member of the Houston and Austin LAS Chapters American Society of Clinical Pathologists WEF-Water Environment Association American Society for Quality Austin Youth River Watch

She is also very active with the local science fairs for the students in the surrounding schools and assist with local student’s Science Fair Projects and has participated in judging on the local and regional levels. She has helped with the Utilities “Take Your Children to Work Day” and various school tours. Ms White’s noted achievements include method development for Giardia/Cryptosporidium, Rapid Antibiotic testing in milk, rapid E. coli 0157:H7 in ground meat, and Vector Attraction Reduction in biosolids. She has successfully worked long term at bringing about closer cooperation between the laboratory and process operations. However, her proudest achievement is being a mother to her 10-year-old son, Werner.

WATER ENVIRONMENT FEDERATION

GEORGE W. BURKE, JR. AWARD ...acknowledging an active and effective safety program in municipal and industrial wastewater facilities. The facility must have a documented and illustrated safety program and safety record for the preceding

calendar year.

Whitecap Wastewater Treatment Plant City of Corpus Christi

The Whitecap Wastewater Treatment Plant was initially constructed in 1974 as an activated sludge plant with a capacity of 0.5 million gallons per day (MGD). In 1991, the plant’s capacity was increased to 0.8 MGD and again expanded in 1997 to a capacity of 2.5 MGD. Today, the Whitecap plant is treating 1.3 MGD and provides wastewater treatment for the North Padre Island area. The plant currently receives wastewater flows from a service area of over 10,480 acres with a population of approximately 9,500. Most of the wastewater is from domestic sources that is discharged into the collection system. The collection system has 16 lift stations and 93 miles of sewer lines, ranging in diameter from 8 to 36 inches. Wastewater treatment plant operation is a never ending job and safety is a priority at this Platinum-12 year Award winning Whitecap Wastewater Treatment Plant where the motto is Think Safety First. It is the Department’s mission is to protect and improve the health, welfare, and quality of life for the citizens of Corpus Christi by providing environmental protection through collection, treatment, and disposal of wastewater in accordance with all federal, state, and local regulations in the most cost effective and safe manner reasonably possible. The Department continuously strives to increase employee awareness, and improve safety and health with focus on reducing hazards. Our goal and objective is to increase the level of workplace safety by providing continuous and dynamic safety programs. Some of these include but are not limited to, Injury and Loss Prevention Program, Trenching and Shoring Training, Confined Space Training, Blood- Borne Pathogens Training, Lock Out/Tag Out, and Hazardous Materials Emergency Response. The Whitecap Wastewater Treatment Plant employees actively participate in monthly safety meetings covering a variety of topics such as driver safety, safety and health inspections, slips and falls, chemical emergency response, respiratory protection, electrical safety, fire safety and safety awareness. While working safely, plant staff has worked effectively as well. The Whitecap Wastewater Treatment Plant has been recognized as a Platinum Award winner consecutively by the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA). The Platinum Award is awarded only to those plants that have had no discharge violations for five consecutive years. The Platinum Award recognizes those few plants in the United States that are exceptionally operated, maintained, and managed, another indication of a safe plant. This award honors: Carl Williams Samuel Salinas Alfredo Molina James Cowger Jesus Dimas Lazaro Trevino Andres Gomez Gabriel Garcia Allen Smith Gerardo Martinez Jeffery Rodriguez Think Safety First

WATER ENVIRONMENT ASSOCIATION OF TEXAS

MEDAL OF HONOR FOR HEROISM ...recognizing an individual or group of individuals who have demonstrated exceptional courage and

bravery in the performance of heroic behavior towards their fellow man.

Paul T. Baumgardner, Ph.D.

On the morning of September 11, 2001 Dr. Paul Baumgardner was busy with his job in the industry, operating and training staff to operate his newly designed rail tankcar chemical cleaning facility in Amarillo, TX. However, shortly after hearing the news of terrorist attacks on United States soil Dr. Baumgardner joined thousands of other Cold War veterans lining up at recruiting stations across the nation to help take a stand against future threats. Within weeks of joining the Texas Army National Guard’s Light Infantry Brigade Dr. Baumgardner deployed with his local unit along the Texas-New Mexico border in support of Operation Noble Eagle, tasked with clearing identified danger zones and securing top security interests of the United States Department of Defense installations. Upon returning from active duty and discharge from the Texas Army National Guard Dr. Baumgardner returned to his environmental engineering career. However, rather than returning to the chemical cleaning facility Dr. Baumgardner accepted his former position as a director at Ana-Lab Corporation (environmental laboratory) with partial ownership of the organization. Throughout the years that followed the September 11th attacks, Dr. Baumgardner became increasingly concerned with the strain of combat on his fellow Texans, learning of multiple deployments (both domestic and combat deployments) with many of his veteran friends still actively engaged in reserve service to the state of Texas. Upon learning of yet another combat deployment to Iraq with an urgent request from a veteran friend of his still in the local unit Dr. Baumgardner was graciously given a leave of absence from Ana-Lab Corporation. Dr. Baumgardner declined an opportunity for a direct commission as an officer and requested instead to join as an NCO (non-commissioned officer) in an effort to ensure that he would be able to contribute his time overseas in direct combat as a light infantryman and Small Arms Team Leader. In the course of his combat deployment supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom’08, Dr. Baumgardner saw over 10 months of direct combat. In addition to several field and unit awards for leadership and combat operations proficiency, Dr. Baumgardner was also awarded the Combat Infantryman Badge (CIB) for numerous direct engagements with enemy forces, including small arms attacks and improvised explosive device (IED) attacks in the Al Anbar Province of Iraq. Upon returning from Iraq Dr. Baumgardner resumed his duties as Director of Business Development for Ana-Lab Corporation, in addition to his work with the Water Environment Association of Texas and the Water Environment Federation. In addition to these duties, Dr. Baumgardner is also active with the Air & Waste Management Association, the TCEQ Enviro-Mentor program, and guest lecturing for the TCEQ and colleges and universities around the nation. Dr. Baumgardner has been married to Michelle Baumgardner for 19 years, and has two children and lives in Panhandle, TX.

WATER ENVIRONMENT ASSOCIATION OF TEXAS

RECRUITMENT AWARD

...recognizing a member of WEAT for his outstanding recruitment effort.

Dennis Laskowski

Mr. Dennis Laskowski is a registered Professional Engineer in the State of Texas, holds a Class B Water Distribution System Operator License, and is a certified NASSCO PACP operator. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) where he graduated Cum Laude. He recently earned an Associates of Applied Science degree in Surveying Engineering Technology from San Antonio College. While attending and upon completion of college at UTSA, Dennis worked for the Texas Department of Transportation, San Antonio Public Works Department, and the San Antonio Water System (SAWS) where he is currently a Project Engineer. While employed with SAWS for the past 11 years, such duties have included the development and/or implementation of Annual Construction Contracts for Pipe bursting, Cured-inplace pipe, Asphalt, Concrete, Excavation/Backfill and sewer line cleaning, all a first for SAWS. Other responsibilities have including the design of sewer emergency projects for collapsed pipe, scheduling and coordinating work for the survey department, design and review of water and sewer main projects, and the project manager of contracts to name a few. Dennis has been actively involved in his local WEAT section since 1999 when he and his former boss founded the section and Dennis was voted Secretary. Mr. Laskowski played an instrumental role in defining the section by starting a newsletter, gaining sponsorships, opening up a bank account, scheduling meetings, recruiting members, implementing the Constitution and Bylaws, and instigating the sections 1st bowling social. Mr. Laskowski continues to help his local WEAT section in numerous ways including setting up happy hours for the young professionals in the area, participating in annual science fair activities on behalf of WEAT and AWWA, holding many officer positions in the section including President and now currently the active Section Representative, and initiating a student membership award and scholarship with the University of Texas at San Antonio and the local section. Dennis notes that his participation has been a pleasant and rewarding experience and encourages everyone to volunteer in their local section if they choose to do so. Dennis previously won WEAT’s prestigious Emerging Leader Award in 2003. In addition he has won a WEAT Recruitment Award for six years in a row. WEAT wishes to recognize, thank, and congratulate Dennis for his continued service.

WATER ENVIRONMENT ASSOCIATION OF TEXAS

RECRUITMENT AWARD ...recognizing a member of WEAT for his outstanding recruitment effort.

Sharon Miller

Sharon Miller is a registered Professional Engineer in the States of Texas, Nebraska, and Oklahoma, holds a Grade Four Nebraska Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator License, and is a certified NASSCO PACP operator. She received a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering and a Masters of Science degree in Environmental Engineering, both from the University of Nebraska. Yes folks, she is a Cornhusker in Texas territory. Prior to coming down to Texas, Sharon worked 12 years for the City of Omaha, Nebraska as a plant engineer. She was responsible for all design and construction, whether capital or O&M funded projects, for three wastewater treatment plants, force mains, rehabilitation of over 70 lift stations, and the City’s flood protection system (levee and flood wall). In addition to design and construction activities, Sharon participated in training of O&M staff, assisted with troubleshooting and operations of systems, participated in water festivals, spoke at local schools about wastewater treatment, and provided numerous tours of the wastewater plant to schools and other organizations. Sharon moved to Texas in 2008 to take a job as a Project Manager with HDR Engineering in Dallas, TX. Or as her operators put it before she left Omaha, moving to the dark side. She is on the pretreatment and odor control technical practice committee for HDR, where she participates in establishing best management practices, fact sheets, and design guides on these topics for HDR employees. She has worked on a variety of projects for College Station, TRA, Mustang SUD, Waco, and Commerce, and really enjoys meeting a variety of people, learning about how others treat their wastewater, and assisting municipalities. Sharon was actively involved in the Nebraska MA, and was a board member in the Director-At-Large position upon her departure. She was instrumental getting NWEA involved as a regional partner in the World Water Monitoring Day (WWMD) program, applying for and receiving an educational grant to allow NWEA to disseminate test kits at no charge. Brad Castleberry was instrumental in getting her involved with WEAT as soon as she arrived. It wasn’t too long before Brad took Sharon’s enthusiasm and placed her as co-chair of the membership committee. Sharon continues to work with the Section Reps to focus on WEAT membership services. In addition to WEAT activities, Sharon is actively involved at WEF. She is on the WEF PCOC committee, and is chair of the publications subcommittee. All those brochures and flyers you order from WEF are developed from this committee. She participates in the WWMD committee, as well as being a North America judge for the WWMD Water Champion Award – the first annual award was presented at the end of March. Sharon has been actively involved in the Water is Life subcommittee, developing the materials you see as part of the WIL program. She participates on the WEF’s Air Quality and Odor Control Committee as well, and has participated as a co-chair in workshops at WEFTEC. Sharon, and her husband Phil, have two active children – Chloe who is 7 years old and Philip who is 5 years old. In her spare time, she assists in coaching her children at soccer and baseball, is crew chief for her husband’s dirt track racecar, and is the PTA chair of her daughter’s school Environmental Club. You can tell that Sharon is very passionate about her work in this industry. WEAT wishes to recognize, thank, and congratulate Sharon for her continued service.