Utility Safety Issue

18 R e g i o n N e w s

31 N a t u r a l G a s S a f e t y S t a n d a r d s

3 6 TA U D ’s N e w P r e s i d e n t & B o a r d M e m b e r

4 4 U p c o m i n g C l a s s e s

How Safe Are You?

S A F E T Y I S S U E

A P U B L I C A T I O N O F T H E T E N N E S S E E A S S O C I A T I O N O F U T I L I T Y D I S T R I C T S 3 r d Q u a r t e r 2 0 1 3 v o l . 2 7

Tennessee Utility NewsO P E R A T O R E X P O R E C A P | E P A R U L E S O N L O W L E A D | U P C O M I N G S A F E T Y T R A I N I N G | N E W B O A R D O F F I C E R S

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18 R e g i o n N e w s

31 N a t u r a l G a s S a f e t y S t a n d a r d s

3 6 TA U D ’s N e w P r e s i d e n t & B o a r d M e m b e r

4 4 U p c o m i n g C l a s s e s

How Safe Are You?

S A F E T Y I S S U E

A P U B L I C A T I O N O F T H E T E N N E S S E E A S S O C I A T I O N O F U T I L I T Y D I S T R I C T S 3 r d Q u a r t e r 2 0 1 3 v o l . 2 7

Tennessee Utility NewsO P E R A T O R E X P O R E C A P | E P A R U L E S O N L O W L E A D | U P C O M I N G S A F E T Y T R A I N I N G | N E W B O A R D O F F I C E R S

33rd Quarter, volume 27

Affinity BenefitsAmerican Development Corp.HDSupply WaterworksKidwell & CompanyNext Generation UnderwritersSoutheastern Tank, Inc.Tennessee Utility AssistanceUnited Systems & Software, Inc.Wascon, Inc.Wiley Bros.-Aintree Capital LLC

Alliance Water ResourcesC.I. Thornburg Co., Inc.Crom Corp.ECO-TECH, Inc.Energy Systems Group Garney Companies Inc.GRW Engineers, Inc.Jackson Thornton & Co., P.C.McWane Cast Iron Pipe Co.Raymond JamesRegions Bank Corporate TrustS & S Utility Sales, LLCSmith Seckman Reid, Inc.Southern Pipe & SupplyTennessee 811United Utilities, Inc.W & W Engineering, LLC

online

TAUD SUPERBOOSTERS >>>Superboosters are Associate members that provide sponsorship to TAUD events and more...

John Bouchard & Sons CompanyM&H Kennedy ValveMaster Meter, Inc.Southern Sales Co.The Haskell Co.

Barge Waggoner Sumner & CannonBranstetter, Stranch & JenningsGarverGresham Smith & PartnersInsituform Technologies, Inc.Jacobs EngineeringKazmier & Associates, Inc.Kentucky Glass Lined Tank Systems, Inc.McGill Associates, P.A.Piper JaffrayStringfellow Inc.Veteran Management Services

4 TENNESSEE UTILITY NEWS | www.taud.org

Hydrogeological AssociatesData Marketing Network, Inc.Aquapoint.3 LLCFerguson EnterprisesLine-X of MurfreesboroLifting Solutions, LLCVizionary Document SolutionRaymond James ***Process Solutions, Inc.Equipment ControlsMadewell Products Corp.Bush Brothers & CompanyChlorinators IncorporatedMidco Diving & Marine Services, Inc.Rate StudiesTrench Safety and SupplyTrestles

Welcome to TAUDT h e s e m e m b e r s j o i n e d t h e A s s o c i a t i o n i n t h e s e c o n d q u a r t e r .S U P E R B O O S T E R S * S i l v e r * * G o l d * * * P l a t i n u m * * * * D i a m o n d

Over 700 members strong, TAUD is the source for utilities and industry enterprises to network, share knowledge and strengthen the water, wastewater & natural gas utilities in Tennessee. Join Today by visiting www.taud.org.

If you need financing call or email:

John [email protected]

Does your utility need new equipment, anew computer system, new vehicles ?Thinking about upgrading to an Automatic Meter Reading System?No matter what your financial needs are TUA has a loan for your utility.

Amounts from $150,000 up to $50,000,000 dollarsTerms from 1 year to 30 years

Dan [email protected]

5

TAUD2013 Officers & Board of Directors

Freddie Weston | PresidentWest Wilson Utility District

David Callahan | Vice-President Soddy Daisy Utility District

Pat Riley | SecretaryGibson County Utility District

Tom Atchley | TreasurerHendersonville Utility District

John BrownHarpeth Valley Utilities District

Nick NewmanMemphis Light, Gas & Water

Charlie AndersonBloomingdale Utility District

Drexel HeidelWest Knox Utility District

Phillip Combs | NRWA DirectorAlpha-Talbott Utility District

Tim PelhamWest Warren-Viola Utility District

Don StaffordEastside Utility District

Mike Green Warren County Utility District

Bruce GilesFirst Utility District of Knox County

Larry Kidwell | Associate AdvisorKidwell & Co.

OFFICE 800-486-9022 | 615-896-9022 FAX 615-898-8283WEB www.taud.orgEMAIL [email protected]

VITAL FOR TENNESSEE’S FUTURE

Bob Freudenthal | Executive [email protected]

John Hall | Advocacy/[email protected] (931) 607-1014

Penny Funk | Office [email protected]

Carol Mims | [email protected] (615) 900-1013 Beth Hardiman | Event Planner & Member [email protected] (615) 900-1014 Colleen Sauvé | Publications & [email protected] (615) 900-1015

Vanessa Solis | Administrative [email protected]

Brent Ogles | Education [email protected] (615) 556-6002 or (615) 900-1011

John Shadwick | Training [email protected] (615) 804-4069 or (615) 900-1012

Tonia Pass | Education [email protected] (615) 900-1000

Tony Wyatt | West TN, Field [email protected] (731) 415-9101

Kevin Gilliam | Middle TN, Water Circuit [email protected] (931) 636-1672

Steve Roberts | East TN, Water Circuit [email protected] (865) 256-5383

Larry Lewis | Source Water Protection [email protected] (731) 234-0360

Greg Baker | Groundwater Specialist/IT [email protected] (731) 225-5240

Dewayne Culpepper | West TN, Wastewater [email protected] (931) 607-6981

Dan Martin | East TN, Wastewater [email protected] (931) 312-9405

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8 2013 Operator Expo Highlights13 Call Before You Dig15 Prepare for the Lead Free Act18 Region Meeting News23 The Hazard Communication Standard & The Globally Harmonized System27 Are You Adequately Trained in Safety31 Natural Gas Safety Standards35 TUA Serves 17K with Cross Connection Program36 Meet TAUD’s New President & Board Member38 TUEC’s Scholarship Golf Tournament42 TAUD’s 2013 Annual Meeting44 Upcoming Classes - TAUD Training Station46 New Game - Spot the Differences

Cover Photo : 2013 Operator Expo, Sawhorse Industries

Can you find the frog hidden somewhere in the graphics or photos of this issue? same size & color as shown here. Answer on page 46. Happy Hunting!

Executive Editor | Penny FunkManaging Editor & Art Direction | Colleen SauvéAssistant Editor & Graphic Design | Vanessa SolisAssistant Editor | Beth HardimanContributors | Kathy Quartermaine, Steve Roberts, Larry Lewis, Chuck Page, Brent Ogles and Donald L. Scholes

Image Credits Wrapped Builder © Tomasz Trojanowski Industrial Pipeline with Gas & Oil © Denys Prykhodov Construction Professional © Lisa F. Young Executive Chair © mathisa

Tennessee Utility News is published quarterly by the Tennessee Association of Utility Districts (TAUD). TAUD assumes no responsibility for opinions or statements of facts expressed by contributors, advertisements and editorials do not represent official policies of the Association. The right to publish, edit or deny publishing and material submitted for publication is reserved by TAUD. To submit editorial or advertising, please contact Colleen Sauvé, (615) 900-1015 or [email protected].

3IN THIS ISSUE >>>

“Tennessee Association of Utility Districts” “@TAUDtweets”


UPCOMING EVENTS >>>

NOVEMBER6-8DECEMBER4-6

Conference information is subject to change. For the most current information and online registration, please visit www.taud.org or call 615-896-9022.

Utility Leadership Conference12 Hrs of Commissioner TrainingPark Vista HotelGatlinburg, Tennessee

Administrative Professionals Conference8 Hrs of TAP CreditsInn at Opryland HotelNashville, Tennessee

2013 Operator Expo HighlightsNext to TAUD’s Business of Running a Utility Conference in August, TAUD’s annual Operator Expo is one of the highlight events of the year. Offering continuing education credit, the May 16 event was attended by nine-hundred and forty-six (946) water and wastewater operators as well as professional engineers. This year the event boasted over 100 vendors across the James E. Ward Agricultural Center at Lebanon’s Fairgrounds. Each year, the industry expo exhibits the best in statewide resources, technical equipment and the latest technology. As one of the only events uniting operators, it is also a venue for friendly competition as well as award-winning recognition. Challenging and celebrating industry practices, competitions include, a leak-repair contest, backflow-repair contest and license specific exams. Distinguished awards are given to Water Treatment Operator of the Year, Wastewater Operator of the Year and Natural Gas Operator of the Year.

Mark your calendars and get ready to celebrate as next year marks the 20th anniversary of the TAUD Operator Expo, which will occur on May 22, 2014. Till next year, enjoy highlights from this year’s successful event.

By Colleen Sauve


David Morrison won the 2013 T-Shirt Designcontest and was awarded $200 by TAUD Executive Director, Bob Freudenthal.

2013 Operator Expo Highlights



Leak RepairContest Sponsored by

G&C Supply Inc.

With a time of 1:24, Erik Hassell and Chad Dotson of Centerville Water & Sewer won the annual contest.

WinnersGladeville Utility District LaVergne Utilities

Centerville Water & SewerBAE Systems/First U.D. of Hawkins

Tullahoma Utilites Board City of Lebanon

Honorable Mention with a time of 1:30

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Operator AwardsWater Treatment Operator Of the Year

Wastewater Treatment Operator Of the Year

Natural Gas Operator Of the Year

Presented by past TAUD President,Tom Atchley, Hendersonville Utility District

Albert Solberg, Harpeth Valley Utilities District | Albert has served the utility industry for 13 years and has been with Harpeth Valley for 10 years. Albert was the 2012 winner of the Water Environment Association Hatfield Award. Alberts’ nomination describes him as “a great leader from the lab, to the treatment process, to the biosolids program, he is constantly thinking outside of the box to make us a better facility. His contribution to our operation can’t be qualified in dollars.” Albert holds a Grade 4 Wastewater license as well as a Private Applicator Herbicide Certification. Albert and his wife Judy have three children Will, Chris and Al Jr. and one grandson, Jaxen. In his spare time Albert enjoys 4-wheeling, Bible study and working with the youth of his church.

John Wunner, Hendersonville Utility District | John began his career with Hendersonville U.D. in 1996. He’s been very involved with TAUD attending training classes, conferences and region meetings. He conducts public tours of Hendersonville Utility District to better educate the public on the inner workings of utilities. He is currently working with Vol State Community College in a Co-Op Partnership that provides students with opportunities to earn extra credits, learn job skills and have potential job placement within the utility service field. John and his wife Rhonda enjoy traveling and cheering on the Boston Red Sox.

Travis McCormick, City of Parsons | Travis has been with the City of Parsons since 1998 and was promoted to a supervising position in the gas department in 2006. He manages a three-county gas system with approximately 225 miles of pipe serving 3,400 customers. Travis has worked to upgrade all of Parson’s equipment. His manager Lee Villaflor states “we hit a home run when we decided to move Travis into a supervisor position.” Travis and his wife Jessi have two daughters, Shelby and Cheyenne. They are members of Hopewell Baptist Church. In his spare time Travis enjoys hunting and coaching his daughter’s softball team.

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Call Before You Dig

Every digging project, no matter how large or small, requires a call to 811. Hitting an underground utility line while digging can harm the environment, can cause serious personal injuries, can disrupt service to an entire neighborhood and can potentially incur fines and repair costs. TCA 65-31-101 requires anyone who engages in, or is responsible for, the planning or performance of any type of excavation to provided at least three working days advance notice to 811 so that underground facility owners who may be affected by the excavation can protect their lines.

Nationally, every eight minutes an underground utility line is damaged because someone decided to dig without first calling 811. One out of every three incidents is caused by someone who did not call 811 before digging and over one fourth of utility damaging incidents involve a backhoe or track hoe. Knowing where underground utility lines are buried before each digging project helps prevent these situations. In Tennessee , forty-three percent (43%) of the damages to underground facilities occur because no notification was made to 811. Forty three percent!

Calling or entering your request online is only the first step to safe excavation. You can either call 811 or you can enter your ticket online using e-ticket or remote ticket entry. You can visit our website at www.tennessee811.com to learn more about these options. Be sure to have the closest intersecting street to your dig site and know the approximate distance from that intersection.

The second step to safe digging is to wait the required amount of time (3 working days from the start date and time on your ticket, excluding weekends and holidays) for the utility owners to mark the approximate location of their underground facilities. Your ticket will be good for 15 calendar days, so if you don’t finish your work be sure to call in an update – again allowing 3 working days notice.

Locating accurately is the third step to safe digging. Having accurate marking instructions and the exact location of your proposed work are important to having the approximate location of the underground facilities located correctly.

An excavator is required - by law - to mark the area of proposed construction with white stakes or paint unless your request addresses one of following: the area to be located has an exact street address; the facility owner can determine the precise

Kathy Quartermaine | Education ManagerTennessee 811

TENNESSEE UTILITY NEWS | www.taud.org14

location of the proposed excavation from a one-call ticket that references an easily identifiable point on the property including a street address or block and lot number; the area of proposed excavation is located on a road between two designated intersections of the street and two cross streets or roads when a street address and lot number aren’t available; or the person responsible for the excavation or demolition and ALL operators with underground facilities in the proposed area of excavation have had a preconstruction meeting.

The fourth step to safe digging is to respect the marks. When working inside the tolerance zone either use vacuum excavation or another accepted practice of the facility owner to find the existing facilities. The tolerance zone is the width of the facility PLUS 24 inches on each side.

The fifth and final step to safe digging is to dig carefully. Always take care not to damage an existing facility while you work – it’s the responsibility of the excavator to do this. If you knick, scrape, or dent an existing utility the law requires you to stop your work and notify the utility owner.

Plan your work ahead by committing to these five steps to safer digging –

1. Call before you dig,2. Wait the required time3. Locate accurately4. Respect the marks and dig carefully5. Maintain a high standard for damage prevention and safety.

The decisions you make every day affect more than yourself. They affect your coworkers, their families, the surrounding neighborhood, utility companies and your company. In the end, calling 811 before you dig is really a safety measure for you - to keep YOU safe - to keep YOU alive!

3rd Quarter, volume 27 15

Prepare for the LeadFree ActBy now, most of you are familiar with the federal regulations targeted to reduce lead in drinking water known as “Lead Free Act” enacted by Congress on January 4, 2011 to amend Section 1417 of the Safe Drinking Water Act. The effective date for the new “lead free” regulations is January 4, 2014. As part of the rule making process, EPA held a public webinar with stakeholders to discuss the potential ramifications that the change in law may have. To clarify information related to this change, the EPA released a draft document of frequently asked questions (FAQs) for the reduction of lead in drinking water. The draft document, including the answers to FAQs, expresses EPA’s interpretation of statutory requirements and is intended to assist states with implementation of the rule. This article provides an overview of FAQs.

The draft document includes a definition of “lead free” when used for solder and flux, as well as a definition and a method of calculating the weighted average of lead content in pipes, pipe fitting, and fixtures. It also includes a list of exemptions, which include backflow preventers installation where water is not used for public consumption, service saddles, and main gate valves that are 2 inches in diameter or larger. The majority of the questions focus on the manufacturing, selling, and installation of materials which must meet the new definition of “lead free.”

The following example questions are often asked by water system personnel regarding installation, repair, and reuse of components in compliance with being “lead free.”

Example Question 1. “I manage a public water system. When a water meter needs repair, we typically remove the meter from service, repair it off site, and place the same meter back into service after it’s

Steve Roberts | East TN Circuit RiderTAUD

been repaired. Does this meter now need to meet the new definition of lead free?”

Answer. No, but certain parts used in the repair may need to meet the definition. The removal from service of the fixture for repair and replacement, by itself, does not trigger the requirements of Section 1417(a). Any part used in the repair of the meter that is a pipe, pipe fitting, plumbing fitting or fixture must meet the new definition of lead free, but the meter being repaired is not independently subject to the requirements in 1417(a) because it is not being used or installed for the first time in that location. The original purpose of Section 1417 of SDWA was to eliminate the future use of lead in water supply distribution systems. (H.R. Rep. 99-575 at 38). This is reflected in the legislative history of the recent amendments

-- “This bill doesn’t require people to buy replacements. No one is forced to replace their faucets.” [156 Cong. Rec. H8617-01 (Dec. 17, 2010)].”

Example Question 2. “I operate a seasonal water system that temporarily removes fittings/fixtures, such as water meters, at the end of the season and then the next year returns the same fittings/fixtures to the same location without replacing or repairing the fittings/fixtures or components of the fittings/fixtures. Must these fittings/fixtures meet the new definition of lead free after January 4, 2014?”

Answer. “No. Because the seasonal water system is simply returning a fitting/fixture to the same location, and there has been no installation or repair, the fitting/fixture in question would not be required to meet the new definition of lead free.”

The complete draft document can be viewed online at http://water.epa.gov/drink/info/lead/index.cfm#lfree. We will continue to keep you informed of any changes throughout the rule making process. New information and/or updates will be posted on our website.



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Region 1 MeetingFred Hicks, Region Leader

April 18, 2013

Meeting Location: Comfort Inn in Greeneville

Attendance: 70

Systems in the Water Contest: Brownlow Utility District, Kingsport Water System, Greeneville Water Commission, Lakeview Utility District, First Utility District of Hawkins County, Erwin Utilities, Cold Springs Utility District and Bristol Water System

Contest Winner: Erwin Utilities

Contest Judges: David Lane of the Greeneville Astros, Lana Moore of Senator Alexander’s office, Bill Forrester of 1st TN Development District, Bill Snodgrass of Congress-man Roe’s office and Louis Trivette of USDA RD

Speakers/Presenters: Steve Chappell of CSA, Walter A. Wood, the Johnson City EFO; Louis Trivette of USDA RD, Bill Forrester of ETDD and Dan Martin and Steve Roberts of TAUD.

Thank You: Our meeting sponsors were Wascon, W&W Engineering, LLC and Trilec Products and also thank you to our door prize contributors: ADC, W&W Engineering, Rye Engineering, Aulick, George Paris and Microbac

Next Meeting: July 18, 2013

Regions 2 and 3 MeetingBruce Giles and Jimmy Langley, Region Leaders

June 13, 2013

Meeting Location: 1st UD of Knox County Wastewater Treatment Plant

Attendance: 76

Speakers/Present-ers: Mike Stull and Matt Finney of Caldwell Tanks, Duke Julian of United Utili-ties, Greg Simcox of the Knoxville EFO, Steve Chappell of CSA and Bob Freudenthal, Dan Martin, Steve

Roberts and Larry Lewis of TAUD.

Thank You: Our meeting sponsors were Caldwell Tanks and United Utilities and also thank you to our door prize contributors: ADC, Scientific Sales, Caldwell Tanks, Rye En-gineering, Southern Sales, Microbac, Fulghum MacIndoe, Aulick and CTI

Next Meeting: September 4, 2013

Region 3Jimmy Langley, Region Leader

June 13, 2013

See Region 2, previous meeting was a combined meeting.

Next Meeting: September 12, 2013

Regions 4 and 10 MeetingTim Lawson and Penny Sutherland, Region Leaders

May 22, 2013

Meeting Location: Springbrook Country Club

Attendance: 52

Speakers/Presenters: Dustin Dowdy of Southeastern Tank, Brian Branch of Process Solutions, Josh Cravins of Wascon, TDEC Field Office, USDA RD, Steve Chappell of CSA and Bob Freudenthal, Dan Martin and Steve Roberts of TAUD.

Region meetings are held quarterly throughout the year. These meetings provide a unique opportunity to network with people in the utility industry. Speakers discuss topics that are current, informative and beneficial to utilities and related industries. Some recent topics include: updates on training, industry rules, reporting and regulation, insurance provi-sions, workplace safety, and what’s upcoming in new and innovative smart technology. TAUD encourages you to be ‘in-the-know’ and get involved in your region.

REGION MEETING NEWS


Thank You: Our meeting sponsors were Southeastern Tank, Process Solutions and Wascon and also thank you to our door prize contributors: ADC, National Water Services, Rye Engineering, Southeastern Tank, J.R. Wauford, Micro-bac, CTI Engineers, Walter A. Wood, Southern Sales and Scientific Sales

Next Meeting: August 21, 2013

Region 5 MeetingTom Faulk, Region Leader

May 2, 2013

Meeting Location: West Wilson UD Office

Attendance: 42

Systems in the Water Contest: West Wilson Utility District, Hendersonville Util-ity District, Portland Utility System and Gladeville Utility District

Contest Winner: Hendersonville Utility District

Contest Judges: Kirk Smith of CI Thornburg, Andy Gar-rett, Public Safety Director of Mt. Juliet and Mark Hensley, President of the Wilson County Chamber of Commerce

Speakers/Presenters: Brandy Phillips of Kazmier and As-sociates, Frank Lammers of Mueller, Holly Austin of TN811, the Nashville EFO, Donna Duncan of USDA RD, Kirk Smith of CI Thornburg and Bob Freudenthal, Greg Baker, John Hall and Larry Lewis of TAUD.

Thank You: Our meeting sponsors were HD Supply and Kazmier and Associates and also thank you to our door prize contributors: ADC, H2O Technologies, Hayes Pipe, Bio-Chem, Trilec and Rye Engineering

Next Meeting: Joint meeting with Region 9 on August 1, 2013

Region 6 MeetingKenneth Carr, Region Leader

April 24, 2013

Meeting Location: American Development Corp.

Attendance: 65

Systems in the Water Contest: Lincoln County Board of Public Utilities, Fayetteville Public Utilities, Spring Hill Wa-ter Works, Lewisburg Water & Wastewater, Bedford County Utility District, Consolidated Utility District and Duck River Utility Commission

Contest Winner: Spring Hill Water Works (SPWW)

Contest Judges: Joe Young of Radio Station WYTM in Fayetteville, Marshall County Mayor Joe Liggett, Lincoln County Mayor Peggy Bevels, Karen Stevenson of TDEC and Doug Shelton of RD

Speakers/Presenters: Steve Chappell of CSA, Dustin

Pictured left to right: Mark Hensley, Jason Chalfont, John Wunner and Tom Atchley of HUD, Andy Garrett, Kirk Smith

Pictured left to right: Brian Love (SPWW), Mayor Joe Liggett, Karen Stevenson, Doug Shelton, Jeremy Vanderford (SPWW), Garth McCrary (SPWW), Mayor Peggy Bevels, TC Norman and Tyler Scroggins (SPWW) and Joe Young


Dowdy of Southeastern Tank, Steve Lowe and Youral Winegeart of Garney Construction, Holly Austin of TN811, David Money of the Columbia EFO; Doug Shelton of USDA RD and Bob Freudenthal, Dewayne Culpepper and John Hall of TAUD.

Thank You: Our meeting sponsors were Southeastern Tank and Garney Construction and also thank you to our door prize contributors: ADC, Rye Engineering,Hayes Pipe, Heartland Pump and Garney Construction

Next Meeting: To Be Announced, check website at taud.org or watch for email announcement.

Region 7 MeetingAnnie Chiodo, Region Leader

April 4, 2013

Meeting Location: Tin Roof Restaurant in Waynesboro

Attendance: 35

Systems in the Water Contest: Linden Utilities, Waynes-boro Utilities, First Utility District of Hardin County, Law-renceburg Utility Systems, Parsons Utility System and Mt. Pleasant Water/WW/Gas

Contest Winner: Mt. Pleasant Water/WW/Gas

Contest Judges: Kenneth Carr of Lewisburg Utilities, Doug Shelton of USDA RD and Steve Jones with Garver

Speakers/Presenters: Steve Jones and Andrew Lynn of Garver, Doug Shelton of USDA RD and Bob Freudenthal, Dewayne Culpepper, Greg Baker, Tony Wyatt and Larry Lewis of TAUD.

Thank You: Our meeting sponsor was Garver and also thank you to our door prize contributors: ADC, Rye Engi-neers and Garver

Next Meeting: To Be Announced, check website at taud.org or watch for email announcement.

Region 8 MeetingJD Dethloff, Region Leader

April 10, 2013

Meeting Location: Gibson County EMS Office

Attendance: 52

Systems in the Water Contest: Northwest Dyersburg Utility District, South Fulton Water & Sewer, Tiptonville Wa-ter & Sewer, Humboldt Utilities, Newbern Water & Sewer, Atwood Water System, Martin Utilities, Trenton Light &

Water, Sharon Water Works, County Wide Utility District of Crockett County, Rutherford Water Department, Dyer Public Works and Kenton Utilities

Contest Winner: Kenton Utilities

Contest Judges: Trenton Mayor Tony Burriss, Brenda Horner of USDA RD, Danny Jones of the Trenton Gazette and Kirk Smith of CI Thornburg

Speakers/Presenters: Seth Rye and Mike Sheppard of Rye Engineering, Michael McLaughin of BAR Environ-mental, Brenda Horner of USDA RD and Bob Freudenthal, Dewayne Culpepper, Greg Baker and Tony Wyatt of TAUD.

Thank You: Our meeting sponsors were Rye Engineering and BAR Environmental and also thank you to our door prize contributors: ADC and Rye Engineering

Next Meeting: Joint meeting with Region 11 on August 14, 2013

Region 9Scott Miller, Region Leader

June 20, 2013

Meeting Location: Greystone Golf Club in Dickson

Attendance: 32

Speakers/Presenters: Dustin Dowdy of Southeastern Tank, Kelly Colvett of CH2M, Michael Murphy of the Nash-ville EFO, Lola Maratita of USDA RD and Dewayne Culpep-per and Tony Wyatt of TAUD.

Thank You: Our meeting sponsors were Southeastern Tank and CH2M and also thank you to our door prize con-tributors: ADC, Mueller, Southern Sales, Rye Engineering and Visionary Document Solutions

Next Meeting: Joint meeting and training with Region 5, date to be announced, see taud.org.

Region 10Tim Lawson, Region Leader

May 22, 2013

See Region 4, previous meeting was a combined meeting.

Next Meeting: August 28, 2013


Region 11 Chandrika Winston, Region Leader

May 8, 2013

Meeting Location: Jackson Energy Authority

Attendance: 51

Systems in the Water Contest: Collierville Public Util-ity, Jackson Energy Authority, First Util-ity District of Tipton County, Germantown Water System, Mem-

phis Light Gas Water Division, Poplar Grove Utility District, Mun-

ford Utilities, Adamsville Utilities & Michie Water System

Contest Winner: Poplar Grove Utility District

Contest Judges: Seth Rye of Rye Engineering, State Repre-sentative Jimmy Eldridge, Steve Beverly of Union University and Cidi Turner of WBBJ-TV

Speakers/Presenters: Kirk Smith of CI Thornburg, Repre-sentative Jimmy Eldridge, Mike Wetherington of ADC, Dar-ryl Green representing the Operator Certification Board, Scott Holder of TN811, Brian Caton of the Jackson EFO; Becky Burgess of USDA RD and Tony Wyatt and Larry Lewis of TAUD.

Thank You: Our meeting sponsors were ADC and Wascon and also thank to our door prize contributors: ADC and Rye Engineering

Next Meeting: A joint meeting with Region 8 on August 14, 2013

For more information on becoming involved in region meetings, please contact Larry Lewis, (731) 234-0380 or at [email protected].

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22 TENNESSEE UTILITY NEWS


The Hazard Communication Standard & the Globally Harmonized System

Toxic Chuck Page | Safety/Compliance ManagerAmerican Development Corporation

They’re the same...but different

The Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) or “Right to Know law” was established in 1983 by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Simply put, the standard was enacted to inform American workers about the hazardous chemicals in their workplace, identify health and safety hazards and list the appropriate protective measures associated with each chemical. There are three key components to the Hazard Communication Standard: container labeling, material safety data sheets (MSDS) and employee training. These components are equally important and serve distinct functions.

Container labeling: A label is the most immediate source of information. Labels are intended to be a snapshot to remind the worker that the materials are hazardous and that more detailed information is also available on the MSDSs as well as in any training they receive.

Material Safety Data Sheets: MSDSs are reference documents. They are essentially a one-stop shopping source for everything you might need or want to know about a chemical.

Employee training: Training employees is critical to ensure that they understand the hazards associated with the chemicals they use, where they can get more information, and how they can use the information to protect themselves.

The Need for Change

The Hazard Communication Standard has only had a few revisions in the 30 years since it was established by OSHA. While the original model is still sound, the standard needed to be changed to address concerns regarding the lack of a standardized label and MSDS format as well as to address the ever expanding global economy.

The Globally Harmonized System In 2003, the United Nations (UN) adopted the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals. The GHS includes criteria for the classification of health, physical and environmental hazards, as well as specifying what information should be included on labels of hazardous chemicals and safety data sheets. The United States was an active


participant in the development of the GHS, and is a member of the UN board established to maintain and coordinate implementation of the system. On September 30, 2009 OSHA published a proposed rulemaking to align OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) with the GHS.

What is the Globally Harmonized System?

For workers and companies in the U.S., GHS is an update to the HCS. The GHS is a system for standardizing and harmonizing the classification and labeling of chemicals. It is designed to replace the various classification and labeling standards used in different countries by using consistent criteria for classification and labeling on a global level.

What’s the difference between the Hazard Communication Standard and the Globally Harmonized System?The revised Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) is a modification to the existing standard. The parts of the standard that did not relate to the GHS (such as the basic framework, scope, and exemptions) remain largely unchanged. There have been some modifications to terminology in order to align the revised HCS with language used in the GHS. For example, the term “hazard determination” has been changed to “hazard classification” and “material safety data sheet” (MSDS) was changed to

“safety data sheet” (SDS). Three major areas of change are in hazard classification, labels, and safety data sheets.

Hazard classification: The definitions of hazard have been changed to provide specific criteria for classification of health and physical hazards, as well as classification of mixtures. These specific criteria will help to ensure that evaluations of hazardous effects are consistent across manufacturers, and that labels and safety data sheets are more accurate as a result.

Labels: Chemical manufacturers and importers will be required to provide a label that includes a harmonized signal word, pictogram, and hazard statement for each hazard class and category. Precautionary statements must also be provided.

Safety Data Sheets: The information on the SDS must be presented using specific headings in a specified sequence.OSHA has established the following timeline for compliance with GHS.

IMPORTANT DATES

December 1, 2013: All employees must be trained regarding the new label elements and SDS format.

June 1, 2015: Comply with all modified provisions of the final rule, with one exception: distributors may ship products labeled by manufacturers under the old system until December 1, 2015.

June 1, 2016: Update alternative workplace labeling and hazard communication program as necessary, and provide additional employee training for newly identified physical or health hazards.

Employee Training

As with any safety program, employee training is critical to its success. Educating employees on the updated chemical and product classifications, pictograms, signal words, hazard statements and precautionary measures will represent the greatest training challenge. Training will be a key component of the overall GHS approach and should incorporate information as it is introduced into the workplace. Don’t forget your local emergency responders. They will need to be trained on all of the new program elements, from hazard statements to pictograms.

Additional Guidance

The Occupational Safety & Health Administration’s website has more detailed information regarding the change to the GHS, including useful tools to assist you in the transition. This information can be found atwww.osha.gov/dsg/hazcom/index.html.

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Are You Adequately Trained in Safety?Safety training often takes a backseat to other issues that occur in the day to day operations of a system. Repairs, personnel and administrative issues typically take priority and safety training is one of those items that wait until other issues are resolved. However, when that lack of training contributes to an accident or a violation, it’s too late. Before an incident occurs, questions should be asked that address the frequency of training, quality of training, which employees are trained in what areas, and if an employee was fully educated and informed in the duties he or she was assigned. The answers to these questions will determine the liability of the system in whatever action will follow. For the protection of water or wastewater systems and their employees, safety training must be a priority.

So, let’s look at water and wastewater safety training in three activity categories:

1. Activities requiring a Competent Person2. Activities requiring a Certified or Qualified Person3. Activities requiring training only

Activities requiring a Competent PersonSome employee activities so greatly impact the lives of all persons involved that they require a “Competent Person” to oversee the activities. The competent person has received training familiarizing him or her with the related hazards of the activity, proper procedure, and how to react in emergency circumstances. They have the authority to halt the activity if conditions become unfavorable. Typical activities in the water and wastewater industry requiring a “competent person” are:

Confined Space is defined by OSHA as an area that meets all three of the following:

1. Is large enough and so configured that an employee’s body can enter and perform assigned work;

2. Has limited or restricted means for entry or exit; and 3. Is not designed for continuous employee occupancy.

A permit-required confined space is a confined space that contains a hazard.Many confined spaces are below ground level and have steps or ladder entry for access to perform routine maintenance, inspection, testing, sampling and repairs. The level of fall protection necessary depends on the facility, its required activities, and the job tasks being performed. Full body harnesses, ladder safety systems, tripods and hoists are among the more important fall protection products.

Confined space accidents are of particular concern because often multiple

Brent Ogles | Education Manager TAUD


casualties occur when untrained responders succumb to the same hazard as the initial victim. Confined space training outlines the skills and protocols for safe entry to confined spaces and includes such precautions as lockout and tag-out, testing of air quality, forced ventilation, observation of workers in the space, and a predetermined rescue plan with appropriate safety harness and other rescue equipment.

• Trenching and Excavation is highly technical as well as inherently hazardous, and therefore requires a greater level of training and experience than a normal worker would possess. The items below specify the trenching and excavation activities where a competent person is necessary.

• Monitoring water removal equipment and operations.• Inspecting excavations subject to runoff from heavy rains to determine need for diversion ditches, dikes, or other

suitable protection.• Determining cave-in potential to assess the need for shoring or other protective systems.• Examining damaged material or equipment used for protective systems to determine its suitability for continued

use.• Classifying soil and rock deposits, by both visual analysis and testing, to determine appropriate protection and

re-classifying, if necessary, based on changing conditions.• Determining the appropriate slope of an excavation to prevent collapse due to surcharge loads from stored

material or equipment, operating equipment, adjacent structures, or traffic, and assuring that such slope is achieved.

• Authorizing immediate removal of employees from the hazardous area where evidence of possible cave-in, failure of protective systems, hazardous atmospheres, or other hazardous conditions exists.

• Designing a means of employee access or egress.

Activities requiring a Certified or Qualified PersonSome employee activities require such a level of experience and problem solving ability that a “Certified or Qualified Person” at the worksite is necessary. A qualified person must have a recognized degree/certificate or extensive experience and the ability to solve problems. Typical activities in the water and wastewater industry requiring a “certified” or “qualified” person are:

• Crane Operator beginning November 10, 2014, ALL crane and derrick operators (except those rated at 2,000 pounds or less) must be certified or qualified by one of the four following specified options.

1. Certification by an accredited crane operator testing organization; 2. Qualification by an audited employer program; 3. Qualification by the U.S. military; or 4. Licensing by a state or local government entity.

• Rigger is currently required to be qualified. A qualified rigger must be able to properly rig the load for a particular job. He or she need not be qualified to do every type of rigging job. Each load that requires rigging has unique properties that can range from the simple to the complex. However, previous experience does not automatically qualify the rigger to rig unstable, unusually heavy, or eccentric loads that may require a tandem lift, multiple lifts, or use of custom rigging equipment. In essence, employers must make sure that the person can do the rigging work needed for the exact types of loads and lifts for a particular job with the equipment and rigging that will be used for that job.

• Signaler is currently required to be qualified. Training focuses on the roles and responsibilities that signal persons have, performing proper hand signals for both mobile cranes and tower crane operations, and understanding voice commands as outlined in the new OSHA standard, rigging concepts and equipment.

• Flagger Certification is a requirement by TN Department of Transportation for work on State Highways. Flaggers are responsible for public safety and make the greatest number of contacts with the public of all highway workers. They should be trained in safe traffic control practices and public contact techniques. Flaggers should be able to satisfactorily demonstrate the following abilities:

1. Receive and communicate specific instructions clearly, firmly, and courteously; 2. Move and maneuver quickly in order to avoid danger from errant vehicles;


3. Control signaling devices (such as paddles and flags) in order to provide clear and positive guidance to drivers approaching the traffic control zone in frequently changing situations; 4. Understand and apply safe traffic control practices, sometimes in stressful or emergency situations; and 5. Recognize dangerous traffic situations and warn workers in sufficient time to avoid injury.

Certifications acquired through this training now expire after four years from the time they are initially issued.

Activities requiring training onlyAll employees must be provided a place of employment which is free from recognized hazards that cause or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm. This requirement is placed on the employer by the OSHA General Duty Clause. In order to make a work place safe, all employees must be trained for the equipment they operate and hazards they may encounter. Typical areas in the water and wastewater industry requiring training are:

• Lockout/Tag-out procedures ensure that hazardous power sources are isolated and inoperative before any maintenance or repair procedure is started. Any employee working with hazardous power sources should be trained in LOTO.

• Blood-borne Pathogen training is primarily for wastewater treatment plant and collection system employees. It provides information on those pathogens spread through blood contact such as HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and viral hemorrhagic fevers as well as how to protect against and avoid infection.

• Forklift Safety training is an example of specific hands-on training intended to familiarize the participant with the equipment he or she will be operating and to educate them on potential hazards with operation.

• Chlorine Safety training provides those employees of water treatment plants and some wastewater collection systems that use gaseous chlorine with information for proper use, potential hazards, and emergency procedures.

• Electrical Safety, Fall Prevention, Ladder Safety, Power & Hand Tool Safety are part of a TOSHA Basic Safety Class and the OSHA 10-Hour Safety Class designed to ensure that the treatment plant and other system workers are aware of the hazards in their surroundings and can respond appropriately in an emergency.

• Hazard Communications/Right-To-Know training involves chemical identification, use, storage, hazards, and emergency procedures. It provides information on Material Safety Data Sheets and introduces the replacement program, the Globally Harmonized System (GHS), which will begin implementation December 1, 2013.

• Emergency Operations provides information and

Safety Training Offered by TAUD Training StationAll of the classes identified in this article are available in the TAUD Training Station schedule or can be made available for a special offering if 12 or more students can be guaranteed. TAUD makes it a priority to offer quality safety training and has partnered with the University of Tennessee, Center for Industrial Services (UT-CIS), to conduct most of the these safety classes. UT-CIS is a partner with the OSHA Training Institute, and has assembled a staff of instructors that have actual work experience in the topics they teach.

JULY8/31 TOSHA Safety Training in Jackson

AUGUST8/2 Lockout/Tag Out in Jackson8/19 Trench Excavation Competent Person in Jackson8/20 Confined Space in Knoxville8/21 Flagger Certification in Jackson8/23 CPR/AED/Basic First Aid in Jackson8/26 Hazard Communication/ TN Right-to-Know in Gray

SEPTEMBER9/4 Confined Space in Johnson City9/5 Trench Excavation Competent Person in Gray9/9 TOSHA Safety Training in Murfreesboro

For more class information visit taud.org


guidance to those persons responsible for preparing their system for natural or manmade disasters. National Incident Management System (NIMS) 700 and IS 100 certifications are offered by TAUD’s training station classes.

• 24-Hour HazMat Class informs participants how to recognize hazards, how to monitor and maintain safe work practices, as well as participate in full dress-out using personal protective equipment.

• CPR/AED/Basic First Aid workshop uses National Safety Council materials and covers most current CPR techniques, defibrillator use, bleeding and wound care, shock, serious injuries, burns, heat and cold emergencies, and rescuing and moving victims.

• To remain current on the information offered by the classes above, the class should be re-attended or renewed at specified intervals. If you will visit the following links, they will provide tables showing the recommended retraining frequency for General Industry and Construction Standards.

The following websites are great resources regarding state policy, TOSHA and safety training:

http://www.state.tn.us/labor-wfd/tosha/GIStandTrainReq.pdf http://www.state.tn.us/labor-wfd/tosha/ConStandTrainReq.pdf

Natural Gas Safety Standards Donald L. Scholes | Attorney

Branstetter, Stranch & Jennings

Potential Liabilities for Violations

With the passage of the Natural Gas Pipeline Safety Act of 1968 and amendments to this act, 49 U.S.C. §§ 60101-60140 (the Act), the federal government entered the field of establishing minimum safety standards for natural gas pipeline facilities and hazardous liquid pipeline facilities. The purpose of the Act “is to provide adequate protection against risks to life and property posed by pipeline facilities by improving the regulatory and enforcement authority of the Secretary.” Pursuant to the Act, the Pipeline and Hazardous Material Safety Administration (PHMSA) has adopted regulations setting and enforcing standards for the design, construction, operation, maintenance or abandonment of natural gas pipeline facilities; establishing alcohol and drug testing program requirements for natural gas operator employees; and providing for the enforcement of these regulations. These regulations are found in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations Parts 190, 192, and 199. A state may be certified to assume the responsibility for the regulatory, inspection, and enforcement responsibilities for intrastate gas pipelines. PHMSA may reimburse a certified state up to 80% of its actual cost for carrying out its pipeline safety program. When a state is certified by PHMSA to carry out regulatory duties for intrastate pipelines, PHMSA continues to have regulatory responsibility for interstate pipelines within the state. In Tennessee, the Tennessee Regulatory Authority (TRA) has been operating a certified state program for many years.

Civil & Criminal PenaltiesThe Act and regulations adopted by PHMSA under the Act have established civil penalties and criminal penalties for violations of the Act and violations of regulations and orders issued under the Act. The TRA has been given power to issue civil penalties for violations of the federal natural gas safety standards it has adopted for Tennessee’s intrastate pipelines.

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The maximum civil penalties which can be assessed by the Pipeline and Hazardous Material Standards Administration (PHMSA) for violations are:

•Upto$200,000foreachviolation each day the violation continues; and •Uptoamaximumof$2,000,000 for any related series of violations.

The maximum civil penalties which can be assessed by the Tennessee Regulatory Authority are:

•Upto$100,000foreachviolation each day the violation continues; and •Uptoamaximumof$500,000for any related series of violations.

In assessing the amount for a civil penalty, PHMSA is to consider: (1) the nature, circumstances and gravity of the violation, including adverse impact on the environment; (2) the degree of the operator’s culpability; (3) the operator’s history of prior offenses; (4) the operator’s ability to pay; (5) any good faith by the operator in attempting to achieve compliance; and (6) the effect on the operator’s ability to continue in business. PHMSA may consider the economic benefit gained from a violation, if readily ascertainable, without any reduction because of subsequent damages. In assessing the amount for a civil penalty, the Tennessee Regulatory Authority is to consider: (1) the appropriateness in relation to the size of the business of the person charged; (2) the gravity of the violation; (3) the good faith of the person charged in attempting to achieve compliance; (4) history of prior violations; and (5) other matters as justice may require.

The criminal penalties under the Act for a willful and knowing violation of the Act or any regulation or order issued under the Act is a fine of not more than $25,000 for each offense and up to five years of imprisonment.

Personal Injury and Property Damage Claims In addition to the assessment of civil penalties, the violation of a natural gas safety standard may be important in personal injury and property damage claims made against a gas operator. In Town of Montezuma v. Downs, 685 N.E.2d 108 (Ind. Ct. App. 1997), a natural gas explosion at the Downs’ home killed one family member and injured three others. The Downs established that the Montezuma Municipal Gas Utility violated valve maintenance regulation in 49 C.F.R. Part 192. The Indiana Court of Appeals agreed with the lower court that the violation of natural gas safety standard was “negligence per se” and that the gas operator was liable for the personal injuries and death proximately caused by this violation.



Ordinarily, a jury determines whether a defendant was negligent in a personal injury action or property damage claim. If a court finds that a defendant’s conduct violates a statute or safety regulation is negligence per se, then the defendant’s negligence is conclusively established. The injured party is not required to offer further evidence of the defendant’s negligence; therefore, an injured party’s burden of proof on the negligence of a gas operator is easier to prove. When an injured party makes a claim for personal injuries for personal injuries or property damages which are caused by conduct which violates natural gas safety standards, such a violation may become very important in the injured party’s ability to prove their case, and the gas operator’s ability to defend against a claim.

PHMSA Authority to Require Use of One-Call Systems In 2006 Congress passed The Pipeline Inspection, Protection, Enforcement and Safety Act of 2006 (the PIPES Act). PHMSA was given authority to conduct administrative enforcement proceedings against excavators in a state where PHMSA has determined that a state has failed “to adequately enforce its excavation damage prevention laws.” PHMSA has issued a proposed rulemaking which will establish the criteria which it will use to make this determination. For the first time Congress has given PHMSA limited authority to require any excavator to use a one-call notification system and to take civil enforcement actions against an excavator who disregards the location information and markings of a gas pipeline operator. PHMSA may exercise this authority only when it has determined that a state is not adequately enforcing its excavation damage prevention laws. If PHMSA is able to exercise this authority in a state, excavators in that state are subject to the same civil penalties as gas operators are for violations federal natural gas safety standards which maximum amounts are $200,000 for each violation for each day of a violation and $2,000,000 for a related series of violations.

As excavators, all utilities in Tennessee will be affected by The PIPES Act should PHMSA decide Tennessee does not have an adequate enforcement program in place to enforce the its underground utility damage prevention statutes. In 2013, the Tennessee General Assembly enacted a bill which created the Underground Utility Damage Prevention Advisory Committee. This committee is charged with making a recommendation on legislation which will assist Tennessee in working towards meeting the criteria PHMSA has indicated it will examine to decide whether Tennessee is adequately enforcing its underground utility damage prevention statutes. The progress Tennessee makes or does not make to adequately enforce its underground utility damage prevention statutes could open up all utilities in Tennessee to new liabilities should PHMSA be able to enforce federal utility underground damage prevention statutes in Tennessee.


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In February 2012, the Tennessee Utility Assistance (TUA) Cross Connection Control Management Program began offering its services to water systems across TN. TUA is currently contracted with three water systems, all in different field office areas, with a total customer base of nearly 17,000 connections and 700 backflow preventers. Cross Connection services performed by the Program cover a variety of duties including:

• Testingofallbackflowpreventersusing electronic, field and data entry• Electronictrackingofallbackflowpreventers• Annualwrittensurveysof20%ofcustomerbase• Onsiteinspectionsof5%ofcustomerbase• Writtencorrespondenceinallrelatedareasand• Publiceducation

Listen to what our customers have to say:

“In our past sanitary survey from November of 2012, we received our first score of 100. I believe the Cross Connection Control Program was instrumental in achieving this great review. As a general manager of a small utility you have to wear many different hats. This program has been wonderful in the aspect of knowing that at least one thing has been taken care of efficiently.”

Patsy Johnson, General Manager, Old Gainesboro Road Utility District

“We would like to extend a special thanks to the staff at TUA for a successful Cross Connection program for 2012 and 2013. The recent Sanitary Survey reported a great success in the new program partnered with TUA. The partnership has been proven as a quality program for customer relations and resulted in cost savings not only to the utilities, but to the customers as well.

In previous years, the program was administered by several LCUB employees that were assigned to various other duties of the utilities. These tasks were many times a struggle to keep overtime to a minimum and proficient files a high priority with multiple testing vendors being allowed to report findings of cross connections test. With the partnership, it relieves those duties of our employees and allows them to focus on various fields to assist to keep operational cost to a

minimum for our customers. The program TUA offers is a new vision and operation that keeps the database and its annual test a priority structure that accommodates everything from the initial notification of a site visit at a customer residence to a follow up notification of the test results of a device. The notifications and performance of annual test for the customers eliminates the need for the customer to track the needed time of test, trying to find an approved tester, finding out the results of the device test, and making sure the data is forwarded to the necessary party following the test. In previous years, these issues were found to be troublesome for the utility to administer. Many times these customer issues can be time consuming and the new program proves the quality customer service that TUA offers our utility customers.

The response from our customers has been positive with the recent changes and we commend your staff for treating our customers as if they were your neighbors. The many hours of personal involvement of your staff has made this program what it is today. The tabletop discussions and the onsite visits substantiate that TUA has strived to provide a quality program to the utility, State of Tennessee, and to the LCUB customer. The personal touch that Brent and Tonia bring to the program are the very reasons why the program has been a great success and will continue to be a great partnership in the future.”

Leon Shields, Supervisor of Field Operations, Lenoir City Utilities Board

Thinking of modifying or updating your cross connection program? Before making major changes, give us a call at 615-900-1011 to discover the savings in time, money and effort that are available. Quotes are free and we are happy to answer any questions you may have regarding the Program. For a complete listing of services provided by TUA, please visit www.tuanow.com.

SERVES 17K WITH CROSS CONNECTION PROGRAMWHAT UTILITIES ARE SAYING...

???Brent Ogles | Program ManagerTUA

36

Representing on TAUD’s distinguished Board of Directors are leaders from the state’s water, wastewater and natural gas utilities. These individuals are members of TAUD and are active in paving the way for the future of the industry.

The Board’s leadership helps guide TAUD in its effort to promote and advance utility operations in the state of Tennessee.

Thank you to the board for your commitment to the members of TAUD and for your dedication to provide safe drinking water for all Tennesseans.

TAUD’s New Officers are:

Freddie Weston | PresidentWest Wilson Utility District

David Callahan | Vice-President Soddy Daisy Utility District

Pat Riley | SecretaryGibson County Utility District

Tom Atchley | TreasurerHendersonville Utility District

TENNESSEE UTILITY NEWS | www.taud.org

Meet TAUD’s New President & Board Member


Bruce Giles currently serves as the General Manager of First Utility District of Knox County

(FUD). FUD serves 33,000 customers in Southwest Knox County. He manages a staff of 95 people, approximately 600 miles of distribution and 500 miles of collection system, a water plant with 34 million gallons per day capacity and a wastewater plant with 25 million gallons per day capacity.

Prior to joining FUD, Bruce spent 14 years working for the City of Oak Ridge, first as the Regulatory Compliance Coordinator followed by subsequent jobs as the Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant Manager and finally as the Public Works Operations Manager. Bruce also worked for the consulting engineering firm, CH2M HILL where he served as the Program Manager for the Knoxville Utilities Board’s PACE 10 sanitary sewer rehabilitation program. Bruce also worked for Cannon & Cannon Engineering where he served as a Vice President with duties including project development and delivery as well as management.

Bruce is married with 4 children, holds a bachelor’s degree from East Tennessee State University in Environmental Health and also holds certification from the National Leadership Training Institute. He is a past member of the TN Backflow Prevention Association Board of Directors and is also a past member of the TN Industrial Pretreatment Certification Board. He has been a member of both the Water Environment Federation and the American Water Works Association for 18 years where he currently serves on the Management Committee. He is also involved with his local church and serves on numerous non-profit boards and committees in East Tennessee.

Freddie Weston Jr. is a lifelong resident of Mount Juliet. He graduated high school in 1976 and began working

at West Wilson Utility District in February of 1977. He was hired as an inspector of new construction, but also read meters, repaired leaks and has performed every aspect of water treatment and distribution at West Wilson. He became Assistant General Manager and then in 2002, General Manger. Freddie holds a Distribution II license.

West Wilson Utility District has a 16 million gallon per day water treatment plant and serves 20,878 customers in the Western Wilson County area. In 2002, under Freddie’s leadership, the district created its own construction division. The construction division does open trench, directional bore and auger bored pipe installations. The district also has a full time mechanic shop for truck and equipment maintenance. West Wilson currently has 106 employees.

In June, 1977, Freddie married his high school sweetheart, Trudie Sikes. Freddie and Trudie have two children, Brooke Hines and Ethan Weston. Brooke, a Registered Nurse, is married to Jonathan Hines. Brooke and Jonathan have two children, Weston and Pressley. Ethan works in the directional drilling department at West Wilson. Ethan married Jessica Jordan in 2012.

Freddie enjoys farming on the family farm with his father and brother raising cattle. His hobby is tractor pulling.

FreddieWeston Jr.New President

BruceGilesNew Board Member


TUEC Scholarship Golf Tournament Larry Lewis | Source Water Protection

TAUD

The 2013 Tennessee Utility Education Corporation (TUEC) Scholarship Golf Tournament was held on June 3, 2013 at the Stones River Country Club in Murfreesboro. This year, 77 golfers participated in the tournament and each player received a sleeve of golf balls, a TAUD windshirt, snacks and more. The golf committee works hard to make this tournament a success and we appreciate their work.

The members of the committee are:Mike Clingenpeel, Tournament DirectorCaroline OakesCarolyn YatesDuke JulianJosh CravinsKeener BillupsPaolo FondaMarc NicholsRick PearsonRyan LeiseyDustin HendersonJohn HallLarry Lewis

A special thanks to Kirk Smith and Jessica Julian for their help with registration as well as Mike Clingenpeel for his work in getting the tournament ready and Caroline Oakes for organizing the giveaways.

WE WOULD ALSO LIKE TO THANK ALL OUR SPONSORS.

HOLE SPONSORS:Affinity Benefits of Tennessee Alliance Water ResourcesAmerican Development Corporation Bass Berry & SimsC.I. Thornburg Co., Inc. Crom CorporationEco-Tech, Inc. Garney Companies, Inc.GRW Engineers, Inc. HD Supply WaterworksJackson Thornton & Co., P.C. Kidwell & Company M&H/Kennedy Valve McWane Cast Iron Pipe Co Next Generation Underwriters Piper Jaffray & CoRaymond James & Associates Regions Bank Corporate TrustS & S Utility Sales SSR-Smith Seckman Reid, Inc.Southeastern Tank, Inc. Southern Pipe & SupplySouthwest Securities Tennessee 811TUA United Systems & Software, IncUnited Utilities, Inc. W & W Engineering, LLC Wascon, Inc. Wiley Bros.-Aintree Capital LLC

BEVERAGE SPONSORS:BAR Environmental, Inc.Southern Sales Company, Inc.

LUNCH SPONSORS:Branstetter, Stranch, & JenningsWiley Bros.-Aintree Capital LLC

SIGN SPONSOR:G&C Supply Company

392nd Quarter, volume 27

WE WOULD ALSO LIKE TO THANK ALL OUR SPONSORS.

HOLE SPONSORS:Affinity Benefits of Tennessee Alliance Water ResourcesAmerican Development Corporation Bass Berry & SimsC.I. Thornburg Co., Inc. Crom CorporationEco-Tech, Inc. Garney Companies, Inc.GRW Engineers, Inc. HD Supply WaterworksJackson Thornton & Co., P.C. Kidwell & Company M&H/Kennedy Valve McWane Cast Iron Pipe Co Next Generation Underwriters Piper Jaffray & CoRaymond James & Associates Regions Bank Corporate TrustS & S Utility Sales SSR-Smith Seckman Reid, Inc.Southeastern Tank, Inc. Southern Pipe & SupplySouthwest Securities Tennessee 811TUA United Systems & Software, IncUnited Utilities, Inc. W & W Engineering, LLC Wascon, Inc. Wiley Bros.-Aintree Capital LLC

BEVERAGE SPONSORS:BAR Environmental, Inc.Southern Sales Company, Inc.

LUNCH SPONSORS:Branstetter, Stranch, & JenningsWiley Bros.-Aintree Capital LLC

SIGN SPONSOR:G&C Supply Company

THE WINNERS OF THE TOURNAMENT WERE:

Championship Flight

1st Place (54) Mike ClingenpeelTerry LynchKevin MullinsZack Romaine

2nd Place (56) Greg GreerChris MiltonJeff MorrisonJaimie Wolsky

3rd Place (56) Tom AtchleyRick PearsonJoe Rewa

We appreciateyour support of this scholarship effort.

1st place (66) James BrewerDan CarterMitch FrazierMickey Williams

2nd Place (66)Josh CravinsJerry CravinsJonathan CummingsBruce Evans 3rd Place (66) Larry McElroyDustin HendersonKevin HickersonCarter Woodruff

Closest to the Pin

#3 Larry McElroy#6 Valerie Smith#12 Mitch Frazier#16 Chris Milton

Longest Drive –Ladies

#7 Caroline Oakes

Longest Drive –Men

Joe Rewa

See photos on next page.

1st

2nd

3rd

First Flight Champs

2nd Flight


1st place (66) | Mitch Frazier, James Brewer, Dan Carter, Mickey Williams

2nd Place (66) | Jonathan Cummings, Josh Cravins, Jerry Cravins, Bruce Evans (not pictured)

3rd Place (66) | Carter Woodruff, Larry McElroy, Dustin Henderson, Kevin Hickerson, and also pictured Mike Clingenpeel

>>> NOT NECESSARILY PICTURED IN SAME ORDER AS NAMES LISTED<<<

Closest to the pin | Larry McElroy pictured with tournament director Mike Clingenpeel

Closest to the pin | Mitch Frazier pictured with tournament director Mike Clingenpeel

Closest to the pin | Chris Milton pictured with tournament director Mike Clingenpeel

Longest Drive | Caroline Oakes pictured with tournament director Mike Clingenpeel

Longest Drive | Joe Rewa pictured with tournament director Mike Clingenpeel



NASH VEGAST E N N E S S E E

TAUD’s 2013ANNUAL MEETING

This year’s annual meeting was held at the Stones River Country Club in Murfreesboro after the TUEC Scholarship Golf Tournament.

Following dinner, attendees got a unique experience at our Nashvegas themed event. Taylor Entertainment from Nashville, set-up a life-like casino at the country club. Craps, roulette, Texas hold’em, black jack and let-it-ride games were all available for attendees to experience. Each attendee received $30,000 in play money. The top three winners received gift card prizes.

With all the excitement, it proved to be one of our best themed events.

Don’t miss it next year!


PITTSBURGTANK & TOWER

MAINTENANCE CO., INC.

SAVE!We have a crew in

YOUR AREA! Inspections Repair New & Used Tanks Wet In Service Cleaning Relocation Elevated Dry Paint Erectors Underground ROV Insulation Dismantles Ground Storage (Robotic) API Mixing System

ROV inspections can be viewed on TV console during inspection & DVD provided. All inspections include bound reports, recommendations and cost estimates.

Hugh McGee270-826-9000 Ext. 330

www.watertank.com

527740_Pittsburg.indd 1 4/15/11 9:40:35 PM


Call the TAUD Training Station (615) 900-1000

You may register for any of these courses online at:

www.taud.org, click “Training”, then click “List All” or select your desired category:

-Water Treatment/ Distribution

-Wastewater/ Collection

-Certification Prep-Conferences-Backflow Training-Safety-Natural Gas-Commissioner’s Training

CHATTANOOGA8/27 Emergency Operations 6 hrs. All

COOKEVILLE10/29 Safe Drinking Water Act Update 6 hrs. WT 3 & 410/30 Safe Drinking Water Act Update 6 hrs. WT

GRAY8/26 Hazard Communication/TN Right-to-Know 3 hrs. All8/28 Trench Excavation Competent Person 6 hrs. DS or CS8/29 Emergency Operations 6 hrs. All10/7 Water Loss (2 Day) 12 hrs. WT10/22 Safe Drinking Water Act Update 6 hrs. WT 3 & 410/23 Safe Drinking Water Act Update 6 hrs. WT10/24 Safe Drinking Water Act Update 6 hrs. DS

GATLINBURG8/7 Business of Running a Utility Conference 6 hrs. All

JACKSON8/14 Practical Math for Distribution Operators 6 hrs. DS10/3 Water Loss (2 Day) 12 hrs. WT or DS10/8 Cross Connection Renewal 6 hrs. All10/9 Cross Connection Basic 15 hrs. All

JOHNSON CITY8/27 Confined Space 6 hrs. All

KNOXVILLE7/30 GPS/GIS Benefits, Equipment, & Operation 6 hrs. DS or CS7/31 TOSHA Safety Training 6 hrs. All8/1 Flagger Certification Course 4 hrs. DS or CS8/2 Lockout/Tag Out 3 hrs. All8/12 Fundamentals of Water Treatment 12 hrs. WT8/21 Trench Excavation Competent Person 6 hrs. DS or CS8/22 Confined Space 6 hrs. All8/23 CPR/AED/Basic First Aid Class 6 hrs. All8/28 Emergency Operations 6 hrs. All9/3 Cross Connection Renewal 6 hrs. All

UPCOMING CLASSES >>>


KNOXVILLE (continued)9/4 Cross Connection Basic 15 hrs. All10/9 Water Loss (2 Day) 12 hrs. WT or DS11/4 FALL CRAM SESSIONS 12 hrs. All

MEMPHIS10/29 Cross Connection Renewal 6 hrs. All

MURFREESBORO7/23 Cross Connection Renewal 6 hrs. All7/24 Cross Connection Basic 15 hrs. All8/13 Practical Math for Wastewater Operators 12 hrs. WW8/19 Fundamentals of Wastewater Treatment 12 hrs. WW8/19 Fundamentals of Water Treatment 12 hrs. WT8/27 Practical Math for Water Treatment Plant Operators 12 hrs. WT8/27 Pumps & Motors (Advanced) 18 hrs. All8/27 Pumps & Motors (Intermediate) 12 hrs. All8/27 Pumps & Motors (Introduction) 6 hrs. All9/9 Fundamentals of Water Distribution 6 hrs. DS9/9 TOSHA Safety Training 6 hrs. All9/11 Trench Excavation Competent Person 6 hrs. DS or CS9/12 Bacteriological Sampling & Monitoring 6 hrs. DS or WT9/17 Cross Connection Renewal 6 hrs. All9/18 Cross Connection Basic 15 hrs. All9/23 24 Hour HazMat Class 12 hrs. All9/25 Wilkins Backflow Preventer Repair Class 6 hrs. All9/26 Pretreatment Regulatory Review & Update 6 hrs. CS or WW9/27 Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Update 6 hrs. WW10/1 Granular Media Filter Optimization 12 hrs. WT10/1 Water Loss (2 Days) 12 hrs. WT or DS10/8 Practical Math for Distribution Operators 6 hrs. DS10/14 Fundamentals of Collection 6 hrs. CS11/4 FALL CRAM SESSIONS 12 hrs. All11/12 Cross Connection Renewal 6 hrs. All11/13 Cross Connection Basic 15 hrs. All

Classes subject to change or meet maximum capacity, visit website, www.taud.org, for current info.

Business ConferenceAugust 7 - 9, 2013Gatlinburg Convention CtrGatlinburg, TN

Conference features:

• Vendor Displays• TUPAC Golf Tournament• Trap Shoot• TUPAC Silent Auction• Administrative Sessions• 6 Hours of Operator CE• 6 Hours of

Commissioner Training!

To register for this these event, please visit www.taud.orgClick on the “Conferences” tab and then choose the Business Conference link for more information & registration forms.

REGISTER TODAY

UPCOMING CLASSES >>>


GA

ME

- SPO

T TH

E D

IFFE

REN

CES

Find frog

on page 41

Find 10 differences between the original photo, pictured top, and the changed photo, pictured bottom.


P.O. Box 2529Murfreesboro, TN 37133-2529 .www.taud.org

Documents

Utility Safety Issue