North Coast Section
California Water Environment
Association
SeaWEA
Quarterly Newsletter of the North Coast Section CWEA
July 2016
Message from the President
Kendra Miers
North Coast Section President
Happy Summer!
As we head into the driest part of the year, many of us in the North Coast region are being
asked to conserve water by reducing consumption and recycling. In some municipalities, these
reduction practices are mandated. These measures reduce the flow to wastewater treatment
plants, potentially increasing the BOD concentration of influent. How does this affect the
operation of your plant? Have you had to modify your treatment protocol because of changes
in influent makeup?
This is just one of the topics we will address at the CWEA North Coast Section Annual Fall
Mini-Conference. This year’s conference will be held on Friday September 23, 2016 at the
Redwood Acres Fairgrounds in Eureka. We will have some great speakers and vendor
demonstrations, with CEU hours available. This year’s theme is “Digesting Future Trends.”
More information will be available soon on our website!
We also have some training opportunities coming up in July and August. Check the front page
of our website for more info. We’ll hope to see you at these upcoming events.
As always, please don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions or comments about our
training opportunities or anything else going on with the North Coast Section. You can reach
me at [email protected].
Warmly, like a summer day,
Kendra Miers, PE
CWEA North Coast Section President
2016 NORTH COAST SECTION OFFICERS
AND COMMITTEE CHAIRS
Position
Chairperson
Vice Chair
Secretary
Treasurer
Newsletter &
Webmaster
Name
Organization
Phone and Email
Kendra
Miers
James
Henry
Will
Paddock
Mickey
Hulstrom
Aquagaia
Engineers
McKinleyville
CSD
Humboldt
C.S.D.
Humboldt
C.S.D.
[email protected]
(707) 497-4149
[email protected]
(707) 839-3251
[email protected]
(707) 443-4558
Mike
Freeman
McKinleyville
CSD
[email protected]
(707) 839-3251
Northern Regional
Committee
Representative
[email protected]
Currently Vacant
Membership
Chairperson
Hal Burris
City of Blue
Lake
[email protected]
(707) 599-4497
Program
Chairperson
Mike
Freeman
McKinleyville
CSD
[email protected]
(707) 839-3251
Technical
Certification
Program (Exams)
Safety Chairperson
Awards
Chairperson/Past
President
Currently Vacant
James
Henry
McKinleyville
CSD
[email protected]
Currently Vacant
Local CWEA Section Meetings
We would like to encourage all CWEA members to attend our Local CWEA Section meetings.
Whether you have time to get involved or not, we would still love to meet you. The meetings
are the third Thursday of every month. Our next scheduled meetings are July 21st, August
19th & September 16th. Because most meeting locations are "TBA", the easiest way to find out
where they are is to contact an officer listed above or look on our website at
http://www.cwea.org/nc/
Come find us on Facebook!
http://www.facebook.com/ncscwea
Date
North Coast Section CWEA
2016 Program Calendar
(Dates are tentative and subject to change)
Printer-friendly version
Event
Location
January
Newsletter
February
February 18, 2016
CWEA Section Meeting
March
TBA
March 17, 2016
March 30, 2016
CWEA Section Meeting
Bowling Night, 6-9 pm
April
TBA
E&O Bowl, Blue
Lake
Newsletter
CWEA Section Meeting
CWEA Annual Conference
May
TBA
Santa Clara
April 21, 2016
April 21-24, 2016
May 11-12, 2016
May 19, 2016
Training – Motor Control & Electrical Panels
CWEA Section Meeting
June
McKinleyville
TBA
June 18, 2016
Golf Tournament
McKinleyville
June 16, 2016
CWEA Section Meeting
July
TBA
July 13-14, 2016
Newsletter
Training – Motor Controls & Pumps
McKinleyville
July 21, 2016
CWEA Section Meeting
August
TBA
August 18, 2106
August 31, 2016
CWEA Section Meeting
Training -- Confined Space Entry
TBA
H.C.S.D.
September
September 15,
2016
TBA
CWEA Section Meeting
Training --NCS Annual Mini-Conference
October
TBA
TBA
October 6, 2016
October 20, 2016
Newsletter
Training -- Chlorine Cylinder Training
CWEA Section Meeting
November
November 4, 2016
November 17,
2016
NCS Annual Awards Banquet
CWEA Section Meeting
December
TBA
TBA
December 15, 2016
CWEA Section Meeting
TBA
Humboldt Bay Fire
TBA
AWWA
No Trainings scheduled for the North Coast
California Rural Water Association
No Trainings scheduled for the North Coast
RCAC
Emergency & Disaster Response Planning
August 4, 2016 8:30am-3:30pm
Fortuna River Lodge
www.rcac.org
Upcoming North Coast Section Trainings
Confined Space Entry Competent Person
The purpose of this class to train employees in confined space entry in compliance with CCR Title 8
Subjects covered will include:

Definitions of confined spaces

Permit-required confined spaces

Non permit-required confined spaces

How to complete a confined space entry permit and hot work permit
This class is being taught by Rus Brown once again and has been approved for 4 “Safety” Contact hours
from the State WaterBoards. Registration opens on July 13th. Class is limited to 25 so please register
early! More information can be found on the North Coast Section website.
http://www.cwea.org/nc/
Testing Schedule
CWEA Certification- Application deadline is August 31 for the October 1-December 31 test window
Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certification - Application deadline is August 16, 2016 for the
October 15, 2016 test
Water Distribution Operator Certification - Application deadline is January 2, 2017 for the March 18,
2017 test*
Water Treatment Operator Certification - Application deadline is September 1, 2016 for the November
19, 2016 test*
*Note-No North Coast or Santa Rosa testing sites for Water Distribution or Water Treatment remain.
Redding is our closest site now.*
The Pearson VUE testing location for your CWEA
certifications is up and running at Humboldt State
University. Complete information can be found on our
website on the What's New page
http://www.cwea.org/nc/whatsnew.html
2016 North Coast Section Golf Tournament
Thanks to all who participated in the 15th Annual North Coast Section CWEA Golf
Tournament. We ended up with 8 teams this year and everyone appeared to have a great
time. It was once again held at Beau Pre Golf Course in McKinleyville and they did a great
job as usual. The course was in fantastic shape and the BBQ Hamburger lunch they served
us was excellent.
The Peoria Handicapping system that has been used in previous years was used again this year. The
Peoria system is a one day tournament handicapping system designed to keep the scores tight, no
matter the experience level of the golfers.
The teams finished in the following order:
In 1st place (after the handicap) with a score of 67 was the “Compost Caddies”. The players were: Jessie
Suelzle, Mike Flockart, Walt Doremus & Ross Hubber. Congratulations guys!
In 2nd place, (after the handicap), with a score of 69, was Thrifty Supply "Aces". Their team consisted
of: Todd Wright, Shannon Rogers, Kris Payne, & Bruce San Filippo.
First Place, (without the handicap), went to G.R. Sundberg. They shot an amazing 65. The team was:
Randy Sundberg, Phoebe Sundberg, Izabella Sundberg, & Merritt Ford
The "Most Honest" (highest score) went to Cummins Pacific - Dale Farris, Joe Nichols, Parker Farris, &
Andrew Nichols
Prizes were awarded for KP's (closest to the pin) on three holes and a longest drive.
Hole #4 KP - Marla Landing
Hole #6 KP - Will Matcham
Hole #17 - Chris Martin
Hole #10 Long Drive - Will Paddock
Last, but certainly not least, are our sponsors. Without them, the tournament would not happen every
year. Thanks to their generous donations, we had nearly $2200 to spend on prizes this year. Try to
send a little business their way.
http://www.cwea.org/nc
Harper Motors
Bella Vista Realty
Village Pantry
Cummins Pacific
SHN
The Mill Yard
J.L.F. Construction
Thomas Home Center
Kennedy/Jenks
North Coast Fabricators
Thrifty Supply/Cresline NW
Kathy Richards/National Meter
Kernen Construction
McKinleyville Glass
G.R.S. Construction
GHD
Hooven & Co.
Beau Pre Golf Course
Les Schwab Tires
M.M.E.
Site Safety Inspections
Article courtesy of State Compensation Insurance Fund
Regular site safety inspections using site-specific checklists keep the workplace safe by identifying and
correcting hazards in the workplace. Inspection frequency depends on the hazard level of the workplace;
sites may need checks at every shift, daily, quarterly or annually. Document the inspection
observations, identified hazards, and the corrective actions taken.
Focus on the administrative records and postings at the workplace. Safety Data Sheet (SDS) binders,
safety programs, procedures, trainings, and records need to be up to date and accurate. Critical
procedures (e.g. spill cleanup, evacuation) should be posted in prominent locations. Required employer
postings (e.g. Cal/OSHA, Workers Compensation, and labor law) must be “likely to be seen” by
employees. Floor surfaces should be clean and free of slip hazards such as dirt, granular substances,
equipment parts, water, or oil. Wet surfaces should be covered with non-slip materials. Holes in the
floor, sidewalk, carpet, or other walking surface should be repaired properly, covered, or made safe.
For good housekeeping, items and debris should be kept up off floors and out of walkways. Stored items
need to be stacked properly on shelving units firmly attached to the wall; heavier items should be on the
bottom, lighter items stored on top shelves. Items stored on tops shelves require 18” clearance from fire
sprinkler systems. Unsecured stacks on floors should not exceed 72” in height. Ensure areas under
desks and tables are accessible to allow proper ergonomic seating and access in case of an earthquake.
Electric panels should have 36” clearance in front. Power cords to equipment should be intact; repair or
replace frayed cords. Check that extension cords do not cross walkways and are used only temporarily.
Additional power outlets should be installed if extension cords are necessary on a permanent basis or
there are “daisy chained” power strips. Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlets should be
installed around wet areas.
Aisles and walkways need 36” clearance in an office and 44” in a shipping area. Clearly mark emergency
exits so they can be seen from any point in the facility. Keep exits clear of stacked material and other
impediments. Label doors that are not exits to avoid confusion. Fire doors should not be propped open.
Ensure equipment and tools are in good working order; place defective equipment out of service. Check
that equipment guards and protective coverings are in place. Store chemicals within their compatible
classes; flammables should be kept in a secured flammable cabinet. Personal protective equipment
should be clean and accessible with available areas and materials for decontamination and storage.
Test fire alarms and sprinkler systems annually. Fire extinguishers should be checked for charge
monthly and recharged annually. Inspect first aid kits periodically and replenish or replace supplies
when needed.
Site safety inspections keep the workplace safe; a hazard left uncorrected can lead to accidents and
injuries.
In The News.......
Teen Dies After Contracting Brain-Eating Amoeba At Rec Center
By Sara Jerome
Article courtesy of Water Online Magazine
A teen who died in June appears to have contracted a so-called “brain-eating amoeba” while visiting a
whitewater-rafting park in North Carolina.
Lauren Seitz, an 18-year-old from Ohio, “died shortly after returning from a church trip, during which
she contracted Primary Amebic Meningoencephalitis, known as PAM, which is a severe brain infection
caused by an amoeba called Naegleria fowleri,” USA Today reported, citing Mitzi Kline, communications
director for Franklin County Public Health.
Previous deaths caused by the amoeba prompted Louisiana regulators to issue new standards for water
utilities three years ago. The rules required that water systems maintain higher disinfectant levels and
boost water sampling sites, the Associated Press reported.
Meningoencephalitis “is only contracted through natural water sources when water is drawn into the
body through the nose. There are several different types of the disease and several different carriers; all
affect the brain,” WCMH reported, citing health officials.
The U.S. National Whitewater Center, where Seitz appears to have contracted the amoeba, announced
late this month that it had temporarily suspended its whitewater operations “after water samples
turned up the amoeba believed to have caused the death of an Ohio teenager,” The Associated Press
reported.
Jeffrey Wise, the chief executive of the recreation center, put out a statement on Seitz’s death.
“I was informed by health officials that an individual had passed away... potentially caused by a waterborn organism. The individual, Lauren Seitz, had visited the [rec center] earlier in the month and the
[center] was therefore identified as a possible source of the organism,” Wise said in a statement.
The park, an outdoor recreation center with running trails and rafting waterways, said water samples
found DNA for the amoeba in its water system. The park is working with the Centers for Disease
Control and local health officials as it moves forward, according to a statement.
“An important point to highlight is that according to the health officials, the source of this organism has
not been identified, and in all likelihood, is not identifiable. However, it is equally important to
recognize that the organism is commonly found around the world in open bodies of water and the [rec
center] does have several such bodies of water,” Wise, the CEO, said.
Jim Wilson, senior pastor at Church of the Messiah United Methodist Church in Westerville, OH, said
of Seitz: “She was an incredible person, so full of life. We will deeply miss her, but we were so blessed by
her presence and her gifts that she just shared in a beautiful way. She was a special person.”
Two Wastewater Workers Air-Lifted After Gas Exposure
By Jennifer West
Treatment Plant Operator Magazine
Two treatment plant workers were rescued from the basement of the River Road Wastewater Treatment
Plant in Wichita Falls, Texas, on Saturday, July 2, after being exposed to an unknown gas. Both
employees were taken to the regional health center and then flown to the Parkland Burn Center in
Dallas for further treatment.
The Wichita Falls Fire Department was called to the scene for an unknown number of unresponsive
people. When they arrived, firefighters found two semi-responsive workers who had been working on a
routine repair. According to Battalion Chief Todd Mudd, who spoke with KFDX, all risk was contained
to the plant, and the public was never in danger.
“We shut off some road access … just so we didn’t have people getting in the way of what we were trying
to accomplish,” he said.
Authorities have not yet released the names of those involved. It is still unclear what type of gas caused
the incident.
Family Discovers Plumber Never Connected Sewer
Cleaner Magazine
An Oregon family is planning legal action against a former Eugene-based plumbing contractor who they
say never connected their house to the city’s sewer system, according to KVAL News, in Eugene,
Oregon, a member of the Sinclair Broadcast Group.
David Kent and Peggy Affolter were part of a massive sewer installation program in the River
Road/Santa Clara area more than 25 years ago.
In 1989, the Affolters hired a contractor, paid their money to be hooked up, thought they were hooked
up, and have been paying wastewater fees to the city since that time.
The disconnect came to light about a month ago when sewage began backing up in a downstairs shower.
“At that point we determined we were not connected to the city sewer as we had thought we had been
for the last 27 years,” says Kent Affolter.
The Affolters say their half-filled septic tank just kept on working all these years.
They’re finally hooked up to the Eugene Metro Sewer System but figure they sunk $8,000 into
installation fees and useless wastewater fees. The couple worked with Eugene Public Works to get about
half the money refunded.
“We have proper checks and balances in place now to make sure that this doesn’t happen. But at the
time then, we didn’t have that in place,” says Brian Richardson, Eugene Public Works spokesman.
Peggy Affolter wants to take legal action against Denis P. Rohaley, who has had 15 dispute resolution
claims filed against him. His Oregon plumbing license was suspended in 1994.
Our very own Mickey Hulstrom, North Coast Section
Treasurer, was recently inducted into the 5S Select
Society of Sanitary Sludge Shovelers. CWEA
members who have contributed an excess of five
years to the wastewater collection, design and
operations objectives of CWEA are eligible for
membership in the prestigious 5S society. Their 5
years of service may have been completed as a
CWEA or Local Section officer, Committee member
or faithful volunteer at the local, regional, state or
even national level.
After getting nominations from Local Sections and
CWEA Committees, a select committee of Sludge
Shovelers evaluate all the nomination forms. Only
an elite few are chosen each year and the decision is
based solely on merit. Congratulations on making
the cut this year Mickey!
A physicist, biologist and a chemist were going to
the ocean for the first time. The physicist saw the
ocean and was fascinated by the waves. He said he
wanted to do some research on the fluid dynamics of
the waves and walked into the ocean. Obviously he
was drowned and never returned.
The biologist said he wanted to do research on the
flora and fauna inside the ocean and walked inside
the ocean. He too, never returned.
The chemist waited for a long time and afterwards,
wrote the observation, "The physicist and the
biologist are soluble in ocean water".
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