august 2014

Unable to relax in his golden years, South Carolinas Ken Howard grabbed a hose and started pumping Page 16

Careful wastewater handling and water reuse guide a green mission for Missouris Austins Pumping Page 32

Liquid GoLd

RetiRe?No Way!

PumperPumper D E D I C A T E D T O T H E L I Q U I D W A S T E I N D U S T R YD E D I C A T E D T O T H E L I Q U I D W A S T E I N D U S T R Y

August 2014 www.pumper.com

4 Pumper August 2014

BENLEE FAMILY OF TRAILERS

A roll off truck replacement that is designed to carry containers up to 24' long. It is a short 25' 11" so it can get into a tighter spot than a roll off truck. With its low tare weight of 12,400 lbs, this roll off trailer has a high legal payload of 17-18 tons.

This robust unit is designed to pick up extremely heavy loads and be over permitted where legal. This roll off trailer is available in lengths from 29' to 44' and is available with 2-3 axles.

BUY PARTS ONLINE 24/7Rollers, Cylinders, Cables & MUCH MORE!

Parts: [email protected]

SALES, TRADE-INS WELCOME!Jim Reeves: 734-476-4402 [email protected]

John Tobolski: 734-890-6822 [email protected](734) 722-8100 www.benlee.com

This 48' long trailer is designed to carry two 24' containers at the same time. It has a low tare weight of 16,500 lbs which allows for a high payload capacity. The container transfer system makes this roll off trailer unique to other 2 box roll off trailers on the market, making it quick and easy to operate.

TWO BOXSUPER MINI

CONVENTIONALDouble your productivity and payload with a pup trailer designed for maximum capacity and longer life. Carries up to 24' long containers, available in 2 axle and 4 axle in capacities of 40,000# and 50,000# GVWR. Also available in a maximum capacity live hydraulic version.

PUP

In Stock!

In Stock!

In Stock!

In Stock!

The Sani-KlipR. Nesbit Portable Toilets introduces:

Our product is made out of aluminum Takes minutes to install with rivets

or c-clamps Easily holds an 8oz-10oz bottle

of hand sanitizer or soap Save time and money by enabling

service trucks to restock sanitizer from any available retailer

A COST EFFECTIVE SOLUTION

FOR PROVIDING

ALL OF YOUR CUSTOMERS

HAND SANITIZER

TO PLACE AN ORDER OR FOR PRODUCT

INFORMATION CONTACT:KATIE/TONI

R. NESBIT PORTABLE TOILETS

724-652-8232www.best-portable-toilets.com

Bio-Products, Packaging and Marketing Experts

1-800-223-3083

Septic Solutions - Grease Solutions - Drainfield Solutions

FREE Private Labeling

Learn more at: www.lenzyme.com

Customers ask forMonthly Treatment

Septic Kit


You might say Ken Howard had ants in his pants after cashing in his longtime trash company. So he bought out South Carolinas Dr. Flush and was back in business.

ON THE COVER: Ken Howard, center, owner of Dr. Flush in Greer, S.C., is shown with his son and co-owner Ken Howard Jr., left, and co-owner Bengy Rhodes in front of their newest vacuum truck, from Lely Manfacturing. Howard came out of retirement to buy a septic service company and is enjoying building a business for the next generation. (Photo by Nathan Gray)

16Cover Story: Retire? No Way!

- Peter Hildebrandt

10 Reading Between the Lines: Trends in TrucksWhen pumpers want to show off their latest service vehicle, they bring it to us for the Classy Truck feature.- Jim Kneiszel

12 @Pumper.comCheck out the latest online-only content at the Pumper website.

24 Rules & Regulations: Delaware Releases Education Videos for Septic System Users- Doug Day and Sharon Verbeten

28 Building the Business: Give and You Will ReceiveConsumers patronize companies that give back to their communities.- Stan Craig

32 Profile: Liquid GoldWhether its careful handling of wastewater or preserving a precious water resource, environmental awareness is a key to the business plan for Missouris Austins Pumping Service.- Dee Goerge

42 Overheard Online: Putting a Price on Your BusinessIm ready to retire. How much is my pumping company worth?

46 Money Manager: The Golden Years?Theres no time like the present to meet with your financial adviser and draw a road map for financial security at retirement.- Erik Gunn

50 Special Report: Sniffing Out TroubleCanine crews scent human waste to help trace failing wastewater systems.- David Steinkraus

56 WWETT Spotlight Second Generation Depth Ray from Eldredge Equipment takes variables out of level monitoring.- Craig Mandli

60 Vacuum Tank 2014 Directory

66 Septic System Answer Man: Remember the Biomat BasicsBe armed with information and ready to explain the role oxygen, proper maintenance and routine pumping play in keeping your customers onsite systems performing as they should. - Jim Anderson, Ph.D.

70 State of the State: The EnforcersTexas wastewater professionals are passionate about serving the industry through rules for proper onsite system maintenance.- Doug Day

74 Classy Truck of the MonthWe feature Harding Septic & Portables, Porterfield, Wis.

78 NAWT News: Join Us for Pre-WWETT Seminars on Inspector Training, O&M Work-Dhru Bhatt

82 Product Focus/Case Studies:Vacuum Trucks-Truck Builder- Craig Mandli

94 Product NewsProduct Spotlight: Industrial-use restroom trailers built for extreme climates.- Ed Wodalski

98 Industry News

104 Associations List

DEDICATED TO THE LIQUID WASTE INDUSTRY

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Copyright 2014 COLE Publishing Inc.No part may be reproduced without permission of the publisher.

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DISPLAY ADVERTISING: Email Jim Flory at [email protected] or Winnie May at [email protected] or call 800- 994-7990. Publisher reserves the right to reject advertising, which in its opinion is misleading, unfair or incompatible with the character of the publication.

CIRCULATION: 2013 circulation averaged 26,400 copies per month. This fig-ure includes all circulation regions (nationwide) and international distribution.

REPRINTS AND BACK ISSUES: Visit www.pumper.com/order/reprints for options and pricing. To order reprints, call Jeff Lane at 800-257-7222 (715-546-3346) or email [email protected]. To order back issues, call Ni-cole at 800-257-7222 (715-546-3346) or email [email protected].

Jim Flory Winnie May

2015 WATER & WASTEWATER EQUIPMENT, TREATMENT & TRANSPORT SHOW

Education Day: February 23, 2015

Exhibits Open: February 24-26, 2015

Indiana Convention Center,Indianapolis, IN

www.pumpershow.com

Pumper August 2014In ThIs Issue

Coming in September

Special iSSue:

HYDROExCAVATION/ INDUSTRIAL JET/VAC SERVICES

n SPECIAL REPORT: Exploring graywater reuse systems

n PROfILE: Industrial vacuum loading in Pennsylvania


NO COMPROMISE

800-699-755711200 Greenstone Ave. Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670

562-944-0404 Fax: 562-944-3636www.vacpump.com

Hablamos EspaolLike us on Facebook

At Armstrong Equipment, we believe life and business require certain compromises, but not on those

things on which your business and family depend. A beautiful,

new and shiny vacuum truck with a burned out pump is nothing

more than uncomfortable transportation at four miles per gallon.

Your customers depend on you! Your employees depend on

you! Your family depends on you!

We think you should be able to depend on us! That is why we sell

the most dependable vacuum pumps, parts, valves and tank

components available. When it comes to quality and reliability in

the tools that make your business successful, there should be:

No Comprom ise.

We proudly stock Masport, Jurop, NVE, Cond, Fruitland, Moro

and G-D Wittig vacuum pumps, Sutorbilt blowers, Garnet Instru-

ments SeeLevel gauges, Clearflow Heavy Duty valves and most

other vacuum truck components and accessories. We can also

provide replacement pumps and repair kits for most major

brands. For more information call us toll free at 800-699-7557.

HXL400WV

RFL100

4M

R260

RCF500F

608

A

Abbott Rubber Co., Inc. ......58

Acro Trailer Company .........89Advantage Funding ............64AlturnaMATS, Inc. ...............76

Amazing Machinery, Inc. ....65

AMT Pump ..........................80

Amthor International .........103

Aqua Ben Corporation ......103

AQUA-Zyme Disposal Sys. 102

Arcan Enterprises, Inc.. ......90Armal, Inc. ..........................80

Armstrong Equipment ...........9

Atlanta Rubber & Hydraulics, Inc...........30

B

Bandlock Corp. ................. 113Benlee, Inc. ...........................4

Best Enterprises, Inc. .........91

Brenlin Company, Inc. ........40

C

Cam Spray ..........................76

CanAm Equipment Solutions .92

Cape Cod Biochemical Co. 26Century Chemical Corp. ...102

Chandler Equipment ...........27

Chempace Corporation ......74

Clear Computing, Inc. .......103

Comforts of Home Services .. 68

Crust Busters/ Schmitz Bros., LLC .......67

D

Deal Assoc. .........................26Del Vel Chem Co. .............102Ditch Witch .........................45

E

Ecological Laboratories, Inc. . 11EICA Tankheads, Inc. .......105

Elmira Machine/Wallenstein Vacuum Pumps ............71

Equipment Sales, LLC ........64

Erickson Tank & Pump .....102

F

F. S. Solutions ...............33, 68

Five Peaks ..........................95FMI Truck Sales & Service .26

Fruitland Manufacturing. .....35

G

GapVax, Inc. .......................55Global Vacuum Systems ....80

Guzzler Manufacturing .......19

H

Hannay Reels .....................21

Hi-Vac Corporation .............39

Hino Motor Sales USA, Inc. 25House of Imports ................73

I

Imperial Industries, Inc. ......49

In the Round Dewatering

In the Round Dewatering ....40

ITI Trailers & Truck Bodies .30

J J.C. Gury Company, Inc. ....43

KKanaflex Corporation. .........13

KeeVac Industries, Inc. .......29

Kentucky Tank, Inc. ............98Key Commercial Corp. .......98

LL. T. & E., Inc. .....................43

Lanes Vacuum Tank, Inc. . 113

Lely Manufacturing, Inc. ..... 11

Lely Tank & Waste Solutions 22

Lenzyme/Trap-Cleer. ............4Liberty Pumps .....................87LMT - VAXTEEL. ................76

Longhorn Tank & Trailer .....14

MMagnets by Stamp Works ..24

Marsh Industrial ..................54

Masport, Inc. .........................3

McKee Technologies - Explorer Trailers/ .........71

Mid-State Tank Co., Inc. .....53

Milwaukee Rubber Products ..14

Moro USA, Inc. .....................7

N

National Truck Center .........15

National Vacuum Equipment 37

NAWT, Inc. ..........................78

Norweco, Inc. ......................81NuConcepts ........................92

OOMSI Transmissions, Inc. ...17One Biotechnology .............48

P Peoples United Equipment Finance Corp. ..............48

Pik Rite, Inc. .......................40

PolyJohn Canada ...............58

PolyJohn Enterprises ........ 115

Polylok .............................. 114

PolyPortables, LLC. ............23

BY PRESSURE LIFTPressure Lift Corporation. ...48

Presvac Systems, Ltd. ...... 116

RR. Nesbit Portable Toilets .....4RCS II, Inc. .........................72

Reelcraft Industries, Inc. .....92

Ritam Technologies LP .......98

Robinson Vacuum Tanks ....88Rotating Solutions ..............72

Rush Refuse Systems ........99

S

Safe-T-Fresh .......................77

Satellite Industries Inc. ...........2Satellite Suites ....................57

Septic Services, Inc. ...........54

Slide-In Warehouse ............44

Specialty B Sales ................47

Stahly Applicators ...............40SubSurface Locators, Inc. ..68

Surco Products ...................31

Sweet Septic Systems ...... 113

T

T&T Tools, Inc. ....................22

T.S.F. Company, Inc. ...........85

TankTec ..............................59Thompson Tank, Inc. ........105

Transport Truck Sales, Inc. .97

Transway Systems, Inc.........5

TSI Tank Services, Inc. .......79

V

Vac-Con, Inc. ......................75

Vacutrux Limited .................67

Vacuum Sales, Inc. ........... 113

VARCo. ...............................41

W

Walex Products, Inc. ...........69Wastequip .....................42, 43

Water Cannon, Inc. .............83

Wee Engineer, Inc. .............44

Westmoor Ltd./Conde .........93

Classifieds .......................106Marketplace .....................100

Scan the code with your smartphone

A D V E R T I S E R

index......REGIONAL

ADVERTISERSMidwest Supplement

(after page 74)

Advance Pump & Equip. .......3

Crescent Tank Mfg. ...............3

Liberty Financial Group ........3

Marengo Fabricated Steel ....1Mid-State Intl Trucks ............4

R.A. Ross & Associates NE ..4

Rider Agri Sales & Svcs ........2Truck Country .......................4

V&H Inc. ...............................2

(after page 74)


Andert, Inc. ...........................4

Crescent Tank Mfg. ...............7Gordon Quinton Insurance ...2




Tremcar, Inc ..........................6

V&H Inc. ...............................2

Vacuum Sales, Inc. ...............3

August 2014

Eastern Supplement

facebook.com/PumperMagtwitter.com/PumperMag

plus.google.comyoutube.com/PumperMagazine

linkedin.com/company/pumper-magazine

SociallyAccepted

NO COMPROMISE

800-699-755711200 Greenstone Ave. Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670

562-944-0404 Fax: 562-944-3636www.vacpump.com

Hablamos EspaolLike us on Facebook

At Armstrong Equipment, we believe life and business require certain compromises, but not on those

things on which your business and family depend. A beautiful,

new and shiny vacuum truck with a burned out pump is nothing

more than uncomfortable transportation at four miles per gallon.

Your customers depend on you! Your employees depend on

you! Your family depends on you!

We think you should be able to depend on us! That is why we sell

the most dependable vacuum pumps, parts, valves and tank

components available. When it comes to quality and reliability in

the tools that make your business successful, there should be:

No Comprom ise.

We proudly stock Masport, Jurop, NVE, Cond, Fruitland, Moro

and G-D Wittig vacuum pumps, Sutorbilt blowers, Garnet Instru-

ments SeeLevel gauges, Clearflow Heavy Duty valves and most

other vacuum truck components and accessories. We can also

provide replacement pumps and repair kits for most major

brands. For more information call us toll free at 800-699-7557.

HXL400WV

RFL100

4M

R260

RCF500F

608

A

Abbott Rubber Co., Inc. ......58

Acro Trailer Company .........89Advantage Funding ............64AlturnaMATS, Inc. ...............76

Amazing Machinery, Inc. ....65

AMT Pump ..........................80

Amthor International .........103

Aqua Ben Corporation ......103

AQUA-Zyme Disposal Sys. 102

Arcan Enterprises, Inc.. ......90Armal, Inc. ..........................80

Armstrong Equipment ...........9

Atlanta Rubber & Hydraulics, Inc...........30

B

Bandlock Corp. ................. 113Benlee, Inc. ...........................4

Best Enterprises, Inc. .........91

Brenlin Company, Inc. ........40

C

Cam Spray ..........................76

CanAm Equipment Solutions .92

Cape Cod Biochemical Co. 26Century Chemical Corp. ...102

Chandler Equipment ...........27

Chempace Corporation ......74

Clear Computing, Inc. .......103

Comforts of Home Services .. 68

Crust Busters/ Schmitz Bros., LLC .......67

D

Deal Assoc. .........................26Del Vel Chem Co. .............102Ditch Witch .........................45

E

Ecological Laboratories, Inc. . 11EICA Tankheads, Inc. .......105

Elmira Machine/Wallenstein Vacuum Pumps ............71

Equipment Sales, LLC ........64

Erickson Tank & Pump .....102

F

F. S. Solutions ...............33, 68

Five Peaks ..........................95FMI Truck Sales & Service .26

Fruitland Manufacturing. .....35

G

GapVax, Inc. .......................55Global Vacuum Systems ....80

Guzzler Manufacturing .......19

H

Hannay Reels .....................21

Hi-Vac Corporation .............39

Hino Motor Sales USA, Inc. 25House of Imports ................73

I

Imperial Industries, Inc. ......49

In the Round Dewatering

In the Round Dewatering ....40

ITI Trailers & Truck Bodies .30

J J.C. Gury Company, Inc. ....43

KKanaflex Corporation. .........13

KeeVac Industries, Inc. .......29

Kentucky Tank, Inc. ............98Key Commercial Corp. .......98

LL. T. & E., Inc. .....................43

Lanes Vacuum Tank, Inc. . 113

Lely Manufacturing, Inc. ..... 11

Lely Tank & Waste Solutions 22

Lenzyme/Trap-Cleer. ............4Liberty Pumps .....................87LMT - VAXTEEL. ................76

Longhorn Tank & Trailer .....14

MMagnets by Stamp Works ..24

Marsh Industrial ..................54

Masport, Inc. .........................3

McKee Technologies - Explorer Trailers/ .........71

Mid-State Tank Co., Inc. .....53

Milwaukee Rubber Products ..14

Moro USA, Inc. .....................7

N

National Truck Center .........15

National Vacuum Equipment 37

NAWT, Inc. ..........................78

Norweco, Inc. ......................81NuConcepts ........................92

OOMSI Transmissions, Inc. ...17One Biotechnology .............48

P Peoples United Equipment Finance Corp. ..............48

Pik Rite, Inc. .......................40

PolyJohn Canada ...............58

PolyJohn Enterprises ........ 115

Polylok .............................. 114

PolyPortables, LLC. ............23

BY PRESSURE LIFTPressure Lift Corporation. ...48

Presvac Systems, Ltd. ...... 116

RR. Nesbit Portable Toilets .....4RCS II, Inc. .........................72

Reelcraft Industries, Inc. .....92

Ritam Technologies LP .......98

Robinson Vacuum Tanks ....88Rotating Solutions ..............72

Rush Refuse Systems ........99

S

Safe-T-Fresh .......................77

Satellite Industries Inc. ...........2Satellite Suites ....................57

Septic Services, Inc. ...........54

Slide-In Warehouse ............44

Specialty B Sales ................47

Stahly Applicators ...............40SubSurface Locators, Inc. ..68

Surco Products ...................31

Sweet Septic Systems ...... 113

T

T&T Tools, Inc. ....................22

T.S.F. Company, Inc. ...........85

TankTec ..............................59Thompson Tank, Inc. ........105

Transport Truck Sales, Inc. .97

Transway Systems, Inc.........5

TSI Tank Services, Inc. .......79

V

Vac-Con, Inc. ......................75

Vacutrux Limited .................67

Vacuum Sales, Inc. ........... 113

VARCo. ...............................41

W

Walex Products, Inc. ...........69Wastequip .....................42, 43

Water Cannon, Inc. .............83

Wee Engineer, Inc. .............44

Westmoor Ltd./Conde .........93

Classifieds .......................106Marketplace .....................100

Scan the code with your smartphone

A D V E R T I S E R

index......REGIONAL

ADVERTISERSMidwest Supplement

(after page 74)


Crescent Tank Mfg. ...............3




Rider Agri Sales & Svcs ........2Truck Country .......................4

V&H Inc. ...............................2

(after page 74)


Andert, Inc. ...........................4

Crescent Tank Mfg. ...............7Gordon Quinton Insurance ...2




Tremcar, Inc ..........................6

V&H Inc. ...............................2

Vacuum Sales, Inc. ...............3

August 2014

Eastern Supplement

facebook.com/PumperMagtwitter.com/PumperMag

plus.google.comyoutube.com/PumperMagazine

linkedin.com/company/pumper-magazine

SociallyAccepted


I f youre planning to order the next vacuum truck in your fleet, its time to do a little trend-spotting so you can trick out your ride for convenience and have your marketing message jump off the shiny new tank and into potential customers consciousness.

How do you look for truck trends in the pumping industry? Well, youd be hard-pressed to see a good representation of the latest vacuum trucks on your local highways and byways. With any luck, youll only pass a few service rigs on your daily route, and youre all too familiar with what the competi-tion is driving anyway.

At Pumper, we feel we provide the best opportunities anywhere for truck trend-spotting. Page through this issue and look at the glossy ads showing off the latest vehicles offered by industry truck builders. And this issue gives you an added bonus: For our Product Focus feature by Craig Mandli, we asked industry manufacturers to provide examples of their most recent vacuum truck components for your consideration.

If you want to see some of the latest and greatest trucks in person kick a few tires, if you will your next move is to book a trip to the Water & Waste-water Equipment, Treatment & Transport Show, or WWETT, as the rebadged Pumper & Cleaner Expo is known. Its never too early to make plans for the biggest showcase for vacuum trucks, which is scheduled for Feb. 23-26, 2015, in Indianapolis. At WWETT you can see, touch and even plunk your money down to drive away with a fresh ride.

I find myself constantly staring at the latest top trucks in reader submis-sions for our Classy Truck feature. These photos show new vacuum trucks with the complete look the owner intended: detailed, decaled, washed, waxed and ready to hit the road. Their owners have given great consider-ation to the workability, usability and marketability possessed by these im-portant business tools. The trucks must perform well in every way to justify the major expense.

So when reaching potential customers and building pumping profits are on the line, what trends are Classy Truck owners following? Ill share a few of my own observations and youre welcome to comment by emailing me at [email protected].

Graphics are cleaninG up

When it comes to a marketing message emblazoned on the side of a vacuum tank, fewer and fewer pumpers are choosing to go it alone. The Classy Trucks I see carry more sophisticated messaging every year. Every piece of decaled information is well thought out. Phone numbers include area codes, Web addresses are prominent, typeface is bold and added art comes from a graphics professional. Business owners recognize the value of the rolling billboards and are spending exponentially more today for wraps and paint schemes than they did 15 years ago. And theyre ditching

the tired old jokes and slogans. Why buy a $150,000 vacuum truck just to broadcast potty humor on the tank? This undermines the professionalism of the industry.

environmental and Greenare profit-buildinG buzzwords

Whether its a vinyl wave graphic or a message promoting a clean en-vironment, going green is fashionable in the wastewater industry. And not just fashionable; a companys environmental credibility is a valued selling point for customers. Many homeowners want to support companies that have a small environmental impact, and commercial customers want to be able to say they hire green contractors to do their cleanup work. Some old-line pumping companies are even changing their brand identifier from Joes Septic Service to Joes Environmental Services to convey a message of cleanliness and professionalism, as well as indicate a broader menu of services offered.

chrome and quality paintworknever Go out of style

Pumpers proud of their heritage in the industry truly care about the ap-pearance of their equipment. They want work trucks to look as good as the cars they drive to church on Sunday. Thats why they spare no expense when it comes to fit and finish on their rolling equipment. While youll still see a lot of basic white service trucks, pumpers are also choosing two- and three-color paint schemes, as well as flames, metalflake and detailed pinstriping. And chrome is still splashed all over many trucks, from the wheels to the stacks, from the storage boxes to the horns and visors. And I see more pol-ished stainless steel and aluminum tanks than ever before. Even though the cost for specialty finish work is always growing, pumpers remain willing to make the investment.

versatility rules

When pumpers purchase a new truck today, they want to outfit it to provide a myriad of commercial and residential services. No more are busi-ness owners confining themselves to a specialty in residential septic service.

Reading Between the lines

Trends in TrucksWhen pumpers want to show off their latest service vehicle, they bring it to us for the Classy Truck featureBy Jim Kneiszel, Editor

Pumpers proud of their heritage in the industrytruly care about the appearance of their equipment. They want work trucks to look as good as the carsthey drive to church on Sunday.

Jim

Kne

isze

l, Ed

itor

Contact Jim with your comments, questions and opinions at [email protected].

They recognize growing opportunities to handle grease trap waste, empty car wash pits and do other environmental cleanup work. So they order new trucks for greater flexibility. They expand tank capacity to take on more gal-lons before dumping, spec more powerful pumps and blowers to convey tougher sludges, and add greater dumping capabilities to work faster at dis-posal. They include more onboard storage to carry toolbox jetters, tank agi-tators and specialty tools that can save a trip back to the yard for equipment.

is your riG ready for the spotliGht?

Take a look at the Classy Truck feature and the ads you see in Pumper for new or pre-owned trucks. How does your latest rig measure up? Once you look around, you might start thinking of an upgrade.

Whether you want to show off a new or refurbished truck, consider sending us a few photos for Classy Truck. Who knows, your service vehicle could win our annual contest and make the cover of the magazine. Wouldnt that be a source of pride for your hard-working crew?

Participating in Classy Truck is simple. Detail your truck, park it in a beautiful setting and shoot some photos. Send those photos to me at [email protected], along with some details about the truck, including the name of the truck builder, a rundown of equipment and an explanation about how the truck is used to build your business. Well do all the rest.

www.pumper.com Since 1979 August 2014 11

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(Optional Dual Service)

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Dual Side Tool Box

Electric Water Pump 40 PSI 6 GPM

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Coated Water Compartment

Full Set of Working Lights

Truck-Lite Lights

50 ft. Water Hose with Nozzle

Vacuum and Pressure Relief Valve

Stock Tanks Available

Put Our Experience to Work for You

LELY Commercial Wastehandling Equipment

Portable Toilet Trucks

I f youre planning to order the next vacuum truck in your fleet, its time to do a little trend-spotting so you can trick out your ride for convenience and have your marketing message jump off the shiny new tank and into potential customers consciousness.

How do you look for truck trends in the pumping industry? Well, youd be hard-pressed to see a good representation of the latest vacuum trucks on your local highways and byways. With any luck, youll only pass a few service rigs on your daily route, and youre all too familiar with what the competi-tion is driving anyway.

At Pumper, we feel we provide the best opportunities anywhere for truck trend-spotting. Page through this issue and look at the glossy ads showing off the latest vehicles offered by industry truck builders. And this issue gives you an added bonus: For our Product Focus feature by Craig Mandli, we asked industry manufacturers to provide examples of their most recent vacuum truck components for your consideration.

If you want to see some of the latest and greatest trucks in person kick a few tires, if you will your next move is to book a trip to the Water & Waste-water Equipment, Treatment & Transport Show, or WWETT, as the rebadged Pumper & Cleaner Expo is known. Its never too early to make plans for the biggest showcase for vacuum trucks, which is scheduled for Feb. 23-26, 2015, in Indianapolis. At WWETT you can see, touch and even plunk your money down to drive away with a fresh ride.

I find myself constantly staring at the latest top trucks in reader submis-sions for our Classy Truck feature. These photos show new vacuum trucks with the complete look the owner intended: detailed, decaled, washed, waxed and ready to hit the road. Their owners have given great consider-ation to the workability, usability and marketability possessed by these im-portant business tools. The trucks must perform well in every way to justify the major expense.

So when reaching potential customers and building pumping profits are on the line, what trends are Classy Truck owners following? Ill share a few of my own observations and youre welcome to comment by emailing me at [email protected].

Graphics are cleaninG up

When it comes to a marketing message emblazoned on the side of a vacuum tank, fewer and fewer pumpers are choosing to go it alone. The Classy Trucks I see carry more sophisticated messaging every year. Every piece of decaled information is well thought out. Phone numbers include area codes, Web addresses are prominent, typeface is bold and added art comes from a graphics professional. Business owners recognize the value of the rolling billboards and are spending exponentially more today for wraps and paint schemes than they did 15 years ago. And theyre ditching

the tired old jokes and slogans. Why buy a $150,000 vacuum truck just to broadcast potty humor on the tank? This undermines the professionalism of the industry.

environmental and Greenare profit-buildinG buzzwords

Whether its a vinyl wave graphic or a message promoting a clean en-vironment, going green is fashionable in the wastewater industry. And not just fashionable; a companys environmental credibility is a valued selling point for customers. Many homeowners want to support companies that have a small environmental impact, and commercial customers want to be able to say they hire green contractors to do their cleanup work. Some old-line pumping companies are even changing their brand identifier from Joes Septic Service to Joes Environmental Services to convey a message of cleanliness and professionalism, as well as indicate a broader menu of services offered.

chrome and quality paintworknever Go out of style

Pumpers proud of their heritage in the industry truly care about the ap-pearance of their equipment. They want work trucks to look as good as the cars they drive to church on Sunday. Thats why they spare no expense when it comes to fit and finish on their rolling equipment. While youll still see a lot of basic white service trucks, pumpers are also choosing two- and three-color paint schemes, as well as flames, metalflake and detailed pinstriping. And chrome is still splashed all over many trucks, from the wheels to the stacks, from the storage boxes to the horns and visors. And I see more pol-ished stainless steel and aluminum tanks than ever before. Even though the cost for specialty finish work is always growing, pumpers remain willing to make the investment.

versatility rules

When pumpers purchase a new truck today, they want to outfit it to provide a myriad of commercial and residential services. No more are busi-ness owners confining themselves to a specialty in residential septic service.

Reading Between the lines

Trends in TrucksWhen pumpers want to show off their latest service vehicle, they bring it to us for the Classy Truck featureBy Jim Kneiszel, Editor

Pumpers proud of their heritage in the industrytruly care about the appearance of their equipment. They want work trucks to look as good as the carsthey drive to church on Sunday.

Jim

Kne

isze

l, Ed

itor

Contact Jim with your comments, questions and opinions at [email protected].

They recognize growing opportunities to handle grease trap waste, empty car wash pits and do other environmental cleanup work. So they order new trucks for greater flexibility. They expand tank capacity to take on more gal-lons before dumping, spec more powerful pumps and blowers to convey tougher sludges, and add greater dumping capabilities to work faster at dis-posal. They include more onboard storage to carry toolbox jetters, tank agi-tators and specialty tools that can save a trip back to the yard for equipment.

is your riG ready for the spotliGht?

Take a look at the Classy Truck feature and the ads you see in Pumper for new or pre-owned trucks. How does your latest rig measure up? Once you look around, you might start thinking of an upgrade.

Whether you want to show off a new or refurbished truck, consider sending us a few photos for Classy Truck. Who knows, your service vehicle could win our annual contest and make the cover of the magazine. Wouldnt that be a source of pride for your hard-working crew?

Participating in Classy Truck is simple. Detail your truck, park it in a beautiful setting and shoot some photos. Send those photos to me at [email protected], along with some details about the truck, including the name of the truck builder, a rundown of equipment and an explanation about how the truck is used to build your business. Well do all the rest.


GrowinG ServiceS

restroom successIf youre considering adding portable toilets to your septic pumping outfit, find out what and who you need to know to create a successful portable restroom operation. Hint: Scope out the competition. Learn the keys to success, and find out how to break into the portable restroom industry.

www.pumper.com/featured

connect with uS

want more?Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PumperMagor Twitter at twitter.com/PumperMag

emails and alertsVisit Pumper.com and sign up for newsletters and alerts. Youll get exclusive content delivered right to your inbox, and youll stay in the loop on topics important to you!

When you fire someone, all eyes are on you that is, all other employees will notice how you handle the situation.

Are You Prepared to Fire an Employee?www.pumper.com/featured

Liquid waSte LeGendS

3 septic pumping mythsHave you skipped over a news story about a pumper on the other side of the country because you think it doesnt affect you? Think again. Perhaps its time to stop and consider whether those habits are beneficial or detrimental to your pumping outfit. Lets bust some septic pumping myths.www.pumper.com/featured

defininG Service areaS 101

stake your turfTerritorial expansion carries additional costs, from increased vehicle maintenance to fuel and labor, while potentially exposing businesses to increased competition. Are you prepared to stake your turf? Heres a look at how to create the optimal size service territory.


Pumper.comVisit the site daily for new, exclusive content. Read our blogs,

find resources and get the most out of Pumper magazine.

GrowinG ServiceS

restroom successIf youre considering adding portable toilets to your septic pumping outfit, find out what and who you need to know to create a successful portable restroom operation. Hint: Scope out the competition. Learn the keys to success, and find out how to break into the portable restroom industry.


connect with uS

want more?Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PumperMagor Twitter at twitter.com/PumperMag

emails and alertsVisit Pumper.com and sign up for newsletters and alerts. Youll get exclusive content delivered right to your inbox, and youll stay in the loop on topics important to you!

When you fire someone, all eyes are on you that is, all other employees will notice how you handle the situation.

Are You Prepared to Fire an Employee?www.pumper.com/featured

Liquid waSte LeGendS

3 septic pumping mythsHave you skipped over a news story about a pumper on the other side of the country because you think it doesnt affect you? Think again. Perhaps its time to stop and consider whether those habits are beneficial or detrimental to your pumping outfit. Lets bust some septic pumping myths.www.pumper.com/featured

defininG Service areaS 101

stake your turfTerritorial expansion carries additional costs, from increased vehicle maintenance to fuel and labor, while potentially exposing businesses to increased competition. Are you prepared to stake your turf? Heres a look at how to create the optimal size service territory.


Pumper.comVisit the site daily for new, exclusive content. Read our blogs,

find resources and get the most out of Pumper magazine.


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COVERSTORY

PumPer Profile

No Way!Retire?

You might say Ken Howard had ants in his pants after cashing in his longtime trash company.

So he bought out South Carolinas Dr. Flush and was

back in business. By Peter Hildebrandt

Ken Howard, owner of Dr. Flush, is shown at the company yard with his latest vacuum truck, from Lely Manufacturing.(Photos by Nathan Gray)

(continued)

OWNERS: Ken Howard Sr., Ken Howard Jr., and Bengy Rhodes

FOuNdEd: 1989EmplOyEES: 10SERvicES: Septic and grease trap service, onsite system repair, installation and inspection

TERRiTORy: Upstate South CarolinaWEBSiTE: www.drflushgreersc.com

Profiledr. Flush (and subsidiaries upstate Septic, pumping Service,and Elite Environmental)Greer, S.C.

South Carolina

K en Howard always looked forward to retirement. Then in 1997, after 28 years of running a trash-hauling business in South Carolinas Upcountry, he sold out and it was time to relax and enjoy life.

But retirement wasnt exactly what Howard expected.I got a bit bored after six months and couldnt goof off or play

that much golf, Howard recalls. I guess my daddy raised me to work. Im definitely a workaholic.

So work he did. After his brief dalliance with a life of leisure, Howard turned from collecting solid waste to liquid waste, buying a small septic service business Dr. Flush, in Greer, S.C. Opening shop with a single vacuum truck and a plan to capitalize on a growing regional economy, Howard acquired three smaller pumping businesses now operating out of one location and involves family members in the management of a burgeoning operation.

Doing what I did might not be for everybody, Howard says today. But alls well that well, doesnt end. Im 67 now and still going strong.

UNreTiriNG

Howard was only 46 years old when he sold the trash business to a national company. During that same period, South Carolina

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It takes more than just steel to create the toughest industrial vacuum truck in the business, it takes the same grit youre made of to give it all, day after decade. So every Guzzler is built with the reliability you need in a business partner. Not the kind that wears a suit, but the kind that thrives on getting dirty and getting things done. This machine is built for the long haul, easy to operate and even easier to clean and maintain. So youll never have to doubt that your investment gave so much more in return.

Because around here, we dont just build trucks. We build tough.2013 Guzzler Manufacturing

was enjoying an economic surge with more people moving into its beautiful northern counties, BMW building a plant to drive growth of the Greenville-Spartanburg area, and Spartanburg developing a $43 million inland port.

All signs pointed to small-business opportunity, and Howard was equipped to take advantage. With success, Howard bought strategically placed Upstate Septic, Pumping Service, and Elite Environmental. The four entities joined to provide a large menu of services, from residential and commercial pumping and grease trap cleaning to onsite system repair and replacement. The company now covers Greenville, Spartanburg, Anderson, Pickens and Oconee counties.

Septic and grease trap service, as well as drainline repair, are the primary services offered by Dr. Flush. The other companies provide the same services, with Upstate Septic concentrating more on onsite system repairs and installs.

Howard has help managing the workload. His son, Ken Jr., 36, and his nephew Bengy Rhodes, 38, work in the companies today, and the long-range plan is for them to take over.

GooD eQUiPMeNT, TiMelY SerViCe

A busy workload demands efficient and reliable equipment. Howard runs five vacuum trucks, including a 1998 Ford 8000 and four Peterbilts,

ranging from 2004 to 2014. Each truck has a 2,500-gallon tank and Masport pump. Four tanks are steel, one is aluminum. All but the 2014 truck were built out by Abernethy Welding. The most recent, a 2014 Pete, was built out

by Lely Manufacturing. For earthwork, the company operates a 304C Caterpillar mini-excavator and a 257 Cat skid-steer.

Customer service has always been a key to success in running a small business, Howard asserts. It doesnt matter if its hauling trash or hauling wastewater. He finds constant communication is critical to keeping customers happy during the pumping process.

We keep in contact with the customer and let them know what time we will be there, and try to do what we say were going to do, he says. That means maintaining

a promised time frame for reaching the job site and pumping the tank. With emergency calls and unexpected route changes, that can be a challenge, he admits.Sometimes its impossible, but thats what we

always try to do. Weve always received good response with that from people who know our business, he says.

Communication is important, but a clean appearance is just as important to building a reputation. So Howard is committed to having his fleet of trucks washed every day.

(continued)

The Dr. Flush team includes, left to right, Banay Uriostegui, Wilfrido Gaytan, Ceasar Isidoro,

Shane Brown, Ken Howard Jr., Ken Howard Sr., Bengy Rhodes, Billy Vaughn, Kay Reid, David Reid and Vincent Reyes.

When we were in the trash business we

liked to say, Just because we haul trash, doesnt mean we have to look trashy. With what we are into now, just because it is undesirable material doesnt mean we cant present ourselves as a clean operation.

Ken Howard


to provide a place within its borders to dispose of grease, Howard says.

A QUAliTY CreW

Howard brought in Ken Jr. as part owner of the business along with Rhodes and has plans to back away from the operations a little bit. My son and nephew are good guys who are not afraid to work and are smart enough to do the work. Theyve fit right in and are doing well.

To fill out the crew of nine, Howard uses the same strategy for hiring that works best for finding customers word of mouth. Employees are usually drawn from friends the family has known for years, and theyve worked out well.

I have people all the time who want to work for us, Howard says. We dont have any trouble with that; and we have a good name and good equipment. People who come on with us stay with us. If you pay employees well, they will do good work.

Its all about following the golden rule.We want to treat people the way we want

to be treated, Howard says. This philosophy extends to working with customers and charging fees that ensure a profit for the companies.

If we are unable to do a job right, we just dont do that job, Howard says. Competition comes in every once in a while that will work for lower prices. We feel the important thing is to do the job right; its not always all about price. Weve never claimed to be the cheapest, but Ill stand up with anybody.

AlWAYS A PUMPer

Howard truly enjoys what he is doing now. Retirement simply may not be for everyone. He does hint that hell be glad to let his son and nephew take on more of the workload.

Im gradually turning responsibilities over to my boys. Theyre doing great, the companys doing great, he says. But then his unrelenting work ethic shines through once again, Ill be pumping the day I die.

MORE INFO

Abernethy Welding & Repair, Inc.800/545-0324www.abernethywelding.com

Caterpillar, Inc.309/675-1000www.cat.com

Lely Manufacturing, Inc.800/334-2763www.lelyus.com(See ad page 11)

Masport, Inc.800/228-4510www.masportpump.com(See ad page 3)

Competition comes in every once in a while that will work for

lower prices. We feel the important thing is to do the job right; its not always all about price. Weve never claimed to be the cheapest, but Ill stand up with anybody.

Ken Howard

We like the image of cleanliness and like to do the washing right here, adds Howard. The company has its own wash bay set up for convenience.

When we were in the trash business we liked to say, Just because we haul trash, doesnt mean we have to look trashy. With what we are into now, just because it is undesirable material doesnt mean we cant present ourselves as a clean operation. The best advertising there is consists of word-of-mouth and our trucks present a running billboard across the upstate.

reSPoNSiVe AND reSPoNSiBle

Howard also considers the telephone an important part of the business and how calls are answered is important. During office hours the phone is answered

professionally. After hours, a receptionist forwards the calls directly to Howard and his staff. Its important to respond to late-night calls, especially from commercial customers, Howard says. If we have an industrial or commercial customer, we will go. Anything residential can usually wait until the next morning.

Howard believes in providing a green service and keeping a green attitude for his company. So hes happy that the 2014 Peterbilt rig carries the latest emissions equipment. The good thing about it is that its not just for us, its for everybody. Theyve all got to do the same thing emission-wise on vehicles; youre not out on a limb by yourself.

Its the same way with pumping. There are more requirements coming out every few years, so you have to change and whatever the DHEC [the state Department of Health and Environmental Control] and the EPA [U.S. Environmental Protection Agency] tells us to do, thats what weve got to do, he says. It didnt used to be this way. But now there is a lot of recordkeeping. Youve got to keep up with what you do and where you dispose of materials, as well as how and when you do. Its not as easy as it used to be.

HANDliNG GreASe

Each county in Howards territory has treatment plants that accept septage. Pumpers pay 6 to 10 cents per gallon for disposal and adding a private dewatering plant is not in the plans.

The big challenge comes with restaurant grease, he explains. There are just two counties that will accept the grease. It means we have a longer haul to get to those places, so we have to charge more. All restaurants are required to have grease traps, and the counties are

careful to require regular maintenance schedules, he says. Thats a big part of our business, but disposing of that material remains an issue, he says.

When the company pumps grease in counties where there is no treatment option, drivers are forced to drive 60 miles, into Georgia, for disposal. The ultimate solution to this issue would be for South Carolina

An online search for pumping companies in and around Greer, S.C., turns up a number of business contacts. At first blush, that might make it look like the area is saturated with competition for Ken Howards Dr. Flush enterprise until you realize that Howard owns four companies with strong name identification in upstate South Carolina.

Each distinctive identity operating out of the same location contributes to the corporate cause for Howard. In addition to Dr. Flush, his trucks carry the names Upstate Septic, Pumping Service, and most recently, Elite Environmental.

The main reason for the four companies is that potential customers get four [quotes] if they happen to be shopping around, says Howard. On our end, we get four calls instead of one. They get the idea that theyre shopping around for the best deal.

The price for pumping is the same for all four named providers, and the receptionist answers the phone four different ways, depending on the number dialed. Sometimes callers figure out they are dealing with the same company after a few calls.

Howard has made the choice to maintain four brands rather than consolidate and focus on marketing one distinct name and entity. Other pumpers who expand by acquiring numerous smaller businesses may decide to build one brand.

This is one more tool to get the business. We have to do all we can to get new work, Howard says. Maybe thats not the best way to do it, but its worked for us.

All for one, one for all

Below: Technicians Vincent Reyes and Billy Vaughn lay the hoses from their vacuum truck, built out by Abernethy Welding, before pumping a tank.

Left, top: Bengy Rhodes directs the hose while employee Banay Uriostegui looks on. The pair are pumping a tank, working around an excavation project for a residential construction job.

Left, bottom: Uriostegui washes the companys newest vacuum truck, from Lely Manufacturing, before it heads out on daily rounds.

WATCH THEM IN ACTION!To learn more about Dr. Flush, check out a video interview with owner Ken Howard at www.pumper.com.

www.pumper.com Since 1979 August 2014 21

to provide a place within its borders to dispose of grease, Howard says.

A QUAliTY CreW

Howard brought in Ken Jr. as part owner of the business along with Rhodes and has plans to back away from the operations a little bit. My son and nephew are good guys who are not afraid to work and are smart enough to do the work. Theyve fit right in and are doing well.

To fill out the crew of nine, Howard uses the same strategy for hiring that works best for finding customers word of mouth. Employees are usually drawn from friends the family has known for years, and theyve worked out well.

I have people all the time who want to work for us, Howard says. We dont have any trouble with that; and we have a good name and good equipment. People who come on with us stay with us. If you pay employees well, they will do good work.

Its all about following the golden rule.We want to treat people the way we want

to be treated, Howard says. This philosophy extends to working with customers and charging fees that ensure a profit for the companies.

If we are unable to do a job right, we just dont do that job, Howard says. Competition comes in every once in a while that will work for lower prices. We feel the important thing is to do the job right; its not always all about price. Weve never claimed to be the cheapest, but Ill stand up with anybody.

AlWAYS A PUMPer

Howard truly enjoys what he is doing now. Retirement simply may not be for everyone. He does hint that hell be glad to let his son and nephew take on more of the workload.

Im gradually turning responsibilities over to my boys. Theyre doing great, the companys doing great, he says. But then his unrelenting work ethic shines through once again, Ill be pumping the day I die.

MORE INFO

Abernethy Welding & Repair, Inc.800/545-0324www.abernethywelding.com

Caterpillar, Inc.309/675-1000www.cat.com

Lely Manufacturing, Inc.800/334-2763www.lelyus.com(See ad page 11)

Masport, Inc.800/228-4510www.masportpump.com(See ad page 3)

Competition comes in every once in a while that will work for

lower prices. We feel the important thing is to do the job right; its not always all about price. Weve never claimed to be the cheapest, but Ill stand up with anybody.

Ken Howard

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We like the image of cleanliness and like to do the washing right here, adds Howard. The company has its own wash bay set up for convenience.

When we were in the trash business we liked to say, Just because we haul trash, doesnt mean we have to look trashy. With what we are into now, just because it is undesirable material doesnt mean we cant present ourselves as a clean operation. The best advertising there is consists of word-of-mouth and our trucks present a running billboard across the upstate.

reSPoNSiVe AND reSPoNSiBle

Howard also considers the telephone an important part of the business and how calls are answered is important. During office hours the phone is answered

professionally. After hours, a receptionist forwards the calls directly to Howard and his staff. Its important to respond to late-night calls, especially from commercial customers, Howard says. If we have an industrial or commercial customer, we will go. Anything residential can usually wait until the next morning.

Howard believes in providing a green service and keeping a green attitude for his company. So hes happy that the 2014 Peterbilt rig carries the latest emissions equipment. The good thing about it is that its not just for us, its for everybody. Theyve all got to do the same thing emission-wise on vehicles; youre not out on a limb by yourself.

Its the same way with pumping. There are more requirements coming out every few years, so you have to change and whatever the DHEC [the state Department of Health and Environmental Control] and the EPA [U.S. Environmental Protection Agency] tells us to do, thats what weve got to do, he says. It didnt used to be this way. But now there is a lot of recordkeeping. Youve got to keep up with what you do and where you dispose of materials, as well as how and when you do. Its not as easy as it used to be.

HANDliNG GreASe

Each county in Howards territory has treatment plants that accept septage. Pumpers pay 6 to 10 cents per gallon for disposal and adding a private dewatering plant is not in the plans.

The big challenge comes with restaurant grease, he explains. There are just two counties that will accept the grease. It means we have a longer haul to get to those places, so we have to charge more. All restaurants are required to have grease traps, and the counties are

careful to require regular maintenance schedules, he says. Thats a big part of our business, but disposing of that material remains an issue, he says.

When the company pumps grease in counties where there is no treatment option, drivers are forced to drive 60 miles, into Georgia, for disposal. The ultimate solution to this issue would be for South Carolina

An online search for pumping companies in and around Greer, S.C., turns up a number of business contacts. At first blush, that might make it look like the area is saturated with competition for Ken Howards Dr. Flush enterprise until you realize that Howard owns four companies with strong name identification in upstate South Carolina.

Each distinctive identity operating out of the same location contributes to the corporate cause for Howard. In addition to Dr. Flush, his trucks carry the names Upstate Septic, Pumping Service, and most recently, Elite Environmental.

The main reason for the four companies is that potential customers get four [quotes] if they happen to be shopping around, says Howard. On our end, we get four calls instead of one. They get the idea that theyre shopping around for the best deal.

The price for pumping is the same for all four named providers, and the receptionist answers the phone four different ways, depending on the number dialed. Sometimes callers figure out they are dealing with the same company after a few calls.

Howard has made the choice to maintain four brands rather than consolidate and focus on marketing one distinct name and entity. Other pumpers who expand by acquiring numerous smaller businesses may decide to build one brand.

This is one more tool to get the business. We have to do all we can to get new work, Howard says. Maybe thats not the best way to do it, but its worked for us.

All for one, one for all

Below: Technicians Vincent Reyes and Billy Vaughn lay the hoses from their vacuum truck, built out by Abernethy Welding, before pumping a tank.

Left, top: Bengy Rhodes directs the hose while employee Banay Uriostegui looks on. The pair are pumping a tank, working around an excavation project for a residential construction job.

Left, bottom: Uriostegui washes the companys newest vacuum truck, from Lely Manufacturing, before it heads out on daily rounds.

WATCH THEM IN ACTION!To learn more about Dr. Flush, check out a video interview with owner Ken Howard at www.pumper.com.


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A series of three videos is helping educate homeowners about the importance of properly maintaining their septic systems. The Delaware divisions of Water and Watershed Stewardship of the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) released the videos online in April. Along with an overview of septic systems using working models, the videos cover types of risks and failures common to septic systems and maintenance tips for homeowners. There is also information about the states Septic Rehabilitation Loan Program.

In the series, Hilary Valentine, head of Delaware Technical and Community Colleges Environmental Training Center, takes viewers on a tour of the schools onsite systems training lab to learn about different types of septic systems and details the progression of technology over the years.

The videos are accessible at the DNRECs YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/user/DelawareDNREC.

Florida

Two bills that would delay a ban on the land spreading of septage are making their way through the Florida Legislature. Land application was banned by legislation in 2010, effective Jan. 1, 2016. Environmental and conservation groups originally opposed the bills delaying the law but withdrew their objections when they were amended to delay the ban by one year rather than four. The delay will be used to study waste disposal options for pumpers.

Two other bills that would allow building owners to connect their septic systems to the sanitary sewer system are moving through the Legislature without opposition. Under the proposals, septic systems could be connected to sewer systems at less than the full cost of a sewer hookup.

AlaskaAn Alaska Clean Water Actions grant of $23,450 will be used to

establish local cooperatives to reduce the cost of septic inspection and service. The Mat-Su Resource Conservation & Development Council is working with homeowners, engineers and onsite professionals to promote the concept of sharing reduced costs when one street with several homes on septic systems can be inspected and serviced at the same time. Several companies have expressed interest in offering discounted rates for such a cooperative. The project will include public education to raise awareness of how septic systems can impact water quality and how homeowners can reduce such impacts.

The water-quality grant was one of 13 issued across the state through a partnership between the departments of Environmental Conservation, Fish & Game and Natural Resources.

Washington

The owner of a Longview, Wash., septic pumping company has been sentenced to 27 months in prison for illegally dumping more than 2 million gallons of septage into the public sewer system. Ray Caldwell, owner of All-Out Sewer & Drain Service, was also fined $250,000 for violations of the Clean Water Act, mail fraud and making false statements.

An indictment alleging 25 violations of the Clean Water Act accused Caldwell of cutting a hole into a city sewer pipe behind his building and pumping septic waste from his trucks and a storage tank into the pipe. He was viewed in the act by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency agents staking out the business and was also seen on video seized from the companys outdoor surveillance system.

North Carolina

Due to the growing number of aging septic systems, Durham County Department of Public Health officials want to work with local banks and county commissioners to create a program to subsidize septic repair and replacement. More than 3,000 septic systems in rural Durham are over 30 years old, putting them at risk for failure.

The Public Health Department issues permits for most septic systems, and when it knows of failures sometimes has to seek a court order requiring repairs, which can cost up to $35,000. In extreme cases, the owners must vacate the property if they cant afford the cost.

Rules and Regs is a monthly feature in Pumper. We welcome information about state or local

regulations of potential broad interest to onsite contractors. Send ideas to [email protected].

Rules & Regs

Delaware Releases Education Videos for Septic System UsersBy Doug Day and Sharon Verbeten

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A series of three videos is helping educate homeowners about the importance of properly maintaining their septic systems. The Delaware divisions of Water and Watershed Stewardship of the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) released the videos online in April. Along with an overview of septic systems using working models, the videos cover types of risks and failures common to septic systems and maintenance tips for homeowners. There is also information about the states Septic Rehabilitation Loan Program.

In the series, Hilary Valentine, head of Delaware Technical and Community Colleges Environmental Training Center, takes viewers on a tour of the schools onsite systems training lab to learn about different types of septic systems and details the progression of technology over the years.

The videos are accessible at the DNRECs YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/user/DelawareDNREC.

Florida

Two bills that would delay a ban on the land spreading of septage are making their way through the Florida Legislature. Land application was banned by legislation in 2010, effective Jan. 1, 2016. Environmental and conservation groups originally opposed the bills delaying the law but withdrew their objections when they were amended to delay the ban by one year rather than four. The delay will be used to study waste disposal options for pumpers.

Two other bills that would allow building owners to connect their septic systems to the sanitary sewer system are moving through the Legislature without opposition. Under the proposals, septic systems could be connected to sewer systems at less than the full cost of a sewer hookup.

AlaskaAn Alaska Clean Water Actions grant of $23,450 will be used to

establish local cooperatives to reduce the cost of septic inspection and service. The Mat-Su Resource Conservation & Development Council is working with homeowners, engineers and onsite professionals to promote the concept of sharing reduced costs when one street with several homes on septic systems can be inspected and serviced at the same time. Several companies have expressed interest in offering discounted rates for such a cooperative. The project will include public education to raise awareness of how septic systems can impact water quality and how homeowners can reduce such impacts.

The water-quality grant was one of 13 issued across the state through a partnership between the departments of Environmental Conservation, Fish & Game and Natural Resources.

Washington

The owner of a Longview, Wash., septic pumping company has been sentenced to 27 months in prison for illegally dumping more than 2 million gallons of septage into the public sewer system. Ray Caldwell, owner of All-Out Sewer & Drain Service, was also fined $250,000 for violations of the Clean Water Act, mail fraud and making false statements.

An indictment alleging 25 violations of the Clean Water Act accused Caldwell of cutting a hole into a city sewer pipe behind his building and pumping septic waste from his trucks and a storage tank into the pipe. He was viewed in the act by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency agents staking out the business and was also seen on video seized from the companys outdoor surveillance system.

North Carolina

Due to the growing number of aging septic systems, Durham County Department of Public Health officials want to work with local banks and county commissioners to create a program to subsidize septic repair and replacement. More than 3,000 septic systems in rural Durham are over 30 years old, putting them at risk for failure.

The Public Health Department issues permits for most septic systems, and when it knows of failures sometimes has to seek a court order requiring repairs, which can cost up to $35,000. In extreme cases, the owners must vacate the property if they cant afford the cost.

Rules and Regs is a monthly feature in Pumper. We welcome information about state or local

regulations of potential broad interest to onsite contractors. Send ideas to [email protected].

Rules & Regs

Delaware Releases Education Videos for Septic System UsersBy Doug Day and Sharon Verbeten


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For complete information on all our productsincluding prices and educational mate-rialsplease call us at 1-800-759-2257 or visit us at www.SepticOnline.com. Thank you.

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