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TOWA 25th Anniversary Conference
SPEAKERS & SESSION OVERVIEWS

causes, how to investigate and once the problem is bacteria in soil systems. As a state specialist, he oversees
understood then recommending a proper solution. The the state-wide extension effort geared towards
presentation will review: Malfunction investigation basics, addressing the training and educational needs of
septic tank investigation, function of the tank, drainfield various stakeholder groups in the onsite wastewater
investigation, and malfunction issues and examples. industry and organizes the Oklahoma’s annual onsite
DENNIS F. HALLAHAN, P.E., Technical Director, Infiltrator wastewater conference. Dr. Abit is also a faculty
member of the Department of Plant and Soil Sciences at
Systems the Oklahoma State University where he teaches various
Dennis has twenty-nine years of experience with the design undergraduate and graduate-level soil science courses.
and construction of on-site wastewater treatment
systems. He has authored dozens of articles for on-site
industry magazines and has given numerous presentations NITROGEN CONTROL IN THE CITY OF
nationally on the science and fundamentals of on-site AUSTIN JURISDICTION
wastewater treatment systems. Dennis also is responsible
for product research and testing at universities, test centers ABSTRACT: In October of 2013 the City of Austin instituted
and with private consultants. His department develops nitrogen reduction requirements for Onsite Sewage
system sizing charts for national and international approvals Facilities (OSSF). These regulations are the result of
and assists customers and field representatives in the increasing eutrophication concerns in Lake Austin as
planning and review of large commercial decentralized well as environmental concerns in the Edwards Aquifer
systems. Many of these systems have design flows in Recharge Zone and the Barton Springs segment of the
excess of one million gallons per day. He received his MS Edwards Aquifer recharge or contributing zones. This
in civil engineering from the University of Connecticut presentation will provide an introduction to the City of
and his BS in civil engineering from the University of Austin’s OSSF nitrogen reduction regulations as well as
Vermont. Dennis is a registered professional engineer in the City of Austin approval process for nitrogen reduction
Connecticut. He has been with Infiltrator Water technology.
Technologies for 17 years and holds the current position
as Technical Director. Dennis also holds patents ROGER HICKMAN, P.E., Austin Water, Utility Development
for on-site wastewater products and is a member of Services
the Water Environment Federation and of the National Roger Hickman graduated from Colorado State University
Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association. Dennis has with a bachelor’s in Chemical Engineering and from Texas
served for several years on the NOWRA Technical Tech University with a masters in Environmental
Practices and Educational Committees, and is also a Engineering. He is a professional engineer with over 20
member of the Water Environment Federation’s years of experience. Roger is currently an employee of
Small Communities Committee. Austin Water Utility in the Onsite Sewage Facilities program.

ATU BASICS DOT SAFETY
ABSTRACT: Aerobic treatment unit (ATU) is an advanced ABSTRACT: Officer Brockman’s presentation will cover
system that is usually installed in areas with significant soil correct laws of transportation to and from job sites. It will
and site limitations. Specifics of system design are usually also cover safely transporting tanks and required equipment.
proprietary but all involve the introduction of air to the This presentation will also address operations of equipment
wastewater to cause aerobic conditions that favor movement for installation and maintenance for new and
microbial action that causes enhanced decomposition existing wastewater treatment units and how it relates to
of organic particulates, transformation of contaminants public safety. Attendees will be invited outside to review
and even deactivation of some pathogens. This talk inspection procedures on vehicles and equipment in the
will start with a discussion of site and soil conditions that Outdoor exhibits area during the break after his class.
leads to decision to install an ATU. Detailed discussions on
various processes that goes on in the various chambers CORPORAL IV STEPHEN BROCKMAN, Texas Department of
of the ATU treatment train will then follow. Apart from Public Safety
focusing on the mechanical things that goes on in each Stephen Brockman spent 8 years with the U.S. Coast
chamber/tank, particular attention will be given to Guard, and 14 months with the Calhoun County Sheriff’s
the fates of organic particulates and of contaminants Office. Since September of 1999, Stephen has been
nitrogen, phosphorus and pathogenic bacteria as they employed with the Texas Department of Public Safety. His
move through the system. The talk will end with a review stationed locations have been in Marfa, Alpine, Kerrville,
of key points and anecdotal myths about ATU. Laredo, Brenham, and Bryan. Stephen is currently assigned
as a Corporal in Sergeant Area 2C03 in the Commercial
DR. SERGIO ABIT, Oklahoma State University, Department Vehicle Enforcement Service in Bryan, TX. His duties
of Plant and Soil Sciences cover seven counties including Burleson, Brazos, Robertson,
Dr. Sergio Abit is the State Specialist for onsite wastewater Grimes, Madison, Walker and Leon County. Stephen
treatment systems in the State of Oklahoma. He got has six years’ experience with the Texas Highway
his Masters and Doctoral degrees in Soil Science at the Patrol Division and nine years with the Commercial
North Carolina State University where he specialized in Vehicle Enforcement Service.
environmental soil physics and hydropedology. He has
conducted research and published scientific articles
concerning the fates on nitrogen, phosphorus and

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