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Tata & Howard Sponsors CTAWWA Golf Tournament to Benefit Water for People

Tata & Howard Sponsors CTAWWA Golf Tournament to Benefit Water for People

Funds raised at the tournament will support efforts to bring safe, clean drinking water to people in developing nations

The 2014 CTAWWA Golf Classic to benefit Water For People was well attended
The 2014 CTAWWA Golf Classic to benefit Water For People was well attended

MERIDEN, CT, August 18, 2015 – Tata & Howard is pleased to sponsor the American Water Works Association, Connecticut Section Golf Classic to be held on September 15, 2015 at the Tunxis Plantation Golf Course and Banquet Facilities in Farmington, CT. Funds raised at the tournament benefit Water for People, a nonprofit improving the quality of life in developing nations by supporting the development of locally sustainable drinking water resources, sanitation facilities, and hygiene education programs.

“Tata & Howard is privileged to sponsor the Golf Classic to benefit Water For People,” stated Stephen K. Rupar, P.E., Vice President and Manager of Tata & Howard’s Meriden, CT office, and Chair of the Connecticut Water Works Association. “We fully support Water For People’s mission to provide a safe and sustainable water supply on a global level.”

Water For People is Tata & Howard’s charity of choice. Employee-owners donate directly from their paychecks and the company matches 100% of every dollar donated in this way. Water For People is also the AWWA designated charity of choice, and is endorsed by the Water Environment Federation, the Water Quality Association, the National Association of Water Companies, the National Association of Clean Water Agencies, and the Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies.

“There’s a reason that Water For People is the charity of choice for so many organizations involved in the water environment,” noted Salvatore Longo, P.E., Vice President and Manager of Tata & Howard’s Waterbury, CT office. “Their vision to bring clean water to everyone, forever is something that directly reflects on our work — and something in which we all fully believe.”

For more information on the CTAWWA Golf Classic to benefit Water For People, please visit www.ctawwa.org.

 

ASCE Releases App to Take Action on Infrastructure Issues

Screen Shot 2015-08-06 at 2.32.22 PMThe American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) released a new app for Android and iPhone called Save America’s Infrastructure. The app, which was originally released during Infrastructure Week, describes America’s aging infrastructure issues while providing a way to take action by contacting elected leaders directly through the app. Save America’s Infrastructure app offers infrastructure grades, facts on 16 categories, pertinent news, and an action center. Providing easy reference to the 2013 Report Card for America’s Infrastructure grades and state facts, the app is absolutely free to download. It also provides local information, where users are able to input their zip code to learn about deficiencies in their own area.

Key features include the following:

  • State facts and Report Card grades for key infrastructure categories
  • National grades for 16 infrastructure categories
  • Infographics and videos
  • An action center through which users are able to contact relevant state and federal officials
  • A news center

“As stewards of our nation’s infrastructure, civil engineers are the experts on America’s roads, bridges, water pipes, sewers and dams, and we know that these systems are aging,” said Robert D. Stevens, P.E., Ph.D., President of ASCE. “Right now couldn’t be a better time to take advantage of this resource. Congress needs to find a way to fix the Highway Trust Fund with a long-term, sustainable funding source. This app allows people to contact their Senators and Representative and tell them why it matters.”

Tata & Howard announces corporate office expansion

Tata & Howard announces corporate office expansion

MARLBOROUGH, MA, July 28, 2015 – Tata & Howard, Inc. is pleased to announce the 4,645 square foot expansion of its corporate headquarters in Marlborough, MA. The expansion provides an additional 17 workspaces, six offices, a spacious modeling room, a dedicated printing and copying center, and a new conference room.

Tata & Howard’s 4,645 square foot corporate office expansion includes a new modeling room
Tata & Howard’s 4,645 square foot corporate office expansion includes a new modeling room

“We are very excited to announce the expansion of our corporate office, as it is a reflection of the continued growth and success our company has experienced since its inception,” said Jack O’Connell, P.E., LEED, Senior Vice President of Tata & Howard, Inc. Mr. O’Connell oversaw design and construction of the new space. “Using input from our employee-owners, our priorities for the new space included creative and collaborative workspaces, comfortable meeting and production areas, and work-life amenities such as adjustable standing desks, plentiful windows, and inviting colors.”

“Due to the extraordinary increase in our client base over the past two years, our number of employee-owners has grown by nearly 50%, and our geographic reach has extended to the national level,” added Karen Gracey, P.E., Vice President. “With the expansion of our corporate office, we are well equipped to accommodate the growth we are currently experiencing, and to provide resources to enhance our already tremendous talent base.”

“Our unprecedented growth is a direct result of exceptional client relationships and our solid reputation in the industry,” added Gracey.

Andrew Cohen from ACTWO in Wayland acted as Architect for the expansion, while Mike Walsh and Mark Pellard from Seaver Construction in Woburn acted as Project Manager and Superintendent, respectively. The expansion, which also included updating the existing 10,000 square foot space, was completed mid-July.

Tata & Howard sponsors The Watershed Fund annual fundraiser

Watershed_fundTata & Howard sponsors The Watershed Fund annual fundraiser

Tata & Howard, Inc. is pleased to announce its bronze level sponsorship of the South Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority (RWA) annual golf tournament to support The Watershed Fund. The annual fundraising event, open to RWA employees and their associates, is held at New Haven Country Club in Hamden, Connecticut.

The Watershed Fund recognizes that land use choices are important decisions confronting many towns and individuals across the region. Working in partnership with other entities, the Fund strives to enhance the environment and improve quality of life by protecting drinking water supplies and threatened watershed lands.

For 17 years, RWA’s employee golf tournament has been a major fundraising event and the main source of funding for The Watershed Fund’s Scholarship Program. The educational programs and scholarships supported by The Watershed Fund provide future decision makers with the tools to preserve and protect open space and drinking water supply resources. Since its inception, the program has provided 115 environmental studies students with more than $300,000 in scholarships, with another 18 students receiving over $40,000 in scholarships this year.

“Tata & Howard is honored to contribute to The Watershed Fund Scholarship Program,” said Stephen K. Rupar, P.E., Vice President and Manager of Tata & Howard’s Meriden, Connecticut office. “We are committed to investing in the education of our future environmental leaders, and we are confident they will make significant and innovative contributions to our nation’s environment, including drinking water.”

For additional information on The Watershed Fund, please visit www.thewatershedfund.org.

 

Online UST data management system goes into effect August 1, 2015

MassDEPThe Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) has announced a new online data management system for Underground Storage Tank (UST) registrations and third-party inspections (TPIs). As of August 1, 2015, MassDEP will no longer accept paper UST forms FP-290, FP-290R and FP-289 and will instead require all registrations and inspections to be filed electronically.

In preparation for the new requirement, MassDEP will be offering a webinar on “Data Management System Training for UST Owners, Operators, and Third-Party Inspectors” beginning on July 15. In addition, they will be offering hands-on training sessions for UST system owners, operators, and staff responsible for preparing and/or submitting UST registration documents, TPI reports, and compliance certifications. These training sessions, which require advance registration, will be offered in Fall River, Holyoke, Worcester, and Danvers. For your convenience, the original MassDEP press release is copied below in its entirety.

If you have any questions or require assistance with TPIs or compliance certifications, please contact Jonathan O’Brien, LSP, LEP at 508-386-9338 or jobrien@tataandhoward.com.

Original letter from MassDEP:

Dear Class A, A/B and B Operators and Third-Party Inspectors:

Beginning in July, MassDEP is transitioning from the current paper based Underground Storage Tank (UST) Program registration and reporting forms (FP-290, FP-290R and FP-289), to a new online data management system that provides UST system owners and operators a more convenient, electronic way to update facility registration information and submit applicable reporting documents.

The new data management system will be available for user registration by mid-July.  MassDEP will notify all Class A, A/B and B operators and third-party inspectors when the data management system is ready for use.

UST Program Reporting Transition Schedule

  1. Effective July 31, 2015, MassDEP will no longer accept FP-290, FP-290R and FP-289 documents for purposes of compliance with UST registration and third-party inspection reporting requirements under 310 CMR 80.00.
  2. Effective August 1, 2015:
    1. All new and updated UST registration submittals shall be made electronically through MassDEP’s new online UST data management system.  Registration information may be submitted as a paper document, if accompanied by a hardship request.
    2. All third-party inspection results shall be reported electronically by third-party inspectors using the new Third-Party Inspection (TPI) Report provided through the new online data management system.  The third-party inspector will then electronically forward the TPI Report to the UST system owner or operator for signature and submittal to MassDEP.

Compliance with Third-Party Inspection Reporting Requirements
To provide UST system owners, operators and third-party inspectors time to register as users in the data management system and become familiar with the system and new Program requirements, TPI Reports due between August 1, 2015 and October 31, 2015 will be allowed up to October 31, 2015 to submit their required TPI Report using the new online data management system.

All TPI Reports for this period received after October 31, 2015 may be subject to enforcement.

Compliance Certification Submittals
The Compliance Certification submittal requirement goes into effect November 1, 2015. MassDEP will issue 90-Day Reminder notifications in July to UST system owners and operators with  Compliance Certifications due in November 2015.

Data Management System Training for UST Owners, Operators, and Third-Party Inspectors

  1. Third-Party Inspector Online Webinar Training
    Data management system overview:
  • Registering as a user
  • Data management system navigation
  • Initiating a TPI and “sharing” a TPI Report with a UST system owner or operator.

Webinar Training Dates
No pre-registration is required to participate. Further information on webinar call-in number and conferencing service will be emailed to all TPIs prior to date of scheduled training and posted on MassDEP’s UST webpage.

  • July 15, 1 – 3pm
  • July 22, 1 – 3pm
  • July 30, 1 – 3pm
  • Aug 27, 1 – 3pm
  1. UST System Owners and Operators Training

This is “hands on” training for UST systems owners, operators and staff responsible for preparing and/or submitting UST registration documents, TPI Reports and Compliance Certifications.

Space is limited and available on a first come, first serve basis (system owners and operators with most imminent submittal due dates will receive priority). Additional sessions will be added as demand requires.

To reserve space, please submit your name, company, and preferred date and session to: dep.ust@state.ma.us.

Date July 17, 2015 July 21, 2015 July 27, 2015 July 28, 2015
Facility Bristol CC Holyoke CC Worcester State University North Shore CC
City/Town Fall River, MA Holyoke, MA Worcester, MA Danvers, MA
Room Capacity 28 23 25 18
Session #1 10am – Noon 10am – Noon 10am – Noon 10am – Noon
Session #2 1pm – 3pm 1pm – 3pm 1pm – 3pm 1pm – 3pm

Data Management System Training Materials on MassDEP’s Webpage
The following materials will be posted on MassDEP’s UST webpage (https://www.mass.gov/eea/agencies/massdep/toxics/ust/) at the time the UST Data Management System goes “live”.

  1. Data Management System User Guide
  2. “What Do You Want To Do” Guide
  3. Required Data Elements of Data Management System
  4. Audio Power Point Presentations
  5. DEP Hotline #

If you have any questions concerning the introduction of the new UST online Data Management System, please email the Program at: dep.ust@state.ma.us, or call the MassDEP UST Program Hotline at (617) 556-1035 Ext. 2.

Tom DeNormandie, Branch Chief
Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection
Underground Storage Tank/Stage I & II Vapor Recovery Programs
One Winter Street – 7th floor
Boston, MA  02108
Phone: 617-292-5763
Fax: 617-556-1063

Ribbon Cutting on New $4.1 Million Wastewater Treatment Plant in Canaan, VT

l to r: April Hyde, Chief Operator, Town of Canaan; Greg Noyes, Canaan VT Board Member; Chris Hebert, Project Manager, The General Contractor - Daniel Hebert, Inc.; Gary Leach, P.E., Vice President, The Engineer - Tata & Howard, Inc.; Noreen Labrecque, Canaan VT Town Clerk; Ted Brady, State Director, The Funding Agency - USDA; Rita Hibbard, Stewartstown NH Town Clerk; Hasen Burns, Stewartstown NH Board Member
l to r: April Hyde, Chief Operator, Town of Canaan; Greg Noyes, Canaan VT Board Member; Chris Hebert, Project Manager, The General Contractor – Daniel Hebert, Inc.; Gary Leach, P.E., Vice President, The Engineer – Tata & Howard, Inc.; Noreen Labrecque, Canaan VT Town Clerk; Ted Brady, State Director, The Funding Agency – USDA; Rita Hibbard, Stewartstown NH Town Clerk; Hasen Burns, Stewartstown NH Board Member

The towns of Canaan, VT and Stewartstown, NH celebrated the completion of their shared $4.1 million wastewater treatment plant with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, June 25, in Canaan. The total cost of the facility improvements was $4.12 million and the towns received $2.41 million in grant money as well as a $1.69 million low interest loan from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development. The new system replaces a decades-old facility that was costly to operate and did not meet state and federal water quality standards.

Tata & Howard, Inc. provided complete consulting engineering services for the design and construction of the wastewater treatment facility project that consisted of a complete upgrade of four pump stations and the 0.185-MGD, 3-cell lagoon wastewater treatment facility. The upgrades provide the towns with a state-of-the-art, reliable wastewater treatment facility that meets stringent Effluent Discharge limits to the Connecticut River and allows for a more efficient treatment process. The new influent screening and grit removal processes extend the life of the treatment facility components, and septage receiving allows for additional income and also provides service to the other residents of the town that are not on public sewer. The design incorporated numerous energy efficient features, including variable-frequency drives on all motors and aeration blowers, a wood pellet boiler for heat, energy efficient windows, and insulated concrete block walls, resulting in a reduction in annual operation and maintenance costs. The pump stations were upgraded to eliminate the operator from entering below grade structures and allow for low-cost future replacement.

NHDES Leak Detection Survey Grant Applications Due

NHDES new typeNHDES Leak Detection Survey Grant Application for Community Water Systems, Water Division/Drinking Water and Groundwater Bureau

The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) is pleased to announce the opening of the grant application period for the 2015/2016 Community Water System Leak Detection Survey grant. Applications will be accepted through 4:00 pm on July 17, 2015. Community water systems in New Hampshire are encouraged to send the below grant application to NHDES for consideration to receive a free acoustic leak detection survey during the 2016 field season. Proactive leak detection and repair can reduce a water system’s pumping and treatment costs, provide an opportunity to better manage and prioritize system projects, and protect water supply quality and quantity.

Leaks may be found on water mains, service lines, hydrants and valves. While some leaks are easy to identify as they are visible, there are many leaks that go unseen – from smaller leaks to leaks in well-drained soils to those that find their way underground into a storm drain. Through a competitive bid process, a professional leak detection specialist will be retained by NHDES to identify these difficult-to-find leaks using mechanical and electronic listening equipment to detect leakage sounds and pinpoint leaks.

To be considered for a leak detection survey, by no later than July 17, 2015 by 4:00 PM, please submit a complete grant application to Kelsey Vaughn via e-mail at kelsey.vaughn@des.nh.gov or by mail:

NHDES – Drinking Water & Groundwater Bureau
Water Use & Conservation Program
c/o Kelsey Vaughn
29 Hazen Drive, PO Box 95
Concord, NH 03302-0095

Leak detection is one component of a complete water system asset management program, and is one of the quickest ways to recover lost water and reduce revenue losses. However, in combination with a leak detection program, a water audit can further help water utilities reduce water and revenue losses, make better use of water resources, and reduce or eliminate the need for upgrades and expansions. For more information on water audits, please click here.

You may download the NHDES grant application here: NHDES Leak Detection Survey Grant Application

Tata & Howard Raises Funds for Camp Sunshine

Tata & Howard Raises Funds for Camp Sunshine

flip flop day camp sunshine
Collin Stuart, Heidi White, Brooke Cotta, Marie Rivers, Molly Coughlin, Amanda Cavaliere, Karen Gracey, Brittany Colcord, Jenna Rzasa, and Matt St. Pierre pose with their flip flops

New England-based engineering firm participates in National Flip Flop Day to support Maine camp

Employee-owners from Tata & Howard, Inc., a leading innovator in water, wastewater, stormwater, and environmental services engineering solutions, participated in National Flip Flop Day on June 19th. The holiday, which falls on the third Friday in June each year, was started nine years ago by Tropical Smoothie Café in order to raise funds to benefit Camp Sunshine, a retreat in Maine for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families.

Tata & Howard team members participated in their own version of National Flip Flop Day in which employee-owners were able to wear flip flops to work in exchange for a donation to Camp Sunshine. 100% of donations were matched by Tata & Howard’s Philanthropy Committee.

“With offices throughout New England, Tata & Howard is committed to finding ways to give back to the community in which we live and work,” said Jenna Rzasa, P.E., Vice President of Tata & Howard. “Maine’s Camp Sunshine provides both solace and joy to severely ill children and their families, and we are deeply honored to support their efforts.”

Located in beautiful Casco, Maine, Camp Sunshine is the only organization in the nation that focuses on not only addressing the effects of a life-threatening illness on the child who is ill, but also the entire family. Surrounded by professional staff within the breathtaking grounds of Camp Sunshine, families receive a reprieve from the stress of having a child with an illness and spend a week just having fun together.

To date, National Flip Flop Day has raised over $2 million for Camp Sunshine.

T&H’s Tom Morgan presented with Fuller Award at ACE15

ACE15_FULLER_award
T&H’s Tom Morgan receives the George Warren Fuller Award during ACE15 on June 10, 2015

On Wednesday, June 10, 2015, during the American Water Works Association (AWWA) 2015 Annual Conference and Exposition (ACE15) in Anaheim, California, Tata & Howard’s Thomas R. Morgan, P.E., BCEE, was presented with the George Warren Fuller Award for the New England section.

George Warren Fuller Awards are presented annually by the AWWA to the sections’ selected members for their distinguished service to the water supply field in commemoration of the sound engineering skill, brilliant diplomatic talent, and constructive leadership which characterized the life of George Warren Fuller. Tom was presented with an award plaque and pin at the Fuller Award Society Breakfast held during ACE15. Each awardee becomes a member of the George Warren Fuller Award Society of the AWWA. The annual meeting of the society is held at the Fuller Award Society Breakfast at the AWWA Annual Conference and Exposition.

EPA Issues 2015 MSGP for Industrial Stormwater Discharge

 

Photo by Roger Winstead
Photo by Roger Winstead

On June 4, 2015, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a revised NPDES Multi-Sector General Permit (MSGP) for industrial stormwater discharges. The 2015 MSGP replaces the 2008 MSGP.

While the 2015 MSGP provisions are largely similar to the 2008 MSGP, EPA has made some changes to streamline the permit, enhance environmental protections, and improve clarity. The most significant changes are as follows:

  • Revised threatened and endangered species eligibility procedures.
  • Additional specificity for several of the technology-based effluent limits (i.e., control measures) for clarity.
  • A requirement that facilities discharging to a small number of federal Superfund sites notify their EPA regional office prior to filing their Notice of Intent (NOI).
  • Streamlining of Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) documentation (i.e., facilities do not have to expound on their compliance with certain effluent limits).
  • Public accessibility to SWPPP information, either by posting on the internet or by incorporating salient information into the NOI.
  • Electronic submission for the NOI, Notice of Termination, annual report, and monitoring.
  • Reduced requirements for inspections (i.e., facilities no longer have to conduct a separate comprehensive site inspection).
  • Specific deadlines for taking corrective actions.
  • Inclusion of saltwater benchmark values for metals.
  • Inclusion of the Airport Deicing Effluent Limitation Guideline for the air transportation sector.

EPA’s MSGP applies in areas of the country where EPA remains the NPDES permitting authority and has made the permit available for coverage, which includes the following:

  • Four states: Idaho, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and New Mexico;
  • The District of Columbia;
  • All U.S. territories except for the Virgin Islands;
  • Federally operated facilities in Colorado, Delaware, Vermont and Washington;
  • Most Indian Country lands; and
  • Various other designated activities in specific states.

For additional information on the 2015 MSGP, visit EPA’s website here.

For additional questions, or if you need assistance with the 2015 MSGP, please contact us.