January 2011 Vol. 66 No. 1
Features
Accomplishments Accumulate For NASSCO
This past year (2010) was a busy and eventful period for NASSCO (the National Association of Sewer Service Companies).
There were many highlights, said NASSCO President Brad Dutruch, including:
• Completion of negotiations and finalizing the contract between NASSCO and the Canadian Standards Association (CSA), to bring the PACP (Pipeline Assessment Certification Program) as a standard in Canada;
• Launching the Lateral Assessment Certification Program (LACP);
• Introducing a new version of the Manhole Assessment and Certification Program (MACP);
• Developing a smoke testing performance specification; and
• Publishing bi-monthly Tech Tips for members.
“NASSCO began the year at the UCT show in Tampa where we introduced live demonstrations to the RehabZone,” said Dutruch. “This format received great acceptance, and each well-attended demonstration allowed attendees to experience demonstrations of different industry technologies in a non-marketing environment. Demonstrations will again be a part of the 2011 RehabZone.”
In February, NASSCO participated in the Pumper Show (Pumper & Cleaner Environmental Expo) and held its annual conference with three days of education, training and networking. In October, the association’s semi-annual membership meeting was held in conjunction with WEFTEC.
“Throughout the year,” Dutruch continued, “we completed many successful Inspector Training Certification Program (ITCP) classes and regular ongoing activities of the association — all while completing a smooth transition of executive directors as Ted DeBoda took over upon the retirement in August of Irv Gemora.”
Priorities
For 2011, Dutruch said priorities include:
• Studying the market and capabilities of NASSCO for expansion into the Latin American markets to make the standards and programs available to enhance the rehabilitation of underground utilities in that part of the world;
• Completion of a jetter awareness video to demonstrate the use of combination jet/vac trucks as an effective method for cleaning sanitary and storm sewer line;
• Development of ITCP programs for pipe bursting and manhole rehabilitation;
• Continue to improve quality of data produced by PACP coding by establishing a recertification program for operators to refresh their awareness of defect codes and improving the PACP trainer certification program; and
• Continue to work with the Army Corp of Engineers and state departments of transportation to enhance the PACP advanced inspections.
Dutruch is vice president of Compliance Envirosystems, and his term as NASSCO president will end at the 2011 annual meeting in February. Taking over as president will be Kathy Romans, national sales manager for rehabilitation products, Trelleborg NPC Pipe Seals.
NASSCO is a national association composed of several hundred members representing sewer and rehabilitation industry manufacturers and suppliers, municipalities and utility districts, engineers, and contracting firms dedicated to establishing and implementing standards for rehabilitation of underground utilities.
FOR MORE INFO:
NASSCO, (410) 486-3500, www.nassco.org.
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