March 2018 Vol. 73 No. 3
Rehabilitation
NASSCO Celebrates Strong Year of Accomplishments
In 2017, NASSCO (National Association of Sewer Service Companies) continued to expand its influence in the industry with numerous active programs. NASSCO is a national organization dedicated to improving standards relating to the assessment, maintenance and rehabilitation of underground wastewater infrastructure.
“We are more than 40 years old and have become a source for industry training and specifications on rehabilitation,” said 2017-18 NASSCO President Peter Kurz. “We have also become a unified voice for our members on issues that affect our industry.”
Among the accomplishes of the past year, Kurz cited:
- Released PACP (Pipeline Assessment Certification Program) 7.0.3
- Released online MACP/LACP (manhole assessment/lateral assessment) recertification
- Initiated an industry CIPP (cured-in-place-pipe) study
- Launched a new website and database
“In addition,” Kurz continued, “we kicked off our lobbying/advocacy program; expanded the scholarship program; implemented ITCP (Inspector Training and Certification Program); updated the CIPP course; initiated local WEF (Water Environment Federation) member associations training co-op on ITCP; and conducted detailed SWOT analysis of members to identify internal strengths and potential problems, and identify external opportunities and challenges.
“We also made progress on updating both the Manual of Practice-Jetter Code of Practice Manual, and the Trenchless Assessment Guide for Rehabilitation.”
Staff changes
In 2017, there also were staff additions and changes. Staff Engineer Mayank Khurana joined NASSCO in July, Kathie Lloyd was promoted to administrator/program coordinator, Dawn Jaworski was promoted to communications and online training manager, and Lisa Avolos was hired as part-time administrative assistant.
Looking ahead, Kurz said a top priority is hiring a new executive director to replace Ted DeBoda, P.E., who resigned in January of this year. Kurz said DeBoda will continue to serve as a PACP master trainer and provide consulting services to assure a smooth transition.
Mark Metcalfe, who served as NASSCO president in 2015/2016 has been named interim executive director.
“Anytime there is a change in leadership,” Kurz said, “an opportunity is afforded to re-examine focus and goals for the future.”
Kurz said as well as maintaining and improving active programs, one goal for the coming year is for NASSCO to become more active in efforts that will have an impact on decisions being made in Washington that affect the association’s members.
Kurz’s term as president ends in April, when Tim Vivian takes office at NASSCO’s annual meeting. Vivian is president and co-owner of Green Mountain Pipeline Services.
Retiring president Peter Kurz is sales manager at Virginia Public Works Equipment’s Mid-Atlantic dealer for Vactor sewer cleaners, Envirosight CCTV sewer inspection equipment and other related products. He has 30 years of experience in sewer rehabilitation and maintenance equipment sales, contracting and inspector training.
Prior to his term as NASSCO president, Kurz served on the board of directors and has been a NASSCO member since 2002.
Kurz also is a member of the WEF with affiliations in Virginia, Maryland and North Carolina, and is a recipient of its Golden Manhole Award.
NASSCO offices are in Marriottsville, Md. Heather Myers is operations manager. Information about NASSCO and its projects is available on its website – nassco.org – or by calling (410) 442-7788.
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