Robert G. O’Dette, M.S., P.E., BCEE - Contributions



Over 45 years of significant contributions to the environmental engineering profession and the enhancement of the water environment, with over 30 years as an environmental, water quality and land based systems regulator. Primary contributions have been in the area of technical conference organization and participation, developing and implementing state regulatory programs, chairing and working on a variety of Water Environment Federation (WEF) committees, member of a Water Environment Research Foundation (WERF) Project Sub-Committee, and leadership in the Kentucky-Tennessee Water Environment Association. A summary of these contributions (including presentations and publications) follows:Water Environment Federation (WEF)Formerly Water Pollution Control Association (WPCF)WEF Life Membership (2013) [Criteria are 65 years of age and 35 years of WEF membership]. Joined WEF in 1971, WEF Member Number: 01182524Co-Chair of WEF’s Residuals and Biosolids Specialty Conference (Nashville, TN, May 5-8, 2013).Chair, Residuals and Biosolids Committee (1997-2000).Chair of WEF’s Residuals and Biosolids Specialty Conference (Charlotte, NC, January 27-30, 1999).Chair, Editorial Advisory Board - Biosolids Technical Bulletin (1995-98).Assistant Instructor, “Implementing The Part 503 Biosolids Regulations-Standards for the Use or Disposal of Sewage Sludge” [1st in a new series of Professional Development Short Courses from Water Environment Federation]. Helped develop course material and teach a three and a half day intensive biosolids course in approximately 15 locations across the United States teaching people how to understand and use 40 CFR Part 503. (1994-1996). Additional service on other WPCF/WEF Committees include:Membership (1999-2002)Government Affairs (1981-1985).Technical Practices (1979-1983).Program (1976-1981)Industrial Wastes (1976-1981)Chair, Task Force on “Regulation of Sewer Use” –Manual of Practice (MOP) No. SM-7 (1979-1981). Kentucky-Tennessee Water Environment Association(WEF Member Association)Director (now called Delegate) (1992-95)President (1985-86).Executive Board (1983-87).Water Environment Research Foundation (WERF)Water Environment Research Foundation (WERF) Project Sub-Committee (PSC) Member for “Protocols for the Timely Investigation of Potential Health Incidents Associated with Biosolids Land Application” RFP#03-HHE-5PP (2004-2007).Honors and AwardsKentucky-Tennessee Water Environment Association S. Leary Jones “Hall of Fame” Award (2002).WEF Recruiter of the Year (2001)—member of WEF’s Diamond Club (more than 100 new members recruited).Golden Bucket [Chairing and Co-Chairing two different WEF Residuals and Biosolids Conferences, Charlotte, NC (1999) and Nashville, TN (2013), respectively].Obtained a National United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Biosolids Beneficial Use Award in the Special Recognition category for public education and outreach while working for Environmental Waste Recycling (1996).United States Army Meritorious Service Medal (1993).Arthur Sidney Bedell Award (1986).Select Society of Sanitary Sludge Shovelers (5-S) member (1983).Board Certified Environmental Engineer (BCEE) for Water and Wastewater by the American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists (1983).Professional Engineering Licensures:State of Tennessee - No. 9639 (1973), ActiveState of North Carolina - No. 20535 (1994), InactiveState of South Carolina - No. 16461 (1994), InactiveState of Alabama - No. 21317 (1996), InactiveState of Texas – No. 89831 (2002), Inactive.WEFTEC - Presentations“Biosolids Recycling: Issues, Communications and Sustainability” WEFTEC 2003 (Los Angeles, CA, October 13, 2003).“The Status of Biosolids Recycling in the United States” WEFTEC 2003 Pre-Conference Workshop (Los Angeles, CA, October 12, 2003).“National Issues Impacting Biosolids Management Options” WEFTEC 2001 (Atlanta, GA, October 17, 2001).“The Beneficial Use of Biosolids in the United States” WEFTEC-Latin America (Rio de Janeiro, May 1999).“The Benefits of Biosolids Recycling” WEFTEC-Asia (Singapore, March 1998).“Beneficial Reuse of Water and Biosolids” (Representing the Water Environment Federation at IFAT) International Trade Fair for Water, Sewage, Refuse, and Recycling (Munich, Germany, August 1997).“The Beneficial Use of Biosolids” Water Environment Federation Specialty Conference on Beneficial Reuse of Water and Biosolids (Marbella, Spain, April 6-7, 1997).“Overview of State Responsibilities Relative to 40 CFR Part 503” Water Environment Federation 65th Annual Conference and Exposition (New Orleans, LA, September 20-24, 1992), “The Impacts of EPA’s Technical Sludge Regulations on Publicly Owned Treatment Works (POTWs)” Water Pollution Control Federation (WPCF) Annual Conference (Toronto, Canada, October 1991).Water Pollution Control Federation (WPCF) Annual Conference 1988 (Dallas, TX), and 1989 (San Francisco, CA) – Presentations concerning municipal biosolids (called “sewage sludge” at that time).Water Pollution Control Federation (WPCF) Annual Conference 1978 (Anaheim, CA), and 1979 (Houston, TX) – Presentations concerning industrial pretreatment.WEF Residuals and Biosolids Conference - Presentations“Biosolids Trends in Tennessee: A Road Map for the Future” WEF Residuals and Biosolids Conference (Seattle, WA, April 10, 2017).“Biosolids: The Road Ahead” (Opening Session) WEF Residuals and Biosolids Conference (Savannah, GA, May 2010).“The Future of Biosolids Recycling in the United States” WEF Residuals and Biosolids Conference (Salt Lake City, UT, February 24, 2004).“How to Improve Communications on Biosolids Issues” WEF and AWWA 2003 Residuals and Biosolids Conference (Baltimore, MD, March 5, 2003).“What Is This Stuff Anyway?” WEF’s 16th Annual Residuals and Biosolids Management Conference, (Austin, TX, March 2002).“Here’s to the Winners (in the world of biosolids recycling)” Keynote address WEF Residuals and Biosolids Conference (Boston, MA, February 27, 2000).“Residuals Management-A State Perspective” American Water Works Association (AWWA) and Water Pollution Control Federation (WPCF) Joint Residuals Management Conference (Durham, NC, August 14, 1991).“How Will Industrial Pretreatment Be Impacted By Dioxin and EPA’s Technical Sludge Regulations?” Water Pollution Control Federation (WPCF) Residuals Specialty Conference (New Orleans, LA, December 3, 1990).WEF Member Association Presentations“Biosolids Rules in Tennessee” Kentucky-Tennessee Water Professionals Conference (Newport, KY, July 28, 2015).“Biosolids Rules and General Permit for Tennessee” Kentucky-Tennessee Water Professionals Conference (Chattanooga, TN, July 21, 2014).“Biosolids Rules for Tennessee” Kentucky-Tennessee Water Professionals Conference (Louisville, KY, July 2013).“Biosolids Rules for Tennessee” Mississippi Water Environment Association (Olive Branch, MS, June 12, 2013).“Decentralized Wastewater, The Tennessee Experience” Mississippi Water Environment Association (Bay St. Louis, MS, June 6, 2012).“Biosolids Jeopardy” (Half-day Biosolids Training Seminar) Mississippi Water Environment Association (Bay St. Louis, MS, June 5, 2012).“Biosolids Rules (Update) for Tennessee” Kentucky-Tennessee Water Professionals Conference (Memphis, TN, July 21, 2012).“Biosolids: The Road Ahead in Tennessee” Kentucky-Tennessee Water Professionals Conference (Nashville, TN, July, 2010).“Human Health Issues with the Land Application of Biosolids” Georgia Water Pollution Control Association Annual Conference (Savannah, GA, July 19, 2005).“National Issues Relative to Biosolids Recycling” Indiana Water Environment Association Annual Conference (Greenwood, IN, February 2005).“Issues Impacting the Sustainability of Biosolids Recycling” Texas Water Environment Association (Austin, TX, April 2004).“National Issues Relative to Biosolids Recycling-Facts and Fiction” Central States Water Environment Association Annual Conference (Madison, WI, April 6, 2004).“National Issues Relative to Biosolids Recycling” Michigan Water Environment Association Annual Conference (Lansing, MI, March 2004).“Improving Communications Relative to Biosolids Issues” North Carolina Water Environment Association and American Water Works Association 2003 Annual Conference (Greensboro, NC, November 18, 2003).“Finding the Right Tools for Biosolids Recycling” Northwest Biosolids Management Association’s BioFest 2003 (Lake Chelan, WA, August 26, 2003).“Review of Biosolids Management Options” Florida Department of Environment Protection Agricultural Seminar (Tallahassee, FL, July 25, 2003).“Perspectives on Biosolids and Agricultural Nutrients” Alabama Farm Foundation Conference (Birmingham, AL, June 10, 2003).“Biosolids Recycling: Will It Be Sustainable in the 21st Century?” Kansas Water Environment Association 2003 Annual Conference (Topeka, KS, April 9, 2003).“Innovations Towards Class A Biosolids” Michigan Water Environment Association 2003 Annual Conference (Kalamazoo, MI, March 31, 2003).“Biosolids Issues-Facts and Fiction” New York Water Environment Association (New York, NY, January 31, 2002).Other Professional Presentations“Decentralized Wastewater Treatment Systems in Tennessee” ORENCO Seminar (Murfreesboro, TN, July 18, 2017).“The Land Application of Biosolids in Tennessee” Environmental Show of the South (ESOS) Annual Conference (Chattanooga, TN, May 2017).“Biosolids in Tennessee” Tennessee Engineering Conference (Nashville, TN, September 2016).“Tennessee’s Biosolids Program” Environmental Show of the South (ESOS) Annual Conference (Gatlinburg, TN, April 2016).“Decentralized Wastewater Treatment Systems in Tennessee (Update)” Tennessee Onsite Wastewater Association (TOWA) Annual Conference (Montgomery Bell State Park, February 10, 2016).“Review of Biosolids Management Regulations 40 CFR Part 257 and 40 CFR Part 503” American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)-Environmental Water and Resources Institute (EWRI) Congress 2015 (Austin, TX, May 21, 2015).“State of Tennessee Rules and General Permit for the Land Application of Biosolids” Tennessee Association of Utility Districts (TAUD) Annual Conference (Gatlinburg, TN, August, 2013).“State of Tennessee Rules and General Permit for the Land Application of Biosolids” Tennessee Onsite Wastewater Association (TOWA) Annual Conference (Montgomery Bell State Park, February 12, 2013).“Biosolids Rules and General Permit for Tennessee” Tennessee Association of Utility Districts (TAUD) Annual Conference (Gatlinburg, TN, August 9, 2012).“Decentralized Wastewater Treatment Systems Solve Surface (NPDES) Discharge Problems in Tennessee” National Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association (NOWRA) 21st Annual Technical Education Conference and Exposition (Providence, RI, April 2012).“Decentralized Wastewater Treatment Systems in Tennessee)” Tennessee Onsite Wastewater Association (TOWA) Annual Conference (Montgomery Bell State Park, February 14, 2012).“Decentralized Wastewater Treatment Systems in Tennessee” Biological and Natural Systems Seminar (Murfreesboro, TN, September 19, 2011).“History of Water Quality Legislation in the United States” State and Federal Biosolids Coordinators Meeting (Cincinnati, OH, June 2011).“On-Site Systems in Tennessee” National Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association (NOWRA) 17th Annual Technical Education Conference and Exposition (Memphis, TN, April 2008).“Sand Island Bioconversion Facility” Honolulu City Council (Honolulu, HI, November 12, 2003).“Perspectives on Biosolids Recycling-Facts and Fiction” 2003 Texas Recycling Summit (Galveston, TX, October 29, 2003).“Perspectives on National Issues Relative to Biosolids Recycling-Facts and Fiction” Florida Department of Environment Protection Seminar (Daytona Beach, FL, October 23, 2003).“Issues that may Impact Biosolids Composting” U.S. Composting Council (Las Vegas, NV, February 2, 2003).“Perspectives on Biosolids Recycling” Northwest Biosolids Management Association’s BioFest 2001 (Lake Chelan, WA, September 11, 2001).“How Will Industrial Pretreatment Be Impacted By EPA’s Technical Sludge Regulations?” 45th Annual Purdue Industrial Waste Conference (West Lafayette, IN, May 10, 1990).Contributions as a State RegulatorPioneered the development and implementation of the “State of Tennessee Design Criteria for Sewage Works” (1972). Have provided numerous updates and additions over the past 45 years.Trained and mentored engineers in the central office and field offices relative to engineering construction plans review. Whenever a state engineer approved a set of plans he/she used my signature stamp in conjunction with the construction approval stamp. My signature has appeared on thousands of approved engineering construction plans in Tennessee.Developed and implemented the first pretreatment program in Tennessee. The Tennessee pretreatment program was recognized as one of the foremost programs by EPA.Tennessee’s pretreatment program was instrumental in developing a model pretreatment program for the City of Chattanooga (the 7th most industrialized city per capita in the United States in the mid-1970’s) which was part of EPA’s 40 Publicly Owned Treatment Works (POTW) study.Worked with EPA to draft the first pretreatment regulations, 40 CFR Part 403, in 1978, and participated in two of four national public hearings on these regulations.Worked with the Water Quality Planning Section, Division of Water Pollution Control, Tennessee Department of Health and Environment to establish (river) basin plans relative to stream use classifications for the entire state. Stream use classification plus water quality criteria determined the water quality standards. Attended EPA seminars and workshops relative to water quality criteria in Washington, DC and Duluth, MN in the early 1970’s.Worked on a task force to obtain NPDES delegation from EPA in 1978, after passage of the Tennessee Water Quality Control Act (1977).Wrote major NPDES permits which included provisions for biomonitoring, whole effluent toxicity testing and fish tissue sampling—protocols which have considerable complexity.Used a complex metal partitioning model to issue two NPDES permits to electroplaters that would have otherwise been unable to meet the permit requirements if conventional methods were used. This demonstrated innovation, regulatory and technical knowledge and the ability to think “out of the box.”First permit writer in Tennessee to use the Organic Chemicals, Plastics, and Synthetic Fibers (OCPSF) Effluent Limitation Guidelines to write a major NPDES permit for Tennessee Eastman (Kodak). This involved developing a Lotus 1-2-3 spreadsheet to do the massive amounts of calculations necessary to properly determine the technology-based effluent limits portion of the discharge requirements determination. This approach was also used with the Aluminum Forming Effluent Limitation Guidelines for Alcoa. This effort was greatly appreciated and acknowledged by EPA, because these spreadsheets were given to EPA, so they could do calculations on these industries in a matter of minutes rather than hours or days.Provided technical input and rationale for hundreds of state operation permits (SOPs) for decentralized wastewater treatment systems.Wrote and revised the State Design Criteria for Decentralized Wastewater Treatment Systems incorporating the major innovation of requiring soil map field verification via pit profiles using texture and structure rather than percolation rates, minutes per inch (MPI). Prepared a detailed plans and engineering report review checklist for decentralized wastewater treatment systems and have trained and mentored several reviewers in the Land Based Systems Unit.Wrote and implemented the first State of Tennessee Rules and General Permit for the land application of biosolids. Worked with statewide groups such as the Tennessee Association of Utility Districts (TAUD), the Tennessee Municipal League (TML) and the Tennessee Clean Water Network (TCWN). Received a special recognition memorandum from Commissioner Martineau applauding my outreach efforts, customer service and communication skills.Developed a biosolids tracking system in WaterLog (state database) and have permitted 63 municipal utilities, issued notice of coverage for more than 1,800 land application sites, plus conducted numerous site inspections and facility audits.Annually provide wastewater treatment plant and collection system operator training.Developed collection system metrics for the evaluation of collection systems relative to moratorium relief and enforcement orders.Other ContributionsPresident, Tennessee Onsite Wastewater Association (2013-2014).President, Hermitage Springs Estates Home Owners Association (2013-2015).Director, Representing Regulators, Tennessee Onsite Wastewater Association Board of Directors (2010-2013).Represented the Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation on the William County Special Task for Land Application of Wastewater (2014-2015).National State Biosolids Regulator Coordinator, chairing two meetings at the Bolger Center in Potomac, MD (2007 and 2008).Facilitated biosolids land application site visits for the Committee on Toxicants and Pathogens in Biosolids Applied to Land of the National Research Council (NRC), National Academy of Sciences (NAS)--provided cover photograph of NRC/NAS publication entitled: “Biosolids Applied to Land, Advancing Standards and Practices” (2002).Commissioner (member) of the State of North Carolina’s Water Pollution Control Systems Operators Certification Commission (2000).Charter member of the National Biosolids Partnership (NBP) Steering Committee (1997).Co-Chair, Work Group developing the Environmental Management System (EMS) for Biosolids.Member of the Option Development Group relative to the Third Party Verification System for the EMS for biosolids.Testified, on behalf of the Association of State and Interstate Water Pollution Control Administrators (ASIWPCA), before the United States Congress (Subcommittee on Water Resources, House Public Works and Transportation Committee) Hearing on Sludge Management Under the Clean Water Act (April 18, 1991).Military ServiceUnited States Army -23 years active and reserve duty, retired with rank of Lieutenant Colonel (1970-1993).United States Army Command and General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas (1982-1984). Certificate of Completion.United States Army Engineer School-Engineer Officer Advanced Course, Fort Belvoir, Virginia (1978). Graduated.Letter of Commendation from Colonel Charles S. Reed, Jr. Director, United States Army Engineer School, Fort Belvoir, Virginia, for “significantly contributing to the development of a curriculum in environmental engineering (at the U.S. Army Engineer School) by preparing lesson plans and lesson reference files, and requisitioned training aids for five one hour lessons involving such technical aspects of ecology as biochemical oxygen demand determinations, modes of transmission of communicable diseases, solid waste management and such advanced sewage treatment processes as ammonia stripping.” (November 4, 1970).United States Army Engineer School-Engineer Officer Basic Course, Fort Belvoir, Virginia (1970). Graduated.PUBLISHED ARTICLESPollution Engineering (August 2002), “Demystifying the Great Biosolids Debate.” (Co-Authored with Dr. Paul C. Chrostowski).American City & County (April 2002), “Biosolids Found to Pose ‘Negligible Risk’.”Environmental Protection (October 1999), “Biosolids: A Growing Understanding.”Tennessee Public Works (September/October 1991, Volume 9, Number 3), “Clean Sludge in Tennessee.”BioCycle (May 1991), “Clean Sludge in Tennessee.”Water Environment and Technology (November 1990), “EPA’s Technical Sludge Regulations May End Beneficial Reuse.”Tennessee Public Works (September 1988, Volume 6, Number 3), “Sludge Management: A Dilemma For Municipalities.”Journal Water Pollution Control (July 1979), “Pretreatment: A Dilemma for Industries.” ................
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