With the year nearly half over, it’s time to take a pulse on the progress made over the first part of 2016 and to ensure our initiatives are on point to further NASSCO’s mission: to set standards for the assessment, maintenance and rehabilitation of underground infrastructure and to ensure the continued acceptance and growth of trenchless technologies.

During NASSCO’s Annual Conference last February, which also happened to be our 40th anniversary, we reported an explosive 21 percent growth in NASSCO membership over the past year. The highest percentage of new members came from the contractor market.

What does this mean? It means we have the people and resources to do more for our industry. We can set higher standards, expand our training opportunities and the availability of the Pipeline Assessment Certification Program and Inspector Training Certification Program. We can also build more industry partnerships and get more done through higher levels of

NASSCO committee participation. In addition, supporting students and those new to the industry will build a solid foundation for our future.

A few of the activities planned for the remainder of 2016 and into next year include:

PACP: Continue to provide this important training to as many industry professionals as possible. We expect online recertification to be available this month to meet the growing need and demand for quality assessment of underground pipes.

ITCP: Incorporate additional technologies, such as injection grouting, into the ITCP curriculum and continue expanding the program through partnerships with organizations such as the Water Environment Federation. Along with the recent update to the manual, we also plan to provide recertification training for CIPP to address changes in the technology.  

Sewer History Exhibit: Redesign the exhibit to make it more user-friendly and continue to identify opportunities to display the exhibit across the country. We will also integrate the services of our new curator, David Hofer, who will support Jon Schladweiler in providing expert insight into the history of sewers and associated artifacts.

Specification Guidelines: Investigate standards for more technologies to join the vast library of NASSCO standards, including the new guidelines for CCTV and pipeline cleaning, and the updated standards for chemical grouting and manhole rehabilitation.

Partnerships: Build stronger relationships with academic leaders such as the Center for Underground Infrastructure Research and Education at the University of Texas at Arlington, and the Louisiana Tech University Trenchless Technology Center; increase our involvement in ASTM projects (F36, C13 and others); continue to identify and build relationships with WEF, the National Utility Contractors Association and other industry organizations.

Diversification: Translate additional materials, videos and documentation into Spanish in order to provide more people with the educational tools and resources they need to properly assess and inspect underground infrastructure.

Apprenticeship Program: Continue to encourage the U.S. Department of Labor to accept our proposal to include the title “Sewer Inspection and Rehabilitation Laborer,” which will open the door for new underground infrastructure professionals. Once approved, we plan to develop online training opportunities to support contractors using the program.

Media: Explore new ways to share standards, technical tips and other resources through our partnerships with industry websites and magazines, including Municipal Sewer & Water.

As you can see, we are busy, and we need qualified professionals like you to help us get the work done. Are you a member of NASSCO? If not, please join us today. Together, there is no limit to what NASSCO can do to set standards through our many influential committees, divisions and ongoing industry initiatives. To learn more or apply for membership visit nassco.org, call us at 410/442-7473, or email info@nassco.org.

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Get the EDge  Training and Continuing Education Courses

PACP TRAINING

May 10 Marriottsville, MD
PACP User Recertification
Trainer: Ted DeBoda
Contact Dawn Jaworski for more information or to register: 410/442-7473 or email dawn@nassco.org

May 10-12 Denver, CO
Includes Manholes and Laterals!
PACP Recertification seats available.
Contact Paul Booth for more information or to register: 304/647-0757 or email woodsidescheduling@gmail.com

May 16-18 Marriottsville, MD
Includes Manholes and Laterals!
Trainer: Ted DeBoda
Contact Dawn Jaworski for more information or to register: 410/442-7473 or email dawn@nassco.org

May 17-19 Atlantic City, NJ
NJWEA Annual Conference
Includes Manholes and Laterals!
Recertifications Welcome
Trainer: Brandon Conley
Contact Ashley Groves for more information or to register: 248/349-0904 or email pacp@dohenycompanies.com

May 17-19 Cleveland, OH
Includes Manholes and Laterals!
PACP Recertification seats available.
Contact Paul Booth for more information or to register: 304/647-0757 or email woodsidescheduling@gmail.com

May 18-20 Conyers, GA
Includes Manhole and Laterals!
Recertifications Welcome
Contact John Jones for more information or to register: 404/431-5584 or email plumblineconsultant@gmail.com

May 18-20 Seattle, WA
Includes Manholes and Laterals! (if desired)
PACP Recertification seats available.
Contact John Jurgens for more information, register or discuss in-house training: 425/487-3325 or email nodig@aol.com

May 23 Whitestown, IN
1 Day Recertification Course
Trainer: Brandon Conley
Contact Ashley Groves for more information or to register: 248/349-0904 or email pacp@dohenycompanies.com

May 24-26 Whitestown, IN
Includes Manholes and Laterals!
Recertifications Welcome
Trainer: Brandon Conley
Contact Ashley Groves for more information or to register: 248/349-0904 or email pacp@dohenycompanies.com

May 24-26 Baton Rouge, LA
Includes Manholes and Laterals!
PACP Recertification seats available.
Contact Paul Booth for more information or to register: 304/647-0757 or email woodsidescheduling@gmail.com

May 31-June 2 Albuquerque, NM
Includes Manholes and Laterals!
PACP Recertification seats available.
Contact Paul Booth for more information or to register: 304/647-0757 or email woodsidescheduling@gmail.com

ITCP TRAINING (CIPP and Manhole)

May 3-5 Cincinnati, OH
Manhole Rehabilitation
8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Day 1
8 a.m. – 12 p.m. Day 2 Morning
Trainer: Tim Back
Contact Tim Back for more information: 513/253-8461 or email timbacktwo@gmail.com
Courses can be taken individually or together in 3 days!

Cured-In-Place Pipe
1 p.m. – 5 p.m. Day 2 Afternoon
8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Day 3
Trainer: Gerry Muenchmeyer
Contact Gerry Muenchmeyer for more information: 252/626-9930 or email gerry@muenchmeyerassoc.com
Courses can be taken individually or together in 3 days!