Richard Hanson

Check out our article on Jon Peters of Masuen Consulting, water use analyses for efficient irrigation and beautiful landscapes from our June issue. Masuen Consulting, LLC, was formed in 1995 in Miami, Florida, to provide efficient irrigation solutions and outdoor water management. Due to poor irrigation system operation, 50 percent or more of the water applied in urban landscaping can be lost to lack of absorption and runoff. With rising costs and water scarcity, there are long-term economic and environmental benefits to understanding project- specific data and proper management. In this article, Jon Peters, the president of Masuen Consulting, discusses how Masuen’s latest water use analysis (WUA) program for homeowners’ associations (HOAs) helps clients achieve beautiful landscapes with the least amount of water possible. https://bit.ly/4cnDUjS #MunicipalWaterLeader #MunicipalWater #MasuenConsulting #Irrigation #IrrigationSolutions #WaterManagement #UrbanLandscaping #HOALandscaping #MiamiFlorida

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This article in Environment Journal discusses how transforming municipal wastewater facilities into "Ecofactories" can enhance sustainability. Ecofactories focus on generating renewable energy, recovering resources, and promoting water reuse and recycling. They also support industrial symbiosis, turning waste into raw materials for other processes. Transforming wastewater facilities into sustainability hubs has significant implications for our industry. Doing so promotes the shift towards a circular economy by recovering resources, generating renewable energy, and enhancing water reuse. Innovations like these align with my home state, New Jersey's focus on environmental sustainability and resilience. The Passaic Valley Sewerage Commission, for instance, has been exploring similar initiatives in resource recovery and renewable energy generation. Implementing Ecofactory concepts could further these efforts, benefiting local ecosystems and communities. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/e7SE6iQJ #wastewater #wastewaternews #sustainability #water

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Are you ready for the next big rain event? Managing stormwater runoff on construction sites during rainy periods is more than just a requirement – it’s essential to protect our precious Georgia waterways. Implementing effective strategies is crucial, and here’s how we can do it right. First, make sure you are implementing the procedures required by your state's respective NPDES permit, as well as the Best Management Practices (BMPs) as indicated on your site-specific Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP). The Designer of Record is responsible for ensuring your SWPPP meets the federal, state and local requirements for your project. Next, promote infiltration with bioretention basins, rain gardens, and permeable pavements to recharge our groundwater as identified in the civil design and/or SWPPP. Use temporary diversion structures like channels, berms, and swales to safely redirect runoff. Protect exposed soil with straw blankets or geotextiles, and don’t forget to apply mulch to prevent erosion. Finally, make sure your team knows and follows best practices, including regular site cleanups and proper waste management. Let's not let the rain wash away our progress or pollute our watersheds. Our future economic prosperity, especially here in Georgia, depends on clean, sediment-free water! https://buff.ly/3WnPzbO #ErosionPrevention #NPDES #NPDESTraining #NPDESTrainingInstitute #TrainingThatMatters #Stormwater #StormwaterManagement #StormwaterProfessionals #StormwaterTraining #MS4Training #MS4sMatter #WaterQuality

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The single, most important requirement for sustainable rural wastewater infrastructure is proper O&M. The State of Tennessee is proposing action to address the high failure rate of small rural wastewater systems by proposing amendments to State Design Standards. One key issue highlighted is the frequent failure of drip systems and the emergence of water surfacing in failed systems. While design standards help, many States adopt design standards that actually promote oversized, overly expensive, overly complex and possibly unsustainable systems. Wastewater collection and treatment systems, especially small rural systems, often suffer from neglect, until visible issues arise. Unfortunately, when wastewater surfaces outside the confines of the wastewater system, it was most often caused by a lot of simple fixes that were never done. A failed drip system may or may not be bad design, but more likely could have been caused by long-standing operational problems that were not addressed. I have actually seen pipe leaks repaired by multiple rolls of duct tape, and saw that this band-aid repair made it through State Inspections. While design standards are crucial, they only partially tackle the challenges small rural wastewater systems face. The success of wastewater systems heavily relies on well-funded operations, competent operators, and proper inspections by trained professionals. Neglecting maintenance in favor of reactive approaches poses risks, highlighting the need for a proactive mindset in the industry. Ultimately, the effectiveness of a wastewater system, regardless of its size, hinges on skilled operators and thorough oversight. Shifting from a "run it and forget it" mentality to proactive maintenance strategies is essential for sustainable and efficient wastewater management. A competent operator can salvage a flawed system, while inadequate oversight can jeopardize even the best-designed systems. I always ask people what they would expect from a car if they didn't change the oil, wiper blades,tires, etc. Wastewater systems are no different. #wastewater #sustainable #rural

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Water Management on Green Roofs: Stormwater Benefits by GreenGrid Roofs (Weston Solutions, Inc.) #climatechange #greeninfrastructure #greenroofs #stormwatermanagement #sustainability https://lnkd.in/ew_e3WhH

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Protecting our waterways and the ecosystems within them isn’t just a nice theory—it’s at the heart of the real, impactful action needed right here in Georgia. Here are just a few recent events that drive home why effective erosion control and stormwater management matter so much for our environment: A Georgia couple won $135.5 million after their land and water were polluted by a solar company’s failed erosion and sediment control measures. This landmark case shows that erosion control isn’t just good practice; it’s an essential responsibility to protect property, resources, and the environment. (Read more: https://buff.ly/44PWSMW) Okefenokee Swamp protection expansion: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has proposed adding 22,000 acres to the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, protecting this unique ecosystem from nearby mining activities. This proactive measure underscores the need for erosion control to keep habitats like the Okefenokee thriving and resilient. (Learn more: https://buff.ly/40MyVq5) These events emphasize the importance of erosion control and stormwater management in safeguarding Georgia’s ecosystems. By addressing these challenges, we can ensure a sustainable future for our state’s precious waterways! #NPDES #NPDESTraining #NPDESTrainingInstitute #TrainingThatMatters #Stormwater #StormwaterManagement #StormwaterProfessionals #StormwaterTraining #MS4Training #MS4sMatter #WaterQuality

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How does continuous monitoring and adaptive control (CMAC) address water quality concerns? Jeff Littlejohn, co-founder of National Stormwater Trust, describes how CMAC technology is being utilized to improve stormwater treatment and water quality in Florida. To learn more about employing CMAC technology for improved water quality, visit optirtc.com and be sure to register for the complimentary webinar at https://bit.ly/4ed5nq4 #WaterQuality #Stormwater #StormwaterManagement

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Interesting overview of #biogas and #emissions recovery goals for major #wastemanagement companies. #ghgemissions #ghg #greenhousegas #methanecapture #methane #landfills

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There’s a new Rooted in Innovation podcast out now! In this episode my co-hosts, Mike Nusser, Dionisio Roman III, and I have the pleasure of meeting with Perry Russo, Irrigation Specialist and the owner of All County Irrigation, to discuss the art and science of irrigation systems. Check it out here ➡️ https://bit.ly/3zBYy1y #TreeStaple #treemanagement #treeanchoring #landscapedevelopment #landscaping #irrigation #gardening #treepodcast #gardeningpodcast #landscapingpodcast

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Recent severe thunderstorms in Atlanta have underscored the city’s ongoing challenges with urban flooding. Atlanta’s outdated stormwater systems are being pushed to their limits, leading to frequent overflows and extensive damage in many neighborhoods. Just one inch of rain can send a staggering 35 million gallons of stormwater rushing into southeast Atlanta’s Intrenchment Creek, highlighting the need for infrastructure improvements to protect homes, roads, and waterways. City officials are now exploring new funding mechanisms and solutions, such as underground storage systems, separate stormwater systems, and increased stormwater capacity, to prevent the widespread flooding that has become increasingly common (https://buff.ly/3TWS30h). Projects like the Custer Avenue Multi-Benefit Capacity Relief Project in the Peoplestown neighborhood, which will temporarily store overflows and create new green space, showcase a holistic approach to managing urban stormwater challenges and protecting vulnerable areas (https://buff.ly/3XRWUBh). For stormwater professionals, addressing these challenges requires a multi-faceted approach. Implementing green infrastructure solutions like bioswales, rain gardens, and permeable pavements can help manage runoff at the source and reduce the burden on existing systems. Upgrading outdated infrastructure with modern technology and leveraging advanced data tools can optimize planning and system design, ensuring long-term resilience against storm events. Securing funding through federal programs like the EPA’s Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Reuse Municipal Grant program and the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) can provide the financial backing necessary to make these projects a reality (https://buff.ly/3zzlAq9) (https://buff.ly/3zM1s48). By adopting sustainable solutions, upgrading infrastructure, and collaborating with community stakeholders, stormwater professionals can build systems that better protect our communities and waterways from future flooding risks. #NPDES #NPDESTraining #NPDESTrainingInstitute #TrainingThatMatters #Stormwater #StormwaterManagement #StormwaterProfessionals #StormwaterTraining #MS4Training #MS4sMatter #WaterQuality

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Exciting stormwater news for Georgia! If you care about clean water as much as I do, you’ll be happy to hear about some great progress happening in Georgia right now. We’re receiving over $125 million in federal funding to upgrade our stormwater, wastewater, and drinking water systems, and it’s going to make a big difference. This isn’t just about fixing pipes—it’s about protecting our health, keeping harmful contaminants like PFAS out of our water, and ensuring that future generations can enjoy the clean water we sometimes take for granted. As someone who’s dedicated to preserving America’s water resources, I’m so grateful to see this investment being made. It’s a real win for our communities and the environment, and it reminds me of how far we’ve come since the Clean Water Act first gave us the tools to fight for water quality. And in DeKalb County, we’re seeing another step in the right direction. After nearly 20 years, the county is increasing stormwater fees to help fund critical repairs and maintenance on over 600 miles of stormwater pipes. This isn’t just an increase—it’s an opportunity to improve the infrastructure that helps keep our water safe and clean. With the additional funding, we’ll be able to address long-overdue maintenance and protect our water systems from the impacts of heavy rainfall and runoff. Every little bit of progress made in the mission to protect America’s water brings us closer to the clean, healthy watersheds we all want to see! #NPDES #NPDESTraining #NPDESTrainingInstitute #TrainingThatMatters #Stormwater #StormwaterManagement #StormwaterProfessionals #StormwaterTraining #MS4Training #MS4sMatter #WaterQuality

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🌍  Transforming Waste into Wealth: A New Era for the Biogas Industry 🌱 The Biden-Harris Administration's National Strategy for Reducing Food Loss and Waste could be an opportunity for the #biogas industry. This strategy aims to cut food loss and waste by 50% by 2030, addressing key environmental challenges while creating economic opportunities. Key Highlights: - Prevention and Recycling: With objectives focused on preventing food loss and waste and increasing recycling rates for organic waste, this strategy promotes the development of a circular economy. - Methane Emission Reduction: Diverting #foodwaste from #landfills will significantly reduce #methaneemissions, a potent #greenhousegas. This aligns with the U.S. Methane Emissions Reduction Action Plan. - Community Impact: Building #organicsrecycling infrastructure will create jobs and foster economic growth. For the #biogas industry, this means more organic #feedstock for biogas production. It's an interesting opportunity to turn waste into energy. #sustainability #circulareconomy #foodwastereduction #climateaction #wastetoenergy

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We are running out of capacity. What do we do? The latest State of Waste Report showed that we are continuing to run out of landfill space. With only 8 years of landfill capacity remaining, we need to take action to avoid future issues. Landfill capacity is an issue that impacts us all, and it will require a collaborative approach to manage. We are all key partners and need to work together to address the province’s landfill capacity shortage. Energy from Waste is the solution... Contact TECAM CANADA🇨🇦 today for more information: www.tecamgroup.com | 416-388-2280 [email protected] #thermowastetreatment #wte #w2e #hospitalwaste #energyfromwaste #wfe #renewableenergy #wastemanagement #sustainability #zerowastetolandfills #circulareconomy #zerowaste

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The newly introduced #RuralProsperityandFoodAct brings #biogas into focus as a critical part of the #FarmBill’s Energy Title. With expanded USDA loan guarantees and programs like the Carbon Utilization and Biogas Education Program, the bill highlights biogas and #RNG as solutions for reducing #emissions and supporting rural economies.  This legislation underscores the role of #renewableenergy, like biogas, in driving #sustainability and prosperity. #renewablenaturalgas  #wastetoenergy #methanecapture #carboncapture https://lnkd.in/gyRJFByE

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#SoCal water rebates -> Bemus Landscape, Inc. A Sperber Landscape Companies Put out a great article detailing how property owners & management companies can benefit from the #SoCalWaterSmart “Water Savings Incentive Program” up to 60 cents per 1000 gallons! Check it out here! #LeadThePack

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