I'd like to share a few thoughts and some background information on stories appearing in this issue. We’ve rolled out a few new features and are adding some new wrinkles that I hope you’ll enjoy. As you take a look around your Onsite Installer, feel free to share your opinions and ideas about how we can make the magazine as relevant as possible for contractors.

Postcards from Roatan

A few years ago, I met Dan Taylor at the Pumper & Cleaner Environmental Expo International (now known as the Water & Wastewater Equipment, Treatment & Transport show). Owner of Acme Environmental Solutions on the Caribbean island of Roatan, part of Honduras, Dan is a mechanical engineer by trade. He had decided to retire to the tropical island, intent on kicking back and enjoying life. While retirement wasn’t in the cards, Dan is sure enjoying himself as the wastewater authority in his new homeland.

It’s no surprise that Dan’s unbridled enthusiasm for the industry has led him to numerous interesting onsite installing projects on Roatan. He’s come up with workable solutions to many wastewater challenges in a rugged and environmentally sensitive area. Our discussions at the Expo led to a trip to Roatan by writer David Steinkraus, who followed tropical tour guide Dan around the island to check out many of his jobs. You can enjoy learning more about Dan in our contractor profile in this issue, Installing in Paradise.

I was happy to see Dan again at the Expo earlier this year. He said he values the trade show for education and networking opportunities, as well as a chance to meet face-to-face with onsite product vendors. He remains committed to serving his island neighbors by modernizing many water and wastewater systems, and feels a sense of satisfaction that he’s helping build the future of a paradise community he loves.

I hope you enjoy the story about Dan’s company. Then look for him next year at WWETT and say hello. You’ll be happy you did.

Check out the equipment corner

About a year ago, we added a feature called Machine Matters, where we talk about an aspect of the purchase, maintenance or effective use of the tools of your installing trade. Last month, we added an alternate title for the same feature, Shop Talk, to reflect topics dealing more with the vehicles in your garage rather than the excavation machinery used in the field.

Whether it’s maintenance schedules for your mini-excavator or how to get the most out of your pickup truck, the goal is helping you make the wisest purchase decisions, and then get the most out of your hardworking equipment. After all, having the right equipment for the job and maintaining it properly can mean the difference between small business success or failure.

This month we explore a question contractors face more and more when speccing out larger work trucks: Auto or manual transmission? Writer Ed Wodalski explains the features and benefits of manual, fully automatic and automated manual transmissions, then discusses typical driving conditions that will dictate your choice. Trucking experts share their opinions on transmission trends. The story is valuable for contractors who haul trailered heavy equipment or operate a vacuum truck as part of their onsite business.

What topics would you like us to explore in Machine Matters and Shop Talk? You might not have the time to research an equipment issue the way you would like. Let us help you out. Send your questions to me at editor@onsiteinstaller.com.

What’s going on in your state or province?

Several months ago, we rolled out another new feature, State of the States (or State of the Provinces for Canadians), and we’ve enjoyed a great response from trade associations that serve the onsite industry. This month, writer Doug Day profiles New Hampshire’s Granite State Designers and Installers Association, talking to outgoing chairperson Deb Hinds.

We learn that New Hampshire installers are busy lobbying for new regulations, working with legislators and Realtors for smart changes that improve the climate for onsite work and protect the environment. Hinds shares how the group works in concert with state pumpers and promotes industry education. Even though your business might be located halfway across the country, what goes on in New Hampshire or any other region may show emerging industry trends that can help you.

We’ve got a full schedule of association stories in the works. Texas and Tennessee are just a few on the horizon. If your state is currently working on an important initiative or has some big news to announce, let me know about it and we’ll schedule an interview. And while you’re reviewing the States feature, take a look at our new Associations List, published every month, and let me know if you have an updated contact person, number or website.

Wipeout!

The decentralized wastewater industry – heck, throw in the plumbing industry and treatment plant operators as well – has been abuzz with talk about so-called “flushable’’ wipes. I’ve written about the growing popularity of wipes and what they’re doing to onsite systems a few times over the past year, and the topic keeps popping up in my Google alerts. Those who build and maintain wastewater systems are growing more frustrated with product claims of flushability all the time.

In a recent blog, I talked about shopping at a warehouse store and coming upon a package of bathroom wipes that claimed to be flushable. But there were these qualifications: “Safe for well maintained sewer and septics,’’ and “Never flush more than one wipe at a time.’’ All along I have questioned the marketing of these products and sought out evidence from installers and pumpers that shows the claims are true. The response has been quite to the contrary.

Here’s one note I received, from Terry Broderson, of Broadview Septic in Montana:

“Your article about wipes and the labeling of being flushable is right on the money. The wipes don’t disintegrate … When land-applied, it makes a white mat on the ground that takes quite a while to go wherever. I land-apply and the wipes will dry up and blow away. I don’t like to litter so I have to pick up the wipes and this is time- and labor-intensive. When I tell people to put the wipes in the garbage and not in the toilet, they think I’m nuts. The wording on the label should read: ‘Unsafe for septic tanks as they can plug tank filter and drainfield.’ Worst invention yet.’’

What say you? Does your field experience match Terry’s? I want to hear from the system maintainers to add more professional voices to the debate over wipes.