John Hack II is the third-generation owner of Hack Excavating of Lafayette, Indiana — an excavating contracting business with a specialty in installing onsite septic systems. At times, the work can be overwhelming, but Hack believes that investing some of his time in the betterment of the industry is well worth his while.
Hack is a member of the Indiana Land Improvement Contractors, an association dedicated to conservation of soil and water in construction, and has served on its board of directors. In addition, he’s a member of the Indiana Onsite Wastewater Professionals Association and has served both as president and as a member of the board of directors.
Hack also meets monthly as part of the nine-member Indiana Department of Health Technical Review Panel, which was established in 2019. He was appointed by the governor and represents Indiana onsite sewage system contractors, working alongside other members including a representative of IOWPA.
The panel reviews and approves new onsite sewage system treatment technologies for use in the state. It’s currently weighing in on the suitability of certain aerobic bacteria treatment systems. The panel also approves additions and revisions to the rules governing residential onsite sewage systems.
“It really gives you a chance to have input where it counts,” Hack says. “I like to consult with other contractors to see if they have an opinion on a new rule or new technology so I can share their thoughts with the panel.”
The panel has recently been focusing on reviewing county ordinances that are more restrictive than the Indiana state code. “We usually have two or three counties each month come to us with some extra requirements that they would like to incorporate,” Hack says.
When it's time to update the state code, the panel can recommend that they include the most beneficial county requirements.
“If I have to travel down to Indianapolis for a meeting that's going to take up most of my day, it can feel like a bit of a sacrifice, especially when the weather is nice and we have a job to get done,” Hack says. “But I need to recognize that this is important too. I would encourage all contractors to join an association and become active in it. It will help them to grow individually and help our industry to become better as well.”
Read more about Hack Excavating in a profile in the May issue of Onsite Installer.
