Dean Shiskowski completes leading edge research in nitrogen removal

Dean Shiskowski, Ph.D., P.Eng., Senior Wastewater Process Engineer, recently returned to our Burnaby office, having completed his Ph.D. research at the University of British Columbia (UBC). Dean is now focusing on company-wide initiatives related to nitrogen removal process engineering and research.

Dean joined Associated Engineering in 1995, after completing his Masters degree in Environmental Engineering at UBC. Since then, he has participated in a wide variety of environmental engineering projects for municipal and industrial clients in the wastewater and water sectors.

In 2001, Dean returned to UBC to pursue doctoral-level research in biological wastewater treatment, focusing on nitrification and nitrogen removal processes. In selecting this dissertation research topic, Dean recognized the increasing importance of managing the release of nitrogen compounds to the environment. He explains, “No other single element has such far-reaching environmental significance, given the fate and impact of various nitrogen compounds in aquatic and atmospheric environments. It’s not surprising that the global regulatory trend in wastewater management calls for more stringent control of nitrogenous discharges to water bodies, as well as the emerging consideration of various nitrogenous gases, particularly in the context of greenhouse gas emissions, and their release to the atmosphere.”

In his research, Dean developed an innovative strategy to monitor nitrification kinetics and control bioreactor oxygen supply. To do this, Dean applied knowledge developed in the microbiology and soil science fields, largely unknown in the wastewater industry, in an engineering context. Dean advises, “The wastewater treatment industry has started to enhance its traditional view of biological nitrification and denitrification processes, based on microbiology and biochemistry knowledge gained recently, as well as in past decades, in other fields of science. Although nitrification and denitrification processes are very complex, wastewater treatment process engineering will exploit this complexity to its advantage because of the potential benefits to system design and operation.”

Dean will combine his experience in engineering with his knowledge of applied microbiology, biochemistry, and chemistry to develop solutions for wastewater treatment and disposal projects across the company.

Canadian Water Resources Association recognizes John van der Eerden

At their recent conference on Sustainable Water Management in the Okanagan held in Kelowna, B.C., the Canadian Water Resources Association B.C. Branch presented John van der Eerden with a Service Award. The award recognizes John’s “outstanding service to the Canadian Water Resources Association in B.C.” John has been active in the Canadian Water Resources Association (CWRA) for more than ten years. He is currently the B.C. Branch President and a National Director of CWRA.

Based in our Burnaby office, John is a Senior Water Resources Engineer and Manager of our Water Resources Group in B.C. John specializes in stormwater and watershed management, stream improvements, erosion and sedimentation control, and design of hydraulic structures.

In addition to his volunteer work for CWRA, John also serves on the Greater Vancouver Regional District’s Sustainable Region Initiative - Water Issue Group.

Well Done, John!

AWWA awards Life Membership to Hwei Suan

Hwei Suan, M.Sc., P.Eng. of our Edmonton office has been awarded a Life Membership from the American Water Works Association (AWWA). Hwei has been a member of AWWA for 32 years. A Senior Process Engineer, Hwei has 30 years of experience in the design, construction, and commissioning of water and wastewater treatment facilities. Hwei has participated in such major projects as the Stage 3 expansion of the City of Edmonton’s 400 million litre per day E.L. Smith Water Treatment Plant. A member of the AWWA Standards Committees, Hwei contributed to the development of the AWWA Standards for Sluice Gates and Fabricated Slide Gates.

AWWA’s Life Membership Award is a prestigious award recognizing the recipient’s dedication to AWWA and the water profession. Only two Life Memberships were given out this year in Canada.

Congratulations, Hwei!