Natural Systems Utilities, MN (EcoCheck)

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2012 SUSTAINABILITY TARGETS

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Intro

NSU Awards

It's why we do what we do.

READ HOW WE ARE MAKING AN IMPACT IN PROTECTING MINNESOTA WATERS...

2010 Awards.pdf

B Corp

Finally a Company that Backs

Up What It Says...

Click Here to See How Our Clients Benefit

is now...

Providing the most experienced and effective decentralized operations staff in the Upper Midwest

Vertical Flow Wetlands

Constructed Wetlands

Advantex

Stabiliation Ponds

FAST Systems

Sand Filters

Drainfields

Easy Flow Trenches

Standard Trenches

Gravity Sewer and Lift Station

Drip Irrigation

Pressure Sewer and Grinders

Nibbler and Aerobic Systems

Denitrification Systems

STEP Systems

Technologies We Operate

Natural Systems Utilities MN staff have more experience operating community based pre-treatment technologies than any other company in the Midwest. We have developed improvements of many technologies and work closely with the design engineers and manufacturers to provide feedback on how to improve designs and products.Our customized water and wastewater operations programs are designed to help our clients maintain environmental compliance while minimizing operation costs for end users.We are forward thinking utility operators who develop long term plans for our clients. Our experience and 'big picture' methodology of project management not only helps save money in the short term, but also helps our clients plan for future replacement.

SERVICES

Wastewater Operations

Our Services - Natural Systems Utilities, MN (EcoCheck) has over 75 active wastewater projects in Minnesota and are expanding nationally and internationally. We have significant operating experience with several different types of collection systems (STEP systems, pressure sewer, gravity sewer, small diameter gravity sewer and lift stations). We also have extensive experience in the operation of various pretreatment technologies and disposal methods.NSU MN staff also provide consulting services and site operation audits on international projects in Canada, Africa, South America and Europe. We are viewed as leaders in understanding the various decentralized technologies and setting up long term management plans.How our Clients Benefit - NSU MN has decades of combined experience and understand where systems need the most attention. We have been appointed among City Planning and Township Boards and volunteer to help guide regulatory agencies in understanding systems and how they work. This experience provides our clients with the most qualified staff who are state certified to help manage their wastewater systems.

Water Operations

Our Services - In addition to wastewater operations, Natural Systems Utilities, MN (EcoCheck) is operating several water delivery systems. We coordinate the maintenance needs and develop operation plans for safe delivery of potable water. NSU MN also works closely with the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) in performing site audits, regular testing of customer drinking water quality and preparing and delivering consumer confidence reports as required by MDH.How our Clients Benefit - NSU MN operators are state certified and attend regular continuing education. We understand what drives costs for water systems and work with our customers on managing costs as effectively as possible. If concerns arise over water quality, NSU MN operators will develop a plan to improve water quality which may include community or individual home water treatment systems.We strive to exceed the expectations of our clients. We meet with them with the ultimate goal of understanding their needs and unique site concerns - thereby developing a tailored water operation and maintenance plan that meets their goals.

Consulting

Our Services - Natural Systems Utilities, MN (EcoCheck) has performed several consulting services to homeowners associations, utilities, cities, townships, resort owners, engineers and developers. Our services have included the following:How our Clients Benefit - NSU MN's extensive experience in all facets of water and wastewater systems provides our clients with significant background knowledge to address any issue that arises.

* - Nitrogen Mitigation Plans * - Determining Monthly Rates * - Developing Capital Improvement Plans * - Negotiations with MPCA * - Engineering Plan Review * - Ordinance Development for Wastewater Systems * - Writing Operation and Maintenance Manuals * - Developing Hydrogeological Reports * - Determine Growth Plans and Capacity of Existing Systems

Emergency Services

Our Services - Natural Systems Utilities, MN (EcoCheck) has a reliable record of responding to emergency services in a timely manner. We understand when something goes wrong, immediate attention is necessary, even after hours. Our staff are all trained in each unique technology and are ready to respond when needed. NSU MN sets up contingency plans for each project and has emergency services contractors under contract who respond if heavy construction equipment is needed.Since 1997, our response time has consistently been below 2 hours in our core service area. How our Clients Benefit - NSU MN is unique because several of our staff members have been involved in the construction of the systems and have seen how the systems are built and the materials used. This experience allows us to better communicate the issue and respond accordingly.Further, with several staff members available to respond our clients know that we will be there when an emergency occurs.
SUSTAINABILITY

Our Committment to Sustainability

Natural Systems Utilities MN and our sister companies are wholly dedicated to the B-Corporation approach of incorporating environmental performance into the work we do everyday. Below are some of the unique approaches we take on a daily basis. We realize the impact of one project, though small adds up throughout all of our projects and can make a profound overall impact. In 2012, we will be introducing numerical goals and measuring how we perform based upon the set goals.
OVERALL GOALSWater Quality GoalsMaintain or improve groundwater quality........................................Exceeding environmental limits set by MPCA.................................Manage water consumption by end users.......................................Soil/Land Quality GoalsLimit biosolids discharge to municipal WWTP's..............................Return biosolids/nutrients to land....................................................Energy GoalsMinimize electrical use at facilties...................................................Use "green" chemicals when available...........................................Minimize carbon footprint on transportation....................................Use telemetry when possible..........................................................Society GoalsManage overall operation costs and keep facilities affordable........Help clients predict long term costs.................................................Use local contractors.......................................................................
HOW WE DO ITOperate systems to maximize nitrogen treatmentImplement site specific operation proceduresWork with end users on water conservationFind agricultural land where nutrients can be usedRequire our contractors to transfer biosolids to landImplement NSU MN's methodology to minimize wasteEvaluate products on market and cost to useIdentify efficiency routes; use fuel efficient trucksInstall on control panels and minimize trips to sitesImplementing NSU's overall operation programCommunicate with end users and help set up a planDevelop relationships and support local economies

Pill Glow STAFF

Ryan C. Brandt, President

After founding EcoCheck in 2002, Ryan developed a passion for client service and technical understanding of decentralized water and wastewater systems in Minnesota. He focused on developing an overall platform for operations excellance and organically grew EcoCheck until he purchased the company outright in 2009. His passion for expanding the EcoCheck and Natural Systems Utilities brand continues to this day, focusing on utility ownership in Minnesota and internationally. Today, he is responsible for creating Natural Systems Utilities' national and international utility operations strategy and leads mergers and acquisitions for national projects. Ryan has a Bachelors of Science degree in Broad Field Science (Biology and Chemistry emphasis) from the University of Wisconsin River Falls. He also attended the Queens School of Business in Kingston Ontario from 2007-2009 in the Executive Development Program. Ryan and his wife Carrie have 2 children, Gavin and Sophia. In his spare time Ryan enjoys volunteering for Taylors Falls Elementary School, participating in local charity events, golf, running, trout fishing and spending time with his family.

Steve Kokesh, Regional Manager

Steve Kokesh has over 14 years experience in the water and wastewater industry. Steve has been with EcoCheck/NSU MN since 2004 and is currently the Regional Manager for NSU MN's water and wastewater operations services. He manages the field operations staff and leads the technical troubleshooting. He also manages the regulatory requirements of the wastewater facilities and works with local and state regulatory agencies to develop smart approaches to wastewater management while maintaining a focus on environmental protection. Steve also leads the staff in energy sustainability projects and finance management for clients. He holds a bachelors degree in Conservation with a minor in Hydrogeology from the University of Wisconsin – River Falls. Prior to EcoCheck, Steve was the Ion Exchange Supervisor for US Filter Recovery Services where he managed the process of regenerating ion exchange media for the treatment of microelectronic industry waste streams and large groundwater remediation projects throughout the United States.

Tom Birkeland, Senior Project Manager

Tom Birkeland has over 15 years of experience in corporate communications, business development and project management. As a Senior Project Manager, Tom is focused on achieving positive treatment results while balancing the needs of his clients with environmental stewardship. Prior to EcoCheck, Tom was the Director of Marketing for North American Wetland Engineering (NAWE). He holds a BA degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and studied at the University of Warwick in Coventry, England. In his spare time Tom enjoys spending time with his family outdoors. He is an avid skier, windsurfer, biker and golfer.

Shane Symmank, Project Manager

Shane D. Symmank is a project manager who specializes in the operation and maintenance of several decentralized water and wastewater facilities in Minnesota. He is currently initiating research efforts to better understand the ecological processes occurring in our treatment wetland systems, and in turn improve the efficiency of site design and management. He has a Master’s Degree in Aquatic Science from the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse with a focus in microbial ecology and chemistry. In his spare time, Shane enjoys spending time outdoors, cooking for his family, and watching movies.

Karen Asencio, Controller

After a 20 year career in the Air Force in the communications field, Karen joined EcoCheck in 2002. Her responsibilities with EcoCheck have increased over the years and she is now responsible for processing State compliance reports for the permitted wastewater facilities that EcoCheck/NSU MN operates. She manages the back office functions of several of Natural Systems Utilities' subsidiary companies and frequently works on evaluating the environmental and fiscal performance of NSU MN's projects. In her spare time, Karen enjoys fitness and wellness, reading, and travelling.

Natural Systems Utilities, MN LLC 11347 North Avenue, Suite 4 Chisago City, MN 55013 651-257-3511 (office) 651-257-4490 (fax)

CONTACT

Contact us

Natural Systems Utilities MN, LLC

11347 North Avenue, Suite 4

Chisago City, MN 55013

651-257-3511 (office)

651-257-4490 (fax)

2012 SUSTAINABILITY TARGETS

Reduce Nitrogen in Effluent by 10-20%

Reduce Electrical Use by 15-20%

BACKGROUND - Nitrogen is an element found naturally in wastewater that can have an negative effect on groundwater in large quantities. Excessive nitrate loading to the groundwater can cause permitting issues and potentially, concern to neighboring properties. If a system is designed for nitrogen treatment, the operator can manipulate settings and operating conditions to reduce nitrogen discharges.HOW WE DO IT - NSU operators have continual training on how to manage nitrogen. We understand the nitrogen cycle and leverage each technology to optimize nitrogen treatment. Nitrogen treatment varies by each technology and operators need to modify system settings based upon influent and effluent results. Again, NSU's R&D program will help identify optimal system settings.RESULTS - Treating nitrogen does not necessarily drive up operational costs; rather the operator controls certain conditions in the treatment process to optimize nitrogen treatment. The end result is compliance and a higher deree of environmental stewardship for our customers and their neighbors.
BACKGROUND - Electrical costs are a consistent operating cost that operators need to fully understand and evaluate. Operators are taught to meet permit limits, but at times the amount of treatment may be more than what is needed. Design engineers recommend theoretical treatment settings (such as running pumps to recirculate water 5-7 times) to obtain proper treatment. These theoretical recommendations are a good baseline, but are not optimal for each system. Operators need to address the unique characteristics of each project and adjust the settings accordingly.HOW WE DO IT - In 2012, NSU's non-profit entity WINS, is investing over $30,000 in research and development funds to better understand how to optimize our systems. This R&D will allow our operators to identify optimal treatment by managing how much electricity is needed to meet treatment goals.RESULTS - By applying what we learn, we anticipate saving 15-20% of our overall electrical costs. As a B-Corporation, we are passing on these savings directly to the owners who will benefit from our experience.

What Does This All Mean???

If NSU were to reduce electrical use from the wastewater systems we operate by 15%, the savings would power 20 homes for an entire year.If NSU were to reduce electrical use from the wastewater systems we operate by 20%, the savings would power 27 homes for an entire year.NSU is targeting a 10-20% reduction in effluent nitrogen concentrations on 28 of our facilities. In these 28 systems, we are attempting to remove an additonal 1,300-2,600 pounds of nitrogen from our systems with negligible additional operating costs.Are these numbers substantial enough to make a significant change? Considered alone, the answer is not really. But if we can operate our systems smarter, save our clients money and do our part in minimizing the use of our local energy resources, then why wouldn't we try? Its a good start. And we hope our committment encourages others to think about how they can do the same.