A Time for Reflection

By Chris Brahler, 2009 NASTT Chairman

It has been my distinct honor and pleasure to have served NASTT as your chairman in 2009. In reflection, I can't help but think of the continued growth of our Society. While there have been many accomplishments that the NASTT many accomplishments that the NASTT leadership group has undertaken this year - all of them are noteworthy - I will share with you just a few.

Our annual conference - the International No-Dig in Toronto - was a record-breaking success. We broke all attendance records with 1,900 people, representing 43 countries around the world. We had the greatest number of peer-reviewed papers presented at any NASTT No-Dig in history. The exhibition hall was sold out, and we raised the highest number of sponsorship dollars and support ever. Next year, we will be celebrating a significant NASTT milestone - our 20th anniversary - at the annual No-Dig in Chicago (Schaumburg).

Aside from a successful No-Dig in 2009, we continued our ambitious program of taking our training courses to the grassroots level and holding joint training with our regional chapters, as well as other industry events.

NASTT offers five "good practices" courses, covering HDD, pipe bursting, CIPP lining, lateral rehabilitation and new installation methods. A sixth course focused on grouting, coatings and linings is under development and is scheduled for roll-out next year. We will continue to add training courses that will educate interested parties in trenchless means and methods.

This year, we published the third edition of the highly anticipated HDD Good Practices Guidelines Manual in coordination with the HDD Consortium. In 2010, we will continue to refine and update our publications. We plan to publish a manual on CIPP lining, new installation methods and a new edition of the existing pipe bursting manual.

I am also excited about the outlook for NASTT and the trenchless industry. We as a society have committed to investing in the future by increasing membership deliverables, offering scholarship money to our young students and professionals, strengthening our regional chapters and increasing the quality of our educational and training programs. Better papers and better speakers equal a greater response!

Finally, it is my pleasure to announce that in 2010 I will continue my term as your chairman. I look forward to serving you at NASTT and the industry at-large. I can be reached at cbrahler@tttechnologies.com.

Rocky Mountain Chapter Established in Colorado, Utah and Wyoming

Ten industry representatives gathered on Aug. 11 in Denver to discuss the possibility of a new NASTT regional chapter covering the states of Colorado, Utah and Wyoming. This organizational committee meeting resulted in the formation of the Rocky Mountain Chapter - NASTT's newest chapter since the Mid Atlantic Chapter formed in 2004.

The addition of the Rocky Mountain Chapter expands NASTT's presence into nine regional areas throughout North America: British Columbia; Great Lakes, St. Lawrence and Atlantic; Mid Atlantic, Midwest; Northwest; Pacific Northwest; Southeast; and West.

"We look forward to working with NASTT to create a vibrant and useful chapter in the Rocky Mountain Region," said Tracy Lyman, the chapter's newly elected chairman. "We have a number of events already planned including holding an annual conference in 2010, as well as hosting forums as a way of introducing the chapter to local municipalities." The chapter also plans to join forces with other industry organizations - AWWA, JTAC, ASCE, AEG and CAGE - to promote the chapter's goal of raising awareness of trenchless technology on a local level.

The Rocky Mountain chapter is led by a strong group of committed leaders. Elected officers are Tracy Lyman, chairman; Peggy Ganse, vice chairman; Ken Matthews, secretary; and Aaron Burns, treasurer. Subcommittees were also formed and champions identified to spearhead specific areas of interest: Dave Emm, Trenchless Construction; Joe Barsoom, Rehabilitation/Repair; Al Paquet, Asset Management; and Peter Bond, Municipal Interest. To get involved with the Rocky Mountain Chapter's efforts, contact Tracy Lyman at (303) 534-1100.

The NASTT 20th Anniversary - Michael E. Argent Memorial Scholarship Program

To be considered, please submit an application and paperwork to NASTT executive director by Feb. 1, 2010. Download the application forms at www.nastt.org. Questions may be directed to Michael Willmets, NASTT executive director at: mwillmets@nastt.org.

In Memoriam: Trent H. Ralston, 1938-2009

NASTT and members of the trenchless community are deeply saddened by the loss of Trent H. Ralston, 71, who died suddenly Nov. 9 at St. Joseph Hospital in Nashua, N.H. He was an insightful, innovative and dedicated entrepreneur and business leader who was committed to growing the trenchless industry.

Trent was founder and president of TRB Specialty Rehabilitation Inc. in Gambrills, Md., and held patents relating to a robotic sealing device. Trent was instrumental in the successful implementation of the lateral sealing process in the marketplace and participated in many pilot programs for the introduction of new and developmental products.

Trent was a charter member and served as a board director and chairman of NASTT. He also served as president of NASSCO and chairman of the Regulatory Action Task Force. He was well-known for his passion for the industry and his desire to give back to it, contributing to its growth and development for the benefit of all. In recognition of his contributions, he was awarded Lifetime Achievement Awards by both NASTT and NASSCO. Trent will be deeply missed as the industry loses a visionary, an icon and a friend to all.