Science Day at Lihikai Elementary School

by Liz Foote

 

Today, Lihikai Elementary School had its annual Science Day, where professionals from various fields come in and take over a bunch of classrooms so they can do presentations for the students all day. It’s a great way for students to meet and hear directly from people from the community who work in scientific fields. 

One classroom was occupied by Steve Parabicoli and Joe Jares, veteran wastewater operators, who shared important water conservation messages with students, and impressed upon them that water is our most precious resource, and it’s “all of our job” to protect our water resources. The first steps in doing so are to learn why water is so important, and explore ways to protect and save water. Steve and Joe also sought to give students a look at how wastewater is treated, a process most of us may take for granted and know little about.

 Steve (left) and Joe (right)

It wasn’t all seriousness (there may have been a “pull my finger” and “crapper” reference here and there…), and the guys engaged the students with “Uncle Steve’s bag of tricks” which consisted of some props with educational messages. 

Students especially enjoyed getting squirted with a ‘safety purple’ squirt gun, and now they know what it means when they see piping and water fixtures in that color – it’s recycled water that is available for irrigation and other purposes, and is a great example of conservation.

After the bag of tricks was fully explored, Steve and Joe gave a presentation to the students to cover the water conservation themes in more depth. One of many take home messages that Steve shared with the students was "don't ever take clean water for granted."

Steve talked about the concept of sustainability, told the story of how the Clean Water Act came to be, and taught the students about the difference between ground water and surface water. He showed photos and took the students through the process of treating wastewater at the reclamation facilities on Maui. He also shared a few tips for saving water, such as turning the water off while brushing your teeth, installing devices like low flow shower heads and low flush toilets, and watering your lawn at night. Another important tip he shared is never to dispose of fats, oils and grease down the drain as they can block pipes and lead to sewage spills.

I’d like to share some additional photos from Steve and Joe’s presentation at Science Day, and thank them for letting me tag along and document it.

Steve showed the students what toilet flappers look like, and told them how important it is to make sure they aren't leaking and wasting water. If you hear a hissing noise, it may be leaking. You can perform a simple test by adding food dye into the toilet tank, and if your flapper is worn out, you'll see the dye in the toilet bowl.

Steve and his E.coli Giant Microbe buddy!

Steve explained to the students what microbes are, and pointed out that most bacteria are good, or "beneficial," and can assist in the wastewater treatment process.

 Steve described the water cycle, and how the planet doesn't make new water, it recycles the same water over & over again.

 Steve & Joe used an eyedropper and small model of the Earth to demonstrate that if the Earth were the size of a tennis ball, all the fresh water on the planet would equal just one drop

Professional Profile: Steve Parabicoli

Our latest Professional Profile features Steve Parabicoli, Wastewater Operations Program Superintendent with the County of Maui. He has been working in this field here on Maui for nearly 30 years now and is a certified Grade 4 Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator. Steve, who has been dubbed by many of his wastewater engineer colleagues as "The Godfather of Reuse,” was recently named as a 2013 Environmental Hero by Maui No Ka Oi magazine!

How we manage our wastewater as a society has critical implications for the natural environment, particularly in island ecosystems where we depend so heavily on our nearshore marine resources which can be affected by wastewater disposal. The importance of Steve’s job can not be understated, and we’d like to give him the opportunity to tell you more about himself, his career, and its intersection with natural resource conservation.

Professional Profile: Steve Parabicoli

1. Name: Steve Parabicoli

 2. Job Title:   

Wastewater Operations Program Superintendent

 3. Degree(s) held and from where:  

 Bachelor of Science, Framingham State College (Massachusetts)

4. Brief description of your job:   

Oversee the operation of the County of Maui’s wastewater collection system, wastewater reclamation facilities and recycled water distribution system.

5. Briefly describe the project(s) you are currently working on:   

Upgrades to facilities such as energy efficiency projects, installation of new filtration systems to improve effluent quality, and overhaul and cleaning of critical unit processes. I also will be improving the training of our employees so they can be better prepared for their certification examinations.

6. Explain how/why your job is important to society:   

Wastewater operations personnel play an important role in protecting the environment, protecting public health and contributing to water resource sustainability by properly operating and maintaining wastewater and water recycling facilities.

 

7. How did you end up doing what you’re doing?   

I have always been interested in contributing to a clean environment. After moving to Maui with my new B.S. degree in the late 1970’s, I was hired as the operator of the Pukalani Wastewater Reclamation Facility. I had found a job that allowed me to directly help protect the environment.

8. Were you inspired by anyone in particular? If so, who, and how did he/she influence your career choice?  

While in college, my ecology professor took my class on a tour of a small wastewater reclamation facility. I was impressed on how clean the final effluent appeared and how proud the operator was that he was helping protect the environment. I remember the professor telling us not to overlook the potential of working in the water quality protection field.

9. What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?   

Keeping Maui’s environment clean and contributing to water resource sustainability through the optimum operation and maintenance of our wastewater reclamation facilities.

10. If you could change one aspect of your job, what would it be?  

Our industry needs more positive visibility. The community needs to be aware of the essential role that wastewater operation personnel play in environmental protection (It seems like the only time we get attention is when something goes wrong like a sewage spill!)

11. Describe the most fun and exciting experience you have had during your career.  

I have always enjoyed visiting schools and educating young people about water conservation, wastewater reclamation and the environment in general. I especially enjoy introducing students to the microbial world of wastewater reclamation. Looking at beneficial microbes that “treat” wastewater under the microscope seems like its stimulates their interest in science.

12. Describe the most disappointing or frustrating experience you have had during your career.   

The slow pace of increasing the use of recycled water in Maui County has been somewhat frustrating. I have been trying to convince the policy/decision makers to place a higher priority on expanding Maui County’s water reuse program. This elevated priority will require a significant financial commitment so that adequate funding is made available to construct and maintain the infrastructure necessary to produce and distribute the recycled water to areas where it is needed. The costs are significant but the long term benefits are enormous! 

13. What do you like to do on your days off?  

 I like to spend time with my family (including my two dogs), working in my garden, playing softball, going to the beach, hiking etc.

14. What advice would you give to a student who is thinking about pursuing a career similar to yours?   

Look for jobs where the need is. With increasing environmental regulations, there will always be a need for water quality professionals to meet the strict water quality standards set by regulatory agencies. 
15. Can you recommend any particular educational programs/internships, etc. that will help students prepare for a career like yours?    
The University of Hawaii Maui College’s green internship program and water/wastewater operator training program; the California State University at Sacramento Office of Water Program's correspondence courses; and environmental science programs at most universities are educational programs that can help students prepare for a career like mine.

Here are some highlights from Steve’s resume:

• Education: Framingham State College, MA – B.S. in Biology with a concentration in Wildlife Biology and other environmental sciences

• Regarded as one of the leading proponents of water reuse/efficiency in Hawaii, having forged positive relationships with officials in the regulatory, government and private sectors throughout Hawaii.

• Instructor and Educator – State of Hawaii Wastewater Operator Training Center and UH Maui College; presentations for Hawaii schools

• Projects: County of Maui Environmental Education Program, County of Maui Reclaimed Water Ordinance, County of Maui Reclaimed Water Rate Structure, Hawaii Water Reuse Project Survey, County of Maui Rules for Reclaimed Water Service, Hawaii Water Environment Association (HWEA)  - Water Reuse Public Education Program, West Maui Reclaimed Water Master Plan, HWEA Water Reuse Workshop Series, Report on Hawaii Water Reuse for the Commission on Water Resources Management, Kihei Effluent Reuse System Expansion Study, County of Maui Reclaimed Water Rate Study, West Maui Reuse System Expansion Study, County of Maui Recycled Water Verification Studies.

• Published papers and articles about water recycling, written/submitted testimony on proposed legislation affecting water and biosolids reuse, and written/administered grants. Some examples include:

·      Water Reuse in Hawaii: An Overview

·      Hawaii Water Reuse Public Education Outreach Program

·      How to Sell Reclaimed Water – Setting the Right Price in Hawaii

·      Silence Means Sure Failure – Sincere Outreach Equals Success: Maui County’s Successful Outreach Program

·      The Growth of Water Reuse in Hawaii

·      Maui’s Growing Water Reuse Experience

·      Water Reuse on Maui

·      Lessons Learned from Maui County’s Water Reuse Experience

Maui County Employee of the Year, 1996

Served on boards, committees and working groups: Hawaii Water Environment Association, Maui Water Development Plan, Maui County Watershed Advisory Committee, Maui Water Roundtable

Other volunteer experience: Big Brothers – Big Sisters of Maui, Little League Baseball, Youth Basketball, Youth Soccer

 

West Maui Water Reuse Readiness Workshop

In early April, the Coral Reef Alliance (CORAL) conducted a Water Reuse Readiness Workshop, hosted by the Honua Kai Resort & Spa in Ka’anapali. 

The workshop’s purpose was to introduce the West Maui resort community to CORAL’s project to assist the resorts in the Ka’anapali region in planning for and transitioning to using reclaimed water when it becomes available, and to introduce the County’s plans for R1 expansion. CORAL’s project is supported by the National Fish & Wildlife Foundation, the Harold K. L. Castle Foundation, and the Hawaii Community Foundation. 

The workshop was attended by a great group of resort managers, engineers, landscapers and others representing Ka‘anapali Villas, International Colony Club, Honua Kai Resort & Spa, Ka‘anapali Alii, Ka‘anapali Beach Resort, Hyatt Regency Resort & Spa, The Whaler, Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa, Whaler’s Village, Maui Eldorado, Maui Hotel & Lodging Association, Ka‘anapali North Beach Master Association, Ka’anapali Operations Association, SGS Hawaii Landscaping, Advance Landscape & Tree Service, Sustainable Resources Group International, Inc., University of Hawaii Sustainable Science Management program, and the West Maui Taxpayers Association.

The workshop began with a tour of the Lahaina Wastewater Reclamation Facility, led by Steve Parabicoli, Maui County Wastewater Operations Program Superintendent and in partnership with the Maui Hotel and Lodging Association’s Engineers Advisory Council. The group appreciated this opportunity to learn more about the wastewater reclamation process and see it in action firsthand. 

Back at the Honua Kai, Resort Manager Lance Gilliland welcomed the group and provided an overview of the resort’s experience with R1 water, and other sustainability initiatives underway at the Honua Kai.

 

Afterwards, CORAL Hawai‘i Field Manager Liz Foote gave a presentation introducing the project, and the background and context as it relates to coral reef health. Robin Knox of Water Quality Consulting, Inc. also presented some recent Department of Health water quality monitoring data for the Ka’anapali region. You can download a pdf of the presentation here.

This is the result of the 2012 Water Quality Assessment by Hawaii Department of Health (DOH).  The DOH monitors water quality for Total Nitrogen (TN), Nitrite-Nitrate Nitrogen (NO2-NO3), Total Phosphorus (TP), Turbidity (turb), chlorophyll A (Chl-A), Ammonia (NH3) nitrogen and Enterococcus (Ent) bacteria.  An A indicates that the water quality standards are attained (goals are met).  N means standards are not being attained and the goals (fishable swimmable waters ) are not being met. “?” Means there is not enough data to assess whether the water quality goals are met.

The main event, however, was Steve Parabicoli’s presentation on the County’s plans to expand the distribution system for reclaimed water, and the technical aspects that relate to the resorts such as the permitting requirements, retrofitting, and landscaping. While there are costs associated with the permitting, retrofitting, and changes in landscaping practices that will accompany the transition to R1 water, Steve explained that in the long run, resorts will come out ahead due to the much cheaper cost for R1 than potable water. Attendees were excited to learn that the County has a “cost to retrofit” rule on the books, whereby the resorts will receive a 50% reduction in the price of the R-1 water until all their retrofitting costs are recovered. For those that missed it or want a refresher, Steve’s presentation is available for viewing on YouTube here and you can also download a pdf of the slides here.

 

After a delicious lunch generously donated by the Honua Kai, we conducted a “needs and expertise carousel” activity, where we broke out into groups and started examining properties’ needs and their questions about the key issues ­– the permitting process, landscaping irrigation, nutrient management, and plants, as well as other issues such as signage and equipment. In addition, there was a station dedicated to the water use survey currently underway with West Maui resorts. Guidance on landscaping was provided by those with experience with R1 water, namely SGS Landscaping and the Ka’anapali Operations Association teams, who are responsible for the Honua Kai and the Ka’anapali Golf Course, respectively. Steve Parabicoli also answered questions about the permitting process.

 

The final presentation of the day was by Tova Callender, West Maui Watershed & Coastal Management Coordinator and NFWF's Consultant to coordinate the activities of the Coral Reef Task Force in West Maui. Tova shared about the West Maui Ridge to Reef Initiative, an “all-encompassing approach across multiple agencies and organizations to address adverse impacts to coral reefs in West Maui.” She also noted some things that the resorts can to do support the efforts of the R2R, such as involving hotel staff in volunteer and educational opportunities, and helping to sponsor upcoming events. You can download a pdf of Tova’s presentation here.

 

As a follow up from this workshop and the water use survey we’re in the process of administering, CORAL is developing a resource guide for the West Maui resort and condominium properties to compile the key information and provide ecological context along with guidance on the technical aspects of the transition to R1 use as well as general water conservation strategies.

Mahalo to everyone who made the Water Reuse Readiness Workshop a success!