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