Dave Bachtel, P.E., BCEE
Dave Bachtel Consulting Engineers
Dave Bachtel, P.E., BCEE is the Chief Engineer for Dave Bachtel Consulting Engineers. In his role, he oversees the day-to-day activities and operations of the firm. He has worked in the environmental profession for more than 40 years in various roles dealing with biosolids management, wastewater operations, renewable energy, and resource recovery. Mr. Bactel is a Registered Civil Engineer, State of California, a Board Certified member of the American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists, and a member of the Water Environment Federation, and the California Water Environment Association.
In 1978, he joined the Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County, and became a Division Engineer. In 2007, he joined LEE & RO, Inc. as a Managing Engineer. In 2014, Mr. Bachtel joined HDR as a Senior Project Manager for HDR, a position he held until 2018 when he became the Chief Engineer for Dave Bachtel Consulting Engineers.
Purpose
The Select Society of Sanitary Sludge Shovelers (5S) is used by water environment associations (i.e., those working with sewage and sewage treatment) to honour those who have made a particular contribution to the industry.
Pennsylvania started the High Hat Society in 1937 and used the words "Sludge Shovelers Society" in its initiation ceremony. Later, this became known as the Ted Moses Sludge Shovelers Society. The second Chapter of the Five S Society was formed in Arizona in October 1940, the idea being conceived by A.W. "Dusty" Miller and F. Carlyle Roberts, Jr. There are chapters in many of the United States and in Canada, as well as the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand.
5S chapters do not accept applications, but select potential members. Each inductee receives a badge in the form of a gold tie bar in the shape of a round-nosed shovel.
5S recognizes individuals active in protecting the water environment through participation in Local, State, and/or Federal sponsored activities.