Soma Bhadra

First Place
 San Diego Section

Ms. Bhadra has lived and worked in India, Australia, Singapore, and US (New York, California, North Carolina) and has a broad and unique perspective about the water related issues and solutions from around the globe. With more than two decades of experience in effective design, construction, and
operation of water, wastewater, ultra-pure, and recycled water treatment plants and conveyance systems. Soma has extensive experience in managing creative teams over multiple continents to deliver large multi-faceted projects across a range of disciplines. Most importantly, as a dedicated mentor, Soma uses her talent to inspire and prepare the next generation of water environment professonals.

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. 

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