My Profile
Susan Hiestand
Silicon Valley Clean Water
Susan has worked in pollution prevention for over 20 years, in the hazardous waste, stormwater, and wastewater fields. She joined SVCW in 2011, and immediately became involved with CWEA, joining the CEO committee in a leadership capacity. As the chair of the P3S committee this year she worked on creating a vibrant conference and program in Monterey and led a successful event with good feedback from presenters, attendees and CWEA staff. Susan is a lifelong learner and became interested in resource conservation at a young age. Susan has practiced yoga for over 20 years and meditation for over 15 years. She has a MA in Leadership and is currently pursuing a coaching certificate at UC Davis.
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.