As the Wisconsin Residuals Coordinator, he obtained delegated authority for Wisconsin to implement the biosolids program from the USEPA in 2000. Wisconsin was the fourth state in the nation to do so and the first with a complex program already in place. Wisconsin has been a model program for biosolids recycling since the 1970’s with 98% of the Municipalities beneficially recycling biosolids.

Some of Greg’s career highlights include:

• Served on the National Academies of Science Committee on Toxicants and Pathogens in Sewage Sludge which produced the 2002 report entitled: Biosolids Applied to Land: Advancing Standards and Practices.
• Coordinated and implemented the model biosolids, septage, and industrial land application program for the state of Wisconsin since 1994.
• Worked closely with the Wisconsin Legislature to pass legislation in 2006 which among other critical features gave express explicit authority to the state and not local units of government to set standards for land application of residuals.
• Represented all states in the nation on biosolids issues through election to serve on USEPA’s Biosolids Program Implementation Team.
• Maintained a listserver communication tool, allowing all state regulators to communicate with each other on technical and regulatory questions.
• Served on the Health Advisory Committee for a Water Environment Research Foundation (WERF) funded project to develop a Risk Based Assessment model for pathogens in land applied biosolids.
• Currently serving on the Project Sub Committee for a WERF project to develop a framework to investigate allegations of adverse public health affects from land applied biosolids.
• Acknowledged for his assistance to USEPA in the revision of: Environmental Regulations and Technology: Control of Pathogens and Vector Attraction in Sewage Sludge (USEPA 2002).
• Received a grant from USEPA to plan, direct, and lead a national biosolids regulatory workshop for the past eight years. The grant allowed Mr. Kester to manage and regulators to attend a vital technology exchange.
• Original member of the Steering Committee for the National Biosolids Partnership (NBP) and current Co-Chair of the Advisory Committee for the NBP.
• Received highest award (Bernauer Award) granted by Wisconsin Wastewater Operators Association (WWOA) in October 2006 for education and research on biosolids issues.
• Currently working under an EPA grant to quantify biosolids quality, treatment technology used, and end use practices across the USA.

In short, Mr. Kester possesses all of the experience and expertise that CASA was seeking for our Biosolids Program Manager position. He is acutely aware of the challenges California faces with current local ordinances and legislation and truly believes in the merits and environmental benefits of proper treatment and recycling of biosolids.