Russell Reid / Mr. John Company Invited to speak at NJEMA Meeting
The Russell Reid/Mr. John Company has been invited to speak at an upcoming meeting of the NJ Emergency Management Association (NJEMA). The meeting will be held on June 11th and will take place at Clancy’s Restaurant in Neptune, NJ.
As the region’s leading provider of temporary restrooms and waste removal services, Russell Reid / Mr. John’s products and services have been instrumental in the post Hurricane Sandy clean-up efforts. The company is uniquely poised to provide the range of services needed for disasters such as this, including wastewater removal and disposal, roll off containers for bulk solid waste as well as portable toilets, portable shower facilities and other temporary restroom related rentals. Post clean-up efforts are continuing with storm sewer and catch basin cleaning, removing the large amounts of sand and debris deposited there by the storm.
The NJ Emergency Management Association (NJEMA) represents all coordinators and resources connected to the Office of Emergency Management (OEM) serving the State of New Jersey, and is dedicated to the protection of life and property. Members include Office of Emergency Management Personnel as well as professional members offering products and services related to disaster recovery.
As a new member of the NJEMA, Russell Reid / Mr. John has been asked to share information about their line of products and services and how they can assist emergency management personnel with clean up and restoration efforts. Gary Weiner, President and COO of the Russell Reid / Mr. John Company will address the group. “I’m honored to be asked to share our offerings with the membership of NJEMA” said Gary. “From disaster response and recovery through reconstruction, our services are essential and our team has proven time and again to be a reliable and responsive partner during difficult times.” Mr. Weiner has led the company through many local and national disasters, providing equipment and services for the World Trade Center site and Hurricanes Sandy, Irene and Katrina to name a few.
The Russell Reid / Mr. John Company will also be exhibiting at the upcoming 15th Annual New Jersey Emergency Preparedness Conference being held on May 6-10 at the Tropicana Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City, NJ.
Information about Russell Reid and Mr. John’s products and services may be found on the company’s two websites;www.russellreid.com and www.mrjohn.com. For more information regarding NJEMA, visit www.njema.org.
The Mr. John and Russell Reid Companies make Holiday Donation to Local Charity
As the holiday season comes and goes quickly every year, the Mr. John and Russell Reid companies are very thankful and appreciative to those valued clients who have chosen us to serve them. Since the holidays are a time of giving, the Mr. John and Russell Reid companies dedicate themselves to show their gratitude and support to the programs that benefit those in need of help in our surrounding communities. The company strongly believes in giving back to those who help make a difference for others.
In 2009, when the recession was at its worst, the company started a tradition. Instead of sending out expensive holiday cards and candy baskets to our most valued customers, we decided to give one big gift to a charity that could use the money to benefit others. So, every year a raffle is held around the holiday season that allows all the employees to submit a charity in which they believe would be the most deserving. The chosen charity receives a donation from the company as a holiday gift and a token of appreciation.
This year’s winner was the Canine Hearing Companions, Inc. nominated by Franklin Brooks, our Deptford, NJ Yard and Shop Supervisor. Friends of Canine Hearing Companions are the only Hearing Dog Center in the Tri State Area. They train rescue dogs from shelters to be the “ears” for the deaf and hard of hearing. They also train dogs to serve in medic alert capacities (to detect seizures, diabetic and angina attacks), as well as emotional support dogs.
Franklin says, “The reason I nominated Canine Hearing Companions, Inc. is my appreciation for service dogs. Also, this particular organization has helped a fellow employee, Lisa D’Alessandro’s grandmother, who is legally deaf. The organization has been a blessing for the D’Alessandro family. After hearing how much they have helped a local person in need, I gladly chose Canine Hearing Companions”.
Debby Schaser, a member of the Canine Hearing Companions, Inc. organization expresses her appreciation by saying, “I am speechless, I cannot tell you how much this will help our organization in helping others. Thank you so much, I am speechless and have tears of joy!” The Mr. John and Russell Reid companies are thrilled to have been able to bring such happiness to the organization.
In addition to our donation to the Canine Hearing Companions, Inc., we also made donations to the following charities in the wake of the recent Hurricane Sandy disaster: Hurricane Sandy New Jersey Relief Fund, American Red Cross (New Jersey Chapter), United Way “Rebuild Monmouth” Fund, UJA Federation of New York Relief Fund, and Community Food Bank of New Jersey.
Both the Russell Reid and Mr. John companies have been closely involved in the emergency work that has risen due to the damage, destruction, and devastation that Superstorm Sandy has left behind. We have been called on to provide temporary restrooms, roll-off containers for debris, catch basin and storm sewer cleaning, basement pump outs, etc. Our involvement in the restoration and clean-up from the disaster left a soft spot for those who have been significantly impacted. We decided, as a company, to make donations to these charities to help people get back on their feet. We want to show our support to those who are working around the clock to help rebuild the wake that Sandy has left.
The Mr. John and Russell Reid Companies are aware that we have a lot of work ahead of us, but remain positive and excited about what the future has to bring us. We believe that showing a small token of appreciation to those who are helping others will only positively affect our business. We thank everyone for supporting our charity raffle and donations.
Russell Reid Assists Municipalities with Catch Basin & Storm Sewer Cleaning Services
Ever since Superstorm Sandy hit our area, many municipalities in coastal areas of New Jersey and New York have been working around the clock to restore their towns. Russell Reid is pleased to be able to offer many services to assist, including catch basin and storm sewer cleaning to remove debris carried there by stormwater. Catch basin and storm sewer cleaning is an important part of regular maintenance and also must be done following extreme weather.
Stormwater is basically water that is not absorbed in to the ground. It is also called runoff because it runs off roofs and sidewalks, through parking lots and down streets, washing away pollutants as it travels. Municipalities have systems in place to direct the flow of stormwater in order to prevent flooding and pretreat wastewater to reduce contamination of our waterways.
A catch basin is the first line of defense for capturing debris contained in stormwater before it is funneled to another location. Some catch basins drain directly to waterways, others direct the stormwater to sewer systems for conveyance to a treatment facility. During normal conditions, these systems function very well. However, during severe weather conditions such as Hurricanes and other large storms, these systems can become overburdened and catch basin cleaning must be performed to ensure their continued functionality.
Catch basins and storm sewers can easily become clogged during periods of very heavy rain. As stormwater travels towards the catch basin, it picks up debris such as leaves and grass along with finer grained material such as sand, silt and clay. This material is all washed in to the catch basin and held there for removal. During a heavy downpour, the rushing water contains more force and picks up a higher volume of debris and is able to carry larger pieces of garbage. This can block the grate and not allow more water to enter the system, resulting in flood conditions.
Following Superstorm Sandy, unprecedented amounts of sand and debris were swept away by the storm surge and flood waters. As the storm slammed onto the coastline, the huge force of water pummeled homes and buildings, breaking windows and propelling belongings out into the streets. Large amounts of this debris were carried in to the stormwater infrastructure and municipalties are now tasked with the monumental challenge of cleaning it all up.
Municipalities have long trusted Russell Reid to assist with their catch basin and storm sewer cleaning in NJ and NY. Now more than ever, municipalities realize the importance of expert and professional wastewater removal services coupled with proper and documented disposal. Russell Reid’s state of the art combination jet vac machines are able to reach in to catch basins and storm sewers to pump out and clean solid and semi-solid waste from these underground waste systems. The waste is then transported to an approved treatment facility for proper disposal.
No matter what Mother Nature throws at us, Russell Reid will be there to help clean it up, with wastewater pumping and disposal services, dumpsters for bulk solid waste removal and portable toilet rentals through our sister company Mr. John.
Russell Reid Provides Storm Related Basement Pump Out Services in NJ and NY
Hurricane Sandy and Winter Storm Athena have left many homes and businesses in New Jersey, New York and surrounding areas devastated. People affected are now faced with some pretty tough disaster recovery challenges, including what to do about contaminated flood waters in basements.
In addition to many other types of damages, the recent storm surge brought devastating floods to areas near shorelines, lakes and rivers. Thousands of homes and businesses are now suffering with flooded basements, crawl spaces, and boiler rooms. The wastewater saturating these areas may contain dangerous contaminants including various types of oil. This fact needs to be considered prior to any basement pump out due to disposal considerations.
Homes or businesses being served by oil heat should use extra caution. Flood waters may have caused the oil tanks to come loose from the flooring or the tanks could have been ruptured by other debris. In either case, oil from the tank is likely to have contaminated the flood water. Other sources of contamination include gas tanks or gas powered equipment that may have been stored in basements or storage rooms.
Russell Reid urges residents to use caution when trying to remove flood water from their home or business. A professional should be called to pump the contaminated water, especially if they see an oily sheen or if they smell fumes. Without the proper wastewater pumping equipment, these efforts may result in causing more damage to the property and may harm the environment.
Proper disposal of oil contaminated wastewater is mandated by the EPA. This type of wastewater poses serious threats to people, animals and to our environment if not cleaned up properly and disposed of at an approved facility. Under no circumstances should oil contaminated wastewater be discharged outside to the ground or in to the storm sewers. This will result in the contamination of local drinking water wells and waterways.
Russell Reid is well versed in the pumping, removal and disposal of many types of wastewater and can help perform basement pump out services for anyone affected by the recent storms in NJ and NY. In addition, Russell Reid’s Regulatory and Compliance Department can work to identify a local permitted facility to accept the material for proper disposal, even with the storm related closure of a number of disposal sites in the area.
For more information on basement pump out services for oil contaminated flood water in NJ and NY, please contact Russell Reid at 800-356-4468.
Mr. John and Russell Reid Provide Portable Toilets and Wastewater Pumping to Those Affected by Hurricane Sandy
Are fall hurricanes becoming a trend in the Northeast? It sure seems so after the damage of Irene in 2011 and the destruction, devastation, and complete disaster of Sandy in 2012. With the impact Irene had on the tri-state area last year, the Mr. John and Russell Reid companies did not take the media advisories lightly. The company believed this storm was going to be more severe, which meant their response to storm related requests for portable toilets and wastewater services would be even more demanding.
As Hurricane Sandy quickly approached the Northeast gaining momentum, the company began planning and preparing for any and all emergency calls. Some of the preparation included checking inventory of portable restrooms and portable showers in anticipation of emergency deliveries, gathering fuel for standby generators and setting up temporary power distributions. They checked the computer backup systems to make sure nothing would be lost, set up a call chain for cell phones, and confirmed e-mail addresses. Lastly, the company preloaded all of their portable toilet delivery trailers with clean and ready to go portable toilets in anticipation of responding to calls for emergency relief services.
On Sunday, October 28th, the tri-state area slowly began to shut down. All mass transit stopped running after 7PM and all major bridges, tunnels, and highways were closed due to risks of high winds until further notice. As the fear of the storm grew, offices, shopping centers, local stores, and gas stations began closing for the night and following day as well. The Mr. John and Russell Reid Company closed all their offices on Monday, October 29th for the safety of their workers. Little did they know, the heart of the storm had yet to hit the tri-state area. Monday night people began losing power, trees were falling down, massive flooding was occurring, and all the sewage lines were beginning to back up. At this point, the response for both the Mr. John and Russell Reid Company’s was very important. Luckily, they had a plan of action and were ready to perform in order to provide temporary restrooms and wastewater pumping services.
Tuesday morning was a difficult time for many people, including the workers of the Mr. John and Russell Reid Companies.The electricity in all the offices was out, and emergency calls for portable toilets and waste removal services started to come in. Fortunately, the company was very prepared and ready to respond. As some people were unable to get to work due to damage from the storm, those who made it rose to the occasion. The field service technicians worked hard to fulfill storm related requests despite the dreadful circumstances. The determination and dedication to serving their customers, especially in times of an emergency, is a testament to the quality of work the Mr. John and Russell Reid Companies provide.
Some of the emergency calls the Mr. John and Russell Reid Company received included working closely with the Port Authority to remove storm water from the Holland Tunnel. This required working through the night and weekend to pump all excess water in order to reopen the tunnel to the public. Russell Reid also helped industrial waste water users to manage their output while sewer treatment plants were off line. They were also cleaning storm and sanitary sewer systems to allow normal flows. In addition, the extreme flooding that occurred all over the coast line created a huge demand for cleaning out catch basins and storm drains. Everything was backed up due to the massive amount of sand in the streets. There were also hundreds of temporary restrooms delivered throughoutNew Jersey and NY in response to power outages, destroyed homes, and lack of running water.
Hurricane Sandy has had a huge impact on the tri-state area, especially hard hit areas near the shorelines.Most people were without power for days, but others have lost homes, belongings, pets, cars, etc. The Mr. John and Russell Reid Companies are pleased to have been able to respond to the emergency calls and continue to provide portable toilet and waste related services as the area attempts to get back to normal. Thanks to the hard-working, dedicated staff that was able and willing to respond to customers’ needs regardless of the challenges and issues that rose due to the effects of Hurricane Sandy. The effective plan of emergency action has allowed the company to once again provide quality services in times of crisis.
The Secret Underground – How Wastewater Management Systems Help Protect our Environment
Most of us do not give a second thought to what happens to waste after we get rid of it. ‘Out of sight, out mind’ as they say. The truth is; every piece of discarded trash or debris, whether tossed, flushed or even thrown in the garbage, must be dealt with in some way in order to protect our environment.
You may not know that there are many underground systems in place, silently working to treat or pretreat our waste. These systems range from small tanks to large multi chamber facilities designed to reduce the most amount of pollutants. Some are used to pretreat waste prior to sending it on to municipal waste treatment and others are designed to work independently of the municipal system, performing all phases of treatment on site.
Septic tanks and cesspools may be the most commonly known onsite wastewater management system. They operate independently of the municipal system and employ a natural method of wastewater treatment. Settling and natural breakdown by bacteria is aided by occasional septic pumping to remove solids and the clean water is released back in to the environment. However, without occasional septic system cleaning to remove the solids, this material can be forced in to the drainfield, polluting the land and clogging the soil so that the system may fail over time.
Grease is the most common cause of sewer backups and can clog up municipal wastewater treatment facilities. To help prevent this, most restaurants and food processing establishments have grease traps to help filter grease from the water before it enters the municipal sewer system. Grease traps also use a natural method which includes cooling and separation. Regular grease trap pumping helps remove the solid material to keep it from building up and entering the municipal system or causing a clog or back up. Some municipalities even regulate grease trap maintenance in order to reduce the amount of grease entering and clogging their systems.
In order to combat pollution and protect our water quality, the EPA now mandates that any new development or site that is being expanded, either larger than one acre in size or close to a waterway, must have a stormwater maintenance plan in action. These plans involve having systems on site to pretreat wastewater. Some of these systems treat wastewater that is generated during a manufacturing process or other facility operations. Others are designed to filter out garbage and debris from stormwater to prevent it from entering our waterways.
The old traditional types of stormwater treatment are no longer sufficient and do not remove enough pollutants. Newer treatment systems are designed to remove not only garbage and large particles, but also filter out fine particles such as grease, oil, chemicals and other contaminants. Good examples of these are the StormFilter and Vortechs systems, which are manufactured by Contech Construction Products, Inc.
The StormFilter system is an underground system which collects and treats wastewater using a system of filters. The tank collects large debris such as garbage and the water flows through the filter system which collects smaller particles as well as grease, oil and other pollutants. The Votechs system also collects and treats wastewater prior to discharge, but uses a swirl chamber which separates the pollutants and stores the waste for removal. Both systems require maintenance in order for them to continue to function reliably. Maintenance schedules vary depending on the amount of waste being treated.
In this time of greater environmental concern, more and more people are becoming aware of their impact on the environment. Hopefully, with greater awareness will come more responsibility. Meanwhile, Russell Reid will continue to travel the region and service the silent underground, one stop at a time, in our never ending journey to do our part to help protect the environment.
How a Dumpster Rental Can Make Your Home Renovation or Clean Up Project Easier
Many home projects are started without planning for proper debris disposal. Usually, bulk waste is carted out to the curb in the hopes that one day the municipality will remove these items and dispose of them at the local landfill or disposal facility. While each municipality is different, many have specific regulations regarding the disposal of large household or construction debris. Once you understand the regulations, it may be a while before the items are actually picked up. They will reside on the curb in front of your home, attracting vermin and posing a safety threat to local children until the municipal clean up team can arrange to pick it all up.
Another option is to collect the bulk waste and cart it off in your car to your local disposal facility, one load at a time. Some municipalities may accept this waste and others may not. Some may charge a fee for disposal. Meanwhile, you never realize how much waste you have until you try to fit it all in your car.
For this reason, many people choose to rent a Russell Reid dumpster for their home renovation or clean-up projects. The dumpster can be placed in a convenient location and will hold tons of debris, keeping it safe from local children or curious critters. When your project is complete, Russell Reid will pick up the container immediately and dispose of the contents for you at an approved disposal facility.
Some popular uses for Russell Reid dumpsters include:
DIY or Home Renovation Projects: Roll Off dumpsters are a safe and convenient way to collect debris from any home renovation or do-it-yourself project. Collect lumber or wood scraps, windows, drywall, flooring, old doors, fixtures, pipes, siding or any other type of construction or demolition debris. The items can be placed safely inside a dumpster without having to worry about anyone or anything getting injured by old rusty nails, sharp metal edges or splintered wood.
Landscaping or Yard Waste: Spring or fall yard clean-up activities can generate a large amount of waste. For convenient disposal, use a dumpster to dispose of debris from pruning, trimming, mowing, shrub removal, stone and brick projects, sod, tree stumps, etc. Debris is more effectively contained inside the dumpster and removed before the wind can carry it back to your yard.
Attic, Garage or Whole House Clean Out: A dumpster can help you complete your household clean up job quicker by placing it closer to the area to be cleaned. It also eliminates the eyesore and safety hazard created when piling the bulky items & trash up at the curb. These dumpsters can be filled with old furniture, clothing, broken toys, old mattresses, car and bike parts, carpeting, attic and garage debris or any other type of general household trash.
Some important factors to consider when renting a dumpster for household trash:
Hazardous items or items containing hazardous materials should not be disposed of in a dumpster. These include hazardous chemicals, used motor oil, paints & solvents, tires, fluorescent lights, lead acid or rechargeable batteries, propane tanks, etc. Contact us if you are unsure of any item.
As of 2011, televisions, computers, laptops and monitors are banned from the garbage in accordance with New Jersey’s Electronic Waste Management Act (Act).
If you want the dumpster placed on your driveway, you may want to lay down several pieces of plywood to protect the area from any damage.
For more information or to schedule your Russell Reid dumpster rental, please contact us today!
Contech Construction Products Inc. Names Russell Reid a Preferred Maintenance Service Provider
Contech Construction Products is a company that has offered civil engineering materials for projects such as bridges, drainage improvement, erosion control, storm water filtration, roadways, and retaining walls since 1986. Contech’s line of storm water filtration systems prevents debris and pollutants from entering ground and surface water. This allows any site to function efficiently while complying with State and Federal environmental regulations.
Contech offers different types of storm water management options, such as the CDS, Vortech, and StormFilter systems. Contech suggests that these systems be inspected at a minimum two times a year. Additional inspections may be necessary for filtration systems in locations where winter sanding, equipment wash downs, or where high amounts of refuse accumulate. These conditions may cause a higher volume of buildup and debris in the filters. When cleaning is necessary, a technician will need to enter the storm system, empty and replace the old filters and remove any additional sediment using a vacuum truck.
Contech’s products require specific equipment and skills to inspect and maintain. To ensure the quality and functionality of their equipment Contech Construction Products has selected the Russell Reid Company as a Preferred Service Maintenance Provider for the Tri-State area. Our company’s specialized service background makes us a perfect fit for servicing CDS, Vortech and StormFilter systems. We operate a fleet of specialized Sewer Cleaning Vacuum Trucks engineered to clean and maintain sewer and storm water collection systems. Our highly trained service technicians are OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Act) certified to perform Confined Space Entry. The Russell Reid Company takes pride in performing work with the highest safety standards in the industry.
“Contech Construction Products Inc. has chosen Russell Reid to become our Preferred Service Provider for New Jersey on account of their industry knowledge and willingness to step out into the forefront of the Storm water Maintenance Industry,” says John R. Brown Jr., Contech Maintenance Director in the Eastern United States. He adds “We take comfort in knowing our Storm Filter owners/managers will receive the best service and knowledge the industry has to offer.”
Russell Reid is proud to be named as a Contech Preferred Maintenance Service Provider. We look forward to providing all Contech Construction Product customers with exceptional service for many years to come.
Russell Reid Waste Management Holds Annual Holiday Charity Raffle
It is usually during the holiday season when we begin to shift our focus from ourselves and turn towards others. It is a time of giving and a time to promote the holiday spirit. It is during this time that Russell Reid Waste Management holds their annual Holiday Charity Raffle.
This year’s winner, the FISH Hospitality Program, serves homeless women and families by providing shelter and meals, and helps them to obtain housing, jobs, medical services, and other assistance in order to give them a new opportunity to live independently in their communities. This worthwhile organization was nominated by a very special employee; someone who carries the holiday spirit all year; someone who selflessly donates time and resources to help others less fortunate on a regular basis. This employee is Peggy Lewicki who works in our Accounts Receivable Department in Russell Reid’s Keasbey Headquarters.
Peggy has been volunteering for various charities for many years. She spends every weekend working at her Church, assisting in the nursery and spending time with families of the FISH Hospitality Program. She also delivers clothing and food to local pantries/kitchens and encourages her children to participate. While there are many reasons people volunteer, Peggy says she believes in “Paying it Forward.” “You will find the reasons people volunteer on the faces of those who need help” she said. “ I see it all the time, and am so grateful to be able to offer that comfort and to see the smile on the innocent faces of children when you provide the smallest gesture.“
Peggy also instills compassion in her children. “I want them to understand that life doesn’t always go your way. Anyone can end up in a bad situation and when they do, others need to be there to help pick up the pieces. It’s what anyone would want if faced with that hardship.”
It was an especially happy moment when Peggy’s charity was selected in the annual Russell Reid/Mr. John holiday raffle. Peggy was thrilled that the FISH Hospitality Program was selected to receive the donation; a check for $2500.00 that will help them continue their good work.
Russell Reid/Mr. John has been providing local charities with holiday donations in lieu of holiday cards and customer gifts for the past several years. This program was started during the economic downturn and has become an annual tradition that employees and customers alike greatly appreciate. “We are so grateful to our customers,” said Viola Sarkantyus, Marketing Manager. “It is because of them that we are able to provide this gift each year and we are pleased to be able to honor them in such a meaningful way”.
New Jersey Septic Tank Pumping Helps Reduce the Risk of Well Water Contamination
For homeowners in New Jersey, septic system maintenance should be as much a part of normal home maintenance as raking leaves in the fall. Unfortunately, while it is obvious when your lawn needs a cleanup, it’s much easier to forget about septic tank pumping. As a result, not all NJ septic system owners have their tank pumped as often as they should. Unlike other household tasks, if septic service is neglected there can be serious repercussions, especially for those who also have well water on their property.
Health Risks of Neglecting Septic Maintenance in New Jersey
It is important to note that having both a septic system and well water at your home is perfectly safe, as long as both systems are properly maintained. However, when regular septic tank pumping is not performed, well water contamination can occur. Contamination not only changes the look and taste of your water but it can also be a source of disease and other health problems. These issues can range from stomach problems to cholera and hepatitis A. If an elderly person, pregnant woman or small child lives in your home, this is especially dangerous since they are more susceptible to disease. Water contaminated by a septic system can cause a potentially fatal condition unique to infants called methemoglobinemia, also known as blue baby syndrome. This condition hinders the bloods ability to carry oxygen, causing the skin to take on bluish tint and earning the disease its unpleasant nickname.
How Septic Systems Contaminate Wells
The health problems are serious but they can easily be avoided. The best way to prevent this kind of contamination is to make sure you have routine septic pumping services performed by Russell Reid. For most people, this means getting serviced once every two to five years based on the size of your tank and how many people are using it regularly. If a septic tank is not pumped out often enough, solids collect and take up space in the tank. When the tank is too full, wastewater is forced out before solids in the water have time to settle to the bottom. When wastewater is pushed out before it is fully filtered, the solids that remain in the water are pushed out with it. This can cause contamination in two ways. The water and waste particles can find their way directly into the well or it can clog the drain field. Drain fields are not meant to handle particles in water over a certain size, and if materials that are too large get in there, it will clog. Every time water goes through the drain field in the future, it will wash over these waste solids, contaminating water headed for the well. It is also possible that the wastewater and the stowaway waste particles may find a way to enter the well directly.
When a well and septic system are both present, regular septic tank maintenance is crucial and the consequences from putting off this task can be harmful. However, if you are diligent about regular septic pumping there is no reason your septic and well can’t coexist for many years without any negative effects on you or your family. If you are unsure of how often our tank should be pumped, feel free to contact us for more information.
