My Profile
Tom Falk, P.E.
CDM Smith
Tom Falk is a Civil/Environmental Engineer specializing in the delivery of water projects throughout California for over 17 years. His experience includes management of multi-discipline teams from planning through construction. He enjoys building consensus across management, engineering, and operations to develop agency-focused solutions.
As an active member of CWEA, Tom has proudly served on the state conference planning committee for over 10 years. He is regular contributor to his local San Diego Section and was previously recognized as the Young Professional of the Year by the San Diego Section. He has facilitated technical sessions at local section meetings, regional workshops, and at the state conference.
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.