- (800) 972-9940
- Batesville, Indiana 47006
- Monday - Friday 8 AM - 5 PM
- [email protected]
I’m not sure if it’s appropriate to tell the founder’s personal story on the business website, but I’d like you to get to know me. My name is Kevin, and I graduated from Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology in 1982, a small engineering school located in Terre Haute, IN. Rose’s claim to fame is that it has been selected by U.S. News and World Reports as the nation’s top undergraduate engineering school for 24 years in a row as of 2023.
I have received a BS in civil engineering, and specialized in environmental engineering, with a specialty in water and wastewater. I worked for a consulting engineering firm during summer breaks while in college, and stayed with that firm after I graduated for a few years. Afterwards, I was a project engineer for a large private water company in northwest Indiana, and worked in their operations division. I became an Indiana licensed water treatment plant operator, and most importantly, learned how to design projects, help build them, and operate the water treatment facility.
After a couple years at the water company, I had the opportunity to move back to my hometown, and become the city engineer and wastewater utility manager. I became an Indiana licensed wastewater treatment plant operator, and learned a great deal about hands-on operation, equipment maintenance, and utility management. I became a licensed professional engineer in 1986, and designed the city’s water and wastewater infrastructure improvements. I also became experienced in drainage, streets, and building design since I was also the city’s building inspector. This was also a very hands-on job, as I learned how to install sewers, work on equipment, and build projects.
I began moonlighting with the city’s approval as a consulting engineer on projects outside the city, and in 1989 I resigned my government position, and started my own engineering firm. Over time my company grew to several engineers, support staff, and surveying crews, and we worked on projects for municipalities, industry, business, and private developers. We began to specialize in water and wastewater projects, and became experienced in designing systems for small communities.
These projects were very interesting, but were also challenging, as we had to try and keep costs affordable for the residents of these communities. It seemed we could always obtain funding for the design and construction of the systems, but it was a challenge to keep the operating and maintenance costs affordable. We had some of these projects fall apart after investing considerable up-front engineering resources, and it was frustrating for both us, and the residents of these communities.
In the mid-1990’s, I began to research alternate wastewater collection and treatment systems to try and find a solution to the high costs of conventional systems. I developed a package recirculating media filter called the EnviroFilter, and obtained several patents on this technology. I ended up licensing the technology to several companies over the years, and there were more than 300 of these systems installed in several states. Patent licensing was a good and bad experience. Some of our licensees did very well, and provided excellent service to their customers, while others did not.
I learned to fly in 1996, and had purchased several planes to use for business and personal travel. In 2004, I began searching for a well-equipped Cessna 182 with the turbocharged engine and retractable landing gear. I spent several months looking for the perfect airplane, and finally found a good candidate in Sarasota, FL.
As you can see by the picture, it was a great looking airplane. It was also well maintained, and happened to be owned by the Executive Director of the Dattoli Cancer Center in Sarasota. The owner, Don Kaltenbach was a pilot, attorney, and prostate cancer survivor who decided to use his legal talents to serve others.
I ended up purchasing the airplane, and Don gave me a copy of a book he wrote about surviving prostate cancer. Little did I know that this airplane, and Don’s book would save my life!
In 2008, my life changed forever. I went in for a routine prostate cancer screening at age 48, and found out I had advanced prostate cancer. The cancer had metastasized to my lymph nodes, and possibly other parts of my body. The local prognosis was not very good, but then I remembered the book Don had given me. I found it, and eagerly read about the innovative prostate cancer treatment being performed at the Dattoli Cancer Center. Their cure rate for men with advanced prostate cancer was much better than other treatment alternatives, and the negative “side-effects” associated with prostate cancer treatment were also reduced.
I immediately contacted them, and found that Don had retired. They reviewed my biopsy and test results, and said they thought they could help me. I went to Sarasota, and underwent a couple of months of intensity modulated radiotherapy, had radioactive seeds implanted into my prostate, had more radiation for my lymph nodes and suspected cancerous areas, and spent about 18 months on very powerful drugs. Overall, I went through about 3 years of treatment and recovery from the drug therapy. It was all worth it though, as I am currently cancer free thanks to the fine folks at the Dattoli Cancer Center, and the airplane (divine intervention) that led me there!
I have now recovered from my cancer treatment, but it is something I will never forget. God gave me another chance at life, and I sure appreciate it much more. I volunteer at a Cincinnati-area prostate cancer support group called the PCIG (Prostate Cancer Information Group). If you or anyone you know is diagnosed with prostate cancer, please direct them to our website at https://www.cincinnatiprostate.org/. They can also call me to get unbiased information about prostate cancer treatments, treatment side effects, or other questions they may have. I really enjoy helping men with prostate cancer make informed decisions about how to deal with this disease. I also highly recommend the Dattoli Cancer Center because these wonderful people saved my life, and I will be forever grateful. Dr. Dattoli’s website is https://dattoli.com.
After battling the cancer, I decided to discontinue licensing my patents to other firms, and returned to designing and manufacturing package wastewater treatment systems. We now have several people involved, and are growing. We look forward to working with you, and hope that in some small way, our work and efforts can help make our world’s water a little cleaner. God bless.
earthTek is dedicated to empowering communities and businesses across a broad spectrum with superior wastewater treatment solutions. Our commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable practices drives us to extend our services to a diverse range of locations. We are ready to meet the demands of any project, regardless of its scale or complexity, in any location. We have completed successful wastewater treatment plants all throughout the United States, Canada, and Central America. Our team of experts is equipped to bring our wastewater treatment plant designs to your doorstep, ensuring that every client receives the precise solution needed to tackle their specific wastewater challenges. Through seamless integration of innovation and expertise, we aim to facilitate projects that not only comply with, but set new standards in wastewater management within these areas. Our presence is continuously expanding, aiming to include more regions and communities seeking to enhance their wastewater treatment capabilities. For detailed information about whether your project falls within our service coverage, and to discover how earthTek can contribute to your wastewater treatment project, reaching out to our customer service team is your next step toward achieving a custom-designed, efficient, and compliant wastewater treatment solution.
Harvest Caye Wastewater Treatment Plant Supervisor
“I love the plant! It is easy to operate once you have been properly trained, which they come to your plant to do. The latest results average 5 mg/l BOD, 8 mg/l TSS, 0.3 mg/l ammonia, 9.1 mg/l DO, and pH 7.5. Plus, Kevin and his staff are always readily available to ask any questions. Being able to operate the plant from your home or anywhere, for that matter, is a plus too.”
Licensed Plant Operator
“I feel very confident in our SBR system. Our effluent is very clear and our laboratory tested TSS at 5 ppm. We are using our effluent water to irrigate our plants with no odor or solids.”
Facilities Manager
“I operate three different Class 1 plants, and this plant works great. I tell everyone that all Class 1 plants in the state should be this type of plant.”
Licensed Plant Operator
Our MBBR plant works great and is very simple to operate. The design modeling the earthTek team did was SPOT ON when we got the operation up and running. The MBBR has been very robust to load fluctuations, and we are now able to run Non-Detect Ammonia, even in the winter.
Kopp Turkey, Inc.
The plants have been operating very well – within permit requirements. The adjustments that you have recommended have cleared up many of the issues we were having. Thank you again for your continued willingness to provide us with counsel and assistance.
Ocean Canyon Properties, LLC
Working with Joe and his staff makes my job much easier. It’s like having extra guys on call 24/7, that you can depend on. Our plant operates great!
Noble County Water/Wastewater Superintendent
EarthTek has been very helpful with all of my plants needs. Always available when I call with questions and concerns about my plant. Very good service and reliability. Highly recommend!
Head of Maintenance
Ready to explore a custom-designed wastewater treatment solution that’s perfectly aligned with your specific needs? The earthTek team is here to guide you through every step of the process, from initial consultation, to design, installation, and beyond. Whether you’re tackling the challenges of managing an industrial application for a business, or seeking an innovative solution for your municipality, we’re prepared to deliver a system that meets your requirements with precision and expertise. Don’t let wastewater treatment complexities hold your business or community back. Reach out to us today to start the conversation about how we can support your project. Contact our expert team by calling our dedicated customer service line, or filling out the contact form on our website. At earthTek, we are excited to be your partner in achieving efficient, compliant, and sustainable wastewater treatment solutions.
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Our SBR wastewater treatment plant has consistently delivered excellent results. The system operates efficiently, producing high-quality effluent that meets all required parameters. We’re particularly pleased with the consistent performance, and the fact that the treated effluent is suitable for irrigation on our island. Overall, our SBR has proven to be a reliable and effective solution for wastewater treatment.”