Did you know that this podcast is produced by Digital Stormwater? Digital Stormwater B2B Visibility & Digital Marketing, making a difference in stormwater 1 click at a time! They do all things digital. Check them out at DigitalStormwater.com because the best-known beats best every time.

[00:02:00] Introduction to Jamie McCutchen and Rymar Waterworks

[00:05:00] Basics of Skimmer Basin Design Jamie outlines the three fundamental principles: basin volume, dewatering time, and flow rate.

[00:08:00] State Standards for Sediment Basins

[00:13:00] Why Specifying Skimmer Flow Rates Matters “If you just say ‘three-inch skimmer’ and don’t specify the flow rate, you might end up with one that flows half or double what you intended.” — Jamie McCutchen

[00:14:00] Free Skimmer Design Tools from Rymar Jamie walks through their web-based tool to help engineers specify acceptable flow ranges and choose the right skimmer.

[00:21:00] Good vs. Bad Skimmer Installations

[00:23:00] Using Skimmers for Post-Construction “If we’re pulling water from the surface during construction, which is cleaner, why not do that post-construction too?” — Jamie McCutchen

[00:28:00] Modeling Skimmers in HydroFlow

[00:32:00] Filtration-Based Water Quality Design Jamie introduces a two-stage filtration skimmer system designed to handle flow up to the two-year storm event and tested to ASTM standards.

[00:38:00] Benefits of Skimmer + Filtration Systems “You're treating even the smallest trickles, not just first flush volumes. And the skimmer makes filter maintenance much easier.” — Jamie McCutchen

[00:42:00] Volume-Based vs. Filtration-Based Design Comparison

[00:51:00] Summary of Results “With the filtration skimmer system, you're reducing pond size, treating more runoff, and improving water quality.” — Jamie McCutchen

[00:53:00] The Marlee Float and Digital Sitebox

[01:00:00] The Origin of the Marlee Float “My daughter Marlee was elbowing me all night and I couldn’t sleep. That’s when I thought of the skimmer design.” — Jamie McCutchen

In this episode of Stormwater World Live, host Ty speaks with Jamie McCutchen, P.E., founder of Rymar Waterworks, about the design and application of skimmers in stormwater drainage systems. Jamie explains the fundamentals of skimmer basin design for both construction and post-construction use, emphasizing the importance of flow rate specification and sharing examples from state guidelines. He introduces a new filtration-based design that improves water quality treatment by combining surface-level skimming with a two-stage filter, supported by ASTM-tested results. The discussion includes practical modeling steps using HydroFlow, tips on skimmer installation, and a comparison of filtration-based versus volume-based water quality designs. Jamie also shares the origin story behind the Marlee Float and highlights innovations like the Digital Sitebox for jobsite compliance.

The views expressed are that of the individual and do not represent the opinions of any companies past, present or future.

Connect with Jamie McCutchen:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamiemccutchen/

Website: https://rymarwaterworks.com/

Connect with Ty Garmon, LEED AP:

Connect with Ty on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tygarmon/

Sign up to be a guest: https://forms.gle/whijSz9Tio3iZda57

Check out The Stormwater World Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9hVXVJ5oXplf_V9XOPpR6A

Podcast Website: https://stormwaterworld.com

Stay Informed! Sign-up for the Stormwater World Newsletter: https://stormwaterworld.com/newsletter-sign-up/

Please don't forget to rate, comment, and subscribe to Stormwater World Podcast on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts!

Stormwater World Episode 052: Company Culture, Sales Processes, AI & more! with Dan Strauss from Syman Erosion Control

Did you know that this podcast is produced by Digital Stormwater? Digital Stormwater B2B Visibility & Digital Marketing, making a difference in stormwater 1 click at a time! They do all things digital. Check them out at DigitalStormwater.com because the best-known beats best every time.

[00:02:00] – Meet Dan Strauss Ty introduces Dan.

[00:04:00] – Business in the Stormwater World Dan discusses a gap in the industry:

“We’re really not talking about business. We’re not talking about why we’re all here: because we want to make money.” — Dan Strauss

[00:07:00] – Becoming Employee-Owned Dan explains Syman’s growth:

“We went from having two people in the business and now we have about 85.” — Dan Strauss

[00:13:00] – Sales & Marketing in Technical Fields Dan emphasizes the importance of outreach:

“You can’t just go to a conference and say, ‘cool, check this out.’” — Dan Strauss “Best known beats best.” — Ty

[00:18:00] – Hiring Matrix & Growth Strategy Dan on professionalizing operations:

“If you feel like you want to grow, you need help. We recently have come up with a hiring matrix.” — Dan Strauss

[00:24:00] – Maintaining Company Culture Dan shares how they retain team morale:

“A lot of it has to do with autonomy. Here’s the tools you need to do your job, and then walk away.” — Dan Strauss

[00:29:00] – What Syman Erosion Control Does Dan gives the overview:

“We design from the ground up.” — Dan Strauss

[00:32:00] – AI in Stormwater Dan and Ty discuss how AI can enhance productivity.

[00:38:00] – Using AI to Train Teams

“How do we extrapolate that information out of someone’s head unless he’s sitting here with me training me?” — Dan Strauss

[00:46:00] – Technology, Drones & Inspection Dan on evolving practices:

“They were using the AI software to identify BMPs. It is making us money.” — Dan Strauss

[00:50:00] – What’s Next for Syman

“Our next big thing is opening up our fourth location, that’s going to trigger our executive team to change a little bit.” — Dan Strauss

In this episode of the Stormwater World Podcast, Ty interviews Dan Strauss, Business Development Manager at Syman Erosion Control. They explore the intersection of business development, company culture, and technology in the stormwater industry. Dan shares how Syman grew from two people to an employee-owned company with over 85 staff, highlighting the importance of hiring intentionally, maintaining a strong culture through autonomy and leadership, and using tools like AI to streamline training and operations. The conversation also touches on how the industry could benefit from more focus on business growth and marketing at conferences, and how AI is already reshaping how stormwater professionals access and apply information.

The views expressed are that of the individual and do not represent the opinions of any companies past, present or future.

Connect with Dan Strauss:

Email: d.strauss@symaninc.com

Website: https://symancompany.com/

Connect with Ty Garmon, LEED AP:

Connect with Ty on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tygarmon/

Sign up to be a guest: https://forms.gle/whijSz9Tio3iZda57

Check out The Stormwater World Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9hVXVJ5oXplf_V9XOPpR6A

Podcast Website: https://stormwaterworld.com

Stay Informed! Sign-up for the Stormwater World Newsletter: https://stormwaterworld.com/newsletter-sign-up/

Please don't forget to rate, comment, and subscribe to Stormwater World Podcast on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts!

Did you know that this podcast is produced by Digital Stormwater? Digital Stormwater B2B Visibility & Digital Marketing, making a difference in stormwater 1 click at a time! They do all things digital. Check them out at DigitalStormwater.com because the best-known beats best every time.

[00:02:00] Introduction Ty introduces Dr. Kyla Wood as “the Wizard of Flocculent,” and she kicks off her technical presentation.

[00:04:00] Origins and Safety of PAM Dr. Wood explains how polyacrylamides (PAMs) originated in mining and have been adapted for stormwater.

“What we really focus on is making sure we’re using high-quality products that have been toxicity tested” – Dr. Kyla Wood

[00:06:00] Why Use Flocculants? Discussing why traditional BMPs often fall short in treating fine particles like silts and clays.

“Even when we do everything right, we can have a pretty high turbidity.” – Dr. Kyla Wood

[00:10:00] What Is Polyacrylamide (PAM)? A deep dive into PAM’s uses, safety profile, and why anionic forms are preferred in passive treatment systems.

[00:14:00] How PAM Works: The Science of Flocculation Explains the polymer chain reaction and visual examples of clear vs. untreated water.

“It kind of looks like a grain of sand, when it gets wet, it'll unwind.” – Dr. Kyla Wood

[00:17:00] Ensuring Safe Use: Product Selection and Certification Key considerations: anionic charge, toxicity testing, and NSF certification.

[00:19:00] Fundamentals for Effective Use Formulation, dosage, mixing time, and flock capture techniques.

“One polymer does not work on all soil and water.” – Dr. Kyla Wood

[00:27:00] Polymer-Enhanced BMPs Use of flocculants in erosion control, sediment basins, and drain treatments.

[00:43:00] Enhanced Vegetation & Hydro Seeding The role of PAM in plant growth and hydro seeding applications.

[00:45:00] Lesser-Known Uses: Demucking & Dust Control Unique and practical applications of PAM for sediment removal and reducing dust.

“PAM offers a really great non-salt option.” – Dr. Kyla Wood

[00:51:00] Final Thoughts Ty and Kyla wrap up the session with appreciation and a nod to upcoming experiments.

“Use us as a resource if you have any questions, that’s what we’re here for.” – Dr. Kyla Wood

In this episode of the Stormwater World Podcast, Ty hosts Dr. Kyla Wood, Chief Science Officer at Applied Polymer Systems, for a technical deep dive into flocculants, specifically anionic polyacrylamide (PAM), and their role in stormwater management and erosion control. Dr. Wood explains how PAM works at the molecular level to bind fine particles like clay and metal, improving water clarity and enhancing traditional BMPs. She shares practical guidance on formulation, dosage, mixing, and flock capture, as well as real-world examples of polymer-enhanced BMPs, erosion control techniques, and innovative uses like demucking and dust suppression. The episode emphasizes environmental safety, regulatory compliance, and the importance of proper product selection and application.

The views expressed are that of the individual and do not represent the opinions of any companies past, present or future.

Connect with Dr. Kyla Wood, PhD:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyla-iwinski-wood-phd-958890228/

Website: https://www.apsfloc.com/

Connect with Ty Garmon, LEED AP:

Connect with Ty on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tygarmon/

Sign up to be a guest: https://forms.gle/whijSz9Tio3iZda57

Check out The Stormwater World Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9hVXVJ5oXplf_V9XOPpR6A

Podcast Website: https://stormwaterworld.com

Stay Informed! Sign-up for the Stormwater World Newsletter: https://stormwaterworld.com/newsletter-sign-up/

Please don't forget to rate, comment, and subscribe to Stormwater World Podcast on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts!