Field learning lab, wastewater classroom dedicated at Lake Wheeler Road Training Facility
N.C. State University's Lake Wheeler Road Training Facility was the site of the April 26 dedication of the J. Edward Booth Field Learning Laboratory and the Rollin Johnson and T&J Panel Soils and On-Site Wastewater Classroom. The new lab building and classroom within will be used for programs in the university's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.
The facilities were made possible through the respective contributions of J. Edward Booth, a Chatham County farmer who participated in pioneering wastewater research projects in that county, and Tim Johnson, Iredell County owner of T&J Panel Inc. and developer of the advanced wastewater treatment technology, the T&J Panel Treatment System.
The building will act as a hub for the hands-on field training and demonstrations that focus on a range of environmental uses of land that are conducted throughout the Lake Wheeler Road Field Laboratory. These activities are led primarily by faculty and students in the CALS Department of Soil Science, Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering and the Department of Entomology, as well as practicing professionals who come to this site from throughout the state and nation.
CALS Dean Johnny Wynne led the unveiling of dedication plaques that will be hung at the entrance of the lab building and outside the door of the classroom.
Wynne described Booth as "a farmer, logger and well-respected sage whose advice and insight are sought by many throughout his community" and someone who "has dedicated his life to enhancing the living environment and natural resources in Chatham County. This gift represents Mr. Booth's dedication to the future of the soils and on-site wastewater-training program. On behalf of N.C. State and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, thank you, Mr. Booth, for this gift and all you have and continue to do in support of new technologies that allow people to safely use their land."
With Booth at the ceremonies were his daughter, Kathryn Stewart; his grandson, Ian Stewart, and his wife, Wendy; and his brother-in-law, Warren Bailey, and his wife, Ruth.
Dr. Mike Hoover, Soil Science, led in conveying thanks to Tim Johnson at the classroom naming ceremonies in honor of Johnson's father, Rollin.
Hoover told the audience that, before retiring from the Iredell County Health Department in 1984, Rollin Johnson convinced the Iredell County Board of Health, county commissioners and other county health departments and state officials to work together to come up with the first quality control program for pre-cast septic tanks.
"This program was so effective and forward thinking that much of it still remains in the state sewage rules to this day," Hoover said. "Tim Johnson has been a long-time supporter of our annual wastewater treatment conference. To honor Rollin Johnson and to recognize the value of educational opportunities, Tim has named the classroom at this building for his father."
Accompanying Tim Johnson were his mother, Lois; his son, Ryan, a CALS soil science student; his brother, Tom; and his sister, Nancy Parker, along with her husband, Jim, and their son, Brian.
More than 200 practicing professionals from throughout the state also attended. Many have assisted in developing demonstrations and educational displays or have helped CALS faculty teach training programs. "We hope that each of you here today feels our appreciation," Hoover said. "We understand we could not be here if it weren't for you."
- Terri Leith
Tim Johnson (top) and J. Edward Booth (bottom) attend the unveiling of commemorative plaques at the new facilities.
Photos by Becky Kirkland
Photos by Becky Kirkland
The building will act as a hub for the hands-on field training and demonstrations that focus on a range of environmental uses of land that are conducted throughout the Lake Wheeler Road Field Laboratory. These activities are led primarily by faculty and students in the CALS Department of Soil Science, Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering and the Department of Entomology, as well as practicing professionals who come to this site from throughout the state and nation.
CALS Dean Johnny Wynne led the unveiling of dedication plaques that will be hung at the entrance of the lab building and outside the door of the classroom.
Wynne described Booth as "a farmer, logger and well-respected sage whose advice and insight are sought by many throughout his community" and someone who "has dedicated his life to enhancing the living environment and natural resources in Chatham County. This gift represents Mr. Booth's dedication to the future of the soils and on-site wastewater-training program. On behalf of N.C. State and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, thank you, Mr. Booth, for this gift and all you have and continue to do in support of new technologies that allow people to safely use their land."
With Booth at the ceremonies were his daughter, Kathryn Stewart; his grandson, Ian Stewart, and his wife, Wendy; and his brother-in-law, Warren Bailey, and his wife, Ruth.
Dr. Mike Hoover, Soil Science, led in conveying thanks to Tim Johnson at the classroom naming ceremonies in honor of Johnson's father, Rollin.
Hoover told the audience that, before retiring from the Iredell County Health Department in 1984, Rollin Johnson convinced the Iredell County Board of Health, county commissioners and other county health departments and state officials to work together to come up with the first quality control program for pre-cast septic tanks.
"This program was so effective and forward thinking that much of it still remains in the state sewage rules to this day," Hoover said. "Tim Johnson has been a long-time supporter of our annual wastewater treatment conference. To honor Rollin Johnson and to recognize the value of educational opportunities, Tim has named the classroom at this building for his father."
Accompanying Tim Johnson were his mother, Lois; his son, Ryan, a CALS soil science student; his brother, Tom; and his sister, Nancy Parker, along with her husband, Jim, and their son, Brian.
More than 200 practicing professionals from throughout the state also attended. Many have assisted in developing demonstrations and educational displays or have helped CALS faculty teach training programs. "We hope that each of you here today feels our appreciation," Hoover said. "We understand we could not be here if it weren't for you."
- Terri Leith