At the time the MWRA came into existence, around 1985, Honeywell was required to meet the new sewer discharge regulations. Honeywell made the huge monetary commitment and hired Tetra-Tech, headquartered in Florida, to design and build a state-of-the art treatment facility. At the time, this facility included the first computer-controlled process.

Working at Honeywell allowed Gary to exercise his engineering knowledge in conjunction with his mechanical/electrical interests. Gary passed his Massachusetts Grade 2 Industrial Wastewater Operator’s License Exam and after completing his second co-op term he passed the Grade 4 license.

During his cooperative experience, Gary saw many places where improvements could be made. He noticed the poor transition of science to its application in treatment facilities. Gary witnessed first-hand ineffective practices such as the location of a valve under a staircase, almost inaccessible, which needed to be opened/closed daily. The equipment needed to be completely disassembled for monthly maintenance, and the choice of materials for an application was inadequate.

Upon graduation Gary continued to see these same issues practiced in the other companies where he worked. Since water/wastewater engineers typically don’t have enough first-hand experience to design systems that are easy to operate or understand the details (materials of construction) that the trade needs for successful long-term system operation, Gary’s experiences gave him an expertise not held by other engineers. When constructing a system, the last person to have any input is the operator, like Gary, who often has a wealth of knowledge regarding best practices.

Gary started the company from his Boston apartment in 1993. The company name, Practical Applications Inc. was a direct result of Gary’s experiences in the field. He wanted to create a team that could deliver water and wastewater science that was applied practically and designed individually for each company’s specific needs. Gary saw an area of need in the field and filled that need with real-world skills combined with a proven scientific knowledge.

Today PAI is committed to delivering advances in water science that are applied practically such that our customers enjoy both an innovative solution that is also economical to operate.

Gary J. Broberg, PE
President & CEO
Massachusetts Grade 6 Licensed Wastewater Operator