A US technology company providing advanced engineering solutions for the optimization of water and wastewater treatment in utility and industrial applications has announced the appointment of William (Bill) Decker as vice president of water and wastewater treatment technologies. 

In the newly created position, Decker will lead the growth and development of Fuel Tech’s trademarked Dissolved Gas Infusion (DGI) technology, including business development, sales and marketing, and new product development and commercialization. 

DGI provides a highly efficient alternative to existing aeration technologies for use in utility and industrial applications. Validation testing shows DGI delivers greater than 99% transfer of oxygen when applied to a treated body of water.

Two technologies are used in combination to ensure optimal and precise gas delivery to target water and wastewater processes. These include a next generation pressurized saturator for gas transfer of the oxygen solution to a slipstream of water; and an innovative channel injector delivery system to distribute oxygenated water that virtually eliminates gas loss from a targeted body of water.

Fuel Tech has received a notice of allowance from the US Patent & Trademark Office for the patent application for the saturator, and the application for the innovative channel injector is pending.

“Fuel Tech’s best-in-class Dissolved Gas Infusion technology offers a flexible, sustainable and cost-effective water and wastewater treatment solution,” said Decker. “I am excited to be part of a company with a rich history of technological excellence, quality and integrity, and I look forward to helping foster the growth of this effective and exciting water treatment solution.”

Bill Decker brings more than 30 years of engineering, operational, and financial experience to Fuel Tech. He has served industrial and municipal water and wastewater clients across the United States and internationally. 

He joins Fuel Tech from Aqua-Aerobic Systems, a global leader in the design, application, and manufacture of water and wastewater treatment equipment and systems, where he served as vice president and general manager of equipment service group since 2012. 

Vincent J. Arnone, president and chief executive of Fuel Tech said, “Bill’s wealth of relevant experience and industry relationships make him ideal to guide our DGI business and introduce Fuel Tech’s innovative water treatment solutions to municipal and industrial customers worldwide.

“I look forward to collaborating with Bill as we launch this exciting new business initiative and address the important global issues of water pollution and sustainability.  I also want to thank Austin Meyermann, chief executive of Hunter Crown, an executive search firm focused on the water and wastewater industry, for his contribution in this successful search.” 

Previously Decker was president of Aquionics, a supplier of UV disinfection systems, and held positions of increasing responsibility at Ashbrook Simon-Hartley, a global provider of water and wastewater treatment services. 

Decker has worked with the US Federal Government and was selected five times by the Secretary of Commerce to serve on the Environmental Technologies Trade Advisory Committee (ETTAC), including twice as chairman.  ETTAC makes recommendations on issues that affect export competitiveness of US environmental technologies.

In November 2022, Decker was elected chairman of the Water & Wastewater Equipment Manufacturers Association (WWEMA), a Washington DC-based non-profit trade association representing water and wastewater technology and service providers since 1908.  WWEMA works closely with Congress and other regulatory agencies by monitoring legislative actions, testifying before congressional committees, and advocating for funding to meet environmental goals.

Decker earned his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering (BSCE) from the US Air Force Academy and served as a USAF civil engineering officer for six years following his graduation.  He rose to the rank of captain prior to his honourable discharge. Decker is continuing his education and is currently pursuing a master's degree in occupational safety and health.