John Buchanan, PhD, PE is an associate professor in the Department of Biosystems Engineering and Soil Science Department at the University of Tennessee where he is also the director of the Construction Science and Management Program. His experience includes teaching, research, and extension work in the areas of soil erosion prevention, sediment control, water quality, and agricultural waste management. He is past president of the Tennessee chapter of the Soil and Water Conservation Society and has served on the board of the Tennessee Onsite Wastewater Association (TOWA). Dr. Buchanan is active as a speaker at seminars, workshops, and conferences both regionally and nationally on the subject of onsite wastewater and is a registered professional engineer in Tennessee.