ASTM International has presented Steve Sandstrum, director of business development at ISCO Industries LLC, with the ASTM International Award of Merit and accompanying title of fellow.  The Award of Merit is the highest organizational recognition for individual contributions to ASTM standards activities.

Sandstrum was cited ”for outstanding dedication, meritorious service and leadership in Committee F17 on Plastic Piping Systems toward the issuance of nationally recognized standards which have enhanced the reliability, durability and safety of plastics in piping systems.”  A member of ASTM International since 1986, Sandstrum is recording secretary of Committee F17 and chairs Subcommittee F17.26 on Olefin Based Pipe. 

A graduate of Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Okla., where he earned a B.S. in zoology and an M.S. in industrial engineering, Sandstrum held various technical and managerial positions at Phillips Driscopipe Inc., Solvay Polymers Inc. and BP Solvay Polyethylene North America before joining the staff at ISCO as national accounts manager in 2005.  He assumed his current role in 2008. He has worked in all aspects of the polyethylene pipe industry, including resin production and pipe manufacturing.  He holds three patents and has published and presented numerous papers on polyethylene pipe, quality assurance and standards development.

Outside ASTM International, Sandstrum is an active member of the American Water Works Association and the American Gas Association as well as the National Society of Professional Engineers.  In addition, he has served as president of both the Plastics Pipe Institute and the Plastics Pipe and Fitting Association. 

Release #8219