Arlington Re-Gen Employee Spotlight

Number of Years with WPCP: 10 years

Q: Can you tell me about your role at the Water Pollution Control Plant?
I oversee the mechanical equipment at the plant, as well as the 11 lift stations we operate throughout Arlington County. These lift stations are designed to help transport wastewater from low-lying areas to higher elevations, facilitating its movement through the sewer system to the Water Pollution Control Plant.

My team of ten people and I also perform preventative maintenance and repairs on sewer pipes, pumps, valves, and other equipment essential for the proper functioning of the wastewater system in our community. In addition, we handle emergency situations, such as resetting a pump or activating a generator at a lift station in the event of a power outage.

Q: What inspired you to pursue your current career path?
Throughout my career, I have always been involved in mechanical work. I started as an automotive mechanic; however, I wanted a change and a new challenge. When I learned about the wastewater technician trainee program, it caught my interest.

After completing the four-year training program, I became a technician. However, I aspired to be a supervisor, so I sought an opportunity for that role. I was inspired to pursue this path by a supervisor I had in the past. I saw how he motivated people, cared about them, and helped to build relationships. He truly cared about individuals, not just their work, and I envisioned myself in a similar position.

Q: How do you support the Arlington Re-Gen program?
I bring my mechanical experience to the table. Additionally, since my team will be the ones working on the new equipment once it is installed, I make sure that I have input from our entire team. We work collaboratively to present ideas to the larger Re-Gen team about the mechanical aspects of the program.

We provide recommendations for the best equipment to use and the location of that equipment to ensure it aligns with the current and future operations of the plant. We make sure there is enough room around the equipment for routine maintenance and repairs as well as ways to take the equipment to our shop like hoists and rollup doors. Our goal is to help the team identify where the equipment will be most beneficial.

Q: What have been some lessons learned by working with the Arlington Re-Gen program team?
It has been amazing to see just how many people are involved in the planning and design of this project. Our primary challenge is determining how to fit all of the equipment into the limited space available.

During the process, I discovered that one of my team members has extensive knowledge about thermal hydrolysis processing.

As for me, I tend to be more reserved, but my goal is to become more vocal in discussions. I want to remember that my voice matters and ensure that I actively participate in the process while properly representing the interests of the mechanical team.

Q: What is something you wish more people knew or understood about the WPCP and the Re-Gen program?
I wish more people knew that not all bad smells mean something is wrong. Also, their individual habits impact Arlington County's entire system. “Flushable” wipes are a real issue for us; we pull them out of the pumps at least three times a week.

It is important to be mindful of what is thrown down the sewer drains because that also ends up in the wastewater system. I've seen some interesting things at lift stations and other parts of the system, including bottles and other plastics caught in the plant's wet wells. The strangest thing I've found was a clamp for a concrete truck at one of our lift stations. All of these things impact our work cleaning wastewater and safely returning it to the river.

Lastly, I wish more people knew about the Re-Gen program. It is helping us move towards being more environmentally friendly. The program will create biogas and Class A biosolids, which can be used as a soil enhancer for plants and gardens.

Q: What do you enjoy most about working on the Arlington Re-Gen program?

What I enjoy most about working on the Re-Gen program is hearing everyone's perspectives, especially from their different areas of expertise. The collaboration and knowledge sharing are incredible.

Every day at the plant brings something new. I would find it boring to work in a repetitive environment; I believe that's when mistakes happen. Being in this ever-changing environment keeps me on my toes and aware of what's going on.