The Pipeline Newsletter Vol. 2, No. 1

VOLUME 2 | NO 1

The Pipeline The Coronavirus (COVID-19) Customers can be assured that our water is safe to drink. Our standard disinfection and treatment practices are very effective for inactivation and removal of viruses, including COVID-19. For more information on what Columbia Water is doing to meet the needs of our customers while protecting public health, visit our website at www.columbiascwater.net and click the green button. For regular updates on COVID-19, visit the SCDHEC website at www.scdhec.gov/COVID19.

Columbia Water Career Spotlight: Safety and Training Coordinator for Wastewater Management Prentiss Brooks is a 25-year veteran with the City of Columbia. Brooks plays a pivotal role in maintaining safety standards and training modules for the Columbia Water Wastewater Management Division. A few of his responsibilities include incident investigation and prevention, new employee orientation, developing a training budget, and inspecting worksites. Prentiss Brooks Currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Occupational Safety & Health, Brooks is passionate about his work. The Columbia Water communications team recently caught up with the Wastewater Management veteran to ask about what it takes to get the job done.

What are your daily responsibilities with Columbia Water?

My responsibilities vary each day depending on the needs of the division. My overall responsibility is to develop and provide training for Wastewater Management employees to cover all necessary topics required by OSHA (the Occupational Safety and Health Administration). This is training conducted either by me or someone else that is qualified to provide the training. I am also involved in our employee development training program to assist

our apprentices with the proper tools and resources to obtain their Wastewater Collections license. (See Page 3.)

What education and/or certifications are helpful to your career with Columbia Water?

A few trainings that would be helpful are certifications for: • OSHA Construction Safety and Health Trainer • Defensive Driver Trainer • Forklift teacher • First Aid and CPR Instructor • Certified Flagger Instructor • South Carolina Class A Driver’s License • Safety and Management Techniques training • Wastewater Collection Class A Certification [Columbia Water currently has an apprenticeship for wastewater collection] • Manager of Environmental Safety and Health Program (MESH) Certificate What would you tell a young person interested in your career with Columbia Water?

The City of Columbia offers great opportunities for employment, but you have to be willing to do your part; report to work on time, ask questions, study your job duties, and be willing to go above and beyond to advance your career. You must put forth the effort and invest in yourself to be successful.

www.columbiascwater.net | 803-545-3300 | 1136 Washington Street – Columbia, SC 29201

DRINKING WATER

Water Woman Wednesday

Water Trivia

Columbia Water is proud to be an employer that celebrates diversity and inclusion. In an effort to highlight the many women of one of the City of Columbia’s largest divisions, we invite you to check out our Water Woman Wednesday campaign on social media.

Jill Martinez Be sure to follow @ColumbiaSCWater, as we spotlight women that work to keep the residents of Columbia healthy and hydrated. The Water Woman Wednesday campaign kicked off in January with Water Quality Advocate Jill Martinez. Tune in to hear Jill’s tips on common water issues like boil water advisories, water quality testing, and more.

Are you or a coworker interested in being spotlighted as our #WCW (Water Crush Wednesday)? Shoot us an email at columbiawater@columbiasc.gov and let us know how your hard work with Columbia Water impacts citizens and keeps us afloat.

Columbia Water is proud to be an employer that celebrates diversity and inclusion.

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Last summer, the Columbia Water communications team partnered with Curiosity Coffee Bar and CottonTown Brew Lab to host trivia nights. The two events drew in locals that were interested in Columbia’s emerging craft beer and coffee industries. Columbia Water staff gave out free goodies and prizes to groups that were able to correctly answer questions about beer, coffee, and water. This campaign is inspired in part by the American Water Works Association (AWWA) No Water, No Beer and No Water, No Coffee campaigns. Check out @ColumbiaSCWater on social media to stay in the loop about upcoming events and giveaways.

MEET COLUMBIA WATER Ketki Sheth

How long have you been with the City of Columbia and what do you do?

I have been working with the City of Columbia for 4 years now. I work as Lab Manager at the water plant (manage 2 process labs and 1 main lab). I make sure we are in compliance and produce the best tasting water. My duty is to report compliance data to DHEC every month. The water labs complete about 500 tests a day (process tests and regulatory tests).

We make sure that water quality meets the standards from plant to the customer’s household tap.

What is the most interesting thing about you that we wouldn’t learn from your work bio?

I also volunteer for different roles in the industry, such as Judge and committee member at WEASC

and SCEC. In my time off, I love gardening. Every summer I raise a vegetable and flower garden. My family and friends say I have green thumb. That gives me peace and keeps me fit. I like to read spiritual materials and do meditation.

What’s the best experience you’ve had working for the City of Columbia?

I love working with City of Columbia. I am surrounded with the best group of people. When I took this job to manage a lab it was a big challenge.

With great support from leadership and others, I was able to turnaround the lab to the best functioning lab and establish a great team. I learned from this, that with supportive supervisors like the water department has, it is not too difficult to achieve the most difficult goals.

Grammys or Oscars, and why?

I would pick Oscars as it is for movies, and visual is good learning tool and entertaining to me.

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WASTEWATER

Alert Systems Upgraded at 30 Pump Stations

Owens Field Pump Station alert system panel.

Columbia Water recently completed improvements to 30 of the City’s pump stations as an implementation of the Transmission System Operations and Maintenance Program (TSOMP) required by the Consent Decree.

The improvements, which included upgrading or adding monitoring via Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA), the city’s system of monitoring, gathering, and processing real-time data from pump stations, provides operational and reliability enhancements to the affected pump stations.

Construction involved the addition of site-specific improvements to meet the TSOMP’s requirements for each pump station such as, the addition of signals, component backup power, live level readings and control, fail switches, and generator status indicators. It also included much-needed equipment improvements like the transition from radio to cellular communications to improve SCADA monitoring at these sites, and the addition of minor equipment such as pressure gauges. In some cases, new pump control panels were installed to meet the requirements due to limitations within the existing panels. These improvements will enhance Columbia Water’s ability to recognize and respond to potential issues, manage operations related to these pump stations, and reduce the likelihood of sanitary sewer overflows related to pump station operation and failures.

Apprenticeship Program Columbia Water is proud to announce openings for the new Wastewater Maintenance Apprenticeship Program at the Beltline campus. The apprenticeship program is designed to provide paid training to our future wastewater operators. This in-house training program will educate and assist participants with advancing through a four-year program to obtain professional licensure as a wastewater collections or maintenance operator.

As outlined in the Envision Columbia principles set by City of Columbia leadership the apprenticeship program is designed to entice top talent. This exciting opportunity offers a revised pay scale that is competitive with similar positions in other municipalities. The Wastewater Maintenance Apprenticeship Program seeks self-motivated leaders that have an interest in mechanics or construction.

For more information or to apply, check out the Wastewater System Collection Operator listing at www.columbiasc.net/hr/employment. (Search: Wastewater)

The apprenticeship program is designed to provide paid training to our future wastewater operators. This in-house training program will educate and assist participants with advancing through a four-year program to obtain professional licensure as a wastewater operator.

Lake Katherine Project Map

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WASTEWATER

Wastewater Maintenance Visits Career Fair

Student Plant Tours

Thanks to our friends at Harbison West Elementary for inviting us to their Careers on Wheels job fair. Students got the chance to check out our vac trucks and other vehicles that are essential to careers with the City of Columbia.

Students got the chance to check out our vac trucks and other vehicles that are essential to careers with the City of Columbia.

Columbia Water staff interact with students and demonstrate some functions of the vac truck.

Students tour the wastewater treatment plant.

Students from Heathwood Hall Episcopal School and Benedict College visited our wastewater treatment plant for a tour this fall. Students were able to get an in depth look at our facility and speak to working environmental professionals about the importance of water quality as it relates to public health.

MEET COLUMBIA WATER jason manchee

How long have you been with the City of Columbia and what do you do?

I have worked for Wastewater Management for almost 10 years. I started as an equipment operator and now I am the Supervisor over maintenance activities.

What’s the best experience you’ve had working for the City of Columbia?

The best experience would have to be that daily I get to work with some amazing people and grow not only work relationships but personal ones also.

Comedy or mystery, and why?

Comedy, who doesn’t enjoy a good laugh.

What is the most interesting thing about you that we wouldn’t learn from your work bio?

My love and dedication to Country and family are the most important aspects of my life. I served in the Army where I was deployed twice to combat zones and would proudly go again if needed. I also have a special needs son who has nothing but love in his heart and makes me happy when we are together.

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STORMWATER

Why does the impact from Stormwater runoff at construction sites matter?

Runoff from construction sites can have devastating effects on downstream waterways, particularly small streams, due to sedimentation. This build-up of eroded soil can be transported in runoff and deposited into streets, drainage systems, and other waterbodies. Sediment can create unsightly and hazardous road conditions and have negative effects on our public spaces; such as playgrounds and splash pads. It can cause blockages and flooding in drains.

And, it may affect wildlife and water activities in streams, lakes and other waterways.

Sediment runoff rates from construction sites are typically 10 to 20 times greater than those of agricultural lands. In addition, construction activities may also produce pollutants that can contaminate surface water runoff, such as pesticides, herbicides, petroleum products, chemicals, and solvents. During heavy rainfall events, streambed scouring, streambank erosion and destruction of vegetation may occur without effective stormwater management.

Our stormwater specialists manage runoff to provide the following benefits:

Protection of Wetlands and Aquatic Ecosystems

Protection of Public Health and Safety

Conservation of Water Resources

Flood Control

Columbia Water controls sedimentation from construction sites through the use of a variety of Best Management Practices (BMPs). BMPs are mainly used to implement the goal of limiting the quantity of sediment leaving the construction site.

Controlling erosion is Columbia Water’s first priority on any construction site. BMPs include silt fencing, sediment tubes, riprap and compost blankets.

With continued population growth and the development of urbanized areas, changes in hydrology and water quality that result in habitat modification and loss, increased flooding, decreased aquatic biological diversity, and increased sedimentation and erosion with continue to pose a threat without the proper selection and use of construction site BMPs. In summary, construction site pollution control is more than managing sediment and the BMPs selected for a site need to address all needs. Proper design, proper installation, and periodic inspection by qualified personnel are all necessary for BMPs to protect health, safety and the beauty of our public spaces.

Stormwater Utility Fee The City of Columbia’s Stormwater Utility Fee was updated effective July 1, 2017. All monies collected from this utility fee go strictly to fund stormwater related activities such as: • Designing and constructing capital improvement drainage projects • Routine cleaning, maintenance and repair of the City’s stormwater drainage system • Complying with the City’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) stormwater quality permit requirements Stormwater runoff is water that flows over streets, roofs, parking lots and other impervious surfaces when it rains.

Stormwater runoff eventually empties untreated, into our local rivers, ponds and lakes.

As properties are developed, stormwater runoff increases and is directly proportional to the impervious area found on the developed property. The stormwater fee for a property is also directly proportional to the impervious area of the property.

The City of Columbia has established an Equivalent Residential Unit (ERU) for stormwater billing purposes.

One ERU is equal to 2,454 square feet, the average amount of impervious area found on a typical single-family residence. * The base fee for a Single-Family Residential Unit is $13.32 per month. Other properties are assessed based on the amount of impervious area on the property. *This value was found using aerial photography of the area.

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STORMWATER

City of Columbia and Woolpert win 2019 APWA Project of the Year The city of Columbia, S.C, and Woolpert were honored by the South Carolina American Public Works Association with its 2019 SC APWA Project of the Year Award in the category of Structures/Historical Restoration for their Martin Luther King Jr. Park Detention and Water Quality Project.

The project was a collaborative effort between Woolpert water resource engineers and landscape architects, Columbia Engineering and Parks and Recreation department staff, and the community to address routine flooding and water quality issues while improving the appearance and functionality of the park.

Martin Luther King Jr. Park boardwalk.

For the project, the team designed and constructed an off-line dry detention area to assist with stormwater attenuation, increased the overall stormwater storage capacity within the park and provided pollutant trapping within new storage areas. The detention area also was designed to be used as an environmental education area, and a handicap-accessible boardwalk was added to provide park visitor’s access to Rocky Branch Creek, which runs through the park.

The detention area also was designed to be used as an environmental education area, and a handicap-accessible boardwalk ...

MEET CLUMBIA WATER lavonne martin How long have you been with the City of Columbia and what do you do?

I’m fairly new to the City of Columbia, January will be my one-year anniversary. I work in the Engineering Department as a Stormwater Enforcement Specialist.

What is the most interesting thing about you that we wouldn’t learn from your work bio?

I’m a very family oriented person. My family means everything to me. Especially my two beautiful daughters, Jordyn and Londyn.

What’s the best experience you’ve had working for the City of Columbia?

I have had many great work experiences since becoming an employee of the City. The best experiences have come from working with an exceptional group of individuals. My co-workers are great team players.

Cookies or cake, and why?

I can’t decide! Both! I enjoy eating sweets of all sorts, especially homemade.

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CUSTOMER CARE

Tiffany Latimer Named New Customer Care Administrator Please welcome Tiffany Latimer to the City of Columbia Team!

Latimer joins the City after more than 12 years with the S.C. Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA). She served in many roles at PEBA, including Customer Service Representative, Account Tiffany Latimer Fiscal Analyst, Public Information Coordinator, and most recently Benefits Manager-Field Services. Latimer has also served as Executive Team

Leader-Guest Experience for Target and as Customer Operations Manager for Ameriquest Mortgage.

Latimer holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications from the University of South Carolina as well as a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Strayer University.

She is from Beech Island, South Carolina.

She loves working with people and serving the community which is why she feels she is perfect for her current role. She and her husband Bryant have been married for over 12 years and have two children. In her spare time, she enjoys spending quality time with her family, traveling, shopping and sleeping.

AMI Installations Hit Milestone Columbia Water surpassed 25,000 installations of brandnew automated meters in March 2020. The advanced meter infrastructure (AMI) project will take approximately three years and will see more than 150,000 meters installed in multiple phases.

Once a customer has a new meter installed, they can download the EyeOnWater app that will allow them to track their water usage in real time. The app also provides for real-time alerts about possible leaks. Visit www.columbiascwater.eyeonwater.com/signin to learn about the free smartphone app and the web dashboard.

For information about our project and to see if you are scheduled for the upgrade, please visit our website at www.columbiascwater.net/meterupgrade.

MEET COLUMBIA WATER denita gaulman

How long have you been with the City of Columbia and what do you do?

I have been with the City of Columbia for 24 years. I’m the Deputy Customer Service Administrator in the Customer Care Center.

feel like they are in a situation that is impossible, so being able to provide someone hope that all is not lost is a great feeling.

Books or movies, and why?

Books, I enjoy reading, reading a good book is one way that I relax.

What is the most interesting thing about you that we wouldn’t learn from your work bio?

I enjoy watching DIY tutorials.

What’s the best experience you’ve had working for the City of Columbia?

I have learned a great deal working with the City.

However, my best experiences are when I’m able help citizens when they are in need. Sometimes people

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CAUSE FOR APPLAUSE

Wastewater Management Service Recognition Awards

Reginald Tyler receives Foreman of the Year award - from left: Jody Harley, Jason Manchee, Reginald Tyler (Foreman of the Year), Martin Golston, and Dee Dee Cristostomo.

Wastewater Treatment Plant Staff Achievements • Quincy Williams, Dustin Gloor, Brandon Christensen, and Nick Bozarello passed Biological Wastewater Treatment Operator level D certification exams. Thomas Papay passed his level B certification exam. Eric Kerr passed levels D, C, B, and A, completing the entire series.

• Ashley Dove was inducted into the WEASC 5S (Select Society of Sanitary Sludge Shovelers) for distinguished and meritorious service above and beyond the call of duty.

• Ashley Dove and David R. Wiman received WEASC Quarter Century Operator Awards.

Marty Narr receives Employee of the Year award - from left: Dee Dee Cristostomo, Jody Harley, Marty Narr (Employee of the Year), Jason Manchee, and Martin Golston.

Foreman of the Year • Reginald Tyler

Employee of the Year • Marty Narr

City Employee of the Month for December (Presented at City Council 12/17/2019)

• Frank “Jason” Slack 25 years • Prentiss Brooks

5 years • Alvin Butler

20 years • Kevin James

5 years • Carol Sforza

Cola Water Communications Team Hit the Streets The communications team has recently been out and about promoting our programs and services with the help of our friendly water monster, the team has been spotted at several events, including the Tasty Tomato Festival, the Gervais Street Bridge Dinner and quite a few mornings at Soda City market. The team also took part in Soda City’s Bark Park pet adoption event in November by promoting our Trash the Poop campaign.

Halloween at Wastewater Management - from left: Ebouni Moultrie, George Bryan, Megan Leitner, Rebecca Barnhardt, Jody Harley, Dee Dee Crisostomo, and Jennifer Mann.

STORYTELLERS & SHUTTERBUGS

Storytellers & Shutterbugs

Share photos and worksite tales with our community through The Pipeline! We’re always looking for original ideas, timely topics, and project pics. To submit your articles or ideas, please contact us at ColumbiaWater@columbiasc.gov.

Columbia Water

1136 Washington Street Columbia, SC 29201 www.columbiascwater.net Ph: 803-545-3300 Communications at Soda City: Ben at the Trash the Poop booth (left) and the friendly Water Monster (right).

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