The Pipeline Newsletter Vol. 3, No. 1

VOLUME 3 | NO 1

The Pipeline Thank You to Our Essential Teams:

As we begin 2021, we want to send warm and heartfelt thanks to all of our essential workers. Last year was certainly unprecedented and presented a number of unique and difficult challenges.

Together, we have shown tremendous determination and resilience and I couldn’t be more proud of your collective response to these challenges.

Your countless hours of dedication to provide our community with vital resources have kept our city’s services flowing throughout this pandemic.

We are forever grateful to you, each member of the Columbia Water team, for your continued efforts to fulfill our mission of being best-in-class at providing clean, safe drinking water and dependable wastewater and stormwater services while providing excellent customer service and protecting the environment. Your commitment to serving our customers in a more excellent way has been a bright spot in very trying times. Please continue to work in a manner that protects the personal safety of you and your loved ones. May God richly bless you and your family this year.

Sincerely, Clint Shealy Assistant City Manager

Wastewater Treatment Plant Announces New Lab Manager and maintaining environmental components for the city.”

Melissa Engle, WWTP Lab Manager

Congratulations to Melissa Engle on her new role as Lab Manager with the Metro Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP). Melissa started with Columbia Water in November 2015 as a Lab Analyst. She quickly became a vital team member as the primary microbiology analyst and quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) officer for WWTP. In September 2019, Melissa received a perfect report from the SC Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) review of the WWTP microbiology lab.

In her new role as WWTP Lab Manager, Melissa supervises three laboratory technicians and helps to order and review data for the wastewater operations team. “There is a lot of science in wastewater treatment”, Melissa notes. “[WWTP] is truly a biological plant with lots of microbiology and microorganisms that drive our success. The plant plays a key role in protecting the rivers in Columbia

The career path for Wastewater Lab Management is both independent and collaborative with a number of roles at the treatment plant. WWTP has competed and won industry competitions and challenges for a number of years. In 2016, Melissa was honored at the South Carolina Environmental Conference (SCEC) with the Water Environment Association of South Carolina (WEASC) Laboratory Analyst of the Year Award. She has also been featured in the WEASC Journal, Empowering Pumps, and the Water Environment Federation magazine WE&T. Melissa has a bachelor’s and master’s degree in marine science from the University of South Carolina. When asked about bringing new people into STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) careers like wastewater treatment, she says “The industry is stable. Lab science is an open field and has a number of processes that can be interesting to people with medical backgrounds or even food service backgrounds. Don’t be scared if you’re coming into wastewater from a different field.”

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

DRINKING WATER

Columbia Water Valve Survey Program Columbia Water’s Water Distribution and Maintenance Division (WDMD) is working with Clean Water 2020 to update the City’s Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping network. GIS is a framework for gathering, managing and mapping of utility assets. The effort City crew locating a water valve. involves locating, surveying and photographing water valves and hydrants throughout the water distribution system in order to update the GIS. Water distribution valves are used for many purposes in a water distribution system. They can shut off, turn on, and regulate the flow of water. Valves are considered one of the most critical devices in operating a water distribution system.

The City currently maintains a geodatabase of their water network assets. Assets can be anything from valves to hydrants to minor parts that are crucial to maintaining the system. Due to the size and complexity of the water distribution system, some pipeline and asset locations are incorrectly shown in the current GIS mapping. Because of the inaccuracy of some these data points, Columbia Water intends to locate and survey all valve and hydrant assets in the City’s water distribution system.

To complete this effort, Columbia Water hired an outside engineering firm to assess the system. The contractor will survey locations in residential and commercial areas, roadways, and rural and wooded areas. Initially, the contractor is deployed to areas with a “high consequence of failure,” meaning locations where a major distribution line failure has the potential to cause significant disruption of water service. These areas include hospitals, medical facilities, major commercial, and industrial facilities. Several benefits from this program will include better operational decisions being made by personnel, greater ability to plan for normal operations, increased knowledge of the locations of valves and hydrants, and increased knowledge of what assets are critical to Columbia Water.

Service Beyond the Call Our very own water quality advocate Jill Martinez, recently presented at the SC Section of the American Water Works Association (SCAWWA) Virtual Operators Conference this fall. Jill gave tips on customer service in the field for water professionals.

Among notes from the 20-year City of Columbia veteran, Jill mentioned that being genuine and professional will always go a long way to engage customers.

Jill Martinez, Water Quality Advocate

When asked about dealing with difficult customer issues, Jill stated, “It’s important to remind customers that we’re real people working on their water issues. We are also community members potentially drinking the same water.

When we tell customers that we’ll follow up on issues, even if it’s just to let them know we’re still working on it, we should always follow up. It’s best to be yourself and have a family friendly ‘dad joke’ handy to ease any tension you may experience with customers.”

It’s important to remind customers that we’re real people working on their water issues. We are also community members potentially drinking the same water. When we tell customers that we’ll follow up on issues, even if it’s just to let them know we’re still working on it, we should always follow up. It’s best to be yourself and have a family friendly ‘dad joke’ handy to ease any tension you may experience with customers.

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DRINKING WATER

5 Years and Counting: What Lies Ahead for Columbia Water Since the 2015 Historic Flood October 2020 marked the five-year anniversary of the Historic 2015 Flood. Due to health and safety concerns of the pandemic, Columbia Water postponed activities planned to commemorate the events that took place the weekend of October 4-5, 2015. We would like to send sincere thanks to the citizens and public servants that came together to uplift our city in our time of need. It is an event that brought together both public and private heroes and pushed us to limits not seen in generations.

Last fall, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Public Assistance program came to an agreement with Columbia Water and the City of Columbia for the scope of work to repair damage done Columbia Canal Treatment Plant. to the downtown Canal during the historic event. The project is estimated at just over $40 million to fix the canal breach, secure the canal embankment, and restore hydroelectric power at the downtown Canal Treatment Plant.

The canal repair project began in late 2020 with an environmental assessment and archeological dig. This third-party work will be coordinated by the South Carolina Emergency Management Division (SCEMD) to anticipate the total damage to be fixed.

MEET COLUMBIA WATER Jason Bamberg How long have you been with the City of Columbia and what do you do?

Four years; I’m the Canal Plant Lead Operator.

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

I am a father of four and an author.

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

Being near the Riverfront Park, it’s awesome.

Spring OR Fall and why?

Spring, everything usually brightens up at that time.

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WASTEWATER

Trenchless Technology Our Wastewater Management department is excited to announce that Columbia Water recently participated in a new and compelling training. A select crew worked with a contractor out of Greenville to learn new skills in trenchless technology. This innovative water industry advancement will offer a number of advantages to our wastewater management processes including reduced time when repairing sewer clean outs and lateral lines. We are one of a few publicly owned water companies in our region that will begin to offer this service at no additional charge to our customers. This new strategy also aligns with the City’s Envision Columbia focus area seven, which states that the City will lead the way in innovative and high quality municipal services.

Trenchless technology involves a number of new machines including a state-of-the-art mobile unit that will help to clean and rehabilitate sewer lines with little to no digging. With these new and advanced capabilities, property damage, labor cost, fuel cost, work hours, and overall money spent on projects will be significantly reduced. Instead of using traditional excavation and replacement methods, our Wastewater Management team will be able to:

The highly skilled crew overseeing this rollout has been trained in various trenchless repair methods. With their extensive knowledge, the Columbia Water Wastewater Management Trenchless Program will be a huge asset to our environmental wastewater preventative initiatives.

Trenchless technology training will also assist Columbia Water with: • asphalt repair • flow fill • curb and gutter repairs • sidewalk repairs • landscape restoration • cut utilities • reduced heavy equipment and truck use • reduced cost for landfill disposal • safety measures/requirements for shoring/traffic control • customer complaints • overall budget savings • reduced fuel cost

Wastewater Management crew learns new skills in trenchless technology.

Wastewater Management crew takes new trenchless technology onsite.

• easily locate problem areas underground • clean old, aging, and rusted pipes • reinforce our pipelines and infrastructure • apply a durable epoxy resin coating through a process called cured-in-place piping (CIPP)

MEET COLUMBIA WATER melissa engle

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

I’ve been with City of Columbia for 5 years, and I recently became the new Lab Manager at the Metro Wastewater Treatment Plant.

Early Bird OR Night Owl? Night Owl.

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

For 10 years, I was a jammer for a local roller derby team.

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

I was a part of the first ever all women’s national Operations Challenge team in 2018.

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STORMWATER

City Parks and Stormwater Management The City of Columbia has over 60 parks to offer something for everyone. Our parks are a vital link between nature and our citizens. From strolling along the Columbia Canal at Riverfront Park to playing tennis or disc golf at SouthEast Park, there are excellent opportunities to experience our parks and embrace nature. But, did you know that parks and green spaces serve an important role in effective and efficient stormwater management?

Before

From the award-winning project at MLK park to the Earlewood Park stormwater management project.

After ongoing stormwater management project at Earlewood Park to the soon-to-be-opened 20-acre park at The BullStreet District development, our city parks play an important role in effective and efficient stormwater management.

At Earlewood Park there was extensive erosion that was impacting sedimentation issues along Smith Branch. Working under a Section 319 grant from the US EPA and guided by SC DHEC, the erosion was mitigated by filling in the scoured streambed, restoring the streambanks, and planting the riparian buffer.

Additionally, a bio-retention area will be planted next to NOMA BarkPark to help manage stormwater runoff issues and aid in mitigating E. coli pollution of Smith Branch. At the The BullStreet District development, our Stormwater engineers and staff daylighted (brought to the surface) just over 2,000 linear feet of Smith Branch.

Blue Thumb Landscaper Conference On February 21, 2020, Richland County Stormwater Management and Columbia Water hosted the 5th annual Blue Thumb Landscaper Conference at the Busby Street Community Center. Continuing Education Credits were available for pesticide applicators. There were 83 landscape professionals in attendance at the conference as regional experts presented on topics such as: pyrethroids and their impact on water quality, invasive vegetation and pest control strategies, and the importance of riparian habitats. Surveys were completed at the end of the conference to provide coordinators with the knowledge to make data-driven decisions about presentation content and organization. The next Blue Thumb Landscaper Conference will be held virtually on February 18, 2021.

City of Columbia’s Karen Kustafik presents at the Blue Thumb Landscaper Conference.

There were 83 landscape professionals in attendance at the conference as regional experts presented on topics such as: pyrethroids and their impact on water quality, invasive vegetation and pest control strategies, and the importance of riparian habitats.

Columbia Water’s Daniel Kelley presents at the Blue Thumb Landscaper Conference.

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STORMWATER

Southern Fried Fuel

Did you know that the City of Columbia accepts used cooking oil through the Southern Fried Fuel program?

Southern Fried Fuel started in 2009 and has recycled over 1,000 gallons of used cooking oil every year. The used cooking oil is converted into Certified South Carolina biofuel by Green Energy Biofuel.

Biofuels release 15-75 percent fewer greenhouse emissions than conventional fuels and can be sourced from microbial, plant, or animal materials. Biodiesel is a sustainable diesel fuel replacement sourced from vegetable oils and animal fats that can be used in existing diesel engines without modification. The City uses biodiesel to power one of the City’s garbage trucks and other city vehicles.

Solid Waste powers up its truck with your used cooking oil.

You can drop off used cooking oil that is free of water, soap suds, and food scraps at two locations: City of Columbia Public Works 2910 Colonial Drive, Columbia, SC 29203 Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Fire Station 16 131 Lake Murray Boulevard, Irmo, SC 29063 Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Used cooking oil from the community.

MEET CLUMBIA WATER miranda staples

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

I have been with the City since May of 2018 (about 2.5 years), I’m a Stormwater Plan Reviewer. My everyday activities include reviewing plans for compliance with the City of Columbia MS4 and the NPDES General Permit for stormwater discharge from construction activity. I also participate in the Monthly Planning Commission and D/DRC meetings, conduct pre-construction meetings and site inspections, and also assist with customer complaints.

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

I didn’t get my driver’s license until I was 25.

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

I work with an amazing team in Stormwater.

We work together so well! I have never had a group of co-workers that I enjoyed working with so much!

Tea - Sweetened OR Unsweetened and why?

Sweet Tea! I’m a Southern Girl!

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CUSTOMER CARE

Thank you so very much. You have taken huge steps to restore my faith in the system! I am laid up at home after foot surgery. I could not get out there to thank your good people who worked all day and well into the night Saturday [12/12/2020] to restore our water. If you can, please let them know we really appreciate them. Thank you again for your reply. I appreciate you so very much!

– Margaret Sprott

Click here for more on How to Safely Wear and Take Off a Mask.

Just a note to thank the four water department employees who literally spent all day today in a hole repairing what looked to me to be a 6” water main, on Pruitt Drive (29204). We lost water in our neighborhood about 10:00 this morning and as I prepare dinner tonight, I have water. They worked very hard, got very wet, and got the job done.

– Jim Tucker

MEET COLUMBIA WATER shekelia hill

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

I have worked for the City of Columbia for 3 years. I am a Customer Care Team Lead.

Cats OR Dogs, and why?

Dogs, my daughter and I just got a new puppy.

Her name is COCO.

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

I am a very kind-hearted person. I have a bubbly personality.

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

The best experience I have learned from working with the City of Columbia is that there is no limit to learning and growth.

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CAUSE FOR APPLAUSE

Wastewater Management Employee Name

Status Change

Lance Roundtree

Promoted to Foreman

Effective Date 6/8/2020

Reginald Tyler

Completed Foreman Competency

6/8/2020

Daniel Brannon

Promoted to Foreman

8/3/2020

Kyle Esquivel

Promoted to Wastewater Collection System Operator C

9/14/2020

Casey Ragsdale

Promoted to Foreman

9/28/2020

Terron Murray

Retired

10/20/2020

Christopher Ruff

Promoted to Wastewater Collection System Operator C

11/9/2020

Charles Wakefield

Completed Foreman Competency

11/9/2020

Tamon Hudson

Promoted to Wastewater Collection System Operator D

11/30/2020

Davion Stack

Promoted to Wastewater Collection System Operator C

11/30/2020

Kevin Dang

Promoted to Wastewater Collection System Operator C

11/30/2020

Clifton King

Promoted to Wastewater Collection System Operator D

11/30/2020

Water Maintenance Status Change

Andrew Roncone

Completed CDL Class A

Effective Date 7/17/2020

Mario West, Jr

Completed CDL Class A

7/17/2020

Alexander Frazier

Completed CDL Class A

8/11/2020

Douglas Brooks

Passed Water Distribution Operator* Level C

8/21/2020

Andrew Roncone

Passed Water Distribution Operator* Level D

9/3/2020

Veston Koellner

Passed Water Distribution Operator* Level D

9/4/2020

Charles Lockey, Jr

Passed Water Distribution Operator* Level D

9/11/2020

Stanley Albergottie, II

Passed Water Distribution Operator* Level D

9/14/2020

Stephen Martin

Passed Water Distribution Operator* Level C

9/15/2020

Charles Jamison

Passed Water Distribution Operator* Level D

9/23/2020

Jeffrey Coleman

Passed Water Distribution Operator* Level D

9/23/2020

Jason Richardson

Completed CDL Class A w/ 5th Wheel Endorsement

9/29/2020

Quincey Mack

Passed Water Distribution Operator* Level C

9/30/2020

Scotty Thompson

Completed CDL Class A

10/6/2020

Russell Smith

Passed Water Distribution Operator* Level C

11/2/2020

Dujuan Williams

Passed Water Distribution Operator* Level C

11/2/2020

Stephen Martin

Completed CDL Class A

11/10/2020

John Tiller

Completed CDL Class A

11/12/2020

Christopher Lofton

Completed CDL Class A w/ 5 Wheel Endorsement

11/16/2020

Warren Pace

Completed CDL Class A w/ 5 Wheel Endorsement

11/16/2020

Omekas Moaney

Completed CDL Class A

11/20/2020

Anthony Davis

Completed CDL Class A

11/30/2020

Antwan Holmes

Completed CDL Class A

12/21/2020

Omekas Moaney

Passed Water Distribution Operator* Level D

12/23/2020

Christopher Harrison

Promoted to Water Distribution System Operator B

th

Terron Murray, a Wastewater Collection System Operator (WWCS) “C”, retired in October 2020 after over 18 years with Wastewater Management. Terron is a great guy and loves being a part of the team. So much so that he has applied for a vacancy to come back to work with us!

Foreman of the Year Jerry Lindsay

Employee of the Year Nicholas Kraft

Service Recognition Awards

Employee Name

th

Wastewater Management

20 years • Jerry Lindsay • Dekota Radden

10 years • Ryan Coleman • Jason Manchee • Ronald Nixon

5 years • Derick Alston • Kaundima Ashley • Ashley Gallentine • Evan Summers

Operators that Passed WWCS Exams in 2020 • Tyler Brunson (D) • Steven Van Name (C) • Kevin Dang (C) • Christopher Ruff (C) • Kyle Esquivel (C) • Marshaye Stack (D) • Tamon Hudson (D) • Trenton Ward (D) • Clifton King (D)

Wastewater Treatment Plant

Hats off to Melissa Engel on her recent promotion to Lab Manager!

Engineering

Congratulations to Paxton Williams on his promotion to Engineering Administrator!

*LLR SC Environmental Certification

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

@ColumbiaSCWater

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