Pipeline The
VOLUME 6 | NO 4
Enhancing Emergency Preparedness: Columbia Water’s Contingency Emergency Response Plan (CERP) Training
William Adams (Deputy Program Manager, Clean Water 2020) leads the tabletop exercise.
On July 17, 2024, Columbia Water, the City of Columbia’s drinking water, stormwater, and wastewater utility, conducted a crucial tabletop exercise focused on the Contingency Emergency Response Plan (CERP). This event, facilitated by Clean Water 2020, brought together key personnel from Columbia Water to strengthen their emergency response capabilities in anticipation of potential disasters such as hurricanes and floods.
Objectives of the Exercise
The primary goal of the tabletop exercise was to foster constructive dialogue among participants as they navigated various realistic scenarios related to emergency situations. These scenarios mirrored past events, including significant flooding experienced during the 2015 disaster, and included challenges like hurricane tracking, community evacuations, and power outages.
William Adams, the facilitator from Clean Water 2020, guided the session, ensuring active participation and encouraging team members to collaboratively devise solutions to the problems presented. The success of the exercise hinged on the engagement of all participants, highlighting the importance of teamwork in emergency response situations.
Participants
The exercise featured an array of professionals from the City of Columbia, including:
• Frank Eskridge, Director of Utility Operations
• Stephen Sealey, Wastewater Treatment Operations Manager
• Jeremy Yates, Field Operations Manager
• George Bryan, Wastewater Collection Superintendent
• Ben Wildt, Columbia Water Communications Manager
• David Winburn, Water Distribution and Maintenance Superintendent
• Harry Tinsley, Emergency Management Director
Each participant played a critical role in responding to a series of incidents, which included managing sanitary sewer overflows, major line breaks, pump station failures, and citywide power outages.
The CERP in Action
The CERP, finalized in 2015, serves as a comprehensive guide for Columbia Water’s Wastewater Division in emergency situations. Throughout the tabletop exercise, staff members evaluated risks, assessed immediate needs, and initiated recovery efforts to effectively handle the emergencies presented.
This training not only reinforced the operational plans in place but also aimed to improve communication among team members and external partners. Participants reported a greater understanding of their roles and responsibilities, enhanced organization for emergency response, and increased confidence in their ability to manage crises effectively.
Building Resilience for Future Challenges
The CERP has proven valuable in preparing staff for recent hurricanes, including Irma in 2017, Dorian in 2019, and September’s Helene. The training conducted during this tabletop exercise underscores Columbia Water’s commitment to ensure public safety during catastrophic events. By fostering a culture of preparedness and resilience, the City of Columbia is better equipped to face future challenges.
In conclusion, the tabletop exercise on July 17 was not just a routine drill; it was an essential step in fortifying Columbia Water’s emergency response strategies, ultimately ensuring the safety and well-being of its residents in times of crisis.
Bluethumb Landscapers Home Workshop
To emphasize topics more relevant to home landscapers, the Columbia Water Communications Team partnered with Richland County Stormwater Management to host the Bluethumb Landscapers Workshop on April 6, 2024. The theme for the workshop was “Planting with Water in Mind,” and participants and presenters were enthusiastic about the information they learned and were eager for more workshops like this one.
Preparations are underway for the fall workshop, “Working with Your Water in Mind,” to be held October 26, 2024. Home landscapers can learn about container gardens, fall gardening, native plants, putting a garden to bed for the winter, maximizing water usage, and local programs that support our waterways.
The workshop is free to attend. Pre-registration is required as space is limited. For more, click here: https://tinyurl.com/2p8kkce6
Presenters confirmed:
• Gills Creek Watershed Association Watershed Champions
• ReSoil
• SC Native Plant Society
• Clemson Extension, Charley McConnell
• City Parks and Recreation
• Master Gardener, Lawrence Haselden
Director of Utility Operations Frank Eskridge (right) comments on a scenario. Also pictured, left to right: George Bryan (Wastewater Collection Superintendent), David Winburn (Water Distribution and Maintenance Superintendent), and Jeremy Yates (Field Operations Manager), back row: Bryan Cully (Program Manager, Clean Water 2020).
The Benefits of Compost, presented by Ericka Coman, from ReSoil Compost.
MEET COLUMBIA WATER
Brian Fenderson
How long have you been with the City of Columbia and what do you do?
As of December 2024, it will officially be seven years. I have been in the wastewater business for 22 years. Currently, I’m the maintenance supervisor, it’s my responsibility to manage the day-to-day operations and maintenance tasks.
What’s the best experience you’ve had working for the City of Columbia?
The people I’ve met in my journey with the City. The shared laughter and experiences.
Bond or Bourne and why?
Bond! I wish I was in his place when Halle Berry was a Bond girl.
What is something interesting about you that we wouldn’t learn from your work bio?
Once upon a time, I mentored youth, volunteered at food pantries, and volunteered at homeless shelters. On a more personal note, I wrote poetry and attended open mic nights.
MEET COLUMBIA WATER
Luis Idarraga
How long have you been with the City of Columbia and what do you do?
I’ve been with the City of Columbia for two years now. I began my journey as a lab analyst, but my fascination with operations quickly escalated. For the past year, I’ve been rocking the role of an operator at the Canal Water Treatment Plant, ensuring our water consistently maintains its premium quality.
What is something interesting about you that we wouldn’t learn from your work bio?
Outside of work, I really enjoy taking my dog to new beaches. It’s a simple pleasure that helps me unwind and explore different spots along the coast of South Carolina.
What’s the best experience you’ve had working for the City of Columbia?
I’ve had a wealth of outstanding experiences working for the City of Columbia, and I must say, every time we’re out monitoring our watersheds, I get to dive into the vast majesty of Columbia’s natural landscape—sometimes even catching a glimpse of alligators gliding through the Canal.
Bond or Bourne and why?
Definitely Bond. I might have enjoyed Bourne series, but Bond brings that classic nostalgia.
KUDOS
Tevin Glover
Ms. Arneisha stated that Tevin did a great job assisting her and her sister. He was very thorough in explaining the account so that they could understand, and they appreciate everything he did.
Ms. Devilyn wants to share her experience being assisted by Tevin. She said that it was a pleasure interacting with him. Although she was initially frustrated because her water application had not been processed due to identification form issues and concerned that her water would not be on when she arrived to the state, Tevin processed the application with ease!
Ms. Medes also wants to send a shout-out to Tevin. She said she called in feeling stressed due to her problem and it had been a long Friday, but Tevin helped her tremendously. He demonstrated excellent customer service, was extremely detailed in the information he provided, and remained very polite throughout the call.
Makayala Matthews
A customer called in multiple times, and Makayala was able to answer all of their questions and ensure that someone met them at their property. The customer was very happy to have spoken with Makayala and get their issue resolved.
Brittney Robinson
Mr. Reid emailed Mr. Shealy regarding his account because he had not received email notifications for a couple of months. Brittney was able to assist him so that he could receive email notifications. Mr. Reid then emailed Mr. Shealy and Ms. Latimer, praising Brittney for her help.
Chassidy Wilson and Denita Gaulman
Ms. Dwyer wanted to thank Chassidy and Denita for assisting her with her water account and providing information about the Customer Assistance Program. She could not thank them enough for their help with her situation that had caused her to lose sleep for many nights.
Chassidy Wilson
Mr. Leppard called to let us know Chassidy was very helpful, and he felt reassured that he had the right person to handle his request. She truly impressed Mr. Leppard and he enthusiastically praised the customer service he received!
Courtney Robinson, Tina Smoak, and Ruby Adams Courtney, Tina, and Ruby received the following kudos from a very gracious customer: “For all involved, I’ve made three calls in the last two days to customer service. I had the pleasure of speaking with a total of three ladies. I was so impressed with each lady and their effort to help me resolve an issue regarding a water bill. I just didn’t want this effort of these ladies to go unnoticed because they were exactly what all of us need to be in the world of customer service. Thank you so very much for helping me resolve this hurdle. You all were absolutely great. In a five-star system, you all would be six-star employees.”
Tina Smoak
Ms. Cain thanked Tina for providing exceptional service during their interaction. “She is knowledgeable and was able to answer my questions about setting up service. I’m not sure if this will get to the right place, but I hope she sees this at some point. I’m happy you guys seem to be hiring professionals like Ms. Tina. Ms. Tina was great! I hope to get her again if I have to call in.”
Jermaine Sims
Ms. Foster wanted to give a shout-out to commend Jermaine for assisting her. She mentioned that, although he couldn’t give her the resolution she desired, he was incredibly kind, professional, and respectful throughout.
Nakeisha McCoy
Ms. Jones emailed to express how very pleasant and professional her interaction with Nakeisha was and wanted to make sure she received recognition.
... I’ve made three calls in the last two days to customer service . I had the pleasure of speaking with a total of three ladies. I was so impressed with each lady and their effort to help me resolve an issue regarding a water bill ...Thank you so very much for helping me resolve this hurdle. You all were absolutely great. In a five-star system, you all would be six-star employees.
Customer Care Steps Out in Style for Spirit Week
Here’s a Peek at Mix-Match Day madness, Twin Day twinkies, and Decades Day.
for Applause – Back Page
CANAL WATER TREATMENT PLANT
CANAL WATER TREATMENT PLANT
CANAL WATER TREATMENT PLANT
CANAL WATER TREATMENT PLANT
Lake Murray Water Treatment Plant
LAKE MURRAY WATER TREATMENT PLANT
LAKE MURRAY WATER TREATMENT PLANT
LAKE MURRAY WATER TREATMENT PLANT
LAKE MURRAY WATER TREATMENT PLANT
LAKE MURRAY WATER TREATMENT PLANT
Wastewater Management
WASTEWATER MANAGEMENT
WASTEWATER MANAGEMENT
WASTEWATER MANAGEMENT
WASTEWATER MANAGEMENT
WASTEWATER MANAGEMENT
WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT
WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT
Wastewater Treatment Plant
WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT
WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT
Customer Care
CUSTOMER CARE
CUSTOMER CARE
CUSTOMER CARE
CUSTOMER CARE
CUSTOMER CARE
SERVICE RECOGNITION AWARDS
Columbia Water has so many dedicated, hard-working employees and we are extremely proud to announce the following award winners:
20 Years of Service
Russel Smith, Water Distribution & Maintenance
10 Years of Service
Brian Covington, Wastewater Compliance
Kruztopher Leonard, Customer Care Field Services
5 Years of Service
Martin Green, Wastewater Collection System
Robert Hemingway, Wastewater Treatment Plant
Storytellers & Shutterbugs
Russel Smith
Martin Green
