The Pipeline Newsletter Vol. 6, No. 2

The Pipeline

Inside Columbia Water’s Wastewater Compliance Division

Columbia Water’s Wastewater Compliance Division is a small group with tremendous responsibility on their shoulders. The division serves our community by maintaining regulation requirements for the City of Columbia’s Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG) Management Program, Sanitary Sewer Overflow (SSO) Compliance, and Industrial Pretreatment.

The FOG Department primarily aids Food Service Establishment (FSE) owner/operators by ensuring compliance with City regulations regarding grease traps and interceptors. The team assists FSEs in understanding their options for grease management, aiming to prevent grease-related SSOs in Columbia.

The Compliance Department acts as the frontline responders to SSOs, ensuring corrective actions are implemented promptly. They serve as a vital link between Wastewater Maintenance and the public, informing citizens about SSOs and their impact on water bodies, ensuring compliance with SC Department of Health and Environmental Control and providing community safety in the Midlands.

The Industrial Pretreatment Department monitors industries discharging to the Metro Wastewater Treatment Plant, verifying compliance with permit requirements. They safeguard plant operations and prevent environmental harm by ensuring proper treatment of industrial discharges before returning them to the river, protecting both nature and the community.

Submitted by Soneika (Sunni) Santiago, Wastewater Compliance Administrative Specialist FOG Team (L to R): Marcus Myers – 7 months (FOG Inspector), Cynthia McBride – 8 years (FOG Coordinator), Corika Carter – 1 month (FOG Inspector), and Jamel Pinckney – 12 years (FOG Inspector).

Industrial Pretreatment Team (L to R): John Moneghan – 4 years (Pretreatment Inspector, Sr.), Courtney Singleton – 2 years (Pretreatment Inspector) and Clement “Dean” Goff – 3 years (Septage Receiving Technician).

Compliance Team (L to R): Brian Covington – 9 years (Compliance Technician) and Timothy Monroe (Compliance Technician – 6 years).

Bluethumb Landscapers Professional Workshop

Presentations

Hosted by the Columbia Water Communications Team, in partnership with Richland County Stormwater Management, the Bluethumb Landscapers Professional Workshop took place on February 2, 2024. With the theme “Planting with Water in Mind,” the workshop was specifically designed for landscape professionals seeking to enhance their expertise and earn continuing education hours towards their pesticide and herbicide applicators licensing. A second workshop targeting home landscapers is scheduled for April.

The event featured a distinguished lineup of presenters who provided a wealth of knowledge to the participants. Thirty-nine professionals attended, many earning continuing education hours towards their pesticide and herbicide applicators licensing.

IPM for Ponds, presented by Agent Charly McConnell Greenthaler, provided help for those struggling with managing weed growth in or around a pond. [IPM: Integrated Pest Management]

Landscaping to Improve Stormwater Runoff in an Urban Environment: Working with the Natural Landscape, and Using LID Stormwater Practices to Improve Our Waters, presented by City of Columbia’s Watershed Coordinator, Warren Hankinson, offered details to understand the impact of stormwater runoff. [LID: Low Impact Development]

Protecting Pollinators while Controlling Mosquitos, presented by Apiculture and Pollinator Program Coordinator, Ben Powell, explored the biodiversity of pollinators and discussed strategies for controlling biting flies while protecting pollinators and other beneficial arthropods.

You either love them or you don’t. We’re talking about snakes! presented by SCWF Industry Habitat Manager, Jay Keck, provided examples on the variety of snakes we have in SC. [SCWF: South Carolina Wildlife Federation]

Integrated Pest Management and Pesticide Use, presented by Urban Horticulture Agent, Jackie Jordan, described how using IPM principles can limit unintended consequences and save money and reduce pesticide applications.

General Housekeeping of Chemicals, presented by Richland County’s Engineering Tech. - IDDE Inspector, Albert Little, discussed the importance of clean and organized housekeeping of chemicals as well as proper storage and transport techniques. [IDDE: Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination]

Agent Charly McConnell Greenthaler with Clemson Extension presents IPM for Ponds.

MEET COLUMBIA WATER MEET COLUMBIA WATER Kaylee Wymer John Quinn

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

I have been with the City of Columbia for 19 years. I started out as a maintenance technician assistant, and I am now a maintenance manager at the Columbia Canal Water Treatment Plant.

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

My son and I compete in the Southeast Motocross and Enduro Series.

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

The training that I received as a maintenance tech assistant. The City provided me with the training classes that played a big part in my future job advancements.

Cake or pie, and why?

I actually enjoy both cake and pie. It really depends on what I am in the mood for at the time.

KUDOS

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 about seven months now. And I work in the Customer Care division for Columbia Water.

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

I would have to say the most interesting thing that you wouldn’t learn about me from work is that I practiced archery from elementary school through high school. I loved being able to do that as an extracurricular activity.

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

I think that the best thing that I have experienced is being able to work with the public and being able to help customers who needed assistance.

Cake or pie, and why?

That is a tough choice. Now, I would have to say both. I am not picky about a sweet treat.

Ms. Stevenson commended Kaylee Wymer for the exceptional expertise she brought to the table. Throughout the duration of their call, Kaylee demonstrated utmost professionalism. In all her years as a customer of the City, she’s never felt the need to escalate to a supervisor, but felt compelled to share this positive note. Kaylee exhibited kindness and an impressive knowledge base, delivering outstanding customer service. Ms. Stevenson also expressed that Kaylee is an invaluable asset to our team.

Ms. Means simply couldn’t restrain herself from sharing her thoughts about Kaylee Wymer. According to Ms. Means, Kaylee exhibits remarkable patience and understanding. Ms. Means went on to express that, having called multiple times regarding an issue, Kaylee not only explained but also went the extra mile to address and resolve her concerns. In recounting her experience, Ms. Means even used words like magnificent, helpful, and empathetic to describe Kaylee’s outstanding assistance.

Dr. Fuente from University of South Carolina extends appreciation to the Canal WTP Operations Team led by Tyler Dillman and the Canal WTP Drinking Water Compliance Team led by Alejandra Beier. Dr. Fuente acknowledges, “Thank you to you and your team for providing fantastic tours to our students. The staff were stellar and provided an engaging experience for our students.” Dr. Fuente emphasizes the importance of the public understanding the intricate and capital-intensive nature of water service delivery and expresses gratitude for opening the doors of the plant to students.