Antioch Wastewater Veteran Wins Award
Saving money while increasing efficiency and decreasing work‐related accidents are aspirations at most workplaces. A veteran wastewater operator at Delta Diablo Sanitation District in Antioch has been recognized for making this goal a reality with his TroughONator invention, which has won the California Water Environment Association (CWEA) “Gimmicks & Gadgets” State award.
Wastewater operators protect public health and the environment by effectively and safely processing domestic waste which is discharged from homes, businesses and industry. Because domestic waste contains large amounts of fats, oils and grease (FOG), it often leaves a messy residue and clogs machinery during the sedimentation stage of processing at treatment plants.
This requires specialized equipment for cleaning. If not done properly it can result in damage to the plant equipment as well as creating safety concerns for even the most experienced plant operators. According to the U.S. Department of Labor1, a wastewater operator’s work is physically demanding and often performed in locations that are difficult to access or clean.
They must pay close attention to safety procedures because of the presence of hazardous conditions, such as slippery walkways, dangerous gases, and malfunctioning equipment. As a result, wastewater operators have a higher‐than‐average occupational injury rate.
Leonard Pompa, a 25‐year employee at Delta Diablo Sanitation District, understands the dangers of FOG in his workplace. Certified in wastewater operation by the State of California at the highest level, Leonard has the experience and knowledge necessary to address this annoying and dangerous impediment by creating a gadget to help safely clean and unclog sedimentation systems.
He came up with a creative method to ensure grease scum stays in the settling basin and not on cleaning equipment, railings, walkways or operator’s clothing and body.
Gary Darling, General Manager, reports “Using 11 feet of pipe, hose and general plumbing equipment, Leonard has successfully reduced a messy and risky twoperson cleanup job which often required additional clean up of both the equipment and the operators – to an efficient oneperson task which is tolerable and safe.”
CWEA agreed and awarded Leonard this year’s State “Gimmicks an Gadgets” award. Delta Diablo Sanitation District’s Operations Supervisor, Joaquin Gonzalez, was also recognized by the CWEA with this year’s State “Supervisor of the Year” award.
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Leonard Pompa April 20 2011 008
