James (J.D.) Malone
Collection System Maintenance
The Maintenance Department maintains all electrical and mechanical equipment and facilities for the treatment plant and collection system. The department is organized into three work groups allowing the District to operate as efficiently and reliably as possible. The three work groups are Plant Maintenance, Collection System Maintenance, and Information Systems / Instrumentation and Controls.
Plant Maintenance:
The Plant Maintenance ensures the reliability and performance of over 5,500 assets and 25 Buildings at our 99-acre wastewater treatment facility, playing a vital role in maintaining the infrastructure essential for effective operations.
- Mission Fulfillment: The Maintenance Department plans and executes upkeep tasks, including scheduled maintenance, repairs, and preventive measures, to keep equipment operational and prevent breakdowns. This proactive approach helps us avoid costly repairs and downtime.
- Unique Expertise: This team shares a broad skill set, allowing us to handle diverse maintenance tasks ranging from electrical to mechanical work, making the job dynamic and interesting. Staff members are adept in multiple trades, ensuring we can tackle various challenges without relying on external resources.
- Collaborative Integration: The Maintenance Department works closely with other departments, such as Operations and Laboratory, to ensure safety and alignment in achieving shared goals. An emphasis on open communication encourages a team-oriented environment where knowledge sharing and problem-solving thrive.
- Adaptation and Progress: Our maintenance approach has shifted from reactive strategies to proactive and predictive maintenance, leveraging technology for efficiency. We are streamlining processes, while future advancements in AI will further enhance our asset management capabilities.
- Future Goals: The Maintenance Department aims to reduce downtime, enhance asset performance, and improve communication and inventory management. These goals align with our commitment to maintaining the district’s infrastructure and supporting its mission effectively.
Collection System Maintenance:
This group is responsible for maintaining the District’s collection system mechanical equipment and facilities. The group is responsible for approximately 50 lift stations, 4 Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) facilities, over 100 miles of interceptor sewers, and the Wyckles Biosolds Facility. Some lift stations are multi-room buildings and some are almost completely underground.