Staying current

Even though the Middle Oconee staff has learned a lot during construction, Bloyer and Holder make sure all operators are fully trained in the new plant processes. They want the training program to result in a library of training materials they will maintain on site.

“Each process manufacturer must provide adequate training on all new pieces of equipment,” Bloyer says. “That’s part of the contract.” The training is to be provided by a technical (not sales) representative from the manufacturer. Training materials must include videos, lessons and tests. “We’re going to get some excellent training,” Holder says.

Bloyer wants the training to qualify for continuing education units (CEUs) that operators can accumulate toward certification. “The goal is to have a library of training here so new employees will get the same training the existing staff received,” Holder says. “We are also contemplating making the training materials available to other municipalities in the area.”

The materials might also come in handy in the plant’s close relationship with the University of Georgia, whose athletic fields are just down the road. “The university frequently uses us for research projects,” says Bloyer. “In the past, they have brought portable labs to the plant and conducted wastewater research.”

Mutual respect

Holder says the new treatment facilities throughout Athens-Clarke County might create enough interest that students will want to intern there. “Dave and I are working on that through the ecology department at the university,” he says. “We hope we’ll get some students interested.”

If and when they come, they’ll see the results of good planning, carried out by parties that communicated constantly and trusted each other. Holder “can’t say enough about the level of respect” between the plant management, staff and contractors.

Regular meetings, and even more so, daily one-on-one contact between the plant and contractor, made for a successful project, even in the face of some tough situations. He adds that superintendent Roberts has shown tremendous support and has encouraged the good relationships. “Having the confidence of someone like Mark, with 37 years of experience, is very humbling to say the least,” Holder says.

“We’ve had very few surprises. Just a few nicks, a cut phone line, but nothing serious. I’m proud of our operators. We’d all sit down and discuss a plan, shoot holes in it, and in the end each person knew exactly what they had to do.”

Trust has been the key, both Holder and Bloyer, believe. “Even with my new pickup truck,” says Holder, “if they’re digging a line right next to it, I don’t worry.”

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