Our award winning, state of the art, Water Treatment Facility has been in operation since 2004. The plant uses a membrane filtration system, one of the first of its kind in the state, when it began operations. Since 2004, the plant has made many improvements to stay ahead of our fast-growing county. While the plant currently produces around 2.9 million gallons of water daily, it is capable of producing 10.3 million gallons of water daily.
Our water treatment plant is a big part of our mission to be prepared for tomorrow. Maintaining the overall health and functionality of our water treatment plant is critical to providing clean water to our service area. Planning and preparation for the future of water supply to Blount County includes projects to accomplish objectives such as increasing plant productivity, operational efficiency, water quality, testing procedures, and a many other purposes. We are always evaluating where we are now with where we need to be in the future and evolving our plan on how to accomplish our goals.
Providing clean water requires workers that are certified and trained in the treatment process. Today, around 50% of the certified plant operators around the state of Tennessee will reach retirement age within the next ten years. At our plant, we have four of our six trained operators planning to retire in the next decade. The state-level certification exam for trained Grade III and Grade IV Operators is very demanding, with less than 40% of applicants passing the exam.
There are many different treatment techniques used at water and wastewater treatment plants, and thus many skills required to be certified. A Grade III and IV Operator uses physical, chemical, biological, and algebraic concepts and principles to create sustainable outcomes in their treatment plant. They need exceptional communication skills and the training to operate the equipment, instruments, and various software in use at their plant. Pellissippi State Community College is offering a new associates degree program targeted at preparing individuals who are interested in pursuing these certifications and filling this growing need for our industry. The program is the first of its kind in Tennessee and will provide students an advantage by incorporating hands on experience with on-site training and education on the specific skills needed in preparation for state exams.
To develop the program and ensure it was effective in preparing students for success, Pellissippi State developed an industry advisory committee comprised of professionals from the water and wastewater field. Eugene Durant, our Plant Manager, and AL Scott, our District Manager, served with others on the committee. Al Scott encourages students interested in a career in the water and wastewater treatment field. He says, "it is extremely satisfying work and a unique opportunity to serve the community. In Blount County, the population is growing rapidly and as the county grows, so will South Blount Utility."
For more information on the program visit the program website at Pellissippi State,
click here.
