Mike Wood has worn many hats during his four-decade career at SD1. We sat down with Mike to discuss his various roles and what it took to go from general laborer to treatment plant operator.
Mike, how did your career at SD1 begin?
My father worked at Bromley Wastewater Treatment Plant in the 1970s, and I was hired on at the District in 1980. I started at the very bottom as a general laborer. I worked in the maintenance department, became a welder, a pump station operator, received a wastewater certification and became a treatment plant operator.
How has your career evolved?
In 1995, SD1 took over ownership and maintenance responsibilities for the sanitary sewer systems in many Northern Kentucky cities, so there were many opportunities for people to advance within the organization.
We purchased our first camera truck and I was given the opportunity to operate it. I was later promoted to operations manager and was heavily involved with the City Sewer Flood Protection Consolidating process. For many years, I also worked heavily in Lucity, SD1’s asset management software.
What does your current role involve?
I've worked with the industrial pretreatment program for about three years now. This involves working with industries and restaurants in our service area by inspecting or sampling what they have dumped into our system. We ensure they meet permit requirements to keep our infrastructure and treatment plants in good condition.
How does the pretreatment program support SD1’s mission?
Our role is vital to local water quality because if we don't regulate industries and restaurants, and keep a firm grip on what is allowed to enter the sewer system, biological life would suffer or die, our pipes may corrode and fail, our crews could be in danger and more obnoxious odors could occur in our neighborhoods.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
Starting a job and finishing it to the end. It’s rewarding to know that what you're doing is making a difference to the environment and to your community. And of course, providing for your family.
What’s the key to your tenure at SD1?
I've been involved with so many different changes that it doesn't feel like I've been at the same organization for 42 years. I’ve experienced different positions, management styles, department structures, and better technology. Over the years, things have changed for the better.
What do you like to do outside of SD1?
I like to travel, camp, hike, and love to do woodworking projects.
What is your favorite part about SD1?
The people. I've met so many good people, not just here at the district, but also numerous vendors and consultants and customers.
Watch this latest edition of SD1 Staff Spotlight at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i-LegSYSDrs.
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About SD1
SD1 is responsible for the collection and treatment of northern Kentucky’s wastewater and also serves as the regional storm water management agency. SD1 is the second largest public sewer utility in Kentucky, serving more than 339,795 residents throughout Boone, Campbell and Kenton counties. SD1 maintains approximately 1,685 miles of sanitary-sewer system pipeline, 122 wastewater pumping stations, 15 flood pump stations, six package treatment plants, three major wastewater treatment plants, 433 miles of storm-sewer system and 32,300 storm-sewer structures.