Volume 23 - Issue 1 - July 2021
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Board of Directors Meeting SummaryThe following action items passed by majority vote during the regular meeting of the Sanitation District No. 1 Board of Directors held Tuesday, June 15. Standby Maintenance and Emergency ServicesA Standby Maintenance and Emergency Services agreement was awarded to two contractors for the rehabilitation and repair of various sanitary and storm water assets. These contractors - Rack & Ballauer Co., and Larry Smith Inc., will be utilized to assist SD1 crews performing repairs to the collection systems, treatment plants, storm water BMPs and pumping stations, and will also respond to emergency situations. Utilizing a standby maintenance and emergency services contract provides SD1 the ability to balance the use of internal and contract labor to meet annual renewal of asset goals. This contract allows internal construction crews to focus on the type of repair work where they are most effective and provide the highest level of customer service. SD1 Goals Advanced: Customer Satisfaction, Operational Efficiency & Resiliency, Optimal Infrastructure Management Bromley Crescent Springs Conveyance PipingThe SD1 Board awarded a contract to Welsh Excavating Co., in the amount of $3,289,933 for construction of an increased-capacity sewer conveyance system. It will also address a safety issue created from manhole lids in Bromley Crescent Springs Road being lifted from the roadway by SSOs during rain events. In alignment with the Clean H2O40 Amended Consent Decree, and as part of the Updated Watershed Plan, this project moves SD1 closer to the milestone to eliminate SSOs by the year 2029. The project is directly aligned with SD1 goal of eliminating SSOs as mandated by the Amended Consent Decree. Safety concerns along Bromley Crescent Springs Road will also be addressed. During large rain events, storm water discharge would cause manhole covers along the road to dislocate from the frames. The upsized piping will convey greater amounts of storm water and reduce the risk to damage to cars or injury to drivers in that area. SD1 Goals Advanced: Customer Satisfaction, Financial Viability, Environmental Stewardship, Optimal Infrastructure Management Project Management and Support ServicesThe SD1 Board awarded a contract to Hazen and Sawyer, Inflo Design Group and Wade Trim to provide project management and support services for upcoming capital improvement projects at the unit prices submitted with their bids. Using outsourced project managers will allow SD1 to avoid the increased risk and expenses associated with full-time staff. The program managers will be used on an as-needed basis, which will provide SD1 with the flexibility to terminate contracts as projects are completed. SD1 Goals Advanced: Financial Viability, Operational Efficiency & Resiliency Blangey Road Sanitary Sewer ReplacementThe SD1 Board awarded a contract to Smithcorp Inc. for sanitary sewer replacement along Blangey Road in Campbell County. The aging piping system is prone to failure and excessive manpower resources are required to maintain its integrity. The new conveyance system entails 1,370 feet of 8-inch sanitary sewer pipes, seven structures and the removal of aerial crossings. The winning bid was in the amount of $347,629.50. The replacement of these sections of sanitary sewer that have been difficult and costly to maintain due to their location will gain efficiencies both financially and operationally. SD1 Goals Advanced: Financial Viability, Operational Efficiency & Resiliency, Optimal Infrastructure Management Strathmore/Memorial Parkway Storm and Sanitary Sewer ReplacementThe SD1 Board awarded a contract to Connhurst LLC in the amount of $1,512,216 for the upsizing of the sanitary sewer at the intersection of Strathmore and Rosemont Avenue and then along Memorial Parkway in Ft. Thomas. The project will then connect to the newly constructed Waterworks Road storm and sanitary sewer improvements wastewater and storm water conveyance system. The project is part of the Updated Watershed Plan to capture 75% of SSO and CSO in that area by 2029. These improvements will reduce the risk of flooding of homes and streets in the Strathmore Avenue area, address failing sanitary sewer assets and also manage a portion of the future watershed plan needs. SD1 Goals Advanced: Environmental Stewardship, Operational Efficiency & Resiliency, Optimal Infrastructure Management Licking Pike Siphon Parallel Pipe ConstructionThe SD1 Board awarded a contract to Smithcorp Inc. of Cincinnati in the amount of $1,376,000 for construction of a 12” siphon to be installed parallel to the existing Licking River siphon located in Wilder. The new siphon will work in conjunction with the existing Licking River siphon to divert excessive storm water into the upstream Equalization basin (EQ). The structure will store excess flow, which will then be released gradually to control volume in the collection system. This project, when complete, will reduce the SSOs in the SD1 system by 42 MG. In the Amended Consent Decree, the sanitary sewer overflow percent reduction is 20% for the first milestone of July 1, 2023 and 75% for the second milestone of January 1, 2029. SD1 Goals Advanced: Environmental Stewardship, Operational Efficiency & Resiliency, Optimal Infrastructure Management Reservation of Sanitary Sewer Capacity RequestsFive new requests for reservation of sanitary sewer capacity were approved by the SD1 Board. The reservation of capacity program provides SD1 with knowledge of development and an opportunity to assess system capacity, track committed capacity in balance with system operations and capital improvements and provide developers assurance of capacity. This process benefits the communities served by SD1 by providing planning tools for economic vitality. SD1 Goals Advanced: Financial Viability, Optimal Infrastructure Management, Stakeholder Support, Environmental Stewardship Request for Storm Water Public Cost-Share ProgramOne request for a cost increase for the Joyce Avenue, Southgate cost-share project was approved by the SD1 Board. The project was initially approved by the Board in February 2021 at a cost contribution by SD1 of $49,750. Following increased costs during the design phase, the city requested an increased contribution of $21,440 to cover the overage. The project will address drainage issues on Blossom Lane and storm water ponding at Joyce Avenue. The SD1 Public Cost-Share Program provides financial assistance to co-permittees for the installation of new storm water infrastructure that addresses drainage issues associated with a dedicated and accepted right-of-way, impacting a right-of-way, or caused by or related to public infrastructure drainage. Upon satisfactory completion of the project, SD1 assumes ownership of the new infrastructure and reimburses the co-permittee a percentage of the project cost. Currently, the SD1 reimbursement percentage is set at 50% of the cost. SD1 Goals Advanced: Operational Efficiency & Resiliency, Optimal Infrastructure Management, Stakeholder Support Board of Directors Officer ElectionsThe election of officers for the fiscal year 2022 was conducted as the last order of business of the meeting. Elected to serve a one-year term beginning July 1, 2021 were: Bob Boswell (Boone County), President; Rick Wessels (Kenton County), Vice President; Robert Horine (Campbell County), Secretary; Katie Nolan (Boone County), Treasurer.
Details about the SD1 Strategic Business Plan are available at: https://www.sd1.org/223/Strategic-Business-Plan.
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Meet the Stars of SD1's Upcoming 'Kids Explain' Video Series
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On June 24, SD1 hosted its first Junior Water Ambassador event as part of SD1's upcoming "Kids Explain" video series, which will educate the public about wastewater and storm water. The participants, all of whom were the children of SD1 staff, arrived at SD1's main office eager to learn about SD1 and everything that goes into making clean water possible. While filming occurred throughout the day, here are some of the event highlights.
"Only rain down the storm drain!" Junior Water Ambassadors learned this cheer and other ways to fight water pollution with Environmental Educator Andrea Dee. The children took part in an experiment where mock pollution was sprinkled throughout a model city, followed by a mock rainstorm. The experiment demonstrated how storm water naturally washes pollution on the ground into nearby streams and rivers. Thus, each participant saw the importance of properly disposing of litter and pet waste, and never pouring anything down a storm drain.
Lab and Pretreatment Manager Sarah Griffith taught the children about wastewater, including the three Ps of what's safe to flush down a toilet: Pee, Poo and toilet Paper. Since the kids couldn't visit the lab at Dry Creek, Sarah brought the lab to them! Each child donned safety glasses and gloves to test either water temperature, oxygen or pH levels, all vital tests for proper wastewater treatment.
Another highlight of the day included a trip to Banklick Creek in SD1's Public Service Park, where children observed firsthand some of the wildlife SD1 helps protect. Environmental Scientist Liz Fet and Thomas More students Madison and Maggie went knee-deep into the water to catch sunfish, darters and aquatic bugs for the Junior Water Ambassadors to study. After the field trip, Liz said several kids expressed interest in biology careers.
By noon the Junior Water Ambassadors had received a crash course in all things SD1, including getting a high-fin and certificate from Splash McClean. Each participant expressed gratitude to the people of SD1 for working around the clock to keep our community safe and clean.
We learned a lot from our first Junior Water Ambassadors, and we even captured some laughs on camera. But you'll have to wait to see what we mean. Stay tuned for SD1's "Kids Explain" video series later this summer and be sure to follow SD1 on Facebook and Twitter, so you don't miss a video.
Special thanks to Brooke Shireman, Chris Cole, Lora Bonno and the SD1 parents who made this event possible (including the staff in this article).
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Silver Grove EQ Basin to Eliminate Over 1MG of CSO The SD1 Board of Directors has approved construction of an equalization (EQ) basin in Silver Grove that will eliminate 1.36 million gallons of typical-year combined sewer overflow (CSO).
This project will be part of a larger set of improvements to address drainage and overflows along Route 8 in Silver Grove and Highland Heights. Construction of larger EQ tanks in the area to address sanitary sewer overflows will be completed later this year.
The underground EQ basin will hold about 410,000 gallons and will be constructed as a gravity-in, gravity-out structure, temporarily storing excess flow during wet weather events and then gradually releasing the flow back into SD1’s system.
Learn More: https://www.sd1.org/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=84&ARC=167
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July Safety Article: Firework SafetyIsn’t the Fourth of July great? In addition to being a celebration of America’s independence as a nation, lots of families have barbecues or cookouts, and you can go see a fireworks display at night.
The safest way to enjoy fireworks is at a professional display. Some people light sparklers at home or even set off their own fireworks, but this is dangerous. Some of the people hurt each year aren’t the ones setting off the fireworks, but people who are nearby.
It’s best to stay away from areas where nonprofessionals are setting off fireworks. Fireworks can cause serious eye injuries, including blindness, if the eye tissue gets damaged or torn. Other common injuries from fireworks include burns to the hands and face, which can leave scars. Someone could even lose one or more fingers if fireworks go off the wrong way. Fireworks can also start fires, which can hurt even more people.
If fireworks are legal where you live, keep these safety tips in mind: - Kids should never play with fireworks. Things like firecrackers, rockets, and sparklers are just too dangerous. If you give kids sparklers, make sure they keep them outside and away from the face, clothing, and hair. Sparklers can reach 1,800°F (982°C) — hot enough to melt gold.
- Buy only legal fireworks (legal fireworks have a label with the manufacturer's name and directions; illegal ones are unlabeled), and store them in a cool, dry place. Illegal fireworks usually go by the names M-80, M100, blockbuster, or quarter pounder. These explosives were banned in 1966, but still account for many fireworks injuries.
- Never try to make your own fireworks.
- Always use fireworks outside and have a bucket of water and a hose nearby in case of accidents.
- Steer clear of others setting off fireworks. They can backfire or shoot off in the wrong direction.
- Never throw or point fireworks at someone, even as a joke.
- Don't hold fireworks in your hand or have any part of your body over them while lighting. Wear eye protection, and don't carry fireworks in your pocket — the friction could set them off.
- Point fireworks away from homes, and keep away from brush and leaves and flammable substances. The National Fire Protection Association estimates that local fire departments respond to more 50,000 fires caused by fireworks each year.
- Light one firework at a time (not in glass or metal containers), and never relight a dud.
- Don't allow kids to pick up pieces of fireworks after an event. Some may still be ignited and can explode at any time.
- Soak all fireworks in a bucket of water before throwing them in the trash can.
- Think about your pet. Animals have sensitive ears and can be very frightened or stressed by the Fourth of July and other big celebrations. Keep pets indoors to reduce the risk that they'll run loose or get injured.
If an Injury Occurs If a person is injured by fireworks, immediately go to a doctor or hospital.
If an eye injury occurs:
- Don't let the person touch or rub it, as this may cause even more damage.
- Don't flush the eye out with water or try to put any ointment on it.
- Cut out the bottom of a paper cup, place it around the eye, and get medical care right away — the person's eyesight may depend on it.
If someone is burned: - Remove clothing from the burned area.
- Call your doctor immediately.
Fireworks are meant to be enjoyed, but you'll enjoy them much more knowing your family is safe. Below are some local Kentucky Fireworks and Celebration events:
Independence Day Celebration and Fireworks - 3-10 p.m. Ft. Thomas Tower Park 900 S Ft. Thomas Ave Food, drinks, kid activities, music and fireworks at 10 p.m.
Great American Ball Park – July 2
Fourth of July Summer Bash – July 4 starting at 7 p.m.; fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Christ’s Chapel Assembly of God 3819 Turfway Rd. - Erlanger Food, volleyball, fireworks – free
City of Independence Fourth of July – July 4 Memorial Park 2003 Jackwoods Pkwy. - Independence Music, drinks, fireworks and more
City of Florence Independence Day Celebration – July 4 - 10 p.m. Florence City building
Fire in the Hills – July 3 - 3-11 p.m. Villa Hills Civic Club 729 Rogers Rd, Villa Hills Food, drinks, music and fireworks at dusk
Faith & Fireworks – July 3 - 5-10 p.m. New Life Apostolic Church 1645 Gardnersville Rd, Crittenden KY Food, drinks and fireworks at dark.
Information obtained from kidshealth.org
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Safety PuzzleThe monthly Safety Puzzle is now available on the intranet under the Safety tab. If you have any questions, please contact Melissa Bradford.
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Comings, Goings and Anniversaries
June Arrivals- Kristina Napier, Finance (Temp)
- Jeremy Boggs, Facilities Fleet (Summer Help)
- Emma Stevens, Facilities Fleet (Summer Help)
- Brycen Bolin, Facilities Fleet (Summer Help)
- Nick Gilkerson, Facilities Fleet (Summer Help)
- Tyson Maynard, Facilities Fleet (Summer Help)
June Departures- Ralph Johnstone
- Kobie Baker
- Darleen McGuire
- Todd Houston
July Birthdays- 7/2 - Ashley Bode, Finance
- 7/4 - Phillip Sebastian, Technical Services
- 7/4 - Nicholas Weatherman, Western Regional Treatment
- 7/5 - Geoffrey Ball, Eastern Regional
- 7/6 - Tim Noble, Dry Creek Operations & Maintenance
- 7/6 - Donald Isaacs, Planning
- 7/7 - Charles Lorentz, Eastern Regional
- 7/7 - Evan Steelman, IT
- 7/8 - Jared Ison, Development Services
- 7/10 - Tom Braun, Finance
- 7/10 - Greg Braunwart, Collection Systems
- 7/10 - Scott Breeze, Collection Systems
- 7/10 - Jenna Stadtmiller, Legal
- 7/12 - Ian Kafoure-Clare, Technical Services
- 7/13 - Brandy Miller, Legal
- 7/14 - Chris Cole, Enterprise Communications
- 7/15 - Andrew Aman, Development Services
- 7/16 - Scott Justice, Collection Systems
- 7/21 - David Radford, Asset Management
- 7/21 - Jeremy Boggs, Facilities Fleet
- 7/22 - Dalton Edmonds, Collection Systems
- 7/22 - Evan Stevens, Collection Systems
- 7/23 - Andrea Dee, Storm Water - Water Resources
- 7/27 - John Runge, Collection Systems
- 7/27 - Jennifer Adamson, Finance
- 7/27 - David Gilligan, Design & Construction Management
- 7/28 - Doug Wells, IT
- 7/28 - Coniah Johnson, Collection Systems
- 7/29 - Darren Martin, Storm Water - Water Resources
- 7/29 - Erica Campbell, Finance
- 7/29 - Jesse Domaschko, Dry Creek Operations & Maintenance
July Employment Anniversaries - Chris Crone - 26 years
- Chris Robinson - 24 years
- Linda Hamberg - 20 years
- Jim Ishmael - 20 years
- Steve Hamberg - 17 years
- Scott Justice - 14 years
- Greg Tomlin - 13 years
- Andrew Doyle - 10 years
- Jared Ison - 6 years
- Samuel Hehman - 5 years
- Nancy Slusher - 5 years
- Coniah Johnson - 2 years
- Brian Thompson - 2 years
- Janeen Rutherford - 1 year
- Michael Stevens - 1 year
Staff birthdays are also available in the daily calendar on The Pipeline.
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