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StreamLine NEWS AND EVENTS AT MSD · APRIL 2015 OUR VISION ACHIEVING CLEAN, SAFE WATERWAYS FOR A HEALTHY AND VIBRANT COMMUNITY OUR MISSION PROVIDING EXCEPTIONAL WASTEWATER, DRAINAGE AND FLOOD PROTECTION SERVICES FOR OUR COMMUNITY 24/7/365 CUSTOMER RELATIONS: 502-587-0603 CUSTOMERRELATIONS@LOUISVILLEMSD. ORG LOUISVILLEMSD.ORG EN ESPAÑOL: 502-540-6423 DE 8:15 DE LA MAÑANA A 5 DE LA TARDE, DE LUNES A VIERNES MSD Metropolitan Sewer District “I wish to thank all the MSD personnel who worked extra shifts and long hours to keep our community safe during this flooding event.” Executive Director Greg Heitzman made this statement in direct response to MSD’s diligent work in handling the heavy rainfall, as well as the rising river elevations, that the month of March brought with it to Louisville Metro. This rain, coupled with the already saturated ground, called for MSD to activate our Ohio River Flood Protection System. The system includes 29 miles of floodwall and earthen levee, nearly 150 floodgates and 80 floodwall closures. Our 16 flood-pump stations, which are located along the system, move inland water to the river when the floodwalls and levees are sealed. On March 16, the upper and lower gauges registered readings that were nearly 7 feet above flood stage—29.77 feet and 61.29 feet, respectively. According to the Louisville National Weather Service, the last time the Ohio River produced readings that high was April 27, 2011. While MSD cannot control the weather, our employees do a great job of mitigating its effects in a community that is diverse in geography and in development. The agency serves urban, suburban and even some rural areas. Many of these areas were constructed without any drainage or flood protection systems. MSD has invested customer dollars well by retrofitting with drainage enhancements, flood storage basins and stream improvements to increase protection from the rising waters. Flood Protection mobilizes to protect our community High waters affected River Road and the MSD had all but one flood-pump station in service to control the effects of the recent severe rain event. All these stations were staffed around-the-clock. They pumped more than 13 billion gallons of water out of the city and into the river, thus diminishing localized flooding. “Even with fully saturated ground conditions, the drainage and flood protection systems performed extremely well,” explained MSD Chief of Operations Brian Bingham. “Many of the projects that MSD has implemented due to the Consent Decree significantly reduced the number of wet weather overflows,” he continued. Waterfront area in downtown Louisville.

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Page 1: StreamLine - Home | MSD · StreamLine News aNd eveNts at Msd · april 2015 Our VisiOn achieviNg cleaN, safe waterways for a healthy aNd vibraNt coMMuNity Our MissiOn providiNg exceptioNal

StreamLineNews aNd eveNts at Msd · april 2015

Our VisiOn

achieviNg cleaN, safe waterways for a healthy aNd vibraNt coMMuNity

Our MissiOn

providiNg exceptioNal wastewater, draiNage aNd flood protectioN services for our coMMuNity

24/7/365 custoMer relatioNs: 502-587-0603 [email protected]

louisvilleMsd.org

eN español: 502-540-6423 de 8:15 de la MañaNa a 5 de la tarde, de luNes a vierNes

MSDM e t r o p o l i t a n S e w e r D i s t r i c t

“I wish to thank all the MSD personnel who worked extra shifts and long hours to keep our community safe during this flooding event.” Executive Director Greg Heitzman made this statement in direct response to MSD’s diligent work in handling the heavy rainfall, as well as the rising river elevations, that the month of March brought with it to Louisville Metro. This rain, coupled with the already saturated ground, called for MSD to activate our Ohio River Flood Protection System. The system includes 29 miles of floodwall and earthen levee, nearly 150 floodgates and 80 floodwall closures. Our 16 flood-pump stations, which are located along the system, move inland water to the river when the floodwalls and levees are sealed.

On March 16, the upper and lower gauges registered readings that were nearly 7 feet above flood stage—29.77 feet and 61.29 feet, respectively. According to the Louisville National Weather Service, the last time the Ohio River produced readings that high was April 27, 2011.

While MSD cannot control the weather, our employees do a great job of mitigating its effects in a community that is diverse in geography and in development. The agency serves urban, suburban and even some rural areas. Many of these areas were constructed without any drainage or flood protection systems. MSD has invested customer dollars well by retrofitting with drainage enhancements, flood storage basins and stream improvements to increase protection from the rising waters.

Flood Protection mobilizes to protect our community

High waters affected River Road and the

MSD had all but one flood-pump station in service to control the effects of the recent severe rain event. All these stations were staffed around-the-clock. They pumped more than 13 billion gallons of water out of the city and into the river, thus diminishing localized flooding.

“Even with fully saturated ground conditions, the drainage and flood protection systems performed extremely well,” explained MSD Chief of Operations Brian Bingham. “Many of the projects that MSD has implemented due to the Consent Decree significantly reduced the number of wet weather overflows,” he continued.

Waterfront area in downtown Louisville.

Page 2: StreamLine - Home | MSD · StreamLine News aNd eveNts at Msd · april 2015 Our VisiOn achieviNg cleaN, safe waterways for a healthy aNd vibraNt coMMuNity Our MissiOn providiNg exceptioNal

Msd streaMliNe · april 2015 page 2

Above: Floodwaters are pumped through the Pond Creek Flood Pump Station to the river side of the levee. Right: Juan Afable and Jay Thomas discuss the pump operation at their shift exchange.

Above: Pat Barry checks the performance of a pump at the Beargrass Creek Flood Pump Station. Right: The pump moves rainwater from inside the levee system to the river side of the levee.

“Our overall goal with these pump stations is protecting the public.” — Daren Thompson Flood Protection Supervisor

Page 3: StreamLine - Home | MSD · StreamLine News aNd eveNts at Msd · april 2015 Our VisiOn achieviNg cleaN, safe waterways for a healthy aNd vibraNt coMMuNity Our MissiOn providiNg exceptioNal

Msd streaMliNe · april 2015 page 3

MSD employees stand at the ready to serve this community

MSD would like to recognize the many employees who worked through the recent flooding event to provide vital flood protection services for Louisville Metro. Some of them are shown above, from left to right: Daren Thompson, Tony Marconi, Gary Coates, Juan Afable, Brian Bradley, Joe Exely, Walter Furlong III, Montaze Trumbo, Sheila Beard, Ed Hammerbeck, Christian Miller (back), JP Carsone, Chris Bullock, Patricia Capito, David Ciez (back), Richard Grigsby Jr., Larry Byrd, Ronald Simpson Jr., Mark Moats and Calbert Kelsey.

John Foote

Walter Furlong III

Richard Grigsby Jr.

Danny Janssen

Calbert Kelsey

Tony Marconi

Dennis Thomasson

Flood-pump station emergency response roster:

Juan Afable

Darryl Ayo

Pat Barry

Sheila Beard

Lore Berglund

Jamar Blevins

Jerry Bond Jr.

Brian Bradley

Tom Brown

Gary Coates

Glen Cooper

Jim Crowder

Jason Dempster

Agency leadership response team:

Greg Heitzman

Brian Bingham

Steve Emly

Flood Protection staff:

Tom Armistead

Christopher Bullock

Larry Byrd

Patricia Capito

JP Carsone

David Ciez

Floodgate installation roster:

Christopher Asher II

Patrick Beasley

Mitchell Casper

Chad Crabtree

Dwayne Edwards Sr.

Stephon Gazaway

Kenny Gibson

Josh Dickerson

Eugene Downs

Tim Durham

Duke Edwards

Glenn Eilers

Joe Exely

Lonnie Gaines

Tony Glore

Ed Hammerbeck

Adonis Henderson

Ron Henderson

Tim Hinkle

Ken Jones

MSD Flood Response Team—March 2015

Dave Klotz

Loren Levitz

Nelson Little

Christian Miller

Diana Ogburn

Tori Perkins

Tony Ralston

Ron Simpson

Alex Talbott Jr.

John Tellman

Jay Thomas

Montaze Trumbo

John Williamson

Mark Moats

James Poyner

Roderick Pulliam

Ron Simpson Jr.

Daren Thompson

Dispatch/Operations Control:

Ben Auclair

Yvonne Austin

Eddie Brown

Morris Byrd

Timothy A. Clark

William Culver Jr.

Media Communications/Government Relations:

Steve Tedder

Customer Relations:

Cassandra Anderson

Julie Blanford

Tracey Crawley

Leila Cunningham

Jesmond Gentry

Helen Givens

Darrell Goodwin Sr.

Walter Jackson

Stephon Mayes

Eric McKinney Jr.

Ricky Mills Sr.

Dearon Mimms

Maurice Nichols

Brett Parsons

William Phillips III

Tony Porter

Bryon Richardson

Jim Emily

Troy Florence

Kenneth Jones

Russell Kopp

Adam Lyons

Niccole Mardis

Sherry Peters

Steven Robbins

Ronald Simpson

Jim Speaker

Marc Thomas

Laurie Washington

Lanita Grimes

Bridgett Kehoe

Christal Lewis

Connie Rhodes

Barbara Roberson

Audrey Sedlock

Sonja Smith

Marya Summers

Sherri Sutton

Charlotte Whitfield-

Baker

Stacey Witten

Page 4: StreamLine - Home | MSD · StreamLine News aNd eveNts at Msd · april 2015 Our VisiOn achieviNg cleaN, safe waterways for a healthy aNd vibraNt coMMuNity Our MissiOn providiNg exceptioNal

Msd streaMliNe · april 2015

page 4

Welcome to MSD:

Benjamin Davidson, Emergency Response Pretreatment Inspector

Nicholas Rumery, Auto and Heavy Equipment Tech

Congratulations on your promotion:

Dane Anderson, Collections Supervisor

Michael Brazel, Collections Systems Manager

Johnny Caudill, Utility Worker I

Christina Corley, Accountant I

William Cunningham, TV Inspection Supervisor

Staci Huber, Operations Process Supervisor

Keith Gallai, TV Inspection Supervisor

Daniel McGee, Utility Worker II

Welcome to a new role:

Terry French-Marzian, Flood Protection

MSD Milestones

Happy service anniversary:

25 years

William Mullins 15 years

Bill Caswell

Connie Rhodes 10 years

Kenneth Alford

Patricia Capito

Andre Reese

Michael Slavey 5 years

Terry French-Marzian

Antoine Hamilton Sr.

Christopher Hendrix

Franklin Rake

Congratulations on your retirement:

Steve Emly

Greg C. HeitzmanExecutive Director

Summit focuses on ‘Value of Water’

Water is essential to life, yet it is greatly undervalued in the United States, where Americans pay less than a penny per gallon to have clean, safe water delivered to their homes. This was the theme of the Kentucky-Tennessee Water Environment Association’s 2015 Value of Water Summit, which was held March 12-13, in Bowling Green, Kentucky. George Hawkins, who is the CEO and General Manager of the District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority, and Melanie Goetz, author of “Communicating Water’s Value,”

kicked off this conference as its keynote speakers. MSD Executive Director Greg Heitzman, Northern Kentucky Sanitation District #1 Executive Director Dave Rager, and Nashville Metro Water Services Executive Director Scott Potter presented and led a discussion on the “Value of Water—The Utility Manager’s Perspective.”

24/7/365 MSD Customer Relations502-587-0603

[email protected]

For more information about MSD’s Urban Reforestation

Program, contact:

Wesley Sydnor, PE—MS4 Program Manager

[email protected]

Urban Reforestation Program offers shade and clean airMSD is committed to an Urban Reforestation tree-planting schedule of 1,000 trees annually—achieving 14,000 trees by 2024. This Urban Reforestation Program is concentrated within Louisville’s combined sewer overflow boundaries, which are located generally inside the Interstate 264 loop.

Trees offer the following benefits:l Intercepting rainwater before it enters the sewer systeml Decreasing flooding by soaking up large amounts of waterl Providing shade and cooling temperaturesl Minimizing air pollution by removing carbon dioxide from the airl Furnishing aesthetic benefits to our city’s streetscapel Reducing sewer overflows through rain absorption

MSD is searching for groups within Louisville Metro that are interested in tree grants of up to $40,000 each. For more information, please contact Wesley Sydnor, PE, [email protected].

Page 5: StreamLine - Home | MSD · StreamLine News aNd eveNts at Msd · april 2015 Our VisiOn achieviNg cleaN, safe waterways for a healthy aNd vibraNt coMMuNity Our MissiOn providiNg exceptioNal

Msd streaMliNe · april 2015

page 5

Customer Compliments

MSD Chief Engineer to retireSteve Emly, who was appointed as Chief Engineer by Mayor Greg Fischer in September 2012, will retire May 1, after 21 years of service to MSD.

Emly, who is a native of Louisville and a graduate of the University of Louisville’s J. B. Speed School of Engineering, first worked for MSD in 1988 as an engineering intern. Upon

completion of his civil engineering degree, he worked in the private sector for four years and then joined MSD as a full-time employee in 1994. Over the years, Emly has served in various roles in the Engineering Department, which have led to many drainage improvements and flood protection initiatives throughout the district, as well as helping to implement improvements under the federal Consent Decree.

According to Executive Director Greg Heitzman, “We appreciate Steve’s commitment to MSD and the ratepayers we serve. He leaves a legacy of safer waterways for our community through improvements made to our wastewater collections and treatment systems. We are grateful for his service and wish him all the best in his retirement.”

Steve W. EmlyChief Engineer and EngineeringDirector

Leila Cunningham has wonderful customer service skills. I would

like to thank her for her help when I had a backup in my home.

— Jennifer Duncan

I want to compliment MSD’s Kevin Chambers and Enoch Dean.

They were very thoughtful and careful while restoring their work area

in my yard. I am very pleased with the outcome.

— Shelia Oliver

I am very thankful for MSD’s quick response to my sewer backup call.

The crew of Fred Hollon, Sherry Payne and Willie White worked

courteously and efficiently while restoring service to my home.

Their quick actions saved my personal belongings from being destroyed

by the water. I commend them for a job well done.

— Bernie Evans

The Shelby Park Neighborhood Association would like to express

heartfelt gratitude to the MSD Board for approving a tree grant

for Shelby Park. Thank you so much for helping beautify the

neighborhood.

— Shelby Park Neighborhood Association

Project DRI resolves drainage issues for our community Project DRI (Drainage Response Initiative) is a partnership between Louisville Metro and MSD for investing in neighborhood drainage improvements throughout Louisville Metro. The dedicated capital funding and crew work conducted annually under this program have significantly enhanced Louisville Metro’s drainage system since 2003. One effect of Project DRI efforts is the decrease in localized flooding and standing water for our customers. Project DRI continues to move ahead with new projects in these areas:

lBlue Wing DrivelCandleglow LanelCandy Lane

lCoral AvenuelMoulton Lane

The following is a synopsis of correspondence that MSD

Industrial Programs Manager Lisa Gaus recently received.

Lisa Gaus, William Ford, Kandyce Groves, Gary Kohler,

Mike Moore, Jeff Nalley, Bob Pifine and Adraine Ritman

are available 24/7 to provide reliable service by investigating

hazardous material spills.

Thank you so much for your quick response and assistance! I look

forward to having you, or your representatives, attend our regular

meetings. We always appreciate having your employees there and

having that working relationship with them. It is very comforting

to me as an incident commander to see familiar faces at 3 a.m.,

when we need help the most! I would like to take this opportunity

to tell you that every time I have called someone after-hours, I have

ALWAYS received a prompt response, which is greatly appreciated.

— Pat Walsh

Fire Chief, McMahan Fire Protection District

Department Spotlight

Page 6: StreamLine - Home | MSD · StreamLine News aNd eveNts at Msd · april 2015 Our VisiOn achieviNg cleaN, safe waterways for a healthy aNd vibraNt coMMuNity Our MissiOn providiNg exceptioNal

Msd streaMliNe · april 2015 page 6

Employees represent MSD and Our Vision in the community Our Vision—Achieving Clean, Safe Waterways for a Healthy and Vibrant Community

Educational Outreach at the Home, Garden and Remodeling Show

MSD participated for the first time in the Home, Garden and Remodeling Show at the Kentucky Exposition Center. The event is the largest home show in the state and one of the largest in the nation. The MSD exhibit featured a backflow-prevention model, rain barrel, rain garden, rain garden guide, seed packets and educational banners for achieving clean, safe waterways for our community. The following employees represented MSD at this event: Jordan Basham, Julie Blanford, Steve Blanford, Jim Bobbitt, Steve Emly, David Johnson, Debbie Johnson, Bob Stauble, Wes Sydnor and Erin Wagoner. MSD’s Bob Stauble speaks with Home Show attendees about the advantages

of downspout disconnection and MSD’s Plumbing Modification Program.

Good job... great place!

The Louisville Career Expo, sponsored by the Louisville Urban League, occurred in March. Attendees were offered information about employment at MSD. Shown above are, left to right, Eugene Downs, Celethia Neal, Nelson Little and Gwen Reed.

MSDM e t r o p o l i t a n S e w e r D i s t r i c t

Eugene Downs, Celethia Neal, Nelson Little and Gwen Reed prepare to greet Expo visitors.

Educating our future leaders and ratepayers

Robert Bates hosted a group of environmental science students from Bellarmine University, in March, at Morris Forman Water Quality Treatment Center (WQTC). Bates offered a working-world perspective, emphasizing MSD’s commitment to improving the quality of our local waterways.

Robert Bates leads a group of environmental science students from Bellarmine University on a tour of Morris Forman WQTC.

Page 7: StreamLine - Home | MSD · StreamLine News aNd eveNts at Msd · april 2015 Our VisiOn achieviNg cleaN, safe waterways for a healthy aNd vibraNt coMMuNity Our MissiOn providiNg exceptioNal

Engineers Week 2015

Encouraging young students to explore engineering careers was the focus of the Engineers Week event at East Oldham Middle School. MSD’s Meskerem Eshetu, PE,shared with the students real-world applications for science and math through engineering.

Meskerem Eshetu, PE

Msd streaMliNe · april 2015 page 7

Employees represent MSD and Our Vision in the community Our Mission —Providing Exceptional Wastewater, Drainage and Flood Protection Services for Our Community

MSD holds first Water Quality Standards Academy

Wes Sydnor welcomes participants to MSD’s first Water Quality Standards Academy.

MSD takes part in Joint Utility ‘Window of Opportunity’ Reception

On Thursday, March 26, MSD participated in the annual Joint Utility “Window of Opportunity” Reception, along with the Louisville Water Company, Louisville Metro Government, and LG&E and KU Energy. Its primary objective is affording minority- and woman-owned businesses the chance to interact with public utility companies and governmental officials, as well as with prime contractors and consultants.

Rene´ Thomas discusses MSD’s Supplier Diversity Program with an attendee.

Barbara Roberson and Bridgett Kehoe provide information about MSD’s Senior Discount Program.

‘Bank on Louisville Financial Fitness Day’

This free event, which took place in March, was open to the Louisville Metro community. Those in attendance were offered the chance to learn skills for a brighter financial future. Julie Blanford, Lanita Grimes, Bridgett Kehoe and Barbara Roberson represented MSD at this event.

The MSD Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) group held its first Water Quality Standards Academy at our Central Maintenance Facility from late February through mid-March. The 85 participants learned how MSD programs and permits impact the water quality of our local streams. Topics included:

• How does MSD monitor and test local waterways? • What do “fishable and swimmable” really mean?• How can we help to improve the water quality of our streams?

Speakers representing MSD were Chris Clark, Zonetta English, Ryan Fisher, Jerry Logan, Walter Johnson, David Radke and Wes Sydnor.

Page 8: StreamLine - Home | MSD · StreamLine News aNd eveNts at Msd · april 2015 Our VisiOn achieviNg cleaN, safe waterways for a healthy aNd vibraNt coMMuNity Our MissiOn providiNg exceptioNal

Msd streaMliNe · april 2015 page 8

700 West Liberty StreetLouisville, KY 40203-1911

Printed on 30% post-consumer content paper.

© COPYRIGHT 2015LOJIC map data copyrighted by the Louisville and Jefferson County Metropolitan Sewer District, Louisville Water Company, Louisville Metro Government and Jefferson County Property Valuation Administrator. All rights reserved.

MSDM e t r o p o l i t a n S e w e r D i s t r i c t

MSD Board information:

You can find information about MSD Board actions on our website, msdrecords.louisvillemsd.org

The public is welcome to attend MSD Board meetings. Access msdlouky.org/aboutmsd/board.htm for the schedule of both regular and Board committee meetings.

Upcoming EventsApril 18-26 “Give A Day” Week of Public Service (at various locations) Visit mygiveaday.com for information.

April 20 MSD Finance Committee Meeting 2 p.m., 700 West Liberty Street

MSD Audit Committee Meeting 3 p.m., 700 West Liberty Street

April 27 MSD Board Meeting 1 p.m., Open Session, 700 West Liberty Street

Make plans now to attend Ohio River Sweep

Saturday, June 20, 20159 a.m. to NoonContact MSD’s Rhonda Boyle-Crotzer, at 502-548-8409 or [email protected], for information.