Consolidated Utility District

	David Jones Wastewater Manager of the Year! Consolidated Utility District’s David Jones was awarded Wastewater Manager of the Year at the June 3, 2008 Tennessee Association of Utility District’s Conference in Franklin, TN. Mr. Jones was presented with a plaque in honor of his accomplishments and dedication. David Jones has 39 years of experience in the wastewater field. After attending college at the University of Tennessee – Environmental Health Technology Training, David began his career in wastewater with the City of Knoxville. His certifications include: Biological, TN Class IV Operator; Wastewater Collection; and Wastewater Treatment. David joined Consolidated Utility District’s operation in July of 2002. David supervises the operation and maintenance of all the utility’s decentralized wastewater treatment facilities to ensure continuous and compliant performance with TDEC and the requirements of Consolidated Utility District. During his tenure with CUD, David has tripled the size of his department, set up a state-of-the-art wastewater laboratory including the purchase and installation of equipment and significantly increased the number of systems and customers served. David provides quality instruction / training to personnel in biological, hydraulic, mechanical and analytical practices associated with Decentralized Wastewater Treatment systems. He maintains laboratory analysis, completes and submits monthly reports of operation to the appropriate regulatory agency. Additionally, David establishes short and long term objectives and develops programs and methods to implement those objectives while keeping abreast of new technology and developments in the field of management. David Jones has been a true leader in the industry. Due to his work, TDEC is writing new State regulations around CUD’s design criteria and operations. He exemplifies a commitment toward achieving results. David demonstrates an ability to think and act independently; originating innovative ideas and methods to improve his department. David is very deserving of this honor and we are proud to have him as part of the CUD family. Congratulations David and Thank You! *-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------* Thursday, 09/20/07 Weather Exposes Deficiencies in the Water System By LARRY K. McELROY Adverse weather conditions always point to and magnify deficiencies with either water supply or the water distribution system. The extremely dry weather conditions of 2006 and 2007 are no different. Dry weather brings to the forefront the fact we have limitations of our water supply. The problems many have felt may not be solved for years. The past months of dry weather are viewed as the reason for rationing by many systems. We live in a part of the state defined as one of the fastest-growing areas in the nation, and one must ask: How are we going to meet the demands of a growing population? How much will it cost to secure a more reliable water supply? Where will the water come from? Do we need to be looking at our natural resources more closely? How many water systems know their limitations, and do our cities and counties acknowledge those limitations? Should water systems be expected to provide water for aggressive irrigation and, if so, at what rate? Even if the drought is over and the moisture levels return to normal, we will continue to face supply problems. Water treatment plants and water lines away from the plant can be built to meet demands, but if the supply is not available, the capacity of the plant is meaningless. Several years ago, there was a story in The Atlanta Constitution regarding water supply in the Southeast. The story addressed the Southwest water wars in the 1800s between individual landowners. The story predicted the water wars in the Southeast would be more bitter because they would be between states and municipalities. The writer was correct. Today, there are lawsuits between Alabama, Georgia and Florida. The water wars are here. Our normal annual rainfall is 50-52 inches. Each Middle Tennessee watershed and drainage basin can collect only so much water. We are not able to make it rain or increase the size of the drainage system to generate more water. Therefore, each watershed or drainage basin has a natural limitation. Past attempts were made to build a dam in Maury County. The effort was killed by environmentalists because of the snail darter. Today, Columbia and Maury County are in dire need of a water supply. The need to protect the environment is understood; however, there must be a balance between human needs and the environment. Systems withdrawing water from Percy Priest Lake do not have an unlimited supply. Priest Lake is large in terms of shoreline miles, but comparatively, is a small, shallow lake. Priest Lake was not built for water supply, but for hydroelectric production, flood control and recreation. The pool of water left for human consumption is a small part of the total volume. If we do not have a normal rainfall or above this winter and next summer, more serious water shortages may occur. This article ran as a editorial in the Tennessean click here to view. *-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------* $2M Set for Rural Water Lines By BRANDON PUTTBRESE Daily News Journal bputtbrese@dnj.com Avis Wilson listened with a hope in her eyes as she heard officials say money had been secured to run water lines past her home in eastern Rutherford County. Wilson, a retiree, spends at least $50 a month purchasing bottled drinking water because her well is contaminated with sulfur and the water is not safe to drink. She's heard officials talk about running water lines to her house before — but Friday was different. (From Left: Paul Goode, for Sen. Bob Corker; Rep. Bart Gordon; Chris Westbrook, area director for state rural development, Mary Ruth Tackett, the state director for Rural Development; Larry McElroy, CUD General Manager; and John L. Batey Jr., CUD President) The Consolidated Utility District of Rutherford announced Friday a $2.1 million investment to extend water lines that deliver clean, reliable water to about 56 households along Bradyville Pike, Ferrell Hollow Road, Cripple Creek Road, Burks Hollow Road and Jacobs Road. Funding comes in the form of a $400,000 federal grant and $1.4 million low-interest, loan from the federal Rural Development agency. Consolidated Utility District is also kicking in $300,000 to $500,000 for the project, according to Larry McElroy, general manager. Rural Development funds will be used to increase the capacity of the utility district's water system by extending lines along to areas along the Rutherford-Cannon County line. "Extending public water service to homes and businesses is critical to the health and economic future of people living in southeast Rutherford County," Tackett said. "I am proud, with the support of Congressman Gordon, that Rural Development has the resources to assist this community, the Utility District and local leaders as they build for the future." Water improvements are funded through the Rural Development community program, which provides assistance to public or non-profit entities for the financing of water, sanitary sewerage, solid waste disposal and storm wastewater facilities that serve households and businesses in rural areas. Engineering is expected to start soon and construction nine miles of water line through hilly terrain should begin next spring or summer, McElroy said. Once the lines are in, residents would have to pay $1,000 tap fee to access the district's water supply. Rep. Bart Gordon and Mary Ruth Tackett, the state director for rural development, joined McElroy and other local officials at the utility building on 709 New Salem Highway for the announcement. "A safe, reliable supply of drinking water and dependable sewer service are crucial to the well-being of any community," Gordon said. "Utility improvement projects like this one are necessary to keep pace with our growing communities, and they are key to attracting companies with good-paying jobs." Entities serving rural areas with a population less than 10,000 are eligible for funding through these programs. Last year, Rural Development assisted more than 467,575 Tennessee families and businesses with more than $288 million in financial assistance through loans and grants. *-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------* *Judy Bowling Honored!* Consolidated Utility District’s Judy Bowling was honored at the June 5, 2007 Tennessee Association of Utility District’s Conference in Chattanooga, TN. Ms. Bowling was named *Office Manager of the Year* and presented with a plaque in recognition of her achievements and dedication. Judy Bowling has provided Consolidated Utility District with over 35 years of exceptional service. In a rapidly growing system, Ms. Bowling manages all aspects of customer service. Providing great leadership, she expects a lot of her employees and herself. CUD feels Judy Bowling is deserving of this recognition because she is a caring manager that gives 110% effort everyday. We are very proud of the work that Ms. Bowling provides CUD and its customers. *Congratulations and Thank You! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------* YOUR ACCOUNT NUMBER HAS CHANGED . . . .3/2007 Consolidated Utility District has implemented a new billing system. Please make note of your new account number. When paying your bill especially online through your bank you MUST use your new account number as printed on your statement. Otherwise your payment may be delayed or posted incorrectly which could cause interruption in your service. Thank you for your cooperation! *-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------* OTHER NEWS Major Construction Work During the past four years Consolidated Utility District has undertaken some major construction and improvements to its water treatment plant and distribution system. Forty-eight Inch Water Line As a part of the above mentioned improvements to the distribution system and to be able to get more water from the water treatment plant, approximately forty-six thousand feet of forty-eight water main was installed. This water line along with the expansion of the water treatment plant will give us the ability to ultimately produce and transmit thirty million gallons of potable water per day. K. Thomas Hutchinson Water Treatment Plant The original plant had a capacity of four million gallons of water per day and was expanded to eight million gallons per day in 1989. The current expansion of the water treatment plant and intake gives Consolidated Utility District the ability to produce sixteen million gallons per day. We applied to the Corp of Engineers for an additional withdrawal permit of fourteen million gallons per day, to have the ultimate capacity of thirty million gallons per day. Both of the above mentioned projects are an example of long range planning. New Office Building The move on July 7, 2005 into the new office building brought to an end several years of planning and construction for this building. Staff members spent many hours looking at other buildings and how other systems deal with customers. The current building was built with the future in mind. It contains some of the most modern up to date GIS equipment available. It offers room for additional employees when needed. The architect for the building was John Wern and the contractor was Parsley Brothers. Distribution Upgades Several changes have been made to the distribution system. There have been three new pump stations built and one upgrade. The new Lascassas Pump Station replaced an old under ground station near Bradley Creek Road. New pump stations were built on Hoovers Gap Road and at Eagleville. A major upgrade to the Rucker Lane station also took place in 2006. Some major water line upgrades also have taken place. Some thirty-inch line was installed along Volunteer Road and through the Barfield Park with the cooperation of Park and Recreation and City government. As the southwest loop road is completer more thirty-inch water lines will be installed, replacing some twelve-inch line. Future plans also call for the construction of an additional pump station to supplement the current Rucker Lane Station.