The People Behind Our Sanitary System

Much of the work that keeps a community healthy happens underground and out of sight. Every day, a dedicated sanitary crew works to keep wastewater moving safely away from homes and businesses, maintain the infrastructure beneath our streets, and protect both public health and the environment.

Meet the sanitary crew who help make it happen:

Shannon Miller — Collection System Supervisor
Matt Chasteen — Collection System Operator

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Together, Shannon and Matt maintain, inspect, and repair the underground pipes, manholes, and lift stations that transport wastewater from homes and businesses to the treatment facility. Their work is an important part of keeping the community’s sanitary system safe, dependable, and ready to serve.

Keeping the System Moving

One of the crew’s most important responsibilities is keeping wastewater flowing through the collection system. Using high-pressure water jetters and specialized equipment, they clear sewer mains of grease, roots, and debris that can cause blockages and backups.

They also use closed-circuit television cameras to look inside underground pipes and inspect manholes. These inspections help the crew find cracks, leaks, blockages, and other problems that may need attention before they become larger issues.

Maintaining What You Can't See

Much of the sanitary system is underground, which means regular maintenance and inspections are especially important. The crew repairs damaged gravity mains, force mains, and lateral lines and can grout or seal joints to help prevent groundwater from entering the system.

They also monitor and service the equipment at lift stations, including pumps, motors, valves, and electrical control panels. Keeping this equipment in good working order helps ensure wastewater continues moving through the system as it should.

Ready When Problems Arise

When a sanitary sewer problem occurs, the crew is ready to respond quickly. Sanitary sewer overflows, pipe collapses, and severe weather can create situations that require immediate attention.

The crew works to identify the problem, address the cause, and help prevent sewage from backing up into homes, businesses, and other areas. Their quick response helps protect the community and limit the impact of unexpected problems.

Protecting Our Community and Environment

The work of the sanitary crew reaches far beyond maintaining pipes and equipment. By safely moving wastewater away from homes and businesses and preventing sewer overflows, they help protect public health, local water quality, and the environment.

Their work also helps keep daily life moving. Reliable wastewater infrastructure allows homes, restaurants, businesses, schools, and other community services to operate without unnecessary interruptions.

The crew also helps protect the environment by keeping wastewater contained and reducing the potential for sewage to reach local rivers, streams, and other natural areas. Keeping wastewater where it belongs helps protect fish, aquatic plants, birds, and the health of our local waterways.

Safety Starts Underground

Before other crews begin digging, sanitary crew members locate and mark underground sewer lines with paint or flags. This important step helps prevent accidental damage to underground infrastructure and keeps excavation work safer.

Keeping Their Skills Current

Working with a wastewater collection system requires specialized knowledge and training. Collection system operators must hold state-issued professional operator certification, and in Oregon, the Department of Environmental Quality oversees the credentialing program.

Shannon and Matt continue to build their knowledge through continuing education, hands-on equipment certifications, cross-training with experienced mentors, and participation in professional water and environmental organizations. Ongoing training helps ensure they are prepared to safely and effectively care for the collection system.

The People Behind the Pipes

Most people rarely think about what happens after wastewater leaves their home or business. But behind the scenes, Shannon and Matt are working to make sure that wastewater is safely collected, transported, and managed.

Their work may happen underground, behind the scenes, or in the middle of an unexpected emergency, but it plays an important role in keeping our community healthy, our infrastructure dependable, and our environment protected.

A healthy community depends on a sanitary system that works—and it takes people like Shannon and Matt to make it happen.