HomeMy WebLinkAbout07.a. (Handout) General Manager Additional Written Announcements7a.
Board Meeting of February 6, 2014 (#anadouf)
Additional Written Announcements:
STAFF UPDATES
4) Retirement of Director of Operations Curt Swanson
Director of Operations Curtis W. Swanson has announced his retirement effective
March 29, 2014 after more than 33 years with the District. His retirement memo is
attached.
OPERATIONS UPDATES
5) Arc Flash Incident on February 4, 2014 at Maltby Pumping Station
On the afternoon of Tuesday, February 4, 2014, an automatic transfer switch at the
Maltby Pumping Station in Martinez failed. An arc flash occurred followed by a small fire
in the switch cabinet. The fire was extinguished by District staff using a fire extinguisher.
Electric power from Pacific Gas & Electric Company (PG &E) was interrupted and the
pumping station went offline.
As background information, in case of a power outage, the automatic transfer switch
connects the standby diesel - powered generator to provide electric power to the pumping
station. District staff started the standby generator and manually switched the generator
to operate the pumps. A portable bypass pump was set up in case of a problem with the
standby generator. There was no sewage overflow related to the power outage.
The Maltby Station operated on generator power overnight until PG &E power was
restored at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 5. The automatic transfer switch and
nearby components were destroyed by the arc flash and fire. Should there be a PG &E
power outage, the on -call pumping station operator will go to the station and manually
engage the standby generator. One employee suffered a ringing in his ears from the arc
flash and was seen by the District's medical doctor.
Staff will investigate the cause of the arc flash, and review the operational and safety
procedures that were used during repair and energizing of the automatic transfer switch.
Staff will also evaluate the extent of the damage resulting from the arc flash and fire.
Replacement of the damaged switch, other components, and wiring will occur after the
investigation.
6) Public Hearing Scheduled for April 9, 2014 on Tentative Nutrient
Watershed Permit
On February 6, 2014, the San Francisco Regional Water Quality Control Board released
the Tentative Order for Waste Discharge Requirements for Municipal Wastewater
Additional Written Announcements
February 6, 2014
Page 2 of 2
Discharges of Nutrients to San Francisco Bay. Comments on the Nutrient Watershed
Permit are due by March 10, 2014. A public hearing will be held on April 9, 2014. A team
from the Bay Area Clean Water Agencies (BACWA), which includes District staff, has
been negotiating the terms of this permit with Water Board staff for the past 10 months.
Staff will brief the Board about the Nutrient Watershed Permit at a future meeting.
Central Contra Costa Sanitary District
February 6, 2014
TO: ROGER S. BAILEY
FROM: CURTIS W. SWANSON
SUBJECT: MY RETIREMENT
As we have discussed, I intend to retire on March 29, 2014. My last day of work will be
Friday, March 28, 2014.
I look back at my lengthy career at the District with great satisfaction and pride. I have
enjoyed coming to work every day. I have had the opportunity to work on many exciting
and challenging projects and programs; from my first project, installation of the electric
aeration blower; to my last, the Treatment Plant of the future study.
Central San has always been a proactive agency in terms of anticipating and dealing
with problems before they become big problems. We carefully planned for the growth of
our service area over the last three decades. We took calculated risks, and tried out
new technologies and techniques. While emergency situations are rare, we have had
our share and dealt with them effectively. I have been impressed by the teamwork,
dedication, and creativity that the entire Central San work force exhibits during an
emergency.
Most of all, I have enjoyed working with all the staff over my 33 years with Central San.
We have always been able to attract smart and talented employees. I am proud to have
had a part in hiring and training many of them.
I will retire knowing that the District has a dedicated staff that will continue to provide
excellent customer service and protect our waterways.
cc: T. O'Malley
HAPOD - Personnel\2014 \Swanson - Retirement.dou