DES MOINES, Iowa--(BUSINESS WIRE)--While water conservation practices are much more prevalent than in past years, many Iowans do not have direct visibility into the constant efforts needed to maintain clean water that is critical in our everyday lives. According to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, “Qualified and well-trained drinking water and wastewater operators play a vital role in drinking water quality1.” With four ISG professionals, in Iowa alone, who hold DNR Certified Operator status’ in drinking water treatment, drinking water distribution, and wastewater treatment, ISG’s Des Moines, Storm Lake, and Algona offices are directly dialed into the water quality of surrounding communities.
ISG certified water/wastewater specialist Jason Butler was recently awarded the 2015 Operator of the Year award from the Iowa Rural Water Association (IRWA) during its annual conference held in February (2016). Jason was nominated for this honorable award by 9 local communities and industry representatives, and was the sole recipient of this annual statewide award. “The best part about being an operator is helping towns identify issues and being a part of the solution. It’s different every day, and each town that I serve has faith and trust I will do the right thing, and that support, and drive to make the best decision for the community, is what makes my role so fulfilling,” states Jason.
ISG civil engineering designer Kelly Evans recently joined the list of professionals who are able to serve Iowa communities with operations of their water and wastewater facilities passing certifications for Grade 2 Water Distribution, Grade 2 Water Treatment, and Grade 2 Wastewater Treatment. As part of the operator certification process, Kelly was tasked with gaining the needed knowledge and experience to properly operate the systems and in turn, protect public health and safety, and the environment while being better equipped to design water/wastewater treatment systems.
Accumulating over 3,600 hours of service annually, ISG’s water/wastewater professionals, which include Kelly and Jason, provide sludge judging, valve exercising, and routine operations for 32 municipal and industrial clients across the state. Among the four ISG Iowa professionals, they provide more than 55 years of experience in the field and hold a combined eight Grade 2, three Grade 3, and one Grade 4 certifications.
ISG’s water/wastewater team, which is supported by other senior professionals including Uma Vempati, PE, PMP, and Board of Directors member for the American Water Works Association (AWWA), is eager and well positioned to serve this vital role in providing innovative and responsive water supply, wastewater collection, and water/wastewater treatment solutions for the Midwest.
About ISG
ISG has a rich history, which extends over 40
years, of building trusting relationships with clients, stakeholders,
and the community. As a full service architecture, engineering,
environmental, and planning firm with 200+ staff members in 7 offices
throughout Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, ISG provides exceptional
services, strategies, and guidance to a wide range of markets
nationwide. ISG fosters strong collaboration between all the firm’s
disciplines providing clients a diverse knowledge base, high level of
creativity, and broad perspective. This true and responsive expertise
ensures superior project completion allowing for valuable, enduring
relationships that benefit clients along with their communities now and
into the future. ISG was named among the 100 fastest growing firms in
the United States by Zweig White and recognized as a Top 500 Design Firm
by Engineering News-Record (ENR) magazine. To learn more about
ISG, visit www.is-grp.com.
1 Retrieved from http://www.iowadnr.gov/Environmental-Protection/Water-Quality/Certification/Water-Wastewater-Operators on March 12, 2016.
