Stephen J. Kuplicki
Great Lakes Water Authority – Industrial Waste Control Group
Detroit
1
Certification
46
years of professional experience
Accomplished utility administrator and manager of wastewater treatment processes and regulatory programs for a large metropolitan area. Results-oriented and decisive leader with proven success in strategic thinking and problem solving, strong communication skills and ability to build partnerships with diverse groups and individuals.
Experienced with overseeing complex operational functions and implementing process enhancements. Utilizes leadership skills to drive team collaboration and meet organizational benchmarks. Knowledge of strategic planning and resource management for optimal operational performance.
Seasoned Operations Manager and talented leader with 44 years of experience applying exceptional planning and problem-solving abilities toward enhancing business plans and day-to-day activities. Results-driven and resilient in developing teams while improving processes and increasing productivity. Bringing solid understanding of industry trends, excellent communication skills, talent for spotting areas in need of improvement and implementing changes with strategic approach.
Work History
Operations Manager
10 Years 7 Months- Operations Manager – Industrial Waste Control Group
- Led operational strategies to enhance Regulatory Program management processes and compliance with environmental regulations and NPDES permit.
- Oversaw budgeting and resource management, ensuring alignment with organizational goals for sustainability initiatives.
- Established key performance indicators to measure success of operational processes and drive continuous improvement efforts.
- Empowered employees to take ownership of their responsibilities, leading to increased accountability and improved performance outcomes.
- Achieved higher employee retention rates by fostering a positive work environment and providing opportunities for professional growth.
Assistant Director – Wastewater Operations/IWC
5 Years 3 Months- Assistant Director of Wastewater Operations
- Interim Assistant Director of Wastewater Operations
- Directed operations of a municipal treatment plant and Combined Sewage Overflow facilities for over 3.5 million residents and 20,000 businesses; oversaw the administration, implementation, and enforcement of advanced regulatory control programs for the Detroit Water & Sewerage Department across the DWSD service area.
Manager - Industrial Waste Control
20 Years 7 Months- Managed a large operating division to implement an advanced regulatory control program.
- Led Development of Industrial Pretreatment Program and Practice Manuals
- Evaluated pollutant limitation requirements for DWSD system in 1994, 2006, 2011 and 2016 to inform regulatory compliance strategies.
- Developed regulatory program Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)
- Coordinated local efforts on EPA environmental initiatives (Common Sense Initiative, Metalfinishing 2000)
- Led development of Local Pollutant Discharge Limitations - Headworks Studies for City of Detroit
- Created local Pollution Prevention efforts for Fats, Oils & Grease
- Implemented strategies to minimize environmental impact of fats, oils, and grease in local waterways.
- Led enforcement actions against non-complying commercial facilities to secure compliance with federal and Michigan environmental regulations.
- Prepared budgets, purchasing and staffing plans
Deputy Chief Sewage Plant Engineer
1 Year 10 Months- Provided management support to Wastewater Treatment Plant Administration at Detroit WWTP from September 2001 to July 2003.
- Continued to manage Regulatory Control Program (Industrial Pretreatment Program) in addition to above duties.
- Supervised daily operations to ensure compliance with environmental regulations.
- Collaborated with regulatory agencies to maintain adherence to industry standards and practices.
- Oversaw budget management, ensuring optimal resource allocation for operational needs.
Chemical Engineer, Industrial Pretreatment Program
2 Years 6 Months- Managed technical and administrative operations including the Industrial Pretreatment Program, Hauled in Waste Program, and Surcharge Program.
- Led development and implementation of waste management protocols, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.
Sr. Associate Engineer
6 Months- Initiated inspection activity and developed wastewater discharge permits for the Industrial Pretreatment Program.
- Led initiatives to ensure compliance with industrial pretreatment standards and regulations.
- Developed and implemented process improvements for wastewater treatment systems, enhancing operational efficiency.
- Mentored junior engineers on best practices in environmental management and regulatory compliance.
Associate Chemical Engineer
1 Year- Oversaw technical and administrative operations of the Surcharge Program and developed a Hauled in Waste Program.
- Developed and implemented pretreatment protocols to ensure compliance with environmental regulations.
Sr. Assistant Chemical Engineer
2 Years 5 Months- Collaborated with a team to provide technical support in developing an approvable Industrial Pretreatment Program in accordance with 40 CFR 403.
- Managed documentation for compliance with environmental regulations and standards.
- Coordinated communication between departments to streamline processes and improve efficiency.
- Developed training materials for staff on pretreatment program protocols and best practices.
Engineer - Research & Design
2 Years 8 Months- Fabricated industrial filtration equipment (vacuum, deep-bed, pressure) for applications in automotive, power generation (coal, nuclear), chemical manufacturing, petroleum refining, and geothermal industries. Evaluated filtration requirements and characteristics to inform design and fabrication. Designed and engineered thirteen machine coolant filter systems for Ford Motor Company at Chihuahua Engine Plant.
- Completed assignments at Ford Motor Company, Monsanto Chemical, Chrysler Corporation, National Bank of Detroit, and Towne-Club Bottlers.
- Led design and implementation of innovative hydrological systems to enhance efficiency.
- Oversaw project management, ensuring timely delivery and compliance with industry standards.
Education
Juris Doctor (JD) - Environmental Law and International Environmental
Master of Engineering - Chemical Engineering
Bachelor of Science - Chemical Engineering
Skills
Regulatory compliance
Operations management
Strategic planning
Policy implementation
Team leadership
Staff development
Decision-making
Problem-solving
Negotiation
Customer service
Leadership
Commitment to excellence
Accomplishments
- Led original development of Detroit IPP implementation plans including inspection of Industrial Users, development of Wastewater Discharge Permits, enforcement protocols.
- Technical lead in 1987 litigation vs. US EPA, Department of Justice and State of Michigan resulting in 1996 judgment favorable to City fo Detroit and avoidance of potential penalties exceeding $16 Million.
- Led development of GLWA IPP program definitions, GLWA Rule development and Community Member adoption of Concurring Resolutions.
- Currently Supervise team of 28 staff members, 250 Significant Industrial Users, +25 Hauled Waste Operators, +150 Surcharge (High-Strength Waste) discharger and other special permit conditions.
Affiliations
- American Institute of Chemical Engineers (National and Local Sections);
- ESD, The Engineering Society;
- State Bar of Michigan
Certification
- State Bar of Michigan P 70080
- Professional Engineer License, 031647 State of Michigan
Timeline
Operations Manager
Great Lakes Water Authority – Industrial Waste Control Group
01.2016 - CurrentRead More
Assistant Director – Wastewater Operations/IWC
City of Detroit - Water and Sewerage Department
09.2010 - 12.2015Read More
Deputy Chief Sewage Plant Engineer
Detroit WWTP
09.2001 - 07.2003Read More
Manager - Industrial Waste Control
Industrial Waste Control Division
02.1990 - 09.2010Read More
Chemical Engineer, Industrial Pretreatment Program
Industrial Waste Control Manager
08.1987 - 02.1990Read More
Sr. Associate Engineer
Industrial Pretreatment Program
02.1987 - 08.1987Read More
Associate Chemical Engineer
Industrial Pretreatment Program
08.1985 - 08.1986Read More
Sr. Assistant Chemical Engineer
Industrial Pretreatment Program
03.1983 - 08.1985Read More
Engineer - Research & Design
Hydromation Company
03.1980 - 11.1982Read More
Wayne State University
Bachelor of Science from Chemical Engineering
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University of Detroit
Master of Engineering from Chemical Engineering
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University of Detroit-Mercy School of Law
Juris Doctor (JD) from Environmental Law and International Environmental
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Honors & Achievements
2007 - Received Casimer Pulaski Award from Polish American Congress, 2001 - Inducted into College of Fellow, ESD, The Engineering Society, 2001 - Michigan Director, Executive Board of Polish American Congress, 1998 - Selected by National Metalfinishers Association for Special Recognition Award, 1997 - Received Board of Water Commissioners Resolution for successful work and technical leadership in USA vs. City of Detroit, CV-89-72937., 1994 - Selected by the Detroit Section, American Institute of Chemical Engineers as Chemical Engineer of the Year
IPP Professional of Year (Michigan WEF) - June 2021
- Recognized by Michigan Water Environmental Association in June 2021 as IPP Professional of Year
- Regular speaker at annual IPP Pretreatment Seminar with MWEA
- Recognized by National Association of Metal Finishers in 1996 for work in bringing organizations +100 members into compliance with federal, state and local pretreatment requirements