Thomas Lentz

Managed the operation and plant equipment maintenance for the Gurnee activated sludge wastewater treatment facility (23.9 mgd design, 14 mgd average) capable of processing 47 mg of municipal/industrial wastewater per day. Responsible for budget control and annual expenditures of $5.2 million. Planned, scheduled and directed work activities including plant operation, laboratory testing, equipment corrective/preventive maintenance and grounds keeping. Monitored plant odor control equipment and responded to odor complaints, preparing and submitted odor complaint paperwork as required. Prepared, reviewed and submitted weekly operations report and annual staff performance appraisals.

Supervised Assistant Superintendent, three bargaining unit operators, two base shop mechanics, two plant mechanics, one preventive maintenance mechanic and three laborers. Coordinated maintenance schedules to keep plant running at optimal levels. Managed 2017-2018 facility upgrade for biological phosphorous removal reducing facility aeration requirements resulting in an average of 16.5% energy savings/year. Collaborated with vendors to keep adequate air scrubber chemicals and supplies for proper operations. Monitored plant equipment remotely 24/7 as needed to ensure proper operation.

• 2019 NACWA Peak Performance Gold Award.
• 2018 NACWA Peak Performance Silver Award.
• 2017 NACWA Peak Performance Gold Award.
• 2016 NACWA Peak Performance Gold Award.
• 2015 NACWA Peak Performance Gold Award.
• 2014 NACWA Peak Performance Silver Award.
• 2013 NACWA Peak Performance Platinum Award.
• 2012 NACWA Peak Performance Platinum Award.
• 2011 NACWA Peak Performance Gold Award.
• 2010 NACWA Peak Performance Gold Award.
• 2009 NACWA Peak Performance Gold Award.
• 2008 NACWA Peak Performance Gold Award.
• 2007 NACWA Peak Performance Silver Award.
• 2006 NACWA Peak Performance Gold Award.

Assist Plant Superintendent in managing the operation and plant equipment maintenance for the Gurnee activated sludge wastewater treatment facility (23.9 mgd design, 14 mgd average) capable of processing 47 mg of municipal/industrial wastewater per day. Assisted planning, scheduling and directing work activities including plant operation and plant/pump station grounds keeping. Maintained equipment preventive maintenance software/programming and required paperwork. Maintained safety onsite and upheld all OSHA regulations by scheduling and conducting monthly safety meetings. Supervised three bargaining unit operators and three laborers.

• 2005 NACWA Peak Performance Gold Award.
• 2004 AMSA Peak Performance Gold Award.
• 2003 CSWEA Illinois Section Treatment Facility Operations Award.
• 2003 AMSA Peak Performance Gold Award.
• 2002 AMSA Peak Performance Silver Award.
• 2001 AMSA Peak Performance Platinum Award.

Managed the operation, equipment maintenance, collection system and laboratory monitoring for the Village activated sludge wastewater treatment facility capable of processing 12 mg of municipal wastewater per day. Responsible for budget control and annual expenditures of $1.5 million. Prepared annual operating budge for board approval. Prepared required state (IEPA) discharge and biosolids land application compliance/monitoring reports. Planned, scheduled and directed work assignments, annual performance appraisals and monthly safety training program. Monitored Operator 10/Macola preventive maintenance program. Developed plant/ laboratory SOP's and five-year capital improvement plan. Supervised one foreman, eight bargaining unit maintenance workers and administrative secretary.

• Saved $40,000 in annual water fees by upgrading the facility non-potable water system.
• Prepared specifications for $527,000 Belt Filter Press Replacement Project and biosolids land application contract (USEPA 503 regulations).
• Implement new BFP polymer feed system saving $20,000 annually and $82,000 main aerobic digester painting project saving $35,000 initial cleaning costs.
• Developed and implemented Laboratory Chemical Hygiene Safety Program.
• Coordinated public relations for $3 million Armitage ditch reconstruction project.
• Developed and implemented safety program.

• Operated plant and monitoring equipment for the Village activated sludge wastewater treatment facility capable of processing 48 million gallons of municipal wastewater per day. Areas of responsibility included bar screen, aerated grit chamber, primary clarification, liquid oxygen activated sludge biological treatment process, secondary polymer addition system, sand filtration, ultraviolet (UV) light disinfection system and pumping system. Performed and reported process control testing. Trained evening shift workers in laboratory testing procedures, administered sift payroll and assisted in annual budget proposals. Served on safety committee.
• Tended equipment during operation and monitored readouts to determine areas of concern and quickly correct problems.
• Calibrated, tested, and adjusted machine settings or controls in preparation for production operations

Taught freshman level general Biology and laboratory.

Environmental Support Technician/Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant Supervisor

As Wastewater treatment plant supervisor , directed operations and maintenance of the base wastewater treatment facility and laboratory. Supervised 14 military personnel and maintained training records. Prepared shift scheduled and annual performance reports. Tracked plant performance and preventive maintenance program using computer software. Supervised field sampling and site investigations. Coordinated the management and disposal of hazardous waste. Experienced training personnel in chemical warfare response, appropriated equipment usage and biochemical/hazardous material identification. Knowledge of Phase II and III reporting.

As wastewater laboratory supervisor, trained 17 military personnel in proper wastewater laboratory test procedures (Standard Methods). Responsible for monthly safety inspections.

As water treatment plant supervisor, directed plant operations, prepared shift schedules for four civilian and four military personnel. Coordinated and scheduled preventive and corrective maintenance. Evaluated and updated laboratory equipment. Trained personnel in proper test procedures (Standard Methods).