Wipes Webinar 2: O&M and Technology Strategies (On-Demand)

Wendy Wert, PE, BCEE is a Board Certified Environmental Engineer with the Sanitation Districts. For the past 20 years she has been working on programs that rely on public participation to integrate water supply, water reuse with wastewater facilities planning. She received a B.S. in Environmental Engineering and an M.S. in Water Resources Engineering from the University of Central Florida (UCF). Her studies gave her opportunities to collaborate with others. It was during this time that Wendy developed an interest in effectively communicating math and science to diverse groups. Today, she uses her position as an engineer to support outreach and education programs that explain how the work of the Sanitation Districts identifies community needs then applies engineering and scientific principles to meet them.

Diana Messina serves as the Regulatory Permitting Chief at the State Water Board.

John Hicks is the Wastewater Maintenance Superintendent for the City of Glendale in Los Angeles County and is in his 16th year of service in that position. John has 36 years of experience in operations, maintenance, training and project management in a range of heavy industrial settings in both the public and private sectors. Prior to Glendale he spent 14 years in the Pulp and Paper Industry in the Pacific Northwest (Boise Cascade Corporation) preceded by six years in the Nuclear Navy. John holds a bachelor’s degree in Engineering from UCLA (Structures and Water Resources) and Grade 4 in Collection Systems Maintenance.

Steve Moore has been General Manager of the Ross Valley Sanitary District in Marin County, California since 2018. He is a registered civil engineer, responsible for a staff of 35 employees, an annual operating budget of $20 Million, an annual capital budget of $15 Million, and a service population of 47,000. He has over 30 years experience as a water resources professional, including 20 years as staff and board member at the State and Regional Water Boards, culminating in serving as Vice Chair of the California State Water Board. He has over 10 years experience as an environmental and engineering consultant with work experience in rural and urban settings throughout California, specializing in wastewater and aquatic resources. He has a B.S. in biological sciences and an M.S. in civil and environmental engineering, both from Stanford University.

Dan DuCasse is the Sewer Operations Manager for Jurupa Community Services District, where he has been employed in Collection System Operations, Pretreatment Program and Safety Management for 32 years. Mr. DuCasse has been primarily focused on managing the collection system and pretreatment program, representing the District to three different treatment agencies and coordinating construction projects with the District’s Engineering Department. Mr. DuCasse holds a B.S. Degree in Business and Management from the University of Redlands, an A.S. Degree in Computer Information Systems from Riverside Community College. Mr. DuCasse also is certified by the CWEA as a Collections System Maintenance, Grade 4, Environmental Compliance Inspector, Grade 3 and Mechanical Technologist, Grade 2. Over the past 10 years the District has been focused on refurbishing several existing lift stations and constructing two new lift stations with the focus on maximizing reliability in the era of flushable wipes. Most recently, Mr. DuCasse has been engaged in the task of developing a comprehensive succession and training plan for the District to prepare for the Silver Tsunami; which he will participate in at the end of 2020.

Louis Solana currently holds the position of Ironhouse Sanitary District’s (ISD) Collection and Maintenance Superintendent. Mr. Solana began his employment with ISD in July of 2003 as a closed-circuit television (CCTV) operator. Mr. Solana’s extensive knowledge of how the sewer collection systems works, his can-do attitude, and his supervisory skills demonstrate that he is an excellent choice for the CWEA’s “Supervisor of the Year” award. He provides clear direction and specific objectives to staff. He delegates responsibility but isn’t afraid to go out and do the job himself when necessary. Mr. Solana maintains open communication with his staff to ensure tasks are executed safely and in compliance with regulations. He is dedicated to safety and able to handle the pressures of keeping our environment safe and healthy. He is well respected by the staff at Ironhouse Sanitary District as well as the Board of Directors.