Our Redstone Arsenal team continues to make progress as we transition into the next chapter of operations with ClearWater Solutions.
Joseph Butts has been named Project Manager for the Redstone Arsenal wastewater system. Joseph previously served as Wastewater Superintendent with the previous owner – PDR Properties, overseeing both the collection system and wastewater treatment plant. His experience includes managing the maintenance and operation of more than 100 lift stations, coordinating projects and repairs, overseeing treatment plant operations and compliance, and working with the many organizations that operate within Redstone Arsenal. Joseph’s familiarity with the system, combined with his technical experience and established relationships, provides a strong foundation as CWS moves forward with the project.
Working under Joseph’s leadership are four team members: Dylan Thomas, Chris Townsend, Willis Blevins, and Tanner Glassco. Dylan, Chris, and Willis all previously worked with PDR Properties, bringing valuable experience and firsthand knowledge of the system to CWS. Tanner joined the team this week, adding another member as we continue strengthening our Redstone operations.
In addition to the local team, support from members of our Capital Management Solutions (CMS) team, including Lee Jones, Daryl Swann, and Matt Wingate, has played a crucial role in the improvement projects and repairs. A few impressive before and after photos are shown here and reveal just how much they have accomplished.
The scope of the Redstone Arsenal wastewater system is significant. Our five-person team currently maintains the wastewater treatment plant along with more than 100 lift stations, approximately 456,000 linear feet of gravity sewer, and approximately 275,000 linear feet of force main. With a system of this size and age, there is a tremendous opportunity to improve reliability, efficiency, and long-term performance.
Looking Ahead
In the short term, the team is focused on improving lift station condition and performance while continuing to cross-train employees on both collection system and treatment plant responsibilities.
Longer-term goals include a comprehensive collection system condition assessment, updated GIS mapping, legacy manhole rehabilitation, clarifier rebuilds, and rebuilding the #1 brush aerator at the treatment plant’s oxidation ditch. The team will also be evaluating critical force main improvements, including the main force main serving the NASA/Blue Origin west test area and the Arsenal’s 24-inch main force main, which is more than 70 years old. Additional priorities include capacity upgrades and emergency backup generators for lift stations serving critical facilities, as well as developing a more comprehensive inventory of ready-service spare parts and equipment for both the collection system and treatment plant.
There is a lot of work ahead, but the combination of experienced Redstone employees, CWS resources, and support from our CMS team gives us a strong team to tackle these challenges.
We are excited about the future of the Redstone Arsenal project and look forward to continuing to improve the system and provide reliable, high-quality wastewater services to this critical facility.
