HomeMy Public PortalAboutMSD_Pipeline_Spring2022According to Stacker.com, St. Louis is already one of
America’s top 10 cities with the most green space per
capita, including Forest Park and the Gateway Arch, which
is part of a 90-acre park. MSD is doing its part to increase
green space, including helping to fund the City of
St. Louis’s plan to demolish buildings and make room for
stormwater absorption.
Additionally, MSD Project Clear has rainscaping initiatives,
which help improve water quality. Many of these include
rain gardens, water features, permeable pavements,
sidewalks, and parking lots. Having a community-owned
greenspace supports biodiversity, reduces stormwater,
and provides a sustainable environment that improves
overall public health by creating a safe and high-quality
space that residents can use and gather.
SOURCE: Underwood, Angela. “Cities with the Most Green Space per
Capita.” Stacker, 26 July 2019, https://stacker.com/stories/3343/cities-
most-green-space-capita.
MSD Project Clear is Increasing
Rain-Absorbing Green Spaces
EXPANDING RAINSCAPING WITH
MSD’S SMALL GRANTS PROGRAM
ONBOARDING MADE EASIER
FOR MSD EMPLOYEES
MISSOURI ISSUES
MSD PROJECT CLEAR
2021–2026 STORMWATER PERMIT
HEALTH AND WELLNESS UPDATE:
BETTER YOUR HEALTH WITH MSD’S
PREVENTION AWARENESS CAMPAIGN
GRATITUDE: THANK YOU NOTES
COMINGS & GOINGS
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ENTERING A NEW PHASE:
MORE GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE
ON MARKET STREET
2
Inside this issue
News for Present & Retired Employees
SPRING 2022
2 | PIPELINE
Expanding Rainscaping
with MSD’s Small Grants Program
AN UPDATED APPLICATION PROCESS
MSD is working with the Missouri Botanical Garden to help
applicants obtain further information on potential projects and
advice from contractors on how to build a system.
The idea is to slow down rainwater and absorb it more naturally
so that it does not wind up in our sewer system where it can
cause problems.
With our updated process, we are now accepting applications
on a rolling basis and have no specific application deadlines. Also,
in-person meetings to learn about the application process are no
longer required. Applicants can watch a series of videos online,
take a short quiz, then complete the application, all without
leaving their home.
To learn more about the Small Grants Program, please visit
https://msdprojectclear.org/what-we-do/rainscaping/small-grants.
MSD continues to encourage
applications to our Small
Grants Program.
Incorporating additional
rainscaping techniques and
rainwater collection systems will
help improve water quality.
MSD PROJECT CLEAR | 3
Earlier this March, the improvements to MSD’s Market Street
entrances reached a major milestone and transitioned from
Phase 1A to Phase 1B. Both phases include improvements to
the building’s front entrance including new storm sewers and
basins, ADA compliant entryways, parking lot improvements,
a pavilion, footbridges, and improved lighting. The contractor
anticipates completing Phase 1B in late April or early May,
after which Phase 2 will begin at the building’s rear entrance.
“As this project progresses, we will provide enhancements to
the building’s front and back entrances, improved accessibility
for both employees and customers, additional green
infrastructure, and new educational opportunities for the
public,” says Brian Hoelscher, MSD’s Executive Director & CEO.
Completion is expected in September 2022.
Find out more about the project, view renderings, and watch
a Phase 1A construction timelapse video at
https://msdprojectclear.org/market.
ENTERING A NEW PHASE
More Green Infrastructure on Market Street
“We are excited about creating
a setting that encourages
learning, curiosity, and the
betterment of MSD employees
and the general public.
BRIAN HOELSCHER
Executive Director & CEO
Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District
4 | PIPELINE
As we entered 2022, the Human Resources (HR) Talent
Development Team implemented an enhanced New Hire
Orientation process. This process provides a big picture
outlook for our new employees, allowing them to learn about
various departments within the District. The new onboarding
continues to be facilitated by HR, but also includes presenta-
tions from Public Affairs, IT, Benefits, Wellness, Payroll, Security,
Risk Management, and our Talent Development Team.
New hires spend an additional 1.5 days, completing benefits
enrollment, reviewing policies with various departments, and
finalizing required training in the Learning District.
Feedback from all departments and new hires is welcome to
ensure that our new employees have all the information they
need to make a significant contribution to our future success.
New Employee Onboarding Made Easier
“ In the near future, we hope to bring back a treatment plant
tour to lay the groundwork for them to understand MSD
culture and how they can make an impact in their new role.
LISA JUDD
HR Specialist
Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District
MSD PROJECT CLEAR | 5
MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
Issues MSD Project Clear 2021–2026 Stormwater Permit
In 2003, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) required
certain areas around the United States, including most of
St. Louis County, to develop a phase II stormwater management
plan to reduce pollution into rivers, streams, and lakes.
Under five-year permit terms, unincorporated St. Louis County,
58 St. Louis County municipalities, and MSD (together termed
co-permittees) have successfully partnered to comply with
requirements. The St. Louis County Phase II Stormwater
Management Plan is the largest co-permittee group in Missouri,
and one of the larger groups in the nation.
MSD takes the lead in this initiative to ensure a consistent
approach, but each co-permittee has the freedom to tailor it to
their community’s specific needs. The St. Louis County Phase II
Stormwater Management Plan includes award-winning Best
Management Practices (BMPs) that address potential sources of
pollutants in stormwater as required by federal and state regula-
tions. The implementation of BMPs in the Stormwater Management
Plan satisfies the six minimum control measures which are:
I. Public Education and Outreach on Stormwater Impacts
II. Public Involvement and Participation in Program
Development
III. Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination
IV. Construction Site Stormwater Runoff Control
V. Post-Construction Stormwater Management
VI. Pollution Prevention/Good Housekeeping for Municipal
Operations
The St. Louis County Phase II Stormwater Management Plan was
approved by MDNR in August, and the permit was issued on
November 1, 2021.
The full St. Louis County Phase II Stormwater Management Plan can be found here
https://msdprojectclear.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/SWMP-4th-Term.pdf
6 | PIPELINE
Better Your Health with MSD’s
Prevention Awareness Campaign
This year, MSD is excited to host a Prevention Awareness
Campaign as part of your district wellness program.
Each month, we will focus on a new health topic so that
employees can learn how to make the most of their wellness.
In April, we will not only talk about dental health, but we will
also host an onsite dental cleaning event! Jet Dental will join us
again on April 28th at Market where they will turn a conference
room into a dentist’s office, and you can schedule an appoint-
ment for a full exam! Angela Tiedemann will share how to
schedule your appointment during the month of April.
Addressing dental health is important for total health and
wellness. Poor dental habits can increase the risk of developing
periodontal (gum) disease.
Risk factors for developing gum disease include:
• Smoking
• Diabetes
• Poor oral hygiene
• Stress
• Heredity
• Crooked teeth
• Underlying immuno-deficiencies
• Fillings that have become defective
• Taking medications that cause dry mouth
• Bridges that no longer fit properly
• Female hormonal changes, such as with pregnancy
or the use of oral contraceptives
If left untreated, gum disease can lead to more serious dental
issues. Stay proactive by visiting your dentist regularly. You can
start by visiting Jet Dental onsite at the District in April.
SOURCE: National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. “Periodontal
(Gum) Disease.” https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/gum-disease
(Last reviewed October, 2018)
ONSITE DENTAL CLEANING
MARKET STREET
THURSDAY, APRIL 28
Tune in to Wellness Wednesday
emails from our Wellbeing
Coordinator, Angela Tiedemann,
to review wellness education
and resources throughout
the year.
HR C.A.R.E.SPREVENTION AWARENESS
MSD PROJECT CLEAR | 7
A Thank You Letter from our Customers
to Our MSD Employees
MSD Employees Care
Email to Elizabeth Boughman, Administrative Support
Representative:
I am in receipt of your two letters today regarding the cave-in
and its repair. The repair was successfully completed. I wish
to note that I was most pleased by the prompt response of the
MSD employees who completed my repair request. This was
initiated by computer input two days prior to the appearance
of the survey crew from the Maintenance Division, which came
the next day. I was pleasantly surprised by the responsiveness
and alacrity of MSD to this issue. Please pass on my gratitude
to those in the chain of command.
Sincerely,
Aleda Littlefield
A Satisfied Customer
Email from Tracy Rodgers, Construction Supervisor to Joseph
Schulte, (Heavy Equipment Mechanic Sr.):
Hi Joe,
I wanted to take the time to thank you for taking care of Deb
Jarvis’ car on Friday (when she was having car issues). You went
the extra mile to ensure if her car was okay and then called and
checked in on her later. It’s great to know you have such caring
people working with us. You are very much appreciated.
Sincerely,
Tracy Rodgers
Construction Supervisor
GRATITUDE
Thank You
Notes
8 | PIPELINE
DECEMBER
Munira Durakovic
Associate Engineer
(Planning/Prog.
Planning)
Abigail Donald
Account Associate
Melissa Colvin
Office Associate
Tad David
Painter
NOVEMBER
Sean Stone
Senior Public Affairs
Specialist
Ethan Waters
Operations Manager
Julie Ellis (Transfer)
Business Analyst
Specialist
Jabbar Thomas
Operations Supervisor
(Plant Operations)
Ramona Gordon
Billings and Collections
Manager
JANUARY
Bruce S. Bixler Collection Systems Team Leader I
23 years
Steve T. DavisCollection Systems Team Leader
31 years
COMINGS & GOINGS
New Hires
Retirees
Promotions
JANUARY
Christopher Linck
GIS/CAD Technician
Gerald Allen
Construction Inspector
Senior
Miti Sinha
Programmer Analyst
Senior
Kevin Morris
IT Support Desk
Supervisor
DECEMBER
Timothy Mullinax
Heavy Equipment
Operator
Sheila Thomas
MWBE Compliance
Specialist
Sever Leone
Operations Supervisor
(Sewer Maint/Constr/
Rehab)
JANUARY
Stephanie DeJarnetteOffice Associate Senior
Robert J. Santel
Maintenance
Mechanic III
33 years
FEBRUARY
James K. FosterPlanner/Scheduler
42 years
Alberta WalkerBillings and Collections Supervisor
Kyle StammerjohnEnvironmental Engineering Associate
FEBRUARY
Samuel Hatcher
Environmental
Engineering Associate
Vinay PannalaBusiness Analyst Specialist
Lawrence StuckenschneiderAssistant Operations Supervisor (Sewer Maint/Constr/Rehab)
Sean LeonardAssistant Operations Supervisor (Plant Maint)
Eric KellyAssistant Operations Supervisor (Plant Maint)
David J. Gassner
Assistant Operations
Supervisor
41 years
Henry L. Hunter Construction Inspector
29 years
Marcus L. JohnsonCollection Systems Team Leader I
32 years
Christopher BergmannProgram Manager (Const Mgmt/Cap Const CS)
Kevin BussProgrammer Analyst I
Matthew NobbeInstrumentation/ Electrical Tech
Mark LawsonInstrumentation/ Electrical Tech
Blake SchaeferCollection Systems Team Leader I
Edwin DotsonCollection Systems Team Leader I
Jeffrey VanLeerCollection Systems Team Leader I
Daniel MurphyOperations Supervisor (Sewer Maint/Constr/Rehab)
FEBRUARY
Christopher Patrick
Operations Manager
MARCH
Lester E. Fenton Planner/Scheduler
42 years
Janice A. Fenton Office Associate Senior
39 years
Lorraine JacksonHuman Resources Specialist
24 years
Jessica ThroInstructional Designer
Matthew BurtIndustrial Waste Technician
Katelyn Bourne Instructional Designer
Raiara ZehnleAdministrative Support Representative
Steven CaseyAccount Associate Senior
Daniel HearstCivil Engineer Senior
Tracy JacksonAssistant Operations Supervisor (Sewer Maint/Constr/Rehab)
Robin WillisOperations Supervisor (Sewer Maint/Constr/Rehab)
Jeffrey StroudResident Inspector
Gerald J. Keaveny
Principal Engineer/
Operations
31 years
Ronald A. Roderfeld
Maintenance Mechanic
III
16 years
Herb E. Thiel
Collection Systems
Team Leader I
35 years