Your Toilet Is Not A Trash Can!

Hi Everyone,

I have known Eric Dundee for a little over 10 years, and we both share a passion for people and making a difference, especially now when there is pressure to find solutions and adopt those solutions quickly to meet regulatory requirements. Eric is one of those heroes who will be there for you when you need him, and he is a people-first kind of guy, taking care of his employees and ensuring the ratepayers in Madison, WI, get value for every tax dollar he spends to improve the wastewater system.

Eric knows that technology is the solution to bridge the gap, particularly the investment gap that continues to grow in America. It is a pleasure to know Eric and to have spent time with him.

The fact that we can reconnect through podcasting and other future virtual events is a testament to the digital transformation currently happening all across America. I look forward to more discussions with Eric, as we all need to be united to fight the established networks that often stifle our growth in civil infrastructure. With that being said, let's talk about water and wastewater in this article.

Episode Recap:

Sourcing clean water and managing wastewater efficiently is a perennial concern for municipalities and public works departments. It requires continuous innovation and adaptability, as well as a commitment to preparing for and addressing both immediate and long-term challenges.

Eric Dundee, Director of Operations and Reliability at Madison Metropolitan Sewage District, offers a deep dive into the world of civil infrastructure management, shining a light on the significance of these often under-appreciated systems that underpin our daily lives. The conversation with Chad Smeltzer on the Infrastructure Hot Seat podcast reveals key insights into technology, workforce development, and project execution in the field of sewage management.

Key Takeaways

• Technological Empowerment: Emerging tools and AI are revolutionizing maintenance operations, allowing for predictive approaches to infrastructure management.
• Cultivating Workforce Excellence: A strategic approach to hiring, educating, and valuing public works employees is central to cultivating a reliable and efficient workforce.
• Fiscal and Construction Challenges: The growing gap between infrastructure needs and available resources calls for innovative project management and funding strategies.

The Revolution of Routine: Technological Innovations in Infrastructure

Modern wastewater management isn't merely about maintaining pipes and plants; it’s about leveraging cutting-edge technologies to predict and prevent failures before they occur. Dundee's mention of testing equipment that utilizes AI algorithms to pinpoint issues is a testament to the industry's forward-thinking stance.

“We have tested in the last six months two pieces of equipment that you can hook into the electrical system, and it will basically use algorithms and AI to tell you where your issue is.” - Eric Dundee.

Here, Dundee hints at a broader shift toward smart wastewater management – a field increasingly reliant on Internet-of-Things (IoT) devices and predictive analytics. These allow for real-time monitoring and proactive remediation that can extend the life of infrastructure, ensure reliability, and optimize staff response.

The Foundation of Fluidity: Streamlining the Workforce

Beyond the pipes and pumps, the people running these systems are the true lifeblood of public works. Dundee’s focus on a supportive environment and continuous development is reflected in the establishment of training and succession planning programs within Madison Metropolitan Sewerage District .

“...we pay for you to go to leadership classes. We get you cross-training. We continue to invest in our staff at all levels.” - Eric Dundee .

The district’s dedication to employee growth – through rewarding certifications, engagement with industry organizations like American Public Works Association , and providing clear career advancement pathways – exemplifies how infrastructure management isn't just a technical operation. It’s also a human-centric venture.

Scaling the Fiscal Cliff: Navigating Budget and Build Constraints

One of the most pervasive challenges in wastewater management is reconciling the need for expansion and upgrades with financial and temporal realities. Dundee illustrates how rapidly escalating project costs and elongated timelines can transform an already ambitious six-year capital improvement plan into a potentially decades-long endeavor.

“...project development for all these, it might take ten to fifteen years to get through them all.” - Eric Dundee.

His remarks underscore the need for municipalities to develop dynamic planning and financing mechanisms. They also highlight the critical role of government support, public awareness, and innovative funding strategies in closing the infrastructure investment gap.

The dialogue between Dundee and Smeltzer presents a unique vantage point to understanding the complexities of wastewater management and the vital role it plays in public health and environmental sustainability. It transcends the traditional view of sewage as a mere collection and treatment process, showcasing the nuanced layers of technology adaptation, staff development, and project management that are involved.

As we move forward, the insights provided by thought leaders like Eric Dundee will be instrumental in charting a course for resilient and responsive water infrastructure systems that cater to the growing needs of populations while preserving the planet’s most precious resource: water.

Thank you for reading!

"Everyone wants to have a conversation, No one wants to have a meeting" #digitaltransformation #videopodcasting

Chad Smeltzer