Plant Operations Consultant

Various Small Private Treatment Plants

As Operations Consultant he provides process control evaluation and troubleshooting services to owners of small treatment plants. This role includes assessing needs and providing training to facility personnel, developing Standard Operating Procedures, optimizing disposal irrigation and land application schedules, and working with maintenance staff to track equipment maintenance and repair.

 

Senior Plant Operations Supervisor

City of Stockton (PSA)

As Plant Operations Supervisor, Mr. Thornburgh reviewed the progress of operations at the City of Stockton Wastewater Treatment Plant. This role includes the assessing and providing training needed by facility personnel, implementing Standard Operating Procedures, design input for plant modifications, process monitoring, and working with maintenance,  engineering and contractor staff.

 

Operations Consultant/Associate

Barajas & Associates

Naval Air Weapons Center, DoD (SNI)

Mr. Thornburgh reviews the operation of the wastewater treatment plant on the Outlaying Landing Field, San Nicolas Island, on a monthly basis. Mr. Thornburgh reviews, and discusses plant operation with the facility operations staff making recommendations for process improvement and evaluating potential compliance issues.

 

Manager Of Wastewater Operations
7H Technical Services Group, Inc.
As Manager of Wastewater Operations, Mr. Thornburgh managed the operation of plants for the company. This role includes the training of company and client personnel, contract scope development, design input, process monitoring, and, documenting process changes. Mr. Thornburgh was involved in the Onsite Sewer Management Zone for the Town Of Paradise California.

Project Manager
Operations Management International, Inc.
In Auburn, as Project Manager, Mr. Thornburgh was responsible for this 1.67-mgd activated sludge wastewater treatment facility, 1.1-mgd lagoon system for excess wet weather flows, pump stations, and collection system. Because the plant discharges into a sensitive stream, he worked closely with City staff on plant and pump station modifications and upgrades.

In Fairfield-Suisun Mr. Thornburgh coordinated the transfer of suppliers from the previous contract operator, and acquisition of new suppliers. His experience in contract administration facilitated in the smooth working relationship with the Sewer District staff, the previous contract operator, and plant personnel.

In Colton Mr. Thornburgh directed all O&M and laboratory activities for the 6.0-mgd activated sludge wastewater treatment plant and collection system.

In Rialto Mr. Thornburgh managed the 8.0mgd activated sludge wastewater treatment facility.
His duties encompass personnel supervision, hiring, and training; report preparation for regulatory agencies and the client; all budgeting and purchasing functions for the facility; and emergency response, QA/QC, and computerized maintenance and laboratory programs, and public relations and client liaison.

Sanitation Engineering Technician
Coachella Valley Water District
For 17 years, Mr. Thornburgh worked in various capacities for the Coachella Valley Water District. He was in operations for 11 years and in engineering for 6 years. Mr. Thornburgh sat for and passed the California Engineer-In-Training exam. As Sanitation Engineering Technician, he served as liaison between operations and engineering for developing and implementing projects. Mr. Thornburgh was project engineer, developing plans and specifications used in the construction or upgrade/expansion of treatment plants and lift stations, he developed the Commercial Discharge Monitoring and Reclaimed Water Reuse Programs and was responsible for ensuring compliance with Air Quality Management District and Regional Water Quality Control Board rules and regulations.

Prior to attaining his engineering position, Mr. Thornburgh worked at various Coachella Valley treatment plants as a Sanitation Technical Aide, Operator, and Construction and Maintenance Worker. As a technical aide for 3 years, he conducted special evaluations of plant O&M and made recommendations for process and/or structural modifications; conducted operator training classes; and assisted in budget preparation. As an Operator for 7 years, Mr. Thornburgh progressed from the Operator I to Operator IV level.

Plant Operator
Thermal Sanitary District
Mr. Thornburgh served as Plant Operator for the Thermal Sanitary Districts bio-filtration treatment plant for 6 years. He assisted in all O&M functions.



EDUCATION

Engineering coursework, College of the Desert, Palm Desert, California ; and University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California.

Management coursework, College of The Desert, Palm Desert, California

Various short schools, seminars, and conferences in management, wastewater, laboratory analysis, negotiations, and safety.