To run it adequately takes a good operator. The plant can't run itself. Kathie Emmett, Ecology enforcement officer PE ELL -Once again, Pe Ell is in hot water with the state Department of Ecology over operation of the town's sewer plant. Last week, Mayor John Penberth fired the town's only certified wastewater operator and placed plant operations in the hands of a water department employee who is not legally qualified to run the sewer facility. Smith was fired at the end of the workday on Aug. 12.
State law requires the plant be operated by a state-certified technician.
Emmett is recommending a fine for every day the plant operates illegally. To run it adequately takes a good operator. The plant can't run itself. Penberth contends that Phelps has run the sewer plant many times during the past seven years when the certified operator took time off. I thought Phelps was my backup.