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1995
Operations staff at the Nelson treatment complex replace the incinerator with centrifuges that dewater the sludge to a higher standard before it is taken to the landfill.
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The 50-year celebration for Johnson County Wastewater includes unveiling the sign for the oldest plant’s new name, the Myron K. Nelson Wastewater Treatment Complex, in honor of its first Chief Engineer.
1996
A vision, a mission statement, and a set of values are written.
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Virgil Lawrence, Superintendent at the Middle Basin Plant, retires after 42 years and eight months of service, the longest term in JCW history.
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This year has more awards than usual. KWEA presents the Class III Best Plant Award to the Blue River Main Treatment Facility. The Airport Plant receives the Best Plant Award for an industrial treatment facility. The Middle Basin Treatment Plant receives a Certificate of Merit from Region VII of the Environmental Protection Agency. JCW is bestowed the honor of “Employer of the Month” by the American Society of Certified Engineering Technicians.
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In 1996, JCW completes the first phase of the Global Position Satellite (GPS) Project to create accurate sewer line and manhole location maps for both the public and JCW employees.
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Staff creates the “Surfin the Sewers” web site.
1997
Administration and Engineering employees move to 7311 W. 130th Street, Overland Park, Kansas.
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BOCC approves the consolidation of JCW with the City of Leawood’s independently operated sewer system.
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BOCC approves an alternative type of sewer for Johnson County neighborhoods, low-pressure sewers with individual grinder pumps for each home.
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Collections teams work closely with the Engineering staff to determine the best methods for rehabilitating sewer lines and making repairs. The project is known as the Term and Supply Cured-In-Place Pipe Contract, and is given the acronym CIPP. Repairs can be made without excavation.
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JCW becomes a member of the McGruff Truck Program.
1998
Another record-breaking year; 3,594 sewer permits are issued, 27% higher than in any previous year.
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JCW begins working with the Board of County Commissioners to study wastewater collection systems across the country.
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The Backup Prevention Program (BUPP) will provide funding to eligible homeowners to install a backup prevention device or make plumbing modifications on their property.
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A new odor control system is installed at the oldest plant, the Nelson Complex. This system includes covering a number of structures that can emit odors and uses a large fan to pull air from these structures into a chemical scrubber to neutralize the odors.
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As disinfection systems are replaced at the Nelson Complex, the Indian Creek Middle Basin Plant, and the Martway Holding Station, there is no risk of any accidental release of chlorine into the environment at these facilities.
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Our new logo wins national acclaim for its design by the National Association of Public Information Officers group.
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JCW’s Computer Section has replaced or upgraded our systems to be Y2K compliant.
1999
A portion of the Blue River Main Sewer District No. 1 is expanded and begins operation. The plant serves customers in southeastern Johnson County, one of the fastest growing areas. Included in the expansion is a new influent pump station with state-of-the-art screening and aeration devices as well as disinfection capabilities. In addition, a new computer station allows operators to monitor the treatment processes and equipment from a central location. A telemetry system provides immediate notification if a portion of the plant needs operator assistance. The plant can operate self-sufficiently for 16 hours a day.
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JCW creates an online service that allows private engineers, developers, and members of the public to access the status of their sanitary sewer project plans being reviewed by JCW. Information is updated nightly, Monday through Friday.
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The Engineering Division begins study on protecting the Kansas river, the second of its kind in Kansas, helping to establish site-specific treatment permit limits based on the latest science and standards established by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE). JCW is convening a technical support group (TSO) including representatives from EPA, KDHE, the University of Kansas, Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, environmental groups and members of the public.
2000
A series of projects begin increasing the amount of flow JCW can deliver to the Nelson Complex during heavier rain events: installing a new, larger capacity force main at Belinder and increasing the capacity of the gravity sewer lines entering Nelson.
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A series of construction projects begin replacing chlorine gas systems with two alternative treatment methods: ultraviolet (UV) light disinfection and a liquid form of chlorine called sodium hypochlorite.
2001
The annual report is dedicated to a friend and colleague who passed away, Dr. Philip J. Wittek, Environmental Director.
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JCW conducts approximately 50 tours each year.
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On Earth Day, JCW helps support the Blue River Watershed Association’s Clean Streams and a student environmental learning fair, events that allow school age children to learn about the environment and participate in clean water activities.
2002
JCW has over 1,900 miles of sewer lines, in addition to 30 pump stations and 48,000 manholes. Approximately 120,000 properties are served in over 1,000 sewer districts, JCW operates under a $23.3 million budget, 2,734 sewer permits are processed, 37 public or private new districts are created or modified and JCW staff number over 200.
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Based on thorough research and analysis, the Board and JCW finds a usage-based system follows best practices established for wastewater collection. Most local governments use this type of wastewater billing system. Administration staff plan and determine the best way to implement the changes and a new customer service center is established.
2003
Current improvements at the Mill Creek Regional Treatment Plant will double its treatment capacity for the largest watershed served by JCW. After the expansion, the plant will serve 190,000 residents, meeting the area’s needs until 2020. An innovative design will convert a portion of what is now an aerated lagoon treatment system to an activated sludge process. Significant portions of the original lagoon system and equipment will continue in operation to optimize the remaining useful life of these facilities and reduce capital costs by tens of millions of dollars.
Pump upgrade: In 2003 the Engineering Division oversees three pump station upgrades: 55th Street Pump Station, Holliday Drive Pump Station, and Tooley Creek Pump Station.
A new outfall structure, the first of its kind, will be constructed discharging effluent further out into the Kansas river. The deeper water will help effluent disperse more quickly.
2004
Residential customers will have the flexibility of paying their JCW bill either annually or bi-monthly.
2005
By the end of the planning period for the Lower Indian Creek plant (year 2010), all flows from the Lower Indian Creek watershed will be sent to Kansas City, Missouri, and all Tomahawk Creek flows will be treated at the Lower Indian Creek treatment plant.
Myron K. Nelson Sr., the county’s first chief engineer for its sewer system passed away. He was 91.
Douglas L. Smith, the administrator for the Johnson County Unified Wastewater Districts for the past 25 years, plans to enjoy his retirement that ends a public service career spanning more than three decades.
John P. O’Neil, who has directed Operations and Maintenance for Johnson County Wastewater (JCW) for 17 years, is named the new administrator of the department.
Administration and Engineering employees move to 11811 S. Sunset Drive. Suite 2500, Olathe, Kansas, 66061-7061.
2006
Blue River Main WWTP expansion completed.
New Strategic Business Plan incorporates a revised mission statement.
2007
Randy Robinson, who has directed the Administrative Division for nearly 23 years, leaves JCW.
Kurt Winters becomes Director of Operations & Maintenance.
Beth Brandel becomes Director of Business Operations and Planning.
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Legend: black = general background; yellow = national event; tourquoise = county legislation; green = plant construction; purple = statistics including population
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