Behind the Tap Spotlight: Northeast Water Reclamation Facility Plant Manager Herlon Fayard
Meet Northeast Water Reclamation Facility (WRF) Plant Manager Herlon Fayard. Herlon oversees the operations and maintenance of the facility, ensuring it runs efficiently and stays within permit limits. Operating 24/7, 365 days a year with a dedicated team of 9 employees, the Northeast WRF functions on a 6 million gallons per day (MGD) permit, treating approximately 4.5 MGD daily. The facility is renowned for its exceptional effluent quality. In addition to water treatment, the Northeast WRF focuses on recycling solids removed from wastewater. In partnership with Erth Products, these solids are mixed with peanut hulls and composted using the Beltsville or static pile method, a composting technique for organic waste. The resulting soil product has been utilized in various projects throughout the Atlanta area and is available for bulk purchase locally.
His daily tasks include reviewing lab results and process control data to make necessary adjustments. He conducts regular plant inspections to check operational efficiency, cleanliness, and maintenance needs. He also assigns employee training and conducts evaluations. Herlon starts his day at 7 AM by meeting with employees working the overnight shift to review any events that occurred. He then meets with Northeast Chief Operator Keith Kiblinger to discuss the day’s activities.
Herlon finds great satisfaction in the science behind wastewater treatment. He enjoys using microscopic organisms to remove nutrients from wastewater, producing clean and safe water. This treated water is then discharged into Panther Creek, contributing to recreational and drinking water supplies for customers and downstream users.
One of Herlon’s main challenges is maintaining smooth operations and compliance with increasingly strict regulations, especially with the introduction of the new PFAS/PFOA rules. “Most of the day here is routine but we are in a wastewater plant so anything can happen from pump failures, rainstorms and flooding” he explains.
Herlon has been with CCWA since 2007, starting as a Natural Treatment Systems (NTS) Equipment Operator. He volunteered in NTS operations and earned his Class 3 Wastewater license. In 2011, he transitioned to W.B. Casey Water Resource Recovery Facility (WRRF) as an Operator working the midnight shift, and successfully passed his Class 2 and Class 1 Wastewater license tests. By 2014, he was promoted to Chief Operator at W.B. Casey WRRF. In 2015, he became the Plant Manager at Shoal Creek WRF and, in 2018, moved to his current role as Plant Manager at the Northeast WRF.
Outside of work, Herlon is an avid LSU football fan and enjoys watching college football and baseball. He also loves spending time with his grandkids, who are active in recreational sports. #waterprofessional