Episode #29 Thanks A LOTT to a Wastewater Wizard: Infrastructure Super Friends Part 1 (featuring Ken Butti)

Show notes:

We are back to resume this podcast series after a short summer break. This episode is the first of a several  part series on infrastructure, and some of the individuals who create and keep our community systems in order.

One of the many things that can be taken for  granted living in a city is that someone takes our trash away to some place, and when we flush a toilet, take a shower, or wash dishes, the water disappears down the drain and heads away to some place. In many parts of the world that water finds a field, or a body of water, or a backyard.  

In cities of developed countries, waste water treatment is dealt with centrally by the municipality or in partnership with other cities, otherwise, rural areas continue to rely on on-site septic treatment systems. Not all systems or treatment plans are the same. Waste water treatment spans the gamut of simple screens to separate out solids, to advanced secondary treatment that not only removes solids, but treats water with microbes and holding tanks that remove nitrogen-containing compounds. 

The treatment facility here at the south end of the Puget Sound is the envy of treatment plants not only in the entire area, but for the nation, and in the world. The LOTT treatment plant, also known as The Clean Water Alliance, is a collaboration between Lacey, Olympia, Tumwater, and Thurston County, hence LOTT. This treatment plant serves the area residents and business.

This week we are joined by Ken Butti, director of operation and facility at Lott. He shares his experience and knowledge of all things water treatment. Ken has had an interesting life with a variety of experiences from an early career and personal interest in aviation, nursery school teacher, union laborer, production of butter to wine, to herbs, to  blimp parts. The latest chapter has been in wastewater. 

I’m doing a “little dance” to welcome Ken Butti to A Hat Tip For Hands!

Post Show Notes: Thanks for joining this conversation Ken. I enjoyed talking about the nuts and bolts of our primary, and critical infrastructure treating wastewater. Next chapter, we’re talking planes, trains, and classic cars.

Resources:

LOTT Clean Water Alliance website: https://lottcleanwater.org/