Official: Wastewater facility
is going to pot

By Kevin Killough
Staff writer

GALLUP — Something stinks at the Gallup wastewater treatment plant. According to frustrated comments made by wastewater operator Arsenio Chavez during the public comments section of last night’s city hall meeting, the wastewater department is going to pot.

“The wastewater plant is in shambles,” Chavez told the mayor and council.

Chavez said the plant is lacking needed staff and current staff members are under-trained. In addition, the plant needs equipment and repairs, including a nonfunctioning, $1 million burner.

“Right now, we’re out of compliance. If the state doesn’t fine us, I’d be surprised,” Chavez said.

Chavez also alleged that the assistant wastewater superintendent, who recently retired, did so out of frustrations over the problems at the plant.

Mayor Harry Mendoza asked the executive director of Gallup Joint Utilities, Lance Allgood, to comment on the situation.

Allgood explained that the city has had trouble hiring qualified operators. Part of the problem is that there is a nationwide shortage, Allgood said, and Gallup doesn’t offer competitive salaries.

“We’ve been making attempts,” Allgood said.

He also said that the city is working with consultants at the plant to improve operations and get more training. But he confirmed that Chavez’s descriptions were accurate.

“Arsenio’s right. We’re in bad shape out there,” he said.
The mayor and council appeared receptive to Chavez’s complaints, thanking him for speaking up.

“This is something we should know about,” the mayor said.
Councilor John Azua also commended Chavez.

“It’s took a lot of courage to get up and say the things you said,” Azua added.

The mayor and City Manager Gerald Herrera will be meeting at a later date to discuss the problems with Chavez and see what can be done.

Also at the meeting, the city approved the final budget for FY2009, which will now go to the state before June 1.