JKMuir provides inspection services as a WBE.  One of our inspector, Peter Stump, has over 50 years’ experience in the water/wastewater industry. His experience includes construction management, long-term maintenance planning, water and wastewater equipment assessment, and facility condition assessment. Pete is currently observing work on the 26 MGD Middletown, CT Regionalization Pump Station and Headworks project. Below is an interview with Pete on his experiences in the field:

1. How did you get started in the construction industry?

Peter: I am a licensed professional engineer and have worked on treatment plants, pump stations, and similar facility upgrades throughout my career.  I specialize in plant/system assessments to create a get-well plan, so that lost operating capacity can be restored.

2. What’s the best part of your work and being a part of the construction industry?

Peter: The best part of my job is working with contractors and operators to find the underlying reason behind the existence of problems and being a part of the solution.

3. What’s the biggest challenge you have faced in your work?

Peter: Communication. Probably one of the most important parts of my job is helping to effectively communicate issues that arise in the field and assisting in their timely resolution.

4. What advice would you give to someone interested in pursuing a career in this industry?

Peter:  Inspectors need to understand the means and methods of construction for the work they are observing and have a detailed eye for the specifications and plans. It is critical to share the owner’s vision in order to consistently progress towards the outcomes needed to complete the project. Awareness of plant operations is also critical as many wastewater projects involve retrofitting existing systems.