Richmond Utilities expected EnerSys to comply with the new, higher standard for reducing the lead from the waste water it discharges into the city’s sewage system.
The industry, which employs 377 workers and has manufactured lead-acid batteries in Richmond since 1976, did more than comply.
The new standard permits industries to discharge no more than 0.204 milligrams per liter of waste water, said Larry Grubbs, Richmond’s waste water pretreatment coordinator.
The system that Enersys installed last year filters out all but 0.03 milligrams of lead per liter on a “very consistent basis,” he said.
“That’s about one-tenth of the amount permitted,” said Dennis Brumbaugh, manager of the Richmond EnerSys plant.
The system also cuts discharge of sulfates by a similar amount, he said.
The city utility was so pleased with the result that it nominated Enersys for the Pretreatment Excellence Award given by the Kentucky-Tennessee Professional Waste Water Managers’ Association. Grubbs recently accepted the award at the association’s annual conference in Knoxville, Tenn., and the utilities board presented it to EnerSys on Wednesday during its monthly meeting.
The filtration system represents about a $1.25 million investment by EnerSys, said Brumbaugh.
EnerSys configured its own computerized system to monitor and manage the filtration system, said Jim Pikul, the environment, health and safety manager for the EnerSys plant.
A technician attends to the apparatus during each of the plant’s two manufacturing shifts and on the weekend.
Ronnie Mitchell, a 31-year employee, runs the system on first shift.
James Isaacs, a 19-year employee, runs it on second shift, and Reubin Bailey, a 24-year employee, attends it on weekends.
“With all their experience, these guys really know what they’re doing,” Brumbaugh said.
In addition to keeping lead out of Richmond’s waste water, the filtration system retrieves the heavy metal, which is sent to a smelter to be recycled.
Recycling has become more important in recent months, as lead prices, along with other metals and commodities, have climbed sharply.
“This system is going to be good for both the economy and environment of Madison County,” Brumbaugh said.
The Richmond plant manufactures large storage batteries for industrial vehicles, the plant manager said. They power lift trucks used in warehouses and vehicles used in underground mines.
The EnerSys plant is Richmond’s largest industrial employer and the third largest in Madison County.
Eddie Frazier, the first person hired by the plant, then owned by Exide, is still on the job, Brumbaugh said.
Bill Robinson can be reached at brobinson@richmondregister.com or at 623-1669, Ext. 267.
Local News
New system gets the lead out at EnerSys
- Local News
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Judge weighs constitutionality of legislative redistricting
Kentucky’s deadline for filing to run for legislative seats was in flux on Monday because a judge did not immediately rule on a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of newly redrawn district boundaries.
Franklin County Circuit Judge Phillip Shepherd said he expects to enter a ruling in the case by mid-week.
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Couple recovering from injuries suffered in weekend house fire
A couple was hospitalized after their home was set ablaze Sunday by a spark from a cigar, according to a county fire official.
County Fire Chief Jim Cox said the city and county fire departments were called to the home at 111 Concord Road in the early afternoon. Waco Volunteer Fire Department and the Richmond Fire Department also responded.
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EKU closes dining room at Arlington Clubhouse
A Richmond country club is no longer offering dining to members, but remains available for catered events and will be open on certain holidays.
Arlington Country Club, which has been a staple of Eastern Kentucky University for the past 40 years, laid off all dining staff late last week, according to Tom Coffey of the EKU Foundation.
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Standoff at Super 8 Motel ends peacefully
A bizarre drug-fueled standoff at the Richmond Super 8 Motel ended peacefully with no one hurt, including a child who was in the room with a man that police found wielding two knives.
About 1:53 a.m. Friday, police received a call about a man who was threatening someone with a knife at the motel on North Keeneland Drive, according to Richmond Police Chief Larry Brock.
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Trial for couple accused of human trafficking delayed
The trial for a Berea couple accused of human trafficking involving their daughters has been delayed.
Despite Monday morning television reports that the trial was beginning Monday, it was postponed because the attorneys are not ready to try the case.
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Richmond man charged with child porn possession
(Editor’s note: The following story contains graphic information some readers may find offensive.)
A Richmond man has been arrested for possession of child pornography as a result of a nearly one-year investigation by local police.
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Noted author to deliver keynote address for Black History Month
Almost a year ago, Arnold Rampersad stood in the East Room of the White House as he was presented the National Humanities Medal by President Barack Obama.
On Thursday, Feb. 16, the noted author will stand in O’Donnell Hall of Eastern Kentucky University’s Student Success Building to deliver the keynote address for the university’s Black History Month observance. Rampersad’s visit is also part of Eastern’s year-long Chautauqua lecture series, and the title of his talk, “Black History: The Challenge of Living with Others,” coincides with this year’s Chautauqua theme, “Living with Others: Challenges and Promises.” -
Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity of Madison and Clark Counties, which has built 160 homes for people in need since 1992, is seeking applicants for partner families, according to Judy Flavell, executive director of the organization.
“We really need applicants right now,” Flavell said. “More people can qualify for Habitat homes than people realize.”
Eligible applicants must have lived in Madison or Clark counties for at least one year, have a stable income, be able to pay a modest monthly mortgage and be able to demonstrate that their current housing is overcrowded, physically substandard, too expensive, unsafe, or they are living in subsidized housing, according to Habitat.
For more information about eligibility, or to apply, call Habitat for Humanity at 625-9208 or visit its office at 1417 East Main Street in Richmond. Visit online at habitatmadisonclark.org. -
Occupational therapy dept. at EKU offers program for adults with memory loss
For local adults who are experiencing memory loss related to dementia or Alzheimer’s, the Department of Occupational Therapy at Eastern Kentucky University has provided “The Place to Be” for the past two decades.
The department will again sponsor the free eight-week program on Thursdays and Fridays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., beginning Feb. 9. Participants can attend Thursday and/or Friday. Applications still are being accepted (call 893-0653) for the free service, which is offered in Room 100 of the Dizney Building on EKU’s campus. -
Bible Belt towns in state consider going ‘wet’
In this Appalachian college town where socially conservative views are bedrocks of life, some people want to do what was once unthinkable: legalize liquor sales.
Supporters say passing the measure in Tuesday’s special election in Barbourville would tap a new revenue source in a place where hundreds of jobs are evaporating as one plant shuts down and another cuts its workforce in half. But from the pulpits to the courthouse square, opponents have been pressing their case that uncorking liquor sales would irreparably harm the town of about 3,200. - More Local News Headlines
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