PWSA Senior Manager of Field Operations Lucas Erny
Lucas Erny is our one of our Senior Managers of Field Operations. He earned the PGH2O Gold Drop Award last May for his exceptional efforts within the authority, setting a high standard and inspiring our team to go above and beyond expectations.
We are recognizing him this month for his outstanding and innovating work in leak detection!
What is a brief overview of your current responsibilities and goals?
Pinpointing leaks that have not surfaced, or surfaced that are damaging customers’ properties. We also investigate leaks caused by other utility facilities, and possible landslides, or sinkholes due to a water main break or a possible water main break. We pitch in to help our crews on a daily basis when we have leaks on hills or busy intersections for effectiveness. I also follow up when leaks are repaired in most cases. I also like to communicate and prepare the job. When pinpointing difficult leaks, I do an overview of the job and remain on site when we are digging to find the source. My goal is to continue to find leaks, to keep the people safe, and reduce water that is wasted on leaks.
What drew you to PWSA in the water utility sector?
What drew me to PWSA/water utility sector are the challenges. We have to roll out and pinpoint water sources, such as mine shafts, natural springs, customers using water, water main leaks, French drains, wet basement floors, abandoned service lines, storm drains, and sewers. Everyday there is something different. In leak detection, the odds are always against you and you always have to expect the unexpected. It may get very frustrating at times, but staying focused and determined is the key, and that is the challenge I like about the water sector. It keeps your mind sharp.
Consistent noise picked up by a logger helps to pinpoint the exact location of a leak.
How are you employing ‘loggers’ on fire hydrants to detect leaks? Are they effective?
We have been installing some new Fluid Conversion System advanced fixed base loggers. Yes, it’s been very effective. We can hear a leak from the office and know where to begin the investigation in the field. For example, a leak could be on the top of Mount Washington and end up surfacing at the bottom of the hill on E. Carson Street. We have already had several successful leaks found using this method and this newer technology.
What do you most like to do in your free time?
In my free time I enjoy hanging out with my 9-year-old son, Ethan. I’ve been playing drums and guitar for about 33 years and I really enjoy playing live shows. Other than that, I spend a lot of time remodeling houses.
