More than 50 soldiers from the 407th Civil Affairs Battalion, United States Army Reserve, toured the Metropolitan Council’s Seneca Water Resource Recovery Facility in Eagan on Saturday, Aug. 10, as part of a training to build expertise on critical infrastructure. The troops learned about the wastewater treatment system, experiencing the scale and operations of the treatment plant. When a need arises in partner nation communities to stabilize and rebuild critical infrastructure, civil affairs soldiers provide skills and subject matter expertise. “These training opportunities set up our units for success, when they’re called for service,” said Lt. Col. Angie Smith, deputy functional specialty team chief, 351 Civil Affairs Command. The Seneca Plant is one of nine water resource recovery facilities that the Met Council operates. It is the third largest, with a total treatment capacity of 34 million gallons of wastewater a day. Soldiers make connections and learn basics of treatment processes For the many soldiers who have never been to a wastewater treatment facility before, the experiential learning component of the training is invaluable. "There is a lot to learn and understand about the operations of wastewater treatment,” said Major Albert Cho, water infrastructure specialist, 351 Civil Affairs Command. “What they’ve seen and interacted with, how they’ve felt while being here, this experience is likely to stay with them for a long time.” Battalion Commander Dale Kooyenga has experienced scenarios where this knowledge was critical. “In my experience, organizations like the Met Council were key partners when a crisis response required subject matter expertise. Providing this opportunity for our troops means that they will have the resources – and reach-back capabilities – to respond as needed.” Seneca Plant manager Dave Gardner and assistant manager Kurt Fairbanks led the tour. “Wastewater treatment is a critical service, and the need for those with wastewater management expertise will continue to grow in our community,” Gardner said. “Our goal today was to make sure the troops leave with a better understanding of the infrastructure and the key components that tie the operations together.” The story was covered by WCCO-TV on August 10: U.S. Army Reserves tour wastewater treatment plant - CBS Minnesota (cbsnews.com) The Met Council treats a total of 250 million gallons of wastewater daily, protecting our region’s waters and helping to ensure clean water today and for future generations. Learn more about wastewater treatment. Posted In: