Dan Wankel, wastewater system manager for the city of Kingsport, Tenn., jumped at the chance to return to his hometown 15 years ago after living the big-city life in Nashville.

"I like the opportunity to interact with local government and across all departments," he says. "When you’re working for a big city, you pretty much specialize and stay within your own department."

At Kingsport (population about 45,000), Wankel tries to empower his 42 employees by giving them direction and allowing them to grow in their jobs. That has led to some creative job combinations, such as a lab supervisor/information technology specialist who does website design and other computer work while managing a lab.

The eastern Tennessee city maintains one of the largest sewer systems between Roanoke and Knoxville, with approximately 475 miles of sewer line. Kingsport is one of the region’s leading cities in upgrading and improving its sewer infrastructure, at an annual reinvestment rate of $6 million.

"My favorite part of the job is being out there with the operations end, seeing things get designed and put into action," Wankel says.

During his tenure as a manager, Wankel began soliciting input from operators and front-line people in the design and running of the system. "I seek and consider input from all areas – operators, engineering, and management. This allows for better decision making," he says.

Wankel first crossed paths with Anderson & Associates when the Horse Creek Village Homeowner’s Association asked to be taken into Kingsport’s wastewater collection system. A thorough wastewater system survey by A&A reassured the city that sewer lines were in good repair and wouldn’t cause the city any headaches. A&A also worked for the homeowners to acquire 42 easements along the sewer lines.

"Adding Horse Creek to the system was a lengthy process. Once A&A got involved, things began to move more quickly," Wankel says.