Wastewater: A 'Way Out Of Crime' For Inmates

In Washington State, prisoners are being trained for wastewater jobs as a way to keep them on the straight and narrow when they get released.

“In the three years since offenders at [Monroe Correctional Facility] have been working at the wastewater facility, 10 have received certificates from the [state] Department of Ecology,” K5, an NBC affiliate, reported. “A number have found jobs with facilities after their releases. The positions can pay more than $20 an hour.”

At Monroe, Dylan Ryan, a 23-year-old serving time for a second felony robbery, and Keone Padilla, another inmate, are enrolled in the program. They bought their own texts and are educated through a correspondence class.

"Wastewater treatment is my way out of crime. This is my savior," Padilla told K5. "It's a dirty job. It does stink."

Padilla says the job benefits taxpayers. "Potentially you've prevented somebody's house from getting burglarized," he said. "That's what I'm in here for."

Hands-on training is a key part of the program. Under the supervision of correctional staffers, Padilla and Ryan work 35 hours per week at the wastewater facility on the prison complex.

For Ryan, a third conviction could earn him a life sentence under the state’s “three strikes you’re out” policy. "That scares me," he said. "I'm tired of not following the rules and being an outlaw.”

Washington’s Ecology Department offers wastewater training for residents other than inmates.

“Our growing population creates a greater need for wastewater treatment every day. If you're interested in protecting Washington's water and want to become certified, you've come to the right website,” the state explains.

The wastewater industry may benefit from this training program as the specter of “brain drain” looms over utilities. "There is a crisis facing the water and wastewater industry. Over 79 million 'Baby Boomers' will be reaching retirement age in the next ten to fifteen years," according to a research paper published by the Water Environment Federation (WEF).

"This social phenomenon will cause vacancies in our staffing," the report said, and could lead to a loss in institutional knowledge at water utilities.

For more employment news, visit Water Online’s utility management labor solution center.