Celebrating the Retirement of Scott Austin, Wastewater Treatment Plant Supervisor for the City of Statesville

So, Scott took a position as an operator at the Third Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant, and what started as a practical career move turned into a profession he genuinely loved. He quickly discovered there was something fascinating about taking what most people would rather not think about and turning it into clean, treated water that could safely be returned to the environment.

Wastewater treatment may not be glamorous – and Scott would be the first to admit it – but he knows just how important it is. Every day, he and his team worked behind the scenes to protect local waterways while ensuring the City's wastewater system met the strict standards established by the State of North Carolina. It's the kind of work most residents never see, but everyone benefits from.

One of Scott's proudest accomplishments was helping lead the expansion of the Third Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant, one of the largest capital projects the city had undertaken at the time. Construction began in 2013 and wrapped up in 2015, and Scott wasn't about to miss any of it – even if that meant showing up at 2 a.m. to watch the first massive concrete pour for what is now the oxidation ditch. Seeing the first clear, treated water flow over the effluent weir into Third Creek made all those early mornings worth it.

During Scott's career, Statesville's wastewater system grew alongside the community. When he first started, Third Creek operated just five lift stations. Today there are 11, with more already on the way as the city continues to expand.

Of course, some of Scott's favorite memories have nothing to do with major construction projects. There's the unforgettable story of climbing into an aluminum john boat affectionately known as the "SP Turd Creek" – short for Scott Powered because he was the one doing all the rowing. The boat, despite repeated coats of Flex Seal, leaked every single time it was launched into a sludge digester to replace equipment on a floating aerator. Somehow, it always got the job done...and somehow, Scott always came back for another ride.

Scott credits much of his success to the people who gave him opportunities throughout his career, including Harold "Hammer" Anderson, who hired him at Third Creek; former Water Resources Director Lenwood "Joe" Hudson, who encouraged him to return to the city; and Operations Manager Andy Smith, who helped bring him back to Statesville. Along the way, they taught him everything from running an efficient wastewater plant to navigating budgets that somehow always seemed due right after finance sent them out.

When asked what he'll miss most, Scott didn't mention the equipment, the projects, or even the boats. He'll miss the people. He says the crew at Third Creek has always been willing to step up, solve problems, and take pride in keeping the plant operating efficiently and meeting state standards. It's the camaraderie he'll miss most.

For anyone just starting a career with the city, Scott has one piece of advice – stay for 30 years. Sure, he jokes it's because the retirement health insurance is better, but he quickly adds that the City is simply a great place to build a career. Every job has good days and bad days, and while he spent a short time away, he says coming back was one of the best decisions he ever made.

Retirement doesn't sound like it'll be very quiet. Scott plans to spend more time with his wife, who is already retired, visit with his parents, become more involved in his church's outreach ministry, and probably find a part-time job because, as he admits, he'll need something to keep him busy. He's also hoping to finally check one item off his bucket list: buying a 1969 Camaro. If all goes according to plan, he'll be driving off into the sunset with his wife on the way to a car show. Whether that sunset is over the mountains or the beach doesn't much matter.

Before signing off, Scott has one final request for the community – and he means it. Please, please, please don't flush wipes down the toilet! No matter what the package says, they are not flushable, and they've kept Scott and countless wastewater operators busy for years!

To his coworkers, Scott simply wants to say thank you. It has been an honor and a privilege to work alongside such a dedicated group of people, and he's grateful for the friendships, laughter, and memories they've shared over the years.

The City of Statesville thanks Scott for his decades of dedicated service and wishes him a retirement filled with family, faith, classic cars, and plenty of adventures – preferably in a Camaro instead of a leaky john boat.

Read more about those who have retired from the City of Statesville here