Project Updates

In February, Christina Jones took the helm as the new Director of Water Operations at West Parish Filters. Christina has a BS in Civil & Environmental Engineering, a Masters in Environmental Engineering, and holds a Treatment 4 license and Distribution 4 operator-in-training license. Christina has worked with the Commission since 2020 under former Director Jim Laurila to learn the intricacies of the plant and set up a Water Operations team focused on teamwork and public servi

At the end of January, Jim Laurila closed out a 40-year career in public service, the last ten served as the Director of Water Operations at West Parish Filters. Upon Jim’s arrival he led two major facility assessments of the treatment plant, which ultimately resulted in the design and construction of the new West Parish Water Treatment Plant. Here in his own words, Jim reflects on his influential career at West Parish and the Commission, and what he sees for the future. On

Recently we shared a story about an inoperable century-old valve that was critical to diverting flow around the site of the new West Parish Water Treatment Plant. It was Mike Townsley who managed to machine a new gear assembly to open the valve and keep the project on track. Mike Townsley has been part of the Commission since 2008, starting at West Parish Filters before transferring in 2011 as Assistant Resident Manager of Provin Mountain, which is located in Agawam. Provi

This December marks an epic milestone for Superintendent of Water Facilities Mike Popko, who will celebrate twenty years with the...

December can be a quiet month when it comes to work outside, but inside Commission staff are busy gearing up for the new plant. Elise...