Keith Knepper (FMS) received a Gold Spot Award in January 2017 for his focus on quality assurance directly resulting in increased storm water management security.
On January 25, 2017, while watching a contractor perform a routine excavation as part of his usual utility safety oversight duties, Knepper noticed an old section of storm sewer pipe that had been repaired — poorly — in the past. On top of a section of storm sewer, a six-inch coupling branch had a flat rock on top of the exposed pipe opening and then it was wrapped with a garbage bag. This decades-old “repair” left the storm sewer at risk of compromise.
Knepper saw this as more than a safety and potential environmental compliance issue — he also saw it as an opportunity to install a “clean-out” extension that could be used to help clean out the storm sewer in the future, should it ever be required.
Even though Knepper and his utility team are not specifically responsible for storm sewers on campus and the issue was unrelated to his assignment, Knepper took the initiative to contact the FMS Grounds department to make them aware of the issue. He then went above and beyond to secure materials that aren’t usually kept in stock so Argonne could perform the repair and create the clean-out access improvement.
Knepper’s above-and-beyond work ethic resulted in increased storm water management security and may have prevented future issues related to this stretch of storm sewer infrastructure.
Spot Awards give employees “on-the-spot” recognition for positive safety or quality assurance initiative. The Spot Award program offers three award levels: gold ($100), silver ($50) and bronze ($25).
If you see an employee exhibiting behavior that warrants positive recognition (e.g., safe behavior or process improvements), you can nominate that individual for a Spot Award by submitting Spot Award (ANL-758).
The form will be routed to the individual’s supervisor and division for approval. Observers may award employees from their own division or from other divisions. The cost of the award is charged to the recipient’s division.