Collaboration is Key

County departments often work together to achieve shared goals, resolve issues, and offer critical support and expertise. A recent example of this teamwork took place at Miami International Airport (MIA), where routine maintenance revealed a much larger and urgent repair.

What started as a standard request quickly escalated. Adrian Obregon, Plant Mechanic Supervisor at the Miami-Dade Aviation Department (MDAD), initially contacted the Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department (WASD) to schedule the installation of a clean-out station to address a clogged 12-inch force main. While the task was routine, its location within the aircraft operation area of the United States’ 10th busiest airport made it more complex.

“In addition to contending with aircraft arriving and departing, we also have to schedule around routine inspections such as those conducted by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA),” Adrian explained.

WASD responded promptly. Pedro Hernandez, Water Distribution Supervisor, and the Wastewater Collection & Transmission Line Division, led by Pipefitter Supervisors Jose Mendez-Exposito and Julio Torton, were dispatched to the site.

“We were called out to fix an issue with a clogged force main,” shared Julio. “While making the repair, our crew noticed a bulge in the nearby taxiway asphalt used by aircraft.”

After consulting with MDAD’s Airside Operations team, the decision was made to divert aircraft from the area so the team could further inspect the site. Upon excavating, it revealed an undetected leak that, if left unaddressed, could have caused significant future disruptions.

The crews pivoted quickly, performing the unscheduled emergency repair with minimal disruption to airport operations. They worked late into the night and returned just a few hours later to complete the job.

“While working so close to aircraft is unique, our crews are used to challenging conditions,” said Jose. “We’ve responded to breaks in the middle of rush-hour traffic and during all hours of the day or night. This is what we do.”

Jose, Julio, Adrian, and all the leadership team would like to express deep gratitude for the dedication shown by all of those involved, which included:

Adrian Diaz
Adrian Obregon               
Alcides Tubella             
Andy Martinez                 
Bobby Selby
Cedric Johnson
Cesar Carrasco               
Dwight Sturrup               
Eddie Branham
Gabriel Velazquez 
Gregory Johnson 
Horacio Gonzalez
Jesus Arocha                   
Jim Murphy                
Jorge De Cardenas
Jorge Hernandez
Jorge Salazar                    
Jose Mendez-Exposito
Julio Torton
Leonardo Villaraza         
Leonides Romero          
Lester Betancourt         
Luis Martinez   
Luis Perez
Orbel Rios   
Pedro Reyes                      
Rene Guevara
Rodniel Garcia Fonte
Shawn Richards
Tysinger Thompson
Yovanny Encarnacion

“These are the guys who made it happen,” said Jose. “They—and the entire Wastewater Division—deserve recognition for the work they do under tough conditions to ensure continuous service for the residents of Miami-Dade County.” “This would not have been possible without both department’s commitment and collaboration,” Added Adrian. 

Victor Fernandez-Curevo, Division Director of Facilities Management at MDAD, praised the effort, stating:
“MDAD was very fortunate to have the WASD 'A' team. More importantly, the team showed true dedication by working straight through into the next day to complete this totally unplanned emergency repair. It’s situations like these that truly demonstrate the exceptional character of Miami-Dade County employees.”

Keep THRIVING, WASD and MDAD!