Episode Description:
Join host Shane Silsby as he tours the Orange County Sanitation District with General Manager, Rob Thompson. Discover how Orange County Sanitation District (OC San) is leading innovation in public works, from sustainable infrastructure to cutting-edge wastewater management. This episode features in-depth discussions, leadership insights, and on-site facility tours with the OC San team members keeping Orange County’s water clean and safe.

Timestamps & Sections:
00:00 – Introduction & Facility Overview Meet Rob Thompson and get an overview of OC San’s new headquarters and mission.
04:20 – Rob Thompson’s Career Journey Rob shares his path from electrical engineering and oil & gas to public service and leadership at OC San.
11:00 – Leadership, Culture, and Innovation How OC San fosters collaboration, transparency, and innovation in a large organization.
15:20 – Headquarters Building Project Sustainability, design choices, and lessons learned from building OC San’s new HQ.
20:10 – Project Delivery & Financing OC San’s approach to project execution, progressive design-build, and innovative funding strategies.
27:45 – Key Infrastructure Projects Highlights of the Seal Beach Pump Station, Bay Bridge Pump Station, and Ocean Outfalls Rehabilitation.
33:30 – Asset Management & Long-Term Planning How asset management and strategic planning drive OC San’s priorities and project schedule.
37:30 – Biosolids & Environmental Innovation Exploring new technologies like Supercritical Water Oxidation (SCWO) and deep well injection for biosolids.
41:30 – Water Reuse & Regional Partnerships How OC San and Orange County Water District turn treated water into drinking water for the community.
45:15 – Facility Tours & Team Spotlights On-site tours of the headworks, laboratory, primary basins, and solids handling, plus team interviews.
54:00 – Leadership Insights & Final Thoughts Rob’s advice for future public works leaders and the importance of innovation and data.
57:00 – Outro & How to Connect

Subscribe, follow, and connect with The Public Works Podcast for more stories from infrastructure leaders. If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and share! Connect with us on LinkedIn and your favorite podcast platform for more stories from the people building our communities and providing public services.

The Public Works Podcast: Rob Thompson Episode