NOTE: See video here: http://bcove.me/obdkyuxd
IRWINDALE, Calif.--Every morning U.S. Army Corps of Engineers dam operator Jim Ernst conducts a walking inspection of his work area. Ernst checks for debris that may have traveled down the Santa Ana River during the night that may obstruct the intake gates or fresh graffiti painted on the massive intake tower of the 23,800 foot long Santa Fe Dam, his office for the past 20 years.
"I've been employed with the Corps for about 31 years," said Ernst. "I have worked here [Santa Fe Dam] for 20 years."
As a dam operator, Ernst is required to check the dam daily. As he checked the intake tower, he noted that there were new "tagging" markings on the tower which Ernst would paint over before the end of his tour of duty.
Ernst has a wealth of knowledge about the dam and readily briefs inquisitive visitors who use the bike and walking trails on top of the dam about the importance of the dam.
"The biggest thing I enjoy about working for the Corps and the Santa Fe Dam as a dam operator is being able to work outdoors, that's just what I really like," said Ernst. "A lot of people live in this area and don't realize what the full purpose of this facility is really for."
This past December, Ernst got the chance to operate and carry out his duties as the Los Angeles area was drenched with record amounts of rainfall that caused flooding and major damage throughout the District area. Ernst and his fellow dam operators were able to safely manage the pooling water by releasing the water downstream without damage to home and businesses downstream of Santa Fe Dam.
Meet Jim Ernst: http://bcove.me/obdkyuxd
Related Links:
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers South Pacific Division
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