People Behind the Pipes

1. Describe your job.

My job is to oversee the Laboratory and the Environmental Compliance teams at DSRSD. I manage day-to-day operations, stay informed of upcoming regulations, ensure our regulatory reporting is completed on time, guide the special projects for our division, help the division manage and plan for change in regulatory matters, and prepare the budget for division.

The laboratory is accredited for 78 parameters in over 8 fields of accreditation. The purpose of the lab is to provide timely data that meets rigorous quality standards. We know the results we generate ensure we are operating within regulatory limits set by our permits, state and federal government regulations. The laboratory maintains a high level of service and quality in testing, but also adapts to changing state and federal standards. Maintaining a state-accredited test requires a lot of documentation and maintenance. The lab provides services for the Regional Wastewater Treatment Facility, Field Operations, LAVWMA (Livermore-Amador Valley Water Management Agency), DERWA (DSRSD-EBMUD Recycled Water Authority), EBDA (East Bay Dischargers Authority), Zone 7 Water Agency, and DSRSD water customers.  

Laboratory & Environmental Compliance Manager Kristy Fournier stands in the lab at the Regional Wastewater Treatment Facility.

I also manage the Environmental Compliance team, who are pivotal in protecting the treatment plant and the environment. They oversee and issue permits to industrial dischargers and septage waste haulers. They collect regulatory and informational samples to ensure compliance with their permits. They conduct FOG (fats, oils, and grease) inspections, and check grease interceptors to make sure they’re not overflowing or have the potential to cause a problem for our sewer collection system.

2. How did you get into this field?

I have a bachelor's degree in microbiology from the University of California, Davis. One of my first jobs was as a microbiologist for a private drinking water utility. I stayed there for 13 years and had opportunities to work as their Organic Chemist and Laboratory Services Manager. I came to DSRSD in January 2021. This position offered a chance to expand my knowledge of wastewater, recycled water, and environmental compliance. I believe that one should always be constantly learning.

3. What do you like best about your job?

The best part about this job is working with a group of dedicated professionals. We’re all unified toward a common goal of protecting public health and the environment. I like working at a job that adds value to the community and the environment. Another added benefit is that everyone here is great to work with.

4. What is the biggest challenge of your position?

The biggest challenge of the job is managing change in a heavily regulated environment. Navigating a laboratory or regulatory program during change is like steering a giant aircraft carrier in the ocean. Changing direction can be a slow process, and you’ve got to move very carefully and with purpose. To prepare for change, I monitor upcoming state and federal regulations and use our interagency partnerships, industry associations, and communications with water wholesaler Zone 7 to stay informed.

5. What is something unique about yourself?

I don’t consider myself unique, but I come from a multicultural family. My dad grew up in America, and my mother grew up in Thailand. Growing up with parents from two very different cultures gives a richness to your life that provides multiple perspectives, which is an excellent foundation for connection. An added benefit to having a parent come from a different country from the one you live in is regular international travel.

When I was a kid we would travel at the end of summer to my grandmother’s house nestled on the outskirts of Bangkok. In the garden of my grandmother’s house sat a shiny, large potable water tank. It was filled periodically, and the water was boiled and placed in a dispenser for drinking. I was told not to drink from the tap and to avoid all ice not made in my grandmother’s house. I would get sick occasionally when we went out to eat or traveled overnight to visit the beautiful sights of Thailand.  When clean water isn’t readily available, you start to think about the consumption of water differently and how to minimize risk. Not having readily available clean water impacts what you decide to eat, how you bathe, and how you brush your teeth. In most of America, not all, we take clean drinking water and sanitation for granted. My experience brings context to how I view the importance of our work at DSRSD.

6. What do you like to do in free time?

I have a ton of hobbies—it’s great because I know what I’ll be doing in retirement. My husband went to culinary school, and he taught me quite a bit about cooking. I like all types of food, and I’m good at “trying” to cook. I may not stick the landing all the time when experimenting, but I have go-to recipes that my family enjoys. My best and most requested Thai dish is crab fried rice. My mom liked it so much she said it tasted like home. I consider my mom’s approval the highest praise for Thai cooking.

I’ve been dancing since I was a little girl, and it generates pure joy in my life. I study ballet, modern dance, and contemporary ballet. I still practice at home. I have two daughters, Selma and Laila. On my days off when we’re not dancing around the living room or painting, my girls and I take weekly trips to the library and read together nightly.