SUMMIT COUNTY, OHIO—Earlier today, County Executive Ilene Shapiro, Department of Sanitary Sewer Services (DSSS) Director Michael Vinay and County Council members held a ribbon cutting ceremony at the recently constructed DSSS Operations Management Center. The new facility is located on Cole Avenue at the Firestone Business Park in Akron and is adjacent to DSSS administrative offices at the Pry Building.
Construction of the 60,000 square foot facility began in 2020 after the County identified the need to house all DSSS operations and maintenance staff under one roof. Previously, 80 employees were split between three separate locations. The single-story, prefabricated metal building brings together the department’s fleet maintenance, sewer maintenance and pump station groups into one modern facility. These employees are responsible for the operation and maintenance of over one thousand miles of sanitary sewer, twenty-two thousand manholes, and two hundred fifteen pumping stations that in combination serve fifty thousand customer accounts.
“We are excited to show off this brand-new building and set roots down in the Firestone Business Park. The new facility represents an important investment in our sewer infrastructure, increasing the department’s efficiency and creating a central hub for our staff and operations,” said County Executive Shapiro. “I am grateful to every staff member who participated in this transition and appreciate their dedication to our important work.”
The facility was financed through the County’s sewer operating fund and with a twenty-year Ohio Water Pollution Control Loan provided by Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Residents can view photos of the facility and watch a recording of the event at https://www.facebook.com/SummitCountyExecutive.
