By NEAL WAGNER / City Editor

When outgoing Alabaster Director of Environmental Services Kenneth Hill came to the job more than two decades ago, Alabaster was a much different place.

The city’s population was nowhere near the level it is today, and Alabaster’s wastewater treatment plant was about one-seventh the size it is now.

“He came to work when the plant was still small,” said Jimmy Gould, a longtime member of the Alabaster Industrial Development Board. “It’s a big change to go from 1 million gallons (per day) back then to 7.6 million gallons today.”

Over the years, Hill has overseen and ensured the smooth operation of Alabaster’s wastewater treatment plant during a period of rapid population growth. Every year, Hill has ensured the plant has met the Environmental Protection Agency’s water quality standards, which have become much more stringent since he started working with the city.

“We have been able to keep the plant in line with what is recommended by the EPA,” Gould said. “I think that is because of Kenny’s leadership. We service over 6,000 customers a day, and the plant has always stayed in line with those guidelines.

“He has been able to handle every problem that has come along,” Gould added. “That’s a big responsibility when you are taking sewer from all over the city and making sure it meets those discharge guidelines.”

Hill recently announced he will be retiring after 23 years on the job. Alabaster employees will gather at the Alabaster Senior Center from 3-5 p.m. on Friday, June 29 to celebrate Hill’s decades of service.

“I’ve known Kenny for a long time. He is a great fellow and an excellent employee. He will be missed,” Gould said. “All of the guys have loved working with him. He has done an excellent job.”