(Jan. 23, 2010, updated location info 1/25) -- The Deputy General Manager of Operations for LB's Water Department remains hospitalized today (Jan. 23) following injuries suffered Thursday morning (Jan. 21) when he fell into a debris-filled well while checking a pump station [updated location info 1/25 per Water Dept. GM Wattier] on Lakewood Blvd. just south of Spring St..
LBWD GM Kevin Wattier says Dr. Robert Cheng (photo right) was part of a three-person crew inspecting pump stations to make sure they could handle more heavy rain, expected later that day.
Photo source: LB Water Dept.
"They were there because that pump station had experienced problems earlier in the week and they were there to make sure it was going to work properly that day," Mr. Wattier said.
Wattier said the incident took place at about 10:00 a.m.; some erosion occurred; a stairway moved...and a platform on which Dr. Cheng was standing collapsed.
Dr. Cheng fell into a wet well (concrete box in which storm water accumulates) and was trapped under fallen debris for some period of time, Mr. Wattier said.
"Fortunately the pumps were turned off at the time so the other three employees heard the noise and rushed down there and were able to throw a fire hose down to Dr. Cheng and he wrapped it around his chest and working together they were able to rescue him," Mr. Wattier said.
For on-demand audio with further in Mr. Wattier's own words, click here.
Wattier says Dr. Cheng suffered severe lascerations of one leg, for which he's had one surgery and will need another.
Wattier says he doesn't know how long Cheng was submerged, but it was "probably only a few seconds."
The LB Water Dept. website says Dr. Cheng Robert Cheng (Ph.D., P.E.) has been with the city agency since 1997
[LB Water Dept. website text] Dr. Cheng has a variety of responsibilities, including planning, coordinating, maintaining and organizing the city's water, sanitary sewer and support services operations. He ensures the delivery of service, maintenance, resource allocation, capital improvement, operational safety, technological requirements and security of water resources and related capital.
In addition, he is responsible for the Department's water quality issues, including the operations of the 62.5 million-gallon-per-day Groundwater Treatment Plant and associated distribution system, four Water Quality Laboratories, and the Department's bottled water plant. He is also the primary Department contact with drinking water regulators, ensuring that compliance with present and future regulations is met.
Dr. Cheng began his career with the City in 1997 as the Department's Manager of Water Quality/Process. He was promoted to the position of Director of Operations in 2004, and subsequently, to the position of Deputy General Manager of Operations in 2005. Prior to joining the Department, Dr. Cheng worked as a process engineer with the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (LaVerne, CA) where he performed numerous bench, pilot, and full-scale water treatment studies. Dr. Cheng also worked as a Senior Process Engineer for Black & Veatch Consulting Engineers (Kansas City, MO), conducting treatment studies for various utility clients. In addition, he has taught Water and Wastewater Treatment classes within the Civil Engineering Department at the California State Polytechnic University, Pomona.
Dr. Cheng is a registered Professional Engineer in the State of California...
Wattier says power outages are the cause of most pump station failures. He notes the LBWD dispatches electric generators to pump stations when power is expected to be out for awhile.
