Supercritical Water Oxidation and Biosolids Deep Well Injection

Webinar Summary

Driving Innovation and Sustainability Through Asset Management

OC San is always looking for innovative processes and technologies to solve wastewater collection, treatment, and reuse challenges. Current examples include Supercritical Water Oxidation (SCWO) and Biosolids Deep Well Injection initiatives to deal with solids derived from wastewater. The first step is to identify new technologies, but the second more difficult step is to rework your existing infrastructure to utilize these new innovative opportunities.

Through the Strategic Planning and Asset Management Program, we can strategically prioritize research and investments, allocate resources to ensure that essential efforts like SCWO and Biosolids Deep Well Injection are successfully implemented when ready. These programs not only safeguard the reliability and sustainability of our operations but also empowers us to plan for the future, address regulatory challenges, advance our mission of protecting public health and the environment, and demonstrate our commitment to environmental stewardship and efficient operation.

Webinar Speaker Profile

Robert (Rob) Thompson is the General Manager (GM) for the Orange County Sanitation District (OC San), where he has served since 1995. 

Prior to his current role, Mr. Thompson was the Assistant General Manager, overseeing both the Operations & Maintenance and Engineering departments. His career also includes leadership roles as a Manager of Process Controls, Manager of Maintenance and Planning, and Director of Engineering.

Before joining OC San, Mr. Thompson worked at The Ralph M. Parsons Company, contributing to several major oil field and refinery projects.

Mr. Thompson is a registered Professional Electrical Engineer and Civil Engineer in the State of California. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from Cal Poly Pomona and a Master of Public Administration from California State University, Long Beach.  

OC San provides regional wastewater service to 2.6 million residents. The agency is known for its leadership in water reuse, most notably through its partnership with the Orange County Water District in developing the Groundwater Replenishment System – the world’s largest advanced water purification system for indirect potable reuse, capable of producing 130 million gallons per day of drinking-quality water.

OC San’s proposed Operating and Capital Improvement Budget for Fiscal Year 2025–26 is $500.6 million, reflecting its continued investment in infrastructure, sustainability, and innovation to protect public health and the environment.

Webinar Format

This webinar will include a moderated Q and A session following the speaker’s presentation. The session is open to environmental engineering and science professionals across all sectors and career stages. Our objective is to offer special insights on leading edge solutions for graduate and undergraduate students as well as early to mid-career environmental professionals who are considering specialty certification.

AAEES Board Certified Individuals: Attend this event and earn 1.5 PDHs towards your PDH requirements for maintaining your specialty certification.

Click here to register for this event.