Ron Orantes - Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP)

CI: Tell us a little about yourself, and what you do.
Currently I have the pleasure of working for one of the most innovating and invigorating water utilities: the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power.

My current position is Waterworks Engineer, and our group provides engineering support to our Water Treatment Operations section. I graduated with a Chemical Engineering degree, and this has been an invaluable foundation in supporting our water treatment design groups.  Earlier in my career, I was the chemical operations manager for a metal finishing company that provided services for the military and aerospace industry. That experience created a foundation in metallurgy, metal solutions chemistry, and wastewater treatment. I’ve been a member of American Institute of Chemical Engineers and now a member of The Chlorine Institute, both institutions are valuable resources to the chemical industry.

CI: When did you first become involved at CI? What activities have you been involved in at CI?

We’ve been a member of the Chlorine Institute since 2015. I have served in the following Pamphlet review task groups: Pamphlet 155 (Water and Wastewater Operators Chlorine Handbook), Pamphlet 165 (Instrumentation for Chlorine Service), and currently working with the five task groups for Pamphlet 6 (Piping Systems for Dry Chlorine) and the new Pamphlet 175 (Chlorine Gas Feed Systems Design, Operation, and Maintenance).

CI: What is something interesting about you that few would know or guess?

I was a high school teacher and a soccer coach.

CI: Tell us about your favorite CI memory or success story.

Invaluable CI memories include participating in task groups with very knowledgeable members and resourceful Institute staff.

CI: What do you value most from your CI membership?

The abundance of chlorine information and chlorine related process resources provided by the Chlorine Institute are valuable references to our industry.

CI: What advice do you have for early career professionals in the chlor-alkali industry?

Knowledge and experience are the result of hard work, and sometimes it’s important to remember that “the simplest explanation is usually the right one”.

Do you know an actively engaged CI member who would make a great Member Spotlight? Send their name and company to Cindy Kuranchie at Cindy@CL2.com.