Longtime CDA Wastewater superintendent to retire

The City of Coeur d’Alene will host a public open house in honor of Fredrickson from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. December 14 at the City of Coeur d’Alene Library Community Room, 702 E. Front Ave.

Fredrickson joined the City in November 1986 as the Street Department Superintendent. He began his tenure with the Wastewater Department in 1991.

Under his leadership, the City’s wastewater facilities have become some of the most prestigious at least in the northwest, with numerous upgrades to ensure an enhanced quality of service for the community and response to the ever-changing regulatory landscape both in the state and at the federal government level. In 2013, Fredrickson earned the William D. Hatfield Award from the Water Environment Federation and the Pacific Northwest Clean Water Association. The award is presented to operators of wastewater treatment plants for outstanding performance and professionalism.

“We very much appreciate Sid’s 30 years of service to the Coeur d’Alene community,” said Mayor Steve Widmyer. “Under his steady leadership, our wastewater facilities have continued to be at the forefront of preserving public health and the environment. We’re very proud of his work and wish him well in retirement.”

The plant has been upgraded six times during the retiring superintendent’s tenure to enhance the level of treatment to the community’s wastewater system – from odor control to lower phosphorous levels and improvement of disinfection and ammonia controls. Each of these has ensured the treated water from the plant being sent to the Spokane River protects that pristine body of water.

A supreme manager, Fredrickson is also known in the community for giving perhaps 200 to 300 tours of the facility since 1991. Tours include groups of children from schools, higher education officials and other community members.

Those tours have brought accolades to the department, earning a City Achievement Award from the Association of Idaho Cities in 2016. The department also earned an A+ Education Award in 2014 from the Coeur d’Alene Chamber of Commerce.