Plank reflects on 40-year career with City Utilities

by Christine Ballew-Gonzales

SBJ Contributing Writer

David Plank, former manager of major water projects for Springfield's City Utilities, retired from that post in February. While his retirement marked the end of a 40-year career with CU, Plank still serves CU and other companies as a consultant for individual projects.

Plank's tenure with CU began when he was hired to be an engineer in the water department. He soon moved up to assistant manager, then manager of the water department.

In 1976, when CU formed its central engineering group, Plank was manager of the engineering department. Eventually, Plank was named manager of major water projects at CU.

Plank holds several degrees, including a bachelor of science in physics from Drury College, a bachelor of science in civil engineering from the University of Missouri at Rolla and an MBA from Drury. The Springfield engineer was also awarded an honorary degree in civil engineering from UMR.

Throughout his years with CU, Plank was the manager of departments that were recognized for their achievements. Departments managed by Plank received honors including the National Society of Professional Engineers Professional Development Award, a Certificate of Commendation from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources for the utility ash landfill at James River Power Station and the Midwest Regional Award for Dam Safety Programs from the American Society of Dam Safety Officials.

In addition, Plank helped develop the "Call Before You Dig" utility notification program, which predates the Missouri One Call program.

While Plank was involved with many major projects over the years, there are a few he said he is particularly proud of. "The last major water project was the Stockton water project, including the Nuccitelli Pipeline," he said. "The pipeline and the pump station itself have both won awards among the engineering community."

The Blackman Water Treatment Plant was another significant project, which went on line in 1980. Plank noted that the first filter upgrade, designed as part of an ongoing project to increase Blackman's capacity, has been completed. "I'll be involved with it as they need me," he said.

The 345,000-volt power lines, completed in 1986 and connected at the Morgan Substation, were another important project. The 161,000-volt loop around the city was another significant project which "strengthens our internal ability to get power around the city," Plank said.

The power line projects are even more important as CU anticipates the effects of deregulation, Plank said. "The 345,000-volt lines position us well to be able to receive and deliver power," he said. "That strengthens our position, and gives us a good strong tie to the outside world."

Plank said CU has a special study group examining deregulation issues. "I know they're preparing themselves," he said.

The growth that Plank has witnessed over the years in Springfield has been steady, but manageable, he said.

"I think we've seen steady, predictable growth," he said. "Springfield's growth has been gradual enough to be predictable."

Plank does not view his retirement as the end of his engineering years. Now available for consulting, Plank said he is "looking forward to new opportunities" in the engineering field. "I hope I've made a contribution," he said of his four decades with CU. "It really has been a team effort I've had lots of good people working with me to make these projects happen."