11/20/09

Environmental Engineer Eric Marhofer Volunteers in Oaxaca

This fall Eric Marhofer traded in muddy, rain soaked Seattle job sites for sun, sumptuous cuisine and the occasional ant attack in culturally rich Oaxaca State in southern Mexico. Surrounded by the rugged foothills of the Sierra Madres and historic architectural gems, Eric has been volunteering his time and lending his knowledge and applying experience to a project which will provide clean water to several communities.

Eric has been working on a project that involves eliminating raw sewage flowing from a defunct wastewater treatment facility. Supporting the project located just outside of Oaxaca City, Eric is assisting in the design and eventual construction of a wetland for sewage treatment and beneficial reuse of waste water. Eric’s work has included collecting water samples, overseeing site surveys and reviewing engineering plans.

Eric has been able to brush up on his Spanish by speaking with residents of Guadalupe Etla and Santo Domingo Barrio Bajo Etla, the communities which will be served by the project. Despite working in close proximity to raw sewage and enduring a swarm of angry ants, Eric is enjoying his time in Oaxaca, thanks in large part to the local cuisine and culture. He was also lucky enough to take in the revelry of the celebration for Dia de los Muertos – Day of the Dead.

Eric is working with Water For Humans (www.waterforhumans.org), a Seattle based organization that works to provide low cost, clean water solutions for communities in need.