Greg Lyons, Water Resources Systems Operations/Maintenance Crew Leader I (Sewer), has retired after 30.5 years with Greenville Utilities.
Greg supervised the Water Resources crew that inspects, cleans, and maintains our gravity sewer mains as well as inspects the air release valves on GUC's entire sewer distribution system (including force mains). They can also do repairs as needed.
He was responsible for the TV inspection program that helps our crews uncover leaks, broken pipes, and inflow and infiltration (I/I) in the sewer system. I/I is extraneous water that gets into the system. TV inspection uses a closed-circuit television camera to document any problems found during the inspection. They use a smoke testing method when larger areas need inspecting. While this method is used less frequently, it involves blowing smoke through the lines and watching for smoke to show them possible problem areas.
Greg also performed sewer outfall inspections and helped maintain our sewer rights-of-way, manhole covers, and cleanout accesses. Greg worked closely with the other Sewer Operations and Maintenance crews as needed.
"The best thing about my job was coming to work with some of the friends I've made over the past 30 years," he reflected. “Our three sewer maintenance crews are a smaller group and work closely together. We supervise entry-level positions, so we train a lot of employees who eventually move on to other crews, sometimes as crew leaders. It’s been nice to be in this training role.”
A Washington, NC, native, Greg moved to Atlanta for a job soon after high school. While there, he earned an Associate in Applied Science in Electronics. After two years in Atlanta, he moved back to this area to get a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology with an electronics concentration at East Carolina University.
Greg and his wife, Tonya, married in 1992 and have three adult children, Rachel, Leah, and Aaron. Aaron works at GUC as a Lineworker Third Class. Greg has one young granddaughter and another granddaughter due in early 2026.
“I’ll keep staying busy with the grandbabies, honey-do lists, and some side jobs I have lined up,” he said. Greg also likes supporting the ECU Pirates football and volleyball teams with his family.
Greg, we hope that you enjoy your retirement! Thank you for 30 years of service.
