For more than 32 years, the Waste Management Kettleman Hills Facility (KHF) has been an integral part of the Kings County economy and has supported valuable community projects in both Kettleman City and neighboring communities. The KHF team is committed to the safe disposal of California’s hazardous wastes, and has a long-standing history of providing substantial funding and in-kind support for public health, environmental, educational and social service projects in Kettleman City.
While operating at normal capacity, the KHF provides:
- $17.5 million each year to the local economy through payroll and purchases of goods and services from local businesses.
- Approximately $3 million per year directly to the Kings County General Fund.
- More than $150,000 per year in cash and in-kind support to the Kettleman City community.
Bob Henry
Senior District Manager
Bob has worked at the Kettleman Hills facility since 1988. He has a bachelor’s degree in engineering management and worked as a facility engineer prior to joining Waste Management. Bob and his family are long-time residents of Lemoore. Bob is a member of the Kettleman City Foundation Board of Directors.
Jim Sook
District Manager
Jim manages the daily operations at the Kettleman Hills Facility. He has worked 18 years for WM and has spent 13 of those years working at Kettleman. He began as a chemist, also was an environmental engineer, lab manager, and a technical manager. Jim has a degree in biology from Pepperdine University and has been a Certified Hazardous Materials Manager since 1996. Jim lives near Kettleman, in Hanford, with his wife and three sons.
Paul Turek
Environmental Manager
Paul Turek has worked for the Kettleman Hills Facility for the past 18 years. He started his career with Waste Management as the environmental engineer and was soon promoted to his current position as the environmental manager for the facility. Paul and his staff are responsible for ensuring that the facility stays in compliance with all local, state and federal regulations. Paul obtained his degree in Meteorology from University of Wisconsin-Madison.
When Paul is not working, he enjoys cycling, motorcycles and photography.