With a trade certificate and education from the Hydro School, Geir Lervåg has spent his entire career managing water, sewage and other infrastructure at Herøya Industrial Park.
“I’d say I know the park fairly well,” he laughs. “I’ve been inside most of the buildings—and most of the tunnels and cavities beneath them too.”
From summer job to career
Like many others, Geir followed in his family’s footsteps into Hydro. His father and several siblings worked at Herøya, and after two years studying plumbing at Osebakken Upper Secondary School, he started as an apprentice at Hydro’s plumbing workshop in 1980.
Before long, he was promoted to assistant foreman—quite a responsibility for someone in his early twenties. Later, he discovered a passion for project work, taking part in major shutdowns and planning assignments for what is now Yara.
Focus on clean water
In 1995, Geir joined a project to separate stormwater from sewage. What began as a three-week task turned into three years—and eventually a long-term role in what is now Herøya Industripark AS.
Since then, he has helped modernise the park’s drinking water and wastewater systems, connecting to Porsgrunn’s municipal supply and ensuring clean, efficient water management across the site.
“Another day in the amusement park”
Geir still calls work “another day in the amusement park” because of the variety and people he meets.
“I’ve always enjoyed finding technical solutions. It’s been fun coming to work every day.”
In recent years, he has coordinated operations and maintenance contracts for the park, including infrastructure such as fences and gates.
Life beyond work
Geir is married to Ann Kristin and has two sons, all passionate about music. He sings in the 60-man choir GROMS, performing Norwegian rock and pop classics arranged for male voices.
“When I joined, I decided it had to be cheerful music. We even have ‘Beer and rehearsal’ evenings once a month,” he smiles.
When not singing, Geir enjoys painting at home while listening to music. Now, as he retires from his role as Coordinator for Process Systems, he looks forward to more time for his hobbies—and to his next concert.
Text/photo: Ole Bjørn Ulsnæs obu@skribenten.no
