Plumas Sanitation is the locally owned and operated sanitation company that has provided unsurpassed service and quality products to Plumas, Sierra, and Lassen counties for the past twenty-five years. Owner Lance Wehrman prides himself on his excellent customer service, sparkling clean restrooms, and cost effective, hassle-free septic tank pumping.
Lance began his career in 1978, helping his father operate their family owned business known then as “Dear Johns.” By 16 years of age, Lance was driving the trucks, servicing toilet routes, and pumping septic tanks. By eighteen, he was making plans to own a company of his own. This dream was realized at twenty-one, when Lance purchased the family business. Since that time Lance has been building what has now become one of the most innovative sanitation companies in Northern California.
The success of Plumas Sanitation did not happen overnight. Only after years of dedication to a single mission and hard work did the business begin to blossom. Lance realized early on that a clean, professional reputation was hard to come by in what most consider a “dirty business.” A new standard was needed to bring the sanitation industry to the next level, and Lance was primed for the task. He attended National Pumper Conventions, traveled numerous states to view sewer plants both large and small, and reached out to neighboring companies for advice and different approaches. What he found was that his own work experience was worth its weight in gold. Operating a sanitation company in rural Northern California has its own unique and specific challenges – inclement weather and numerous other factors contributed to Wehrman’s learning curve. Given the innovative, creative and willingness to adapt and change, Plumas Sanitation has proven that the industry can be dynamic, exciting, and far from dirty. To the contrary, the single most motivating factor that has led the company to success has been very simple – provide the cleanest service and products possible to the surrounding communities.
Over the years, Plumas Sanitation has hit many milestones. One of which happened in 2004. The company was voted “Company of the Year” by Pro (Portable Restroom Operator) Magazine, a prestigious award considering the size of the company. Very recently Lance has added the first phase in what is to become a county approved septage and gray water receiving facility, helping to solve the tri-county problem of wastewater disposal. First and foremost, is the ongoing pride that the owners experience in providing excellent service to their customers. Lancee comments, “I truly believe that it is our commitment to this community that has made the business successful.” With a focus on professionalism, stellar service, and local involvement, Wehrman has given Plumas Sanitation an impeccable reputation. The company strives to continually support and connect with local and international entities – the Chamber of Commerce, Booster Club, Rotary International, College Rodeo Teams, American Cancer Society, Boy Scouts of America, volunteer Fire Departments, National MS Society, local hospitals, schools, County Fair, and 4-H Clubs. With all these organizations, he attempts to offer discounts and donations when and where feasible to promote community spirit.
It is the recognized dedication to the community that has earned Plumas Sanitation much integrity. It has helped Lance weather the storms of our fluctuating economy. His tenacity and enduring strength to reinvent himself when necessary is another key aspect to the company’s creative evolvement. Moving towards sustainability and “going green” is where Wehrman's future is headed. With an earth-friendly philosophy he is in the process of developing a more environmentally safe approach to waste management. Dewatering systems, natural treatments, and an alternative biosolid removal process that is ecologically supportive is the focus for this sanitation company. Water reclaimation projects and Level I composting will keep Lance busy for many years to come and ensure he stays on the forefront of the newest cutting edge green technologies. The customer will always reap the benefits of this innovation. link