Despite a global pandemic, 126 wastewater treatment plants across the state earned the Department of Ecology’s Outstanding Wastewater Treatment Plant Award by achieving full compliance with their water quality permits in 2020. Four facilities are receiving the award for the first time, a great accomplishment in a challenging year.
A full list of award recipients can be found on the department’s website.
In 2020, wastewater treatment plant operators faced unprecedented challenges due to the pandemic. Facility staff kept the plants running 24 hours a day, seven days a week while also managing an influx of wipes, masks, and gloves clogging up their systems and causing serious problems. Despite these challenges, 40 percent of Washington’s treatment plants earned top-performing status for the year.
The department evaluated more than 300 treatment plants operating in Washington to determine how they were meeting the state pollution limits, monitoring and reporting requirements, spill prevention planning, pretreatment, and operation demands outlined in their permits.
“Wastewater treatment plant operators demonstrated just how resilient, talented, and dedicated they are by what they accomplished in 2020.” said Vince McGowan, the Department of Ecology’s water quality program manager. “Their efforts help protect water quality for all of us. Now is the time to thank your local wastewater treatment plant operator.”
Wastewater treatment plant operators play a critical role in keeping Washington’s water safe and clean. They deal with everything homes and businesses dump in or flush down the drain, regardless of if the materials should be going down the drain in the first place.
Treatment plant operators work in close collaboration with the Department of Ecology to meet their water quality permits and can apply for state funding to help upgrade and improve their systems. The department also provides technical assistance to help plants operate successfully.
More information about the awards, awardees, and the importance of wastewater treatment operators can be found on the department’s blog post.
SOURCE: Washington Department of Ecology
