FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Feb. 11, 2015
DEP PRESENTS 2014 PLANT EXCELLENCE AWARDS TO SOUTHEAST FLORIDA WATER FACILITY OPERATORS
~Awards presented to two recipients for innovation at wastewater facilities~
TAMARAC – The Florida Department of Environmental Protection today presented the 2014 Plant Operations Excellence Awards to two southeast Florida domestic wastewater facilities at the annual “Focus On Change” Seminar. The wastewater facility recipients were the Village of Wellington Water Reclamation Facility and St. Lucie County Utilities.
“It is through the continued diligence of outstanding drinking water and wastewater facilities throughout Florida that we can continue this tradition of recognizing excellence in plant operations and environmental protection,” Division of Water Resource Management Deputy Director Chris Klena told approximately 250 seminar participants. “These facilities are innovators in water treatment and conservation in Florida and they deserve our highest praise.”
Each year, the department presents awards to domestic wastewater and drinking water facilities around the state that demonstrate excellence in operation, maintenance, innovative treatment, waste reduction, pollution prevention, recycling or other achievements. These awards are presented to recognize facilities that demonstrate a special commitment to excellence in management through dedicated professionalism.
The department is awarding a total of 22 facilities, including 10 domestic wastewater facilities as well as 12 drinking water facilities statewide. The other awards are being presented at district ceremonies during the additional five “Focus On Change” annual seminars in Ocala, Haines City, Punta Gorda, Panama City and Lake City.
Facilities go through a rigorous judging process, with every aspect of their operation scrutinized. The facility must maintain an impeccable history of record-keeping compliance. Facility activities, such as malfunctions, maintenance or upgrades must all be documented and demonstrable to the department during unannounced inspection visits throughout the year. Facility upkeep is paramount, as well as making sure facility personnel have all of the proper, up-to-date certifications and training on the latest water monitoring rules and techniques.
Wastewater facilities have the opportunity to provide evidence of innovative solutions to water conservation problems, suggest improvements to the maintenance process or highlight unique areas in which they may excel.
This is the 25th year that the Florida Rural Water Association has presented the “Focus on Change” Seminar in conjunction with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. The sessions are designed to provide the most current regulatory information available to utilities in order to improve compliance.
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