FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Feb. 20, 2018

CONTACT: DEP Press Office, 850.245.2112, DEPNews@dep.state.fl.us

DEP Presents 2017 Plant Excellence Award
to Northeast Florida Water Facility Operator 

~Wastewater facility recognized for innovative practices~

LAKE CITY, Fla. – The Florida Department of Environmental Protection recognized the Gainesville Regional Utility’s Kanapaha Water Reclamation facility as the recipient of the 2017 Plant Operations Excellence Award.

“The Northeast District applauds the Kanapaha Reclamation Facility for their outstanding commitment to continuous improvement and operational excellence,” said Jim Maher, DEP Northeast District assistant director. "Their dedicated and knowledgeable staff have helped establish this facility as one of the best in Northeast Florida. This award highlights the essential role that this facility and others in the region play when it comes to the important task of protecting the environment.”

The Kanapaha Reclamation Facility has not only implemented the latest technology to ensure the consistency and efficiency of their operations, but made critical enhancements to wastewater collection systems as well to reduce sanitary sewer overflows.

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 recognize facilities that demonstrate a special commitment to excellence in management through dedicated professionalism and that have an impeccable history of record-keeping compliance. 

The department is awarding a total of 14 facilities, including six domestic wastewater facilities and eight drinking water facilities statewide. The other awards will be presented at district ceremonies during the Focus on Change Seminars in Punta Gorda, Ocala, Haines City, Pompano Beach and Panama City.

This is the 28th year that the Florida Rural Water Association has conducted the Focus on Change Seminar in conjunction with DEP. The seminar is designed to provide current regulatory information to utilities in order to improve compliance.

About the Florida Department of Environmental Protection

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection is the state’s principal environmental agency, created to protect, conserve and manage Florida’s environment and natural resources. The department enforces federal and state environmental laws, protects Florida’s air and water quality, cleans up pollution, regulates solid waste management, promotes pollution prevention and acquires environmentally sensitive lands for preservation. The agency also maintains a statewide system of parks, trails and aquatic preserves. Visit the department’s website at https://floridadep.gov/.

https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/FLDEP/bulletins/1dc5d03