FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Feb. 13, 2019

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

DEP Presents Plant Excellence Awards to One Wastewater and Three Northwest Florida Drinking Water Facilities

~Northwest Florida entities recognized for operational excellence and proactive innovations~

NICEVILLE, Fla. – Today, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection presented 2018 Plant Operations Excellence Awards to the Bay County Water Treatment Plant, Destin Water Users Inc., Naval Air System Whiting Field, and South Walton Utility Company Wastewater Treatment Facility. 

“On behalf of DEP and the state of Florida, I am proud to recognize Bay County Water Treatment Plant, Destin Water Users Inc., Naval Air System Whiting Field, and South Walton Utility Company Wastewater Treatment Facility for their commitment to operational excellence,” said Shawn Hamilton, Director of DEP’s Northwest District. “We are fortunate to have such outstanding community partners working alongside us, to ensure a safe and sustainable water supply for our residents and visitors.”

Each year, DEP 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 18 facilities, including 10 domestic wastewater facilities and eight drinking water facilities statewide. The awards are being presented at district ceremonies during the Focus on Change Seminars held during the month of February around the state in Haines City, Lake City, Niceville, Ocala, Pompano Beach and Punta Gorda.

This is the 29th 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 FloridaDEP.gov.

https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/FLDEP/bulletins/22ebc9f