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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 30, 1997
97-166
CONTACT: Kathleen Emmett (360) 407-6281
Ralph Svrjcek (425) 649-7165
Mary Getchell (360) 407-6157; Pager (360) 534-8590
Olympia, WA - The Washington State Department of Ecology recognized the progress and commitment in protecting water quality by honoring 20 communities with Outstanding Wastewater Treatment awards. The awards honor local governments for operating wastewater treatment plants exceptionally well while protecting the environment.
"The record of environmental compliance and environmental protection of these communities is an outstanding accomplishment. We are very proud of these local governments -- and hope their communities are equally proud," said Tom Fitzsimmons, Ecology's director. "The consistent high performance of these plants results in cleaner water, a healthier environment, and therefore a better quality of life."
Ecology evaluated all 325 municipal wastewater treatment plants in Washington state. The top performers were in compliance with their wastewater discharge permits during 1996. Permits place limits on the quantity and concentrations of contaminants that treatment plants may discharge. Depending on the plant, operators report information to Ecology such as wastewater temperature, amount of discharge and amount of pollutants. These reports, as well as on-site inspections, indicate when a facility is in or out of compliance with its permit.
Following is a list of the "Outstanding Wastewater Treatment Plant" award winners:
Editors' Note: Please contact Mary Getchell, (360) 407-6157, to coordinate coverage of award presentations in local communities.
Copyright © Washington State Department of Ecology. See http://www.ecy.wa.gov/copyright.html.
