Kansas Water Environment Association Awards

The Kansas Water Environment Association held its annual conference and convention on April 12-14, 2005. In conjunction with the conference, the association awards various awards to individuals and treatment systems in various categories. The City of Lawrence Wastewater Treatment Plant is proud to announce that this year we were awarded 3 of the major 3 possible awards in our size category (sort of the “triple crown” of the wastewater awards). The honors awarded to the City include:

· Operations and Maintenance Award (in the large plant category)

· Biosolids Management Award (only one award category)

· Plant Safety Award (in the large plant category)

The Operations and Maintenance Awards are awarded to a facility for outstanding operations and maintenance of their facility. Criteria include qualifications and training of staff, safety record, wastewater process management, compliance with the regulations for effluent and biosolids use, equipment maintenance, recordkeeping procedures, and public relations. This award is comprehensive in nature in that it includes the overall operation and maintenance of the entire plant and programs or methods.

The Biosolids Management Award is awarded to a facility for outstanding management of the biosolids program. Criteria include innovative ideas, cost savings, public relations methods, and overall success of the biosolids program.

The Plant Safety Award is awarded to a facility for not only an excellent safety record during the last calendar year, but also for outstanding overall safety program, including the implementing of safety devices and procedures, training on safety issues, and the comprehensive safety program promoted by the wastewater facility.

A facility is nominated for the award (self or by others). Separate awards committees for each award send representatives to tour the facility, view documentation, and verify level of meeting the specific criteria. Following review of all nominees the committee meets to compare qualifications and decide upon the award recipients.

As award recipients the City of Lawrence received a plaque for each of the awards (3 total) and a metal gate sign for the Plant O&M and biosolids awards (2 total). City staff members were present at the awards luncheon to receive the awards.