The United States Environmental Protection Agency recognizes publicly-owned wastewater treatment facilities each year for outstanding and innovative water quality achievements through operations and maintenance (O&M), biosolids management, pretreatment activities, storm water management, and combined sewer overflow controls. This year, three of Michigan's wastewater treatment plants in Grandville, Ionia, and Holland have been recognized for their achievements.

Grandville received an O&M Excellence Award, getting First Place in the Medium Advanced category. The Grandville plant discharges final effluent to the Grand River, which directly flows to Lake Michigan. Grandville's utilization of cutting edge technology has reduced operating costs, their collaborative work with the local dental community and the American Dental Association has lead to the development and implementation of an effective mercury minimization plan, and their overall excellent O&M of the WWTP allows them to consistently discharge their effluent well below permit limits.

Ionia received an O&M Excellence Award, earning Second Place in the Medium Advanced category. The O&M of Ionia's WWTP is considered to be one of the finest in Michigan, and the discharge effluent from the facility is consistently below permitted limits. Recently, due to a fire in the city of Ionia, a discharge of 600,000 gallons of wastewater contaminated with a toxic chlorinated compound was sent to the WWTP. The efficient and knowledgeable staff of the facility contained and prevented this material from polluting the Grand River.

Holland received an O&M Excellence Award, and achieved First Place in the Pretreatment category. Embracing modern technological knowledge and efficiently operating their plant, Holland WWTP removes over 85 percent of the pollutants coming to their facility from industrial sources. The facility has effective programs in place to encourage user waste reduction, minimize sources of mercury coming to the plant, and on-site inspections that immediately notify facilities of any industrial pretreatment violations.

The DEQ works collaboratively with the local communities and the facility staff to help these WWTPs implement a well maintained and operated treatment system.

"The Department of Environmental Quality is honored to have the EPA recognize three of our permitted facilities for their innovative, efficient, and effective work at protecting the environment," said DEQ Director Steven E. Chester. "These awards are another example of how partnerships between the DEQ and local communities help us better protect Michigan's environment."

Editor's note: DEQ news releases are available on the department's Internet home page at www.michigan.gov/deq

 "Protecting Michigan's Environment, Ensuring Michigan's Future"

Revised October 7, 2008 by Pat Watson