WLSSD receives high honors for clean water performance

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WASHINGTON D.C. - The Western Lake Superior Sanitary District (WLSSD) has earned the prestigious 2008 PlatinumPeak Performance Award from the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA). The Platinum Peak Performance award is one of the industry’s highest honors and is presented to wastewater treatment facilities that have met the standard of 100 percent compliance with their National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit – in WLSSD’s case for nine consecutive years.

The NPDES discharge permit regulates the quality of the water discharged by WLSSD after treatment and sets quality standards for disinfection and the removal of solids and toxic compounds like mercury and dioxin.

“WLSSD is an outstanding example of environmental efforts. NACWA is honored to showcase the achievements of WLSSD and our nation’s public wastewater utilities through the Peak Performance Awards Program.” Ken Kirk, NACWA’s Executive Director.

“This award is a testament to how well the facility has been operated over the past decade,” said Marianne Bohren, WLSSD’s Executive Director. “The operating staff has run the facility remarkably well under some of the most difficult circumstances. During these nine years of 100% permit compliance, we successfully treated some of the highest wastewater flows and loadings the District has ever seen.

“Area industrial customers, businesses and residents have also done an extraordinary job in reducing their use of toxic compounds like mercury,” continued Bohren. “This performance, coupled with our remarkable operating staff, has allowed us to be among the best in our industry.”

The award will be presented by NACWA at its annual meeting in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on July 15. Of NACWA’s 1000+ member facilities, only 9 earned the 2008 Platinum-9 Peak Performance Award. NACWA represents agencies treating the vast majority – more than 80% - of the country’s wastewater from sewered areas.

Western Lake Superior Sanitary District provides award-winning wastewater and solid waste services to residents, businesses and industries within its 500 square mile legislative boundaries in Southern St. Louis and northern Carlton counties, and is a nationally recognized leader in pollution prevention.

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