Multiple Southeast Utilities’ wastewater treatment plants earn recognition for exceptional operations by the Alabama Water Pollution Control Association (AWPCA) and Alabama’s Water Environment Association (AWEA).
At the AWPCA’s annual ceremony the Shelby Ridge facility was awarded the “Best Operated Wastewater Plant” for 2020. In addition to the big win, the Riverview facility took second place with the “Award of Excellence” followed by the North Shelby and Liberty facilities receiving a “Certificate of Recognition.”
The AWEA also hosted their yearly awards and for the 2021 recognition, our North Shelby facility received the first place “Excellence Award” within the Category II, 1-to<5 MGD.
“I’m incredibly proud of the teams operating our facilities,” said Harry Chandler, Director of Operations, Southeast Utilities. “Our top priority is properly treating water in order to safely return it to the environment. It takes a dedicated team to make this happen accurately and consistently.
To be considered for these awards, a plant inspection is conducted to analyze the facility for excellence based on standardized criteria. The criteria include, among other things, treatment operations and maintenance of each unit process, the complexity of treatment processes (i.e., advanced treatment), process control and monitoring, laboratory quality control, records inventory, equipment calibration, plant appearance, safety programs, operator attitudes, and organization membership. Finally, any documentation of energy efficiency initiatives coupled with the age of the facility earns corresponding bonus points to the overall score.
“We continually assess our utilities’ capabilities to meet or exceed our stringent permit requirements. Our commitment is to continue our tradition of successful facility operations and maintenance with a strong focus on the advanced treatment processes necessary to achieve such high-level environmental protection,” said Craig Sorensen, President, Southeast Utilities.
About the Alabama Water Pollution Control Association:
The Alabama Water Pollution Control Association (AWPCA) founded in 1946 is Alabama’s oldest environmental organization. AWPCA was established by water and wastewater professional operators to, among other things, promote the advancement of practical knowledge of water supply and treatment of potable water as well as the reclamation of wastewater.
About Alabama’s Water Environment Association:
Alabama’s Water Environment Association (AWEA) is a state-wide affiliate organization of the Water Environment Federation. AWEA is a not-for-profit, educational, and technical organization that has been dedicated to preserving, protecting, and managing Alabama’s waters since 1977.
About Southeast Utilities, A SouthWest Water Company:
Southeast Utilities is the managing unit of the Alabama-based wastewater treatment systems: North Shelby Utility, Riverview Utility, Morris Utility, Brookwood Utility, Shelby Ridge Utility Systems, and Weatherly Utility. State-wide the company services 15,650 customers by properly treating wastewater to safely return to the environment.
