Treatment plant perfect — again

The Manchester Wastewater Treatment Facility has been awarded an “Outstanding Treatment Plant” award for the 10th year in a row for keeping Washington’s waters clear and following all Washington State Department of Ecology (DOE) requirements to the letter during 2004, earning a “perfect score” from the department.

The Manchester facility, operated by Kitsap County Public Works, is one of only 44 of the state’s 305 wastewater treatment plants earned perfect scores. Last year, 35 were recognized. In Kitsap County, only the Port Ludlow and Manchester facilities will be honored this year with this award.

“It’s a statement of how well our operators run the treatment plant,” said Rick Gagnon, senior program manager for Kitsap County Public Works’ Wastewater Division. “It’s really their award.”

Gagnon credits the plant’s operators, mechanics and collection crews for keeping the plant such pristine condition.

The Manchester Wastewater Treatment Plant in Kitsap County will be receiving special recognition for maintaining a perfect record for all 10 years the awards program has been in existence. Manchester is the only treatment plant in the state to have earned the award every year.

Representatives from the Washington State Department of Ecology (DOE) will present “Outstanding Treatment Plant” awards to plant operators at various public events over the next several months.

Manchester’s award will be presented on July 11 at the Kitsap County commissioners meeting.

The award honors plant operators with no spills into Washington’s water in 2004, as well as those plants that have passed every environmental test and analyzed all samples according to the requirements specified by the DOE.

“I am impressed by the extraordinary effort demonstrated by the staff at these 44 treatment plants,” said Dave Peeler, manager of the DOE’s water-quality program. “They deserve our thanks for their outstanding dedication to keeping Washington’s waters clean.”

Manchester Water District is a nonprofit, community-owned water supplier formed in 1942. The district is overseen by an elected three-member board and staffed by seven employees.

It is supported totally by water rates, serves nearly 9,000 people in the unincorporated areas of Manchester, South Colby, Harper and Southworth, and operates a system of more than 32 miles of piping, 11 wells, five reservoirs, three pump stations and 360 public and private hydrants for fire protection.

For more information on this award visit the DOE’s website at www.ecy.wa.gov.

Comment on this story.

COMMENTING RULES: We encourage an open exchange of ideas in our online community, but we ask you to follow our guidelines for respecting community standards. In a nutshell, don't say anything you wouldn't want your mother to read. Please see our FAQ if you have questions or concerns about using Facebook to comment.