The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency recently recognized Poet Biorefining — Glenville East for outstanding performance in wastewater operations during 2008. The awards were announced March 26 at the 72nd Annual Wastewater Operations Conference in Brooklyn Center.

To be eligible for the award, facility operators (see attached list) had to comply with discharge permit requirements throughout the year. These requirements included submitting all monitoring reports to the MPCA correctly and on time, demonstrating compliance through monitoring or in surveys and employing MPCA-certified operators.

MPCA Commissioner Paul Eger had high praise for the award recipients. “Water is one of Minnesota’s most abundant and precious resources. The diligence and cooperation of these operators will ensure that Minnesota waters are protected and preserved today — and for generations to come.”

This is the 32nd year that the MPCA has awarded certificates of commendation to wastewater treatment plants. This year, 172 Minnesota facilities were awarded certificates of commendation for meeting the agency’s criteria for excellence in operations.

Rebecca Flood, MPCA assistant commissioner for water policy, presented the certificates and commended the winners for their efforts to help protect and preserve Minnesota’s water resources. “Minnesotans count on being able to enjoy safe, clean lakes and rivers in their local communities,” said Assistant Commissioner Flood. ‘The MPCA is honored to be able to thank these operators for their dedication and diligent work toward achieving this goal.”

The conference brings together wastewater operators from all over Minnesota for training and professional education. There are about 1,300 wastewater treatment facilities in Minnesota, including municipal, industrial and some privately operated institutional facilities. The size of the community, institution or treatment plant is not a factor in awarding the certificates of excellence.