The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency recognized 334 Minnesota wastewater treatment facilities for maintaining outstanding permit compliance from October 2017 through September 2018.

MPCA Deputy Commissioner Peter Tester presented the certificates and praised award recipients for their persistent work and dedication to protecting water quality.

To be eligible for the recognition, facilities were required to submit all reports to the MPCA correctly and on time, demonstrate consistent compliance through monitoring, operations and maintenance, and employ staff certified by the MPCA in wastewater operations.

According to a press release, the awards were presented at the 82nd Annual Wastewater Operations Conference in Brooklyn Park.

The annual conference brings together wastewater operators from Minnesota for training and professional education.

In Minnesota, there are about 1,600 municipal and industrial wastewater treatment facilities. Community, institution or treatment plant size was not a factor in awarding the certificates.

Among those receiving awards were the Albert Lea Waste Water Treatment Plant, Clarks Grove Waste Water Treatment Plant and Hayward Waste Water Treatment Plant.