In March, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) recognized seven of eight Metropolitan Council wastewater treatment plants for outstanding compliance with environmental permits.
To be eligible for this recognition, facilities are required to:
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Submit all reports to the MPCA correctly and on time.
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Demonstrate consistent compliance through monitoring, operations, and maintenance.
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Employ staff certified by the MPCA in wastewater operations.
The Council’s Environmental Services division operates the regional wastewater collection and treatment system. Treatment plants recognized included Blue Lake, Eagles Point, Empire, Hastings, Metro, St. Croix Valley, and Seneca.
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 were not a factor in awarding the certificates. In total, 334 facilities — about 21% — were recognized for outstanding compliance.
The compliance period measured was October 2017 through September 2018.