The City of Valparaiso has received a Gold Peak Performance Award for its EKPCF Wastewater Treatment Plant, presented by the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA), announced Steve Poulos, Assistant Director for Valparaiso Utilities. The award recognizes 100 percent complete and consistent National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System compliance for the 2010 calendar year.
“We’re very pleased to have the national recognition, but we’re even more pleased to be able to provide services that have a positive impact on our environment and our residents for both the short and long term,” said Poulos. “Over the last several years we’ve completed projects that optimize our operations, further maximize our capacities and our ability to serve a growing community,” he said.
Recent projects have included upgrading and expanding the Elden Kuehl Pollution Control Facility, adding ultraviolet light disinfection capabilities and upgrading equipment to meet stringent treatment objectives. These projects, in addition to aggressive efforts to separate household and storm water drains, have led to increased abilities to handle both sewer and storm water drainage. Further projects are planned to continue advancing the city’s stewardship of the environment and maintain its compliance with state and federal regulations.