Public Works Division Earns National Awards
Published on August 17, 2023
Treating millions of gallons of wastewater every day for an entire year is a feat in and of itself, but doing it for five years in a row while consistently meeting standards set by the Clean Water Act is operational excellence at an entirely different level.
In recognition of this unwavering dedication, the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA) honored Public Works' Water Pollution Control (WPC) team at the Kaw Point treatment plant with the esteemed Platinum5 Peak Performance Award. This accolade is given to facilities that demonstrate consistent perfection in their operations for five consecutive years, ensuring that waters remain clean and safe for all. Kaw Point first received the NACWA Platinum5 Award in 2020 after five years of achieving Gold.
The designation is lost when a plant fails to meet these high standards for things like improperly discharging sewage into local waters or failing to effectively clean water before returning it to the environment.
2023 marked a significant year for the city’s water treatment initiatives, as Treatment Plant 14 and the Wolcott Treatment Plant also earned accolades for their impeccable performance. Celebrated as a first-time Platinum5 Peak Performance Award honoree, Plant 14 was recognized alongside Kaw Point's Platinum5 Award and the Wolcott Treatment Plant's Gold Award at the 2023 NACWA Utility Leadership Conference in Louisville, Kentucky.
“I believe these awards speak volumes to the talent and dedication of our team members in Water Pollution control,” said Jeff Miles, Water Pollution Control Director. “The city relies on three critical services to maintain and improve quality of life: water, electricity, and wastewater. I am proud of these unsung heroes in the wastewater industry and their substantial impact on the health and wellness of the community and environment.”
WPC's efforts have been visually documented too. Teams were featured prominently in NACWA’s 2022 Platinum Peak Performance video, showcasing their dedication to the cause of clean water:
These awards speak to the WPC team's exceptional commitment to providing safe, reliable, and efficient public works systems and services. More than 150,000 residents across Wyandotte County can rest assured that the more than 100-person WPC team is working around the clock to protect public health and the environment.
Their round-the-clock efforts guarantee that the environment and public health are always top priorities.
Kaw Point, constructed in the late '60s, has been a consistent achiever, securing numerous awards and setting high standards. Despite its age, its track record includes an impressive seven years of full compliance, a testament to the team’s operational efficiency and ingenuity.
Meanwhile, Plant 14, established in the 1980s, is a testament to innovation and adaptability. Though remotely monitored, its consistent performance has earned it the coveted NACWA Platinum5 Award for the first time.
A notable mention also belongs to the recently activated Wolcott Treatment Plant in western Kansas City, Kansas. Employing advanced technology, this facility streamlines water treatment processes, ensuring a greener, more efficient system. Its unique approach has made it one of only five of its kind in the US, marking it as a significant technological milestone for the community. Following its first full year of operation, the Wolcott plant received a Gold Award from NACWA. At this rate, it will be a Platinum5 honoree in no time!
The plant currently processes 2 million gallons and was designed to readily accommodate 4 million gallons daily within the next ten years. Ultimately, the plant’s capacity is expected to handle average daily flows of 18 million gallons or roughly 64,300 rooftops.
The Unified Government and the Public Works team applaud the WPC team for their hard work and commendable, award-winning dedication!
For those interested in diving deeper into the endeavors of WPC and their environmental contributions, more details can be found on the Water Pollution Control webpage.