For IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                        November 5, 2007

PERFECT ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS AT WATER RECLAMATION DISTRICT

Chicago, IL -- Continuing its tradition of consistent excellence, all the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) facilities recently received achievement awards from the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA). The awards honor outstanding compliance of National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit limits. This perfect feat required an incredible 12,375 chemical standard measurements at or below limits in a single year across the MWRD system.

Considerable tribute went to the Calumet Water Reclamation Plant with its receipt of the Platinum 15 Award.  Over a fifteen year period, this facility has achieved 100 per cent compliance.  Two facilities, Stickney and Lemont Water Reclamation Plants attained a Platinum 10 superior performance level of uninterrupted compliance for a decade.  Meeting requirements for the Gold Award, a calendar year achievement, were MWRD’s plants at North Side, Kirie, John E. Egan, and Hanover Park.  

Presenting the awards to the District was Kevin Shafer, NACWA Treasurer.  Shafer said that in addition to the great work of District staff that the Board of Commissioners should be recognized for its vision and policies.   “One such vision is your Goose Pond along the Illinois River.  This 1350 acre pilot project … of a large wetland…is gaining national recognition and will be a model for us all,” stated Shafer.  He also lauded General Superintendent Richard Lanyon for technical expertise, leadership and great desire to improve the environment. 

Accepting the awards with the District staff was Commissioner Frank Avila.  “The record reflects the absolute expertise and dedication our employees bring to this profession. Thank you to NACWA for allowing us to provide the taxpayers with this acknowledgement,” Avila said. 

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