The City of Stayton’s Wastewater Treatment Facility was selected Wastewater Plant of the Year for 2015 at the April meeting of the West Central Section of Oregon of the Pacific Northwest Clean Water Association.
Each year one wastewater treatment facility earns the award. Factors considered include permit compliance, staff knowledge and physical condition of plant. Stayton was nominated along with the cities of Corvallis and Eugene. Stayton’s selection was a unanimous decision.
“The operators set their minds to work toward this goal and their hard work paid off,” said Brenda Kuiken, sewer system supervisor.
In January 2015 the wastewater staff was challenged to make a difference for the plant. The goal of winning Plant of the Year was selected as a way to measure that effort.
“I live in Stayton and work here, too,” said Joe Gesek, wastewater operator. “To be recognized like this means a lot to me while I serve my neighbors and make a difference in my community.”
Public Work Director Lance Ludwick said, “I have found our public works employees hardworking and completely invested in making this city a great place to live. This award is indicative of that.”
“We have many talented employees who work for the City of Stayton with little attention or fanfare. It is nice that this award allows us to publicly acknowledge their hard work for our community” said Keith Campbell, city administrator.
An awards ceremony will be held in July when the operators will be honored by their statewide peers.
