Four local wastewater treatment plants win outstanding performance awards

Olympia, WA – Outstanding performance awards have been won by 110 wastewater treatment plants in Washington, including four in Grays Harbor. 

  • Elma Wastewater Treatment Plant
  • Hoquiam Wastewater Treatment Plant
  • Montesano Wastewater Treatment Plant
  • Westport Wastewater Treatment Plant

The Washington Department of Ecology says wastewater treatment plant operators play a critical role in keeping Washington’s waters clean, and 110 wastewater treatment plants garnered top-performing status this year.

“Wastewater treatment plant operators are local heroes. They are protecting water quality every day.” said Polly Zehm, the Department of Ecology’s Deputy Director. “They deal with everything that you flush or put down the drain. That includes some things you probably shouldn’t be putting down the drain, things like those disposable wipes.”

Ecology evaluated more than 300 plants operating in Washington to determine if they were meeting the state pollution limits and permit requirements, which include: monitoring, reporting, spill prevention planning, pretreatment, and operational demands.

Nearly a third of all systems across the state achieved full compliance with their water quality permits in 2018.

Ecology is honoring these top-performers with the annual Wastewater Treatment Plant Outstanding Performance Award.

The list of 110 awardees is available online.

Treatment plants can apply for state funding to help upgrade and improve their systems.