FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 23, 2004
CONTACT: Dee Ann Miller (850) 245-2112

DEP Honors Water Facilities for Excellence

TALLAHASSEE – The Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) Division of Water Resource Management today presented awards to nine domestic wastewater and ten public drinking water facilities from around the state at the annual Plant Operations Excellence Awards ceremony held in Tallahassee.

“As four hurricanes impacted our state, these facilities demonstrated that effective management, proactive preparation and emergency planning expedites recovery,” said DEP Secretary Colleen M. Castille. “These awards recognize the substantial investments made by water facilities to protect Florida’s environment and the well being of its residents.”

The annual awards recognize domestic wastewater and public drinking water facilities that demonstrate excellence in operation, maintenance, innovative treatment, conservation, reuse, waste reduction and pollution prevention. Criteria used in selecting winners include a review of the facility’s compliance history, record keeping and reporting, customer relations, operation and maintenance and employee training.

“A safe, dependable supply of drinking water is critical for all Floridians,” said DEP Division of Water Resource Management Director Mimi Drew. “Effective management and maintenance of water facilities is essential for protecting public health and the environment.”

Domestic Wastewater Treatment Plant 2004 Award Winners:

Village Of Wellington Wastewater Treatment Facility (Palm Beach); Richard A. Heyman Environmental Protection Facility (Monroe); City Of Apopka Water Reclamation Facility (Orange); Paradise Lakes Campground Wastewater Treatment Plant (Volusia); City Of Tarpon Springs Wastewater Treatment Plant (Pinellas); Ridaught Landing Wastewater Treatment Facility (Clay); Town Of Havana Wastewater Treatment Facility (Gadsden); City Of Defuniak Springs Wastewater Treatment Facility (Walton); Eglin Air Force Base Test Site C-6 Wastewater Treatment Facility (Okaloosa).

Drinking Water Treatment Plant 2004 Award Winners:

Destin Water Users, Inc. (Okaloosa); City Of Stuart Water Treatment Plant (Martin); City Of Fort Myers Membrane Water Treatment Plant (Lee); City Of St. Petersburg’s Cosme Water Treatment Plant (Pinellas); City Of Palm Coast Water Treatment Plant 1 & 2 (Flagler); Florida Governmental Utility Authority’s Poinciana Water Treatment Plant #2 (Osceola); Nassau-Amelia Utilities Water Treatment Plant (Nassau); Florida Governmental Utility Authority’s Poinciana Water Treatment Plant #5 (Polk); Silver Flag Water Treatment Plant, Tyndall Air Force Base (Bay); White Oak Water Treatment Plant (Nassau).

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