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Awards
Environmental Protection Agency’s (E.P.A.) National First Place Honors
On October 11, 1999 the York Wastewater Treatment Plant received the Environmental Protection Agency’s (E.P.A.) National first place honors for "Outstanding Wastewater Treatment Facility Operations and Maintenance". The award was given to York Mayor Charles Robertson at a ceremony held in New Orleans at the Water Environment Federation’s annual trade show (WEFTEC).
In competing with 16,000 other treatment facilities nationwide, the York plant distinguished itself by taking measures to reduce operating expenses while maintaining an excellent quality discharge to the Codorus Creek. The savings from this reduced operating cost were then re-invested in replacing worn equipment without increasing the overall operating budget.
The York facility continually monitors it’s operating strategies through a "Cost Savings Initiative" that was developed by the plant management in 1997. This initiative is reviewed quarterly to ensure that the facility stays on course to further reduce expenses.
A "Five Year Comprehensive Improvements Plan" was also written to determine when major expenses would be needed. In that way these expenses can be viewed five years out so that replacement costs can be budgeted.
Beginning in 1995, the operating philosophy of the York Wastewater Treatment Plant changed from one of management and labor to one of partnership. The management and labor force at the facility work very closely together to provide excellent treatment at the lowest possible cost to the public. Employees are encouraged to use their imagination and "think outside the box" when confronted with a challenge. Several ideas have been implemented savings hundreds of thousand of dollars in expenses.
Governor's Award for Environmental Excellence
In October 1997, the York Wastewater Treatment Plant received the Governor's Award for Environmental Excellence from Governor Tom Ridge. This award recognized the Generation Facility as an important environmental process.
Governor Ridge presents the Award for Environmental Excellence to Sewer Authority Chairman Philip W. Briddell and Plant Superintendent Harvey E. Bortner.
Innovative Community Development Award
In September of 1996, the Chesapeake Local Government Advisory Committee selected the facility as the recipient of its award for Innovative Community Development. This award was given to the treatment facility for its use of the Kruger A/O biological nutrient removal process.
Excellence in Operation and Maintenance Award
In 1995 the City of York Wastewater Treatment Plant received the "Pennsylvania Water Environment Association Plant Operations and Maintenance Excellence Award." In receiving the award the plant was noted for accomplishing the mission of the P.W.E.A. which is to protect, preserve, and improve the water environment in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
In 1993 and 1995 the United States Environmental Protection Agency Region III awarded the York W.W.T.P. the top honors for "Excellence in Operation and Maintenance".
