MPCA recognizes wastewater facilities across Minnesota for operational excellence

249 facilities recognized during yearlong campaign to celebrate 50th anniversary of Clean Water Act

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) today recognized the Metropolitan Council’s Seneca wastewater treatment facility as one of 249 wastewater treatment facilities across Minnesota for outstanding operations in 2022. MPCA Commissioner Katrina Kessler presented the award, along with EPA region 5 Administrator Debra Shore. The special event also included a tour of the Seneca plant.

To receive this recognition, facilities must demonstrate consistent compliance with monitoring, operations, and maintenance requirements; submit accurate, on-time reports to the MPCA; and employ staff certified by the MPCA in wastewater operations.

“As a former commissioner of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, I know firsthand how vital wastewater systems are to the health and well-being of our communities,” said EPA Region 5 Administrator Debra Shore. “Thanks to the Clean Water Act and the dedicated public servants who operate and maintain wastewater treatment facilities like the Seneca plant, our nation’s waters are cleaner and safer than they were 50 years ago.”
 

The MPCA recognizes outstanding wastewater operators each year. This year’s awards have even more significance as the MPCA celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Clean Water Act. The Clean Water Act established the basic framework for regulating pollution in waters by creating water quality standards to protect drinking water and maintain a healthy aquatic community for animal and recreational uses. These standards lead to the development of clean water before it is returned to a river or stream.

“The Met Council staff who operate and maintain the regional wastewater treatment system are committed to ensuring clean water for future generations,” said board chair Charlie Zelle. “We appreciate the recognition of their continuous hard work, providing an essential service that goes mostly unseen. Let’s not forget that wastewater collection and treatment are among the most important public health interventions in human history.”

Minnesota has approximately 1,600 municipal and industrial wastewater treatment facilities. A total of 762 facilities, from communities of all sizes, were reviewed, with 249 qualifying for the outstanding operations recognition.