AUB TREATMENT PLANT EARNS
SIXTH STRAIGHT OPERATIONAL AWARD

ATHENS, Tenn. (May 23, 2002) – The Kentucky–Tennessee Water Environment Association has awarded Athens Utilities Board (AUB) its sixth consecutive Continued Operational Excellence Award for the operation of the North Mouse Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant.

The award is for wastewater treatment plants that have one or less discharge violations in the year. AUB’s North Mouse Creek plant had zero violations, said Jill Davis, AUB’s superintendent for water and wastewater.

“For all of Kentucky and Tennessee only 22 plants received the award. In Tennessee, only Eastman Chemical surpasses the consecutive number of times that AUB has earned this award,” Davis said.

The plant came on line in 1995. In the history of the plant, no violations of treated water quality standards have been cited.

Greg Hayes, who oversees operations at AUB’s two wastewater treatment plants, said the reason for the plant’s stellar performance history is multifaceted.

“The success of this plant began with the decision to build it and to employ a sophisticated design for treatment. But the diligence of the operators who oversee the biological process and maintain the equipment drive the success that has continued for six years,” Hayes said. “I’d put them up against anybody.”

Hayes stressed further that the reasons for the plant’s success go beyond the facility boundaries. “Operators and laboratory support from the Oostanaula plant, our collection system operators, local industry’s cooperation in the industrial pretreatment program, and AUB board support all have to be in place to succeed,” he said.

AUB General Manager Eric Newberry also emphasized the accomplishment of the people who run the plant to ensure environmental protection and performance.

“This is a major accomplishment. Jill’s group continues to do an outstanding job operating the North Mouse Creek plant,” he said. “To receive this award again—six in a row—is extraordinary.”

The future upgrade of AUB’s Oostanaula plant will position AUB to serve Athens residents and industry for a growing future where environmental concerns will be paramount, Hayes said.

“The purpose of building and operating a wastewater treatment plant is to protect public health and the environment. A plant that is designed, operated and maintained properly protects our most important natural resource: water.”