Article Contributed on: 10/30/2006 5:27:00 PM
COMMERCE CITY, CO - In recognition of superior safety efforts, the South Adams County Water and Sanitation District's wastewater treatment plant has received the Water Environment Federation's George W. Burke Jr. Award.
The Williams Monaco Wastewater Treatment Plant was chosen from among professional members in the Rocky Mountain Water Environment Association, which includes Colorado, Wyoming and New Mexico.
The plant has made many improvements to safety programs over the past year, said Wastewater Regulatory Affairs Supervisor Blair Corning. For example, safety budgeting now allows for better tracking and forecasting of safety-related expenses.
Other recent improvements include the following:
• A program to reimburse wastewater employees if they choose to receive vaccinations against hepatitis.
• Funds dedicated to safety/security training.
• Many in-house safety training programs designed for plant employees, including air monitor training, a safety overview course, chlorine/sulfur dioxide safe handling procedures, wastewater laboratory spill control plan training, and first aid basics.
• Creation, formalization and update of safety policies.
The plant reported no work-related injuries in 2005, and the District was in full compliance with all Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act reporting requirements in 2005.