MORGANTOWN — About 2% of the wastewater treatment plants in America have earned 20-year compliance awards from the National Association of Clean Water Agencies.
And two of those are in Monongalia County.
The Morgantown Utility Board recently learned its Cheat Lake facility was in perfect compliance for the 22nd consecutive year, while its Star City facility was recognized for the 20th consecutive year.
Both received Platinum Peak Performance Awards.
According to NACWA, “Platinum Awards recognize 100% compliance with permits over a consecutive five-year period.”
MUB Board of Directors Chair J.T. Straface said while both facilities have a proven track record, this year’s awards are made even more special by the obstacles overcome.
“What makes this award even more astonishing is that it occurred not only during a worldwide pandemic, but while the Star City Plant was undergoing a massive upgrade. Despite the threats posed by COVID-19, despite the continuous construction, and despite the intricate engineering and science involved of switching from dated systems to newer ones, our staff never let us down,” Straface said. “This accomplishment is akin to working on a race car as it speeds around a track. It’s really that remarkable.”
The board recognized Greg Shellito, MUB’s manager of treatment and production, during its most recent meeting. Shellito introduced Assistant Manager of Treatment and Production Jake Fishel, Chief Operator Ernie Utter (Star City & Cheat Lake) and Chief Operator Jerret Luzader (Cheat Lake).
“It was a team effort,” Shellito said. “No one person did this on their own.”
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