The City of Victorville, California’s Wastewater Treatment Facility, operated by Woodard & Curran, received two awards from the California Water Environment Association (CWEA). The facility and staff were named the Safety Plant of the Year and Plant of the Year in the small facility division.
The Safety Plant of the Year award recognizes exemplary safety performance, with criteria including number of injuries, lost-time accidents, record keeping, in-house training, emergency response and program implementation. The safety program used at the facility is one that Woodard & Curran has developed and refined over decades of operating municipal and industrial water reclamation systems across the country. It is tailored specifically to the needs of the Victorville facility and diligently implemented by the operations team.
“As a group, the entire staff here maintains a high level of safety awareness,” said Project Manager Daniel Peralta, responsible for day-to-day operations at the facility. “We have a rigorous training program and documentation and everyone is committed to keeping themselves and each other safe.”
Woodard & Curra operations staff pose with their awards. Left to right: Salvador Carlos, Operator 2; Daniel Peralta, Plant Manager; Chris McMahon, Area Manager; and Peter Gortarez, Operator 2.
The Plant of the Year award recognizes accomplishments in compliance, innovative practices, cost effectiveness, and superior plant performance. Over the more than thirteen years that Woodard & Curran has operated the facility, staff have maintained an exceptional compliance record and implemented a number of efficiency improvements and optimization projects to control costs and maintain a high level of service for the community of Victorville.
“Over the years,” said Woodard & Curran Area Manager Christopher McMahon, “our team has modernized the instrumentation and automation systems, upgraded major infrastructure components, and improved efficiencies throughout the facility. It’s a testament to their dedication and skill that they have a spotless compliance record and are continually looking for ways to better serve the community.”
Both awards were presented at the CWEA Awards Banquet held on December 6th.
Founded in 1928, CWEA is an association serving water reclamation professionals throughout the state of California. The organization addresses real-time issues, develops and delivers cutting-edge training, raises awareness of the profession and shapes the future of wastewater. CWEA empowers wastewater professionals as they protect California’s most critical resource: water. Its community of 10,000+ professionals represent all facets of wastewater management and resource recovery, from operators to lab techs to engineers.
