🏆 Operational Excellence in Wastewater: Lessons From Award-Winning Facilities By: Dr. Hossein Ataei Far1️⃣ Typical Award Criteria for Was...

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🏆 Operational Excellence in Wastewater: Lessons From Award-Winning Facilities
By: Dr. Hossein Ataei Far

1️⃣ Typical Award Criteria for Wastewater Excellence
A. Regulatory Compliance
• Permit Compliance: 100% compliance with discharge permits (BOD, TSS, nutrients such as phosphorus and ammonia).
• Effluent Quality: Consistently meeting or exceeding regulatory limits.
• Reporting & Record-Keeping: Accurate and timely submission of discharge monitoring reports (DMRs).
B. Operational Performance
• Reliability: Minimal unplanned outages; backup systems functioning effectively.
• Process Optimization: Advanced treatment processes well-managed (e.g., chemical dosing, biological nutrient removal).
• Maintenance Excellence: Proactive asset management, preventive maintenance, and equipment reliability.
C. Environmental Stewardship
• Pollution Prevention: Reduction in pollutants entering water bodies.
• Sustainability Initiatives: Energy efficiency, biosolids reuse, odor control, and chemical reduction.
D. Innovation & Infrastructure Upgrades
• Technology Adoption: Use of digital controls, SCADA monitoring, or advanced nutrient removal technologies.
• Capital Improvements: Investments that enhance treatment performance or compliance.
E. Workforce & Leadership
• Operator Competency: Certified staff, continuous training, and a strong safety culture.
• Team Engagement: Leadership in promoting operational excellence and community trust.
F. Community & Public Impact
• Public Communication: Transparency with the community about plant operations.
• Environmental Education: Outreach programs or public tours to highlight environmental efforts.
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2️⃣ How New Glarus Wastewater Treatment Plant Aligns With Award Criteria
Regulatory Compliance:
The plant maintains full compliance with its discharge permits and consistently meets effluent quality standards, ensuring the protection of local water bodies.
Operational Performance:
Recognition for “Outstanding Performance” reflects the plant’s reliability, minimal unplanned outages, and optimized wastewater treatment operations.
Environmental Stewardship:
Recent upgrades for phosphorus removal reduce eutrophication risks in nearby lakes and rivers, demonstrating a commitment to sustainable environmental practices.
Innovation & Infrastructure:
A multi-million-dollar infrastructure upgrade for enhanced phosphorus removal shows proactive investment in technology and process improvement.
Workforce & Leadership:
The dedication of plant staff, alongside strong leadership from the Public Works Director, has been highlighted as a key factor in achieving operational excellence.
Community & Public Impact:
The award reflects recognition by regulatory authorities and the broader community, showcasing transparency and commitment to public health and environmental protection.
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3️⃣ Comparison With National Programs
National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA) Peak Performance Awards (USA):
• Facilities must demonstrate 100% permit compliance for an entire calendar year.
• Emphasis on continuous process reliability and operator excellence.
• New Glarus’s DNR recognition mirrors these standards, emphasizing compliance and operational excellence.
Wisconsin DNR “Outstanding Performance of a Facility”:
• Likely includes compliance history, innovation, infrastructure investments, and staff competency.
• New Glarus’s selection aligns with these criteria through technical upgrades, staff dedication, and environmental stewardship.
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4️⃣ Context With National Standards
This recognition mirrors national programs such as the NACWA Peak Performance Awards, which emphasize 100% permit compliance, process reliability, and operator excellence. New Glarus meets and exemplifies these standards by combining regulatory compliance, operational efficiency, innovation, and leadership in wastewater management.
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✅ Key Takeaway
The New Glarus Wastewater Treatment Plant was recently recognized by the Wisconsin DNR with the “Outstanding Performance of a Facility” 2025 award—an achievement that highlights regulatory compliance, operational reliability, and environmental stewardship.
This recognition reflects a combination of:
• Consistent permit compliance and high-quality effluent
• Advanced phosphorus removal and process optimization
• Proactive infrastructure upgrades and innovative technology adoption
• Dedicated, skilled operators and strong leadership
As professionals in the water and wastewater sector, these awards offer valuable lessons and benchmarks for improving facility performance and sustainability.
💬 Discussion Prompt for Experts:
• What operational strategies have you implemented to exceed compliance requirements?
• How is digital monitoring, SCADA, or automation transforming performance in your facilities?
• What lessons from award-winning plants can be adapted to smaller utilities or resource-limited operations?
Let’s share insights and best practices that drive excellence across the industry.

References:
1. Village of New Glarus. “New Glarus Wastewater Treatment Plant Receives ‘Outstanding Performance’ Recognition.” The Monroe Times, 2025.
https://themonroetimes.com/local-news/dnr-awards-ng-wastewater-treatment-outstanding-performance-of-a-facility/
2. National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA). “Peak Performance Awards Program.” Accessed 2025.
https://www.nacwa.org/
3. EPA Office of Wastewater Management. “National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit Compliance Guidance.” United States Environmental Protection Agency, 2024.
https://www.epa.gov/npdes
4. Wisconsin DNR. “Wastewater Treatment Facility Compliance and Reporting Requirements.” Accessed 2025.
https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/Wastewater

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