Posted 4/18/01
MPCA recognizes North Branch for outstanding wastewater treatment operation
The city of North Branch recently received a commendation from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency recognizing exemplary effort expended in the year 2000 for complying with the Minnesota Pollution control Agencyís permit program.
The award is in recognition of the cityís wastewater departmentís efforts and results in protecting and preserving the waters of Minnesota.
The city of North Branch was one of 135 facilities receiving commendations for meeting the MPCA standards for excellence. There are over 1,300 wastewater treatment facilities in Minnesota.
The award, presented by MPCA Commissioner Karen Studders, is not the first time the city has received the recognition. In fact, North Branch has received this award every year since the merger of the cities of Branch and North Branch.
According to North Branch Public Works Director Gary Schaefer, ìThe operational success is a real team effort. If one member of the team fails, the whole system fails. Training, attention to details and planning have been the keys to our operationís continued success.î
Mayor John Pinsonneault has been especially pleased with the plantís and staffís performance. ìAs members of our community, we think very seldom about the wastewater issues. However, the work done directly impacts our community, environment and wildlife. This work protects us all. As a coach, I understand that a refereeís greatest applause is silence. That is exactly the same with this department, so recognition, although not expected, is appreciated.î