PALM BAY, Florida – The Palm Bay Utilities Department has been named Wastewater Collection System of the Year (for middle-sized utilities) by the Florida Water Environment Association (FWEA). This award is presented annually to recognize the important role collection systems play within the community and to honor those who have made an exceptional effort to properly manage, operate, and maintain their wastewater collection system.
Applicants were judged on best maintenance practices of a wastewater collection system, implementation of innovative programs, provision of adequate funding for the collection system for its long-term sustainability, excellent regulatory compliance, emergency response capability, certification and training of staff, and significant improvements in the area of infiltration and inflow.
The City of Palm Bay’s sanitary sewer collection system consists of 260 miles of gravity sewer force mains and 101 lift stations that help move wastewater from the customer’s residence to the wastewater treatment plant. Currently, the city services 14,997 wastewater accounts.
“The collection system crew sees their contributions as part of the ‘bigger picture’ and they look for ways to be proactive and encourage sustainability, which often results in cost savings for our organization and added value for customers,” commented Bob Hinkel, distribution and collections division manager.
The Wastewater Collection System of the Year Award will be presented to the City of Palm Bay at the Florida Water Resources Conference which is scheduled to be held in Orlando on May 1, 2012. Staff will be recognized at the regular council meeting on May 3, 2012. Council meetings are held the first and third Thursday of each month in the Council Chambers located adjacent to City Hall at 120 Malabar Road SE, Palm Bay, Florida 32907.
The Florida Water Environment Association (FWEA) is an organization of water professionals committed to making advancements in public education, professional development, and public policy for matters related to Florida’s water environment.
For more information about the Palm Bay Utilities Department please visit www.pbud.org or call (321) 952-3410.