The Washington State Department of Ecology has presented the Town of Friday Harbor sewer treatment plant with the 2023 Wastewater Treatment Plant Outstanding Performance award. The plant is one of 118 out of more than 300 plants statewide to achieve this level of performance.

According to the DOE’s Water Quality Program Manager, Vincent McGowan, “Ecology appreciates the extraordinary level of effort your plant’s operators make to protect water quality and provide a critical service to the community.” He noted that efficient process control, skill, teamwork, and good judgement are essential, adding, “Talented and proficient operators are critical to successful plant operations and protecting the health of Washington’s waters.”

Town Administrator Denice Kulseth acknowledged the weight of 24/7 responsibility resting on its wastewater plant operators and crew. “We all benefit from their effort and dedication,” said Kulseth. “We currently have a great crew, but I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge the contributions of longtime lead operator Don Reitan who retired in March after over 39 years of service to the Town.” She also pointed to the closure of the RV dump station as a positive turning point for the plant.

The Town is finalizing plans for a major renovation of its wastewater treatment facility necessary to maintain the state’s required level of service.