07/24/24 Five city wastewater treatment plants earn prestigious platinum honors

Five city wastewater treatment plants earn prestigious platinum honors

HONOLULU - The City and County of Honolulu is proud to announce five of its wastewater treatment plants received the prestigious Platinum Peak Performance Award from the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA). The awards were presented today at NACWA's 54th Annual Meeting in Buffalo, N.Y.

The Wai'anae Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) achieved an incredible milestone, earning its 22nd consecutive year of 100 percent compliance with all permit requirements recognized with the Platinum Peak Performance Award.

Joining Wai'anae WWTP in this honor are four other city facilities, each extending their consecutive years of 100 percent compliance:

• Kahuku Wastewater Treatment Plant - Platinum 10
• Lā'ie Water Reclamation Facility - Platinum 10
• Pa'ala'a Kai Wastewater Treatment Plant - Platinum 10
• Waimānalo Wastewater Treatment Plant - Platinum 8

Additionally, the Honouliuli WWTP earned gold status for maintaining 100 percent compliance with its NPDES permits throughout the 2023 calendar year. The Wahiawā WWTP was awarded Silver status for its commendable performance, with no more than five permit violations during the same period.

The NACWA recognition program features three award categories:

• Platinum Awards: For facilities achieving 100 percent compliance with NPDES permits for five or more consecutive years.
• Gold Awards: For treatment plants achieving 100 percent compliance within the calendar year.
• Silver Awards: For facilities with no more than five permit violations during the calendar year.

The NPDES permit program, mandated by the Clean Water Act, regulates water pollution by regulating point sources discharging into U.S. waters. Other regulatory permits, including Underground Injection Control (UIC) and recycled water facility permits, manage facilities that do not discharge into U.S. waters.

─ PAU ─