By Dave Fidlin
Correspondent
Whitewater’s wastewater treatment plant — an oft-discussed topic because of upcoming planned upgrades to the aging facility — received high grades on an annual compliance report that is turned in to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
The city received a grade of “A” in all 10 categories in the so-called compliance maintenance annual report, or CMAR. The document was presented to the Whitewater Common Council on Aug. 18.
“The CMAR is designed to help address any shortcomings or deficiencies in the facility and its infrastructure,” Wastewater Superintendent Chuck Nass said. “The report helps monitor utility management, but also serves to inform city administration and elected officials of its operating level.”
DNR’s scoring system within the CMAR is reminiscent of school with letter grades and a grade point average. Whitewater received a solid 4.0 for its operations plan within the wastewater treatment facility in 2014.
The CMAR grades cover a number of areas, including the levels of such chemicals as ammonia, phosphorus and biosolids.
Other areas reviewed annually include the plant’s staff structure, financial management practices and the city’s collection system.
Nass said he was pleased by the results encapsulated within this year’s CMAR document and pointed out dedicated staffers play an important role in the plant’s smooth operation.
“This rating … indicates the level of dedication and pride that utility staff has regarding facility operation and maintenance,” Nass said.
In the same breath, however, Nass said the plant faces significant challenges that are at the crux of the current discussion around upgrades. He described the current facility as having “large deficiencies.”
“Fortunately, we have been able to avoid major compliance issues,” Nass added. “We must remain diligent and work to improve the infrastructure we have for human health and safety reasons, as well as for environmental quality.”
Further discussion about the wastewater treatment plant upgrades is anticipated in the months ahead.
