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We do wastewater right! Sewer authority recognized as one of best in New Jersey
May 23, 2004 Secaucus Reporter
We do wastewater right! Sewer authority recognized as one of best in New
Jersey By:Dave Hoffman Reporter staff writer 05/23/2004 Most people don't think
of wastewater as a source of pride, but in Secaucus, the Municipal Utilities
Authority (MUA) has received national recognition from the U. S. Environmental
Protection Agency. The MUA, which is responsible for the collection, conveyance,
and treatment of any wastewater generated in Secaucus, has won the 2004 Regional
Operation and Maintenance Excellence Award in the Medium-Advanced Treatment
Category. "This is important because it comes from a regulatory agency," said
MUA Executive Director Brian Bigler last week. "They're the ones who if
something goes wrong, are going to fine you, and it's nice to get the award from
the regulatory agency. " Secaucus is part of USEPA Region 1 which includes New
Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. According to USEPA
spokesman John Mello, only one or two awards are given out each year. "We're
very selective," said Mello, who is chief of construction, Grants Section. "I
submitted an application for the award," said Bigler. "It was probably 30 pages
long. " Secaucus was eligible for the award because they have met standards set
by the USEPA, which sets standards for the quality of effluence from the
treatment plant. The MUA also excelled in process controls that help the plant
run more efficiently, safety, and their collection system. Advanced treatment
Secaucus runs a tertiary, or advanced, treatment facility. There are several
types of treatment. Primary water treatment is meant to remove solids from the
waste stream, but the liquid goes out untreated. It is not generally used in
this state. Secondary treatment is to disinfect waster water which is then
discharged. The solids are then cooked down to sludge, which is shipped out of
state to landfills in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia. Most water
treatment in the state is secondary. In tertiary treatment, after the water is
disinfected, the chemicals are removed or neutralized. The neutralized water is
clean enough to use to water lawns and plantings. "During droughts, Secaucus can
water their plants and lawns because of their treatment facility," said Hugh
Carola, Program Director for the Hackensack Riverkeeper. "You've got a
commodity, water that can be used besides drinkable water. This is thinking
progressively. " Secaucus discharges the clean water into the Hackensack River.
The water that domes out of a tertiary treatment system is reputedly drinkable
out of a Brita filter, although both Carola and Mello said that they wouldn't
try. The MUA employs 20 people, including union and non-union workers. They
operate with a $6 million budget, paying debt service and taking in money
through taxes and connection and user fees. Reaping the awards The award was
presented during the President's Luncheon at the annual New Jersey Water
Environment Association conference in Atlantic City.
"Staff at the facility have designed and implemented numerous operational and
maintenance procedures that have saved the rate payers considerable amounts over
the years," said Mello in a speech at the luncheon. "In lieu of contracted
services, the Authority employs an aggressive collection system management
program, working in conjunction with the town's Department of Public Works to
video inspect, clean, and repair the sanitary and storm water collection
systems. "
Mello also said that the MUA has won the Association of Metropolitan Sewerage
Aurhotity Peak Performance award each year since becoming a member in 1999.
Earlier this year, the MUA also won the WAVE Award from the Association of
Environmental Authorities in two different categories.
According to Bigler, the MUA also wins safety awards every year, and won a gold
award from the Association of Safety Awards five years in a row.
Mello also said that the MUA has won the Association of Metropolitan Sewerage
Aurhotity Peak Performance award each year since becoming a member in 1999.
Earlier this year, the MUA also won the WAVE Award from the Association of
Environmental Authorities in two different categories.
According to Bigler, the MUA also wins safety awards every year, and won a gold
award from the Association of Safety Awards five years in a row.