NEWS RELEASE

Tuesday, June 26, 2007

All of the Plant Operators at OWASA’s drinking water treatment plant on Jones Ferry Road have received “Class A” certifications from the State. The Class A certification is the highest of three levels that water plant operators can earn in North Carolina.

“This is a milestone in our staff development process, and a reflection of the skills and knowledge that go into providing the high quality of drinking water our community expects,” said Ken Loflin, OWASA’s Water Supply and Treatment Manager.

“Training and skill development for both current and new employees are a key aspect of our approach to continuously improving our services to the community,” Said Ed Kerwin, Executive Director. “The people who work at OWASA are our most important asset because it is their capabilities that enable the optimum management and operation of our community’s substantial investment in water and sewer facilities.”

OWASA requires that its water Plant Operators have at least Class C certifications, and that the Water Treatment and Supply Manager and Chief Plant Operator have Class A certifications. Obtaining the Class A certifications from the NC Water Treatment Facility Operators Board of Certification involves first receiving level C and B certifications, meeting educational requirements and passing a level A certification exam.

OWASA’s water plant operation personnel are:
                                                                                               

Additional background information

In 2005, the Partnership for Safe Water gave OWASA a national award, the “Director’s Certificate of Recognition,” for excellence in operating and managing the Jones Ferry Road Water Treatment Plant. 

The Partnership is a national association including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, American Water Works Association, Association of State Drinking Water Administrators, National Association of Water Companies and about 200 water utilities.
OWASA received the Partnership’s award following a detailed assessment of the performance, processes, design, operation, and administration of OWASA’s drinking water treatment program. OWASA staff submitted a 52-page report to the Partnership for review and analysis by a panel of water treatment experts.

For more information:

Ed Kerwin, Executive Director
Telephone: 537-4211; E-mail: ekerwin@owasa.org

Kenneth Loflin, Water Supply and Treatment Manager
Telephone: 537-4232; E-mail: kloflin@owasa.org