Carmel, IN – Thomas Easterly, Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) commissioner, presented John Duffy Utilities Director and Ed Wolfe, Waste Water Treatment Plant Manager with a crystal trophy for their achievements in pollution prevention during the Governor’s Awards for Environmental Excellence ceremony held during the 11th annual Pollution Prevention Conference and Trade Show held in Plainfield on September 17th.
When Carmel needed to upgrade its wastewater disinfection process, instead of doubling the size of its chlorine tank, city officials reviewed alternative methods and chose a method involving ultraviolet light. The light kills bacteria in wastewater effluence before being discharged into the White River. The new method eliminates the use of potentially toxic chlorine and sulfur dioxide and has no detrimental environmental effects.
“The City of Carmel is always looking for ways to lessen our negative impact on the environment. Faced with the security issues involved with large scale chlorine storage and the potential harm to aquatic life from chlorine usage, Carmel Utilities made the decision to convert its wastewater treatment method to UV disinfection. We are proud to be honored with the Governor’s Environmental Excellence Award for this project,” said Mayor Jim Brainard.
The Governor’s Awards for Environmental Excellence are open to all Indiana facilities, government agencies, individuals, and other groups that implement exemplary environmental projects with measurable results. The awards recognize Indiana’s leaders who have implemented outstanding environmental strategies into their operations and decision-making processes. By seeking out and utilizing innovative environmental practices, these facilities and programs have reduced waste, saved money and contributed greatly to Indiana’s environmental protection efforts, benefiting the health and welfare of the state’s communities and the state as a whole.
Contact:
Nancy Heck
(317) 571-2494
www.carmel.in.gov
Leave a comment