City Sewer plant awarded for safety

The Greencastle Wastewater Treatment Plant, and the staff who operate it, recently received accolades for their efforts to run a safe facility.

For scoring greater than 95 percent on a 100-point inspection that occurred at the plant recently, the Indiana Water Environment Association (IWEA) awarded the sewage plant with its top distinction, denoted by a plaque that Supt. George Russell displays proudly in the lobby.

"A good safety record is not something that just happens," Russell said. "It is something that requires hard work by every employee in the department."

The IWAA performs an annual inspection at the plant in which they take note of plant cleanliness and other items to reduce employee accidents and injury.

Employees of the Greencastle Wastewater Treatment Plant, including (front, from left) Tim Smith, Larry Phillips, Terry Fuller, Zach Minnick, (back, from left) Oscar King Sr., Oscar King Jr., Phylis Wright, Jerry Clark and Plant Supt. George Russell, are pictured in front of a recent award from the Indiana Water Environment Association, given for superior safety at the plant.

The plant safety information is compiled by the IWAA safety committee and the award is given based on the safety information for the collection system and the wastewater plant.

Russell said this is the first time the plant has received the safety award and he was quick to give credit to his staff for their efforts to meet safety criteria.

"There have been no OSHA reportable injuries in 2007, at the plant, which is something that everyone in the wastewater department should be proud of," Russell said.