ARVADA, Colo., November 17, 2010 – Arvada Economic Development Association (AEDA) and Arvada Chamber of Commerce representatives presented the City of Arvada's Wastewater Division with a special recognition commemorating more than 365 days with zero backups or overflows throughout the city's sanitary system.
The city's sewer system consists of more than 400 miles of pipeline, 10,000 manholes and two sewer lift stations that carry an average of 9,000,000 gallons per day, or 3.3 billion gallons of sewage per year, for 34,000 residential and commercial tap connections. The average cost of clean-up after a sanitary sewer back up that meets Federal and State regulations is approximately $25,000 per incident. By minimizing backups, the Wastewater Division helps keep the city's insurance premiums down, thereby saving tax payers overall.
"This Division manages a sizable sewer system, so the fact there have been no backups for 16 months is impressive," said Dot Wright, Chamber president, during the presentation." Hazel Hartbarger, AEDA director added, "This accomplishment is not by luck - it is a reflection of their great work and dedication to the City's businesses and citizens. They make our business and home lives better without our even knowing it."
According to Steve Wyant, superintendent of the Wastewater Division, the Environmental Protection Agency states that for a municipality the size of Arvada, the national average for sanitary backups and overflows is estimated at 18 to 28 per year.
The key to the Wastewater Division's success with zero backups and overflows in 2010 is based on a series of improvements implemented in recent years:
· Created a mapping program to divide the city's sewer system into three basins - the north, central and south, then sub-divide them to define starting and ending points and identify high-risk areas within each.
· Established a list of "trouble spots" within the system that are more frequently and proactively cleaned and maintained.
· Implemented an extensive cross training program between the three distinct crews, resulting in a more highly trained work group and increasing overall production.
"This is a great accomplishment for us," said Steve Wyant. "I accept this plaque on behalf of my team of 17 employees who work together every day to make a positive impact on the city's sewer system. We very much appreciate the recognition."
About AEDA
The Arvada Economic Development Association (AEDA) is the Arvada community's business-to-government liaison and a strategic resource for business information and support. AEDA facilitates business development in Arvada to enhance the community by empowering businesses to succeed, increasing city revenue, and creating new jobs. Learn more by calling 720-898-7010 or visiting www.aeda.biz.
About the Arvada Chamber of Commerce
Founded in 1925, the Arvada Chamber of Commerce is a membership organization committed to growing and supporting the Arvada business community. Through educational programs, networking opportunities, business resources, strategic partnerships and legislative advocacy, the Chamber empowers businesses to succeed. The Chamber provides leadership and support to members through its leaders' collective expertise in the areas of business ownership, sales and marketing, finance and public outreach.
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