Yesterday, The Clackamas County Board of County Commissioners recognized Water Environment Services (WES) for receiving the 2019 Outstanding Member Agency Award from The Oregon Association of Clean Water Agencies (ACWA), which has more than 100 member agencies. Each year, ACWA presents the award to one outstanding member agency.
WES earned the award for its leadership in pollution prevention and innovation in environmental management, as demonstrated by the recently-completed Carli Creek Water Quality Project.
Since December 18, 2018, WES’ Carli Creek Water Quality Facility has filtered harmful pollutants carried by stormwater runoff from surrounding industrial properties before it reaches Carli Creek and the Clackamas River, which is the drinking water source for more than 360,000 people.
ACWA Chair Amy Pepper said: “The Carli Creek Project demonstrates the multi-objective, multi-benefit types of projects ACWA promotes to protect and enhance communities, the environment and water quality with sustainability and resilience in mind.”
“It is an honor for WES to receive this award from ACWA, as this recognition reflects WES’ dedication to seeking innovative ways to protect water quality, which benefits the many communities we serve,” said WES Director Greg Geist.
Currently recognized as a “Utility of the Future Today” by the National Association of Clean Water Agencies, WES has also received awards this year from the National Association of Counties, Pacific Northwest Clean Water Association and the Clackamas River Basin Council.