Little Rock Wastewater recently received the George W. Burke Jr. Facility Safety Award from the Water Environment Federation (WEF). Also, Little Rock Wastewater’s Environmental Health and Safety Coordinator, Michael Kline, was presented the Arkansas Water Environment Association’s (AWEA) Safety Professional of the Year Award.

WEF presents the George W. Burke Jr. Facility Safety Award to a municipal or industrial wastewater facility in recognition of an on-going safety initiative documented by the development, implementation and/or improvement of a comprehensive safety program. WEF and its global network of Member Associations help provide water quality professionals with the latest in water quality education, training, and business opportunities. WEF's diverse membership includes scientists, engineers, regulators, academics, plant managers and operators, and other professionals working in the United States and around the world. As a membership organization, WEF uses the collective knowledge of its membership to further a shared goal of improving water quality. WEF has guided technological development in water quality since 1928.

The AWEA Safety Professional of the Year Award is given to individuals who have shown dedication and outstanding achievement in promoting safety awareness. Since 1931, the common goal of the members of Arkansas Water Works (AWW) & AWEA has been to provide clean water. For 76 years, attendees have considered the AWW & AWEA Annual Conference, Short School and Expo the premier event for information management in the water and wastewater industries. With more than 2,500 members representing every aspect of the water and wastewater profession, the AWW & WEA is the largest association for water professionals in Arkansas.

Both awards were bestowed to Little Rock Wastewater at the annual AWW & WEA Conference and Short School in Hot Springs, AR on Monday April 27, 2009.

-30-