[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 119 (Wednesday, September 10, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S9089]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              RECOGNITION OF THE FREEMAN WASTEWATER PLANT

 Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, I would like to take this 
opportunity to recognize the South Dakotans associated with the Freeman 
wastewater treatment plant. The Freeman facility earned a first-place 
excellence award in a six-State region from the Environmental 
Protection Agency.
  Freeman earned an exceptional rating for its plant septage 
management, toxic waste control, collection system maintenance, 
financial management, automation, and staff training. In addition, a 
television-based snaking system was used to pinpoint areas in need of 
repair. The plant staff and town council should be commended for their 
foresight in planning ahead and making repairs on the city's wastewater 
system rather than waiting for an emergency. The efforts of these 
individuals saves the residents of Freeman thousands of dollars in 
costly future repairs and insures the health and viability of the 
city's wastewater system.
  While all the residents of Freeman should take pride in this 
accomplishment, I would like to mention a few individuals including 
Vince Kribell, chief operator of the Freeman plant, and Duane Walter. 
Administrative personnel include Chester Sorensen, Dean Sikkink, Steve 
Waltner, and Michael Schultz, who is also mayor of Freeman.
  The Environmental Protection Agency started the Operations and 
Maintenance Award in 1986 to recognize publicly owned watewater 
treatment facilities that demonstrate excellence in their overall 
operation. The program also heightens public awareness about the 
importance of efficient wastewater treatment.

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