--The Oregonian

Gresham's Wastewater Treatment Plant is one of 400 plants to receive the National Association of Clean Water Agencies Platinum Peak Performance Award for five years or more of achieving 100 percent compliance with its discharge requirements.

The facility treats about 13 million gallons of wastewater daily. This is the second consecutive year Gresham has received the award.

"The city continues doing an excellent job of treating wastewater at its plant and not discharging pollution into the Columbia River," said Paul Eckley, Wastewater Services manager. Gresham's businesses and residents help make a difference in the city's wastewater treatment efforts that contributed to the award, Eckley said.

"The quality of the water discharged into the Columbia River is not only based on the treatment plant's performance but also on what is in the wastewater coming to the plant," Eckley said. "Businesses and citizens can improve the treatment process by not flushing cooking greases, prescription drugs, personal care products or wipes of any kind down the sink or toilet."

Gresham contracts with Veolia Water to operate the plant. 

--The Oregonian