File Photo
Greer Commission of Public Works earned a pair of national awards for its wastewater and natural gas departments.
CPW was awarded the Peak Performance Award—Gold from the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA) for its Maple Creek Wastewater Plant performance in 2014.
Peak Performance Awards recognize facilities for excellence in permit compliance. Gold Awards are given to facilities that receive no permit violations for the calendar year.
CPW’s Maple Creek facility serves its 11,000 wastewater customers. It has a capacity of five million gallons per day and receives wastewater from approximately 244 miles of sewer lines. The plant discharges its treated wastewater into the South Tyger River.
“We are diligent in ensuring our effluent discharges meet the permits required by state and local authorities,” David Hancock, CPW’s Wastewater and Distribution Manager, said. “CPW is committed to environmental preservation, and we want to make sure the water we put into the receiving stream is as clean as we can possibly make it.”
CPW’s Natural Gas Department received the System Operational Achievement Recognition (SOAR) - bronze level award from the American Public Gas Association (APGA).
SOAR is awarded to natural gas distribution utilities that demonstrate commitment to excellence in four areas: system integrity, system improvement, employee safety, and workforce development. APGA gives the award to approximately 20 utilities nationally in recognition of systems striving to operate safely and efficiently. The designation is valid for three years, at which time the utility may apply to receive it again.
“Our Gas Department consistently exceeds operational standards nationally, and we’re glad to receive the SOAR award,” Jeff Tuttle, General Manager, said.
"I’m proud of how well we provide reliable and safe natural gas service to our customers every day,” Rob Rhodes, Natural Gas Department Manager, said. “I’m also especially proud of our team. They go out there every day, work hard, and make sure our customers get the product they deserve and pay for.”
CPW’s Natural Gas Department has 23 employees serving over 21,000 customers. The utility’s natural gas service area covers over 400 square miles, from southern Spartanburg County to Landrum. CPW also operates a compressed natural gas filling station at the rear of its facility.