ACWA Awards 2015

Outstanding Member Agency

The City of Gresham Wastewater Treatment Plant was named ACWA Outstanding Members Agency for 2015 for becoming a ‘zero net energy’ treatment plant. Gresham celebrated its net-zero energy wastewater treatment plant accomplishment in an Earth Day celebration that included community members, dignitaries, and children from a local school.

Gresham’s 20 MGD activated sludge treatment plant generates all the power it needs to drive the wastewater plant through best-in-class energy conservation, a ground-mounted solar p/v array, and two biogas co-generation engines driven in part by Fats, Oil and Grease (FOG) collection. In March, the City paid NO electricity bills—saving $500,000 annually on power bills—while generating $250,000 annually from FOG hauler tipping fees. Gresham is the first wastewater utility in the Pacific Northwest to be ‘zero net energy’ and one of only a handful in the US.

Outstanding Individual

Stephanie Eisner – Stephanie Eisner was recognized as the 2015 Outstanding Individual for her leadership as the ACWA chair, Vice Chair, and Water Quality Committee co-chair.

Stephanie has served on the ACWA Board since 2008. Her technical skills and willingness to serve on a number of ACWA and DEQ advisory committees, along with routinely volunteering for ACWA special projects, is a tremendous ACWA asset. Stephanie brings strong technical knowledge, a profound understanding of policy issues, and quiet confidence to every project she tackles.

Special Recognition

Pam Wiley

Pam Wiley, currently with the Meyer Memorial Trust, was also recognized for her many years of leadership on Oregon natural resource issues and her leadership in crafting and leading the Meyer Memorial Trust funding of the Willamette River Initiative.