EXTRA, EXTRA/Wastewater Olympics test array of skills
In October, more than 200 wastewater treatment professionals competed in the 16th annual Operations Challenge, otherwise known as the “Wastewater Olympics.” The event was held in Los Angeles during WEFTEC, the annual conference and exhibition for the Alexandria, Va.-based Water Environment Federation (WEF). The competition tested the speed and accuracy of 36 teams in five events: maintenance, laboratory analysis, collection systems, process control and safety. Teams were divided into two divisions based on ability and results from previous Olympics. The Fluid Dynamics team, representing the Virginia Water Environment Association and consisting of employees of Franklin, Va., and Englewood, Colo.-based Operations Management International, won first place in Division I. The Cape Shore Workers, representing the New Jersey Water Environment Association and consisting of employees of Cape May County Municipal Utility Authority, topped Division II. The winners received trophies, free registration at this year’s competition and $500 worth of WEF publications.