City of Ridgefield Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Honored

Ridgefield, WA, October 1, 2008 – The City of Ridgefield, Washington is thrilled to announce that John Duback, the City’s wastewater treatment plant operator, has been named the 2008 Washington State Operator of the Year by the Pacific Northwest Clean Water Association.

John recently celebrated his sixth anniversary of employment with the City of Ridgefield, having served as the primary operator of the City’s wastewater treatment facility throughout his tenure. John holds certifications as Classes I, II and III Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator administered by the Washington State Department of Ecology, Class I Wastewater Collections System Operator administered by the Washington Wastewater Collection Personnel Association, and Class I Water Distribution System Operator administered by the Washington State Department of Health.

The Pacific Northwest Clean Water Association (PNCWA) is dedicated to preserving and enhancing water quality in the states of Idaho, Oregon, and Washington through the promotion of the professional and technical development of its members, education of the public about the water environment and advancement of science to protect water resources. John also previously received the 2007 Operator of the Year award from the Southwest Section of PNCWA which is comprised of representatives from seventeen cities and twelve agencies and districts, and covers an area from the Cascade foothills to the Pacific coast and from South Puget Sound to the Columbia River.

John, who was not able to attend the PNCWA Annual Conference in late September where the award was announced, will be presented the award by the Mayor of Ridgefield at the City’s October 9th regularly scheduled meeting. Mayor Ron Onslow said “I’m extremely pleased to be able to present this prestigious award to John. John is a valued member of our staff and exemplifies the type of individual with the knowledge and abilities that the City of Ridgefield strives to hire and maintain as part of our team.”