City of Mount Vernon Takes National Honors

(Foreground) WWTP Manager Gary Duranceau, Mayor Jill Boudreau, Public Works Director Esco Bell
(Background) Mount Vernon City Council Members

The City of Mount Vernon has been recognized by both state and national entities, for the City’s excellence in its environmentally conscientious practices.

The National Association of Flood and Stormwater Management Agencies (NAFSMA) recently awarded the City of Mount Vernon with the Top Overall Project in its Green Infrastructure Award selection. Mount Vernon’s Flood Protection Project drew the highest national honors by demonstrating environmental care and innovation in its efforts to protect lives, property and economic activity from the adverse impacts of storm and flood waters.

Public Works staff have added that national green award to the Department’s ever-expanding collection of recent accolades. At a City Council meeting on Wednesday evening, Public Works Director Esco Bell congratulated Wastewater Treatment Plant Manager Gary Duranceau for receiving the Washington State Department of Ecology’s Outstanding Performance Award. This annual State award recognizes only a few treatment plants that are achieving the highest standards for water discharge quality, reporting, facility maintenance, and testing frequencies.

Department of Ecology has recognized Mount Vernon’s facility a total of 15 times, including 9 out of the past 9 years.

“Our City is blessed with professionals—in Public Works, and in every city department—who are motivated and driven to provide our residents with the highest level of service that they can,” Mayor Jill Boudreau said. “And I could not be more proud of them.”