Certificate of Commendation

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is recognizing The City of Red Lake Falls for outstanding operations in 2024. To receive this recognition, facilities must demonstrate consistent compliance with monitoring, operations, and maintenance requirements; submit accurate, on-time reports to the MPCA; and employ staff certified by the MPCA in wastewater operations.

"Communities across Minnesota rely on wastewater treatment facilities to stay healthy and to  protect our rivers and streams," said Nicole Blasing, Municipal Division director at MPCA. "Operators at The City of Red Lake Falls are critical to protecting an preserving water quality, and the MPCA is deeply grateful for their considerable efforts and service to their community."

More than 50 years ago, the Clean Water Act established the basic framework for regulating pollution in waters by creating water quality standards to protect drinking water and to maintain a healthy aquatic community for animal and recreational uses. These standards led to the development of clean water before it is returned to a river or stream.

Minnesota has approximately 1,600 municipal and industrial wastewater treatment facilities. The MPCA reviewed a total of 676 facilities from communities of all sizes, with 235 qualifying for the outstanding operations recognition.