WSSC Hosts Open House at Damascus Wastewater Treatment Plant

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Laurel – April 22, 2013: You’d think it’s a job that really stinks. But treating sewage involves cutting edge technology, state-of-the-art engineering and highly skilled workers. Watch and learn at the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission’s (WSSC) special behind-the-scenes tour of its Damascus Wastewater Treatment Plant. Tours will be conducted this Saturday, April 27 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. as part WSSC’s ongoing Earth Month activities.

The University of Maryland Master Gardeners also will be on hand to educate residents about environmentally friendly gardening and landscaping practices.

WHAT:
FREE wastewater treatment plant tour for the general public.

WHEN:
Saturday, April 27, 2013
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

WHERE:
Damascus Wastewater Treatment Plant
23730 Log House Road,
Damascus, MD

Built in 1998, the Damascus Wastewater Treatment Plant has won the Platinum Peak Performance Award by the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA) for 12 years in a row. To receive this award, a plant must achieve 100 percent compliance with its National Pollution Discharge system (NPDES) permit for five years in a row. In fact, the Damascus Plant has never encountered a NPDES violation in its 12-year history.

Tour Safety: Treatment plants are functioning industrial sites in operation 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Sturdy, closed shoes, socks, long pants or long skirts are recommended for both your safety and comfort. Flip-flops, sandals, clogs and open-toed shoes are not advisable.

For more information about the tour, contact Deborah Connors at 301-206-7900 or dconnor@wsscwater.com.