Ypsilanti, MI – October 27, 2009 – At the October 27, 2009 regular meeting of the Ypsilanti Community Utilities Authority Board of Commissioners, Paul Retel, Trustee and Chairman of the Safety Practices Committee the Michigan Section American Water Works Association, was on hand to present YCUA with their 2009 Class III Award for Safety Excellence.

Each year, the Michigan Section AWWA sponsors a safety award competition for Michigan drinking water utilities. The award recognizes outstanding safety programs in four utility classifications. Each classification is based on the number of employees in the utility. The selection of this award was based on YCUA’s excellent safety record as well as its outstanding safety program and safety management.

“YCUA has a culture of safety that is excellent,” Mr. Retel said. “Not only does it protect the men and women that work (at the Authority) but, it translates into dollars and cents savings for YCUA’s customers.” YCUA Health and Safety Supervisor Scott E. Robinson accepted the award on YCUA’s behalf. “This is actually an award for everyone.” Mr. Robinson said.

The American Water Works Association (AWWA) is an international organization that is dedicated to providing safe drinking water.

For information: http://www.ycua.org or
Contact: lthomas@ycua.org
Phone: 734.484.4600 ext. 116

Ypsilanti, MI – October 7, 2009 – Ypsilanti Community Utilities Authority has received Washtenaw County’s Honorable Mention Award for Pollution Prevention for 2009. The Washtenaw County Pollution Prevention Program is responsible for inspecting facilities that store, manufacture, or use hazardous, toxic, or polluting materials. Inspectors ensure that facilities utilize and dispose of hazardous materials properly, thereby preventing environmental contamination. During the recent award ceremony, Washtenaw County Environmental Program Supervisor Jeff Krcmarik stated that YCUA’s chemical inventory reporting details all chemicals stored at the Authority’s facilities, even if they are below the reporting threshold limits. This reporting aids the local police and fire departments in preparing their staff members for any emergency at YCUA’s facilities. Jeff Krcmarik also mentioned that YCUA treats more than 8.0 billion gallons of wastewater annually before discharging into the Rouge River.

This particular award recognizes the efforts of YCUA in the area of pollution prevention and expresses how those efforts are appreciated by outside agencies. YCUA management thanks the employees at the Authority for a job well done and for their continued efforts.

For information: http://www.ycua.org or
Contact: lthomas@ycua.org
Phone: 734.484.4600 ext. 116

Ypsilanti, MI -- July 9, 2009 -- At its regular meeting on June 23, 2009, the YCUA Board of Commissioners approved a 5.75% increase in the water rates charged to Township Division customers. Although the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department increased the water rate YCUA pays by 9.6% effective July 1, 2009, YCUA management and staff have effectively controlled costs and managed operations, allowing only a portion of the Detroit increase to be passed on to Authority customers.

Township Division customers include residents and businesses within Ypsilanti Township, Pittsfield Township, Superior Township, and Augusta Township. Customers in these communities will experience an increase of 2.8% on their bi-monthly water and sewer bills. This equates to an increase of $2.19 per bill for an average residential user and a $1.08 increase for a minimum bill. The rate increase is effective on September 1, 2009.

YCUA distributes water from DWSD and provides wastewater treatment services to approximately 27,000 homes and businesses in the City of Ypsilanti and Charter Township of Ypsilanti. In addition, the Authority serves customers in several surrounding communities including Augusta, Pittsfield, Superior, and York Townships in Washtenaw County and Plymouth, Canton, Northville, and Sumpter Townships in Wayne County.

Rates for customers in the City of Ypsilanti have not yet been finalized.

For information: http://www.ycua.org or
Contact: lthomas@ycua.org
Phone: 734.484.4600 ext. 116

Ypsilanti, MI -- February 24, 2009 -- At a press conference held today at Ypsilanti Community Utilities Authority, Gov. Jennifer Granholm announced that Ypsilanti will be one of 16 communities in the state receiving federal stimulus money under the $787 billion American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) signed by President Barack Obama last week.

Also addressing the press and local elected officials were Environmental Quality Director Steven Chester, YCUA Board of Commissioners’ Chairperson J. Ray Scott, and YCUA Director Larry R. Thomas. Having recently returned from the National Governors’ Association conference in Washington and from a meeting the day before with President Obama and his economic advisors, Gov. Granholm briefed YCUA on water infrastructure and other projects that will be funded in Washtenaw County and across the state as well as the process for distributing the federal dollars. She indicated that infrastructure improvements in buildings, roads, bridges, sewers, water systems, and mass transit are crucial in jump-starting the economy due to the new jobs that will be created.

Steven Chester, Director of Environmental Quality, said that the state is expected to receive about $66 million for drinking water infrastructure improvements, which will be shared among the 16 communities with shovel-ready projects, including New Haven, Ypsilanti, Van Buren Township, Dearborn and River Rouge. For Ypsilanti and Ypsilanti Township, that could mean $680,000 for water main replacements on Mansfield Street and Hewitt Road. However, an exact total is pending from the EPA and specifically how the funds will be divided among projects has yet to be determined.

“For roads, bridges, and transit, Michigan will get about $853 million – almost $1 billion,” Gov. Granholm said. “It’s anticipated that Michigan will create 109,000 jobs as a result of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).” She stated that the ARRA is more than just a “stimulus plan” because some of the projects are expected to last for decades and will result in a boost to the economy that will be long-term. Gov. Granholm also estimated that the drinking water projects alone could put almost 800 people to work in Michigan.

Construction jobs will be the first ones created by the ARRA because those are the projects ready to go, but teaching, information technology and medical jobs also will benefit from the plan.

Also as part of the ARRA, unemployment benefits are going up $25 a week and there will be a large increase in federal help for state Medicaid programs. “For Michigan, that means that we will receive an additional $450 million for Medicaid,” Gov. Granholm said. “This is important because, over the last four months, over 50,000 more citizens have enrolled in the Medicaid system because of the recession.”

Gov. Granholm also urged Ypsilanti and Ypsilanti Township officials to apply for substantial energy-related ARRA funds. This could include money for weatherizing buildings, improving their energy efficiency, and generating “green” energy. “There are going to be huge opportunities for greening,” she said.

Federal guidelines require the ARRA funds to be carefully monitored and governments that misuse stimulus money will have to pay it back. “They were very clear in the White House -- and we all ought to be very clear -- that this money will require significant oversight,” she said. “We have to have transparency and accountability and we’ve got to do it right.”

More information on the ARRA can be found on the new website www.recovery.gov.

For information: http://www.ycua.org or
Contact: lthomas@ycua.org
Phone: 734.484.4600 ext. 116

Ypsilanti, MI -- August 22, 2007 -- YCUA received a report today that, within the past week, a city resident was approached at her home by an individual who identified himself as a water department employee and told her that he was there to check her water meter due to a high bill. Preliminary reports indicate that the man requested and received cash payment for his services prior to leaving.

Ypsilanti Community Utilities Authority would like to remind its customers that all employees of the Authority carry a YCUA picture identification card with them. Meter personnel are required to wear an official YCUA uniform. No employee of YCUA will ask for or accept payments of any kind outside of YCUA offices. Additionally, if a YCUA employee needs to enter a resident’s home to perform work of any kind, customers are notified in advance and appointments are arranged through the customer service department.

Any resident who is approached by an individual representing themselves as a water department or YCUA employee who does not have a previously arranged appointment for in-home service should report the incident to his or her local law enforcement agency.

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Contact: webmaster@ycua.org
Phone: (734) 484-4600 ext. 107

Bath, MI -- April 4, 2007 -- YCUA has been awarded the annual Health and Safety Award from the Michigan Water Environment Association (MWEA) in recognition of its effective, well-established and carefully documented health and safety program.

YCUA received high marks in the areas of management, commitment to safety; safety inspections; safety programs; safety committee meetings; and accident / incident investigations and follow-up.

The MWEA represents more than 1,700 water quality professionals statewide who are dedicated to preserving, restoring and enhancing Michigan's water resources. MWEA is a member association of the Water Environment Federation (WEF) an international organization with more than 100,000 members worldwide.

For information: http://www.ycua.org or
Contact: webmaster@ycua.org
Phone: (734) 484-4600 ext. 107

Ann Arbor, MI -- March 2, 2007 -- Ypsilanti Community Utilities Authority’s recently expanded and improved wastewater treatment plant has received an award for the Best Project Team Over $25 Million at the 2007 Pyramid Awards sponsored by the Washtenaw Contractors Association. YCUA, consulting engineers Tetra Tech, and construction contractor The Christman Company, were honored at the Pyramid Awards Gala at the Kensington Court Hotel in Ann Arbor on March 2, 2007.

These team members worked together for three and a half years to complete YCUA’s wastewater treatment plant expansion and improvements project. The work involved building a new facility surrounding the existing one and then blending the renovated plant to create a single modern operation.

Due to the close proximity of the YCUA facility to Willow Run Airport, FAA approval was required for crane boom height limits to avoid issues with air traffic landing approach height restrictions. Christman created and monitored detailed crane location schedules and kept in constant communication with the airport to ensure safety.

The team also had to overcome the challenge of keeping the facility operating while construction took place. Tetra Tech was keen to the fact that construction needs were secondary to YCUA’s operational needs and presented designs with this in mind. Because of the uniqueness of the project, two construction teams worked on opposite sides of the facility to successfully meet the goals of the project.

With the help of all team members, the plant was able to maintain smooth operation through construction. YCUA can now process 45 million gallons of wastewater per day compared to the 29 million gallons per day processed before the renovations were completed.

The Washtenaw Contractors Association Pyramid Awards program recognizes the contractors, subcontractors, and owners for their teamwork, service, and innovation on exceptional projects. Pyramid award winners are selected by an independent panel composed of a cross section of construction industry experts from outside the southeast Michigan area.

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Contact: webmaster@ycua.org
Phone: (734) 484-4600 ext. 107

Lansing, MI -- February 24, 2007 -- Ypsilanti Community Utilities Authority’s World-Class Biosolids Incineration System has received an Honorable Award in the Engineering and Surveying Excellence Awards Competition sponsored by the American Council of Engineering Companies of Michigan and the Michigan Society of Professional Engineers. YCUA and Tetra Tech, its consulting engineers, were honored at the ACEC Awards Banquet at the Soaring Eagle Casino in Mount Pleasant on February 24, 2007.

With the installation of this new technology, YCUA has set the standard for emissions. The YCUA replacement incinerator is the cleanest sludge-burning incinerator in the country. With its fluidized bed and four levels of exhaust air control equipment, the replacement incinerator uses the cleanest-burning technology in the country.

The YCUA Board of Commissioners had a vision for improving air quality. They made a commitment to carry out this vision in 2000 by selecting a clean, efficient, fluidized bed sewage sludge incinerator system to replace the existing multiple hearth unit from the options available for biosolids disposal. The new replacement furnace and air cleaning system were designed in 2002, received a permit from Michigan Department of Environmental Quality in 2003, and went into a successful operation in August of 2006. This system consists of a new, highly efficient furnace, with four stages of air cleaning processes including two stages of water scrubbers, one wet electrostatic precipitator and an activated carbon filter. This is the only municipal biosolids incinerator system in the United States with carbon filters to polish the exhaust prior to release. Performance testing conducted in July of 2006 demonstrated that the air quality from the new YCUA system met all MDEQ parameters. As a result, YCUA is proud to say it has the cleanest burning biosolids incinerator system in the U.S.

For information: http://www.ycua.org or
Contact: webmaster@ycua.org
Phone: (734) 484-4600 ext. 107

Ypsilanti, MI -- March 29, 2006 -- The Ypsilanti Community Utilities Authority hosted the 2006 AWWA Tapping contest on March 29, 2006. John Hunter from East Jordan Iron Works, also the Chairman of Michigan AWWA Tapping Committee, conducted the contest. Each four-member team was timed on its speed in completing a water tap on a fully pressurized water main. Participants included two teams from YCUA, the City of Lansing (former Michigan tapping champions as well as national tapping placers), and the City of Troy (former Michigan and national placers). Representatives from other utilities and water work suppliers judged the event. First place honor went to the City of Troy with a time of 1:18 and the City of Lansing same in second with a time of 1:19 YCUA’s A and B teams rounded out third and fourth places with time 3:01 and 5:00 respectively. Those who participated were issued .03 continuing education credits. An informational tapping class was also held after the contest.

For information: http://www.ycua.org or
Contact: webmaster@ycua.org
Phone: (734) 484-4600 ext. 107

Ypsilanti, MI -- April 8, 2005 -- Ypsilanti Community Utilities Authority staff member Kevin Dupuis recently received the Michigan Water Environment Association (MWEA) Maintenance Professional of the Year award. This award is a phenomenal accomplishment.

The MWEA Maintenance Professional Award is presented to a worthy individual who, working on a day-to-day basis in maintenance, displays remarkable dedication to his or her employer and to the MWEA, excelling professionally and publicly promoting the wastewater treatment profession. Nominees for this award include posses a voluntary Maintenance Certification, five years experience in the areas of electrical, instrumentation, and/or mechanical maintenance; and exhibit exemplary contribution to the advancement and understanding of maintenance issues.

Mr. Dupuis is a perfect example of a young professional who is dedicated to learning and improving his performance. He is interested in every training opportunity available and readily accepts new challenges. He seeks jobs that will educate him and improve his skills. He has the single-most positive attitude toward work that I have ever seen. He is a leader and is well respected by both the people who work for him and the people he works for. It is truly a pleasure to watch his skills grow as he gains experience and applies what he learns. He has a natural instinct for problem solving and "thinks around corners" as skillfully as other mechanics with much more experience.

The Michigan Water Environment Association (MWEA), established in 1925, represents more than 1,700 water quality professionals statewide who are dedicated to preserving, restoring and enhancing Michigan's water resources. MWEA is a member association of the Water Environment Federation (WEF) an international organization with more than 100,000 members worldwide. MWEA’s mission is to be the recognized authority on and advocate for preserving, restoring and enhancing Michigan's water resources.

For information: http://www.ycua.org or
Contact: webmaster@ycua.org
Phone: (734) 484-4600 ext. 107

Ypsilanti, MI -- March 30, 2005 -- Ypsilanti Community Utilities Authority employees Don Nichols and Luther V. Blackburn were recently instrumental in preventing a possible child abduction situation in Ypsilanti Township.

On March 15, 2005, while performing their regular duties as Line Service Technicians for YCUA, the Ypsilanti area’s water and wastewater utility, Nichols and Blackburn spotted the potential emergency situation and bravely and selflessly intervened to assure the safety of a local child. Nichols and Blackburn were formally recognized for their heroism at the March meeting of the YCUA Board of Commissioners, where they were presented with Resolutions of Commendation.

In conjunction with the Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Department and Charter Township of Ypsilanti Fire Department, it is YCUA’s pledge to actively participate in the Crime Prevention Neighborhood Watch Program as “Eyes and Ears” for the Ypsilanti community. This event is an example of that commitment. YCUA is proud of the dedication of its staff to assuring the safety of local residents and is grateful to Nichols and Blackburn for their service to the community beyond the call of duty.

Ypsilanti Township’s Neighborhood Watch network is comprised of approximately 45 individual groups that work cooperatively to improve the quality of life in the community. Each group is organized and managed by a resident coordinator and a core group of active members including block captains and other volunteers. A representative of the Township, the Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office, and the Township Fire Department attend each meeting, providing crime statistics and other timely information of interest. Issues raised at meetings are brought back to the Township administration for staff assignment and resolution. Neighborhood Watch meetings are held on a monthly basis.

Residents interested in developing a neighborhood watch program may contact Mayme Johnson in the Charter Township of Ypsilanti Community Support Office at 484-5263.

For information: http://www.ycua.org or
Contact: webmaster@ycua.org
Phone: (734) 484-4600 ext. 107

Ypsilanti, MI -- October 4, 2004 -- Ypsilanti Community Utilities Authority is very proud to be the recipient of the 2004 George W. Burke Jr. Award. This award, given in recognition for a facility having an outstanding safety program and record, is awarded annually by the Water Environment Federation and its member associations. YCUA received the award at the 2004 annual conference of the Michigan Water Environment Association in August.

This award was established in 1982 to honor George W. Burke Jr. for his years of service to the water environment field. He was instrumental in developing the WEF’s annual safety survey and assisting in the production of several safety training aids and promotional packets.

The award is given in recognition of a facility’s commitment to health and safety in the workplace as evidenced by a documented safety program and the incident record of the preceding year. One year ago, the YCUA Health and Safety Supervisor submitted a detailed application outlining the established safety programs and procedures followed by Authority employees.

YCUA has always exceeded standards relating to the safety of its employees. It is a great honor to have this commitment recognized across the state.

Special recognition goes to Scott Robinson, YCUA Health and Safety Supervisor, and Mike Warren, YCUA AFSCME Safety Coordinator, who provide leadership in the development of the safety program. Additionally, recognition goes to all YCUA employees, both management and staff, who show great commitment and dedication to YCUA as they support, promote and cooperate in achieving the goal of providing a safe working environment.

The Michigan Water Environment Association (MWEA), established in 1925, represents more than 1,700 water quality professionals statewide who are dedicated to preserving, restoring and enhancing Michigan's water resources. MWEA is a member association of the Water Environment Federation (WEF) an international organization with more than 100,00 members worldwide. MWEA’s mission is to be the recognized authority on and advocate for preserving, restoring and enhancing Michigan's water resources.

For information: http://www.ycua.org or
Contact: webmaster@ycua.org
Phone: (734) 484-4600 ext. 107

Ypsilanti, MI -- July 7, 2004 -- Ypsilanti Community Utilities Authority staff member Leonard Casey recently received the Michigan Water Environment Association (MWEA) Maintenance Professional of the Year award. This award is a phenomenal accomplishment.

The MWEA Maintenance Professional Award is presented to a worthy individual who, working on a day-to-day basis in maintenance, displays remarkable dedication to his or her employer and to the MWEA, excelling professionally and publicly promoting the wastewater treatment profession. Nominees for this award include posses a voluntary Maintenance Certification, five years experience in the areas of electrical, instrumentation, and/or mechanical maintenance; and exhibit exemplary contribution to the advancement and understanding of maintenance issues.

Mr. Casey is a perfect example of a young professional who is dedicated to learning and improving his performance. He is interested in every training opportunity available and readily accepts new challenges. He seeks jobs that will educate him and improve his skills. He has the single-most positive attitude toward work that I have ever seen. He is a leader and is well respected by both the people who work for him and the people he works for. It is truly a pleasure to watch his skills grow as he gains experience and applies what he learns. He has a natural instinct for problem solving and "thinks around corners" as skillfully as other mechanics with much more experience.

The Michigan Water Environment Association (MWEA), established in 1925, represents more than 1,700 water quality professionals statewide who are dedicated to preserving, restoring and enhancing Michigan's water resources. MWEA is a member association of the Water Environment Federation (WEF) an international organization with more than 100,00 members worldwide. MWEA’s mission is to be the recognized authority on and advocate for preserving, restoring and enhancing Michigan's water resources.

For information: http://www.ycua.org or
Contact: webmaster@ycua.org
Phone: (734) 484-4600 ext. 107

Ypsilanti, MI -- September 19, 2003 -- The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) Air Quality Division has approved the Ypsilanti Community Utilities Authority (YCUA) Permit to Install a replacement sewage sludge incinerator at its wastewater treatment facility in Ypsilanti Township. This permit to install a fluidized bed incinerator, which will replace the current multiple hearth incinerator, is part of a $110 million wastewater plant expansion/improvements project.

The replacement incinerator will significantly reduce emissions and will be equipped with state-of-the-art emission control technology. The current incinerator will be taken off line in early 2004, dismantled, and the fluidized bed incinerator constructed at the same location. The new incinerator is expected to be operational in mid-2005.

For further information, contact Larry R. Thomas at YCUA, visit the YCUA website at www.ycua.org, or the MDEQ website at www.michigan.gov/deq.

For information: http://www.ycua.org or
Contact: webmaster@ycua.org
Phone: (734) 484-4600 ext. 107