DEP Wastewater Treatment Operators Compete In Operators Challenge

Van Wyck Expressway to Kennedy Airport
Exit at Ramada Hotel; go to stop sign at 134th St.
Make left and go one block to 150-20 134th St.

For the past 19 years, wastewater treatment plant operators have competed in the Operators Challenge competition. The Challenge gives sewage treatment workers and maintenance staff a chance to demonstrate their skills and the high degree of competence they bring to the complex round of tasks they perform daily. Teams compete in five timed events that include safety and emergency procedures, laboratory procedures, sewer collection systems maintenance, process control and pump maintenance and repair. The two top competitors go on to the State finals and possibly the National competition held later in the year. This event gives wastewater treatment workers an opportunity to obtain recognition for the special services they provide to maintain New York City’s health and safety.

Four teams will vie for the chance to compete in the State competition in June. Two teams from the Bowery Bay plant in Queens, the Bowery Bay “Bang Ins” and the Bowery Bay “Boys” will face off with their borough competitors, the Tallman Island “Trackers” and the Jamaica “Jesters.”

The Operators Challenge is a national competition developed by the Water Environment Federation (WEF), the largest professional organization representing the wastewater treatment industry. The local chapter of the WEF – the New York Water Environment Association is the sponsor of this event along with DEP.