Lawrence’s wastewater system is among the more environmentally friendly in the country, leaders from several national agencies said Wednesday at a ceremony honoring the city.

The city’s wastewater plant formally received two awards from the Environmental Protection Agency and was certified as only the 10th wastewater system in the country to have completed the National Biosolids Partnership’s Environmental Management System.

Congressman Dennis Moore – along with leaders from EPA, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, the Water Environment Federation and the National Association of Clean Water Agencies – said the awards were important because they showed Lawrence was doing its part to help improve water quality in the state. The city’s sewer plant, 1400 E. Eighth St., discharges its wastewater into the Kansas River after it has been treated.

The city won two national awards from EPA: one for general excellence in operations and maintenance and one for exemplary management of biosolids.