It’s hard for the average person to get excited about wastewater treatment, but an honor announced at last Tuesday’s Lawrence City Commission meeting is worth noting.

The city’s wastewater utility was recognized by the federal Environmental Protection Agency as one of the most environmentally friendly treatment facilities in the country. It is the first publicly owned treatment plant in the Midwest to be honored as a member of the National Environmental Performance Track Program. An EPA representative described the Lawrence plant as “one of the most progressive in the country.”

The Lawrence operation not only exceeds the treatment standards set by law but has implemented a program that recycles biosolids for use as agricultural fertilizer.

It’s not exactly the most glamorous honor the city could garner, but it nonetheless is a worthwhile pat on the back for workers who are going beyond what’s required for the sake of the environment.