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Commendation Recognizing Jorge Hernandez, Water Pollution Control Division Lead Operator, as California Water Environment Association's Operator of the Year
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This prestigious award was presented to Jorge Hernandez at the California Water Environment Association's Annual Conference.
Established in 1929, CWEA's awards program acknowledges outstanding achievement, honoring exceptional California water environment professionals. Those nominated are already winners having advanced through one of the 17 CWEA local section awards programs to be eligible to compete statewide.
Jorge was recognized as a proven professional of distinction. Operator of the Year is one of the most coveted awards presented and the list of past winners reads like a hall of fame in the industry. This is a first for the City of San Leandro and the Water Pollution Control Division.
Jorge Hernandez holds the position of Plant Operator-Lead. He was nominated in part for his involvement with plant and CWEA safety programs, including developing hypochlorite delivery and handling procedures and safety signage and labeling throughout the plant. He has been continually recognized by the Public Works Department as a "Sick Leave Star" for his excellent attendance. Jorge maintains Laboratory Analyst certification and his cross-discipline capabilities improve facility efficiency and flexibility. Jorge and his family live in San Leandro.
The San Leandro Water Pollution Control Plant is entrusted with the job of protecting the environment, ensuring efficient operation and maintenance of the conveyance and treatment of sewerage and ensuring compliance with discharge permit regulations. Operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year, over 1.9 billion gallons of water were treated last year (enough to fill 3,000 Olympic size swimming pools), while 150 million gallons were reclaimed for use as golf course irrigation in San Leandro and Alameda.