SHEBOYGAN, Wis. — The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has recognized the Sheboygan Regional Wastewater Plant as its Lab of the Year for 2023.

Many people don't think of labs when they think of wastewater treatment facilities, but they are a crucial aspect of the operation.

Dana Voss has been the main lab tech at Sheboygan's wastewater plant for more than 10 years.

She tests PH levels of the water treated at the plant from sanitary lines and industrial waste.

“It’s important to look at the PH of water, because we don’t want it to be acidic," Voss said. "Neutral water is best because that is what we will be dumping back into Lake Michigan."

She also analyzes the water for ammonia nitrogen, total phosphorus, and sludge. In addition to treating water, the team at this facility takes out sludge that can be converted into soil.

It’s a job that Voss takes seriously.

“I’ve had zero deficiencies in here," she said. "I’ve been working very hard to make sure that everything is as perfect as possible. That means our operators are able to run the plant optimally, maintaining the cleanest water possible."

Voss is honored that her work at the plant helped it get recognized as lab of the year by the DNR.

“I’m thrilled because I have been working towards this for ten years," she said. "Winning this means the world to me.”

Jordan Skiff, Sheboygan Wastewater Superintendent, said Voss and her team set the whole operation up for success.

"It's not just lab work," he said. "The lab tech shares info that gets passed on to other people operating different parts of the plant. It allows us to operate the plant as efficiently and effectively as possible. We all benefit."

Voss said the best part is witnessing how her work directly impacts her community.

“I like being able to analyze the water knowing what I am putting into Lake Michigan is clean," she said. "It helps the environment, and Sheboygan has a great lakefront. I see people using it all the time. I feel good knowing that I’m contributing to them being able to use the lake."