MILWAUKEE — The Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District’s Central Laboratory has received national recognition for its efforts to reduce its impact on the environment.
The main function of Central Lab is conducting research that makes sure the local water reclamation facilities operate properly and protect Lake Michigan.
Now, it has a Green Lab Certification for its focus on sustainability.
Julia Floreani is a laboratory technician at the MMSD Central Lab. For one of her experiments, she measures the ammonia analyte in the water.
“We test the water that goes into the wastewater treatment plant and then the water that comes out,” said Floreani. “We compare it and the data that we generate helps the plants adjust what they are doing so that our water can be treated and safe for Lake Michigan.”
The lab has adopted several new practices, including recycling gloves, reducing paper towel waste, shutting fume hood sashes and using glass instead of plastic.
Floreani said they have also installed aerators.
“Which is just a mesh screen that allows air to go into the water so that you are not using so much at a time,” said Floreani. “Now, through Green Lab and getting that certification, we’ve made sure that we have gotten aerators on all of our faucets to make sure we are conserving water wherever possible.”
It’s because of these steps the MMSD Central Lab received the Green Lab Certification. It is one of the few municipal labs in the country to have this honor.
Jessica Nanes is a laboratory supervisor. Nanes said this distinction is important because it shows the value MMSD places on natural resources.
“The more sustainable we can be, the better it is for our taxpayers and our customers,” said Nanes. “We are trying to do things that are good for the environment and good for our community.”
Floreani said she is proud to work in a lab that cares about the environment.
“It’s really rewarding,” said Floreani. “I mean for me as a person. I really enjoy being a steward of our environment and that’s really what we are, especially with a resource as great as Lake Michigan. It’s our duty to protect it.”
That’s why Floreani said she is committed to doing this important research.
She said she wants to make sure MMSD has the information it needs to protect southeast Wisconsin’s precious resources.