More than 200 of the world’s best and brightest wastewater treatment professionals will compete in Operations Challenge 2013, a unique, fast-paced skills competition for wastewater operations and maintenance professionals this fall in Chicago, Ill. Now in its 26th year, the one-of-a-kind event will take place October 7-9, 2013 at McCormick Place.

Growing from an original 22-team event to this year’s 41-team, two-division format, each four-member team will be judged on the best combination of precision, speed and safety. Winners are determined by a weighted point system for five events including collection systems, laboratory, process control, maintenance and safety. The events are designed to test the diverse skills required for the operation and maintenance of wastewater treatment facilities, their collection systems and laboratories – all vital to the protection of public health and the environment.

The Virginia Water Environment Association’s Terminal Velocity will defend their title against the top regional teams (see complete list below) from the United States and Canada, including three representing Illinois and Wisconsin. In addition, the teams will deploy new fall restraint and rescue equipment in the safety event.

Operations Challenge is presented in conjunction with WEFTEC 2013—the Water Environment Federation’s 86th Annual Technical Exhibition and Conference—from October 5-9 at McCormick Place.

Make THE Water Quality Event, YOUR Water Quality Event.
WEFTEC 2013 will feature more than 140 technical sessions, 27 workshops, numerous events and the largest exhibition in WEFTEC history! Don’t miss your chance to attend the world’s largest annual water quality conference and exhibition. Register online today at www.weftec.org

Operations Challenge 2013 Teams Include:

Arkansas Water Environment Association Mixed Liquors
British Columbia Water & Waste Association Canadian Cross Connection
California Water Environment Association LA Wrecking Crew
California Water Environment Association North Bay Ryders
Central States Water Environment Association Pumpers
Central States Water Environment Association Shovelers
Chesapeake Water Environment Association Critical Motion
Chesapeake Water Environment Association Motley Poo
Florida Water Environment Association GRU
Florida Water Environment Association Methane Madness
Hawaii Water Environment Association Island Roots
Illinois Water Environment Association Sewer Rats
Indiana Water Environment Association SIOA Sanitizers
Louisiana Water Environment Association LUS Cajuns
Michigan Water Environment Association Brown Trout
Nevada Water Environment Association Endangered Feces
New England Water Environment Association Force Maine
New England Water Environment Association MASSerators
New England Water Environment Association Seacoast Sewer Snakes
New Jersey Water Environment Association Jersey Devils
New York Water Environment Association Brown Tide
New York Water Environment Association Harlem Pumptrotters
North Carolina Water Environment Association Flow Motion
Ohio Water Environment Association IFM Reclamators
Ohio Water Environment Association Volatile Solids
Water Environment Association of Ontario Sludge Hammers
Water Environment Association of Ontario OCWA Jets
Pacific Northwest Clean Water Association River Rangers
Pacific Northwest Clean Water Association Poo Fighters
Pennsylvania Water Environment Association River Rats
Rocky Mountain Water Environment Association Commode Commandos
Water Environment Association of South Carolina BWB
Water Environment Association of South Carolina Septic Hurricane
Water Environment Association of Texas Aqua Techs
Water Environment Association of Texas Dillo XXPress
Water Environment Association of Texas TRA CReWSers
Water Environment Association of Utah Royal Flush
Water Environment Association of Utah Wasatch All Stars
Virginia Water Environment Association Blueridge Brawlers
Virginia Water Environment Association Team HRSD
Virginia Water Environment Association Terminal Velocity