NATCHEZ — The City of Natchez’s Wastewater Treatment Plant was recently named runner-up for the Mississippi Water Environment Association’s Outstanding Wastewater Treatment Facility annual award.

City Engineer David Gardner said the city was notified last week and said he considers runner-up an honor.

“(It) gives us something to shoot for next year,” he said. “We are winners in my book.”

The MWEA evaluates facilities for the award based on specific criteria, including general maintenance and equipment upkeep, housekeeping and grounds maintenance, training of personnel, safety and emergency response, records and reports, budget and resources management and other factors.