Haines water and sewer manager Dennis Durr was recognized by the Alaska Water and Wastewater Management Association for keeping the town's wastewater plant running around the clock with just three staff.

Durr was awarded the Marty Lang prize, which recognizes a water professional "who accomplishes the most with limited resources."

"It's really a privilege for us to be working with him and to see that other operators and industry professionals have acknowledged that Dennis has done so much with so little resources," said Henry Pollan, an operator at the plant.

The Haines wastewater treatment plant is located near the state fairgrounds. Durr oversees a budget of about $400,000.

Pollan said aside from coming up with innovative ways to keep systems running at a low cost, Durr is also exceptionally committed to the work.

"Dennis doesn't get a lot of time off work," said Pollan. "He spends a lot of time here. He's really committed to public health and public safety."