Northern Moraine Wastewater Reclamation District employee wins statewide award

Luke Markko recognized for work running water treatment plant for homes in Lakemoor, Port Barrington, Island Lake

April 28, 2021 at 3:46 pm CDT

Northern Moraine Wastewater Reclamation District Superintendent Luke Markko talks about the wastewater treatment plant on Thursday, April 22, 2021, in Island Lake. The district is attempting to build a sewer for the village of Holiday Hills. (Matthew Apgar/Matthew Apgar)

An employee of a sewer district serving homes in Lakemoor, Port Barrington and Island Lake was recognized with a statewide award for his work running the local water treatment plant.

Luke Markko, the superintendent for Northern Moraine Wastewater Reclamation District, will be given the 2021 Treatment Facility Operations Award on May 19 from the Central States Water Environment Association, a professional organization for water quality workers in Illinois, Minnesota and Wisconsin.

A worker from each state is given an award by the association, making Markko the sole Illinois’ recipient this year.

“It feels good to be recognized by the colleagues who I really respect,” said Markko, who was informed he had won earlier this month.

It is the first time a Northern Moraine staffer has won the award from the association since 2014, when Todd Sheridan was given the honor, according to the association’s website.