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Lisbon Wastewater Treatment Facility Wins EPA Award

Release Date: 02/12/2001
Contact Information: Amy Miller, EPA Press Office (617-918-1042)

BOSTON – The town of Lisbon, NH, was recently honored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as having the ‘most improved" wastewater treatment facility in New England. Lisbon was one of two New Hampshire facilities and seven across New England recognized by EPA New England for their commitment to improving water quality.

In addition, the Operations Section of the Wastewater Engineering Bureau of the NH Department of Environmental Services was also recognized for outstanding efforts in providing technical assistance to Lisbon.

The "Most Improved Plant" Award category recognizes exceptional efforts by treatment plant personnel, local officials, and state personnel (inspectors and operator training) for their combined efforts to return a facility back to compliance as a result of improved operation and maintenance.

The annual EPA New England Operations & Maintenance Excellence Awards was established to recognize the staff of publicly owned wastewater treatment plants for their commitment to improving water quality through not only outstanding and innovative operation and maintenance, but also continued compliance with permit requirements, effective financial management and on-going operator training. Although smaller facilities such as Lisbon often have limited resources, conscientious operators and staff continue to perform exceptionally.

Terrence and Kathleen Welch, representing the Town of Lisbon were formally presented with the EPA New England Operations & Maintenance Excellence Award in the "Most Improved Plant Category" at the annual New England Water Environment Association Conference Jan. 31 in Boston. Kathleen Welch was also presented the New England Water Environment Association's prestigious "Wastewater Operator of the Year" award.

Thomas A. White and George C. Neill of the NH Department of Environmental Services received the award on behalf of the operations section of the Wastewater Engineering Bureau.

"We commend the entire staff of the Lisbon Wastewater Treatment Facility and the New Hampshire's Wastewater Engineering bureau for their dedication and hard work in the on-going effort required to improve water quality in the Ammonoosuc River," said Ira Leighton, acting regional administrator of EPA's New England office."

Also in New Hampshire, the city of Lebanon was honored as an EPA New England Regional Operations and Maintenance Excellence Award winner. The Lebanon Wastewater Treatment Plant was recognized for outstanding work in operations and maintenance, and its commitment to improving water quality.