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Henniker, NH Wastewater Treatment Facility Recognized for Excellence

Release Date: 02/09/04
Contact Information: Contact: Peyton Fleming, EPA Press Office, (617) 918-1008 Contact: Ken Levesque, Henniker, NH WWTP, 603-428-7215

For Immediate Release: February 9, 2004; Release #04-02-02

BOSTON – The Henniker, NH wastewater treatment facility was recently selected by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for a New England Regional Operations and Maintenance Excellence Award in the small secondary plant category. The staff of the facility was also recognized by EPA's New England office for their outstanding work. This plant was among five facilities in New England recognized for exemplary performance.

The Henniker facility is a 0.51 million gallon per day plant that has been able to maintain outstanding permit compliance. The staff is led by Superintendent Ken Levesque, Chief Operator Mary Dowse and Operator Michael Colby.

The facility has an excellent plant and collection system maintenance program, according to EPA New England officials. The process control and laboratory facility and staff is also outstanding. Despite being a small facility with a small staff, the plant has been able to use its limited resources to provide excellent water quality on a consistent basis. Henniker, a previous regional and national award recipient in the early 1990s, has a track record of performing well.

"The professionals operating these wastewater treatment plants play a crucial role ensuring that our lakes and rivers are protected from unnecessary pollution," said Robert W. Varney, regional administrator for EPA's New England Office. "The individuals who run these plants, and the municipalities that support them, are key to keeping our environment healthy. I am proud to give them the credit they deserve."

The EPA Regional Operations & Maintenance Excellence Award recognizes the staffs of publicly owned wastewater treatment plants for their commitment to improving water quality not only with outstanding operation and maintenance, but also through a combination of continued permit compliance, effective financial management, and on-going operator training. More often than not and particularly with small facilities, conscientious operators and staff continue to perform exceptionally with limited resources. The facility and staff were recognized during the annual New England Water Environment Association Conference in Boston ins January. It will be considered for nomination in the EPA 2004 National Operation and Maintenance Excellence Award process this spring.

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