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Two Vermont Towns Honored for Wastewater Treatment

Release Date: 02/20/2003
Contact Information: Peyton Fleming, EPA Press Office, 617-918-1008

BOSTON – Two municipal wastewater treatment facilities in Vermont were recently selected by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for a New England Regional Operations and Maintenance Excellence Award. The staff of the Johnson Wastewater Treatment Facility and the staff of the Newport City Wastewater Treatment Facility were recognized by EPA's New England Office for their outstanding work in operating and maintaining the facility and their overall commitment to improving water quality. These plants were among 10 facilities in New England recognized for their exemplary performance.

"The people who operate wastewater treatment plants do the work that is critical for ensuring that our lakes and rivers are protected from unnecessary pollution," said Robert W. Varney, regional administrator for EPA's New England Office. "The staff at these plants, who are key to keeping our environment healthy, deserve to be recognized."

The annual EPA New England Operations & Maintenance Excellence Awards were 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.

Paul Olander of the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation accepted the award on behalf of the staff from Johnson's facility and town officials from Newport City accepted the award on behalf of that town's staff. The awards were presented at the New England Water Environment Association's annual conference in Boston on Jan. 29. Both these facilities will be under consideration as nominees for national EPA awards later this year.