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EPA Recognizes Hampton Roads Sanitation District for ‘Extraordinary Actions’ to Protect Watershed

Release Date: 4/1/2003
Contact Information: Roy Seneca, (215) 814-5567

Roy Seneca, (215) 814-5567

PHILADELPHIA - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency presented the Hampton Roads Sanitation District with a Clean Water Partners award for taking “extraordinary actions” to protect watersheds.

“The Hampton Roads Sanitation District has a long history of working to protect and improve local watersheds with innovative projects that exemplify the positive impact local governments play in protecting our nation’s waters,” said Donald S. Welsh, regional administrator for EPA’s mid-Atlantic region.

The Hampton Roads Sanitation District was among 79 organizations and municipalities selected nationwide as Clean Water Partners. The program is part of EPA’s celebration of the Year of Clean Water. EPA Administrator Christie Whitman and Assistant Administrator G. Tracy Mehan III presented the awards during ceremonies today.

Some of the proactive initiatives started by the Hampton Roads Sanitation District include: the “Pump It, Don’t Dump It!” boater education campaign; the Elizabeth River restoration project; a scholarship for a full-time graduate student; an oyster restoration project; and participation in the biosolids environmental management system program.

Applications for the awards were announced in the Federal Register in April 2002. Each applicant had to complete a compliance screening and was reviewed by a panel including EPA, the Water Environment Federation, Association of Metropolitan Sewerage Agencies (AMSA) and National League of Cities.