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Rollinsford, NH Wastewater Treatment Facility Wins EPA Award

Release Date: 02/08/2002
Contact Information: Andrew Spejewski (617-918-1014)

BOSTON – The municipal wastewater treatment facility in Rollinsford, NH was recently selected by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for a New England Regional Operations and Maintenance Excellence Award, with the town's treatment plant staff recognized as the most improved plant in New England. The Rollinsford plant was among only four facilities in New England recognized for their exemplary performance. In addition, the operations section of the Wastewater Engineering Bureau of the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NH DES) was recognized for their outstanding efforts in providing on-site technical assistance.

"The front lines in the fight for clean water are the people running wastewater treatment plants, who are out there every day making sure our rivers and lakes are protected," said Robert W. Varney, regional administrator for EPA's New England Office. "These award winners have done a tremendous job and deserve to be recognized."

The annual EPA New England Operations & Maintenance Excellence Awards have been established to recognize the staff of publicly owned wastewater treatment plants for their commitment to improving water quality through outstanding operation and maintenance and on-going operator training. Although smaller facilities such as Rollinsford often have limited resources, conscientious operators and staff continue to perform exceptionally. The "Most Improved Treatment Plant"Award category recognizes exceptional efforts by treatment plant personnel 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.

John Hladick, the chief operator of the plant; Peter Hellfach of Piscataqua Environmental; and Dennis St. Hillaire, chairperson of the Rollinsford Water and Sewer District, 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 in late January in Boston. Staff of the Operations Section of the NH DES Wastewater Engineering Bureau (Wes Ripple, George Neill and Thomas White) were also recognized for their efforts in providing invaluable on-site technical assistance to the plant. George Neill, Supervisor of the Operations Section, accepted the award on behalf of the NHDES.