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City of Groton, Conn. Wastewater Treatment Facility Recognized for Excellence

Release Date: 10/19/2007
Contact Information: Contact: David Deegan, 617-918-1017

(Boston, Mass. - Oct. 19, 2007) – The City of Groton, Conn. Water Pollution Control Facility was recently selected by the U.S. EPA for a second place 2007 National "Operations and Maintenance Wastewater Excellence Award" in the medium advanced plant category for exceptional work in operating and maintaining the plant, as well as its overall commitment to improving water quality. The Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection was instrumental in nominating this facility.

The staff - in particular Kevin Cini, Chief Operator, Steve Scarpa, Lead Operator, Bruce LaBelle, Senior Operator, James Bowdy, Lab Technician, Dale Marion, Operator, and Stuart Peckham, Operator, was recognized for their outstanding work.

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

The City of Groton facility will be formally recognized at the Water Environment Federation Annual Technical Exhibition and Conference, which took place this week in San Diego, Calif.

Earlier this year, the City of Groton Water Pollution Control Facility had received a Regional Operations & Maintenance Excellence Award, part of an on-going program established to recognize and honor the employees 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 the smaller facilities, conscientious operators and staff continue to perform exceptionally with limited resources.

The staff and facility will also be recognized in January of 2008 at the annual New England Water Environment Association Conference in Boston.