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New Canaan, Conn. Wastewater Treatment Facility Recognized for Excellence

Release Date: 09/18/2003
Contact Information: David Deegan, EPA-New England Public Affairs office 617-918-1017 Jim Rogers, New Canaan Plant Superintendent, 203-594-3700

BOSTON – The municipal wastewater treatment facility in New Canaan, Conn. was recently selected by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for a national Operations and Maintenance Excellence Award. The staff of the New Canaan Water Pollution Control Facility was recognized by EPA for its outstanding work in operating and maintaining the facility and its overall commitment to improving water quality. This plant was among five facilities in New England and 17 nationwide recognized for their exemplary performance.

"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 New Canaan plant was recognized with a second place award in the medium advanced category. The New Canaan facility was one of the first treatment plants in Connecticut to upgrade for nitrogen removal and ultraviolet disinfection. The staff has optimized the facility to increase removal efficiencies and have an outstanding permit compliance history. In the facility's plant maintenance program, most of the work has been done with in-house personnel for substantial cost savings for the town. The facility also has a collection system management program that resolves infiltration and inflow problems. The process control program allows the plant to maintain low nitrogen effluent levels.

The annual EPA National 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. All national award winners will be formally acknowledged at this year's Water Environment Federation meeting in Los Angeles in October.