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Castleton, Vermont Wastewater Treatment Plant Recognized Nationally for Excellence

Release Date: 10/18/2006
Contact Information: David Deegan, (617) 918-1017

(Boston, Mass. – Oct. 18, 2006) – The Castleton, Vermont Wastewater Treatment Plant was recently selected by the U.S. EPA for a National First Place Award in the Small Advanced Plant Operations and Maintenance Excellence category, as part of the annual 2006 U.S. EPA Clean Water Act Recognition Awards selection process.

The staff is being recognized by EPA for outstanding work at this facility and its overall commitment to improving water quality. The Castleton, VT plant is among four facilities in New England acknowledged for exemplary performance in the wastewater operations and maintenance and collection system categories, with all four winning First Place in their respective categories nationally. Several areas that Castleton has excelled in to earn the award include: (1) a very well established and successful land application process; (2) extremely proactive collection system maintenance program; (3) exceptional proactive septage management program to help the community; (4) excellent compliance history and outstanding effluent quality; (5) and an outstanding two person staff that takes care of every facet of wastewater treatment.

Ed Tracey, Chief Operator, along with Richard Hodyl, Assistant Chief Operator, are acknowledged for their professional commitment and resourcefulness in the operation and maintenance of the Castleton Wastewater Treatment Plant and collection system. Jon Dodd, Town Manager, has been extremely supportive of the on-going efforts of the staff to maintain the plant and collection system.

“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 municipalities that support them, are key to keeping our environment healthy. We are proud to give them the credit they deserve.

Furthermore, Paul Olander of the Vermont Department of Conservation has been providing invaluable support and technical assistance to the wastewater treatment plant staff over the years to ensure that the necessary administrative and infrastructure improvements take place. This is indicative of the dedication which VTDEC staff continues to serve the public to protect water quality and public health, and is a fine example of team work between local, state, and federal officials”, added Varney.

The U.S. EPA Clean Water Act Recognition Awards have been 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 be honored during the annual Water Environment Federation Technical Exhibition and Conference that will be held in Dallas, Texas from Oct. 21-25, 2006. In addition, the Castleton Wastewater Treatment Plant staff will be recognized at the January 2007 New England Water Environment Association Awards Luncheon in Boston.

More information: Waste water permits in New England (epa.gov/region1/npdes/index.html)

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