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Beacon Falls, CT Wastewater Treatment Facility Recognized for Excellence

Release Date: 02/09/04
Contact Information: Contact: Peyton Fleming, EPA Press Office, (617) 918-1008 Contact: Brian Fitzpatrick, Beacon Falls WPCF, 203-729-2926

For Immediate Release: February 9, 2004; Release # 04-02-01

BOSTON – The Beacon Falls, CT wastewater treatment facility was recently selected by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for a New England Regional Operations and Maintenance Excellence Award in the small secondary plant category. The staff of the facility was recognized by EPA's New England Office for their outstanding work in operating and maintaining the facility and their overall commitment to improving water quality. The plant was among five facilities in New England recognized for exemplary performance.

The Beacon Falls wastewater plant, which handles 0.71 million gallons of wastewater per day, has been able to maintain outstanding compliance with its permit. The staff, led by Superintendent Brian Fitzpatrick and Assistant Superintendent Walter Opuszynski, has put in place the kind of preventive maintenance program that is critical for a small community and water pollution facility to save money and prevent unnecessary emergencies. Although the staff is few in number, it is experienced, conscientious and highly dedicated, according to EPA.

"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 of 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 EPA Regional Operations & Maintenance Excellence Award was established to recognize the staffs 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 small facilities, conscientious operators and staff continue to perform exceptionally with limited resources.

The staff and facility were recognized during the annual New England Water Environment Association Conference in Boston in January. The Beacon Falls facility will be considered for nomination in the national EPA 2004 National Operation and Maintenance Excellence Award process this spring.

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