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South Kingston, R.I. Honored for Wastewater Treatment

Release Date: 02/20/2003
Contact Information: Peyton Fleming, EPA Press Office, 617-918-1008

BOSTON – The South Kingston, R.I. regional municipal wastewater treatment facility was recently selected by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for a New England Regional Operations and Maintenance Excellence Award. The staff of the South Kingston Wastewater Treatment 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. This plant was among 10 facilities in New England recognized for exemplary performance.

Also in Rhode Island, Bill Patenaude of the R.I. Department of Environmental Management was recognized for the outstanding training and on-site assistance he provided communities across the state. Patenaude was given the State Wastewater On-Site Technical Assistance Provider Award.

"The people who operate wastewater treatment plants do the work that is critical for ensuring that our lakes and rivers are protected from unnecessary pollution," said Robert W. Varney, regional administrator for EPA's New England Office. "The staff at these plants, who are key to keeping our environment healthy, deserve to be recognized."

The annual EPA New England Operations & Maintenance Excellence Awards as well as the national 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.

Town officials from South Kingston accepted the awards on behalf of their staff at the New England Water Environment Association's annual conference in Boston on Jan. 29. The facility will be under consideration as a nominee for a national EPA award later this year.