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Two N.H. Municipalities Honored for Wastewater Treatment

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

BOSTON – The Antrim, N.H. 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 Antrim 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 New Hampshire, the staff at the Merrimack Wastewater Treatment Facility won a first place national award in the Beneficial Use of Biosolids Excellence category for large operating projects.

In addition, George Neill, supervisor of the Operations Section of the Wastewater Engineering Bureau at the NH Department of Environmental Services was awarded the EPA National Wastewater Operator Trainer Enthusiasm Award for his outstanding efforts in providing invaluable training and on-site technical assistance to wastewater operators throughout New Hampshire.

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