News Releases from Region 01

Upper Blackstone Water Pollution Abatement District Chief Operator Recognized for Outstanding Service

BOSTON - Joseph Nowak, a resident of Ware Mass. and Chief Operator of the Upper Blackstone Water Pollution Abatement District (District) in Milbury, Mass., was honored by EPA with a "2016 Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator of the Year Excellence Award." Mr. Nowak has done an outstanding job over the years in operating and maintaining the District's facility.

The EPA Regional Wastewater Awards Program recognizes personnel in the wastewater field who have provided invaluable public service managing and operating wastewater treatment facilities throughout New England. The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection was instrumental in Mr. Nowak's nomination.

"The professionals operating wastewater treatment plants play a very important role in keeping our communities and environment healthy by protecting water quality. We are proud to acknowledge Mr. Nowak's outstanding contributions to help protect public health and water quality for so many years and to give him the credit he deserves," said Deborah Szaro, acting regional administrator of EPA's New England Office.

The EPA Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant Excellence Award was established to recognize and honor the employees of publicly owned wastewater treatment plants for its commitment to improving water quality with outstanding plant operations and maintenance. More often than not, and particularly with the smaller facilities, conscientious operators and staff continue to perform exceptionally with limited resources. EPA's New England office formally acknowledged Mr. Nowak for his fine work during the annual New England Water Environment Association Conference last month.

More information: https://www.epa.gov/aboutepa/about-office-water#wastewater