Contact Us

Newsroom

All News Releases By Date

 

Johnson, Vt. Wastewater Treatment Facility Recognized For Excellence

Release Date: 09/18/2003
Contact Information: David Deegan, EPA-New England Public Affairs office, 617-918-1017 Donald Garrett, Johnson, Vt. Plant Chief Operator, 802-635-2951 Duncan Hastings, Johnson, Vt. Municipal Administrator, 802-635-2611 Paul Olander, Vermont Dept. of Environmental Conservation, 802-241-3746

BOSTON – The Johnson, Vt. municipal wastewater treatment facility was recently selected by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for a national Operations and Maintenance Excellence Award. The staff of the Johnson Wastewater Treatment Facility was recognized for its outstanding work in operating and maintaining the facility and its overall commitment to improving water quality. This plant was among five facilities in New England and 17 nationwide recognized for exemplary performance.

"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 for 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."

Varney also acknowledged Vermont's Department of Environmental Conservation for the on-site technical assistance it provides to wastewater operators.

The Johnson wastewater treatment plant was recognized with a second place award in the small advanced category for its excellent process control and compliance record. A preventive maintenance program has saved on costs for the Village of Johnson. A state inspector recently noted he had never seen a better maintained facility in his 16 years of plant evaluations. Johnson's plant has an outstanding public educational outreach program with tours given to elementary students to promote the importance of wastewater treatment in protecting water quality and public health.

The annual EPA National Operations & Maintenance Excellence 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 compliance with permit requirements, effective financial management, and on-going operator training. All national award winners will be formally acknowledged at this year's Water Environment Federation meeting in Los Angeles in October.