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Philadelphia Water Department Mascot Wins EPA Award

Release Date: 9/29/1999
Contact Information: Roy Seneca (215) 814-5567

Roy Seneca (215) 814-5567

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has presented its prestigious Partnership Award to Lyle Canada, better known to Philadelphians as “Captain Sewer,” for his contributions to the nation’s chemical emergency preparedness programs. One of 11 award winners nationwide, this Philadelphia Water Department mascot was recognized during EPA’s tenth Chemical Emergency Preparedness and Prevention conference and award ceremony here on Sept. 22.

EPA’s mid-Atlantic region presents the partnership awards to companies, organizations or individuals who demonstrate exceptional creativity or innovation in state or local chemical emergency preparedness.

Known as the city’s “grime-fighter,” this local superhero has a mission to educate the city’s youth about environmental issues. Dressed in his colorful cape and crime-fighting outfit, Canada visits schools, health fairs, organizations and parades to elevate local awareness of conservation and environmental issues.

“This award symbolizes a special brand of dedication to environmental health and safety in our local communities,” said W. Michael McCabe, EPA regional administrator.

Captain Sewer’s innovative approach to environmental education covers topics ranging from recycling, to storm water runoff pollution, to the particularly timely issue of fire-hydrant misuse that occurs throughout the city’s steamy summer months.

Canada was praised for his creative methods in getting a serious message across to younger audiences to protect their natural resources. This Philadelphia hero leaves each audience with the motto: “Clean water begins and ends with you.”