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Newington, N.H. Wastewater Treatment Facility Recognized Nationally for Excellence

Release Date: 10/04/2005
Contact Information:

Contact: Sheryl Rosner (rosner.sheryl@epa.gov), EPA Public Affairs, (617) 918-1865
Denis Messier, Newington, N.H. Plant Superintendent, (603) 431-4111
George Neill, N.H. Dept. of Environmental Services, (603) 271-3325
David Chin, EPA, Municipal Assistance Unit, (617) 918-1764

For immediate release: October 4, 2005; Press Release #sr051003

BOSTON – The municipal wastewater treatment facility in Newington, N.H. was recently selected by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for a national wastewater Operations and Maintenance Excellence Award. The staff of the Newington Wastewater Treatment Plant won first place among small secondary plants for their outstanding work in operating and maintaining the facility and their overall commitment to improving water quality.

“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 would also like to acknowledge the continued outstanding work of the state Department of Environmental Services giving technical assistance to wastewater operators throughout New Hampshire.”

According to the state DES, the 24-year-old Newington Wastewater Treatment Facility, which has a capacity for 300,000 gallons a day, has an excellent compliance history that shows the commitment and fine work performed by Plant Manager Denis Messier, Maintenance Manager Jack Hoyt, and Lab Technician Richard Clough. According to the state, the plant has a high quality discharge, which is necessary to protect sensitive shellfish beds. The in-house equipment management program is outstanding, DES said.

In addition, the laboratory management program is exceptionally operated, the state said. Superior process control has let the facility overcome limitations in the original design of the plant. Furthermore, the Newington Sewer Commission has invested in the town’s wastewater infrastructure every year to keep its original investment properly maintained to perform at a high level, the state added. Many necessary upgrades have been made over the years and the financial support of the town indicates town officials value the importance of its wastewater treatment facility and collection system.

The EPA National Wastewater Operations and Maintenance Excellence Award was established to recognize the staffs of publicly owned wastewater treatment plants for their commitment to improving water quality not only with outstanding operation and maintenance, but also through a combination of continued permit compliance, effective financial management, and on-going operator training. More often than not and particularly with small facilities, conscientious operators and staff continue to perform exceptionally with limited resources. All National award winners will be formally acknowledged at this year’s annual Water Environment Federation meeting Oct. 31 in Washington, DC.

For more information on this topics, visit: https://www.epa.gov/ne/topics/water/wwater.html

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