The State of Vermont Municipal Wastewater Treatment Plants and Operators have received a U.S. EPA for a 2011 Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant Excellence Award. The awards, usually given to individual treatment plants, recognize operators for their commitment to improving water quality with outstanding plant operations and maintenance. This time, Vermont's treatment plant personnel statewide were honored for their response to Hurricane Irene, which struck in August 2011.
Irene inflicted widespread damage to public infrastructure. Flood waters inundated and overwhelmed many wastewater treatment plants and collection systems. An EPA news release observed, "The personnel of these municipal wastewater treatment plants did a remarkable job to protect their facilities and to help restore most of the essential infrastructure as soon as possible to minimize adverse water quality impacts and to protect public health."
The Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation (VTDEC) was instrumental in nominating the group. According to Jeff Fehrs, an inspector and engineer with the VTDEC, "Vermont operators, along with other municipal staff who assisted, did a herculean job of repairing their wastewater treatment plants and collection systems, as well as restoring treatment after Hurricane Irene, which caused extensive flooding and damage primarily in the central and southern parts of the state.
"The operators are some of the unsung heroes of Hurricane Irene. I have heard multiple stories of operators working 36 plus hours straight, not knowing what day it was anymore, and sleeping in their vehicles. Through their dedication, resourcefulness, and hard work, they were able to provide at least primary treatment (if not secondary treatment) within a day and managed to bandage their collection systems within a couple of days in most cases."
Curt Spalding, regional administrator of the EPA's new England office, said, "The professionals operating these wastewater treatment plants, as well as the municipalities and the state environmental agencies that support them, are essential to keeping our environment healthy by protecting water quality. They are devoted, often underappreciated, and demonstrate a high level of commitment under extreme situations. I am proud to give them the credit they deserve,”
The Green Mountain Water Environment Association (GMWEA) will accept the award on behalf of many of its members on Jan. 25 at the annual New England Water Environment Association Conference in Boston. The award will be presented again at the GMWEA Annual Spring Conference this May in Killington.
