Canton Connecticut Wastewater Treatment Facility Recognized Nationally for Excellence

For immediate release: October 4, 2005; Press Release #sr051001

BOSTON- The municipal wastewater treatment facility in Canton, Conn was recently selected by the U.S Environmental Protection Agency for a national wastewater Operations and Maintenance Award. The staff of the Canton Water Pollution Control Facility won second 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 outstanding work of the state Department of Environmental Protection in giving technical help to wastewater operators throughout Connecticut”.

According to state DEP officials, Superintendent Art Enderle and his staff-Chief operator Roger Ignazio Jr, and Operator III John Wabrek, - are responsive, diligent and resourceful in operating and maintaining the Canton Facility.

In its description of the facility, the state DEP noted that despite significant design limitations at the existing treatment facility, the overall improvements and the process control and field monitoring at the facility over the past five years have been exceptional, further improving the water quality of the Farmington River, where the plant discharges.

Canton also has a proactive collection system maintenance program and outstanding financial management, indicating the Town of Canton places importance on its wastewater infrastructure, the state said.

The EPA National 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 operator 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 D.C