Environment DEC
From the October 2006 issue
DEC Honors Outstanding Wastewater Treatment Plants
DEC Commissioner Denise M. Sheehan recently announced the winners of the Andrew M. Weist Operations and Maintenance Excellence Awards for municipal wastewater treatment plants. DEC's Weist awards honor wastewater treatment facilities that implement innovative and outstanding operations, maintenance and management programs that result in high levels of continued performance and efficiency.
DEC Regional Director Peter Scully (far right front row) presents the award to Michael Reichel, Plant Superintendent, Town of Riverhead Sewer District Advanced Wastewater Treatment Facility
Dedication of Staffs is Lauded
"DEC strives to increase programs and efforts that are vital to protecting New York's water quality," Commissioner Sheehan said. "The Andrew M. Weist Award recognizes both the City of Rome Water Pollution Control Facility and the Town of Riverhead Sewer District's Advanced Wastewater Treatment Facility, and their staffs for their committment and dedication in achieving our overall goal of preventing water pollution and preserving one of our most essential natural resources. These facilities serve as prime examples of how partnerships with our municipalities protect our natural environment."
The award memorializes Andrew M. Weist for his many positive contributions, which enhanced wastewater treatment plant operations in this state and also at the national level. Mr. Weist's efforts played a significant role in improving the quality of our waters. He was the section chief of DEC's Facility Operations Assistance Section for 15 years, and worked at DEC for more than 32 years before retiring in 1995. He passed away in 1999.
Backbone of Water Quality Protection
Municipal wastewater treatment facilities are the backbone of New York's water quality protection efforts and these awards recognize municipalities that have gone the extra mile to protect the water quality of this state. Treated wastewater from both of the municipal treatment facilities receiving awards exceeded regulatory standards during 2005. These awards also recognize the staffs at wastewater treatment facilities for their fine work and dedication to protecting public health, the environment, and the public's investment in their facilities.
Award categories are based on size and type of treatment facility. Facilities in the small category process less than 1 million gallons of wastewater per day. Those in the medium category process 1- to 10-million, and those in the large category process more than 10 million gallons per day. Rome's facility is a large-advanced type and Riverhead's is a medium-advanced.
Any Public Plant is Eligible
Any publicly owned wastewater treatment plant in New York State is eligible for a Weist award. Plants submit applications to DEC in March, including copies of regulatory permits and descriptions of facility operations, staffing, cash flow and physical layout. A committee of DEC Division of Water staff select winners based on outstanding wastewater treatment performance, innovation, and management that results in high levels of regulatory compliance.
Winners receive plaques in recognition of their achievement. DEC officials presented the City of Rome's award on August 22 and Riverhead's on August 31. The presentations were held at the respective wastewater treatment plants.
More Information
Treatment plant operators seeking applications or further information on the Weist award program should contact Gregg Gendron, 518-402-8096, or write him at NYSDEC, 625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12233-3506. Also, see "Related Links" below.
