Farmers, Ranchers Now Can Make USDA Farm Loan Payments Online
WASHINGTON, Jan. 29, 2024 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced today that most farm loan borrowers will be able to make payments to their direct loans online through the Pay My Loan feature on farmers.gov in early February.
Biden-Harris Administration Announces Investments to Strengthen U.S. Specialty Crops Sector
WASHINGTON, Jan. 29, 2024 – Today, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced two U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) investments designed to support the U.S. specialty crops industry. The launch of the Assisting Specialty Crop Exports (ASCE) initiative will provide $65 million for projects that will help the specialty crop sector increase global exports and expand to new markets. Additionally, today USDA is announcing $72.9 million in grant funding available to support the specialty crops industry through the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program.
Don’t Let Delivery and Takeout Foods Fumble Your Super Bowl
WASHINGTON, Jan. 29, 2024 — Safely serving friends and family during the big game is a win for everyone; don’t fumble it this Super Bowl Sunday. February 11 kicks off Super Bowl LVIII, and football fans will be huddling up to watch the big game while enjoying their favorite foods. Whether you’re ordering delivery, or preparing and serving food to guests, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has some gameday plans to keep your Super Bowl from being intercepted by foodborne illness.
EPA Enforcement Prevents Multiple Illegal Imports of Super Climate Pollutant
WASHINGTON – Today, EPA is announcing a settlement with Open Mountain Energy, LLC, a geothermal power generation company, for the attempted illegal import of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), which is the latest in a series of enforcement actions EPA has taken recently against importers of HFCs. HFCs are a super climate pollutant with global warming potentials hundreds to thousands of times higher than CO2. For this reason, pursuant to the Montreal Protocol, HFCs will be almost fully phased out by developed countries by 2036. EPA has made it a national enforcement and compliance priority to address the illegal import of HFCs under the current phasedown and has settled five cases over the last several months with companies regarding HFC imports.
“Climate change continues to accelerate, which makes addressing super climate pollutants like HFCs a key part of EPA’s strategy to limit global climate change to 1.5 degrees Celsius,” said Assistant Administrator David M. Uhlmann for EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. “Our HFC enforcement efforts send a clear message to HFC importers that the federal government is vigilantly monitoring imports of HFCs and will hold illegal actors accountable.”
In EPA’s enforcement case with Open Mountain Energy, LLC, EPA prevented 44,092 pounds, or approximately 20 metric tons, of illegal hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) from being imported into the U.S. If released into the atmosphere, these HFCs are the equivalent of 20,600 metric tons of CO2, or the same amount of CO2 produced from powering 4,008 homes with electricity produced from coal for a year. Under the terms of the settlement, the company will pay a penalty of $41,566.
In a second case, EPA took enforcement action through its HFC Expedited Settlement Agreement Pilot Program. Earlier last month, EPA finalized its first Expedited Settlement Agreement with Sigma Air, LLC, for the attempted illegal import of 3,736 pounds of R-410A, a blend of different HFCs. The company will remain on EPA’s watch list for repeat offenses. This pilot program can be used to quickly address smaller quantities of illegally imported HFCs, with an appropriate penalty to assure would be violators are adequately punished and deterred.
Achieving the goals of the HFC phasedown also requires accurate data. In addition to preventing illegal imports of HFCs, EPA is also using its enforcement authorities to target HFC importers that failed to accurately report their import quantities to EPA. Three recent settlements show how EPA enforcement actions are helping ensure accurate data, essential for setting sound climate change policy, such as setting baseline and targets for the HFC Phasedown rule. The combined penalties paid in these cases against Combs Investment Property, LP; Waysmos USA, Inc.; and Nature Gas Import and Export Inc., exceed $500,000. EPA will continue to scrutinize the reporting data to ensure the Agency and the public have the best data available to make informed decisions on fighting climate change.
The Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, adopted by the United Nations in 2016, requires the global phasedown of HFCs by 2036. Achieving this goal is projected to prevent up to 0.5 degrees Celsius of planetary warming by the end of the century.
In response to the Kigali Amendment, Congress passed the bipartisan American Innovation and Manufacturing Act of 2020 (AIM Act), requiring the United States to phase down HFC production and consumption by 85% by 2036. Over the past year, EPA and CBP denied entry to approximately 25 shipments of illegal HFCs. Under EPA’s HFC phasedown regulations, importers must expend allowances to import HFCs. Illegal imports of HFCs undermine the phasedown, disadvantage companies who follow the rules, and contribute to global warming.
More information related to HFCs, greenhouse gases, the AIM Act, and the climate change National Enforcement and Compliance Initiative are available on EPA’s website:
Enforcement of the Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program: HFC Importers web page.
Enforcement of the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act of 2020 web page.
Fiscal Years 2024 – 2027 National Enforcement and Compliance Initiatives (NECIs) web page.
Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program (GHGRP) web page.
Protection our Climate by Reducing Use of HFCs website.
If you suspect someone is illegally importing HFCs, tell EPA at its Report Environmental Violations website. Information you submit will be forwarded to EPA environmental enforcement personnel or to the appropriate regulatory authority.
“Climate change continues to accelerate, which makes addressing super climate pollutants like HFCs a key part of EPA’s strategy to limit global climate change to 1.5 degrees Celsius,” said Assistant Administrator David M. Uhlmann for EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. “Our HFC enforcement efforts send a clear message to HFC importers that the federal government is vigilantly monitoring imports of HFCs and will hold illegal actors accountable.”
In EPA’s enforcement case with Open Mountain Energy, LLC, EPA prevented 44,092 pounds, or approximately 20 metric tons, of illegal hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) from being imported into the U.S. If released into the atmosphere, these HFCs are the equivalent of 20,600 metric tons of CO2, or the same amount of CO2 produced from powering 4,008 homes with electricity produced from coal for a year. Under the terms of the settlement, the company will pay a penalty of $41,566.
In a second case, EPA took enforcement action through its HFC Expedited Settlement Agreement Pilot Program. Earlier last month, EPA finalized its first Expedited Settlement Agreement with Sigma Air, LLC, for the attempted illegal import of 3,736 pounds of R-410A, a blend of different HFCs. The company will remain on EPA’s watch list for repeat offenses. This pilot program can be used to quickly address smaller quantities of illegally imported HFCs, with an appropriate penalty to assure would be violators are adequately punished and deterred.
Achieving the goals of the HFC phasedown also requires accurate data. In addition to preventing illegal imports of HFCs, EPA is also using its enforcement authorities to target HFC importers that failed to accurately report their import quantities to EPA. Three recent settlements show how EPA enforcement actions are helping ensure accurate data, essential for setting sound climate change policy, such as setting baseline and targets for the HFC Phasedown rule. The combined penalties paid in these cases against Combs Investment Property, LP; Waysmos USA, Inc.; and Nature Gas Import and Export Inc., exceed $500,000. EPA will continue to scrutinize the reporting data to ensure the Agency and the public have the best data available to make informed decisions on fighting climate change.
The Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, adopted by the United Nations in 2016, requires the global phasedown of HFCs by 2036. Achieving this goal is projected to prevent up to 0.5 degrees Celsius of planetary warming by the end of the century.
In response to the Kigali Amendment, Congress passed the bipartisan American Innovation and Manufacturing Act of 2020 (AIM Act), requiring the United States to phase down HFC production and consumption by 85% by 2036. Over the past year, EPA and CBP denied entry to approximately 25 shipments of illegal HFCs. Under EPA’s HFC phasedown regulations, importers must expend allowances to import HFCs. Illegal imports of HFCs undermine the phasedown, disadvantage companies who follow the rules, and contribute to global warming.
More information related to HFCs, greenhouse gases, the AIM Act, and the climate change National Enforcement and Compliance Initiative are available on EPA’s website:
Enforcement of the Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program: HFC Importers web page.
Enforcement of the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act of 2020 web page.
Fiscal Years 2024 – 2027 National Enforcement and Compliance Initiatives (NECIs) web page.
Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program (GHGRP) web page.
Protection our Climate by Reducing Use of HFCs website.
If you suspect someone is illegally importing HFCs, tell EPA at its Report Environmental Violations website. Information you submit will be forwarded to EPA environmental enforcement personnel or to the appropriate regulatory authority.
EPA Recognizes Rhode Island Wastewater Treatment Entities for Excellence
BOSTON (Jan. 29, 2024) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) New England Office recently awarded three 2023 Regional Wastewater Treatment Awards to Rhode Island wastewater facilities and individuals to recognize them for their commitment to improving water quality.
The EPA Regional Wastewater Awards Program recognizes personnel in the wastewater field who have provided invaluable public service managing and operating wastewater treatment facilities throughout New England.
"Wastewater treatment is a vital, but often overlooked, part of our world. Most of us don't realize what it takes behind the scenes for wastewater to be treated for pollution control and reuse, in order to protect public health and the environment," said EPA New England Regional Administrator David W. Cash. "It's important for us to highlight those individuals and entities who excel in their work to protect our water quality and our health, and we at EPA congratulate them for their dedication to the environment and to our communities."
2023 Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant Operation and Maintenance Excellence Award
Burrillville Wastewater Treatment Facility
The Burrillville Wastewater Treatment Facility, led by Superintendent, Burrillville Sewer Commission Michael Emond, was recognized for exceptional work in operating and maintaining the wastewater treatment plant during the past year. The facility was one of only three facilities across New England to receive this award. The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management was instrumental in the facility's nomination.
The EPA Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant Operation and Maintenance Excellence Award was established to recognize and honor the employees of publicly owned wastewater treatment plants for their commitment to improving water quality with outstanding plant operations and maintenance. Especially with the smaller facilities, conscientious operators and staff continue to perform exceptionally with limited resources.
2023 EPA Lifetime Achievement Award
William L. Patenaude of the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (retired)
Mr. Patenaude, who retired in 2023 after 34 years as an Environmental Engineer with the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, was recognized for his outstanding work over the years as a leader in the field. His founding of the Wastewater Leadership Boot Camp, a one-year professional and personal development experience for municipal wastewater staff, led to an increase in the professionalism of the sector not just in Rhode Island, but in several other states which have since adopted some version of this training. Mr. Patenaude was the only person in New England to receive this award and was nominated by EPA New England.
The EPA Lifetime Achievement Award was established to recognize and honor those members of the wastewater treatment profession who have shown exemplary dedication to improving water quality over their entire careers.
2023 EPA Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator of the Year Award
Kathy Perez of the South Kingstown WWTF
Ms. Perez, who is the Superintendent of the South Kingstown WWTF, was recognized for her outstanding work over the years operating and maintaining the facility. Ms. Perez was one of only seven individuals across New England to receive this award. The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management was instrumental in Perez's nomination.
The EPA Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator of the Year Award was established to recognize and honor the employees of publicly owned wastewater treatment plants for their commitment to improving water quality with outstanding plant operations and maintenance. Wastewater operators and staff work diligently to protect public health and the environment, often with limited resources.
The EPA Regional Wastewater Awards Program recognizes personnel in the wastewater field who have provided invaluable public service managing and operating wastewater treatment facilities throughout New England.
"Wastewater treatment is a vital, but often overlooked, part of our world. Most of us don't realize what it takes behind the scenes for wastewater to be treated for pollution control and reuse, in order to protect public health and the environment," said EPA New England Regional Administrator David W. Cash. "It's important for us to highlight those individuals and entities who excel in their work to protect our water quality and our health, and we at EPA congratulate them for their dedication to the environment and to our communities."
2023 Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant Operation and Maintenance Excellence Award
Burrillville Wastewater Treatment Facility
The Burrillville Wastewater Treatment Facility, led by Superintendent, Burrillville Sewer Commission Michael Emond, was recognized for exceptional work in operating and maintaining the wastewater treatment plant during the past year. The facility was one of only three facilities across New England to receive this award. The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management was instrumental in the facility's nomination.
The EPA Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant Operation and Maintenance Excellence Award was established to recognize and honor the employees of publicly owned wastewater treatment plants for their commitment to improving water quality with outstanding plant operations and maintenance. Especially with the smaller facilities, conscientious operators and staff continue to perform exceptionally with limited resources.
2023 EPA Lifetime Achievement Award
William L. Patenaude of the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (retired)
Mr. Patenaude, who retired in 2023 after 34 years as an Environmental Engineer with the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, was recognized for his outstanding work over the years as a leader in the field. His founding of the Wastewater Leadership Boot Camp, a one-year professional and personal development experience for municipal wastewater staff, led to an increase in the professionalism of the sector not just in Rhode Island, but in several other states which have since adopted some version of this training. Mr. Patenaude was the only person in New England to receive this award and was nominated by EPA New England.
The EPA Lifetime Achievement Award was established to recognize and honor those members of the wastewater treatment profession who have shown exemplary dedication to improving water quality over their entire careers.
2023 EPA Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator of the Year Award
Kathy Perez of the South Kingstown WWTF
Ms. Perez, who is the Superintendent of the South Kingstown WWTF, was recognized for her outstanding work over the years operating and maintaining the facility. Ms. Perez was one of only seven individuals across New England to receive this award. The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management was instrumental in Perez's nomination.
The EPA Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator of the Year Award was established to recognize and honor the employees of publicly owned wastewater treatment plants for their commitment to improving water quality with outstanding plant operations and maintenance. Wastewater operators and staff work diligently to protect public health and the environment, often with limited resources.
EPA Recognizes New Hampshire Wastewater Treatment Entities for Excellence
BOSTON (Jan. 29, 2024) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) New England Office recently awarded four 2023 Regional Wastewater Treatment Awards to New Hampshire wastewater facilities and individuals to recognize them for their commitment to improving water quality.
The EPA Regional Wastewater Awards Program recognizes personnel in the wastewater field who have provided invaluable public service managing and operating wastewater treatment facilities throughout New England.
"Wastewater treatment is a vital, but often overlooked, part of our world. Most of us don't realize what it takes behind the scenes for wastewater to be treated for pollution control and reuse, in order to protect public health and the environment," said EPA New England Regional Administrator David W. Cash. "It's important for us to highlight those individuals and entities who excel in their work to protect our water quality and our health, and we at EPA congratulate them for their dedication to the environment and to our communities."
2023 EPA Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator of the Year Award
Nate Brown of the Peterborough Wastewater Treatment Facility
Mr. Brown, who is the Utilities Superintendent of the Peterborough Wastewater Treatment Facility, was recognized for his outstanding work over the years operating and maintaining the facility. Mr. Brown was one of only seven individuals across New England to receive this award. The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services was instrumental in Brown's nomination.
The EPA Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator of the Year Award was established to recognize and honor the employees of publicly owned wastewater treatment plants for their commitment to improving water quality with outstanding plant operations and maintenance. Wastewater operators and staff work diligently to protect public health and the environment, often with limited resources.
2023 EPA Regional Wastewater Trainer of the Year
Betty Green of B Green L&P Consulting
Ms. Green, who is the owner of B Green L&P Consulting, was recognized for her outstanding work as an instructor with the Granite State Rural Water Association. Ms. Green was the only person in New England to receive this award. The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services was instrumental in Green's nomination.
The EPA Regional Wastewater Trainer of the Year was established to recognize and honor the trainers who provide exemplary education to operators in the wastewater sector. Wastewater is a constantly evolving field and operators are required to take many hours of training prior to becoming licensed, along with annual continuing education to keep them up to date on the newest technologies, contaminants, regulations, and other industry-specific topics.
2023 Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant Operation and Maintenance Excellence Award
Hanover Water Reclamation Facility
The Hanover Water Reclamation Facility, led by Superintendent Kevin MacLean, was recognized for exceptional work in operating and maintaining the wastewater treatment plant during the past year. The facility was one of only three facilities across New England to receive this award. The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services was instrumental in the facility's nomination.
The EPA Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant Operation and Maintenance Excellence Award was established to recognize and honor the employees of publicly owned wastewater treatment plants for their commitment to improving water quality with outstanding plant operations and maintenance. Especially with the smaller facilities, conscientious operators and staff continue to perform exceptionally with limited resources.
2023 Regional Industrial Pretreatment Program Excellence Award
City of Nashua Industrial Pretreatment Program
The City of Nashua's Pretreatment Program staff, led by Douglas Starr, was honored for exceptional work inspecting, permitting, and sampling industrial users that discharge industrial waste into the collection system.
The EPA Regional Industrial Pretreatment Program Excellence Award was established to recognize and honor employees of publicly owned wastewater treatment plants for their commitment to improving water quality through outstanding oversight of its industrial users discharging to the municipal sewer system.
The EPA Regional Wastewater Awards Program recognizes personnel in the wastewater field who have provided invaluable public service managing and operating wastewater treatment facilities throughout New England.
"Wastewater treatment is a vital, but often overlooked, part of our world. Most of us don't realize what it takes behind the scenes for wastewater to be treated for pollution control and reuse, in order to protect public health and the environment," said EPA New England Regional Administrator David W. Cash. "It's important for us to highlight those individuals and entities who excel in their work to protect our water quality and our health, and we at EPA congratulate them for their dedication to the environment and to our communities."
2023 EPA Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator of the Year Award
Nate Brown of the Peterborough Wastewater Treatment Facility
Mr. Brown, who is the Utilities Superintendent of the Peterborough Wastewater Treatment Facility, was recognized for his outstanding work over the years operating and maintaining the facility. Mr. Brown was one of only seven individuals across New England to receive this award. The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services was instrumental in Brown's nomination.
The EPA Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator of the Year Award was established to recognize and honor the employees of publicly owned wastewater treatment plants for their commitment to improving water quality with outstanding plant operations and maintenance. Wastewater operators and staff work diligently to protect public health and the environment, often with limited resources.
2023 EPA Regional Wastewater Trainer of the Year
Betty Green of B Green L&P Consulting
Ms. Green, who is the owner of B Green L&P Consulting, was recognized for her outstanding work as an instructor with the Granite State Rural Water Association. Ms. Green was the only person in New England to receive this award. The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services was instrumental in Green's nomination.
The EPA Regional Wastewater Trainer of the Year was established to recognize and honor the trainers who provide exemplary education to operators in the wastewater sector. Wastewater is a constantly evolving field and operators are required to take many hours of training prior to becoming licensed, along with annual continuing education to keep them up to date on the newest technologies, contaminants, regulations, and other industry-specific topics.
2023 Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant Operation and Maintenance Excellence Award
Hanover Water Reclamation Facility
The Hanover Water Reclamation Facility, led by Superintendent Kevin MacLean, was recognized for exceptional work in operating and maintaining the wastewater treatment plant during the past year. The facility was one of only three facilities across New England to receive this award. The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services was instrumental in the facility's nomination.
The EPA Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant Operation and Maintenance Excellence Award was established to recognize and honor the employees of publicly owned wastewater treatment plants for their commitment to improving water quality with outstanding plant operations and maintenance. Especially with the smaller facilities, conscientious operators and staff continue to perform exceptionally with limited resources.
2023 Regional Industrial Pretreatment Program Excellence Award
City of Nashua Industrial Pretreatment Program
The City of Nashua's Pretreatment Program staff, led by Douglas Starr, was honored for exceptional work inspecting, permitting, and sampling industrial users that discharge industrial waste into the collection system.
The EPA Regional Industrial Pretreatment Program Excellence Award was established to recognize and honor employees of publicly owned wastewater treatment plants for their commitment to improving water quality through outstanding oversight of its industrial users discharging to the municipal sewer system.
EPA Recognizes Massachusetts Industrial Pretreatment Program for Excellence
BOSTON (Jan. 29, 2024) – The Greater Lawrence Sanitary District's Industrial Pretreatment Program staff, led by Colleen Spero, was honored for exceptional work inspecting, permitting, and sampling industrial users that discharge industrial waste into the collection system.
"Wastewater treatment is a vital, but often overlooked, part of our world. Most of us don't realize what it takes behind the scenes for wastewater to be treated for pollution control and reuse, in order to protect public health and the environment," said EPA New England Regional Administrator David W. Cash. "It's important for us to highlight those individuals and entities who excel in their work to protect our water quality and our health, and we at EPA congratulate them for their dedication to the environment and to our communities."
The EPA Regional Industrial Pretreatment Program Excellence Award was established to recognize and honor employees of publicly owned wastewater treatment plants for their commitment to improving water quality through outstanding oversight of its industrial users discharging to the municipal sewer system.
"Wastewater treatment is a vital, but often overlooked, part of our world. Most of us don't realize what it takes behind the scenes for wastewater to be treated for pollution control and reuse, in order to protect public health and the environment," said EPA New England Regional Administrator David W. Cash. "It's important for us to highlight those individuals and entities who excel in their work to protect our water quality and our health, and we at EPA congratulate them for their dedication to the environment and to our communities."
The EPA Regional Industrial Pretreatment Program Excellence Award was established to recognize and honor employees of publicly owned wastewater treatment plants for their commitment to improving water quality through outstanding oversight of its industrial users discharging to the municipal sewer system.
EPA Recognizes Vermont Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators for Excellence
BOSTON (Jan. 29, 2024) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) New England Office recently awarded four 2023 Regional Wastewater Treatment Awards to Vermont wastewater treatment plant operators to recognize them for their commitment to improving water quality.
The EPA Regional Wastewater Awards Program recognizes personnel in the wastewater field who have provided invaluable public service managing and operating wastewater treatment facilities throughout New England.
"Wastewater treatment is a vital, but often overlooked, part of our world. Most of us don't realize what it takes behind the scenes for wastewater to be treated for pollution control and reuse, in order to protect public health and the environment," said EPA New England Regional Administrator David W. Cash. "It's important for us to highlight those individuals and entities who excel in their work to protect our water quality and our health, and we at EPA congratulate them for their dedication to the environment and to our communities."
2023 EPA Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator of the Year Award
Dan Copp of the Johnson Wastewater Treatment Facility
Mr. Copp, who is the Chief Operator of the Johnson Wastewater Treatment Facility, was recognized for his outstanding work responding to the devastating summer floods of 2023. Mr. Copp was one of only seven individuals across New England to receive this award. The Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation was instrumental in Copp's nomination.
The EPA Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator of the Year Award was established to recognize and honor the employees of publicly owned wastewater treatment plants for their commitment to improving water quality with outstanding plant operations and maintenance. Wastewater operators and staff work diligently to protect public health and the environment, often with limited resources.
2023 EPA Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator of the Year Award
Kenneth LaCasse of the Hardwick Wastewater Treatment Facility
Mr. LaCasse, who is the Chief Operator of the Hardwick Wastewater Treatment Facility, was recognized for his outstanding responding to the devastating summer floods of 2023. Mr. LaCasse was one of only seven individuals across New England to receive this award. The Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation was instrumental in LaCasse's nomination.
The EPA Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator of the Year Award was established to recognize and honor the employees of publicly owned wastewater treatment plants for their commitment to improving water quality with outstanding plant operations and maintenance. Wastewater operators and staff work diligently to protect public health and the environment, often with limited resources.
2023 EPA Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator of the Year Award
Joseph Gaudiana of the Ludlow Wastewater Treatment Facility
Mr. Gaudiana, who is the Chief Operator of the Ludlow Wastewater Treatment Facility, was recognized for his outstanding work responding to the devastating summer floods of 2023. Mr. Gaudiana was one of only seven individuals across New England to receive this award. The Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation was instrumental in Gaudiana's nomination.
The EPA Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator of the Year Award was established to recognize and honor the employees of publicly owned wastewater treatment plants for their commitment to improving water quality with outstanding plant operations and maintenance. Wastewater operators and staff work diligently to protect public health and the environment, often with limited resources.
2023 EPA Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator of the Year Award
Robert Wells of the Middlebury Municipal Wastewater Treatment Facility
Mr. Wells, who is the Wastewater Superintendent of the Middlebury Municipal Wastewater Treatment Facility, was recognized for his outstanding work over the years operating and maintaining the facility. Mr. Wells was one of only seven individuals across New England to receive this award. The Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation was instrumental in Wells's nomination.
The EPA Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator of the Year Award was established to recognize and honor the employees of publicly owned wastewater treatment plants for their commitment to improving water quality with outstanding plant operations and maintenance. Wastewater operators and staff work diligently to protect public health and the environment, often with limited resources.
The EPA Regional Wastewater Awards Program recognizes personnel in the wastewater field who have provided invaluable public service managing and operating wastewater treatment facilities throughout New England.
"Wastewater treatment is a vital, but often overlooked, part of our world. Most of us don't realize what it takes behind the scenes for wastewater to be treated for pollution control and reuse, in order to protect public health and the environment," said EPA New England Regional Administrator David W. Cash. "It's important for us to highlight those individuals and entities who excel in their work to protect our water quality and our health, and we at EPA congratulate them for their dedication to the environment and to our communities."
2023 EPA Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator of the Year Award
Dan Copp of the Johnson Wastewater Treatment Facility
Mr. Copp, who is the Chief Operator of the Johnson Wastewater Treatment Facility, was recognized for his outstanding work responding to the devastating summer floods of 2023. Mr. Copp was one of only seven individuals across New England to receive this award. The Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation was instrumental in Copp's nomination.
The EPA Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator of the Year Award was established to recognize and honor the employees of publicly owned wastewater treatment plants for their commitment to improving water quality with outstanding plant operations and maintenance. Wastewater operators and staff work diligently to protect public health and the environment, often with limited resources.
2023 EPA Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator of the Year Award
Kenneth LaCasse of the Hardwick Wastewater Treatment Facility
Mr. LaCasse, who is the Chief Operator of the Hardwick Wastewater Treatment Facility, was recognized for his outstanding responding to the devastating summer floods of 2023. Mr. LaCasse was one of only seven individuals across New England to receive this award. The Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation was instrumental in LaCasse's nomination.
The EPA Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator of the Year Award was established to recognize and honor the employees of publicly owned wastewater treatment plants for their commitment to improving water quality with outstanding plant operations and maintenance. Wastewater operators and staff work diligently to protect public health and the environment, often with limited resources.
2023 EPA Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator of the Year Award
Joseph Gaudiana of the Ludlow Wastewater Treatment Facility
Mr. Gaudiana, who is the Chief Operator of the Ludlow Wastewater Treatment Facility, was recognized for his outstanding work responding to the devastating summer floods of 2023. Mr. Gaudiana was one of only seven individuals across New England to receive this award. The Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation was instrumental in Gaudiana's nomination.
The EPA Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator of the Year Award was established to recognize and honor the employees of publicly owned wastewater treatment plants for their commitment to improving water quality with outstanding plant operations and maintenance. Wastewater operators and staff work diligently to protect public health and the environment, often with limited resources.
2023 EPA Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator of the Year Award
Robert Wells of the Middlebury Municipal Wastewater Treatment Facility
Mr. Wells, who is the Wastewater Superintendent of the Middlebury Municipal Wastewater Treatment Facility, was recognized for his outstanding work over the years operating and maintaining the facility. Mr. Wells was one of only seven individuals across New England to receive this award. The Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation was instrumental in Wells's nomination.
The EPA Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator of the Year Award was established to recognize and honor the employees of publicly owned wastewater treatment plants for their commitment to improving water quality with outstanding plant operations and maintenance. Wastewater operators and staff work diligently to protect public health and the environment, often with limited resources.