EPA Recognizes Maine Wastewater Treatment Entities for Excellence
BOSTON (Jan. 30, 2025) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) New England Office recently awarded 2024 Regional Wastewater Treatment Awards to one Maine wastewater facility and one individual to recognize them for their commitment to improving water quality.
For the past 40 years, the EPA Regional Wastewater Awards Program has recognized personnel in the wastewater field who have provided invaluable public service managing and operating wastewater treatment facilities throughout New England.
2024 Regional Industrial Pretreatment Program Excellence Award
York Sewer District
The York Sewer District, led by Theresa Tucker, was honored for exceptional work inspecting, permitting, and sampling industrial users that discharge industrial waste into the collection system. The District was one of only two in New England to receive this award.
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.
2024 EPA Regional Wastewater Trainer of the Year
Dr. Patrick Wiley of Southern Maine Community College
Dr. Wiley, who is the Water Treatment Technology Instructor of the Southern Maine Community College, was recognized for his outstanding work providing training to wastewater operators across Maine. Dr. Wiley was one of only two individuals across New England to receive this award. The Maine Department of Environmental Protection was instrumental in Dr. Wiley'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.