They say a picture is worth a thousand words, so for our report on the Deer Island tour, let’s see a few. A tour group from GMWEA. VRWA, and NHWPCA visited the huge, state-of-the-art wastewater plant on October 3 and got a good eyeful. Thanks to Elizabeth Walker and Wayne Graham for the photos!
If you were a member of the tour group and have photos or comments to share, please send them! We’ll post them here.
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Congratulations to Wayne Elliott and Wayne Graham!! Both were honored at the New England Water Environment Association (NEWEA) Awards Banquet in January, held at the Marriott Copley Place in Boston. The awards were presented in recognition of their dedication and contributions to the wastewater industry.
Wayne Elliott, principal at Aldrich & Elliott, Essex Junction, Vermont, received the 2018 Alfred E. Peloquin award. This award is given annually to an individual who has shown a high level of interest and performance in wastewater operations and who has made a significant contribution to the wastewater field in such areas as improvements to the environment, cost effective plant operations, public relations, innovative process controls, industrial pre-treatment, training, Association contributions and related activities.
Wayne Graham, wastewater specialist at Vermont Rural Water Association, also based in Essex Junction, Vermont, received the 2018 Operator award. This award is given annually to an individual who has shown a high interest and performance in wastewater operations and has made a significant contribution to the wastewater field.
If you happen to know someone who is deserving of either of these awards, please contact your NEWEA State Director, Chris Robinson, at crobinson@shelburnevt.org. Nominations close on June 1st.
Contributed by Chris Robinson, GMWEA board member, NEWEA state representative, and water quality superintendent of the Town of Shelburne. Photos by Shannon Robinson.
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By Wayne Graham, Wastewater Specialist, Vermont Rural Water Association
We had another full SAC class, Operation of Wastewater Treatment Facilities, this past fall, with 22 students attending over an eight-week period. Once again, I was pleased to join an incredible lineup of instructors — Paul Olander, Andy Fish, Eamon Twohig, Dave DiDomenico, Bruce Lawrence — who passed on years of experience and knowledge to the students. Speaking of experience, Steve Cijka (Brandon WWTF) and Chuck (Ludlow WWTF) joined us as students, even though both could have taught the course. What a great opportunity for the entry level students to hang out with two great operators like Steve and Chuck!
Two of the students were an entry-level husband and wife team from the Lakehurst Campground Lagoon facility. They worked very hard during the course, and I just found out that both passed the Grade 1 exam on their first try. Congratulations Jodi and Josh, and welcome to the water sector industry!
We had the opportunity to take several tours of the Montpelier WWTF, and as usual observed a very busy but awesome facility, expertly staffed by Chris, Matt, Sam, and Jeremy. We also got to tour the Waterbury WWTF, where Chief Operator Pete Krolczyk took several hours out of his busy day to show us facility and explain to the students what it means to be operators and stewards of our environment. It is very interesting to see class attendees questioning, and developing relationships with, the operators giving the tours. I encourage attendees throughout the course to become active in the field and to get to know their fellow operators.
As always, it is very encouraging to see such a talented group entering our industry, which continues to provide lots of opportunities. Green Mountain Water Environment Association will be offering the next Sac Class (Operation of Wastewater Treatment Facilities) in the spring of 2018 — maybe I’ll see you there!
For information about the spring Sac course, contact Lisa Goodell at GMWEA – lisa.goodell@gmwea.org
To return to GMWEA’s website, click here: www.gmwea.org