EPA Honors New England Wastewater Facilities and Operators with 2025 Regional Awards
The EPA awarded its 2025 Regional Wastewater Treatment Awards to seven New England facilities and professionals for excellence in operations, training, and industrial pretreatment programs.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded its 2025 Regional Wastewater Treatment Awards to seven wastewater facilities and professionals across New England in recognition of their work to improve water quality and protect human health and the environment.
The annual awards, presented by EPA Region 1, highlight excellence in operations, training, and industrial pretreatment programs in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Vermont. For four decades, the program has honored wastewater personnel who demonstrate outstanding service in managing and operating treatment facilities.
Operation and Maintenance Excellence
The Rockland Pollution Control Facility in Rockland, Maine, received the 2025 EPA Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant Operation and Maintenance Excellence Award for exceptional facility performance and sustained investment in infrastructure.
Operators of the Year
EPA named three professionals as 2025 Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators of the Year:
- Nick Thompson, assistant superintendent, Warwick Sewer Authority, Warwick, R.I.
- Walt Arsenault, Shelburne Wastewater Treatment Facility, Shelburne, Vt.
- Edward Abel, superintendent, Derby Water Pollution Control Facility, Derby, Conn.
The operators were recognized for leadership in compliance, operations, staff development and long-term service.
Trainer of the Year
Elijah Lemieux of the Vermont Rural Water Association received the 2025 EPA Regional Wastewater Trainer of the Year (Charles Conway Award) for his contributions to operator education, including hands-on math instruction and individualized exam preparation.
Industrial Pretreatment Program of the Year
The City of Northampton and the Town of Westborough in Massachusetts were honored with the 2025 EPA Regional Industrial Pretreatment Program of the Year Award for strong oversight of industrial users through effective permitting and inspection practices.
“Strong wastewater systems are essential to protecting human health, supporting economic growth, and keeping New England’s rivers, lakes and coastal waters clean,” said EPA New England Regional Administrator Mark Sanborn.
