The New England office of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recognized a wastewater treatment facility and a dedicated laboratorian for their efforts to improve water quality in Maine.

The New England office awarded two Regional Wastewater Awards last month, the EPA announced Feb. 22. The Stonington Sanitary DIstrict in Stonington, Maine received the 2021 Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant Excellence Award; and Louise Grant of the Paris Utility District in Paris, Maine, was named 2021 Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator of the Year, according to the announcement.

 "EPA is proud to acknowledge these entities and individuals for their outstanding contributions to help protect public health and water quality for so many years," David Cash, EPA New England Regional Director, said in the announcement, "and give them the credit they deserve."  

The New England Regional Wastewater Awards Program celebrates publicly owned wastewater treatment plants and individual employees for exceptional plant operations and maintenance, often with limited resources, that improve water quality and protect public health and the environment in their areas, the announcement states.

"Across New England, the professionals operating wastewater treatment plants, and the municipalities and state environmental agencies that support them, are essential to keeping our environment healthy by protecting water quality," Administrator Cash said.