EPA Recognizes New England Wastewater Professionals and Facilities for Excellence

EPA Recognizes New England Wastewater Professionals and Facilities for Excellence

2025 Awardees Span Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Vermont

January 29, 2026

BOSTON (Jan. 29, 2026) - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently awarded its 2025 Regional Wastewater Treatment Awards to seven wastewater facilities and professionals in New England to highlight their commitment to improving water quality and protecting human health and the environment.

For the past 40 years, the EPA Regional Wastewater Awards Program has recognized personnel in the wastewater field who have provided invaluable public service by managing and operating wastewater treatment facilities throughout New England.

"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. "The professionals and facilities we're recognizing this year exemplify operational excellence as well as dedication to improving water quality across New England."

2025 EPA Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant Operation and Maintenance Excellence Award

Rockland Pollution Control Facility in Rockland, Maine

The City of Rockland was recognized for exceptional work in operating and maintaining its wastewater treatment facility during the past year. The city has demonstrated leadership in environmental protection and operational excellence through sustained investment in its wastewater infrastructure.

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.

2025 EPA Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator of the Year Award

Nick Thompson of the Warwick Sewer Authority in Warwick, Rhode Island

Mr. Thompson is the Assistant Superintendent of the Warwick Wastewater Treatment Facility and has been recognized as a young operator who has become an outstanding asset to the facility's management staff.

Walt Arsenault of the Shelburne Wastewater Treatment Facility in Shelburne, Vermont

Mr. Arsenault's keen observations and experience have helped the Shelburne facility maintain permit compliance during challenging industrial user discharge issues. As he prepares to transition to retirement, EPA honors his long-standing commitment and passion for both his facility and the wastewater profession.

Edward Abel of the Derby Water Pollution Control Facility in Derby, Connecticut

Mr. Abel, who has served as Superintendent for approximately seven years, has made dramatic strides in operations and maintenance, housekeeping, compliance, safety, staff morale, staff training, and communication with state regulators. In addition to his operational duties, he has assisted in training workshops and served two consecutive three-year terms on Connecticut's certification advisory committee, the maximum allowed under regulations.

Mr. Thompson, Mr. Arsenault, and Mr. Abel were recognized for their outstanding work over the years operating and maintaining their respective facilities.

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.

2025 EPA Regional Wastewater Trainer of the Year (Charles Conway Award)

Elijah Lemieux of the Vermont Rural Water Association (VRWA)

Mr. Lemieux was recognized for his outstanding service to Vermont's wastewater facilities and operators. He is especially known for his unique ability to teach math through commonsense, real-world scenarios and for providing one-on-one exam preparation and math review sessions at facilities.

The EPA Regional Wastewater Trainer of the Year Award 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.

2025 EPA Regional Industrial Pretreatment Program of the Year Award

City of Northampton, Massachusetts
Kevin Gillette, Industrial Pretreatment Coordinator

Town of Westborough, Massachusetts
Dante Calarese, Industrial Pretreatment Coordinator

The City of Northampton and the Town of Westborough were recognized for their outstanding oversight of industrial users through strong permitting and inspection procedures.

The EPA Regional Industrial Pretreatment Program of the Year Award was established to recognize municipalities that demonstrate excellence in implementing strong pretreatment programs that protect infrastructure, workers, and the environment.