EPA Recognizes Rhode Island Wastewater Treatment Entities for Excellence
BOSTON (Jan. 30, 2025) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) New England Office recently awarded three 2024 Regional Wastewater Treatment Awards to Rhode Island wastewater facilities and individuals 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 Wastewater Treatment Plant Operation and Maintenance Excellence Award
Cranston Water Pollution Control Facility
The Cranston Water Pollution Control Facility, led by Superintendent Earl Salisbury, was recognized for exceptional work in operating and maintaining the wastewater treatment plant during the past year. The facility was one of only three facilities across New England to receive this award. The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management was instrumental in the facility's nomination.
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.
2024 EPA Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators of the Year Award
Jose Peralta-Monzon and Thomas McGee of the Smithfield Wastewater Treatment Facility
Mr. Peralta-Monzon, who is the Lead Operator of the Smithfield Wastewater Treatment Facility, and Mr. McGee, who is an operator at the facility, were jointly recognized for their life-saving efforts to rescue an elderly man who they found clinging to a rock near the treatment facility during floods on the evening of December 18, 2023. Mr. Peralta-Monzon and Mr. McGee are two of only five individuals across New England to receive this award. The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management was instrumental in their nomination.
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.