The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency presented the Hampden Township Sewer Authority in Cumberland County with a regional award for excellence in operation and maintenance of its wastewater treatment facility.

The award honors the staff involved in the day-to-day operations of the facility, and recognizes local officials for their commitment to maintain and protect their community’s environment. The authority is receiving the award in the “medium-advanced” category, which consists of facilities that treat between one and 10 million gallons of sewage per day.

“Many significant improvements in our nation’s water quality can be attributed to better wastewater treatment. This award recognizes the outstanding job that people at Hampden Township are doing with the maintenance and operation of their wastewater treatment facility,” said Donald S. Welsh, regional administrator for EPA’s mid-Atlantic region.

EPA reviews data and inspects the facilities to determine the winners of this award. Award recipients are selected for their performance in complying with wastewater discharge permits, maintenance management, laboratory practices, personnel training, and public awareness needs.

Welsh said the management and staff of the treatment plant are to be congratulated for their professionalism and determination.

4/21/2006