[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 54 (Monday, April 16, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E538]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    A TRIBUTE TO THE TOWN OF VERNON WATER POLLUTION CONTROL FACILITY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOE COURTNEY

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 16, 2012

  Mr. COURTNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate David 
Ignatowicz, Arnie Bevins, and the entire staff of the Town of Vernon 
Water Pollution Control Facility on their outstanding work on 
wastewater treatment.
  Covering Vernon, Ellington, Tolland, and parts of South Windsor and 
Manchester, the Connecticut facility is the first of its kind with a 
full-scale powdered activated carbon treatment and wet-air carbon 
regeneration system. The unique wastewater utility has maintained an 
outstanding performance and customer satisfaction record for over 30 
years, processing wastewater from over 122 miles of sewers and seven 
pump stations. With 20 dedicated individuals serving 66,000 Connecticut 
residents, the Vernon plant team has made certain that the water 
discharged from this facility is excellent in quality.
  Recognizing the outstanding work of the Town of Vernon Water 
Pollution Control Facility, the New England Water Environment 
Association (NEWEA) named the facility the Wastewater Utility of the 
Year for 2010. Given annually, the NEWEA's Wastewater Utility of the 
Year award recognizes a regional utility for exceptional management, 
maintenance, and performance. The award, given to a facility located 
within six Northeastern States, is based on marks in 18 different areas 
to highlight overall excellence in utility operations. Having received 
top marks in each of these 18 areas, the Town of Vernon Water Pollution 
Control Facility proved to be more than deserving of this prestigious 
award.
  Water Pollution Control Facilities like the Town of Vernon's are 
vital to the health of our communities and our ecosystems. Their 
innovative processes, forward thinking, and hardworking staff have 
helped to ensure that the discharged water is of the best possible 
quality. Mr. Ignatowicz, Mr. Bevins, and the entire Town of Vernon 
Water Pollution Control Facility team are a true asset to our state and 
our region, and I congratulate them on their exceptional work and well 
deserved recognition.

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