EPA Recognizes Rhode Island Wastewater Treatment Entities for Excellence | US EPA

January 29, 2024

BOSTON (Jan. 29, 2024) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) New England Office recently awarded three 2023 Regional Wastewater Treatment Awards to Rhode Island wastewater facilities and individuals to recognize them for their commitment to improving water quality.

The EPA Regional Wastewater Awards Program recognizes personnel in the wastewater field who have provided invaluable public service managing and operating wastewater treatment facilities throughout New England.

“Wastewater treatment is a vital, but often overlooked, part of our world. Most of us don’t realize what it takes behind the scenes for wastewater to be treated for pollution control and reuse, in order to protect public health and the environment,” said EPA New England Regional Administrator David W. Cash. “It’s important for us to highlight those individuals and entities who excel in their work to protect our water quality and our health, and we at EPA congratulate them for their dedication to the environment and to our communities.”

2023 Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant Operation and Maintenance Excellence Award

Burrillville Wastewater Treatment Facility

The Burrillville Wastewater Treatment Facility, led by Superintendent, Burrillville Sewer Commission Michael Emond, 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. Especially with the smaller facilities, conscientious operators and staff continue to perform exceptionally with limited resources.

2023 EPA Lifetime Achievement Award

William L. Patenaude of the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (retired)

Mr. Patenaude, who retired in 2023 after 34 years as an Environmental Engineer with the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, was recognized for his outstanding work over the years as a leader in the field. His founding of the Wastewater Leadership Boot Camp, a one-year professional and personal development experience for municipal wastewater staff, led to an increase in the professionalism of the sector not just in Rhode Island, but in several other states which have since adopted some version of this training. Mr. Patenaude was the only person in New England to receive this award and was nominated by EPA New England.

The EPA Lifetime Achievement Award was established to recognize and honor those members of the wastewater treatment profession who have shown exemplary dedication to improving water quality over their entire careers.

2023 EPA Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator of the Year Award

Kathy Perez of the South Kingstown WWTF

Ms. Perez, who is the Superintendent of the South Kingstown WWTF, was recognized for her outstanding work over the years operating and maintaining the facility. Ms. Perez was one of only seven individuals across New England to receive this award. The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management was instrumental in Perez’s 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.