By Wendy Wert, LABS President

On January 21, 2012, the Los Angeles Basin Section (LABS) of California Water Environment Association (CWEA) hosted the 2011 annual LABS awards from the Queen Elizabeth room aboard the Queen Mary.  The event was a celebration of the contributions to the field of Environmental Engineering from the Past, Present, and Future.

The celebration began with an energized 1920’s themed social gathering of CWEA leaders, members, and award winners.  LABS Outreach Coordinator Erika DeHollan provided a photo montage highlighting sponsors whose dedicated support during this economic recovery cycle has allowed LABS to provide training that enhances the education and effectiveness of California’s wastewater professionals.

In keeping with the historical theme, CWEA LABS Directors Basil Hewitt and Wendy Wert welcomed attendees with an interactive narrative on historical contributions from the era before sanitation through the 1920’s.  Not only water professionals believe the advent of basic wastewater collection and treatment in the twentieth century resulted in direct benefits to public health in the United States and other developed countries.  For example, in 2007, thousands of readers of the prestigious British Medical Journal picked sanitation as “the most important medical advance since 1840.”  A reoccurring theme was that the most significant advances are always the result of collaborations involving engineers from multiple disciplines, scientists from multiple fields, academics from multiple global regions, and practitioners from multiple areas of expertise.

The featured speaker, CWEA Past President Pei-Chin Low highlighted specific collaborative activities CWEA and LABS have organized this past year, such as outreach to non-government organizations (NGO’s) by engaging Mark Gold and David Beckman, outreach to sister chapters by engaging Tri-Counties in the first joint event, outreach to academics by engaging students in Science Training Day at USC and outreach to regulators by engaging EPA Region 9 in the upcoming February 1, 2012 workshop at the Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County (Sanitation Districts).

CWEA LABS Awards Chair Hala Titus initiated presentation of the awards to the local section winners.  The 2011 Safety Award 1-25 Employees went to the City of Los Angeles Department of Public Works Bureau of Sanitation for their Glendale Water Reclamation Plant.  Roger Ramsay accepted the award for the Glendale Water Reclamation Plant.

The 2011 Safety Award 26-75 Employees went to the City of Los Angeles Department of Public Works Bureau of Sanitation Donald C. Tillman Water Reclamation Plant.  Roger Ramsay accepted the award for the Donald C. Tillman Water Reclamation Plant.

The 2011 Environmental Engineer of the Year Award went to Michael Sarullo of the City of Los Angeles Department of Public, Works Bureau of Engineering, for his innovative contributions to the optimization of the Hyperion Treatment Plant’s two-stage, thermophilic digestion for production of class A biosolids.  These modifications reduced the number of and the detention time in the first-stage digesters, which increased efficiency by reducing the volume of steam required for digester heating and the amount of energy required for dewatering operations.

The 2011 Collection System Person of the Year Award went to Adel Hagekhalil, City of Los Angeles Department of Public Works Bureau of Sanitation.  Adel Hagekhalil is a registered civil engineer with the State of California and a national Board Certified Environmental Engineer.  Adel has a Bachelor of Science degree and a Master of Science degree in Civil Engineering.  Adel is currently an Assistant Director with the City of Los Angeles’ Bureau of Sanitation where he is responsible for the Bureau’s wastewater collection system management, stormwater and watershed protection program, water quality compliance, and facilities advanced planning.  Adel is committed to working collaboratively and transparently with the various community groups while enhancing the quality of life in all neighborhoods by providing responsive, efficient and quality services to meet today’s needs, address tomorrow’s challenges and provide a healthy and bright future for our future generations.

The 2011 Collection System of the Year Award Greater than 500 Miles went to the City of Los Angeles.  For their exceptional service record which relies on public input and participation and integrates water supply, water reuse, water conservation and stormwater management with wastewater facilities planning through a regional watershed approach.  The City’s collection system spill control program has led the more than 80 percent reduction in sewer spills.  One innovative approach the City has embarked upon is a Low Impact development Ordinance for the City of Los Angeles that focuses on rainwater harvesting and runoff management for new developments and redevelopments. City of Los Angeles Sanitation Wastewater Manager Robert Potter and several other managers accepted the award

CWEA LABS Director Alec Mackie presented the 2011 Collection System of the Year Award 250 to 500 Miles to the City of Glendale. Since implementing a unique “spot check” CCTV program in 2008 the City has reduced sewer spills by over 70%. Their dedication to safety has also resulted in their safest year ever since records have been kept. Wastewater Superintendent John Hicks accepted the award for the City Glendale Public Works, Maintenance Services.

The 2011 Public Outreach Program of the Year Award went to the Long Beach Water Department for their 100 by 100 water conservation initiative.  To celebrate LBWD’s 100th anniversary the agency used a bold and creative advertising and social media campaign to encourage residents to conserve water. The results were outstanding and the City’s average per capita water usage dropped to a record low of 109 gallons per person, per day and continues dropping. The City of Long Beach purchases 40 percent of its water supply from the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD). During the summer of 2010, the MWD Board of Directors voted to guarantee the water supply of any MWD member agency (the City joined MWD in 1931) that reduces daily per capita water usage to 100 gallons or less. Matthew Veeh, Director of Public Affairs and Melissa Keyes, Special Projects Coordinator, accepted the award.

CWEA LABS Director Amanda Schmidt presented the 2011 Engineering Achievement Award to the City of Malibu for their Legacy Park Project.  Bob Brager accepted the award for the City of Malibu.  Award Recipient Brager, thanked the members of the team which brought this innovative project to the City.  Among the most innovative stormwater management projects in California, the City of Malibu’s Legacy Park is one of the first to combine a vegetated detention pond with a stormwater treatment facility and create a multi-benefit park.  The project serves to store rainwater and urban runoff, maximize treatment capacity, and provide educational and recreational opportunities. Its creative approach to stormwater management serves to promote environmental sustainability, social equity and fiscal responsibility and will serve to inspire future generations of environmental stewards.

The 2011 Outstanding Young Professional Award to Miluska Propersi, of RMC Water and the Environment for her energized contributions to both the professional society and the field of environmental engineering.  She served as LABS webmaster for 3 years and is also active in the Young Professionals committee at the local and state levels. Miluska attends nearly every dinner meeting and regularly attends the Board Meetings. She also aspires to move up through LABS. She is passionate about getting students and young professionals interested in CWEA, and to attend meetings. She promotes CWEA to nearly everyone she meets and genuinely feels it is a valuable organization for all types of wastewater professionals.

CWEA LABS President Wendy Wert presented the 2011 Outgoing Training Certification Preparation Committee Award to John Mays, of the City of Los Angeles for his extraordinary contributions to the profession.  John has served on this committee for more than a decade and continues to contribute to CWEA’s mission of providing training opportunities to the membership.  He served as President of LABS in 2006.  In 2011 John continues to contribute to the field through his commitment to effective use of local resources.  Wastewater currently treated at the Tillman plant is used to irrigate nearby golf courses and a Japanese garden on site, and to fill Lake Balboa. Most of the treated water, however, flows into the Los Angeles River. “We have the possibility today to make pristine distilled water from mountain water or from raw sewage,” said John Mays, a city environmental engineer who oversees construction at the plant. “It’s just being wasted.”

The 2011 Distinguished Service Award went to Matt Copeland of the Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County for his diligent service to LABS.    Matt is always willing to go above and beyond what is required.  For example when there was an unexpected need for a Newsletter Editor, Matt not only filled the need but invigorated the program.    When LABS needed to get the word out for a key event, Matt jumped in and accelerated the publication schedule.  When CWEA needed an organized, energetic and effective communicator, we once again approached Matt and he willing served as the Local Arrangements.  Co-Chair for the CWEA 2011 Annual Conference Planning Committee.  Matt elegantly thanked fellow Co-Chair Patrick Griffith when he accepted the award.

The 2011 Past Presidents Award went to Hala Titus of Black and Veatch for her exceptional leadership. Hala was the 2009 CWEA LABS President.  During her term we encountered unanticipated challenges due to the loss of CWEA LABS President Pat McDaniel.  Hala not only filled the void but her leadership skills actually enhanced participation in collaborative training opportunities for the membership.  Hala has the unique ability to gather the right brilliant minds together around key issues.  This skill has led to celebrated accomplishments.

The 2011 Public Education Person of the Year Award went to Basil Hewitt of the Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County for his tireless dedication to inclusive outreach initiatives. Basil Hewitt has occupied a key role on the Districts Clearwater Program since its initiation in 2006. The Clearwater Program is a comprehensive planning effort undertaken by the Sanitation Districts to ensure that the Joint Outfall System (JOS), serving 73 cities and unincorporated county areas within metropolitan Los Angeles County, will continue to provide environmentally sound and cost-effective wastewater management through the year 2050.  Basil’s work has resulted in tangible benefits to the Sanitation Districts and to industry at large.  Substantial achievements include the culture of trust that the Sanitation Districts has established with its constituency.  This is largely due to the high quality outreach materials developed by the Public Information Department.  Basil’s leadership style has resulted in a culture of outreach and engagement, including data sharing initiatives to support the promulgation of scientifically based regulations, sustainability initiatives for the new economy, and industry adoption of best environmental practices, as well as water and energy conservation.

In a festive twist in this years’ program, CWEA LABS Director Janel Warren of Godwin Pumps and CWEA LABS Committee Chair Nicole You of the City of Los Angeles presented gift cards to the 1920s costume contest winners.  The award for Best Female 1920’s Attire to Teresa Sarullo for her wonderful accessories and the award for Best Male 1920’s Attire went to Brian Dietrick for his cool costume and interesting props.  There were a record number of door prizes at this year’s event.

CWEA LABS Director Ian Mackenzie eloquently wrapped up the festivities by challenging attendees to continue the good work.  If ever the world needed well qualified Environmental Engineers the time is now.  The pressures we face in the United States in the form of aging infrastructure, environmental regulations, resource constraints, coupled with the global concerns of climate change and sanitation make this a challenging and exciting time to practice in the field.

Many local section winners continue to state level competition at the CWEA 2011 annual conference in Sacramento.  Congratulations to all LABS award winners and good luck at the annual conference!

When:
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Drinks: 6 p.m.
Dinner: 7 p.m.

Where:
Queen Mary, Queen Elizabeth Dining Room
1126 Queens Highway, Long Beach

Pay at the door cash/check: $50 CWEA members or $60 non-members
Parking $12

RSVP by Jan 13

See flyer for more information

This new WERF award recognizes organizations that have made improvements to wastewater and stormwater collection, storage or treatment operations, facilities, or processes by applying WERF research. The City of Los Angeles Department of Public Works is one of two organizations to receive the award in its inaugural year.

The TIRE project is the nation’s first full-scale demonstration project of an innovative technology to convert biosolids into clean energy by deep-well placement and geothermal biodegradation. “The Bureau of Sanitation is honored to have been selected by the Water Environment Research Foundation for this award. The Terminal Island Renewable Energy project improves air quality and reduces greenhouse gases by using wastewater treatment byproducts as a renewable resource in an innovative and environmentally safe manner,” said Bureau of Sanitation Director Enrique C. Zaldivar.

Placing biosolids in deep subsurface formations using state-of-the art technology further protects groundwater as opposed to land application. TIRE also reduces truck traffic and associated exhaust emissions, pollutants, odors, and dust by 520,000 miles per year. There is a reduction in land application of biosolids in an exposed environment of 54,750 tons per year. Also, there is elimination from the atmosphere of 84 tons of NOX and 13 tons of carbon monoxide (CO) per year. Currently, WERF is working with the Los Angeles Bureau of Sanitation and others to identify other parts of the country where this work can be replicated.

A team of WERF volunteers, who themselves are some of the most recognized individuals in the water quality industry, selected the award recipients from a field of many well-qualified organizations. “We encourage those applicants who did not receive this year’s award to re-apply next year, emphasizing the progress they have made in their implementation efforts,” states Selection Committee Chair and WERF Board Member Joseph Zuback of Global Water Advisors, Inc.

Additional information on this award can be found at www.werf.org or www.lacity.org.

● All nominations must be received or postmarked by November 16, 2011 ●

Each year LABS, CWEA and WEF present awards to deserving professionals in the water pollution control field. These prestigious awards acknowledge personal achievement and dedication to the profession. Now is the time for you to nominate those deserving individuals with whom you work or associate.

There are so many deserving wastewater professionals – who will you nominate?

1) Download LABS / Hala Titus cover letter. Award submissions must be mailed to:

Black & Veatch Corporation
Attn: Hala Titus
800 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 600

Los Angeles, California 90017

2) Visit www.cwea.org/mlr_member_awards_forms to choose and download your award submission forms.

NOMINEES MAY SELF NOMINATE.
NOMINEES MUST BE MEMBERS OF LABS TO WIN AT THE LOCAL LEVEL.
For more information contact: Hala Titus.

PRETREATMENT, POLLUTION PREVENTION  & STORMWATER (P3S) COMMITTEE
and LOS ANGELES BASIN SECTION

Resolution No. 3 • July 7, 2011

Commending William C. Garrett III

WHEREAS, Mr. Garrett has committed his professional life to protecting the water environment, and
WHEREAS, Mr. Garrett has been an active member of the California Water Environment Association and the Pretreatment, Pollution Prevention, and Storm Water Committee (formerly the Industrial & Hazardous Waste Committee) for 31 years, and
WHEREAS, Mr. Garrett has been a member of the Water Environment Federation throughout his career, and
WHEREAS, Mr. Garrett has served as Local Arrangements Chair, Session Chair, Moderator, Speaker, and all-around “go to guy” at numerous P3S and CWEA annual conferences and Chair of the 1990 Industrial & Hazardous Waste Conference, and
WHEREAS, Mr. Garrett was inducted into the Order of the Silver Cover in 1991 for long-term, dedicated, high effort-level service to the Industrial & Hazardous Waste Committee, and
WHEREAS, Mr. Garrett was recognized in 1990 by the Los Angeles Basin Section as Industrial & Hazardous Waste Control Person of the Year, and was inducted into the elite Select Society of Sanitary Sludge Shovelers (5S) in 1994, and
WHEREAS, Mr. Garrett has been a longtime active and committee member of the Los Angeles Basin Section (LABS) of CWEA, and
WHEREAS, Mr. Garrett has mentored past, current, and future leaders working in both the wastewater industry and the California Water Environment Association, and
WHEREAS, Mr. Garrett “wrote the book” on source control inspection guidelines and techniques, and
WHEREAS, Mr. Garrett was a leader and dedicated contributor to the CWEA Technical Certification Program since its inception, and
WHEREAS, Mr. Garrett has actively supported involvement of his staff in California Water Environment Association activities as Supervising Industrial Waste Inspector at the County Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED:  That the California Water Environment Association commends William C. Garrett III, for his years of dedicated service to the wastewater industry on this occasion of his retirement from the County Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County, and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:  The California Water Environment Association wishes Mr. Garrett every success in his future endeavors.

UNANIMOUSLY PASSED AND ADOPTED this 29th day of June 2011.

John Boyd
Chair, P3S Committee

Wendy Wert
President, LABS of CWEA

Link to photos

On July 14, to celebrate its 15th Anniversary, the Los Angeles & San Gabriel Rivers Watershed Council will present awards to those who have worked to ensure a sustainable future for the Los Angeles region, home to almost one-third of all Californians. The Watershed Council will also make a major announcement at the event, marking a positive strategic move forward for the organization. Policy makers, environmentalist and citizens concerned with sustainability won’t want to miss this fun event that will feature great food, special guests, music, unique auction items and actors portraying pioneers of California’s water past. LA City Councilman Ed Reyes has confirmed his attendance and several other local elected officials are tentatively scheduled to attend.

About the Honorees:

Southern California Public Radio/89.3 KPCC is being honored for its consistent and comprehensive coverage of local environmental issues by journalists such as Molly Peterson,  Patt Morrison, Ilsa Setziol, and Larry Mantle. In addition to consistent high quality reporting on stormwater management and other water issues, the station’s commitment to becoming the “greenest radio station in the nation” has taken an important first step in the building of its new LEED certified studio and office headquarters in Pasadena.

Zev Yaroslavsky is in his fourth term on the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors. Since first being elected in 1994, Zev has been a leader in environmental issues. His major priorities and accomplishments include leading efforts to conserve public lands and save open space especially in the Santa Monica Mountains, ban the use of plastic bags in grocery stores, and implementing the County’s Low Impact Development ordinance to capture stormwater. The Supervisor championed the Sun Valley Watershed Project, which has been a boon to local environmental efforts while also helping residents solve very serious flooding issues. Zev authored Proposition A, which provided funding to preserve open space lands and triggered the development of urban parks throughout Los Angeles County and coauthored the North Area Plan in 2000, which reined in development in the Santa Monica Mountains. Thanks to his efforts, he was able to save significant mountain ridgelines and notable parcels of land, such as Ahmanson Ranch, King Gillette Ranch and others.

Bentley Prince Street is committed to sustainable commerce and innovations to integrate style and function with environmental practices through its Mission Zero goal of eliminating any negative impact it has on the environment by the year 2020. For 30 years the company has manufactured and marketed award-winning broadloom and carpet tile products for commercial interiors across the globe. With the industry’s most comprehensive vertical carpet manufacturing facility, the company maintains third-party certification to the ISO 9001:2008 Quality Management System and the ISO 14001:2004 Environmental Management System. Statistics back up the company’s commitment to sustainability – over the past 15 years water use per unit has been reduced by 52 percent, waste sent to landfills has been reduced by 97 percent, absolute greenhouse gas emissions have been reduced by 48 percent, and energy use per unit has been reduced by 40%. Today, renewable sources provide 100 percent of electrical energy requirements.

Mary Ann Lutz was elected as Mayor of the City of Monrovia in 2009 and re-elected in 2011 having served on the City Council since 2003. Prior to elected office, Mary Ann led a successful campaign to have the City of Monrovia purchase and create a wilderness preserve in the foothills.  In her current role, Mary Ann has been a champion of water independence and was appointed the Vice Chair of the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board by Governor Schwarzenegger in 2003. She is the Founding Chair and current Vice Chair of the Environmental, Energy, and Natural Resources Committee for the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments, Chair of the Water Resources Working Group for SGVCOG, and a member of the Los Angeles County Integrated Waste Management Task Force.  

Carl Blum was an early board member of the Los Angeles & San Gabriel Rivers Watershed Council, and served as Vice- President from 2000-2002. Over his 36-year career working for the Los Angeles County Flood Control District and Department of Public Works, Carl led a shift in thinking toward a broader watershed management perspective including the creation in 2000 of the Watershed Management Division at the Department of Public Works. Notable accomplishments include the development of the Los Angeles River Master Plan and the formation of a steering committee for the development of a master plan on the San Gabriel River. Carl was influential in the formation of the Mountains and Rivers Conservancy, a state agency, and the formation of the Sun Valley Watershed Project. Since retiring from the District, Carl has remained active in leadership positions with the American Society of Civil Engineers. In 2010, Carl was appointed to the Temple City Council and was elected for a four year term in 2011.

About the Watershed Council

The Watershed Council supports a healthy watershed for the region by serving as a robust center for the generation of objective research and analysis.  The Council has established a platform for meaningful collaboration between governmental organizations, academic institutions, businesses and other nonprofit organizations with a vested interest in preserving the watershed.

Founded in 1996 by leading environmental activist Dorothy Green and others, the Watershed Council produces continuing research programs that examine water usage and quality as well as create and enhance preservation and conservation tactics. The trustworthy expertise and analysis that comes from the Watershed Council’s ongoing programs connects a diverse set of groups with overlapping missions in an effort to drive polices that will continually improve watershed quality.

Tickets are only $50 and can be purchased by visiting the Watershed Council’s website at www.lasgrwc.org

Tickets are tax-deducible to the amount allowed under the law.

Established in 1929, CWEA’s awards program has grown to acknowledge outstanding achievement in more than 20 categories honoring exceptional California water environment professionals, collection systems, and treatment plants. Categories include Plant of the Year, Collection System of the Year, Public Education Program of the Year as well as awards of individual professionals in various vocations. The program seeks to recognize outstanding achievements within the water environment field, improve the professional status of all personnel working in the field, and stimulate public awareness of the importance of wastewater treatment to public health and the water environment.

Nominations that advance through CWEA’s 17 local sections’ awards programs are eligible to compete statewide. Congratulations to the more than 150 nominees in the 2010 awards program for their diligent work to keep California’s water clean and workforce strong. Application materials for the 2011 awards cycle will be posted on www.cwea.org/awards in July.

CWEA officers are available to make a presentation to CWEA award recipients at agency board or City Council meetings. Please contact Lola Dvorak, Communication and Membership Manager, at ldvorak@cwea.org or (510) 382-7800 x 114.

CWEA 2010 Awards Winners

5S Society
Jim Aanderud, SARBS
Tom Adams, CSJ
Catherine Allin, SAS
Tish Berge, SDS
Karen Falk, SDS
Mike Fritschi, NCS
Jerry Jimenez, CORBS
Andy Morrison, SFBS
Tim Potter, SFBS
Hala Titus, LABS
Wendy Wert, LABS
Megan Yoo, SARBS

Collection System of the Year (0-250 Miles)
Las Gallinas Valley Sanitary District Small Collection System

Collection System of the Year (250-500 Miles)
Oro Loma Sanitary District

Collection System of the Year (Over 500 Miles)
City of Roseville Wastewater Collection

Collection System Person of the Year
Mark McGrath, City of Hayward

Electrical/Instrumentation Person of the Year
Casey Larsen, San Elijo Joint Powers Authority

Engineering Achievement
Sacramento Area Sewer District: Central Trunk Sewer Rehabilitation Project

Film Festival
Professional Winner: Ingrid Hellebrand, OCSD, Wastewater 101
Semiprofessional Winner: Michael Scahill, Central Costa County Sanitation District, FOG: How to keep fats, oils and grease out of the sewer system and why it’s important.
Honorable Mention: North Bay Watershed Association, The Case of the Leaking Lateral

Gimmicks & Gadgets
Ist Place: Leonard Pompa, Delta Diablo Sanitation District
2nd Place: Daniel Huston, Bill Cronin and Bret Boatman Monterey Regional Water Pollution Control Agency
3rd Place: Rob Northcote and Ryan Hughes Padre Dam MWD

Kirk Brooks Scholarship
Chi Cheung To
Megan Yoo, SARBS
Karina Simpson
Roberta Lau
Patrick Wiley

Laboratory Person of the Year
Ku-Chung Chen, City of Simi Valley

Mechanical Technician
James Kemp, South Bayside System Authority

Operator of the Year
Jeff Valdes, Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts

Outstanding Young Professional of the Year
Meg Herston, Fairfield-Suisun Sewer District

P3S Facility of the Year
Small: KKMI Sausalito, LLC
Large: Nestle, USA (Glendale, CA);
             Shaw Diversified Services, Inc (Santa Fe Springs, CA)

Certificates of Merit for Outstanding Achievement:
The Boeing Co
Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne
Kozy Snack Enterprises
Royal Chemical Company
Natural Formulas
Morgan Advanced Ceramics

P3S Person of the Year
Michael Simpson, City of Los Angeles (Bureau of Sanitation, Industrial Waste Management Program)

PICK
Mark McGrath, City of Hayward
Michael Reilly, County of Santa Cruz Sanitation Division
Vivien Malig, CWEA
Chris Lopez, Rancho California Water District
John Hough, Sacramento Area Sewer District
Juan Coca, West Bay Sanitary District
Gordon Times
Francisco Ortega

Photo Contest
1st Place: Ddaze Phuong, OCSD
2nd Place: Paul Ward, OCSD
3rd Place: Justin A. McKeever, OCWD
Honorable Mention: Adam Newsom, OCSD
Roger Lee, DSRSD

Plant of the Year, 5-20 MGD
Vallejo Sanitation & Flood Control District

Plant of the Year, Greater than 20 MGD
Orange County Sanitation District

Plant of the Year, Less than 5MGD
Ojai Valley Wastewater Treatment Plant

Plant Safety, Large
Union Sanitary District

Plant Safety, Medium
Vallejo Sanitation & Flood Control District

Plant Safety, Small
Stantec/City of Lincoln Wastewater Treatment and Reclamation Facility

Public Education Person of the Year
Teresa Kistner, Goleta Sanitary District

Public Education, Large
City of Los Angeles
(for LA Stormwater Outreach (www.lastormwater.info) Shahram Kharaghani, PhD, P.E. Stormwater Program Manager for the City of Los Angeles)

Public Education, Small
Goleta Sanitary District: Goleta Sanitary District Public Education Booth

Research Achievement
Domenec Jolis, Bonnie Jones, Lock Kwan, Alex Miot, Manisha Shetie, Natalie Sierra and Karri Ving. San Francisco Public Utilities Commission: Oceanside WPCP FOG-to-Biodiesel Demonstration Project
Richard D. Pomeroy
John Larson

Supervisor of the Year
Joaquin Gonzalez, Delta Diablo Sanitation District

CWEA/Water Environment Federation Awards
Arthur Sidney Bedell
Darren Greenwood, City of Livermore

George W. Burke Award
Union Sanitary District
William D. Hatfield
Gilbert Perez, Victor Valley Wastewater Reclamation Authority

Laboratory Analyst Excellence Award
Ku‐Chung Chen, City of Simi Valley

WEF Quarter Century Operators Club
Doug Hauser, Retired
Paul Louis, Retired

The Clean Water America Alliance is proud to announce the 2011 U.S. Water Prize winners. Each winner has been recognized for their watershed-based models and programs that advance our country toward greater water sustainability.  “These five water champions reflect the diversity of America and set a shining example for innovating, integrating, and collaborating from coast to coast to sustain America’s most precious liquid asset,” explained Alliance President Ben Grumbles. U.S. Water Prize winners by alphabetical order are:

• The City of Los Angeles
• Milwaukee Water Council
• National Great Rivers Research & Education Center
• New York City Department of Environmental Protection
• Pacific Institute.

The City of Los Angeles, particularly the Bureau of Sanitation, and New York City Department of Environmental Protection are planning, integrating, and incorporating innovative green infrastructure approaches and increasing resource recovery through water reuse and other cutting edge technologies. Both cities are maximizing their resources through community partnerships and involvement.

“These five water champions reflect the diversity of America and set a shining example for innovating, integrating, and collaborating from coast to coast to sustain America’s most precious liquid asset,” explained Alliance President Ben Grumbles.

The Milwaukee Water Council (Wis.) is establishing public-private collaborations that advance water technology and promote economic development.  As a result, the Milwaukee area is becoming known as a “World Water Hub.”  A state-of-the-art facility, the National Great Rivers Research & Education Center (Alton, Ill.) is mobilizing volunteer communities around the confluence of two rivers and creating a national and international center for science, education and public outreach.  The Pacific Institute is consistently in the vanguard of water issues from water use efficiency to climate change, informing political debate and elevating public awareness.

U.S. Water Prize winners will be honored in a special ceremony on May 9, 2011, at 5:30 p.m., in the Hotel Monaco of Washington, D.C.  National water and environmental leaders will attend the celebration. Each recipient will receive a handcrafted ceramic art work commissioned from internationally acclaimed potter Miranda Thomas.

The Clean Water America Alliance created and administers the U.S. Water Prize to recognize achievement and inspire action for water sustainability.  Black & Veatch, CDM, CH2M Hill, Pirnie/ARCADIS, Veolia, and Brown and Caldwell are proud sponsors of the inaugural 2011 award.  For more information, visit www.CWAA.us.

Formed in 2008, the Clean Water America Alliance is a nonprofit 501c3 educational organization whose goal is to unite people and policies for water sustainability.  A broad cross-section of interests is coming together through the Alliance to advance holistic, watershed-based approaches to water quality and quantity challenges.