All News Releases By Date

Lancaster Area Sewer Authority receives regional award for environmental performance

Release Date: 9/24/2002
Contact Information: Roy Seneca 215-814-5567

Contact: Roy Seneca (215) 814-5567
LANCASTER. Pa. – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency presented the Lancaster Area Sewer Authority in Lancaster County, Pa., 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 “large-advanced” category, which consists of facilities that treat more than 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 the Lancaster Area Sewer Authority are doing to protect the environment,” said Donald S. Welsh, regional administrator for EPA’s mid-Atlantic region.

David E. Hess, secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection joined Welsh in congratulating the sewer authority: “LASA has treated 19 billion gallons of wastewater without a permit violation over the last five years, and for that it is to be commended,” said Hess. “LASA has contributed to the goal of clean water with innovative efforts in wastewater treatment.”

EPA reviews mountains of 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 sewer authority are to be congratulated for their professionalism and determination. He said it is evident that the staff involved in the day-to-day operations of the facility is highly-trained and devoted to the environment.