Grand Gorge crew is honored for high standards that keep NYC drinking water pure.
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By DIANE S. WILLIAMS
Eight wastewater treatment workers who run the upstate Schoharie Grand
Gorge plant were top winners Sept. 30 when the New York State Department
of Environmental Conservation honored them for their outstanding work.
“My guys do a very good job on their own, but the award is validation
that we are a great crew of dedicated professionals,” said Supervisor
and Chief Operator Salvatore Palazzolo, a member of New York City
Dept. of Environmental Protection Supervisory Employees Local 1322.
“It says: ‘A job well done.’ ”
The Ulster County team runs the Schoharie Grand Gorge Wastewater Treatment
Plant, which is nestled in the verdant Catskill Mountains, a three-
hour drive north from New York City. The DEC tapped the crew of public
employees for the Andrew M. Weist Operation & Maintenance Award,
which for the last four years has recognized wastewater treatment
facilities that implement innovative and outstanding programs. To
qualify for the award, the crew must continue to meet high standards
of wastewater treatment performance.
The award-winning Grand Gorge crew ensures that the drinking water
they send city residents is the safest and purest available. They
see to it that what runs from the tap exceeds the stringent standards
set by state and federal environmental agencies.
Their careful processing of 500,000 gallons of wastewater each day
help make “New York City tap water better than bottled water,”
Mr. Palazzolo said proudly. As the eyes and ears of the plant, he
prevents malfunctions and pollutant emissions at Grand Gorge. Any
EPA violations would jeopardize his job and operator’s license
and could result in federal fines or even jail time for him, not the
DEP. The water treatment plant, he said, “meets higher standards
than most bottling companies.”
Public health protectors
Clean drinking water requires cooperation and teamwork from the Schoharie
crew of five Certified Plant Operators in Construction Laborers, Highway
Repairers and Watershed Maintainers Local 376, a Lab Technician from
Civil Service Technical Guild Local 375, the Chief Operator and a
Local 3 Engineer. They use computers and a battery of lab tests, chemicals
and filters to transform water fouled with raw sewage and storm runoff
into clean, drinkable tap water. Additionally, they maintain the surrounding
grounds and roadways.
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“We’re a good bunch of operators, well-trained professionals
who see that the water supply is protected,” said Local 376’s
David Underwood. “It certainly is a compliment that the Department
of Environmental Conservation encourages us to apply for this award,”
said Manager Todd West. “We’re proud Commissioner Erin M.
Crotty recognized us for what we do to protect public health and the
environment.”