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.

“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.”