Narragansett Bay Commission Staff Recognized for Excellence in Clean Water & Environmental Services

Narragansett Bay Commission Staff Recognized for Excellence in Clean Water & Environmental Services

The Narragansett Bay Commission’s (NBC) two wastewater treatment facilities, financial staff, and three NBC employees have received awards for excellence from the Rhode Island Clean Water Association.

“Rhode Island is a better place because of these environmentalists and these clean water facilities,” said NBC Chairman Vincent Mesolella. “The dedication of the staff and the excellence of our water treatment mean that Narragansett Bay is cleaner than it has been in 150 years and that the next generation will have a beautiful bay and rivers to enjoy.”

The NBC’s Field’s Point Wastewater Treatment Facility in Providence received the Gold Award from the Rhode Island Clean Water Association (RICWA) for perfect permit compliance for two consecutive years and Joseph Mattera Safety Award which recognizes exemplary effort in employee safety.

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The NBC’s Bucklin Point Wastewater Treatment Facility in East Providence also received the Gold Award for two consecutive years of permit compliance.

In addition, Paul Desrosiers, NBC’s Technical Advisor for Operations, received the Carmine J. Goneconte Operator of the Year Award. This award from RICWA recognizes Desrosiers for demonstrating the highest level of leadership and performance in wastewater operations. The award honors Carmine Goneconte, who served the NBC and the State of Rhode Island for over three decades as the Operations Manager at both the Fields Point and Buckland Point Facilities. 

RICWA honored NBC’s Biologist II Nora Lough with the Clair N. Sawyer Award, which recognizes those who have given truly outstanding service in one or more of the following aspects of the wastewater industry; university teaching, operator training, research, application of innovation to improve the water environment and the development of technical publications that advance the knowledge of wastewater practitioners. The award honors Dr. Clair N. Sawyer who served New England, the nation, and the world as a professor, consultant and technical author, who pioneered many innovative concepts in wastewater treatment technology.

Laboratory Manager Walter Palm received the Crystal Crucible Award from the New England Water Environment Association, which recognizes and honors individuals for their outstanding contributions that promote increased professionalism in the wastewater laboratory field. Among many other activities, Walter was honored for his role in educating, training, participating on laboratory committees, and serving as a judge in the laboratory category during the annual Wastewater Operators’ Challenge.

Finally, NBC received its nineteenth consecutive Distinguished Budget Award with Special Capital Recognition and Special Performance Measures Recognition from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA). The award recognizes outstanding budget documents that incorporate policy, finance, operations, and communications.