PHILADELPHIA, PA, July 23, 2009 -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recognized Michael Griffith of Frostburg, Md. with its mid-Atlantic region's award for excellence in operating a large public drinking water system.
"Public drinking water plant operators like Michael Griffith are our first line of defense against waterborne diseases and contamination that can cause serious, even fatal, illnesses," said William C. Early, acting administrator for EPA's mid-Atlantic region. "This award honors the excellence of highly qualified, trained professionals who have the expertise to operate water treatment plants and improve water quality."
Griffith has made exceptional contributions to the City of Frostburg water filtration system through Maryland Environmental Services Inc. Through his leadership and direction, the system has maintained perfect compliance since 1997. Griffith determined the most cost effective approach for reducing disinfectant byproducts, and utilizing water flow to the plant to generate electricity.
EPA's mid-Atlantic region created the Professional Operator Excellence Award in 2006 to highlight public water systems and recognize outstanding performance by public water system plant operators. The award can be given to operators in two categories: large (serving more than 3,300 customers) and small (serving fewer than 3,300 customers) public water systems. He was nominated for the award by Maryland Department of Environment.
The City of Frostburg Water Treatment Plant is located at 19400 National Highway, NW in Frostburg, Md.
>> More information on this award
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