The city of Leominster (Mass.) wastewater treatment plant’s safety program has been ranked as one of the safest in New England by the Water Environment Federation (WEF), which recognized the plant with its George W. Burke, Jr. Award. Leominster’s employees received the award at the annual conference of WEF’s regional branch, the New England Water Environment Assn. (NEWEA), held in Boston last week.
The award is presented annually with the purpose of encouraging an active and effective safety program in both municipal and industrial wastewater facilities. Leominster’s safety program includes monthly training, an emphasis on accountability and strong project management leadership, backed by a longstanding record of safety. This is the second time the plant has won the award; it previously won in 1998.
“Part of the advantage of being a Veolia Water North America employee is a safe working environment,” said Keavin Nelson, president, Veolia Water North America, Eastern Region. “This safety award demonstrates the absolute commitment of not only the Leominster staff, but all Veolia personnel, to hold everyone accountable for safety.”
The Leominster facility has been managed by Veolia Water North America since 1983, when the city entered into a public-private partnership for its wastewater treatment. The partnership recently marked more than 25 years without a lost-time accident.
“Veolia Water North America is committed to the technically competent employees that are at the heart of providing clean water services for Americans,” Nelson said. “The employees of Leominster live that every day, and we can’t think of a more deserving winner of this prestigious safety award.”
Source: Veolia Water North America
