The Professional expertise of the employees of the Springfield Water and Sewer Commission (SWSC) received national recognition from the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Water Environment Federation (WEF).

The Springfield Regional Wastewater Treatment Facility (SRWTF) received the national second place award for EPA's 1997 Operations & Maintenance Excellence in the large secondary treatment category. EPA recognizes the staff of wastewater treatment facilities for their commitment to clean water through continued permit compliance, outstanding operation and maintenance, effective financial management, and ongoing operator training.

In addition, the SRWTF earned an award for outstanding team efforts to overcome odor problems and gain community acceptance as part of EPA's 1997 Biosolids Award Program.

The Operations Challenge Team, MASS BALANCE, composed of SRWTF employees, competed at the National Competition held in Chicago, Illinois in October of 1997 at the Water Environment Federation annual conference. The teams overall knowledge and skill relating to wastewater treatment operations earned the third place overall trophy against 22 teams from across the country. This was an excellent accomplishment for MASS BALANCE considering it was the team's first appearance at the national level.

The New England Water Works Association (NEWWA) earned a 1998 national education award from the American Water Works Association (AWWA) for outstanding educational efforts at the "Big E". Kathy Pedersen, SWSC Public Communications Director, coordinator for the "Big E" project, will accept the award on behalf of the NEWWA at the AWWA National Conference on June 23, 1998. Many commission employees volunteered their time at the educational booth located at the Better Living Center during the 1997 Big E. This award together with the others illustrate the professionalism of the employees of the Springfield Water and Sewer Commission.